bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Backward Wave Pressures Rather than Flow Explain Age-Dependent Heart Rate Effects on Central, But not Peripheral Arterial Pressure
Authors: Mthembu Nonhlanhla , Norton Gavin R. , Peterson Vernice R. , Naran Ravi , Yusuf Suraj M. , Tade Grace , Bello Hamza , Bamaiyi Adamu , Libhaber Carlos D. , Dessein Patrick , Peters Ferande , Sareli Pinhas , Woodiwiss Angela J.
Published: December 2021

Through both backward (Pb) and forward (Pf) wave effects, a lower heart rate (HR) associates with increased central (PPc), beyond brachial pulse pressure (PP). However, the relative contribution to Pf of aortic flow (Q) versus re-reflection of Pb, has not been determined. Using central pressure, aortic velocity and diameter measurements in the outflow tract (echocardiography), we constructed central pressure waveforms that account for the relative contribution of Q versus re-reflection to Pf. We thus evaluated the mechanisms of HR-PPc relations in a community sample (n=824) and the impact of age thereon. Inverse HR-PPc (
P
<0.0001), but not HR-brachial PP (
P
=0.064) relations were noted. The slope of HR-PPc relation was increased in older adults (
P
<0.005). HR was inversely associated with ventricular filling time, ejection duration, stroke volume, and peak Pf (
P
<0.001 to
P
<0.0001). However, an increased Q and hence pressures generated by the product of aortic characteristic impedance and Q did not account for Pf effects. Age-dependent HR-PPc and Pf relations were both accounted for by enhanced Pb (
P
<0.0001) with an increased Pf mediated by increments in wave re-reflection (
P
<0.0001). The lack of impact of ejection duration on PPc was explained by an increased time to peak Pb (
P
<0.0001). In conclusion, increases in PPc and Pf at a decreased HR are accounted for by an enhanced Pb rather than by a prolonged ejection or filling duration and hence flow (Q). These effects at a young-to-middle age are of little clinical significance, but at an older age, are of clinical importance.
Microvolt QRS Alternans in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Novel Risk Marker of Late Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Chakraborty Praloy , Suszko Adrian M. , Viswanathan Karthik , Sheikholeslami Kimia , Spears Danna , Adler Arnon , Woo Anna , Rakowski Harry , Chauhan Vijay S.
Published: December 2021

Background

Unlike T‐wave alternans (TWA), the relation between QRS alternans (QRSA) and ventricular arrhythmia (VA) risk has not been evaluated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We assessed microvolt QRSA/TWA in relation to HCM risk factors and late VA outcomes in HCM.

Methods and Results

Prospectively enrolled patients with HCM (n=130) with prophylactic implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators underwent digital 12‐lead ECG recordings during ventricular pacing (100–120 beats/min). QRSA/TWA was quantified using the spectral method. Patients were categorized as QRSA+ and/or TWA+ if sustained alternans was present in ≥2 precordial leads. The VA end point was appropriate implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator therapy over 5 years of follow‐up. QRSA+ and TWA+ occurred together in 28% of patients and alone in 7% and 7% of patients, respectively. QRSA magnitude increased with pacing rate (1.9±0.6 versus 6.2±2.0 µV;
P
=0.006). Left ventricular thickness was greater in QRSA+ than in QRSA− patients (22±7 versus 20±6 mm;
P
=0.035). Over 5 years follow‐up, 17% of patients had VA. The annual VA rate was greater in QRSA+ versus QRSA− patients (5.8% versus 2.0%;
P
=0.006), with the QRSA+/TWA− subgroup having the greatest rate (13.3% versus 2.6%;
P
<0.001). In those with <2 risk factors, QRSA− patients had a low annual VA rate compared QRSA+ patients (0.58% versus 7.1%;
P
=0.001). Separate Cox models revealed QRSA+ (hazard ratio [HR], 2.9 [95% CI, 1.2–7.0];
P
=0.019) and QRSA+/TWA− (HR, 7.9 [95% CI, 2.9–21.7];
P
<0.001) as the most significant VA predictors. TWA and HCM risk factors did not predict VA.

Conclusions

In HCM, microvolt QRSA is a novel, rate‐dependent phenomenon that can exist without TWA and is associated with greater left ventricular thickness. QRSA increases VA risk 3‐fold in all patients, whereas the absence of QRSA confers low VA risk in patients with <2 risk factors.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02560844.
Increased Interannual Variability in the Dipole Mode of Extreme High-Temperature Events over East China during Summer after the Early 1990s and Associated Mechanisms
Authors: Zhu Baoyan , Sun Bo , Wang Huijun
Published: December 2021

The dominant mode of the interannual variability in the frequency of extreme high-temperature events (FEHE) during summer over eastern China showed a dipole mode with reversed anomalies of FEHE over northeastern and southern China. This study found that the interannual variability of this dipole mode underwent an interdecadal increase after the early 1990s. The anomalous atmospheric circulation responsible for the FEHE dipole mode was associated with the air–sea interaction over the western tropical Pacific and North Atlantic. Due to the weakened correlation between the SST in the tropical Pacific and in the Indian Ocean after the early 1990s, a meridional atmospheric wave train induced by the anomalous SST around the Maritime Continent (MCSST) was intensified during 1994–2013, which was also contributed by the increased interannual variability of MCSST. However, under the influence of the anomalous SST in the Indian Ocean concurrent with the anomalous MCSST, the meridional wave train was weakened and contributed less to the dipole mode during 1972–93. In addition, the dipole mode was associated with the atmospheric wave trains at middle to high latitudes, which were different during the two periods and related to different air–sea interaction in the North Atlantic. The interannual variability of the dipole mode induced by the associated SST anomalies in the North Atlantic during 1994–2013 was significantly larger than that during 1972–93. Therefore, the interannual variability of the dipole mode was increased after the early 1990s.
Error Analysis and Modeling of GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar Near-Surface Rainfall Product
Authors: Wang Zhixuan , Kou Leilei , Jiang Yinfeng , Mao Ying , Chu Zhigang , Chen Aijun
Published: December 2021

The error characterization of rainfall products of spaceborne radar is essential for better applications of radar data, such as multisource precipitation data fusion and hydrological modeling. In this study, we analyzed the error of the near-surface rainfall product of the dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) on the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) and modeled it based on ground C-band dual-polarization radar (CDP) data with optimization rainfall retrieval. The comparison results show that the near-surface rainfall data were overestimated by light rain and slightly underestimated by heavy rain. The error of near-surface rainfall of the DPR was modeled as an additive model according to the comparison results. The systematic error of near-surface rainfall was in the form of a quadratic polynomial, while the systematic error of stratiform precipitation was smaller than that of convective precipitation. The random error was modeled as a Gaussian distribution centered from −1 to 0 mm h−1. The standard deviation of the Gaussian distribution of convective precipitation was 1.71 mm h−1, and the standard deviation of stratiform precipitation was 1.18 mm h−1, which is smaller than that of convective precipitation. In view of the precipitation retrieval algorithm of DPR, the error causes were analyzed from the reflectivity factor (Z) and the drop size distribution (DSD) parameters (Dm, Nw). The high accuracy of the reflectivity factor measurement results in a small systematic error. Importantly, the negative bias of Nw was very obvious when the rain type was convective precipitation, resulting in a large random error.

Significance Statement

This study first compares the total and different rain types of near-surface rainfall measured by DPR and ground-based radar CDP, then separates the error of DPR near-surface rainfall into systematic and random errors and analyzes the possible causes of the error. The purpose of this study is to better apply the error model to applications such as optimal data fusion and hydrological modeling, and the analysis of the error can also provide a basis for improving the spaceborne precipitation retrieval algorithm.
The Importance of the Institution of a Robotic Curriculum on Resident Training and Performance
Authors: Corsello Jenalee , Nease Darren B. , Munie Semeret , Bown Paul , Amiri Farzad
Published: December 2021

In 2018, general surgery topped the number of robotic cases. Over 90% of residents participate, but only 65% of programs have a formal curriculum, and less than half track progress. Many are insufficient at training due to an observational role. This paper reviews Marshall University General Surgery Residency program’s robotic curriculum, which started in 2018. The curriculum consists of a weekend course and simulations, enabling residents obtain certification. Residents participated in Intuitive’s Resident Robotic Olympics with first place in 2019 and second and third place in 2020. For the 2021 year, the robotic curriculum was revised into phases based on year. Deadlines and forms help improve and track progress. It is important to develop a curriculum with a protocol for training, monitoring, and credentialing to ensure proficiency. Marshall University General Surgery robotic curriculum has been successful at improving robotic skill, enabling residents to obtain a robotic surgery certification upon graduation.
Emergence of Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis in Recently Recovered COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Dokania Vivek , Gaikwad Ninad Subhash , Gite Vinod , Mhashal Shashikant , Shetty Neeraj , Shinde Pravin , Balakrishnan Anju
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The risk of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is increased in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because of its direct impact in altering innate immunity and is further exacerbated by widespread use of steroids/antibiotics/monoclonal antibodies. The study aims to describe this recently increased clinical entity in association with COVID-19.

Method:

A prospective, longitudinal study including patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) who recently recovered from COVID-19 infection or after an asymptomatic carrier state. A single-center, descriptive study investigating demographic details, clinical presentation, radio-pathological aspects, and advocated management.

Result:

A total of 21 patients were included with a mean age of 49.62 years (SD: 14.24). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most common underlying disorder (90.48%), and 63.16% of all patients with DM had a recent onset DM, either diagnosed during or after COVID-19 infection. Nineteen patients (90.48%) had recently recovered from active COVID-19 infection, and all had a history of prior steroid treatment (oral/parenteral). Remaining 2 patients were asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers. Surprisingly, 2 patients had no underlying disorder, and 5 (23.81%) recently received the Covishield vaccine. Fungal analysis exhibited Mucor (95.24%) and Aspergillus species (14.29%). Most common sign/symptom was headache and facial/periorbital pain (85.71%), followed by facial/periorbital swelling (61.90%). Disease involvement: sinonasal (100%), orbital (47.62%), pterygopalatine fossa (28.58%), infratemporal fossa (14.29%), intracranial (23.81%), and skin (9.52%). Exclusive endoscopic debridement and combined approach were utilized in 61.90% and 38.10%, respectively. Both liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole were given in all patients except one.

Conclusion:

A high suspicion of AIFRS should be kept in patients with recent COVID-19 infection who received steroids and presenting with headache, facial pain, and/or facial swelling. Asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers and COVID-19 vaccinated candidates are also observed to develop AIFRS, although the exact immuno-pathogenesis is still unknown. Prompt diagnosis and early management are vital for a favorable outcome.
Early Onset Delinquency and Violent Delinquency in Adolescence: The Role of Abusive Parents and Delinquent Peer Associations
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Cardwell Stephanie M. , Lee Yeungjeom
Published: December 2021

Early onset delinquency is a risk factor for offending over the life-course. This study aims to identify factors that modify the link between early onset of delinquency and later violence. Results show that engaging delinquency earlier, associating with deviant friends, and experiencing parental abuse have independent impacts on increased risk of violence. Also, early onset has positive interactions with peer delinquency and parental abuse. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms through which early onset of delinquency is related to later violence and imply the importance of family- and school-based early interventions. Findings also highlight the importance of considering interactions between early onset delinquency and social risk factors in refining theories used to explain violence throughout the life course.
Parent-to-Child Violence: Does Gender Matter in Sentencing Decisions?
Authors: Chen Gila , Nicotra Eitan , Haviv Noam , Toys Sharon
Published: December 2021

The purpose was to examine gender differences (a) in the sentencing severity for parent-to-child violence (PCV); and (b) in severity of PCV patterns. We analyzed 99 verdict cases in Israel. Two models, a logistic regression model and a generalized ordered logistic regression model, were applied. The findings of the first model indicated that being a woman reduced the odds of imprisonment by .106; furthermore, being tried after implementation of the 2012 reform in judicial discretion in sentencing significantly increased the odds of sentence severity by 2.85. The second model indicated that women had lower odds of being involved in severe violent offenses against their minor children compared with men ( OR = 0.31). The findings highlight the source of sentencing differentials.
On the chronology of the Anonymous Commentary to Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos: Analysis of the astronomical evidence
Authors: Caballero-Sánchez Raúl
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a proposal is made that the Anonymous Commentary to Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos (Anon. in Ptol.) was composed not before 467 and not after 575 AD. In establishing the terminus post quem and the terminus ante quem, the Author relies on astronomical data provided by the Anonymous himself in his commentary to Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos (=Ptol. Tetr.) II.10 (p. 76, ll. 16-29 Wolf). In this passage, he reports that his master completely succeeded in interpreting the appearance of a celestial beam (δοκός) as a sign of a great loss of trunks, after which a naval battle took place where many ships were sunk; moreover, the master of the anonymous commentator predicted that the comet would remain visible until the end of Mercury’s retrogradation, and so it happened. As will be seen below, it is possible to crosscheck all this data to obtain a precise date of the comet’s appearance: 467 AD, 1 year before the naval battle of Cape Bon (468 AD). These years are also consistent with the dating that can be obtained from one of the horoscopes transmitted by the anonymous commentary (p. 98 Wolf), which corresponds to a birth that actually took place in Lower Egypt on 25 June 448 AD.
Global Burden and Inequality of Dental Caries, 1990 to 2019
Authors: Wen P.Y.F. , Chen M.X. , Zhong Y.J. , Dong Q.Q. , Wong H.M.
Published: December 2021

Previous studies on the global burden of caries primarily focused on simple descriptive statistics. We aimed to characterize the burden, trends, and inequalities of untreated caries of permanent and deciduous teeth from 1990 to 2019 at the global, regional, and national levels through an array of analytic approaches. Estimates of caries burden were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Decomposition analysis was performed to examine the contribution of demographic and epidemiologic factors to the evolving number of prevalent caries cases. In portfolio analysis, the caries epidemiologic profile of each country was categorized by terciles of age-standardized prevalence in 2019 and average annual percentage change from 1990 to 2019. Sociodemographic attribution analysis was performed to reveal the scale of inequality in burden of caries. Age-standardized prevalence of caries in permanent and deciduous teeth decreased 3.6% (95% uncertainty interval, 2.6% to 4.5%) and 3.0% (1.3% to 4.9%), respectively. Population growth was the key driver of the changes in the number of caries cases, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (percentage contribution: 126.6%, permanent teeth; 103.0%, deciduous teeth). Caries prevalence in the permanent dentition was lower in more developed countries, whereas a reverse trend was noted in the deciduous dentition, except for the highest sociodemographic quintile where caries prevalence was the lowest. Globally, 64.6 million (95% CI, 64.4 to 64.9 million) and 62.9 million (62.8 to 63.1 million) prevalent cases of caries in permanent and deciduous teeth were attributable to sociodemographic inequality in 2019. This amounted to 3.2% (3.2% to 3.2%) and 12.1% (12.1% to 12.1%) of the global number of prevalent cases of caries in permanent and deciduous teeth. Burden of dental caries remains a global public health challenge. A systemwide reform of the global oral health care system is needed to tackle the causes of the burden and inequality of dental caries.
Complementary and Integrative Health Interventions for Insomnia in Veterans and Military Populations
Authors: Staples Julie K. , Gibson Courtney , Uddo Madeline
Published: December 2021

Insomnia can be a serious problem diminishing quality of life for Veterans and military populations with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sleep disturbances are one of the symptoms of PTSD but even after evidence-based PTSD treatments, insomnia symptoms often remain. The primary approaches for treating insomnia are cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and pharmacotherapy. However, each of these treatments has drawbacks. Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) approaches such as mindfulness meditation, mantram meditation, yoga, and tai chi may provide alternative treatments for insomnia in military populations. This paper provides a brief review of studies on CIH interventions for sleep disturbances in Veterans. It also proposes possible mechanisms by which CIH practices may be effective, including increasing hippocampal volume and gamma-aminobutyric acid acid (GABA). Finally, the acceptability of CIH approaches among Veterans is discussed.
Revisiting the person of peace: A response to A. Matthews
Authors: Robinson Magnus
Published: December 2021

Luke 10:1–16 records Jesus sending a group of 70 (in some texts 72) disciples to proclaim the kingdom. If an open-hearted “child of peace” welcomed them, the messengers were to stay with them, blessing and evangelizing them and their household. Since the 1960s, proponents of the “person of peace strategy” have derived from this text a methodology for contemporary disciple-making. Matthews, writing in this journal, critiques the strategy as a hermeneutically weak misreading of the text, which hijacks instructions intended only for the original hearers, and uncritically applies them today. Matthews does accept that Luke 10 contains principles relevant to contemporary mission, but for reasons of space he declines to say what these principles may be. I attempt to identify these principles through a missional reading approach and ask how Luke 10 forms communities for mission then and now. I conclude that its prime purpose is to form Christians to be interdependent messengers of profound peace, who seek out interdependent children of hospitable peace. I then apply these insights to our current missiological moment. Finally, in light of this discussion I assess the specific “person of peace strategy” itself. While I offer some criticisms, I find more to appreciate about the strategy than Matthews does.
‘The circle of life’: The role of life course in understanding job quality
Authors: Belardi Susan , Knox Angela , Wright Chris F
Published: December 2021

This article seeks to examine the role of life course in understanding job quality. It uses a qualitative case study analysis of Australian restaurants and reveals how chefs at different life stages can subjectively perceive the same objective job characteristics differently. The findings extend pre-existing knowledge by demonstrating how workers’ subjective perceptions of job quality are shaped by their life stages.
Ownership Versus Partnership Parenting: Parenting Styles Within the Homeschooling Movement
Authors: Averett Kate Henley , Lacy Griffin
Published: December 2021

Scholars of the family agree on four main parenting styles, varying along two axes: responsiveness and control. Parental involvement and child autonomy fall under the control axis and are assumed to have an inverse relationship; where parental involvement is high, child autonomy is assumed to be low, and vice versa. Drawing on 22 in-depth interviews and participant observation at five homeschooling conferences, we examine the dominant parenting philosophies and practices of conservative Christian homeschoolers (which we call “ownership parenting”) and secular unschoolers (which we call “partnership parenting”). We demonstrate that the inverse relationship between parental involvement and child autonomy is not present in partnership parenting, which is marked by both high parental involvement and high child autonomy. Unschooling thus represents an empirical case against the theoretical conflation of parental involvement and child autonomy; a new expanded typology is thus posited that divides the control axis into two distinct axes.
Influences of Maternal Parenting Stress on Child Behavior Problems: Examining Harsh and Positive Parenting as Mediators
Authors: Flannery Andrew J. , Awada Samantha R. , Shelleby Elizabeth C.
Published: December 2021

Extant research demonstrates associations between parenting stress and child internalizing and externalizing problems, with evidence that parenting behaviors may mediate these associations; however, few studies have been longitudinal. The current study tested whether harsh and positive parenting mediated associations between maternal parenting stress and child internalizing and externalizing problems. Data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study were utilized, with 2,606 families who completed the year nine wave included (37% less than high school; 60.2% married/cohabitating; 50% Black, non-Hispanic; 24% Hispanic; and 26% White, non-Hispanic). Analyses revealed parenting stress at age three was significantly associated with higher child internalizing and externalizing problems at age nine. Further, positive but not harsh parenting mediated the link between parenting stress and externalizing problems. Parenting did not mediate the association between parenting stress and internalizing problems. Findings suggest harsh and positive parenting differentially explains associations between parenting stress and child internalizing and externalizing problems.
Idiopathic Aneurysms of the Ascending Aorta in the Mouse and Rat
Authors: Petkov Daniel , Patrick Daniel J. , Rogerson Petrina , Rehagen David , Hennig Gayle , Bradley Alys , Howroyd Paul , Czajkowski Melissa , Decker Joshua , Aboulmali Ahamat , Balmer Bethany
Published: December 2021

Aneurysms of the ascending aorta, unrelated to xenobiotic administration, are described in 5 rats and 2 mice in nonclinical safety studies conducted at Charles River Laboratories (CRL) sites over the past 10 years. The most prominent microscopic finding was focal dilation with disruption of the wall of the ascending aorta with chronic adventitial inflammation or fibroplasia. The pathogenesis of this finding is unknown. There were no associated macroscopic findings, clinical abnormalities, or vascular lesions elsewhere. The results of a search of historical control data from toxicology studies of 1 day to 72 weeks’ duration performed at CRL for aortic findings from 5900 mice and 23,662 rats are also reported. Aortic lesions are uncommon in mice and rats used in nonclinical safety studies, but toxicologic pathologists should be aware that aneurysms of the ascending aorta with fibroplasia and inflammation in the aortic wall and adventitia may occur spontaneously or iatrogenically, as they have the potential to impact interpretation in toxicology studies.
Paramedics delivering palliative and end-of-life care in community-based settings: A systematic integrative review with thematic synthesis
Authors: Juhrmann Madeleine L , Vandersman Priyanka , Butow Phyllis N , Clayton Josephine M
Published: December 2021

Background:

There is a growing demand for community palliative care and home-based deaths worldwide. However, gaps remain in this service provision, particularly after-hours. Paramedicine may help to bridge that gap and avoid unwanted hospital admissions, but a systematic overview of paramedics’ potential role in palliative and end-of-life care is lacking.

Aim:

To review and synthesise the empirical evidence regarding paramedics delivering palliative and end-of-life care in community-based settings.

Design:

A systematic integrative review with a thematic synthesis was undertaken in accordance with Whittemore and Knafl’s methodology. Prospero: CRD4202119851.

Data sources:

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus databases were searched in August 2020 for primary research articles published in English, with no date limits applied. Articles were screened and reviewed independently by two researchers, and quality appraisal was conducted following the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (2018).

Results:

The search retrieved 5985 articles; 23 articles satisfied eligibility criteria, consisting of mixed-methods ( n = 5), qualitative ( n = 7), quantitative descriptive ( n = 8) and quantitative non-randomised studies ( n = 3). Through data analysis, three key themes were identified: (1) Broadening the traditional role, (2) Understanding patient wishes and (3) Supporting families.

Conclusions:

Paramedics are a highly skilled workforce capable of helping to deliver palliative and end-of-life care to people in their homes and reducing avoidable hospital admissions, particularly for palliative emergencies. Future research should focus on investigating the efficacy of palliative care clinical practice guideline implementation for paramedics, understanding other healthcare professionals’ perspectives, and undertaking health economic evaluations of targeted interventions.
Latest diagnostic performance of different ultrasonic features for biliary atresia
Authors: Yang Pan , Tang Yajie , Wang Hongying , Zhang Xiangxiang , Yang Boyang
Published: December 2021

Background

Early diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) is an important clinical challenge.

Purpose

To summarize the latest diagnostic performance of different ultrasonic (US) features for BA.

Material and Methods

MeSH terms “biliary atresia” and “ultrasonography” and related hyponyms were used to search PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible articles were included and data were retrieved. The methodologic quality was assessed by version 2 of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Estimated sensitivity and specificity of each US feature were calculated by Stata 14.0.

Results

Fifty eligible studies on 5622 patients were included. Respective summary sensitivity and specificity were 77% (95% CI=69–84) and 98% (95% CI=96–99) for triangular cord sign (TCS) in 32 studies, 86% (95% CI=78–92) and 86% (95% CI=72–94) for shear wave elastography (SWE) in seven studies, 75% (95% CI=65–83) and 92% (95% CI=86–95) for gallbladder and biliary system abnormality (GBA) in 25 studies, and 81% (95% CI=69–90) and 79% (95% CI=67–87) for hepatic artery (HA) enlargement in seven studies. The overall US features from 11 studies yielded a summary sensitivity of 84% (95% CI=72–92) and specificity of 86% (95% CI=77–92).

Conclusion

TCS and GBA were the two most widely accepted US features currently used for differential diagnosis of BA. The newly developed SWE was an objective and convenient method with good diagnostic performance. HA enlargement can be used as an auxiliary sign.
Effect of cigarette smoking on coronary arteries and pattern and severity of coronary artery disease: a review
Authors: Salehi Nahid , Janjani Parisa , Tadbiri Hooman , Rozbahani Mohammad , Jalilian Milad
Published: December 2021

Objective

Smoking is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and a known factor influencing the severity and pattern of CAD. We summarized evidence regarding the effect of smoking on the number of occluded coronary arteries and the severity and pattern of CAD.

Methods

We extracted data from observational studies reporting the pattern and severity of CAD in smokers. The quality of studies was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist, and results are reported in the Garrard table. The review process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Results

We screened 11 studies including 6037 samples. Six studies reported no relationship between smoking and the number of damaged arteries. One study reported that smoking was related to occlusion in the left anterior descending artery, but there was no relationship between smoking and the location of occlusion in the arteries. Smoking was related to CAD severity in five studies.

Conclusions

Smoking was found to be related to CAD severity and location of the damaged artery in the heart. However, there was no significant association of smoking with the number of damaged arteries and location of arterial occlusion.
Validation of the Turkish version of the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire in patients with chronic pain
Authors: Inal Ferda Yilmaz , Gul Kursat , Yilmaz Camgoz Yadigar , Daskaya Hayrettin , Kocoglu Hasan
Published: December 2021

Objective

The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) is a clinically beneficial instrument that has been proven to be correlated with various experimental pain sensitivity assessments in healthy people and in patients with chronic pain. In this study, we aimed to translate the PSQ into Turkish (PSQ-T) and validate it for the measurement of pain sensitivity among Turkish people.

Methods

Seventy-three patients with chronic back pain who were planning to undergo an interventional procedure completed the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and PSQ prior to their procedure. Subcutaneous infiltration of lidocaine was used as a standardized experimental pain stimulus. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS 1: infiltration in the hand, and VAS 2: infiltration in the procedure area)

Results

Scores on the PSQ-T were significantly correlated with those on the BPI-SF. A significant positive relationship was observed between VAS 1 and VAS 2 values and the PSQ-T score, BPI pain score, and BPI interference score.

Conclusions

The PSQ-T can be used as a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of pain sensitivity in the Turkish population.
The Depravity Standard for Violent Crimes
Authors: Welner Michael , O’Malley Kate Y. , Gonidakis James , Blair Samantha
Published: December 2021

In violent crime cases, aggravating factors in United States criminal codes, such as “heinous,” “atrocious,” or “depraved,” are used to distinguish elements of the crime warranting more severe sentencing. These aggravating terms are vaguely defined and applied arbitrarily in violent cases. This paper details the development of a 25 item Depravity Standard to operationalize an evidence-based approach to distinguishing the worst of violent crimes. The items were applied to 393 detailed case files drawn from several American jurisdictions to develop and refine the item definitions, determine interrater reliability, and mine for the frequency of each item’s occurrence. This information was combined with 1,590 participant responses ranking the relative depravity of each item to develop a straightforward scoring system for measuring depravity in violent cases. The Depravity Standard guide can seamlessly be applied to identify the worst violent crimes, and provide support for those cases that may deserve leniency or early-release.
Self Perceptions and Cognitions of Child Sexual Exploitation Material Offenders
Authors: Steel Chad M. S. , Newman Emily , O’Rourke Suzanne , Quayle Ethel
Published: December 2021

Identifying the self-perceptions of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) consumers compared to a reference population of non-consumers is critical in establishing distorted cognitions that may not be elucidated when comparison is made with groups who have committed other offenses. This exploratory work utilizes a quantitative approach toward identifying how individuals previously convicted of child pornography offenses view CSEM and CSEM offending, using a group of non-offenders as a baseline. The target group was selected based on their inclusion in two sex offender registries for child pornography offenses ( n = 78). A reference group of non-offenders ( n = 254) was gender-matched from a subset of a prior study evaluating the public perceptions of CSEM. Both groups were adults located within the United States and were asked questions using an online survey about their general perceptions of CSEM, their endorsement of CSEM beliefs, and their opinions related to the legality of various forms of CSEM and associated laws and sentencing guidelines. The study found that CSEM consumers more accurately assessed risks associated with CSEM offending, but that they exhibited potential minimization-based cognitive distortions related to severity and victimization and more strongly endorsed child erotica and virtual child pornography being legal. Additionally, they endorsed treatment over prison, and were strongly opposed to sex offender registration for child pornography offenses. The results provide potential treatment targets, including behavioral areas that may be pathways to CSEM offending.
Joint Line Obliquity Does Not Affect the Outcomes of Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy at an Average 10-Year Follow-up
Authors: Rosso Federica , Rossi Roberto , Cantivalli Antonino , Pilone Carola , Bonasia Davide Edoardo
Published: December 2021

Background:

A significant number of high tibial osteotomies (HTOs) result in an overcorrected tibia and subsequent excessive lateral joint line obliquity (JLO). The correlation between excessive JLO and poor outcomes is controversial.

Purpose:

To evaluate the prognostic factors (including a pathological postoperative JLO) related with the outcomes of opening wedge HTO at 10 years of follow-up.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All patients undergoing HTO between 2004 and 2017 for medial osteoarthritis and with a postoperative hip-knee-ankle angle between 176° and 185° were included. Clinical evaluation included Knee Society Score (KSS; knee score and function score), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and visual analog scale for pain. Several mechanical and anatomic angles were measured pre- and postoperatively on long-leg weightbearing radiographs. Abnormal JLO was defined as a Mikulicz–joint line angle (MJL) ≥94° or a mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA) ≥95°. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between independent variables and each outcome. A Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival analysis was performed.

Results:

A total of 92 knees in 76 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 53.5 years (SD, 9.7 years), and the mean follow-up was 129.4 months (SD, 44.4 months). Increased JLO was associated with a significant preoperative varus deformity (small preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle), increased mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, increased joint line congruency angle, and increased knee-ankle joint angle. Male sex was associated with better WOMAC scores ( P = .0277), and increased body mass index (BMI) was associated with inferior WOMAC scores ( P = .0024). A good preoperative range of motion was associated with better knee score ( P = .0399) and function score ( P = .0366) on the KSS. An increased BMI was associated with inferior KSS function scores ( P = .0317). MJL ≥94° and mMPTA ≥95° were not associated with inferior WOMAC or KSS outcomes. With indication to total knee arthroplasty as an endpoint, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a survival rate of 98.7% at 5 years, 95.5% at 10 years, and 92.7% at 12 years.

Conclusion:

Increased lateral JLO (MJL ≥94° or mMPTA ≥95°) was not correlated with the clinical outcomes of opening wedge HTO at 10 years of follow-up.
The dynamic interaction between circular economy and the environment: Evidence on EU countries
Authors: Pao Hsiao-Tien , Chen Chun-Chih
Published: December 2021

This study examined the causal dynamics between circular economy (CE) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in European Union (EU) countries. The selected CE indicators included the trade in recyclable raw materials (TRM) and the circular material use rate (CMR) in the secondary raw materials area, the generation of municipal waste per capita (GMWp) in the production and consumption area and the recycling rate of municipal waste (RMW) in the area of waste management. The coefficients of the panel cointegration equations showed that for every 1 percentage point increase in RMW, average CO2 emissions decreased by 0.5%, while for every 1 percentage point increase in GMWp and TRM, the average CO2 emissions increased by 0.263% and 0.101%, respectively. It also showed that the recycling volumes and recycling rate had a positive but very limited impact on the CMR. The panel vector error correction model result showed that there were long-run bidirectional causalities between CE indicators and carbon emissions, and the TRM had a short-run negative impact on waste generation. However, the short-run impact of CE indicators on carbon emissions was not significant, which may be because the European CE is still in its infancy. The finding suggests that policymakers should adopt multilateral policies such as reducing carbon emissions, improving the efficiency and productivity of resource management and waste recycling, and increasing investment and innovation in the secondary raw materials market to achieve resource decoupling and impact decoupling. The decoupling of these two types is a necessary condition for sustainable development.
Socioeconomic and Geographic Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence in Sri Lanka: Analysis of the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Bandara Piumee , Knipe Duleeka , Munasinghe Sithum , Rajapakse Thilini , Page Andrew
Published: December 2021

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue and violation of human rights. The prevalence of IPV in South Asia is especially pronounced. We examined the associations between socioeconomic position (SEP), geographical factors and IPV in Sri Lanka using nationally representative data. Data collected from Sri Lanka’s 2016 Demographic and Health Survey were analysed using multilevel logistic regression techniques. A total of 16,390 eligible ever-partnered women aged 15-49 years were included in the analysis. Analyses were also stratified by ethnicity, type of violence, neighbourhood poverty and post-conflict residential status for selected variables. No schooling/primary educational attainment among women (OR 2.46 95% CI 1.83-3.30) and their partners (OR 2.87 95% CI 2.06-4.00), financial insecurity (OR 2.17 95% CI 1.92-2.45) and poor household wealth (OR 2.64 95% CI 2.22-3.13) were the socioeconomic factors that showed the strongest association with any IPV, after adjusting for age and religion. These associations predominately related to physical and/or sexual violence, with weak associations for psychological violence. Women living in a post-conflict environment had a higher risk (OR 2.96 95% CI 2.51-3.49) of IPV compared to other areas. Ethnic minority women (Tamil and Moor) were more likely to reside in post-conflict areas and experience poverty more acutely compared to the majority Sinhala women, which may explain the stronger associations for low SEP, post-conflict residence and IPV found among Tamil and Moor women. Policies and programs to alleviate poverty, as well as community mobilisation and school-based education programs addressing harmful gender norms may be beneficial. Trauma informed approaches are needed in post-conflict settings. Further exploratory studies investigating the complex interplay of individual, household and contextual factors occurring in this setting is required.
Mothers’ Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Depression: Associations with Children’s Behavioral Functioning
Authors: Yetter Alyssa M.
Published: December 2021

Despite robust bodies of literature documenting that both mothers’ intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and mothers’ mental health are consequential for children’s behavioral functioning, the conjunction of these two risk factors is less understood. Findings are mixed as to whether mental health mediates the effect of IPV on behavioral functioning. Such mixed findings may result from literature primarily examining samples selected from clinical, shelter, or intervention settings. Furthermore, few studies have expanded the literature to assess moderation, rather than mediation, effects. While mediation analysis tests whether behavioral problems result from mothers’ IPV because IPV increases depression, moderation analysis instead tests whether mother’s IPV victimization has a different impact for their children based on whether or not the mother is also experiencing depression. The current study uses a representative survey of neighborhoods and households in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey ( n = 1,913), to examine the combined effects of mothers’ IPV victimization and depression on children’s internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. The findings suggest that mothers’ IPV victimization and depression have direct, positive effects on both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Additionally, there is a moderation effect such that children of mothers who suffer from both IPV victimization and depression have higher levels of internalizing behavior problems. These results emphasize the importance of addressing the mental health of IPV victims, not only for the benefit of the direct victim, but also for the benefit of her children.
What is the Role of Adult Facilitators in Critical Participatory Action Research? Employing Affective Labor While Navigating the Politics and the Perils Alongside Minoritized Youth Researchers
Authors: Lac Van T. , Antunes Ana Carolina , Daniel Julia , Mackey Janiece
Published: December 2021

Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR) represents a tool for minoritized youth in shaping educational policies. Despite its promise, the politics of engaging in CPAR within structures ensnared in hegemonic ideologies can negate, devalue, and deny the contributions of youth voice. This study highlights how adult facilitators supporting youth researchers negotiate methodological tensions when the politics nested within oppressive structures converge with the ideals of CPAR. Using LatCrit methodology and employing affective labor theory, this qualitative study offers four counterstories interrogating the role of adult allies in CPAR, navigating the politics and perils of engaging in this work alongside minoritized students.
Minimum design metal temperature of Q345R determined by exemption curve in ASME VIII-2 and its derived methods
Authors: Zhou Zhongqiang , Hui Hu , Cui Qingfeng , Huang Song , Zhang Yalin
Published: December 2021

In order to prevent the brittle fracture accident, minimum design metal temperature of ferrite steel should be limited. After the minimum design metal temperature curve in American Society of Mechanical Engineers VIII-2 (2007) was proposed, much related research has been done in recent years. In this paper, firstly the theoretical basis of four methods used to determine the minimum design metal temperature was introduced. Secondly, the mechanical properties of Q345R was measured by tensile test, Charpy v-notch impact test and fracture toughness test Thirdly, minimum design metal temperature curve of Q345R that determined by four methods were obtained. There are obvious difference between the curves of Q345R that determined by four methods. It can be concluded that low temperature fracture toughness of Q345R is underestimated when classifying Q345R into exemption curve A in American Society of Mechanical Engineers VIII-2 (2007).
Experimental investigation on powder processing and its flow properties of AlSi10Mg alloy with niobium carbide for additive manufacturing
Authors: Radhakrishnan Raj Mohan , Ramamoorthi Venkatraman , Srinivasan Raghuraman
Published: December 2021

In this study, aluminium-silicon alloy AlSi10Mg powder of spherical morphology was mixed with niobium carbide powder had irregular morphology in weight percentages of 2, 4, 6 and 8 and processed in a planetary ball mill apparatus. The optimal conditions for powder processing were a mixing time of 1.95 h and a speed of 71 RPM without milling balls. The use of milling balls was avoided to maintain the morphology of AlSi10Mg from degradation and improve the flowability of composite powder. To evaluate the flowability of processed powders, flow properties such as apparent density, tapped density, Hausner’s ratio, Carr index, static angle of repose and Hall flow rate were determined. Selective laser melting was used to fabricate AlSi10Mg composite specimens with varying percentages of niobium carbide. Finally, at 6% niobium carbide, the selective laser melting cube specimen had a maximum relative density of 99.21%.
Prevalence of syphilis infection and associated sociodemographic factors among antenatal-care attendees in Meghalaya, India: Revisiting HIV Sentinel Surveillance data
Authors: Biswas Subrata , Ghosh Piyali , Debnath Falguni , Chakraborty Debjit , Saha Malay Kumar , Dutta Shanta
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite relatively simple prevention and treatment, syphilis remains a major social and public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing nations.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with syphilis infection among antenatal-care (ANC) attendees in Meghalaya, India.

Materials and Method

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing National HIV Sentinel Surveillance of Meghalaya, January–March 2017. Pregnant women aged 15–49 years ( n = 3015) were recruited consecutively, interviewed, and tested for syphilis by Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test in eight selected ANC sites representing all districts of Meghalaya.

Results

Prevalence of syphilis was found to be 1.03 % (95% CI = 0.67–1.39) (31/3015). Prevalence was maximum among illiterates with gradual lowering of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with improvement of education. Women whose husbands had no income were associated with higher risk (AOR = 4.97, 95% CI = 1.11–22.20) of syphilis. Significant risk (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.02–5.74) was also observed with Jaintia Hills residents as compared to Garo Hills.

Conclusions

As high prevalence of gestational syphilis was identified in Meghalaya along with important sociodemographic predictors, evidence to policy translation is required at state and national level to scale up prevention, screening, and management of syphilis