bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteogenic organoid for bone regeneration: Healing of bone defect in congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia
Authors: Cardier Jose E , Diaz-Solano Dylana , Wittig Olga , Sierra Giuseppe , Pulido Jose , Moreno Rita , Fuentes Soraima , Leal Fredy
Published: January 2024

Background:

Congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is an uncommon disease associated with failure to achieve bone union and recurrent fractures. There is evidence showing that CPT is associated with decreased osteogenesis. Based on the capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to induce osteogenesis, we develop an osteogenic organoid (OstO) constituted by these cells, and other components of the bone niche, for inducing bone formation in a child diagnosed with CPT.

Aim:

To evaluate the capacity of an OstO to induce bone formation in a patient with CPT.

Methods:

The OstO was fabricated with allogeneic bone marrow MSCs from a healthy donor, collagen microbeads (CM) and PRP clot. The CM and PRP function as extracellular matrix and scaffolds for MSC. The OstO was placed at the site of non-union. Internal and external fixation was placed in the tibia. Radiological evaluation was performed after MSCs transplantation.

Results:

After 4 months of MSCs transplantation, radiographic imaging showed evidence of osteogenesis at the site of CPT lesion. The tibia showed bone consolidation and complete healing of the non-union CPT lesion after 6 months. Functional improvement was observed after 1 year of MSC transplantation.

Conclusions:

The OstO is a bone-like niche which promote osteogenesis in patients with failure in bone formation, such as CPT. To our knowledge, these results provide the first evidence showing CPT healing induced by an OstO constituted by allogeneic MSCs. Future studies incorporating a larger number of patients may confirm these results.
On the relationship between group analysis and mentalization-based group therapy
Authors: Karterud Sigmund , Gunnarsen Gordon , Kongerslev Mickey T. , Staun Lenka , Schultz-Venrath Ulrich
Published: January 2024

In this article we describe and reflect upon the roots of mentalization-based group therapy (MBT-G) and its relationship to group analysis. The original setting for MBT was psychotherapeutic day hospitals that were strongly influenced by group analytic thinking. The challenges from an increasing number of borderline patients initiated theoretical and therapeutic innovations that separated MBT-G from traditional group analysis who responded differently, e.g. by strengthening its ties to object-relational theories that emphasized innate destructive drives. Since then, the dialogue between the two approaches have been meagre in the UK, but more constructive in e.g. Norway and Germany. We argue that MBT-G needs group analytic competence with respect to basic group dynamics, and that group analysis needs revitalization by the theory of mentalizing. We call for dialogues between the two approaches. The authors belong to both camps and speak with reference to experiences in Norway, United Kingdom, Denmark and Germany.
Investigating political news coverage patterns in Bangladesh during 2013-2022 using computational methods
Authors: Al-Zaman Md. Sayeed , Noman Mridha Md. Shiblee
Published: January 2024

The political landscape in Bangladesh is complex and multifaceted, with limited exploration in relation to the rapidly growing news industry. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing 15,801 news articles, utilizing trend analysis and topic modeling. The findings reveal a consistent decline in political news coverage, with sporadic increases during parliamentary election years. The dominant focus of news topics revolves around the two major political parties, the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), indicating the country’s two-party-centric nature of politics. Smaller political parties receive media coverage primarily when they form coalitions with major parties, further highlighting the dominance of the two major parties in political news coverage. The study also uncovers a preference for individual political figures over incidents or events in news coverage, suggesting a patron-client relationship within major political parties and a hierarchical decision-making system. In addition, the study identifies shifts in news framing during significant events, such as national elections, indicating changes in person-centric news frames, but always involving one of the two major political parties. Finally, the study highlights and raises important questions about potential political control over media and journalistic activities, stimulating discourse on journalistic freedom and political free speech.
Building network agenda in China-U.S. trade conflict news: Transnational comparative study across China, the United States, Singapore and Ireland
Authors: Liu Shujun
Published: January 2024

Drawing from agenda building theory, this study explores the impact of factors like journalistic culture, national stance and conflict periods on the similarity and dissimilarity of network agendas in China-U.S. trade conflict news across China, the United States, Singapore and Ireland. Findings revealed significant correlations in network agendas across countries, albeit with disparities between China and the United States. Notably, the correlation weakened in both Chinese and U.S. news following the trade war’s eruption.
News media heeding call to reduce reporting names of mass shooters
Authors: Hrach Thomas J.
Published: January 2024

The U.S. news media has been under pressure to avoid reporting the names of the perpetrators of mass shootings. This research shows a connection between the number of people killed in a mass shooting and the number of times the news media report the perpetrators’ name. It shows that from 2012 to 2021 the news media heeded the call to limit the number of times the name of a mass shooter was reported.
Involuntary Adoption of Information and Communication Technologies During Emergencies: Temporality of Technology Use in Virtual Collaborations
Authors: Rice Rebecca M. , Pennington Natalie
Published: January 2024

Emergencies often require multiple organizations to respond, and coordinating this response may involve the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated both the potential and challenges of ICT use within emergency collaborations, especially as ICT adoption was often spontaneous and forced, rather than voluntary and planned. In this research, we engaged a temporal perspective, which is interested in how organizational members understand and enact time, to understand involuntary ICT adoption. This study consisted of interviews and observations of a public safety collaboration during the pandemic. We found two themes in how ICT use changed over time during the pandemic: first, understanding of the crisis was interpreted through ICT usage, and second, constraints to collaboration caused by ICTs were ultimately transformed into assets. This study contributes to ICT scholarship by finding that, beyond conveying collaboration information, ICT use also influences and changes the collaborative process over time.
Free vibration analysis of functionally graded shallow shells with variable thickness and physical neutral surface effects
Authors: Thang Pham Toan , Do Dieu T. T. , Nguyen-Thoi T. , Lee Jaehong , Tran Phuong
Published: January 2024

The study and manufacture of functionally graded (FG) shallow shells with the variable thickness are essential for the actual application of these types of structures. Previously, many researchers have developed different approaches to analyzing the mechanical behaviors of the FG structures, in which the thickness parameter has been assumed to be constant. Moreover, studies on these types of structures with the variable thickness are still quite limited. For this reason, this paper provides an effective and simple approach via mathematical formulations for analyzing the free vibrational responses of FG shallow shells with the variable thickness. Also, the presence of porosities that can occur during the fabrication of FG materials is considered. One of the highlights here is to consider the influence of the physical neutral surface. Before conducting the analysis of these FG structures, firstly, it is important to establish governing equations based on the classical shell theory. These essential equations are used for the FG shallow shells. Then, by setting the Navier solution with the help of simply supported boundary conditions, the natural frequencies are obtained. Finally, the numerical examples will be given to illustrate the effects of porosity coefficient, material and geometry parameters as well as the physical neutral surface on the natural frequencies. In addition, two numerical examples for verification will also be performed and thereby show the accuracy of the current method and model. It is hoped that the main results of this study can be useful not only to designers and researchers but also to be extended to more complex problems.
HCDR-based motion planning for mobile manipulators with the continuous trajectory task
Authors: Xu Jingjing , Tao Long , Pei Yanhu , Liu Zhifeng , Liu Tiantian , Chen Jianzhou
Published: January 2024

Mobile manipulators have been widely used in modern industrial fields due to their advantages of large operating workspace and high motion dexterity. For the application, the path planning has been a core foundation for its motion control. However, as the environmental complexity and performance requirements increase, existing methods are limited by low execution efficiency, and lack of comprehensive consideration of motion performances. A motion planning technique is proposed for mobile manipulators with continuous trajectory task. In this technique, a hierarchical constraints dimension reduction (HCDR) strategy is presented based on the task decomposition and performance requirements analysis of each stage. HCDR strategy aims to improve the execution efficiency of the algorithm through local operations of performance constraints and the local simplification of the distance calculation at different stages of the task. Models of inverse kinematics and performance indexes are established to provide basis for constraint conditions, including distance models with different accuracy, manipulability index model and trajectory tracing error model. Two optimization strategies are presented to solve the motion planning problem considering the overall performance of the system. And simulation results show that the three-level strategy has the higher convergence efficiency than the bi-level strategy, as well as can guarantee the motion performance of the system.
A unified stiffness model of rolling lobe air spring with nonlinear structural parameters and air pressure dependence of rubber bellows
Authors: Chen Jun-Jie , Huang Zi-Qi , Liu Hong-Jiang , Qiu Guang-Qi , Gu Ying-Kui
Published: January 2024

The structural parameters of the rolling lobe air spring and the mechanical characteristic of rubber bellows are the key factors affecting the stiffness and mechanical characteristic of the rolling lobe air spring. Aiming at the prediction difficulties of structural parameters of the rolling lobe air spring with the composite curved contour piston and the modeling complexity of the hysteretic mechanical characteristic of rubber bellows under variable pressure conditions, the geometrical method is applied to derive the structural parameters models of the rolling lobe air spring with the composite curved contour piston. A new pressure factor is introduced and the Coulomb frictional pressure perturbation model and the fractional derivative Kelvin-Voigt pressure perturbation model are reconstructed to accurately describe the hysteretic mechanical characteristic of rubber bellows under variable pressure conditions. A unified pressure equation is constructed to characterize the evolution of model parameters under variable pressure conditions. Furthermore, a hysteretic mechanical characteristic pressure perturbation model (abbreviated as HMCPP model) of rubber bellows under variable pressure conditions is put forward. Finally, a unified stiffness model of the rolling lobe air spring including prediction models of nonlinear structural parameters and a HMCPP model of rubber bellows is built. Taking a certain type of rolling lobe air spring as the test sample A, the structural parameters tests and static/dynamic characteristic tests of sample A are carried out based on the MTS852.05 test bench, which verified the accuracy of the unified stiffness model of the rolling lobe air spring. The research results provide theoretical support for the mechanical characteristic matching and air pressure precise control of the rolling lobe air spring under variable pressure conditions.
Dissipative filtering for uncertain positive Roesser system under the try-once-discard protocol
Authors: Zhang Na , Liang Jinling
Published: January 2024

This article addresses the problem of dissipative filtering for the delayed positive Roesser system with uncertainties under the try-once-discard communication protocol. To estimate the output of the addressed two-dimensional system, both positive lower- and upper-bounding filters are constructed, where the signals from the sensor nodes to the remote filters are transmitted through a shared communication network. To avoid the undesired data congestion phenomenon, the try-once-discard protocol is implemented to dynamically schedule the transmission sequence of the sensor nodes. Then, sufficient conditions are derived to design appropriate filters ensuring that the filtering error systems are positive, two-dimensional [Formula: see text]- γ-dissipative, and asymptotically stable. Finally, one numerical example is presented to demonstrate effectiveness of the designed filters.
Discounted prices, discounted respect? The influence of cultural norms on freelance contract relations in England and Taiwan
Authors: Zeng Yiluyi
Published: January 2024

Freelance contract relations are culturally embedded social relations. The article compares England and Taiwan due to their distinct social norms and concepts of trust for those in contractual relationships, and explores the cultural differences manifested in freelance contract relations. Based on 32 interviews with freelancers in Taiwan and 36 interviews in England, the findings suggest that freelancers’ contract negotiation and tolerance of violation are culturally dependent. In Taiwan, contract relations in general tend to be conflated with interpersonal relations associated with affect and reciprocity, but in freelance contracts, the responsibility for maintaining relations and demonstrating trustworthiness seems to fall on freelancers, who feel obliged to extend favours by compromising their own interests. In England, contract relations are associated with moral equality and the need to remain credible by fulfilling agreements; as such, contracting parties have lower expectations of the other to compromise, and deviations from fulfilling mutual obligations are limited compared to Taiwan.
Clinical algorithm model based on cfDNA to predict SLE disease activity
Authors: Wang Fang , Liu Yi-jing , Miao Hai-Bing , Chen Zhen
Published: January 2024

Background

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been widely used as a new liquid-biopsy marker. Dysregulation of cfDNA has been found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the detailed association between cfDNA and SLE has not been thoroughly studied.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from 88 patients with active SLE and 39 patients with inactive SLE. The cfDNA concentration was determined, and the length and distribution of cfDNA fragments were verified.

Results

cfDNA concentrations were significantly higher in patients with active SLE than in patients with inactive SLE (0.4 [0.18–0.897] ng/µL vs 0.249 [0.144–0.431] ng/µL; p = .043). cfDNA fragments were enriched in the ranges of 153–198 bp and 300–599 bp. cfDNA concentrations were associated with the reduction of the anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies titer (r = −0.301, p = .034). The presence of anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein ( p = .012), anti-Sjogren syndrome A ( p = .024), anti-dsDNA ( p = .0208), and anti-nucleosome antibodies ( p = .0382) might associate to the variation of cfDNA concentration. Reduced cfDNA concentration was associated with renal damage in active SLE patients (0.31 [0.11–0.73] ng/µL vs 0.65 [0.27–1.53] ng/µL; p = .009). The Active index, a combination model including cfDNA concentration and other clinical indices, had an area of 0.886 under the receiver operating characteristics curve for distinguishing active SLE. The Active index was positively correlated with the SLE disease activity index score (r = 0.6724, p < .0001).

Conclusions

Through systematic stratified analysis and clinical algorithm model, this study found that plasma cfDNA concentration is closely related to SLE disease severity, which has guiding significance for the future clinical application of cfDNA in SLE.
Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling ratio derived from 3-dimensional echocardiography predicts outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension patients
Authors: Lan Wei-Fang , Deng Yan , Dai Ping , Wu Dan-dan , Hu Jie , Liao Juan , Meng Hui
Published: January 2024

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune connective tissue disease (CTD) that is an important cause of devastating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and persistent progression of PAH can lead to right heart failure, predicting a poor prognosis for SLE patients. Right ventricular-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling with echocardiography has been demonstrated to be a noninvasive alternative method for evaluating PAH patients' predictive outcomes. Whether the ratio of right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV) to right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV) measured by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a new index of RV-PA coupling has not been discussed as a new predictor for the clinical outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SLE-PAH).

Methods

From June 2019 to February 2023, 46 consecutive patients with SLE-PAH were enrolled prospectively, and their clinical data and echocardiographs were studied and analyzed. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and body surface area (BSA). The main endpoints of this study were a composite of all-cause mortality and adverse clinical events. Baseline clinical characteristics and echocardiographic assessments were analyzed.

Results

During a median of 24 months (IQR 18–31), 16 of 46 SLE-PAH patients (34.7%) experienced endpoint-related events. At baseline, patients who experienced mortality or adverse events had a worse WHO functional class (WHO FC) and lower anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody levels. The right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction in SLE-PAH subjects was significantly worse than that in the healthy control group, especially in SLE-PAH patients in the endpoint event group. Compared to controls, patients with SLE-PAH had a lower RVSV/RVESV ratio. In the group comparison, patients who had experienced an endpoint event had a sequentially worse ratio (1.86 (1.65–2.3) versus 1.30 (1.09–1.46) versus 0.64 (0.59-0.67), p < .001). There were statistically significant associations between the RVSV/RVESV ratio to routine RV systolic function and clinical parameters. The RVSV/RVESV ratio was negatively correlated with the WHO FC (r = −0.621, p < .001) and positively correlated with the anti-dsDNA level. The ROC curve showed that the optimal cutoff for RVSV/RVESV < 0.712 determined a higher risk of poor prognosis. Kaplan‒Meier survival curves showed that an RVSV/RVESV ratio >0.712 was associated with more favorable long-term outcomes.

Conclusions

The 3DE-derived SV/ESV ratio as a noninvasive alternative surrogate of RV-PA coupling was an eximious indicator for identifying endpoint events in SLE-PAH patients and can provide a diagnostic basis for clinical intervention.
Relapsed/Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis With UNC13D and CD27 Germline Mutations
Authors: Yang Tingting , Chen Rongrong , Zhang Mingming , Jing Ruirui , Geng Jia , Wei Guoqing , Luo Yi , Xiao Pingnan , Hong Ruimin , Feng Jingjing , Fu Shan , Zhao Houli , Cui Jiazhen , Huang Simao , Huang He , Hu Yongxian
Published: January 2024

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe hyperinflammatory disease characterized by familial and acquired forms. Here, we present the case of a 26-year-old male patient with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma and concurrent HLH. Whole-exon sequencing revealed germline mutations associated with HLH, including those in critical genes such as CD27 and UNC13D and other germline heterozygous variants ( NOTCH2, NOTCH3, IL2RA, TYK2, AGL, CFD, and F13A1). CD107a analyses consistently demonstrated impaired degranulation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. Examination of the patient’s family pedigree revealed that his father and mother harbored UNC13D and CD27 mutations, respectively; his brother carried the same CD27 heterozygous mutation. However, none of them manifested the disease. Despite the missense mutation of CD27 (c.779C>T; p.Pro260Leu) lacking previous documentation in databases, comprehensive analysis suggested non-pathogenic mutations in the CD27 variant, indicating minimal impact on T- and NK-cell functions. These results ultimately supported the option of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as a successful curative therapeutic approach. As of this report, the patient has remained free of lymphoma and quiescent HLH 15.2 months post-HSCT. This study underscores the efficacy of genetic tests in identifying significant mutations and confirming their etiologies, providing an early basis for treatment decisions and the selection of suitable transplant donors.
A novel predictive model based on pericarotid adipose tissue and lumen stenosis for stroke risk in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhao Yinan , Guo Zhongping , Zhang Yonggang , Miao Chongchang , Gu Yan
Published: January 2024

The study aimed to investigate the predictive value of clinical characteristics, major computed tomography angiography (CTA) indexes of carotid AS (carotid lumen stenosis and plaque burden), and inflammatory pericarotid adipose tissue for acute stroke risk in patients with a moderate or higher degree of carotid stenosis. In all, 119 patients with unilateral carotid stenosis who underwent head and neck computed tomography angiography were included and assigned to the stroke group or non-stroke group according to magnetic resonance imaging. Pericarotid adipose tissue attenuation value, net enhancement value in the base phase and the enhancement phase, and atherosclerotic features (plaque burden and lumen stenosis) were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and the operating characteristic curve (ROC) were performed to establish a predictive model for the presence of acute ischemic stroke. ROC analysis showed that pericarotid adipose tissue attenuation value and lumen stenosis were predictive factors for stroke. The AUC of pericarotid adipose tissue attenuation (PCAT) attenuation, lumen stenosis, the novel prediction model independently constructed based on PCAT attenuation, and lumen stenosis resulted in 0.838 (95% CI 0.759–0.899), 0.700 (95% CI 0.826–0.944), and 0.942 (95% CI 0.884–0.977), respectively. The model had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.909 and 0.893, respectively, when the cutoff value was 0.388. We found that the risk model combining pericarotid adipose tissue attenuation value and lumen stenosis has significant predictive values for the presence of symptomatic stroke among patients with a moderate or higher degree of carotid stenosis.
Risk factors and mortality in dialysis patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Duchesne Gabriela , Xia Di , Waller Jennifer L. , Bollag Wendy B. , Mohammed Azeem , Padala Sandeep , Kheda Mufaddal , Taskar Varsha , Weintraub Neal L. , Young Lufei , Baer Stephanie L.
Published: January 2024

In the general population, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is synonymous with vascular disease and associated with increased mortality. Vascular disease is common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis, but there is limited information on AAA in this population. To address this issue, we queried the United States Renal Data System for risk factors associated with a diagnosis of AAA as well as the impact of AAA on ESRD patient survival. Incident dialysis patients from 2005 to 2014 with AAA and other clinical comorbidities were identified using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. Time to death was defined using the time from the start of dialysis to the date of death or to December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards (CPH) modeling was used to determine the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for death. From a total cohort of 820,826, we identified 21,631 subjects with a diagnosis of AAA. When compared to patients without AAA, AAA patients were older and more likely to be of white race and male gender, have a higher mean Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), have hypertension as the ESRD etiology, and use tobacco. Although a bivariate CPH model showed that AAA patients had an increased mortality risk compared to patients without the diagnosis, in the final CPH model, AAA patients had a decreased risk of mortality (aHR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.81–0.84) due to confounding with age. These results suggest that AAA is not associated with increased risk of death in ESRD patients after controlling for various demographic and clinical risk factors.
In vitro Safety Assessment of Extracts and Compounds From Plants as Sunscreen Ingredients
Authors: Flórez González Silvia Juliana , Stashenko Elena E. , Ocazionez Raquel Elvira , Vinardell María Pilar , Fuentes Jorge Luis
Published: January 2024

This work investigated the safety of extracts obtained from plants growing in Colombia, which have previously shown UV-filter/antigenotoxic properties. The compounds in plant extracts obtained by the supercritical fluid (CO2) extraction method were identified using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Cytotoxicity measured as cytotoxic concentration 50% (CC50) and genotoxicity of the plant extracts and some compounds were studied in human fibroblasts using the trypan blue exclusion assay and the Comet assay, respectively. The extracts from Pipper eriopodon and Salvia aratocensis species and the compound trans-β-caryophyllene were clearly cytotoxic to human fibroblasts. Conversely, Achyrocline satureioides, Chromolaena pellia, and Lippia origanoides extracts were relatively less cytotoxic with CC50 values of 173, 184, and 89 μg/mL, respectively. The C. pellia and L. origanoides extracts produced some degree of DNA breaks at cytotoxic concentrations. The cytotoxicity of the studied compounds was as follows, with lower CC50 values representing the most cytotoxic compounds: resveratrol (91 μM) > pinocembrin (144 μM) > quercetin (222 μM) > titanium dioxide (704 μM). Quercetin was unique among the compounds assayed in being genotoxic to human fibroblasts. Our work indicates that phytochemicals can be cytotoxic and genotoxic, demonstrating the need to establish safe concentrations of these extracts for their potential use in cosmetics.
A standardized educational program to improve peripheral vascular access outcomes in the emergency department: A quasi-experimental pre-post trial
Authors: Bahl Amit , Mielke Nicholas , Xing Yuying , DiLoreto Emily , Zimmerman Todd , Gibson S. Matthew
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Difficult intravenous access (DIVA) patients are known to have disproportionately poorer vascular access outcomes. The impact of education and training on vascular access outcomes in this vulnerable population is unclear. We aim to demonstrate the success of a program (Operation (O) STICK) on improving vascular access outcomes in DIVA patients.

Methods:

This was a quasi-experimental pre-post interventional study conducted at a tertiary care emergency department (ED) with 120,000 annual visits and 1100 hospital beds. Adult patients requiring an ultrasound-guided (US) peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) in the ED were eligible participants. Traditional (palpation method) insertions were excluded. Using multivariable linear regression and inverse probability weighted (IPW) linear regression, the standard group inclusive of PIVCs inserted by staff without formalized OSTICK training were compared to the interventional group inclusive of PIVCs inserted by staff with training and competency in the OSTICK training model.

Results:

Data were collected over two time intervals: 4/1/21–9/30/21 (pre; non-OSTICK) and 10/1/22–3/31/23 (post; OSTICK). 2375 DIVA patients included 1035 (43.6%) non-OSTICK and 1340 (56.4%) OSTICK PIVCs. Overall, OSTICK PIVCs had a higher proportion of upper arm or forearm placements (94.6% vs 57.4%; p < 0.001), 20 gauge catheters (97.1% vs 92.3%; p < 0.001), and left-sided placements (54.4% vs 43.5%; p < 0.001). 62.7% of OSTICK PIVCs were placed by ED technicians, compared to 25.5% in the non-OSTICK group ( p < 0.001). OSTICK PIVCs were placed on the first attempt 86.2% of the time and by the second attempt 95.4% of the time. In a subanalysis of 1343 hospitalized patients (689 (51.3%) OSTICK vs 654 (48.7%) non-OSTICK), OSTICK PIVCs survived for a median of 92% of the patient’s hospital length of stay, compared to non-OSTICK PIVCs at 74% ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Formalized vascular access training in the ED leads to improved adherence to best practices for PIVC insertion, high success of cannulation with minimal attempts, and improved PIVC functionality during hospitalization for DIVA patients. Importantly, these outcomes are sustainable as they were captured 12 months after implementation of the program.
Evaluating the impact of external forces on peripheral intravenous catheter movement using ultrasound: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Bahl Amit , Clement Vance , DiLoreto Emily , Mielke Nicholas , Carr Alexandria , Panza Gregory , Gibson S. Matthew
Published: January 2024

Background:

A major contributor to peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) failure may be related to PIVC movement within the vein which is associated with vein wall damage. The magnitude of PIVC movement against the vein wall has not previously been quantified. This study aimed to examine PIVC movement within the vein when minor forces were applied to the PIVC.

Methods:

This was a prospective, pilot trial including healthy volunteers in an outpatient research laboratory. The primary objective was to examine the in movement (millimeters) of the PIVC using ultrasound with external pull forces (4, 5, and 6 lbs; 1.8, 2.3, and 2.7 kg, respectively) applied to the PIVC in random order.

Results:

Participants ( N = 11) were aged 40.36 ± 16.10 years with 54.55% being Male. Mean ± SD PIVC movement for 4, 5, and 6 lbs of force was 4.65 ± 1.88, 3.88 ± 2.28, and 5.25 ± 2.06 mm, respectively. There was substantial PIVC movement when a force was applied to the PIVC, but no statistically significant difference between 4, 5, and 6 lb forces ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

When external pull forces were applied to the PIVC, substantial PIVC movement within the vein occurred in a healthy population. Strategies that reduce PIVC movement and/or remove or limit external pull forces from the PIVC are needed. Future studies on hospitalized patients are warranted to quantify vein wall injury and PIVC failure due to PIVC movement from various pull forces.
Clinical Outcomes of Breast-Conserving Surgery with Synchronous 50-kV X-ray Intraoperative Partial Breast Irradiation in Patients Aged 64 Years or Older with Low-Risk Breast Cancer
Authors: Salari Kamran , Glaza Andrew , Lee Joseph S , Sarvepalli Neha , Dekhne Nayana , Kiran Sayee H , Chen Peter Y , Dilworth Joshua T
Published: January 2024

Background:

Breast-conserving surgery with synchronous 50-kV X-ray intraoperative radiation therapy (TARGIT-IORT) is a convenient form of partial breast irradiation; however, the existing literature supports a wide range of local control rates.

Objectives:

We investigated the treatment effectiveness and toxic effects of TARGIT-IORT in a patient cohort aged 64 years or older with low-risk breast cancer.

Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Methods:

Patients who received breast-conserving surgery with synchronous TARGIT-IORT at a single institution from 2016 to 2019 were reviewed. Additional whole breast irradiation was recommended at the discretion of the treating radiation oncologist. Baseline patient demographics and treatment details were recorded. Acute and chronic toxicities, measured using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 or 4.0 and breast cosmetic outcomes, using the Harvard Cosmesis score, were recorded. Locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, and overall survival were recorded, and 5-year rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results:

61 patients were included with a median follow-up of 3.5 years and median age of 72 years. Eight (13%) patients received additional whole breast irradiation, and fifty-four (89%) received adjuvant hormone therapy. There were no local, regional, or distance recurrences. One patient died of complications from COVID-19 infection. Grade 2 + acute and chronic toxicities were observed in 6 (12%) and 7 (14%) patients, respectively. One patient experienced a grade 3 acute toxicity. Cosmetic outcome was “excellent” or “good” in 45 (92%) patients.

Conclusions:

Breast TARGIT-IORT was well tolerated and conferred excellent disease control in this cohort of patients with low-risk breast cancer. While continued follow-up is required, TARGIT-IORT may be an appropriate treatment option for this population.
The Risk of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients With Atrial Flutter Versus Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Moady Gassan , Rubinstein Gal , Mobarki Loai , Shturman Alexander , Or Tsafrir , Atar Shaul
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk of thromboembolic events originating mainly from left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT). Patients with atrial flutter (AFL) are treated with anticoagulation based on the same criteria as patients with AF. However, whether patients with AFL have similar thromboembolic risk as AF is unclear. In the current study we aimed to estimate the prevalence of LAAT in patients with AFL undergoing trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Methods/results:

We included 438 patients (404 with AF and 34 with AFL) scheduled for TEE to rule out LAAT before cardioversion (patients who reported no or inadequate anticoagulation before cardioversion). Demographic and echocardiographic data were compared between patients with and without LAAT. Despite a similar CHA2DS2-VASC score (3.8 ± 1.3 vs 3.4 ± 1.5 in the AF and AFL groups, respectively, P = .09), LAAT was documented in 12 (2.8%) in the AF group and in no patient in the AFL group ( P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Based on our results and previous studies, it seems reasonable to re-evaluate the need for oral anticoagulation in specific populations with AFL such as those with solitary AFL (without a history of AF episodes) undergoing successful ablation and in those with low CHA2DS2-VASC score.
Predictors of Myelosuppression for Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Wen-qing , Peng Liang , Zeng Xue-lan , Wen Wei-ping , Sun Wei
Published: January 2024

Background:

Induction chemotherapy (ICT) has become an initial treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, myelosuppression, an unavoidable side effect of ICT, significantly impacts follow-up treatment and prognosis. The main objective of this study is to identify the risk factors and predictors of myelosuppression and its different severity after ICT for ICT.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 102 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer or oropharyngeal cancer who received initial ICT from 2013 to 2022. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for myelosuppression. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated using the results of multiple logistic regression analysis to identify data with the highest sensitivity and lowest false-negative rate.

Results:

Pretreatment lymphocyte count (PLC) and the pretreatment platelet count (PPC) were identified as independent risk factors of myelosuppression ( P < .05). Pretreatment hemoglobin count (PHC) was an independent risk factor for predicting myelosuppression in patients with grades III to IV disease. Patients with myelosuppression after ICT are more sensitive to chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

The PLC and PPC predicted myelosuppression in patients with HNSCC-administered ICT, and the PHC predicted grades III to IV myelosuppression. Myelosuppressed patients were more chemosensitive after ICT.
Artificial Intelligence Applications in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Yang Jiaqing , Huang Jing , Han Deqian , Ma Xuelei
Published: January 2024

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, and its treatment has been a demanding clinical problem. Beyond traditional surgical therapy and chemotherapy, newly revealed molecular mechanisms diversify therapeutic approaches for colorectal cancer. However, the selection of personalized treatment among multiple treatment options has become another challenge in the era of precision medicine. Artificial intelligence has recently been increasingly investigated in the treatment of colorectal cancer. This narrative review mainly discusses the applications of artificial intelligence in the treatment of colorectal cancer patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify relevant papers, resulting in 49 articles being included. The results showed that, based on different categories of data, artificial intelligence can predict treatment outcomes and essential guidance information of traditional and novel therapies, thus enabling individualized treatment strategy selection for colorectal cancer patients. Some frequently implemented machine learning algorithms and deep learning frameworks have also been employed for long-term prognosis prediction in patients with colorectal cancer. Overall, artificial intelligence shows encouraging results in treatment strategy selection and prognosis evaluation for colorectal cancer patients.
Unveiling systemic oppression in business education: Freire’s contribution to our quest for social change
Authors: Cavalcanti Maria Fernanda Rios , Silva Andre Luis
Published: January 2024

Management scholarship faces a challenge in maintaining relevance, as it struggles to influence and shape practices that address pressing societal problems such as social inequalities and environmental degradation. While critical management education has surfaced as a promising avenue for reshaping management practices, it has yet to realize its potential. This article aims to address this relevance crisis by examining the limits of critical management education, particularly through the lens of Freire’s contributions. By recognizing coloniality as a crucial institutional constraint that underlies various forms of oppression, we gain insights into the barriers hindering our relevance. Overseeing this constraint is troubling within business schools, often viewed as colonial endeavors. Consequently, these insights shed light on our circumstances and limitations in producing social change. In response, we suggest reframing critical management education as a form of critical performativity informed by Freire’s insights. In this light, knowledge serves as a catalyst for change, empowered by its relational, responsible, and provocative validity. By embracing Freire’s principles of thematic investigation, thematization, and problematization, we provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing academic oppressions as a fundamental step in the quest for social change, offering valuable insights for future research and interventions in critical management education and beyond.
Doing mutual understanding in child and family therapy sessions: How three interlocutors calibrate new information
Authors: Edman Kristina
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an analysis of how three interlocutors sequentially organize and accomplish mutual understanding in naturally occurring audiovisual recordings of therapy sessions. The analysis is in keeping with microanalysis of face-to-face dialog (MFD) and follows operational definitions of three-step micro-processes that interlocutors use when they calibrate new information; that is, how they agree that they have understood each other’s words and actions well enough for current practical purposes. Pointing to some of the complexities that characterize triadic interactions, the analysis contributes with new documentations of ‘suspended’, ‘nested’, ‘branched’, ‘multi-paced’, and ‘mixed interpretations’ calibrations. The analysis also demonstrates how interlocutors may calibrate the ‘tone’ of an utterance before the topical content is mutually understood. The results and their implications may be relevant to practitioners of institutional talks at large, where the quality and outcome of, for instance, assessments and interventions largely rely on accomplishing mutual understanding.
Time to decolonise: ‘If not now’, then when?
Authors: Munawar Nour Allah
Published: January 2024

The introduction of this special issue not only underscores the significance of engaging local communities in the reconstruction of their heritage in post-conflict contexts; it also emphasises the necessity and importance of including local researchers from the affected area, in this case the Arab region, in producing knowledge about its rich past. This special issue contributes towards a comparative knowledge base on the obstacles to and enablers of heritage reconstruction, management of cultural resources and recovery of societies in the Arab region. This introductory piece starts with examining the impact of colonial and post-colonial regimes on producing knowledge about the past and how the latter regimes introduced societal elitism in studying the past. I argue that by giving a voice and a chance to local scholars and early career researchers coming from the studied regions (even if they are currently based abroad), we would be taking another step towards decolonising the past by empowering societies and producing local decolonial knowledge about the region’s iconic ruins. Allowing alternative forms of non-Eurocentric (culturally diverse) knowledge production about the past, primarily generated by local scholars, to be introduced, presented, published and promoted would render knowledge production authentic and simultaneously delink heritage from decades of knowledge coloniality.
Sport, Physical Activity, and Young People Who Are Incarcerated: A Scoping Review
Authors: Norman Mark , Sonoda Jesse , Ricciardelli Rosemary
Published: January 2024

We present a scoping review of qualitative scholarly publications on sport and physical activity in secure custody facilities for young people published over a 22-year period, finding the literature remains geographically, substantively, and theoretically scant. We identify and assess predominant themes in the following four areas: (1) sport’s potential contribution to young persons’ rehabilitation and desistance; (2) the structure and organization of sport programs; (3) sport and coping with the experience of incarceration; and (4) other themes, including health outcomes and gender and race. Our scoping review provides a foundation for researchers and policymakers to advance knowledge about sport-based interventions in the lives of young people who are incarcerated.
Quantifying uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation programs in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease known to tertiary care
Authors: Hug Sarah , Cavalheri Vinicius , Gucciardi Daniel F , Hill Kylie
Published: January 2024

Background

People with symptomatic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRPs), but program attrition is common.

Methods

For people with COPD who presented to tertiary care and appeared appropriate for a PRP, we prospectively mapped their PRP journey, explored factors influencing attendance to pre-program assessment and captured program attrition.

Results

Of the 391 participants, 31% (95% CI 27 to 36) were referred to a PRP ( n = 123; age 68 ± 10years, 62 males [50%], FEV1 45 ± 19%predicted). Of those referred, 94 (76% [69 to 84]) attended a pre-program assessment. Ex-smokers and those who had a healthcare professional (HCP) explain they would be referred were more likely to attend a pre-program assessment (odds ratio [95%CI]; 2.6 [1.1 to 6.1]; and 4.7 [1.9 to 11.7], respectively). Of the 94 who attended, 63 (67% [58 to 77]) commenced; and of those who commenced, 35 (56% [43 to 68]) completed a PRP. All who completed ( n = 35, 100%) were provided at least one strategy to maintain training-related gains.

Conclusion

Attrition occurs throughout the PRP journey. Interactions with HCPs about PRPs positively influenced attendance. Understanding how HCPs can best contextualise PRPs to encourage referral acceptance and uptake is an important area for further work.
Orthopedic Injuries Caused by Electric Scooters: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ranson Rachel , Das Avilash , Littlefield Connor , Raffa Taylor , Belk John W. , Zhao Amy , Gu Alex , Debritz James
Published: January 2024

Background:

Orthopedic-related injuries are a significant proportion of electric scooter (e-scooter) injuries that present to hospitals. There is a lack of global regulatory consensus for e-scooter use.

Aims:

We aimed to synthesize existing data on orthopedic injuries due to e-scooters and identify modifiable risk factors that will help guide policymaking, reduce hospital burden, and aid clinicians in the management of these injuries.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies pertaining to e-scooter injuries. The U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried for publications from January 1980 to November 2022, utilizing keywords pertinent to electric scooter, orthopedic or musculoskeletal injuries, incidence, and prevalence.

Results:

In total, 30 studies met inclusion criteria. Among all riders, 5.5% were helmeted. Among those injured, 26.3% were intoxicated at the time of injury, 7.6% required inpatient admission, and 20.5% required surgery. The most common orthopedic injuries were to the distal extremities, with wrist fractures being the most reported upper extremity fractures (average 14.9%) and ankle fractures being the most reported lower extremity fractures (average 8.3%).

Conclusions:

Orthopedic injuries caused by using e-scooters are commonly encountered in the hospital setting. These injuries may continue to rise with the increased accessibility of e-scooters. Lawmakers should instill strict usage guidelines to help prevent injuries from e-scooter use.