bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Happily ever after for coupled and single adults: A comparative study using latent profile analysis
Authors: Walsh Lisa C. , Horton Calen , Rodriguez Anthony , Kaufman Victor A.
Published: August 2023

Many people believe that “living happily ever after” involves finding a romantic partner. Regardless, it seems obvious that at least some single people are happier than some coupled people. But how likely is it, and what factors predict whether singles will be as happy as their coupled peers? The present paper addressed these questions via a secondary analysis of an existing cross-sectional dataset ( N = 2,000) of coupled ( n = 1,438) and single ( n = 562) adults. We identified 10 candidate predictors of life satisfaction, seven of which were significant in multiple regression models. Using the seven significant predictors as indicators in latent profile analysis (LPA), we identified four distinct profiles (or groups) of coupled adults and six distinct profiles of single adults. We then further conceptualized these profiles in terms of interpersonal indicators (friend satisfaction, closest friend intimacy, family satisfaction, and romantic satisfaction) and intrapersonal indicators (self-esteem, perceived stress, and physical health). Some profiles had very favorable levels of interpersonal and intrapersonal indicators and some had very unfavorable levels, while several profiles fell in between the two extremes with a range of nuances. Overall, people with favorable levels were happier than those with unfavorable levels—regardless of their relationship status, but disadvantages in one area (e.g., self-esteem) could be offset by advantages in another area (e.g., friendship satisfaction). Most importantly, in comparing single and coupled profiles directly, we found that the vast majority of single adults follow a range of life satisfaction patterns (from happy to unhappy) that is nearly identical to that of their coupled peers.
A novel survival rat model of hyperkalemia and landiolol induced cardioplegic arrest and resuscitation via cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Xu Ru Kun , Ding Pei Cheng , Wang JianKai , Liu YiMing , Wang Lei , Shi HongWei , Wang XiaoLiang
Published: August 2023

Objective

A small animal model would be an effective tool for research on the pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, numerous CPB models do not involve myocardial arrest and resuscitation. The aim of this research is to establish an easily achievable myocardial arrest and resuscitation CPB model through hyperkalemia and landiolol, simulating clinical cardiac surgery.

Materials and methods

Ten Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen for CPB. Rats underwent sevoflurane inhalation induction anesthesia and were sustained in an anesthesia state by intubation and intraperitoneal injection’s of esketamine and propofol. The entire CPB circuit include a reservoir, a membrane oxygenator and a roller pump, which were connected into a complete loop via silicon tubes and infusion tube. After CPB was established through the tail artery and internal jugular vein, cardioplegic arrest was induced and maintained for 5 min at a rectum temperature of 28.5 ± 0.5°C with hyperkalemia and landiolol. Calcium chloride, epinephrine and insulin were then used for resuscitation.

Result

All rats successfully finished cardioplegic arrest, resuscitation procedure and survived 2 h postoperatively. Mean hematocrit during CPB was significantly lower than physiologic values of the baseline. The mean time of arrest-resuscitation and CPB was 5.4 ± 0.8 min and 98.5 ± 5.0 min. The blood gas at each detection point were in range with the normal standard requirement of CPB.

Conclusion

The establishment of cardioplegic arrest and resuscitation procedure via hyperkalemia and landiolol during CPB of WD rat could be achieved successfully. This animal model could be an alternative organ injury research on organ injury of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Progressive reduction in basal ganglia explains and predicts cerebral structural alteration in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Choi Kyu Sung , Hwang Inpyeong , Moon Joon Ho , Kim Minchul
Published: August 2023

Type 2 diabetes is consistently reported to be associated with reduced gray matter, mainly in the cortical-striatal-limbic networks. However, little is known about how the progression of diabetes affects cerebral gray matter. To investigate, we collected 543 age- and sex-matched participants of nondiabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes. Voxel-based morphometry using a linear trend model was performed to reveal brain regions associated with disease progression. The Granger causal network of structural covariance was used to assess the causal relationships of brain structural alterations according to disease progression. Multivariate pattern analysis was applied for the stage-specific predictions of hyperglycemia. We detected a linear trend of gray matter volume reduction in the basal ganglia with disease progression (P < 0.05, FWER corrected), which caused a reduction in bilateral temporal gyri, frontal pole, parahippocampus, and bilateral posterior cingulate/precuneus volumes. In addition, the gray matter pattern of the basal ganglia could predict patients with diabetes (accuracy 60.12%, p = 0.002). In conclusion, the basal ganglia is the brain area with progressive gray matter reduction as diabetes progress. The reduced volume in the basal ganglia causes widespread gray matter reductions throughout diabetes progression. These findings indicate that the basal ganglia play a key role in diabetes by affecting the cortical-striatal-limbic network.
Visiting Virtual Museums: How Personality and Art-Related Individual Differences Shape Visitor Behavior in an Online Virtual Gallery
Authors: Rodriguez-Boerwinkle Rebekah M. , Silvia Paul J.
Published: August 2023

The present study explored how personality shapes encounters with art within a virtual art gallery. An online sample of 264 adults completed questionnaires before freely wandering around a virtual gallery, which spanned three rooms and contained 24 artworks (half abstract, half representational) of various sizes and genres. We examined how the Big Five personality traits, aesthetic fluency, and aesthetic responsiveness predicted visit behavior: overall visit time, distance traveled in the gallery, the proportion of time spent viewing artwork, and how long and from what distance people viewed each individual artwork. Openness to experience had widespread effects on virtual visit behaviors, followed by extraversion, and variation in artwork features (area and abstraction) predicted viewing time and distance for individual artworks. We discuss how virtual galleries may contribute to understanding both traditional museum visitors and the emerging study of online virtual visitors.
Successful treatment of auto-trilevel positive airway pressure plus trazodone for obstructive sleep apnea complicated by anxiety disorder: a case report
Authors: He Xing , Lang Qin , Pei Zong-Min , Yan Hai-Ying
Published: August 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent type of sleep-disordered breathing, which is often comorbid with affective disorders such as anxiety. A 61-year-old woman who was diagnosed with OSA affected by anxiety disorder complained of poor sleep quality at night and anxiety symptoms, and showed chest tightness, dyspnea, snoring, and apnea events during sleep. The patient initially received treatment with positive airway pressure (PAP) combined with trazodone, and subsequently switched to auto-trilevel PAP (AtPAP) combined with trazodone therapy. The initial attempt to treat the patient’s disease by auto-adjusting PAP combined with trazodone failed because of central sleep apnea (CSA), which frequently occurred at night. After switching to AtPAP combined with trazodone therapy, CSA was effectively eliminated. In addition, sleep quality, hypoxia, and anxiety disorders were improved. The first report of successful therapy of AtPAP combined with trazodone for OSA complicated by anxiety disorder provides a new therapeutic strategy for this patient population.
Correlation of urinary continence recovery with various factors after Robot assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Singh Vikram , Sharma Kartik , Choudhary Gautam Ram , Singh Mahendra , Tripathi Shashank Shekhar , Bhirud Deepak Prakash , Sandhu Arjun Singh , Navriya Shiv Charan
Published: August 2023

Background:

In addition to ensuring cancer control, prevention of incontinence which significantly impact patients’ quality of life, is also an important issue in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) operations. In this study, we aimed to find the correlation of urinary continence recovery with various factors after Robot assisted radical prostatectomy.

Methods:

This study included 162 patients treated with RARP with perioperative data and at least 1 year of follow-up. Also, the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters of the patients were analyzed. The continence recovery rate in our study was assessed at 6th week, 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month, post-surgery. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the association between the predictive factors and urinary continence recovery in the early and late stages.

Results:

The majority of patients with prostate cancer present in sixth decade of life. The majority of our patients (56.7%) were categorized as high risk using D’Amico classification. The continence rate in our study at 6th week, 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month, and 12th month were 40.1%, 72.2%, 85.2%, 89.5%, and 91.4%, respectively. No improvement in continence status was observed after 1 year in our study. There was significant correlation of age with continence status at 6th week, 3rd month, and 6th month. The young age is associated with early recovery of continence. At 3 and 9 months, the non-diabetics cases achieved significantly higher continence rates than diabetics ( p < 0.05) which shows that diabetes causes delay in attainment of continence.

Conclusion:

The young age may be associated with early recovery of continence, but further validation requires large number of cases. We attributed good continence recovery rate to meticulous dissection and preservation of good urethral length.
The effect of systemic inflammatory index and systemic inflammatory response index on success of varicoselectomy
Authors: Erdogan Omer , Ok Fesih
Published: August 2023

Background:

Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility. The treatment of varicocele is surgery. However, which patients will benefit from the surgery is controversial. Our aims to investigate the effect of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) on varicocelectomy success.

Methods:

Patients who underwent varicocelectomy in our clinic between January 2016 and June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Varicocelectomy success was defined as >50% increase in post-operative total motile sperm count (TMSC) in those with pre- operative TMSC > 5 million and at least 100% increase in those with <5 million. The patients were divided into two groups as benefiting from the treatment (Group 1) and no benefits (Group 2).

Results:

Of the 207 patients who underwent varicocelectomy, 144 (69.6%) of them improved their semen parameters, and 63 (30.4%) did not. The optimum cut-off value of SII was 334.6, with an AUC of 0.733 (95% CI: 0.665–0.813). The best cut-off value for SIRI of 0.882, with an AUC of 0.692 (95% CI: 0.607–0.772). The highest sensitivity and specificity were 0.692 and 0.601 ( p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only SII (OR: 3.152, 95% CI: 1.316–7.358; p = 0.003) and SIRI (OR: 2.919, 95% CI: 1.472–5.774; p = 0.002) were independent predictive factors for varicocelectomy success.

Conclusions:

Our results showed that preoperative SII and SIRI values were lower in infertile patients who underwent successful varicocelectomy. Therefore, we think that these parameters will be useful in identifying patients who will benefit before varicocelectomy.
Evaluation of inflammatory cytokines in drug-naïve major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Islam Md Rabiul , Sohan Md , Daria Sohel , Masud Abdullah Al , Ahmed Maizbha Uddin , Roy Arpita , Shahriar Mohammad
Published: August 2023

Objective: Altered levels of peripheral inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokine markers affect the different clinical stages of major depressive disorder (MDD). A concrete understanding of the causal mechanism of MDD is a prerequisite in developing treatment strategies and preventive plans. Here we aimed to conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the association of C-reactive protein (CRP), INF-γ, MCP-1, and TNF-α in the peripheral fluid of drug-naïve MDD patients and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods: We extracted articles from PubMed, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception until 14 February 2021, to find relevant studies. In this meta-analysis, we included a total of 23 eligible studies (1,366 MDD patients and 1,342 controls) in the final meta-analysis. The Cochran’s chi-square Q-test and I2-index were applied to measure the heterogeneity and inconsistency of all combined results. We selected a random-effect model during the analysis and measured publication biases using the funnel plot. We performed Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing.

Results: We found a high level of TNF-α in MDD patients than in control subjects Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with a random-effects model: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.69–1.39, z = 5.84, p < 0.001). The levels of CRP (SMD with a random-effects model: 0.18, 95% CI: −0.85–1.23, z = 0.35, p = 0.73), INF-ɤ (SMD with a random-effects model: −0.05, 95% CI: −2.72–2.62, z = 0.03, p = 0.97), and MCP-1 (SMD with a random-effects model: 0.70, 95% CI: −0.09–1.49, z = 1.73, p = 0.08) were not significantly varies between MDD patients and HCs.

Conclusion: The present study findings suggest the upregulated level of peripheral TNF-α but not CRP, INF-γ, and MCP-1 involve in depression. The elevated inflammatory cytokines confirmed the inflammatory state of depression. Therefore, inflammatory cytokines might serve as potential risk assessment markers in MDD.
Micromechanics based analytical model for composites subjected to combined torsion-compression loading
Authors: Vankar Sachin R , Yerramalli Chandra S
Published: August 2023

A micromechanics based analytical model under combined loading for unidirectional composites has been developed. The peak compressive load predicted from the combined loading analytical model is compared with the experimental results of carbon epoxy pultruded rod having a volume fraction 60%. The specimens were subjected to torsional load under rotational control and longitudinal compressive load using displacement control. The model captures the compressive strength of the composite subjected to remotely applied shear stress. It is observed that the peak compressive strength of the composite decreases linearly with an increase in shear stress. The analytical modeling results are in good agreement with the experiment data. The analytical model and the experimental results are used to find the effect of shear stress on longitudinal compressive loading. The peak compressive strength caused in the presence of applied shear stress and compressive load and the effect of shear on the compressive strength are predicted using a 2D analytical model in this study. The model results are confirmed using experimental data from combined loading.
An improved composite impact damage model and bird-striking damage analysis with smoothed particle hydrodynamics-finite element method
Authors: Shao Jiaru , Xie Hao , Liu Niu , Yang Yu , Zheng Zijun
Published: August 2023

An improved impact damage model is proposed, which can be used to analyze the progressive failure behavior of fiber-reinforced composites. The model is constructed based on the 3D Hashin failure criterion. However, the difference is that the strain component along the thickness direction in the matrix energy evolution model is introduced, and the effects of and on impact damage are added. Rigid-body and bird-body impact problems are studied, which validates the accuracy of the numerical model by comparison with experiments. A 3D numerical model of light aircraft fuel tank impact is constructed, and the SPH-FEM coupling method is used to predict the bird strike failure problem. The structural damage and impact behavior of a light aircraft fuel tank under impact loading are analyzed. The results show that, under different impact energies, the damage to the matrix is more serious and expands along the fiber direction, and the structure presents different damage forms. This paper provides an effective research model for the study of drop shock and the airworthiness of composite fuel tanks.
Chrysin loaded bilosomes improve the hepatoprotective effects of chrysin against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in mice
Authors: Naseri Atefeh , Taymouri Somayeh , Hosseini Sharifabadi Ali , Varshosaz Jaleh
Published: August 2023

In the present work, chrysin loaded bilosomes were formulated, characterized and evaluated to enhance the hepatoprotective activity of drug. Accordingly, chrysin loaded bilosomes were prepared by applying the thin film hydration method; also, fractional factorial design was used to optimize the production conditions of nanoformulations. The prepared formulations were subjected to different methods of characterization; then the hepatoprotective activity of the optimized one was evaluated in the CCl4 hepatointoxicated mice model. Optimized chrysin loaded bilosomes showed a spherical shape with a particle size of 232.97 ± 23 nm, the polydispersity index of 0.35 ± 0.01, the zeta potential of −44.5 ± 1.27 mv, the entrapment efficiency of 96.77 ± 0.18%, the drug loading % of 6.46 ± 0.01 and the release efficiency of 42.25 ± 1.04 during 48 h. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging assay demonstrated the superiority of the anti-oxidant potential of chrysin loaded bilosomes, as compared to pure chrysin. This was in agreement with histopathological investigations, showing significant improvement in serum hepatic biomarkers of CCl4 intoxicated mice treated with chrysin loaded bilosomes, as compared with free chrysin. These results, thus, showed the potential use of bilosomes to enhance the hepatoprotective activity of chrysin via oral administration.
A multi-institutional, observational study of outcomes after catheter placement for peritoneal dialysis in Japan
Authors: Sakurada Tsutomu , Kojima Shigeki , Yamada Shohei , Koitabashi Kenichiro , Taki Yasuhiro , Matsui Katsuomi , Murasawa Masaru , Kawarazaki Hiroo , Shimizu Sayaka , Kobayashi Hironori , Asai Toshihiro , Hashimoto Koji , Hoshino Taro , Sugitani Seita , Maoka Tomochika , Nagase Akihiko , Sato Hirotaka , Fukuoka Kosuke , Sofue Tadashi , Koibuchi Kiyoto , Nagayama Kiyomitsu , Washida Naoki , Koide Shigehisa , Okamoto Takayuki , Ishii Daisuke , Furukata Satoshi , Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Takahashi Shunsuke , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Naito Shotaro , Toda Naohiro , Naganuma Tsukasa , Kikuchi Hidetoshi , Suzuki Tomo , Komukai Daisuke , Kimura Takahide , Io Hiroaki , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Naganuma Toshihide , Morishita Masamitsu , Oshikawa Jin , Tamagaki Keiichi , Fujisawa Hajime , Ueda Atsushi , Kanaoka Tomohiko , Nakamura Hironori , Yanagi Mai , Udagawa Takashi , Yoneda Tatsuo , Sakai Masashi , Gunji Masanobu , Osaki Shinichi , Saito Hisako , Yoshioka Yuuki , Kaneshiro Nagayuki
Published: August 2023

Background:

This multi-institutional, observational study examined whether the outcomes after peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter placement in Japan meet the audit criteria of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) guideline and identified factors affecting technique survival and perioperative complications.

Methods:

Adult patients who underwent first PD catheter placement for end-stage kidney disease between April 2019 and March 2021 were followed until PD withdrawal, kidney transplantation, transfer to other facilities, death, 1 year after PD start or March 2022, whichever came first. Primary outcomes were time to catheter patency failure and technique failure, and perioperative infectious complications within 30 days of catheter placement. Secondary outcomes were perioperative complications. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the outcomes of interest.

Results:

Of the total 409 patients, 8 who underwent the embedded catheter technique did not have externalised catheters. Of the 401 remaining patients, catheter patency failure occurred in 25 (6.2%). Technical failure at 12 months after PD catheter placement calculated from cumulative incidence function was 15.3%. On Cox proportional hazards model analysis, serum albumin (hazard ratio (HR) 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27–0.70) and straight type catheter (HR 2.14; 95% CI 1.24–3.69) were the independent risk factors for technique failure. On logistic regression analysis, diabetes mellitus was the only independent risk factor for perioperative infectious complications (odds ratio 2.70, 95% CI 1.30–5.58). The occurrence rate of perioperative complications generally met the audit criteria of the ISPD guidelines.

Conclusion:

PD catheter placement in Japan was proven to be safe and appropriate.
Evaluation of a Diabetes Coaching Program on Clinical Outcomes in a Self-Insured Grocery Chain
Authors: Mize Taylor D. , Guthrie Kendall , Oprinovich Sarah M.
Published: August 2023

Background: Diabetes is among the most prevalent and costly disease states to treat. Many self-insured employers offer employee wellness programs to decrease healthcare expenditures for chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. Existing literature demonstrates that pharmacists can positively impact treatment of patients with diabetes and assist in lowering costs of care, but no current literature examines pharmacist intervention within an employee wellness program over a prolonged period of time. Objectives: To quantify the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) lowering achieved through participation in a pharmacist-led diabetes coaching program within a self-insured company. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a self-insured grocery store chain in the Kansas City area with an employee wellness program called Start Now. Patients who enrolled in the Start Now Program for Diabetes Care (SN-DM) between July 1, 2008 and July 1, 2021 with at least two documented HbA1c measurements were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 355 charts were included in the analysis. The average HbA1c reduction observed in program patients was 0.61% ( P < .001). At baseline, 40% of program patients were considered to have controlled diabetes (A1c <7%) compared with 60% of patients at most recent HbA1c ( P < .001). There was no correlation between HbA1c lowering and number of pharmacist coaching visits; however, greater HbA1c lowering was observed in patients with a higher baseline HbA1c. Conclusion: Patients who participated in the SN-DM program achieved a significant decrease in mean HbA1c. More patients were considered controlled at last or most recent HbA1c according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines.
Digital resistance: Discursive construction of polarization and otherness in Oduduwa secessionists’ social media discourse
Authors: Aminu PraiseGod
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the discursive strategies employed by Oduduwa secessionists to construct polarization and otherness on Twitter. Using the socio-cognitive approach to CDA combined with social media CDA, the study illustrates how socio-cultural and spatiotemporal contexts are embedded in digital performances of resistance. Findings show that the secessionists employ four main discursive strategies, namely: (1) vitriolic socio-cognitive labels and coinages; (2) generalization and ethnocentrism; (3) language of threat; and (4) use of Yoruba language to legitimize their resistance, accentuate their ideological stances, construct polarization and otherness, and do social mobilization. These strategies are achieved via discursive, linguistic, and stylo-orthographic resources made available by digital technology. The paper concludes that the discursive strategies employed by the secessionists do not directly reflect polarization but are simply constitutive of it.
Broadening the state of play – the second national survey of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry services in New Zealand, 2021
Authors: Hopkins John , Skudder Ella , Vroegop Paul , Sundram Frederick
Published: August 2023

Objective

The original national survey of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) services in New Zealand (NZ) that was undertaken in 2018 (CLPSNZ-1) established a baseline but was limited in scope. The aim of the current study was to conduct a more in-depth national survey.

Method

A 44-question survey was emailed to clinicians at each of the 16 general hospitals in NZ with specialist adult CLP services in 2021.

Results

Responses were obtained from all 16 CLP services. These services were found to be under-resourced (with mean total full-time equivalents of 0.26 psychiatrists and 1.10 clinicians per 100 inpatient beds, respectively), operate with highly variable service models (with major variations in operating hours and coverage of age groups, the Emergency Department and outpatients) and provide a predominantly consultation service.

Conclusion

While many of the findings from CLPSNZ-1 remain relevant, the current survey has extended our understanding of the circumstances, achievements and challenges of this psychiatric subspecialty in NZ.
Burden of Lung Cancer in China, 1990−2019: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Sun Huixin , Zhang Haiyu , Cai Huilong , Yuan Weiguang , Wang Fengjiao , Jiang Yang , Gu Xinyue , Kang Ziman , Kang Yue
Published: August 2023

Background

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. It has become an increasingly important public health problem in China. In this study, we systematically assessed the lung cancer situation in China from 1990 to 2019 and provided an epidemiological knowledge base for the revision of health policies. The relevant data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database.

Methods

Based on GBD 2019 data, we evaluated the incidence, prevalence, and death rates of lung cancer in China and their change trends from 1990 to 2019, making comparisons by gender and age.

Results

The age-standardized incidence and death rates (ASIR and ASDR, respectively) of lung cancer in China were higher than the average levels in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania and also higher than those of neighboring Asian countries. Lung cancer rose from the seventh leading cause of death in 1990 to the fourth leading one in 2019, indicating that the disease burden of lung cancer is increasing. In 2019, the incidence, prevalence, and death rates of lung cancer were all higher in men than in women across all age groups. All three indices were lower in men and women <50 years old than in men and women >50 years. From 1990 to 2019, the ASIR, age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and ASDR showed trends of increase ( P < .05), and the rise in the ASPR (average annual percentage change [AAPC] = 1.9) was greater than those in the ASIR (AAPC = 1) and ASDR (AAPC = .8).

Conclusions

From 1990 to 2019, the incidence, prevalence, and death rates of lung cancer continued to increase in China. To reduce this burden, prevention and management of known risk factors should be promoted through national policies.
The effects of impactor shape on the compression after impact strength of carbon/epoxy face sheet foam core sandwich structure
Authors: Nettles Alan T. , Barnes Baxter W. , Guin William E. , Mavo James P.
Published: August 2023

This study presents experimental results of compression after impact (CAI) strength testing of foam core sandwich structure with carbon/epoxy face sheets impacted at three different energies with either a blunt or sharp tip impactor. The impact energies used were chosen to span the barely visible impact damage (BVID) thresholds for the sharp (4.1 J) and blunt (12.9 J) impactors with an impact energy approximately halfway between these (8.1 J) also used. While most impact testing on composites utilize a hemispherical (blunt) impactor, actual damage to a part may be due to an object impacting the part that is not blunt, but sharp and the impact response and resulting CAI strength values may be different for a given impact energy level. In this study, with regards to the impact response, the sandwich specimens showed larger transverse displacements (by about a factor of two) during the impact event when impacted by a sharp impactor versus a blunt impactor. The maximum load of impact was larger for the blunt impactor by about a factor of three. The barely visible impact damage (BVID) threshold energy was lower by about a factor of three for the sharp impactor. The absorbed energy of impact was higher for the sharp impactor. The CAI strength results showed that the sharp impactor gave lower average CAI strength values at the lowest impact energy level used, slightly lower average CAI strength values for the medium impact energy used and about the same average CAI strength values for the highest impact energy used.
Hyperbilirubinemia and Associated Factors Among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Care Unit in Jimma Medical Center
Authors: Asaye Sintayehu , Bekele Misgana , Getachew Aklilu , Fufa Diriba , Adugna Tesfaye , Tadasa Edosa
Published: August 2023

Background:

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a widespread and significant clinical problem among neonates worldwide. Globally, every year about 1.1 million babies develop it and the vast majority reside in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Studies on the magnitude and factors associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are limited in Ethiopia. So this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia among hospitalized neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit of Jimma Medical Center (JMC), Jimma, South West Ethiopia.

Design:

Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at JMC from July 24 to October 19, 2020.

Methods:

A total of 222 neonates with their mothers were included and conveniently selected. Data was collected by interviewing mothers through structured questionnaires and reviewing neonates’ medical records using a checklist. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Results:

from a total of neo-maternal pairs included in the studies; the proportion of Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was found to be 94 (42.3%). Neo-maternal ABO incompatibility 33 (35.1%), prematurity 41 (43.6%), sepsis 35 (37.2%), Neonatal birth asphyxia 20 (21.2%), and Rh isoimmunization 10 (10.6%) was significantly associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in the study setting was high. Antenatal care (including both mother and fetus detail examination and follow-ups) as well as cautions during labor need to focus on since Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia-associated factors were maternal and neonatal. Hence, further assessment, early intervention, and timely treatment are important to mitigate the burdens in neonates due to hyperbilirubinemia.
Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis treated with evobrutinib: A Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Bar-Or Amit , Cross Anne H , Cunningham Anthony L , Hyvert Yann , Seitzinger Andrea , Gühring Hans , Drouin Elise E , Alexandri Nektaria , Tomic Davorka , Montalban Xavier
Published: August 2023

Background:

Evobrutinib is an oral, central nervous system (CNS)-penetrant and highly selective covalent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor under clinical development for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).

Objective:

To investigate the effect of evobrutinib on immune responses in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccinated patients with RMS from a Phase II trial (NCT02975349).

Methods:

A post hoc analysis of patients with RMS who received evobrutinib 75 mg twice daily and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines during the open-label extension ( n = 45) was conducted. Immunoglobulin (Ig)G anti-S1/S2-specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were measured using an indirect chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results:

In the vaccinated subgroup, mean/minimum evobrutinib exposure pre-vaccination was 105.2/88.7 weeks. In total, 43 of 45 patients developed/increased S1/S2 IgG antibody levels post-vaccination; one patient’s antibody response remained negative post-vaccination and the other had antibody levels above the upper limit of detection, both pre- and post-vaccination. Most patients ( n = 36/45), regardless of pre-vaccination serostatus, had a 10–100-fold increase of antibody levels pre- to post-vaccination. Antibody levels post-booster were higher versus post-vaccination.

Conclusion:

These results suggest evobrutinib, an investigational drug with therapeutic potential for patients with RMS, acts as an immunomodulator, that is, it inhibits aberrant immune cell responses in patients with RMS, while responsiveness to foreign de novo and recall antigens is maintained.
Engagement Measures in Maltreatment Prevention Studies: A Scoping Review
Authors: Moon Deborah J. , Nichols C. Bailey , Zhang Yiran , Cruce Amanda , Haran Hanna , Sgourakis Aimee , Lee Hyunjin , Johnson-Motoyama Michelle
Published: August 2023

Prevention services can promote public health by building protective factors and reducing maltreatment risk. Yet, engaging caregivers in prevention services presents a unique set of challenges. Measurement studies are important first steps to increase the knowledge of caregiver engagement in prevention services. The purpose of this scoping review was to investigate how family engagement has been measured and operationalized in the studies of maltreatment prevention/positive parenting programs. The review examined quantitative and mixed methods studies conducted in the U.S., which measured multiple dimensions of client engagement, including behavioral, attitudinal, and relational domains. A total of 88 studies selected from PubMed, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, Academic Search Premier, and Web of Science were included in this review. Results indicated that studies examine engagement constructs in all three domains of engagement with a primary focus on behavioral engagement. The attitudinal and relational engagement was mostly assessed through general satisfaction surveys, and a limited number of studies utilized validated measures to assess those constructs. While most studies reported acceptable internal reliabilities, only two studies reported other dimensions of psychometric qualities. Only one validated measure was found, which assessed client perceptions of provider cultural competence. More measurement studies are needed to further incorporate multiple dimensions of engagement into the studies of maltreatment prevention programs, which can inform the effort to develop tailored implementation strategies to fully engage various groups of parents in maltreatment prevention programs.
Interorganizational Learning: A Conceptualization of Public-Private Learning Communities
Authors: Schipper Tijmen M. , Mennens Kars , Preenen Paul , Vos Menno , van den Tooren Marieke , Hofstra Nienke
Published: August 2023

Human Resource Development (HRD) finds itself at a critical juncture given the rapidly changing landscape of work and a shift of focus in HRD research and practices. This provides momentum for the HRD discipline to explore new models of workplace learning that exceed the boundaries of one’s own organization. Public and private organizations increasingly understand that by joining forces and cocreating knowledge, they are better able to address these challenges and thereby stay innovative. In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework for Public-Private Learning Communities (PPLCs) as a promising approach to prepare organizations and employees for the rapidly changing future. By drawing on the concept of interorganizational learning and learning-network theory, we distinguish essential building blocks that relate to the PPLCs’ strategy, structure, process, and culture. With this conceptual paper, we aim to break new ground for HRD theory-building and offer novel directions for HRD researchers and practitioners.
Integrating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy With Compassion-Focused Therapy for the Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder: An Evidence-Based Case Study
Authors: Baumgardner Megan , Benoit Allen Kristy
Published: August 2023

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for social anxiety disorder that has been found to elicit significant changes in process-based mechanisms (e.g., emotion regulation strategies), which subsequently lead to reductions in social anxiety and associated functional impairment; however, CBT may be less effective for socially anxious individuals experiencing high self-criticism and low self-compassion. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) has been used to address these tendencies in socially anxious individuals, but research in this area is limited. The present case study examined changes in social anxiety symptoms, self-compassion, emotion regulation strategies, and functional impairment throughout the course of treatment with a young, Chinese American woman using a novel integration of CBT and CFT for social anxiety disorder. The client experienced significant reductions in social anxiety and functional impairment across treatment, which was accompanied by reductions in fear and avoidance ratings for feared social scenarios. Significant mechanistic changes were also observed, including decreases in maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., suppression, rumination) and increases in self-compassion and adaptive emotion regulation strategies (i.e., expressive engagement, cognitive reappraisal). Findings support the efficacy of integrating compassion-focused strategies with CBT for social anxiety for a young adult with prominent tendencies of self-criticism and low self-compassion.
Leading like lions: The model junior officer in the Great War and a critique of present-day mainstream leadership models
Authors: Stice Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

The Great War has been especially associated with poor leadership and British soldiers have been referred to as “lions led by donkeys,” but this article looks beyond generals to the leadership of junior officers, who were sometimes considered heroes by their men. Using obituaries, this study reconstructs the model of the ideal junior officer in the British Army during the Great War and then compares that model to present-day mainstream leadership theories. This comparison provides a fresh critique of present-day models both in their construction and from the lived experience of junior officers, which gives us insight into the real-life consequences of leadership models for leaders in assigned roles. This article both builds on critiques of mainstream leadership theories by other scholars and demonstrates the power of historical examples for offering evaluative insights into present-day approaches to leadership.
Effects of intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine on postoperative opioid usage in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Ball Michael , Escobar Heidi , Woods Amelia
Published: August 2023

This study retrospectively evaluated the use of intraoperative locally infiltrated peri-incisional liposomal bupivacaine in kidney transplant recipients with the primary outcome of oral morphine equivalent reduction during the transplant admission. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, time to first bowel movement and length of stay. Postoperative morphine equivalents were significantly lower in the liposomal bupivacaine group <24 hours (50% reduction, p < 0.05) and 24–48 hours (56.5% reduction, p < 0.05). When accounting for analgesic medication choices, liposomal bupivacaine did not result in a significant reduction in opioid use within 48 hours postoperatively with the exception of a 51% (p = 0.02) median reduction in fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia morphine equivalents <24 hours postoperatively. Morphine equivalence reductions >48 hours, differences in pain scores, time to first bowel movement or length of stay did not reach significance. Intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine reduced kidney transplant recipient’s postoperative opioid requirements, but this benefit did not reliably extend past 24 hours postoperatively.
Family group structure of the endangered Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata)
Authors: Rebollo María Emilia , López Fernando Gabriel , Lapido Rocío , Bragagnolo Laura Araceli , Peñalba Pablo Díaz , Reyes Marcos Matías , Orozco Valor Paula Maiten , Santillán Miguel Ángel , Galmes Maximiliano Adrián , Luque Romero Isabel María , Liébana María Soledad , Grande Juan Manuel
Published: August 2023

The monogamous mating system, where a male and a female constitute the reproductive unit and share the parental care, predominates among bird reproductive strategies. However, there are also other mating systems with diverse parental care roles which may have implications for population breeding success and be relevant for their management and conservation. We evaluated the family group structure of the Yellow Cardinal ( Gubernatrix cristata) in La Pampa province of central Argentina. During the 2020–2021 breeding season we carried out 280 bird surveys to search for the presence of Yellow Cardinals. We registered 87 individuals (11 solitary individuals, 12 pairs, two males together, and 13 family groups). Most family groups corresponded to the typical monogamous structure, but two family groups (8%) were composed of two adult males, an adult female and at least a juvenile. We also explored 1646 Yellow Cardinal records at citizen science platforms and none of them included a family group with more than two adults. Even so, it would be feasible to release seized groups of two males together, to promote breeding success. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the causes of the presence of extra males and their incidence on the breeding performance of this globally endangered species. This may help to understand its natural history and for planning management and conservation actions.
Cannabis Use Disorder Not Associated With Opioid Analgesic Use or Patient-Reported Outcomes After ACL Reconstruction: A Retrospective Matched-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Shankar Dhruv S. , DeClouette Brittany , Vasavada Kinjal D. , Avila Amanda , Strauss Eric J. , Alaia Michael J. , Gonzalez-Lomas Guillem
Published: August 2023

Background:

The purpose of this study was to compare opioid analgesic use and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) between patients with and without cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that patients with CUD would have greater postoperative opioid usage with comparable improvement in PROs.

Study Design:

Retrospective matched-cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

We identified patients with CUD who underwent primary ACLR at a single center and had minimum 3-month follow-up. Patients with CUD were propensity score matched 1:1 to non-CUD controls with respect to age, sex, and follow-up time. Total refills, days supply, and morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) of opioid analgesics prescribed were calculated for up to 1 year postoperatively. Patient-Reported Outcome Information System (PROMIS) instruments were used to assess PROs. Opioid use and outcomes were compared between CUD and control groups using Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test. P values <0.05 were considered significant.

Results:

A total of 104 patients with CUD were matched to 104 controls. Both groups were majority male (65.4% male, 34.6% female). The CUD group had a mean age of 29.9 years and mean follow-up time of 16.1 months. There was no significant intergroup difference in opioid prescription rates (CUD 82.7% vs control 83.7%, P ≥ 0.99). Among patients prescribed opioids, there were no significant intergroup differences in total days supply ( P = 0.67), total MMEs ( P = 0.71), or MMEs per day ( P = 0.65). There were no significant differences in pre- to postoperative improvement in PROMIS Pain Intensity ( P = 0.51), Pain Interference ( P = 0.81), Mobility ( P = 0.90), Mental Health ( P = 0.74), or Physical Health ( P = 0.94).

Conclusion:

There were no significant differences detected in opioid usage or PRO improvement after ACLR between patients with CUD and those without. However, because a sample size was not determined a priori, a larger sample may show a difference.

Clinical Relevance:

CUD does not appear to correlate with inferior outcomes after ACLR.
The reliability of pressure pain threshold in individuals with low back or neck pain: a systematic review
Authors: Bhattacharyya Anit , Hopkinson Lily D , Nolet Paul S , Srbely John
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective

Low-back and neck pain affect a great number of individuals worldwide. The pressure pain threshold has the potential to be a useful quantitative measure of mechanical pain in a clinical setting, if it proves to be reliable in this population. The objectives of this systematic review are to: (1) analyze the literature evaluating the reliability of pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements in the assessment of neck and low-back pain, (2) summarize the evidence from these studies, and (3) characterize the limitations of PPT measurement.

Databases and Data Treatment

Relevant literature from PubMed and the Web of Science electronic databases were screened in a 3-step process according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Relevant studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies (QAREL) tool, and results of all studies were summarized and tabulated.

Results

Of 922 citations identified, 11 studies were deemed relevant for critical appraisal, and 8 studies were deemed to have low risk-of bias. Intra-rater reliability, reported in all studies ( n = 637) and inter-rater reliability, reported in 2 studies ( n = 200) were consistently reported to be good to excellent (ICC 0.75–0.99 and ICC 0.81–0.90, respectively). Studies were also found to have significant variation in PPT measurement procedures.

Conclusions

Though intra- and inter-rater reliability was found to be high in all studies, the variation in PPT measurement protocols could affect validity and absolute reliability. As such, it is recommended that standard guidelines be developed for clinical use.