bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-bath hot-batch dyeing of cotton fibers with dopamine and CI reactive red 239
Authors: Tang Lei , Ai Li , Cao Hongmei , Zhu Yawei
Published: November 2022

Polydopamine polymerization is one of the simplest methods for the functional modification of material surfaces. Because of the high requirements for rubbing and washing color fastness of textile and clothes fabrics during taking, the polydopamine on the fabric surface is a porous, loose, and disordered structure that cannot meet the color fastness requirements. To solve the above problems, we use a hot pad-batch treatment process of dopamine and CI reactive red 239 dye (RR239) that induces the orderly polymerization and growth of dopamine to prepare smooth and orderly polydopamine-modified and dyed cotton fabrics. In this way, the fastness of color is satisfied, and the color of the polydopamine-modified fabric can be enriched. In this paper, we compared the effects of three modification processes on the surface morphology of fibers with cotton fabrics as substrates, investigated the results on the dyeing properties of cotton fibers in the co-presence of dopamine/RR239, explored the role of calcium (Ca2+) ions in the dyeing process, and the Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer spectra of polydopamine-modified dyed cotton fibers were tested and the mechanism of cotton fiber modification and dyeing was elaborated. The results showed that the hot pad-batch dyeing process with the simultaneous presence of dopamine and reactive dyestuff could improve the polymerization and covalent cross-linking of dopamine, and increase the reaction of reactive dyestuff with fiber fixation. Due to the strong fabric extrusion, the polydopamine is an ordered and smooth structure, with excellent color fastness.
Connecting Discretionary Spaces to Mathematics Teaching Practices and Systemic Violence of Historically Excluded Learners
Authors: Berry Robert Q.
Published: November 2022

There is a significant body of research in mathematics education suggesting that historically excluded learners (Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and poor) experience devaluation, inequities, exclusion, and violence (Berry, 2008; Gutiérrez, 2002; Gutstein, 2003; Martin, 2015; McGee & Martin, 2011). Research, policies, and reforms in education “[have] been violent to marginalized peoples who are represented by perspectives that are neither kind to their cultural worldview nor accurate regarding their priorities” (Leonardo, 2013, p. 603). This commentary unpacks how the four articles in this special issue prioritize historically excluded learners’ cultural worldviews. Specifically, this commentary focuses on practices across the four articles that respond to historically excluded learners’ mathematical, social, and cultural needs.
Ethylene glycol poisoning requiring veno-arterial ECMO: A case report
Authors: Orlando Anita , Sciutti Fabio , Colombo Costanza NJ , Fiocco Ermanno , Ambrosini Emanuele , Coccolo Matteo , Pellegrini Carlo , Degani Antonella , Biglia Alessio , Mojoli Francesco
Published: November 2022

Supportive care is the cornerstone of the poisoned patient’s treatment, waiting for eventual antidotes to act. We recently treated a case of a severe Ethylene Glycol intoxication with early-onset veno-arterial ECMO. The patient was taken to our Emergency Department with the suspicion of acute cerebrovascular accident, since he was found unconscious at home. The arterial blood gas and blood tests showed a severe metabolic acidosis with high serum lactates and creatinine levels. The cerebral Computed Tomography was negative. The rapid increase in serum lactates suggested Ethylene Glycol intoxication. Although the patient was not in shock yet, arterial and venous introducers were placed in to the femoral vessels so that when the patient showed the first signs of cardiogenic shock, veno-arterial ECMO could be initiated in a very short time. The hemodynamic state progressively improved and V-A ECMO was removed after 16 h of support with complete recovery.
The Role of Luxury in Rituals and Its Transformative Potential for Consumer Well-Being
Authors: Azzari Courtney Nations , Dadzie Charlene A. , Baker Stacey Menzel
Published: November 2022

Driven by social media to capture each moment in life and to “keep up with the Joneses,” nearly every ritual is now cause for luxury consumption, fostering a culture in which bigger and grander is better. However, this commentary raises questions about these practices. How much is too much? What is truly better? Macromarketers must continue to weigh in on these issues. This commentary melds literature on consumer rituals, transformative luxury, and consumer well-being to explore what happens when consumers begin incorporating elements of luxury into more mundane and personal, but highly visible, ritual consumption practices, such as gender-reveal celebrations, divorce parties, and preschool graduations. We elucidate the field of transformative luxury research, examining the ways new and adapted rituals (infused with luxury) transform individual lives and culture, the impact of ritual disruptions, the roles of external influencers (e.g., social media, marketing), and the positive and negative impacts of these practices on consumer well-being.
Back to the 1960s? Alessandro Pizzorno’s contribution to understanding the labor movement revival then and now
Authors: della Porta Donatella
Published: November 2022

Developing in a period of perceived decline of the labor movement, social movement studies have for a long time paid only limited attention to struggles against social inequalities and, more generally, the structural conditions for the development of some fundamental conflicts. Only recently, addressing social struggles for global justice and against austerity, they have started to return to the social bases of protest. In this article, I point at the particular relevance in this historical moment of revisiting the contribution of Italian sociologist Alessandro Pizzorno to the understanding of class conflicts in turbulent times. While class analysis has been more and more focused on social stratification, reflecting on waves of intense contention is therefore important in order to single out how organizational resources and identification processes can indeed develop in action, from the mobilization itself, rather than being a precondition for it. While much research on social stratification seems to have forgotten the complexity of class conceptualization, looking mainly at statistical aggregates, the work of Alessandro Pizzorno helps refocusing attention on the ways in which class solidarity emerges during workers’ struggles. In this sense, it talks to recent reflections on a return not only of labor action but also of classes as driver of history.
From Occupy Wall Street to the Gilets Jaunes: On the populist turn in the protest movements of the 2010s
Authors: Gerbaudo Paolo
Published: November 2022

Many recent protest movements, from the 2011 square occupation movements to the Gilets Jaunes display typical populist features, starting from an appeal to the people vs the elites. Drawing on my work on social movements in the 2010s in this article, I discuss the different components and implications of this ‘populist turn’ and its differences vis-à-vis other forms of populism, and in particular right-wing populism. I claim that social movements’ populism involves the adoption of a ‘popular identity’ as a unifying notion as a means to compensate for identity fragmentation; an identification with social majorities evident in Occupy Wall Street’s famous ‘we are the 99%’ slogan, which departs from the minoritarian identification of previous movements; and an appeal to common sense and the nation vis-à-vis the militant antagonism and cosmopolitanism prevalent in many previous social movement waves. This cultural transformation within social movements is, on the one hand, an indication of changing political opportunities and the unlocking of new areas of support for protest movements and, on the other hand, the product of social movements’ self-reflection and the attempt to escape the self-ghettoising tendencies of previous protest waves. However, this populist turn has also raised concerns among some activists, especially concerning the association of the ‘popular’ with the ‘national’ and a perception that popular identity involves undermining internal diversity and pluralism.
A mini-review on the use of waste in the production of sustainable Portland cement composites
Authors: Hansted Felipe Augusto Santiago , Mantegazini Diunay Zuliani , Ribeiro Thais Marchetti , Gonçalves Carlos Eduardo Cardoso , Balestieri Jose Antonio Perrella
Published: November 2022

With an increase in climate and environmental issues awareness, the use of waste of various types has gained increased visibility, acknowledging that wastes are any and all kinds of unused materials from the production process or after using the final product for its intended purpose. The use of wastes to produce alternative cement materials is an alternative to reduce the use of natural resources. Forestry residues, ash, plastic residues, LDPE/Al composites, and geopolymer materials are some of the possible residues used for the partial replacement of cement materials. The objective of this research is to establish how these materials relate to each other, based on a topic review and how they can contribute towards sustainability. The study was performed on several scientific article search engines, in which the keywords ‘Carton Packages’, ‘Wood Waste’ and ‘Geopolymers’ were inserted, and then a refinement was carried out using the term ‘Cement Materials’. Such analysis allowed the generation of information related to publication numbers, countries, research areas, as well as publication types. Co-authorship networks of organization, co-citation of references, co-occurrence of keywords, among others, were also plotted. Through this bibliometric analysis, it was possible to reveal the structure of the research, analyse the developments and predict the future directions for the research regarding the use of residues in the production of sustainable Portland cement composites.
Hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge anaerobic digestate for bio-oil production: Screening the effects of temperature, residence time and KOH catalyst
Authors: Hegdahl Stian Hersvik , Løhre Camilla , Barth Tanja
Published: November 2022

Due to sewage sludge being an abundant biobased resource, and with the number of biogas plants utilizing sewage sludge increasing, digested sewage sludge (DSS) is a promising feedstock for producing bio-oil. This study uses DSS from a biogas plant to produce bio-oil in a hydrothermal liquefaction process adjusting time from 2 to 6 hours, temperature from 280 to 380°C and the presence of a base as a depolymerization agent and potential catalyst. High conversion yields are obtained, with the maximum of 58 wt% on a dry, ash free basis and an energy recovery of up to 94%. The oils contain compounds with a potential for utilization as biofuels and building blocks, especially fatty acids as biodiesel feedstock and biobased phenols, glycols and aliphatic alcohols.
Understanding the Offline Criminal Behavior of Individuals Who Live Stream Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Cubitt Timothy I. C. , Napier Sarah , Brown Rick
Published: November 2022

Live streaming of child sexual abuse (CSA) involves the procurement and viewing of sexual abuse of children across the internet in real time, in exchange for money. These offenses leave little tangible evidence of the offense beyond a financial transaction, and metadata relating to the live-streaming session. This research analyzed the demographic, criminal history, and financial transaction characteristics of 209 individuals who live streamed child sexual abuse. A machine learning clustering technique was implemented to consider whether there were sub-groups present among these offenders, and in particular the prevalence of contact sexual offending among any detected sub-groups. Findings revealed that offenders tend to engage in live streaming around the same age, before making regular transactions with facilitators at brief intervals, with the majority of offenders featuring limited criminal history. This analysis identified a notable sub-group of live-streaming offenders that also engaged in contact sexual offending. This is the first study to empirically demonstrate an intersection between live streaming of CSA, and contact sexual offenses against children and adults. This research highlighted the importance of financial transactions data in detecting, and disrupting this crime type. Further, the identification of an intersection between live-streaming CSA offenders, and contact sexual offenders suggests that these individuals may pose a risk to both local and international communities.
Prediction of tool deflection using image processing in ball-end milling
Authors: Özdemir Burak , Bahce Erkan
Published: November 2022

In milling, some of the factors that contribute to the poor quality of products are the cutting forces. Depending on the machining parameters, the cutting forces may significantly affect the tool being used in the machining process. Tool deflection can be modeled as bending deformation. Tool deflection causes poor surface quality, geometrical and dimensional errors. For this reason, it must be addressed during milling and reduced by changing the machining parameters. In the determination of tool deflection, force-based analytical and finite element methods (FEM) and sensor measurement methods are widely used. These technologies have drawbacks such as not being able to obtain fast data, being expensive, demanding precise control, and requiring continual calibration. This study aims to determine the deflection of the tool by image processing dependent on the tool/material pair and machining parameters in the milling process. For this purpose, the AL7075 material with a free-form surface was machined on a CNC milling machine. A mathematical equation is proposed to estimate the tool deflection based on the image processing results. The method has shown that tool deviation can be detected more quickly and simply by image processing.
Institutionalization of the insane in the Russian Baltic provinces: a case study of the Hospital for Mental and Nervous Diseases in Tartu, 1881–95
Authors: Rae Anu
Published: November 2022

This article studies the University of Tartu psychiatric hospital and its patient population in the Russian Baltic Province of Livonia in 1881–95, using the hospital’s admission registry book as the primary source. Although it was a university clinic following the German academic tradition, both upper- and lower-class patients were admitted (25 and 75 per cent, respectively, of 2,184 hospitalizations), with a median stay of 70 days. Admission and length of stay often depended on a family’s or community’s financial capabilities. Considerably more men and unmarried patients were admitted, and 139 hospitalized women were diagnosed with female-specific illnesses. This study argues that gender and social class should be jointly analysed, as admission and discharge outcomes are influenced by both factors simultaneously.
Synchronous control system of virtual main-axis based on extended sliding mode disturbance observer
Authors: Zhou Xuguang , Shao Xiaojiang , Zhu Longbiao , Chen Fengming , Fu Qitao
Published: November 2022

A synchronous control system of virtual main-axis based on extended sliding mode disturbance observer is designed to solve some problems that coupling of multi-axis synchronous control of electronic gears is low and has poor anti-interference ability, and a large amount of synchronization error callback overshoot in bag-making machines. First, a velocity compensator is designed in order to establish the coupling relationship between the virtual and traction motor. Second, a nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller and a disturbance observer are used to enhance the anti-disturbance capability of the system. Finally, by using MATLAB/Simulink simulation, the viability and superiority of the method in multi-axis synchronous control are proved. The simulation results demonstrate that the control method decreases the synchronization error and the callback overshoot between the traction motors, and enhances the coupling performance and anti-interference ability of the system, which has a more significant impact on the high-performance synchronization control for the multi-traction motor system of the bag-making machine.
Linear matrix inequality–based observer design methods for a class of nonlinear systems with delayed output measurements
Authors: Nechaf Hassiba , Zemouche Ali , Mostefai Mohammed , Laleg-Kirati Taous-Meriem , Djeghali Nadya , Bedouhene Fazia
Published: November 2022

This article deals with observer design for a class of nonlinear systems subject to delayed output measurements. Using an observer structure borrowed from Targui et al., we propose novel linear matrix inequality conditions ensuring the asymptotic convergence of the estimation error towards zero. We demonstrate analytically that the established linear matrix inequalities are less conservative than that of Targui et al., from a feasibility viewpoint, in the sense that they tolerate larger values of the upper bounds of the delay while guaranteeing the asymptotic convergence of the observer. Such linear matrix inequality conditions are obtained due to the use of a specific Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, the Young inequality in a judicious way and a reformulation of the Lipschitz condition in a convenient way. We provide two illustrative examples to support the efficiency and superiority of the proposed linear matrix inequality–based techniques.
Modeling, fault detection, and stabilization of quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle with rotor thrust deviation fault
Authors: Ayati Moosa , Rezaei Parham , Aghakhani Hashem
Published: November 2022

This study deals with the thrust deviation of quadrotors during a flight accident. This is a novel structural fault wholly ignored in previous studies, and its kinematic and dynamic equations are developed using the Newton law and differentiating the angular momentum equation. The thrust deviation fault has been detected using the governing model of the faulty system, Thau observer, and calculation of residual value. For evaluation of the performance of the proposed fault detection method, it is assumed that limited disturbances are applied to the system before the fault occurrence. Besides, to land the quadrotor affected by the deviation of one of its rotors, the ordinary sliding mode controller is replaced by a modified one. This controlling procedure consists of two steps. First, the deviation angles are identified using the Extended Kalman Filter. Then, these angles are used to calculate the appropriate inputs that are the functions of rotational speed of rotors. The combination of this modified control unit and model-based fault detection method has improved the robustness of the system in the presence of the structural fault and has maintained the system’s controlling performance in fault-free situations.
Gap Junction–Mediated Transport of Metabolites Between Stem Cells and Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Ogawa Yuko , Akamatsu Rie , Fuchizaki Akihiro , Yasui Kazuta , Saino Orie , Tanaka Mitsunobu , Kikuchi-Taura Akie , Kimura Takafumi , Taguchi Akihiko
Published: November 2022

We have previously demonstrated that small molecular transfer, such as glucose, between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and vascular endothelial cells via gap junctions constitutes an important mechanism of stem cell therapy. Cell metabolites are high-potential small-molecule candidates that can be transferred to small molecules between stem cells and vascular endothelial cells. Here, we investigated the differences in metabolite levels between stem cells (HSCs and MSCs), vascular endothelial cells, and the levels of circulating non-hematopoietic white blood cells (WBCs). The results showed remarkable differences in metabolite concentrations between cells. Significantly higher concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), guanosine triphosphate (GTP), total adenylate or guanylate levels, glycolytic intermediates, and amino acids were found in HSCs compared with vascular endothelial cells. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the metabolism of MSCs and vascular endothelial cells. From the results of this study, it became clear that HSCs and MSCs differ in their metabolites. That is, metabolites that transfer between stem cells and vascular endothelial cells differ between HSCs and MSCs. HSCs may donate various metabolites, several glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites, and amino acids to damaged vascular endothelial cells as energy sources and activate the energy metabolism of vascular endothelial cells. In contrast, MSCs and vascular endothelial cells regulate each other under normal conditions. As the existing MSCs cannot ameliorate the dysregulation during insult, exogenous MSCs administered by cell therapy may help restore normal metabolic function in the vascular endothelial cells by taking up excess energy sources from the lumens of blood vessels. Results of this study suggested that the appropriate timing of cell therapy is different between HSCs and MSCs.
Colonic sand impaction with cecal rupture and peritonitis in an adult African savanna elephant, and review of noninfectious causes of gastrointestinal disease in elephants
Authors: Teodoro Tamires G. W. , Uzal Francisco A. , Streitenberger Nicolas , Samol Monika A. , Henderson Eileen E. , Asin Javier
Published: November 2022

Gastrointestinal disorders are among the most common disease processes in captive elephants. Colic is a frequent clinical presentation and may have several infectious and noninfectious causes. Ingestion of sand has been reported in elephants living in enclosures with loose sandy soils. Similar to the situation in horses, sand ingestion can cause intestinal impaction and colic in elephants. Here we describe a case of colonic sand impaction with cecal rupture and peritonitis in an African savanna elephant from a zoologic collection that died after several days of colic. On autopsy, abundant, gritty, sandy material was found within a segment of colon immediately aboral to the cecum. There was a full-thickness tear in the cecal wall, free intestinal contents within the abdominal cavity, and peritonitis. To our knowledge, the postmortem examination of an elephant with sand impaction and cecal rupture has not been reported previously; this condition should be included among the differential diagnoses in elephants with colic. We review the reports of noninfectious causes of gastrointestinal disease in elephants, which include cases of small intestinal and colonic torsion and of intestinal obstruction by fecal boluses.
Identification, 16S rRNA–based characterization, and antimicrobial profile of Gallibacterium isolates from broiler and layer chickens
Authors: Shabbir Muhammad Z. , Kariyawasam Subhashinie , Pierre Traci A. , Dunn Patricia A. , Wallner-Pendleton Eva A. , Lu Huaguang
Published: November 2022

Gallibacterium spp., particularly G. anatis, have received much attention as poultry pathogens in recent years. We report here the presence and antimicrobial resistance profile of 69 Gallibacterium isolates obtained from 2,204 diagnostic submissions of broiler and layer chickens in 2019–2021. Gallibacterium-positive chickens had lesions primarily in the respiratory tract, reproductive tract, and related serosal surfaces. Gallibacterium spp. were initially identified based on their typical cultural characteristics on blood agar. The isolates were confirmed by a genus-specific PCR spanning 16S-23S rRNA and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed distinct clades. Of the 69 isolates, 68 clustered with the reference strains of G. anatis and 1 with Gallibacterium genomospecies 1 and 2. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 58 of the 69 isolates by a MIC method showed variable responses to antimicrobials. The isolates were all susceptible to enrofloxacin, ceftiofur, florfenicol, and gentamicin. There was a high level of susceptibility to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (98.0%), streptomycin (98.0%), amoxicillin (84.0%), sulfadimethoxine (71.0%), and neomycin (71.0%). All of the isolates were resistant to tylosin. There was resistance to penicillin (98.0%), erythromycin (95.0%), clindamycin (94.0%), novobiocin (90.0%), tetracycline (88.0%), oxytetracycline (76.0%), and sulfathiazole (53.0%). A high rate of intermediate susceptibility was observed for spectinomycin (67.0%) and sulfathiazole (40.0%). Our findings indicate a potential role of G. anatis as an important poultry pathogen and cause of subsequent disease, alone or in combination with other pathogens. Continuous monitoring and an antimicrobial susceptibility assay are recommended for effective treatment and disease control.
Transforming Nurse Self-Care Through Integration of Spirituality: Lessons From an International Collaboration in Palliative Care
Authors: Davis Andra , Repar Patricia , Wilson Marian , De Luca Enrico , Doutrich Dawn , Thanasilp Sureeporn
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

With growing evidence of compassion fatigue and burnout in health care, it is time for a deeper look at the vital practice of self-care among professionals providing palliative care. The purpose of this study was to provide insights into ways empowerment, caring for self, environment, and building relationships impact well-being among palliative care professionals.

Methods:

Interpretative descriptive methods framed focus group interviews, conducted during a conference on palliative care integrative health practices held in Thailand. An interprofessional research team used inductive reasoning processes to analyze the interviews.

Results:

Three themes emerged from the four focus groups ( N = 22): Buddhist Beliefs and Practices, Community-mindedness, and Empowerment. Aspects of spirituality were consistently woven into self-care practices.

Discussion:

Findings suggest that self-care can be reimagined to include highly personal and unique expressions of spirituality. Health care communities are called to integrate ritual in culturally congruent ways, thus supporting health care professionals to find new sources of meaning, enrichment, and empowerment.
Study on parameter optimization of noise-vibration-force-metal removal rate in TC4 titanium alloy milling
Authors: Shao Minghui , Li Shuncai , Hu Yuting , Li Yuqing , Popov Eugene
Published: November 2022

Aiming at the influence of noise, vibration, and force on machining efficiency and machining quality in the process of milling, this paper proposed an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. The algorithm could optimize the multi-objective and multi-parameter integration model and obtain the optimal milling parameters under the specified milling conditions, so as to reduce milling noise, vibration, and force and improve machining efficiency. First, based on the theory of all factor experiment, the milling experiment of TC4 titanium alloy was carried out, and the relevant milling noise, vibration, and force signals were obtained. Then, based on the response surface analysis method, the influence of milling parameters on noise, vibration, and force was studied. Finally, a multi-objective optimization model based on maximum metal removal rate, minimum noise, minimum vibration, and minimum force was established, and the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm was used to solve the optimal milling parameters. The result shows that when the milling speed is 24.9588 m/min, the feed speed is 9.9324 mm/min, and the milling depth is 1 mm, the optimal milling state within the constraint conditions can be achieved.
A Retrospective Study of the Role of Perioperative Serum Albumin and the Albumin–Bilirubin Grade in Predicting Post-Liver Transplant Length of Stay
Authors: Wang Ryan , Katz Daniel , Lin Hung-Mo , Ouyang Yuxia , Gal Jonathan , Suresh Sumanth , Labgaa Ismail , Tabrizian Parissa , Demaria Samuel , Zerillo Jeron , Smith Natalie K.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Serum albumin’s association with liver transplant outcomes has been investigated with mixed findings. This study aimed to evaluate perioperative albumin level, independently and as part of the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade, as a predictor of post-liver transplant hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS).

Methods

Adult liver-only transplant recipients at our institution from September 2011 to May 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Repeat transplants were excluded. Demographic, laboratory, and hospital course data were extracted from an institutional data warehouse. Negative binomial regression was used to assess the association of LOS with ALBI grade, age, BMI, ASA score, Elixhauser comorbidity index, MELD-Na, warm ischemia time, units of platelets and cryoprecipitate transfused, and preoperative serum albumin.

Results

Six hundred and sixty-three liver transplant recipients met inclusion criteria. The median preoperative serum albumin was 3.1 [2.6–3.6] g/dL. The median postoperative ICU and hospital LOS were 3.8 [2.4–6.8] and 12 [8–20] days, respectively. Preoperative serum albumin predicted hospital but not ICU LOS (ratio .9 [95% confidence interval (CI) .84–.99], P = .03, hospital LOS vs ratio .92 [95% CI 0.84–1.02], P = .10, ICU LOS). For patients with MELD-Na ≤ 20, ALBI grade-3 predicted longer hospital and ICU LOS (ratio 1.40 [95% CI 1.18–1.66], P < .001, hospital LOS vs ratio 1.62 [95% CI 1.32–1.99], P < .001, ICU LOS). These associations were not significant for patients with MELD-Na > 20.

Conclusions

Serum albumin predicted post-liver transplant hospital LOS. ALBI grade-3 predicted increased hospital and ICU LOS in low MELD-Na recipients.
Clavicular hook: Cuffed haemodialysis catheter insertion using a paramedian tunnel in patients with recurrent tip migration
Authors: Yaxley Julian , Wilkinson Catherine , Davidson-West Shaun , Mantha Murty
Published: November 2022

Tunnelled, cuffed central venous catheters are commonly used for the provision of haemodialysis. Internal jugular vein catheters are generally tunnelled subcutaneously to the anterolateral chest wall. However, the lateral subcutaneous tract may increase the risk of catheter migration, particularly in the setting of obesity or large breast tissue. Catheter tip migration is an important cause of catheter failure. We describe two cases in which a paramedian tunnel was fashioned in patients experiencing recurrent catheter migration.
Performances of Legitimate Expertise Among Life Coaches: Three Rhetorical Strategies
Authors: Kaneh-Shalit Tamar
Published: November 2022

In the global crisis of expertise, experts are often viewed with skepticism. This article zooms in to this crisis to analyze how life coaches seek professional legitimacy and verbally perform their expertise by navigating a tension between asserting their authority and cultivating their clients’ agency. Performances of expertise are a range of verbal practices and rhetorical strategies that are co-produced and shaped through interacting with clients. Based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted at three life coaching training schools in Israel, I show that life coaches perform their expertise through the following strategies: (1) defining the problem that coaching addresses as simple, significant, and mendable; (2) using authoritative charismatic speech to define clients as powerful, independent agents who are their own life experts; and (3) creating reflexive experiences of self-revelation by using semi-intelligible jargon. Finally, the study advances the understanding of expertise as performances inextricable from clients’ sense of agency.
Promoting Korean learners’ conceptual development of honorifics through concept-based language instruction
Authors: Hess Eunhye Kim , Amory Michael
Published: November 2022

Grounded in Vygotskian sociocultural theory (SCT), this study examines Korean as a foreign language (KFL) students’ emerging conceptual development of honorifics through their participation in concept-based language instruction (C-BLI). Seven participants were recruited from a second-semester elementary Korean class at a U.S. college, and various data were collected to trace the students’ unfolding development-in-activity of three interrelated subconcepts of Korean honorifics; namely, power, distance, and formality. Qualitative findings suggest that, overall, students gained a deeper conceptual understanding and sociopragmatic awareness of using Korean honorifics through the development of these interrelated subconcepts and their participation in the goal-directed activities of C-BLI. In particular, the qualitative findings reveal that students’ prior rules-of-thumb-based conceptualizations of honorifics transformed into more semantic, systematic, coherent, and complete understandings as students are in the process of becoming more self-regulated in planning and monitoring their mental and physical activity and their linguistic choices. This study points to the crucial importance of not only the quality of materials design but also how intentional and explicit instruction can be applied to second language teaching–learning processes.
O tempora: The current presence of classics and ancient history in Australian and New Zealand public universities
Authors: Charles Michael B , Harmes Marcus
Published: November 2022

The study of classics has been part of Australian and New Zealand higher education from the beginnings of tertiary education in these countries, followed shortly after by the study of ancient history. This article offers an analysis of current units of study in each Australian and New Zealand public university that continues to teach classics and ancient history. Set in the context of the origins of this field in both countries and contemporary debates on the value of studying not only the humanities in general but also classics and ancient history in particular, this article offers detailed analysis of what is taught and how universities conceptualize the merit and usefulness of this field of study. Analysis reveals some decline in more traditional areas, but also identifies the evolutionary trajectories that classics and ancient history have followed, including departures from the ‘sober’ political history to offerings that have been enabled by methodologies prevalent in social and gender history.
Members of the European Parliament’s Political Careers across Different Levels: Presenting a New Dataset of Members of the European Parliament
Authors: Salvati Eugenio
Published: November 2022

In recent decades, an important field of research has emerged concerning the careers of Members of the European Parliament. Due to the specific nature of the European Parliament, the European Union, the multilevel politics and the peculiarity of the supranational political class, it is of particular interest to map and control the regularity of, and changes in, the composition of the European Parliament and the impact over systemic features or policy-making aspects. For this reason, the article presents a new dataset comprising a collection of detailed information about all of the Members of the European Parliament who held office from the first election in 1979 until the latest in 2019. This dataset represents a useful novelty because it is a dynamic tool that allows reconnecting the Members of the European Parliament’s position and responsibilities within the European Parliament to their political background before entering the supranational assembly. Finally, the article suggests possible fields of research in which this type of data could be useful in deepening and consolidating our knowledge about the European Parliament and its members.
Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on In-Hospital Outcomes of Hospitalizations With Acute Limb Ischemia Undergoing Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Patel Harsh P. , Decter Dean , Thakkar Samarthkumar , Anantha-Narayanan Mahesh , Kumar Ashish , Sheth Aakash R , Zahid Salman , Patel Bhavin A. , Patel Toralben , Devani Hiteshkumar , Shah Vrushali , Doshi Preet Mayank , Patel Smit , Shariff Mariam , Adalja Devina , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Doshi Rajkumar
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

Studies on outcomes related to endovascular treatment (EVT) in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among hospitalizations with acute limb ischemia (ALI) are limited.

Methods:

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was quarried from October 2015 to December 2017 to identify the hospitalizations with ALI and undergoing EVT. The study population was subdivided into 3 groups based on their CKD stages: group 1 (No CKD, stage I, stage II), group 2 (CKD stage III, stage IV), and group 3 (CKD stage V and ESRD). The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Results:

A total of 51 995 hospitalizations with ALI undergoing EVT were identified. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in group 2 (OR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.04 – 1.32, p=0.009) and group 3 (OR = 3.18; 95% CI 2.74–3.69, p<0.0001) compared with group 1. Odds of minor amputation, vascular complication, atherectomy, and blood transfusion were higher among groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1. Group 2 had higher odds of access site hemorrhage compared with groups 1 and 3, whereas group 3 had higher odds of major amputation, postprocedural infection, and postoperative hemorrhage compared with groups 1 and 2. Besides, groups 2 and 3 had lower odds of discharge to home compared with group 1. Finally, the length of hospital stay and cost of care was significantly higher with the advancing CKD stages.

Conclusion:

Advanced CKD stages and ESRD are associated with higher mortality, worse in-hospital outcomes and higher resource utilization among ALI hospitalizations undergoing EVT.

Clinical Impact

Current guidelines are not clear for the optimum first line treatment of acute limb ischemia, especially in patients with advanced kidney disease as compared to normal/mild kidney disease patients. We found that advanced kidney disease is a significant risk factor for worse in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, patients with acute limb ischemia and advanced kidney disease is associated with significantly higher resource utilization as compared to patients with normal/mild kidney disease. This study suggests shared decision making between treating physician and patients when considering endovascular therapy for the treatment of acute limb ischemia in patients with advanced kidney disease.
Platformization as a Structural Dimension for Public Service Media in Germany: The funk Content Network and the New Interstate Media Treaty
Authors: Stollfuß Sven
Published: November 2022

As social media is constantly gaining in importance, public service media (PSM) is forced to create content that fits the environment of social media platforms (SMPs). In Germany, the content network funk by the ARD and ZDF represents a change in the thinking of PSM and policy makers. Since platformization affects PSM institutionally and structurally, German media regulators are addressing platformization in the context of the new Interstate Media Treaty. The article aims to discuss the treaty’s orientation toward digital platforms and SMPs as it attempts to subject them to the control of local state media authorities. Algorithms and data-driven content curation are policed in terms of transparency and non-discrimination, and to ensure that public value content is not marginalized. To enforce this, I would argue, the treaty has to acknowledge the importance of platformization as a structural prerequisite that enables PSM to serve its public demand.
Absence of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 N protein in COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases
Authors: Vu Luan D , Wallace Shonta , Phan Anh TQ , Christofferson Rebecca C , Turner Erik , Parker Sean , Elkind-Hirsch Karen , Landry Darrell , Stansbury Austin , Rose Rebecca , Nolan David J , Lamers Susanna L , Hirezi Michael , Ogden Beverly , Cormier Stephania A
Published: November 2022

Understanding the risk factors for breakthrough coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (BC19) is critical to inform policy. Herein, we assessed Delta (Lineage B.1.617.2) variant-specific effectiveness of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer) vaccine and characterized Delta-driven BC19 cases (fully vaccinated individuals who get infected) with known-time-since-vaccination. In this longitudinal prospective study (January 21–October 30, 2021), 90 naïve and 15 convalescent individuals were enrolled at the initiation of vaccination. Samples from 27 unvaccinated individuals with previous laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were collected at a single time point. Longitudinal serology profile (antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] S and N proteins) and live-virus-based neutralization capacities were assessed while controlling for age. Sex, age, history of reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine, and viral neutralization capacities were identified as significant risk factors for breakthrough COVID-19. At 8 months postvaccination, male sex, individuals ⩾65 years of age, and individuals who experienced noticeable side effects with the COVID-19 vaccine were at 5.47 ( p-value = 0.0102), 4.33 ( p-value = 0.0236), and 4.95 ( p-value = 0.0159) fold greater risk of BC19 as compared to their peers, respectively. Importantly, every five-fold increase in viral neutralization capacities (by live-virus-based assays) was significantly associated with ~4-fold reduction in the risk occurrence of breakthrough COVID-19 ( p-value = 0.045). Vaccine boosting remarkably increased these viral neutralization capacities by 16.22-fold ( p- value = 0.0005), supporting the importance of the BNT162b2 booster in efforts to control the incursion of future variants into the population at large. Strikingly, BC19 cases exhibited a delayed/absent antibody response to the N protein, suggesting limited exposure to the virus. Since antibodies against N protein are widely used to evaluate the extent of virus spread in communities, our finding has important implications on the utility of existing serological diagnostic and surveillance for COVID-19.
Residual life evaluation of remanufacturing blanks considering the crack closure
Authors: Hua Liang , Fang Song , Zhou Rundong , Shen Linghong
Published: November 2022

The nonlinear continuous fatigue cumulative damage model proposed by Chaboche was modified considering the effect of crack closure on fatigue damage, and the fatigue cumulative damage and residual life evaluation model of remanufactured blanks was obtained. The related parameters of the modified model were obtained from the data of symmetric cyclic tensile and compression fatigue tests. The residual life evaluation model of remanufactured blanks was verified by the two-stage loading (high and low loading and low and high loading) tensile and compressive fatigue test. The results show that the calculated values of the model are in good agreement with the test values, which proves that the modified model can accurately predict the residual life of remanufactured blanks.
Improved overall survival of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients in the era of modern tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors: results from a real-life, population-based Austrian study comprising three decades of follow-up
Authors: Fluhrer Hannah , Hutterer Georg C. , Golbeck Sylvia , Stidl Michael , Niedrist Tobias , Pichler Renate , Mischinger Johannes , Seles Maximilian , Mannweiler Sebastian , Spiegelberg Jasmin , Bauernhofer Thomas , Jost Philipp J. , Ahyai Sascha , Zigeuner Richard , Pichler Martin , Barth Dominik A.
Published: November 2022

Background:

The treatment landscape of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has substantially advanced over the last three decades, whereby data from controlled clinical trials indicate significant improvements regarding patients’ overall survival (OS) in highly selected patient cohorts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of potentially game changing drugs on patients’ outcomes by comparing three different historical mRCC treatment eras.

Methods:

In all, 914 mRCC patients who were diagnosed between July 1985 and September 2020 were included into this observational study and assigned to three different treatment eras [‘cytokine’, ‘first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)’, and ‘modern TKIs/immunotherapy’] based on the EMA approval dates of sunitinib (July 2006) and nivolumab (June 2015) in mRCC treatment. OS was considered the primary study endpoint. Kaplan–Meier analyses, log-rank tests, and uni- and multivariable Cox regression models were performed.

Results:

OS was significantly longer in patients of the modern TKIs/immunotherapy era (median OS not reached) as compared to the cytokine (2.4 years) and first-generation TKIs era (1.7 years, all p < 0.001). Moreover, patients of the modern TKIs/immunotherapy era demonstrated a significantly better prognosis [hazard ratio (HR): 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32–0.55, p < 0.001] compared to those of the cytokine era, while no statistically significant difference was observed between the cytokine and the first-generation TKIs era cohort (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.89–1.41, p = 0.341). Subgroup analyses stratified by the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk groups showed a significantly longer OS in the modern TKIs/immunotherapy era as compared to first-generation TKIs and cytokines across all IMDC risk groups.

Conclusion:

Significant advances in the systemic medical treatment of mRCC during the recent decade and the introduction of immunotherapy exerted a major impact on patient outcomes in terms of OS in a real-life population.
Prediction of immunotherapy efficacy and immunomodulatory role of hypoxia in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zheng Zhuangzhuang , Bian Chenbin , Wang Huanhuan , Su Jing , Meng Lingbin , Xin Ying , Jiang Xin
Published: November 2022

Immunotherapy has been used in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, most patients fail to achieve satisfactory survival benefits. Biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity are being increasingly developed to predict the efficacy of CRC immunotherapy. In addition to DNA alteration markers, such as microsatellite instability/mismatch repair and tumor mutational burden, immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints (ICs), epigenetic changes and no-coding RNA, and gut microbiomes all show potential predictive ability. Recently, the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) has been identified as a key factor mediating CRC immune evasion and resistance to treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α is the central transcription factor in the hypoxia response that drives the expression of a vast number of survival genes by binding to the hypoxia response element in cancer and immune cells in the TME. Hypoxia regulates angiogenesis, immune cell infiltration and activation, expression of ICs, and secretion of various immune molecules in the TME and is closely associated with the immunotherapeutic efficacy of CRC. Currently, various agents targeting hypoxia have been found to improve the TME and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. We reviewed current markers commonly used in CRC to predict therapeutic efficacy and the mechanisms underlying hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and tumor immune evasion. Exploring the mechanisms by which hypoxia affects the TME will assist the discovery of new immunotherapeutic predictive biomarkers and development of more effective combinations of agents targeting hypoxia and immunotherapy.