bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operational Optimisation of Grid-Connected Microgrids Incorporating Hybrid Energy Storage and Demand Response
Authors: Gbadegesin Azizat O , Sun Yanxia , Nwulu Nnamdi I
Published: September 2023

Storage systems are needed to boost the reliability of intermittent solar and wind resources in power networks. Rather than focus on one storage system or one hybrid energy storage system (HESS), this work models the operation of six HESS configurations in a Renewable Energy (RE) based grid-tied network. The objective is to minimise the daily operational costs of the microgrid while prolonging the storage lifetime by considering storage degradation costs. The influence of fixed tariffs and time-of-use (TOU) tariffs on the optimal operational of the HESS configurations have also been investigated; as well as deferrable demand satisfaction, charge-discharge pattern of different HESS and availability of the power-dense storage system within the microgrid. Results show that the lead-acid battery and hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) HESS incurs the highest operational costs, while the supercapacitor-lead-acid battery HESS incurs the lowest operational costs. The supercapacitor-lead acid battery and the supercapacitor-HFC HESS incur the highest annual storage degradation costs. The grid expenses were seen to be the same for all HESS under each tariff scheme. Lastly, decreasing the minimum storage level further by 10% from the 30% in the base case, led to an increase in the number of hours of availability of the power-dense storage system of five of the six HESS. These results have given a deeper understanding to the operation of HESS systems and can inform better decision making of the suitable HESS to be deployed in different operating scenarios.
Business failure and entrepreneur experiences of passion
Authors: Walsh Grace S , Cunningham James A
Published: September 2023

This article examines how passion affects an entrepreneur’s business failure experiences. Our study explores the link between the type of passion an entrepreneur exhibits and the effect this has on the entrepreneurs’ attitudes and reactions to business failure. We analyse the way in which passion type informs entrepreneurs identification with their business, and the entrepreneurial process. Entrepreneurs who experienced harmonious passion maintained an emotional distance from their business failure. Harmoniously passionate entrepreneurs had a rational perspective and were reflective, self-aware, adaptive and future oriented. Entrepreneurs who experienced obsessive passion, were defensive and reactionary about their business failure. Obsessively passionate entrepreneurs attached contingencies and experienced increased stress and conflict. Our findings suggest promising opportunities for future research on the interplay between heterogeneous passions, adaptive/maladaptive entrepreneurial action and regulated goal pursuit.
Vascular refilling depends on the ratio of blood volume to extracellular volume in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kron Joachim , Broszeit Stefanie , Volkenandt John , Leimbach Til , Kron Susanne
Published: September 2023

The ratio of blood volume to extracellular volume is approximately one to three under physiological conditions and also in stable chronic hemodialysis patients. Recently, it was found that this ratio remains unchanged during hemodialysis despite ultrafiltration. This would signify that the higher the ratio, the lower the refilling and vice versa. To test this hypothesis, treatment data of a previous study were re-analyzed. In 79 stable chronic hemodialysis patients, the refilling fraction was 0.749 ± 0.094. There was a significant negative correlation ( r = −0.412; p < 0.001) between the blood volume to extracellular volume ratio and the refilling fraction. The blood volume to extracellular volume relationship seems to be a significant determinant of vascular refilling: the higher the ratio, the lower the refilling, and vice versa.
Evaluation of the results of urodynamic studies in patients with vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Sharifiaghdas Farzaneh , Narouie Behzad , Mirzakhanlouei Ali , Ahmadzade Mohadese , Rouientan Hamidreza , Dadpour Mehdi
Published: September 2023

Background:

To investigate urodynamic abnormalities associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in toilet-trained children.

Methods:

The data of 157 children who were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux and referred to our hospital between 2013 and 2022 were retrospectively examined. The urodynamic parameters were analyzed and correlated with age, gender, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), reflux severity, and laterality.

Results:

Overall, 131 (83.4%) patients had abnormal urodynamic findings with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.4. The most common pathological finding was detrusor overactivity (DO), identified in 101 (64.3%) patients, followed by dysfunctional voiding (DV) in 74 (50.3%) patients. Children with VUR grades II and III exhibited a greater percentage of abnormal urodynamic findings than children with grades IV and V. The prevalence of DO was higher in children younger than 10 years old with unilateral and lower-grade VURs. DV was more frequent in children older than 10 years, with bilateral VUR, and higher grade VUR. The prevalence of LUTS, bowel and bladder dysfunction (BBD), and urinary tract infection (UTI) was higher among children with abnormal urodynamic findings.

Conclusions:

Children with VUR have a high incidence of urodynamic disorders. Urodynamic dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of VUR, especially in mild cases.
Noteworthy Disparities With Four CAQDAS Tools: Explorations in Organising Live Twitter Data
Authors: Noakes Travis , Harpur Patricia , Uys Corrie
Published: September 2023

Qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) packages that support live data extraction are a relatively recent innovation. Little has been written concerning the research implications of differences in such QDAS packages’ functionalities, and how such disparities might contribute to contrasting analytical opportunities. Consequently, early-stage researchers may experience difficulties in choosing an apt QDAS for Twitter analysis. In response to both methodological gaps, this paper presents a software comparison across the four QDAS tools that support live Twitter data imports, namely, ATLAS.ti™, NVivo™, MAXQDA™ and QDA Miner™. The authors’ QDAS features checklist for these tools spotlights many differences in their functionalities. These disparities were tested through data imports and thematic coding that was derived from the same queries and codebook. The authors’ resultant QDAS experiences were compared during the first activity of a broad qualitative analysis process, ‘organising data’. Notwithstanding large difference in QDAS pricing, it was surprising how much the tools varied for aspects of qualitative research organisation. Notably, the quantum of data extracted for the same query differed, largely due to contrasts in the types and amount of data that the four QDAS could extract. Variations in how each supported visual organisation also shaped researchers’ opportunities for becoming familiar with Twitter users and their tweet content. Such disparities suggest that choosing a suitable QDAS for organising live Twitter data must dovetail with a researcher’s focus: ATLAS.ti accommodates scholars focused on wrangling unstructured data for personal meaning-making, while MAXQDA suits the mixed-methods researcher. QDA Miner’s easy-to-learn user interface suits a highly efficient implementation of methods, whilst NVivo supports relatively rapid analysis of tweet content. Such findings may help guide Twitter social science researchers and others in QDAS tool selection. Future research can explore disparities in other qualitative research phases, or contrast data extraction routes for a variety of microblogging services.
Optimal leading-edge deflection for flapping airfoil propulsion
Authors: Camacho Emanuel A.R. , Silva André R.R. , Marques Flávio D.
Published: September 2023

The aerodynamics of oscillating airfoils are crucial to understanding subjects such as rotor dynamics and bio-inspired flows. Unsteady airfoils have been studied extensively, but there is an overall lack of knowledge regarding newer and more complex kinematics. The present paper builds upon our modified version of the NACA0012 by numerically comparing its way of flapping with the standard flapping that is common in the literature. The comparison is conducted parametrically at a Reynolds number of 104 for two nondimensional amplitudes. Then, using a gradient-based optimization method, we search for pitching amplitudes that maximize the propulsive power and efficiency for both flapping modes. Results indicate that the proposed flapping methodology is more promising than conventional flapping, with thrust increases up to approximately 40%. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism achieves maximum propulsive power with near-optimal efficiency, a common limitation of traditional flapping airfoils.
Predictors for future development of systemic lupus erythematosus in Korean Sjögren’s syndrome patients
Authors: Lee Bong-Woo , Kwon Eui-Jong , Park Youngjae , Lee Jennifer Jooha , Ju Ji Hyeon , Park Sung-Hwan , Kwok Seung-Ki
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study determined the impact of demographic factors, clinical manifestations, disease activity, and serological tests at baseline on future SLE development in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients.

Methods

This retrospective study assessed 1,082 SS patients without other autoimmune diseases at baseline who visited our hospital between January 2012 and March 2021. We analyzed demographic features, extra-glandular manifestations (EGMs), clinical indices, and laboratory values at baseline between the two groups divided per future SLE development (SS/SLE group vs SS group). The probability and predictors of SLE development in SS patients were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The median follow-up duration was 1083.5 days. Forty-nine patients (4.5%) developed SLE that met the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics or 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria. The baseline EULAR SS disease activity index (ESSDAI) score was significantly higher in the SS/SLE group ( p < .001). The SS/SLE group had more lymphadenopathy and renal involvement ( p = .015 and p = .017, respectively). Shorter SS disease duration (<3 years) (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.12, p = .0328), high ESSDAI (HR = 8.24, p < .0001), leukopenia (HR = 4.17, p = .0005), thrombocytopenia (HR = 3.38, p = .0059), hypocomplementemia (HR = 29.06, p<.0001), and positive for anti-dsDNA (HR = 13.70, p < .0001), anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) (HR = 3.82, p = .0027), and anti-ribosomal P (HR = 6.70, p = .0002) at baseline were SLE development predictors in SS patients.

Conclusion

Shorter disease duration and higher disease activity of SS at baseline may be risk factors for future SLE development. Serologic predictors of SLE development are hypocomplementemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and positivity for anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, and anti-ribosomal P antibodies. If the above factors are observed, close monitoring will be necessary during the follow-up period, considering the possibility of future SLE development.
Marginal structural models with latent class growth analysis of treatment trajectories: Statins for primary prevention among older adults
Authors: Diop Awa , Sirois Caroline , Guertin Jason Robert , Schnitzer Mireille E , Candas Bernard , Cossette Benoit , Poirier Paul , Brophy James , Mésidor Miceline , Blais Claudia , Hamel Denis , Tadrous Mina , Lix Lisa , Talbot Denis
Published: September 2023

Latent class growth analysis is increasingly proposed as a solution to summarize the observed longitudinal treatment into a few distinct groups. When latent class growth analysis is combined with standard approaches like Cox proportional hazards models, confounding bias is not properly addressed because of time-varying covariates that have a double role of confounders and mediators. We propose to use latent class growth analysis to classify individuals into a few latent classes based on their medication adherence pattern, then choose a working marginal structural model that relates the outcome to these groups. The parameter of interest is defined as a projection of the true marginal structural model onto the chosen working model. Simulation studies are used to illustrate our approach and compare it with unadjusted, baseline covariates adjusted, time-varying covariates adjusted, and inverse probability of trajectory groups weighted adjusted models. Our proposed approach yielded estimators with little or no bias and appropriate coverage of confidence intervals in these simulations. We applied our latent class growth analysis and marginal structural model approach to a database comprising information on 52,790 individuals from the province of Quebec, Canada, aged more than 65 and who were statin initiators to estimate the effect of statin-usage trajectories on a first cardiovascular event.
Network Pharmacology-based Analysis of the Effects of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction on Ischemic Stroke*
Authors: Gong Xiaoyang , Zhou Jiaqi , Xia Haonan , You Chong , Liu Yong
Published: September 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms and material basis of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction (HGWD) in treating clinical Ischemic stroke (IS) using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.

Materials and Methods

The study retrieved and screened the practical components of HGWD from the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and ETCM databases. Target prediction was performed using the SwissTargetPrediction database, and disease targets for IS were obtained from the Gene Cards, DisGeNET, and OMIM databases. The regulatory targets for HGWD in treating IS were obtained by VENN analysis, and the protein-protein interaction network of disease targets was constructed using the STRING database. GO analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed using the DAVID database.

Results

A total of 227 active ingredients and 354 drug targets were obtained for HGWD, and after combining them with 4,402 disease targets, 253 potential targets for HGWD to treat IS were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses yielded 251 gene functions and 422 pathways. The study found that the active components in HGWD may treat IS through the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and other targets.

Conclusion

The study identified potential molecular mechanisms and the material basis of HGWD in treating clinical IS. The results suggest that HGWD could be a promising therapeutic approach for treating IS, and further experimental validation is needed.
Network Pharmacology-based Analysis to Investigate Bioactive from the Root of Astragalus membranaceus against Immunomodulatory Protein and their Role in Autoimmune Thyroiditis (AIT)
Authors: Wen Yi , Li Changda , Zeng Yifan , Zhou Chanyuan , Zhang Qiang , Gao Tianshu
Published: September 2023

Background

The thyroid is the prime organ of infection during the onset of autoimmune disease. The disease is known as Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). In recent times, AIT has been alarming worldwide, with growing attention towards pharmaceutical companies for finding new drugs for therapy. The present investigation aims to use a multi-targeting approach to identify the best compound from the root of Astragalus membranaceus for synergistic therapy of AIT.

Materials and Methods

To explore the mechanism of action of the compounds, the present study uses network pharmacology-based methods. Totally, 48 genes involved in AIT were collected from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG). Gene ontology (GO) annotation, disease ontology, and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted. The chemical structure of the compounds from A. membranaceus was retrieved from the PubChem database. To study the toxic and pharmacological efficiency of the chemical structure, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) screening was performed.

Results

The ononin and astroside were identified as suitable with all the pharmacokinetic properties can be employed to identify the disease targets. The intersection between the compound target (C-T-N) and the AIT-related genes was identified. Totally 16 genes among the C-T networks of ononin and astroside have shown interaction with thyroid disease-related pathways and signaling pathways. Consequently, the overlapping genes between the C-T network and AIT-related genes were determined as IL2. However, from the pathway enrichment, AIT-related genes have been involved in several viral infection pathways. The genes involved in infection pathways are also targeted by ononin and astroside.

Conclusion

The underlying mechanism of action of the compounds on AIT-related pathways was also determined. Therefore, a network pharmacology-based strategy will provide new insight into AIT therapy. However, further studies are required to validate the investigation that can prove bioactive as a promising candidate for the treatment of AIT.
Pain, Drug Leakage and Inflammation Associated with Intramuscular Injections of Magnesium Sulfate in Preeclamptic Women: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Babu Jayanthy J. , Venkadalakshmi V. , Dhandapani Manju , Chopra Seema
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is the drug of choice for preventing and treating convulsions in severe preeclampsia and eclampsia by intramuscular (IM) and IV (IV) regimen. Repeated IM injections of MgSO4 at the same site causes pain, drug leakage, and injection site inflammation. To manage IM injection-related complications, it is important to have an estimation of these adverse effects.

Objective:

To evaluate the pain, drug leakage, and inflammation associated with IM injections of MgSO4.

Material and Methods:

A longitudinal descriptive study was carried out in the labor room, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Thirty study participants diagnosed and admitted with preeclampsia were recruited by the total enumeration sampling technique. Each patient received eight IM injections of MgSO4 on the dorsogluteal site as prescribed by the obstetrician. Identification details, clinical, and biophysical characteristics were collected. The pain was assessed by a numerical rating scale (NRS). Sterile blotting paper was used to assess the drug leakage by measuring the wet area of the blotting paper and recording in cm2. A gridded transparent sheet was used for measuring inflammation. The area of the swelling marked and measured by placing the gridded transparent sheet over the swelling and recording in cm2.

Results:

Pain and drug leakage was significantly increased from the first injection to the eighth injection ( P < .05) and inflammation of 100.60 ± 21.23 (Right), 102.07 ± 21.23 (left) cm2 recorded over the buttocks.

Conclusion:

Significant increase in pain, drug leakage, and inflammation were recorded during the IM administration of MgSO4. For reducing the pain, drug leakage, and inflammation, nonpharmacological interventions and different techniques of IM injections are recommended.
Lived Experiences of Nurses During Quarantine: A Qualitative Study from North India
Authors: Kalyan Geetanjli , Sharma Nitasha , Kaur Sukhpal , Saini Sushma Kumari , Saini Ruchi , Kumari Bandna , Mehta Richa , Grover Sandeep , Das Karobi , Bhalla Ashish
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

The literature related to quarantined nurses’ lived experiences working in nondesignated COVID settings is scarce. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of quarantined nurses after accidental exposure in nondesignated COVID areas in a tertiary care hospital.

Material and Methods:

It was a qualitative phenomenological study. Snowball sampling technique was used to interview 11 nurses. The in-depth interviews were conducted telephonically using a prevalidated interview guide during October 2020 to February 2021. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and translated to English. Thematic analysis was done using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. The findings depicting similar codes were grouped into subthemes and themes. The findings are presented thematically with corresponding participant quotes.

Results:

Out of 11, six (55%) participants were quarantined in home and five (45%) in the institutional facilities. The major themes that emerged were: “psychological reactions,” “quarantine: the positive aspect,” and “support system” among the home quarantined nurses. The major themes in the institutional facility quarantined nurses were: “psychological reactions,” “poor quality of institutional quarantine facility,” “quarantine: the positive aspect,” “support system,” and “quarantine: a learning experience.” The nurses experienced various negative emotions during quarantine.

Conclusion:

To safeguard the physical and mental health of nurses, comprehensive support should be provided by the authorities in terms of availability of basic amenities and quality services during quarantine. Regular training and constant motivation are needed to promote their mental preparedness for crisis management.
Stress and Quality of Life in Psoriasis
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Sharma Sunita , Das Karobi , Narang Tarun
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Psoriasis is a common dermatological disorder characterized by silvery-white, scaly, and erythematous plaques with or without pruritus. It is an immensely stressful condition, hampering the quality of life with significant psychological morbidity.

Objective

To assess the level of stress and quality of life among the patients with psoriasis.

Methods

A nonexperimental descriptive study design was used. Sixty participants were enrolled from Dermatology OPD, PGIMER, Chandigarh, by a purposive sampling technique during October to January 2021. An interview schedule, comprising (a) sociodemographic and clinical profile, (b) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), (c) Patient Health Questionnaire-4 to assess anxiety (PHQ-4), (d) Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess depression (PHQ-9), (e) Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) Scale to assess severity of illness (PtGA), and (f) Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), was used for data collection. Data were collected by a telephonic interview as per the interview schedule. At the end of the interview, patients were asked to send the pictures of affected body parts, which were then assessed by the dermatologist using the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) Scale. Data analysis was done with descriptive and inferential statistics using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23).

Results

Most of (86.7%) the participants reported a moderate level of stress (PSS) and 65% described moderate effect on the quality of life. The assessment of the severity of illness on IGA depicted that 36.7% of participants had mild, 28.3% had moderate, and 26.7% had severe psoriasis. Mild to moderate depression (PHQ-9) was screened in about 25% of the participants. A significant correlation was found between stress, quality of life, anxiety, and depression (<0.001). The severity of psoriasis was significantly correlated with quality of life, anxiety, and depression.

Conclusion

The study results concluded that the presence of a significant level of stress has a considerable effect on the quality of life among the patients with psoriasis. Thus, it is recommended to assess and address the psychological issues along with medical management for the comprehensive management of patients with psoriasis.
Anxiety Related to “Childbearing Process” Among Women
Authors: Thakur Shelza , Rani Kamlesh , Kalia Raman
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Childbirth is a natural, normal physiological phenomenon that introduces new experiences in women’s reproductive life. It has a great physiological, emotional, and social impact on a woman’s health. If a pregnant woman finds it difficult to adapt to the changes, she may suffer from anxiety and depression and it, in turn, affects the physical and mental health of both the mother and child. Assessing and managing anxiety is one of the most important needs during pregnancy.

Objective

To assess and compare the anxiety related to the childbearing process among primigravida and multigravida mothers.

Methodology

A descriptive study was conducted among 300 pregnant women visiting antenatal OPD or admitted before delivery in the selected hospital. The data were collected by interviewing pregnant women as per the interview schedule comprised of sociodemographic profiles and an anxiety scale. The obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The results showed that 88% of pregnant women had low anxiety, whereas 12% had moderate anxiety. Anxiety was more common among primigravida women.

Conclusion

The study concluded that majority of the women had low anxiety during the childbearing process.
Stress Level of Parents of Hospitalized Preterm Neonates
Authors: Kaur Rajbeer , Kaur Sukhwinder , Kumar Praveen , Bagga Rashmi
Published: September 2023

Background:

Preterm birth is an unexpected event, which is very stressful for the parents and family members as they are never prepared for this situation. The major stressors of parental stress such as the appearance of the neonate, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment, condition of the neonate, behaviour of care professionals and financial implications are well documented.

Objective:

To assess the level of stress among the parents of preterm hospitalized neonates admitted in the NICU, Nehru Hospital, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.

Methods:

Data were collected by interviewing 17 parents on the fifth day of admission to the NICU, PGIMER, Chandigarh, after taking informed written consent from them. The Parental Stress Scale–NICU (PSS-NICU) and the fathers stress scale were used to assess the stress level of parents of hospitalized preterm neonates. Data were analysed by using SPSS (version 20).

Results:

The mean age of mothers was 28.24 ± 4.96 and that of the fathers was 30.29 ± 4.25. The total mean mothers’ stress score was 171.76 ± 33.44, and the total mean fathers’ stress score was 125.02 ± 36.16.

Conclusion:

The study showed that mothers and fathers were very stressful during the period of hospitalization of their preterm neonates.
Post-discharge Nursing Care Needs and Problems of the Patients with Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage who Have Undergone Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Jamwal Manorma , Aggrarwal Ashish , Singla Navneet , Dhandapani Manju
Published: September 2023

Background

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (sSAH) is a neurologic emergency characterized by the extravasation of blood into the subarachnoid space. The patients who had therapeutic intervention may face many problems after their discharge from the hospital, which can be a burden both on the patient and the caregiver. To understand the needs completely, it is necessary to comprehend the problems the patients and caregivers face after discharge related to nursing care. This could lead to improvements in functional status and quality of life.

Objectives

To identify the nursing care needs and problems of the patients with sSAH who have undergone therapeutic intervention follow-up in tertiary care center Chandigarh.

Method

A qualitative narrative study was conducted on 21 participants (15 patients paired with caregivers and six health care workers) enrolled through the purposive sampling technique. Using an interview guide, patients’ problems and nursing care needs were identified from patients, caregivers, and health care workers (HCWs). Interviews were documented after having informed written consent from participants. Ethical clearance was taken from the institute committee.

Results

Various problems were reported by the patients, caregivers, and HCWs. The problems and nursing care needs were grouped under various domains: the physical domain includes headache, rigidity, fatigue, difficulty in the activity of daily living, and many more. The psychological domain has anger, altered memory, concentration, and so on. The problems under the social domain were, not interested in socialization, loss/change of job, disturbing role and responsibility, and so on. The spiritual domain includes decreased/increased faith in God, an inability to practice rituals. Poor therapeutic compliance includes lack of compliance to medical treatment and loss of follow-up. The care need includes a lack of caring skills, knowledge deficit among many. Caregivers reported an increase in burden, disturbed family, financial issues, and lack of caring skills.

Conclusion

The study found various problems and nursing care needs under seven domains, that is, physical, psychological, social, spiritual, poor therapeutic compliance, care needs, and challenges faced by caregivers, which can be considered during the transition phase of patients with sSAH and may guide the health care worker in the provision of holistic care.
Coronary Cameral Fistula: A Rare Entity
Authors: Raj L. Suja , Anjusha M. , Arathy R.S.
Published: September 2023

The existence of an anomalous connection between any of the cardiac chambers and a major coronary artery is the characteristic feature of coronary cameral fistula. This is a case of an 8-year-old child with a congenital coronary cameral fistula from the left circumflex to the right atrium. The fistula was surgically ligated. The postoperative course was uneventful with a good outcome.
Book review: E. Sridharan (ed.), Eastward Ho? India’s Relations with the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Mishra Rahul
Published: September 2023

E. Sridharan (ed.), Eastward Ho? India’s Relations with the Indo-Pacific. Orient BlackSwan, 2021, pp. 487+ Bibliography and Index, ₹1825, ISBN 9789354420542.
Reviewing and problematizing methods and analytical strategies of discourse analysis in sport, exercise, and physical education studies
Authors: Sveinson Katherine , Wagner Ulrik
Published: September 2023

The field of sport, exercise, and physical education studies continues to utilize and strives to enhance rigor in qualitative approaches. We build upon this work by narrowing a focus to appropriately applying rigorous discourse analysis (DA). Though variations of DA have been increasingly incorporated into sport, exercise, and physical education studies, a comprehensive overview specifically covering which methods underpin DA and which analytical strategies are adopted is missing. Therefore, we conducted a structured scoping review by identifying 1810 papers from journal and database searches from 2000 to April 2022, then narrowed the sample to 560 papers that specifically conducted a DA. The review focuses on studies and practices within Foucauldian Discourse Analysis, Critical Discourse Analysis, and Discursive Psychology. By adopting a problematizing approach, we critically question taken-for-granted practices of DA, and through our synthesis, we argue that uses of DA tend to be organized around three archetypes: as a method detached from theoretical origin, as a lens with less emphasis on methodological description by primarily utilizing theory to contextualize and interpret insights, and as a path where theory and methods overlap with appropriate methodological descriptions focusing on textual analysis.
Veteran’s Attitudes and Knowledge of End-of-Life Care: A Pilot Study Using a Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Van Dussen Daniel J. , Coyne Shannon R. , Ward Rachel E.
Published: September 2023

Veterans make up a quarter of the deaths in the United States (US). However, little is known about their knowledge and preferences about end-of-life care and pain management. Given this, we were interested in how veterans’ military experiences impact their end-of-life experiences and attitudes. Our exploratory study addressed the knowledge and perceptions of hospice and pain management at the end of life. The quantitative aspect was a survey using descriptive statistics that used a small (n = 14) subgroup from a randomly selected sample in the continental US. A small population-based sample (N = 123) used a blended sampling frame of randomly selected validated cell phone and landline numbers. The qualitative aspect examined eight targeted interviews of urban dwelling older veterans over age 60 residing in Northeast Ohio to get a deeper understanding of their knowledge and attitudes toward end-of-life care. Our findings suggest that veterans did not understand the difference between hospice and palliative care and expressed concerns regarding pain medication use at the end of life. Future research examining the concept of stoicism at the end of life among veterans and educational interventions are needed.
Investigation of statistical energy analysis coupling loss factors of vibro-acoustic systems under thermal environment
Authors: Chen Qiang , Fei Qingguo , Zheng Ronghui
Published: September 2023

Vibro-acoustic systems in aviation engineering could operate in a thermal environment and suffer from high-frequency dynamic excitations. The high-frequency vibro-acoustic problems are commonly solved by the Statistical Energy Analysis method, in which the Coupling Loss Factor is the key parameter for modeling vibro-acoustic systems. This work investigates the CLFs of vibro-acoustic systems under thermal environment. First, based on the modal data considering different thermal effects, the modal CLFs between structural modes and acoustic modes are predicted by the Statistical modal Energy distribution Analysis. Then, the CLFs between the structural subsystem and the acoustic subsystem are calculated. The simulation models employed in this research include the coupled plate-cavity system and the cylindrical shell-cavity system. The influence of thermal effects on the CLFs is discussed. For the investigated cases, in which the boundaries of structural susbsystem are set to simply supported, the results demonstrate that the CLFs decrease with increasing temperature when only the temperature-dependent material properties are considered. However, when only the additional stress stiffness is considered, the CLFs experience a more dramatic decrease compared to when only the temperature-dependent material properties are taken into account. Moreover, when both effects are considered, the influence of the additional stress stiffness has a leading effect on the CLFs. The proposed method can be conveniently applied to various vibro-acoustic systems operating in the thermal environment.
Exploring the Experiences of Sexual Violence/Abuse Survivors Attending a Recovery Group: A Qualitative Study of Recovery and Evaluation Implications
Authors: Meyrick Jane , Anning Amelia
Published: September 2023

Sexual violence/abuse (SV/A) is increasingly recognized requiring improved, evidence-based treatments. Delivery of group-based support in survivor services is common but often lacks evaluation. This qualitative study explored how survivors experienced groups and wanted recovery measured. Semistructured interviews with survivors of SV/A from two groups ( N = 13, female: 25–64 years: mainly White British, heterosexual) were analyzed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified including “anger,” recovery “in the company of” others and “different destinations.” The work contributes recognition of the need for evaluation with meaning to survivors and the potential for anger to be used in group activism.
Atezolizumab-induced myositis in a patient with small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Sahin Elif , Cabuk Devrim , Tuncer Kuru Fatma , Yazici Ayten
Published: September 2023

Objective

Myositis, an inflammatory disease affecting muscles, is a rare and potentially fatal immune-related adverse event associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. There are limited data on its clinical features and management.

Case presentation

Atezolizumab, in combination with etoposide and carboplatin, was initiated in the patient diagnosed with metastatic small-cell lung cancer. After four cycles, maintenance atezolizumab was initiated. At the third visit of the maintenance therapy, the patient reported weakness, edema, and tightness in the muscles that had progressed over the course of a week. Mild solid-food dysphagia was also observed. Neutrophilic leukocytosis with elevated creatine phosphokinase (9234 U/L), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (111 mm/h), and transaminase levels were observed. A diagnosis of myositis was considered based on clinical findings. Atezolizumab was omitted and an oral 0.5 mg/kg/day dose of methylprednisolone was administered. The myositis resolved within 10 days. During the treatment of myositis, the patient underwent prophylactic cranial irradiation. The steroid dose was tapered off within 35 days and then atezolizumab was restarted.

Conclusion

The literature contains only a few case reports about atezolizumab-induced myositis, highlighting the challenges in defining its clinical features and management. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications, such as myocarditis or respiratory muscle paralysis.
Anti-Transgender Ideology, Laws, and Homicide: An Analysis of the Trifecta of Violence
Authors: Brightman Sara , Lenning Emily , Lurie Kristin J. , DeJong Christina
Published: September 2023

In this study we explore homicides and fatal violence against transgender individuals using the framework of the trifecta of violence—violent ideology, violent policies and laws, and violent actions. In recent years, researchers, activists, and the media, particularly the news media, have been warning that the increase in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, especially but not exclusively online, coupled with a surge in anti-transgender legislation, has resulted in increased instances of violence against the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender people. In this article we examine patterns of transphobic ideology and rhetoric, anti-trans legislation, and fatal violence against transgender people in the United States from 2015 to 2022. We find that increases in all three occurred over this time period, with all three aspects of the “trifecta” correlated.
Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract
Authors: Raj Preethi S. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Cohen David E. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Rettie Allan E , Ross David , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Tilton Susan , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed updated information that has become available since their original assessment from 2004, along with updated information regarding product types, and frequency and concentrations of use, and reaffirmed their original conclusion that Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration as described in this report.
BHT – Butylated Hydroxytoluene
Authors: Burnett Christina , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed updated information that has become available since their original assessment from 2002, along with updated information regarding product types, and frequency and concentrations of use, and reaffirmed their original conclusion that BHT is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration as described in this report.
Biotin
Authors: Fiume Monice , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed updated information that has become available since their original assessment from 2001, along with updated information regarding product types, and frequency and concentrations of use, and reaffirmed their original conclusion that Biotin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration as described in this report.
Characteristics of cat semi-owners
Authors: Ma Gemma C , McLeod Lynette J , Zito Sarah J
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Unowned ‘stray’ domestic cats threaten wildlife, as well as create a community nuisance and contribute to high rates of euthanasia in animal shelters. These cats can experience poor welfare, contribute to the pet cat population and compromise attempts to control feral cats. However, many unowned domestic cats are cared for by semi-owners who do not consider they own these cats; therefore, semi-owners are a potentially important target population for human behaviour change interventions. The present study aimed to describe the characteristics of cat semi-owners and compare these with the general population of cat owners and non-cat owners to inform future cat management interventions.

Methods

An online questionnaire open to all residents of New South Wales, Australia was developed and advertised. Respondents were asked ‘do you care for other free-roaming or stray cats (not including the cats you own)?’, whether they owned cats, about characteristics of their home and their agreement with 15 capability, social opportunity and motivation (COM) items relating to cat containment.

Results

Questionnaire responses were received from 8708 people, including 588 semi-owners (7%). Semi-owners were significantly more likely to be female, live in urban areas, live in lower socioeconomic areas and rent their home. Most semi-owners also owned their own cats and owned more cats than non-semi-owners.

Conclusions and relevance

Semi-owners of unowned ‘stray’ cats are a valuable potential target audience for human behaviour change interventions. Understanding that these semi-owners often have their own cats, might already be overwhelmed with cat-caring responsibilities and are disproportionately from lower socioeconomic backgrounds should guide intervention design. A nuanced approach is needed that prioritises the wellbeing of cats and semi-owners for semi-owners to ‘buy in’. Any intervention should also recognise that semi-owners often face multiple, complex barriers to neutering or claiming ownership of the cats they care for, especially cost, and trust in the authorities.
An eco-social solution to energy poverty? Substance and symbolism in the England's use of domestic energy efficiency policy to achieve social and environmental synergies, 1997–2023
Authors: Bridgen Paul
Published: September 2023

Domestic energy efficiency policy is potentially a means for reducing residential energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and expenses for households in energy poverty. It has often been presented as an eco-social exemplar, for example in the European Union's Green Deal. The European Commission regards domestic energy efficiency improvements as the primary means for addressing energy poverty notwithstanding the 2022/23 energy crisis. However, the case for domestic energy efficiency improvement as a tool for achieving simultaneously social and environmental goals is often assumed rather than demonstrated. This article uses Mandelli's eco-social trilemma heuristic and the symbolic politics literature to surface the tensions involved in such processes, focusing on policy efforts in the England between 1997 and 2023 as a case study. England is a good case to consider because it has been regarded as a leader of energy poverty mitigation and its policy approach is similar to the European Commission's. The article details the main policy instruments used in England, assesses outputs and outcomes using official statistics, government and independent policy evaluations and the secondary literature, and details the main problems encountered in achieving environmental/social synergies. Based on this analysis, the article argues that English domestic energy efficiency policy has generally constituted a symbolic eco-social policy, particularly on the social side and since 2010. Highlighted by the 2022/23 energy crisis, domestic energy efficiency policy is best regarded as one component of a policy toolkit for reducing energy poverty, which at the least should also include targeted social protection.
The puzzle of misinformation: Exposure to unreliable content in the United States is higher among the better informed
Authors: Zhou Alvin , Yang Tian , González-Bailón Sandra
Published: September 2023

Healthy news consumption requires limited exposure to unreliable content and ideological diversity in the sources consumed. There are two challenges to this normative expectation: the prevalence of unreliable content online; and the prominence of misinformation within individual news diets. Here, we assess these challenges using an observational panel tracking the browsing behavior of N ≈ 140,000 individuals in the United States for 12 months (January–December 2018). Our results show that panelists who are exposed to misinformation consume more reliable news and from a more ideologically diverse range of sources. In other words, exposure to unreliable content is higher among the better informed. This association persists after we control for partisan leaning and consider inter- and intra-person variation. These findings highlight the tension between the positive and negative consequences of increased exposure to news content online.
Platformized family politics: A case study of Chinese cross-border wives’ storytelling on YouTube
Authors: Du Xuezhi
Published: September 2023

This article explores Chinese cross-border wives’ experiences, challenges and coping mechanisms and their interaction with the ecology and algorithm of the platform by focusing on their storytelling and practices on YouTube. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, narrative analysis and more than 2 years of virtual ethnography, I observed the family politics and power dynamics presented in the videos of Chinese cross-border wives. I found two types of family politics within the ‘power game’ of interculturally married families. Wives who have experienced significant domestic injustice tend to demonstrate and reaffirm their moral capital, whereas those who are content with their marriage lives tend to demonstrate to subscribers how they play the power game with wisdom. Nevertheless, by focusing on a marginalized group on YouTube, I illustrate the platform’s role in these Chinese cross-border wives’ family politics, the great effort they made to attain popularity, the invisibility they endured and their highly unpredictable platform practice.