bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Exposure to Mobility-Related Pollution: Review and Key Challenges
Authors: Gastineau Pascal , Can Arnaud , Yaméogo Boyam F. , Luquezi Leonardo G. , Hankach Pierre , Vandanjon Pierre-Olivier , Bescond Valentin Le
Published: November 2023

The health and equity issues related to urban pollution, coupled with the need to assess the consequences of implementing transport policies or new mobility solutions, make it imperative to provide decision-makers with a relevant modeling framework. The coupling of activity-based travel models with environmental models presents a promising approach to thoroughly investigate the interconnected issues related to the impact of road traffic on individual exposure to noise and air pollution. Integrated modeling chains provide a robust framework to comprehensively assess traffic scenarios on a city scale and address issues related to environmental inequalities. This article reviews the recent work in this field to identify both the main contributions and key challenges still to be addressed. It illustrates how the use of a dynamic approach, which considers the intraday dynamics of individual mobilities and pollution concentrations, can contribute to more accurate estimates of the exposure of individuals to pollutants. This modeling approach also has the potential to investigate how the level of exposure depends on the characteristics of the individuals (socioeconomic factors, commuting patterns, location of residence, and main activities). Nonetheless, there are still important challenges to overcome to further enhance the accuracy and applicability of these models: taking into account all types of traffic and transport modes; refining the modeling of exposure to pollution during travel; taking better consideration of microenvironments; and so forth.
Merit, Marriage, and Privilege: The Emperor's Son-in-Law and His Family in the Early Qing Dynasty
Authors: Han Tianyang
Published: November 2023

The son-in-law of the Qing emperor was given the title of “efu.” Taking Han-Jun bannerman Sun Cheng-yun, the son-in-law of Emperor Kangxi, as the starting point, this paper explores the status of his family in the early Qing dynasty based on archival materials and biographies. Marrying up into the royal family through a princess had a certain impact on Sun's family in terms of his inheritance of a niru, the tenure of family members, and the family's hereditary titles. The examination of this family also provides some insights into the political status of the Han-Jun banner sons-in-law of the early Qing emperors.
The effects of support plate thickness on the drilling machinability of CFRP
Authors: Betgül Çağlar , Köklü Uğur , Morkavuk Sezer
Published: November 2023

When carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are drilled, delamination damage occurs at the hole entry and exit. An important method to reduce delamination at the hole exit is using a support plate. Therefore, sustainable drilling of CFRP to reduce the delamination damage is promising for modern industries. In this study, the effect of drilling CFRP composite plates using support plates of different thicknesses on thrust force, delamination, and borehole surface quality was experimentally investigated. The results showed that the thrust force increased as the support plate thickness increased at low spindle speed, but the support plate thickness did not significantly affect the thrust force at high spindle speed. While severe delamination damage occurred at the hole exit in the tests without the use of support, delamination damage was significantly reduced in the case of using a support plate. On the other hand, the severity of the damages decreased as the support plate thickness increased, especially unless very high feed rates were chosen. Consequently, the thickness of the support plate considerably influences the damage formation and severeness of the damages is significantly reduced when a support plate with sufficient thickness is used.
Depression and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older Adults With Hearing Loss in the ACHIEVE Study
Authors: Huang Alison R. , Reed Nicholas S. , Deal Jennifer A. , Arnold Michelle , Burgard Sheila , Chisolm Theresa , Couper David , Glynn Nancy W. , Gmelin Theresa , Goman Adele M. , Gravens-Mueller Lisa , Hayden Kathleen M. , Mitchell Christine , Pankow James S. , Pike James R. , Schrack Jennifer A. , Sanchez Victoria , Coresh Josef , Lin Frank R. ,   ACHIEVE Collaborative Research Group
Published: November 2023

Hearing loss is associated with cognitive/physical health; less is known about mental health. We investigated associations between hearing loss severity, depression, and health-related quality of life among older adults with unaided hearing loss. Data ( N = 948) were from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders Study. Hearing was measured by pure-tone average (PTA), Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) test, and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE-S). Outcomes were validated measures of depression and health-related quality of life. Associations were assessed by negative binomial regression. More severe hearing loss was associated with worse physical health–related quality of life (ratio: .98, 95% CI: .96, 1.00). Better QuickSIN was associated with higher mental health–related quality of life (1.01 [1.00, 1.02]). Worse HHIE-S was associated with depression (1.24 [1.16, 1.33]) and worse mental (.97 [.96, .98]) and physical (.95 [ .93, .96]) health–related quality of life. Further work will test effects of hearing intervention on mental health.
Does Where You Work and What You Do Matter? Testing the Role of Organizational Context and Job Type for Future Study of Occupation-Based Secondary Trauma Intervention Development
Authors: Knight Kelly E. , Ellis Colter , Miller Tristan , Neu Joshua , Helfrich Leah
Published: November 2023

Organizational context (e.g., criminal justice, community-based, and healthcare) and job type (e.g., police, social workers, and healthcare providers) may impact the extent of occupation-based secondary trauma (OBST). Survey data collected from a multiphase community-based participatory research project were analyzed from a variety of professionals, who were likely to “encounter the consequences of traumatic events as part of their professional responsibilities” ( n = 391, women = 55%, White = 92%). Results document high trauma exposure (adverse childhood experiences [ACEs] and workplace) and OBST-related outcomes (Maslach Burnout Inventory, Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, post-traumatic stress disorder symptom checklist for DSM-5) for the entire sample with important differences across organizational context and job type. Using multivariate regression, the strongest determinants of suffering, however, were not related to a provider’s specific profession but to their number of years on the job and their ACEs (e.g., adjusted R2 = 0.23, b = 2.01, p < .001). Likewise, the most protective factors were not profession specific but rather the provider’s age and perceived effectiveness of OBST-related training (e.g., b = 2.26, p < .001). These findings inform intervention development and have implications for rural and other often under-resourced areas, where the same OBST-related intervention could potentially serve many different types of providers and organizations.
Donor Perceptions of Nonprofit Organizations’ Transparency: Conceptualization and Operationalization
Authors: Dethier Fanny , Delcourt Cécile , Dessart Laurence
Published: November 2023

In the wake of unethical practices by some nonprofit organizations (NPOs), donors have called for better monitoring, to which some NPOs have responded by adjusting their donor-based transparency practices. Yet despite momentum for such efforts, a comprehensive conceptualization and operationalization of NPOs’ transparency remains missing, partly because knowledge about donors’ information requirements is limited. Accordingly, the present research proposes conceptualizing NPOs’ transparency, as perceived by donors, as a three-dimensional construct, composed of information accessibility, completeness, and accuracy. With a scale development procedure and three distinct empirical studies, this article establishes a reliable, valid measure of NPOs’ perceived transparency. Combined, the conceptualization and operationalization offer a comprehensive overview of donors’ information needs that can enhance the study of organizational transparency.
Experimental study on flow boiling heat transfer augmentation of novel zinc oxide coated copper hybrid nanofluids
Authors: Gupta Sanjay Kumar , Misra Rahul Dev
Published: November 2023

Understanding the nanofluid flow boiling phenomena is essential for many engineering applications including atomic reactors, cooling of electronic devices, synthetic buildings and spacecraft. Hybrid nanofluids, which are commonly defined as mixtures of two or more nanoparticles, are yet unknown to have improved features. When the coupled nanoparticles are suitably coated with one another, one on top of the other, this would be a successful technique as the usage of such nanofluids is hardly reported. The current research aims to investigate the effects of various novel hybrid ZnO coated Cu ( Cu@ZnO) nanofluid concentrations on the critical heat flux ( CHF) and heat transfer coefficient ( HTC) for their potential real-life application. The Cu@ZnO nanoparticles with hybrid properties were selected because Cu increased the conductivity of heat whereas ZnO improved chemical durability. Efficient spark discharge in liquid nitrogen was employed in three stages to produce robust Cu@ZnO nanoparticles with hybrid properties. In order to create durable nanofluids, the nanoparticles with mixed properties were dispersed using an ultrasonication process at four different volumetric concentrations: 0.025%, 0.050%, 0.075% and 0.1%. At 45°C, the nanofluids’ thermal conduction was 31% higher than that of base fluid. The flow boiling (subcooled) tests are carried out in minichannel with novel nanofluids. When the flow boiling investigation was being conducted, a greater concentration improved the HTC and CHF. In comparison to water, 0.1% of nanofluid caused the maximum rises in CHF and HTC, which were found to be 168.09% and 186.9%, respectively. It is possible for the fluid to utilize latent heat, create bubbles, distinct and delay the commencement of CHF because the thick Cu@ZnO-coated surface possesses strong thermal conductivity.
Influence of coupling vertical and lateral loads on the centre negative flexural behaviour of prestressed monoblock concrete sleepers
Authors: El-sayed Hossam M , Fayed Mohamed N , Riad Hany S , Zohny Haytham N
Published: November 2023

At horizontal railway curves, the track is frequently subject to coinciding vertical and lateral wheel loads, which in some cases could be of high intensity. Currently, the influence of such loading pattern on the centre negative flexural response of prestressed monoblock concrete sleepers (PMCS) is not clearly analysed. As a result, the current codes of practice provide limited guidance pertinent to the design of PMCS under this loading condition. To address these issues, finite element models were accomplished and rigorously verified against analytical and experimental studies existing in the literature. The noteworthiness of the numerical findings, based on the considered loading scenarios, is that the presence of lateral load could increase the flexural stress at the top fibre of midspan sections by 223% compared to the influence of vertical load alone. Based on the numerical outputs, an equation has been proposed to quantify the increased flexural stress of PMCS due to lateral load, and further studies are recommended to complement the results expressed in this research.
Multicenter evaluation of the Vetscan Imagyst system using Ocus 40 and EasyScan One scanners to detect gastrointestinal parasites in feces of dogs and cats
Authors: Nagamori Yoko , Scimeca Ruth , Hall-Sedlak Ruth , Blagburn Byron , Starkey Lindsay A. , Bowman Dwight D. , Lucio-Forster Araceli , Little Susan E. , Cree Travis , Loenser Michael , Larson Benjamin S. , Penn Cory , Rhodes Austin , Goldstein Richard
Published: November 2023

The Vetscan Imagyst system (Zoetis) is a novel, artificial intelligence–driven detection tool that can assist veterinarians in the identification of enteric parasites in dogs and cats. This system consists of a sample preparation device, an automated digital microscope scanner, and a deep-learning algorithm. The EasyScan One scanner (Motic) has had good diagnostic performance compared with manual examinations by experts; however, there are drawbacks when used in veterinary practices in which space for equipment is often limited. To improve the usability of this system, we evaluated an additional scanner, the Ocus 40 (Grundium). Our objectives were to 1) qualitatively evaluate the performance of the Vetscan Imagyst system with the Ocus 40 scanner for identifying Ancylostoma, Toxocara, and Trichuris eggs, Cystoisospora oocysts, and Giardia cysts in canine and feline fecal samples, and 2) expand the assessment of the performance of the Vetscan Imagyst system paired with either the Ocus 40 or EasyScan One scanner to include a larger dataset of 2,191 fecal samples obtained from 4 geographic regions of the United States. When tested with 852 canine and feline fecal samples collected from different geographic regions, the performance of the Vetscan Imagyst system combined with the Ocus 40 scanner was correlated closely with manual evaluations by experts. Sensitivities were 80.0‒97.0% and specificities were 93.7‒100.0% across the targeted parasites. When tested with 1,339 fecal samples, the Vetscan Imagyst system paired with the EasyScan One scanner successfully identified the targeted parasite stages; sensitivities were 73.6‒96.4% and specificities were 79.7‒100.0%.
Ecology of End-of-life Medical Care for Advanced Cancer Patients in China
Authors: Yang Fei , Leng Anli , Jing Jun , Miller Mary , Wee Bee
Published: November 2023

Aims

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Approximately 30% of global cancer-related deaths occur in mainland China. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the end-of-life care-seeking behavior of patients with advanced cancer in China. Our study was to investigate end-of-life care-seeking behavior and to quantify the association between sociodemographic characteristics and the location and pattern of end-of-life care.

Methods

We conducted a mortality follow-back survey using caregivers’ interviews to estimate the number of individuals pre 1000 who died between 2013 and 2021 in the last 3 months of life. We collected data on hospitalization, outpatient visits, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, palliative care and hospice utilization, and place of death, stratified by age, gender, marital status, household income, residential zone, insurance type, and the primary end-of-life decision-maker of the decedents.

Results

We analyzed data from 857 deceased cancer patients, representing an average of 1000 individuals. Among these patients, 861 experienced at least moderate or more severe pain, 774 were hospitalized at least once, 468 received intensive treatment, 389 had at least one outpatient visit, 270 died in the hospital, 236 received cardiopulmonary resuscitation and 99 received specialist hospice care.

Conclusions

Our study provides insights into the end-of-life care-seeking behavior of advanced cancer patients in China and our findings serve as a useful benchmark for estimating the use of end-of-life medical care. It highlights the need for the establishment of an accessible and patient-centered palliative care and hospice system.
Modified Mucosal Reconstruction in Unilateral Complete Cleft of Lip and Primary Palate: Surgical Technique and Practical Strategies
Authors: Denadai Rafael , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: November 2023

Background

The nasal floor and intraoral lining reconstruction of unilateral complete cleft of lip and primary palate has sparsely been reported. Solution: This article combines the previously-described C-flap mucosal flap and inferior turbinate flap with the newly-described lateral nasal mucosal flap for the mucosal repair of this uncommon subtype of deformity. Valuable practical strategies are offered to optimize the surgical execution within a limited pediatric intranasal surgical access, targeting to minimize tissue trauma and bleeding.
Lived Experience of the Dyad and Their Relationships Following a Fetal Death: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
Authors: McDonough Mary Rose , Leone-Sheehan Danielle
Published: November 2023

Little is known about the lived experience of the dyad following a fetal death and the impact on relationships. The purpose of this paper is to explore the dyadic relationship between partners, with health care providers, and with the baby’s memory after birth. This qualitative study utilized hermeneutic phenomenology. The sample included 10 heterosexual dyads from the United States and Canada. All experienced a fetal death between 6 months and 7 years prior to their interviews. The data revealed three themes: (a) The Dyad Relationship: Moving Through the Experience Together; (b) Keeping the Memory Alive: Memorializing the Baby; and (c) Relationships With Health Care Providers: A Spectrum of Caring. The findings from this study provide the beginning knowledge needed to improve the care of dyads who have experienced a fetal death and for future studies to improve care delivery for dyads as their relationships change after fetal death.
Grandparents’ Experiences of Childhood Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Davies Jenny , O’Connor Moira , Halkett Georgia K. B. , Kelada Lauren , Gottardo Nicholas G.
Published: November 2023

A child’s cancer diagnosis has a significant impact on the lives of grandparents. Grandparents experience the stress of worrying about both their adult children and their grandchildren. Our study aimed to explore the lived experience of grandparents of children diagnosed with cancer. A qualitative design involving semi-structured interviews was used and data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Twenty grandparents aged 41 to 77 years were interviewed. Six themes were identified: (a) Diagnosis: changing everything; (b) Aspects of treatment: A different world; (c) Sandwich generation; (d) Family: Worrying about everyone; (e) Balancing work; and (f) It’s like suddenly a door opens. Our study demonstrates the life-changing impact of having a grandchild diagnosed with cancer. It expands on existing knowledge and shows that, due to an aging population and demographic changes, some grandparents must juggle the demands of caring for aging family members and working while supporting adult children and grandchildren.
Examining Gaps in Journalism Curriculum to Solve the News Desert Crisis
Authors: Finneman Teri , Heckman Meg , Wolgast Stephen
Published: November 2023

This exploratory study uses semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews ( n = 32) with journalism educators at universities in Europe, Australia, North America, and the South Pacific to examine the current state of local news pedagogy. While these journalism educators understand the significance of the news desert crisis, their efforts to engage their students around the issue often fall short. Using an ecological framework of system theory, this paper argues that journalism higher education has largely failed in helping repair or preventing the crisis facing local news.
ILUVIEN® in diabetic macular edema that persists or recurs despite treatment: Results from the Retina.pt® RIVER audit
Authors: Teixeira Carla , Pessoa Bernardete , Ruão Miguel , Sousa João Paulo Castro , Penas Susana , Silva Rufino , Carneiro Ângela , Meireles Angelina
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) remains a problem in clinical practice, with many patients having a suboptimal response to the standard of care (SOC). Evidence supports the long-term efficacy of intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN®) in patients that have responded sub-optimally, although there is still scarce data from real-world Portuguese practices. We aimed to monitor the current SOC in selected Portuguese practices prior to FAc implantation and then assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of the FAc implant.

Settings

The study included patient data from five Portuguese public hospitals.

Design

This was a non-interventional, multicenter audit of data collected from Retina.pt registry from patients with persistent or recurrent DME despite treatment.

Methods

Outcome measures included changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Results were compared at regular times over 36 months.

Results

This study included 222 eyes from 152 patients. A significant decrease in BCVA (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in CMT (P = 0.013) were observed prior to FAc. A significant increase in BCVA was registered at 6 months after FAc implant administration (P < 0.001), which was maintained during follow-up. No relevant changes in IOP were observed. Treatment burden was reduced as a result of treatment with FAc (P < 0.001 for anti-VEGF, corticosteroids, or both treatments) in the full population.

Conclusions

In Portuguese practice, data showed that pre-FAc implantation, some patients did not respond to SOC treatment and/or they were undertreated. Following FAc implant administration, there were rapid, sustained, long-term visual and anatomical improvements, and a marked reduction in treatment burden.
Multi-omics Analysis of Prognostic Significance and Immune Infiltration of FASTK Family Members in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Guanghui , Wu Dali , Chen Haiping , Yan Lingfei , Xiang Qi , Liu Yufeng , Wang Tao
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The Fas-activated serine/threonine kinase (FASTK) family of proteins has been recently found to be able to regulate mitochondrial gene expression post-transcriptionally. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of study about the role of the FASTK family in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). This study was conducted to explore the correlation of FASTK family genes with expression, prognosis, and immune infiltration in KIRC.

Methods:

We collected the data from the UALCAN, GeneMANIA, STRING, CancerSEA, cBioPortal, Kaplan-Meier plotter, GEPIA, TISIDB and TIMER databases to evaluate the genetic alterations, differential expression, prognostic significance, and immune cell infiltration of FASTKs in patients with KIRC.

Results:

In tumor tissues of KIRC, the mRNA expression level of FASTK and TBRG4 was elevated, whereas that of FASTKD1, FASTKD2, and FASTKD5 was lowered compared with normal tissues ( P < .05). Patients with KIRC and high FASTK and Transforming growth factor β regulator 4 (TBRG4) expression had worse overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DFS), while those with lower expression of FASTKD2/3/5 had worse outcomes. FASTK was positively correlated with DNA damage. FASTKD1 was positively related to differentiation. FASTKD2 was inversely related to proliferation and FASTKD5 was inversely related to invasion and EMT in KIRC cells. FASTK expression in KIRC was inversely linked to the presence of several immune cells including Tgd, macrophages, Tcm, and Mast cells ( P < .05).

Conclusions:

Our research provided fresh insight and in-depth analysis to the selection of prognostic biological markers of FASTK family members in KIRC.
A Systems Biology Approach for Investigating Significant Biomarkers and Drug Targets Common Among Patients with Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Noman Abdulla Al , Islam Md. Kobirul , Feroz Tasmiah , Hossain Md. Monir , Shakil Md. Shahariar Kabir
Published: November 2023

Having a previous history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia increases the chance of developing prostate cancer, the second most frequent malignant cancer among men. However, the molecular functions that cause the development of prostate cancer in persons with gonorrhea and chlamydia are yet unknown. In this study, we studied RNA-seq gene expression profiles using computational biology methods to find out potential biomarkers that could help us in understanding the patho-biological mechanisms of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and prostate cancer. Using statistical methods on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets, it was found that a total of 22 distinct differentially expressed genes were shared among these 3 diseases of which 14 were up-regulated (PGRMC1, TSC22D1, SH3BGRL, NNT, CTSC, FRMD3, CCR2, FAM210B, VCL, PTGS1, SLFN11, SLC40A1, PROS1, and DSE) and the remaining 8 genes were down-regulated (PRNP, HINT3, MARCKSL1, TMED10, SH3KBP1, ENSA, DERL1, and KMT2B). Investigation on these 22 unique dysregulated genes using Gene Ontology, BioCarta, KEGG, and Reactome revealed multiple altered molecular pathways, including regulation of amyloid precursor protein catabolic process, ferroptosis, effects on gene expression of Homo sapiens PPAR pathway, and innate immune system R-HSA-168249. Four significant hub proteins namely VCL, SH3KBP1, PRNP, and PGRMC1 were revealed by protein-protein interaction network analysis. By analyzing gene-transcription factors and gene-miRNAs interactions, significant transcription factors (POU2F2, POU2F1, GATA6, and HIVEP1) and posttranscriptional regulator microRNAs (hsa-miR-7-5p) were also identified. Three potential therapeutic compounds namely INCB3284, CCX915, and MLN-1202 were found to interact with up-regulated protein C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) in protein-drug interaction analysis. The proposed biomarkers and therapeutic potential molecules could be investigated for potential pharmacological targets and activity in the fight against in patients with gonorrhea, chlamydia, and prostate cancer.
Circadian Clock Dysregulation and Prostate Cancer: A Molecular and Clinical Overview
Authors: Kaakour Dalia , Fortin Bridget , Masri Selma , Rezazadeh Arash
Published: November 2023

Circadian clock dysregulation has been implicated in various types of cancer and represents an area of growing research. However, the role of the circadian clock in prostate cancer has been relatively unexplored. This literature review will highlight the potential role of circadian clock dysregulation in prostate cancer by examining molecular, epidemiologic, and clinical data. The influence of melatonin, light, night shift work, chronotherapy, and androgen independence are discussed as they relate to the existing literature on their role in prostate cancer.
Structural design and experimental study on the axial compression behavior of large-span carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer truss structures
Authors: Li Shiping , Chen Wujun , Hu Jianhui , Zhang Yibei , Mi Xiang , Zhang Daxu
Published: November 2023

Herein – with the optimization goals of a lightweight, large-span structure; modularization; and heavy loading – a tapered-section truss module and standard truss module are integrated and assembled, yielding a new design for an all-carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) truss structure. The design structure fully considers the mechanical characteristics of the truss and the requirements of standardized production efficiency, integrating the “fish keel” structural design method to give it a hollow structure style. By fabricating two 1:1 truss structures (A-Truss and B-Truss) with a length of 20.4 m, the conceptual design, modular design method, and integrated assembly technology of the truss structure were effectively verified; further, experimental research on the strength performance of the mold-clave-forming plate-type joint and the axial compression behavior of large-span full CFRP truss structure is carried out. The failure position of the truss structure is determined, and an enhancement measure for the key connection joint between the truss modules is proposed. Based on specific application scenarios, it is clear that the truss meets the design requirements in terms of bearing capacity and deformation, and can be used as the main bearing structure of large aircraft and aerospace assembly platforms.
Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation After Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Shen Zi-Duo , Qu Yang , Zhang Peng , Wang Guibin , Wang You , Yang Yi , Xu Baofeng , Guo Zhen-Ni
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Studies have shown that dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) is impaired in patients with severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) may improve dCA in these patients. However, the time course of dCA changes in patients after CEA remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of CEA on the dCA in patients with carotid artery stenosis at different time points.

Methods:

This prospective study enrolled 44 patients (19 symptomatic stenosis patients and 25 asymptomatic stenosis patients) who underwent CEA and 44 age- and sex-matched controls. In the CEA group, the patients underwent dCA measurements at baseline, within 3 days, and 1 month after CEA. Transfer function parameters, phase difference (PD), and gain were used to quantify dCA. Changes in dCA before and after CEA were analyzed in detail.

Results:

The bilateral PD of the patients before CEA was significantly lower than that of the control group. This damage did not improve within 3 days after surgery. One month after surgery, the PD on the affected side of the patients significantly improved compared with before surgery and reached the level of the control group. The PD of affected side across time points in symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis patients is consistent with that in all patients.

Conclusions:

The dCA level did not improve immediately after CEA but significantly improved 1 month after surgery. This suggests that the occurrence of stroke should be considered in the acute period after CEA surgery, and its preventive effect on stroke may be effective after 1 month.

Clinical Impact

We found the dCA level did not improve immediately after CEA but significantly improved 1 month after surgury. This suggests that the occuttencce of stroke and surgical complications (such as cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome) associated with impaired dCA in the acute phase after CEA surgery should be of particular concern.
A 12-Year Comparison of Alzheimer’s Dementia Patients With Their Informants in Taiwan
Authors: Jhang Kai-Ming , Wang Wen-Fu , Hsu Kuang-Nan , Huang Shang-Chien , Yang Sheng-Hsiang , Huang Ling-Chun , Yang Yuan-Han
Published: November 2023

Background

To update the characteristics of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their informants in Taiwan and compare them from 12 years ago.

Methods

1218 patients with AD and their informants were recruited from six hospitals in Taiwan. The uniform data set version 3.0 (UDS3, form A1-A3) were administered.

Results

Compared with the first registration from 2010-2012 (n = 691), the mean clinical dementia rating sum of boxes score was significantly lower, more patients living independently, and more informants not living together with the patients. A total of 11.2%, 4.1%, 12.8%, and 0.5% of the patients had a reported history of cognitive impairment in their mothers, fathers, siblings, and children, respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with the data from 2010, patients have been diagnosed at a milder disease stage, and their informants used telephone contact more frequently instead of living with the patients. Family histories of cognitive impairment in patients with AD remain frequent.
Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery With Concomitant Cox Maze Procedure Is as Effective as a Median Sternotomy With Decreased Morbidity
Authors: Yates Tari-Ann , McGilvray Martha , Vinyard Connor , Sinn Laurie , Razo Nicholas , He June , Roberts Harold G. , Schill Matthew R. , Zemlin Christian , Damiano Ralph J.
Published: November 2023

Objective:

A right minithoracotomy (RMT) is a minimally invasive surgical approach that has been increasingly performed for the concomitant Cox maze IV procedure (CMP) and mitral valve surgery (MVS). Little is known regarding whether long-term rhythm and survival outcomes are affected by the RMT as compared with the traditional median sternotomy (MS) approach.

Methods:

Between April 2004 and April 2021, 377 patients underwent the concomitant CMP and MVS, of whom 38% had RMT. Propensity score matching yielded 116 pairs. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATA) was assessed with prolonged monitoring annually for 8 years. Survival, rhythm, and perioperative outcomes were compared.

Results:

The unmatched RMT cohort had a greater freedom from ATA recurrence at 1 year (99% vs 90%, P = 0.001) and 3 years (94% vs 86%, P = 0.045). The matched RMT cohort had longer cardiopulmonary bypass (median: 215 [199 to 253] vs 170 [136 to 198] min, P < 0.001) and aortic cross-clamp (110 [98 to 124] vs 86 [71 to 102] min, P < 0.001) times but shorter intensive care time (48 [24 to 95] vs 71 [26 to 144] h, P = 0.001) and length of stay (8 [6 to 11] vs 10 [7 to 14] h, P < 0.001). More pacemakers (18% vs 4%, P < 0.001) and postoperative transfusions (57% vs 41%, P = 0.014) occurred in the MS cohort. The 30-day mortality ( P = 0.651) and 8-year survival ( P = 0.072) was not significantly different between the cohorts.

Conclusions:

Early 1-year and 3-year freedom from ATA recurrence was better in the RMT cohort compared with the MS cohort. Despite longer operative times, the RMT cohort had shorter lengths of stay, fewer postoperative transfusions, and fewer pacemakers placed.
Treatment Trends in Pediatric Trigger Thumb Among Hand Surgeons, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons, and Pediatric Hand Surgeons
Authors: MacConnell Ashley E. , Schoenfeldt Theodore L. , Bowman Christine A. , January Alicia M. , Fishman Felicity G.
Published: November 2023

Background:

The appropriate initial management of pediatric trigger thumb (PTT) remains controversial. Some providers advocate for prolonged nonoperative management, whereas others may offer surgical release to provide a reliable and expedient resolution. The goal of this study was to elucidate the practice patterns of surgeons with different fellowship training who treat patients with PTT. We hypothesized that an association between surgeon specialty training and treatment algorithm would be identified.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was sent to mailing lists of 3 professional organizations whose members represent most providers caring for pediatric hand patients. Respondents were asked their training background and treatment recommendations for several clinical scenarios. Responses were compared across subspecialties.

Results:

Of the respondents, 444 completed a fellowship in hand surgery, 167 completed a pediatric orthopedic fellowship, and 155 completed an additional congenital hand fellowship. Providers with hand fellowship training were more likely to offer surgical intervention as a first-line treatment for a 3-year-old patient with a flexible trigger thumb than those who completed a pediatric orthopedic fellowship ( P = .001), and more likely to offer surgical intervention to a 3-year-old patient with an intermittent ( P = .007), painful ( P = .015), or locked ( P = .012) trigger thumb than those providers who completed additional training in congenital hand surgery. No statistically significant differences in practice patterns were appreciated for children aged 6 and 18 months.

Conclusion:

Variability was appreciated in practice patterns for initial treatment recommendation for a patient presenting with PTT. Subspecialty training does appear to affect treatment recommendations for clinical scenarios involving a 3-year-old patient with PTT, although this trend is not observed when treating younger patients.
The South West Clinical School model: an initiative to transform clinical academic career pathways
Authors: Underwood Frazer , Kent Bridie , Rae Pamela , O’Keeffe Kim , Shawe Jill
Published: November 2023

Background:

The Clinical School Model connects professorial staff from the university directly to practitioners in the National Health Service to promote evidence informed practice and develop clinical academic careers. These are promoted widely, but strategic adoption into organisational culture and workforce plans are challenging to overcome.

Aims:

To describe the development of the Clinical School Model in Cornwall and explore how it generates impact through staff engagement activities to support clinical academic career pathways. Structure, process and outcomes developments over the last 3-years are reported.

Methods:

Donabedian’s framework (structure, process and outcome) was used to report on the development and impact of the Clinical School Model.

Results:

Structural and process activities are reported, illustrating strong foundations to embed clinical academic career pathway opportunities. In the absence of empirical reporting standards for such developments, quantitative and qualitative outcomes are reported against the Clinical School’s 5-year strategic plan.

Conclusions:

This paper responds to the lack of reported evidence on developing organisational infrastructure to address the clinical academics aspirations of nurses and their employers. This important contribution leads a call for more organisations to report to the evidence base, enabling shared learning and shaping future research.
Contextual diversity and anchoring: Null effects on learning word forms and opposing effects on learning word meanings
Authors: Li Jiayin , Wong Louise , Rodrigues Catarina , Hulme Rachael C , Joseph Holly , Kyle Fiona E , Taylor J S H
Published: November 2023

Words that appear in many contexts/topics are recognised faster than those occurring in fewer contexts. However, contextual diversity benefits are less clear in word learning studies. Mak et al. proposed that diversity benefits might be enhanced if new word meanings are anchored before introducing diversity. In our study, adults ( N = 288) learned meanings for eight pseudowords, four experienced in six topics (high diversity) and four in one topic (low diversity). All items were first experienced five times in one topic (anchoring phase), and results were compared to Norman et al. which used a similar paradigm without an anchoring phase. An old-new decision post-test (did you learn this word?) showed null effects of contextual diversity on written form recognition accuracy and response time, mirroring Norman et al. A cloze task involved choosing which pseudoword completed a sentence. For sentences situated in a previously experienced context, accuracy was significantly higher for pseudowords learned in the low diversity condition, whereas for sentences situated in a new context, accuracy was non-significantly higher for pseudowords learned in the high diversity condition. Anchoring modulated these effects. Low diversity item accuracy was unaffected by anchoring. However, for high-diversity items, accuracy in familiar contexts was better in the current experiment (anchoring) than in Norman et al. (non-anchoring), but accuracy in new contexts did not differ between the two experiments. These results suggest that anchoring facilitates meaning use in familiar contexts, but not generalisation to new contexts, nor word recognition in isolation.
The role of the fracture liaison service in the prevention of atypical femoral fractures
Authors: Toro Giuseppe , Braile Adriano , Liguori Sara , Moretti Antimo , Landi Giovanni , Cecere Antonio Benedetto , Conza Gianluca , De Cicco Annalisa , Tarantino Umberto , Iolascon Giovanni
Published: November 2023

Osteoporosis and fragility fractures (FFs) are considered critical health problems by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The occurrence of a FF raises the risk of a subsequent fracture (refracture). The hip is the most common site of fragility refracture, and its onset is associated with a further increase in patient’s morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. Therefore, the prevention of refracture is essential. In this context, fracture liaison service (FLS) demonstrated to be able to reduce FF risk and also improve patients’ adherence to anti-osteoporotic treatments, particularly for bisphosphonates (BPs). However, long-term and high adherence to BPs may lead to atypical femoral fractures (AFFs). These latter are tensile side stress fractures of the femur, with high rates of complications, including delayed and non-healing. An effective FLS should be able to prevent both FF and AFF. A comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, through the involvement and education of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals (i.e. orthopedic, geriatrician, primary care physician, rehabilitation team, and bone nurse) for evaluating both FF and AFF risks might be useful to improve the standard of care.
Impacts of Free-Ranging Dogs on a Community of Vertebrate Scavengers in a High Andean Ecosystem
Authors: Monar-Barragán Henry Paul , Araujo Evelyn Edith , Restrepo-Cardona Juan Sebastián , Kohn Sebastián , Paredes-Bracho Andrea , Vargas Félix Hernán
Published: November 2023

Background and Research Aims

Native vertebrate scavenger communities may be affected by free-ranging dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris), but little information is available on this subject. We aimed to evaluate the influence of free-ranging dogs on a community of native vertebrate scavengers and to propose management and conservation actions.

Methods

Between November 2014 and June 2016, we systematically monitored 37 ungulate carcasses in the buffer zone of Antisana National Park, Andes of Ecuador at an elevation range between 3000 and 4150 m asl. We monitored carcasses with camera traps operating 24 hours per day.

Results

We obtained 1010 independent events and recorded seven vertebrate scavenger species. Free-ranging dogs were present at carcasses for 40.39% of the total activity time, but the most frequently recorded species were the Andean fox ( Lycalopex culpaeus) and the Carunculated Caracara ( Phalcoboenus carunculatus). The scavenging birds were diurnal, the Andean fox was mostly nocturnal, and the free-ranging dogs were active in all periods of the day. Native scavenger species changed their peak of activity to times when the free-ranging dogs were less active, probably to avoid agonistic encounters. The presence of free-ranging dogs negatively influenced the number of independent events of the native species.

Conclusion

The presence of free-ranging dogs showed a negative relationship with the residence time and the number of independent events of native scavenging species. Furthermore, their presence modified the hour of the peak in the activity patterns of the scavenger community.

Implications for Conservation

The presence of free-ranging dogs may have important implications for the conservation of the Vulnerable Andean Condor ( Vultur gryphus) in Ecuador. To achieve the conservation goals of native vertebrate scavengers, particularly of Andean Condors, it is necessary to develop environmental education programs, provide technical training in responsible dog ownership, and conduct campaigns to sterilize and control dogs.
A rare case of ‘ring-sling complex’ in a symptomatic adult patient: A left pulmonary artery sling with complete tracheal rings
Authors: Lee Michelle , Baranowski Ralitsa , Oo Aung , Waller David
Published: November 2023

Pulmonary artery sling (PAS) is a rare congenital condition, in which the left pulmonary artery (LPA) originates from the right pulmonary artery instead of the main pulmonary artery. It courses between the oesophagus and the trachea, forming a sling and causes compression of both structures. We report a very rare case of a symptomatic adult patient with PAS and a coexisting tracheal anomaly with complete tracheal rings, referred to as a ‘ring-sling complex’.
Covert Contrast in Acquiring Fricatives by Preschool Children: Evidence From Najdi Arabic
Authors: Altoeriqi Eman , Aljutaily Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Covert contrast is the statistically reliable distinction between target language phonemes produced in the process of language acquisition that is nevertheless not perceived by a native speaker of that language. This paper examines the acquisition of contrasts in four Najdi Arabic fricatives, /s/, /ʃ/, /θ/, and /ð/, and seeks to identify the most common substitutions in producing these sounds. Words were elicited from 25 preschool children (aged 3–5 years). The target words contained the studied fricative followed by either long /a:/ or short /a/ in the initial position. Praat software was used for acoustic analysis to extract the four acoustic cues: center of gravity, fricative noise duration, F1, and F2. Participants performed a word repetition task and a picture elicitation task. The results showed six cases of covert contrast, seven cases of no contrast, and 87 cases of accurate production (overt contrast). The results also revealed stopping, gliding, and affrication as substitutions in the manner of articulation, while replacement in place of articulation occurred in backing but most commonly in fronting (24 cases). The present study sought to determine implications for children’s linguistic performance, and, consequently, for language education and for planning treatment for children with speech disorders.
Examining the Inclusivity of Extended Reality (XR) in Current Products
Authors: Derby Jessyca L. , Mello Stephanie M. , Horn Nicholas R. , StClair Andi N. , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: November 2023

With Extended Reality (XR) moving more towards the general public there are many companies developing commercial devices for their customers. Little research has been done to examine how inclusive these devices are for diverse populations. Instead, the focus has been on how we can develop specialized XR technology to help those with disabilities, such as helping those who are blind navigate their environment. This article provides an investigation of some of the current XR devices on the market based on established best practices, standards, and developer kits for inclusive XR design through three case studies: head-mounted displays, mobile devices, and smart glasses.
Robust Financial Inclusion Framework by Examining Literacy Aspects in Oman
Authors: Javed Sarfaraz , Abro Zahida , Azad Imran , Khan Mohammad Shahfaraz
Published: November 2023

This research examines how Internet finance and challenges (IFC) affect Oman’s banking sector’s financial inclusion (FIN). This research also examines the mediating function of digital literacy (DL) and financial literacy (FL). The conceptual model hypothesis was tested using a questionnaire with study construct items. Financial services and customers at selected Oman banks were sampled using purposive sampling. To test model fitness and derive hypothesis outcomes, AMOS was used to analyze these data using PLS-SEM. The IFC and FIN of financial services users were positively and significantly associated, and DL and FL mediated this connection. This research highlighted DL and FL as the mediating mechanism, adding to the literature on IFC and FIN. FIN must address Internet finance issues, and the government must create regulations to improve financial service consumers’ DL and FL to boost FIN in Oman. This research is innovative and distinctive since it emphasizes the necessity of technological literacy to make it easier for banks and other financial institutions to deliver financial services to the Sultanate of Oman.