bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prisons of peoples? Empire, nation and conflict management in Habsburg Central Europe, 1848–1925
Authors: Judson Pieter M.
Published: December 2023

Vladimir Putin’s legitimation of Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine raises questions about traditional understandings of nation and empire. Should we contrast the two in terms of values and practices? In this case, Putin uses both nationalist and Imperialist rhetoric to justify his actions. My essay questions how we understand nation and empire using the example of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. How did this empire develop laws, institutions and administrative practices to manage conflicts and claims around language use and nationalism? How did Austria’s governments rule a multi-lingual, multi-confessional society effectively, without resorting to brutal policies of nationalization? When nationalist conflicts arose in different settings, how and why did they originate? I conclude that in European terms, Imperial Austria and even nationalist Hungary apparently managed daily-life issues around diverse language use and religious practice far more humanely and effectively than did the successor nation states after 1918.
A cure-all for energy poverty? Thinking critically about energy advice
Authors: Simcock Neil , Bouzarovski Stefan
Published: December 2023

Dramatic increases in global energy prices in 2022 have sharpened focus on the suffering experienced by people living in energy poverty – a situation where they are unable to afford the energy required to meet their basic needs. In many countries, providing energy advice to householders is part of a wider strategy to assist those who are experiencing such hardship. However, little research scrutinises whether and how energy advice can be useful in reducing vulnerability to energy poverty. It is this research gap we address here. Drawing on an extensive qualitative dataset, we find that efforts to provide tailored, in-person advice can help to partially ameliorate energy poverty, but its impacts are limited by structural factors that are beyond the immediate influence of advisors or individual citizens. Energy advice should be seen as a supplement to, not a replacement for, more ambitious and transformative political action that addresses the structural and institutional drivers of inequality.
Determinants of agriculture information utilization among farmers: Contextualization of Wilson's information behavior model
Authors: Maqbool Rashid , Soroya Saira Hanif , Mahmood Khalid , Naeem Salman Bin
Published: December 2023

In modern agriculture, information plays a crucial role in increasing productivity and development. Thus, active utilization of agriculture information can be instrumental for the agriculture development and the quality of life of farmers. Despite Pakistan's agriculture-based economy, literature reports that Pakistani farmers do not utilize the information effectively. Therefore, a study was conducted to explore the determinants of agriculture information utilization among farmers. Data was collected quantitatively through a survey design, and the population included all farmers of District Okara Punjab, Pakistan. The sample was recruited based on convenient sampling technique. Since the questionnaire was developed, therefore its content validity was confirmed through expert scrutiny and the internal consistency and reliability of measures were determined through Cronbach's alpha. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS-22 and path analysis was calculated through the Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS). Data analysis confirmed that Pakistani farmers were paying average level of active attention towards seeking agricultural information. Whereas path analysis established that the realization of agricultural information needs leads to utilization of agriculture information, and information seeking behavior plays a significant mediating role in this regard.
Defending and Expanding Boundaries: Exploring How COVID-19 Triggered Boundary Work Among HR Managers in the Public Sector
Authors: Tyskbo Daniel
Published: December 2023

While important insights have been provided into the role of HR managers in performing change in the workplace, still little is known about how HR managers themselves are shaped by change, in particular in relation to those changes triggered by radical or disruptive shock events and crisis situations, and in the public sector context. In this study, we aim to address this, using an exploratory qualitative interview study to explore how the serious and profound COVID-19 pandemic triggered boundary work among HR managers in public sector municipalities. Our findings illustrate that COVID-19 triggered HR managers to engage in boundary work in two main ways: either by defending their boundaries (through the two practices of counteracting dumping and counteracting shirking) or by expanding them (through the two practices of facilitating self-fulfillment and facilitating status-enhancement). We discuss how this variation is related to whether the HR managers experienced and made sense of the pandemic mainly as a threat—of being forced into unwanted responsibility—or if they experienced and made sense of it mainly as an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. In showing this, the study makes a number of important contributions to both theory and practice.
A study on the temperature characteristics in laser-assisted cutting of cemented carbide
Authors: Zhang Changjuan , Wang Zhenyu , Hu Junchao
Published: December 2023

To investigate the temperature characteristics of Laser-Assisted Cutting (LAC) in relation to cemented carbide, a theoretical model for LAC temperature was established based on heat conduction theory. Finite element simulations were conducted to analyze the surface temperature distribution and internal temperature distribution of cemented carbide during the LAC process. And an empirical formula for the LAC temperature of cemented carbide was obtained through temperature testing, and the model was experimentally validated. In addition the influences of the cutting temperature on the material machinability were experimentally studied. The results showed that the factors affecting cutting temperature ranked in order of importance are laser power, laser traversal speed, laser spot diameter, distance between cutting edge and spot center, cutting depth, and cutting speed. The cutting temperature trends were consistent under different processing parameters. In comparison with traditional cutting, the LAC method reduced the radial thrust force (Fx), tangential force (Fy), and axial thrust force (Fz) by 20.00, 27.14, and 53.19% respectively. The surface roughness of the workpiece was reduced by 50%, resulting in a flat and smooth surface with improved machinability.
Experimental and numerical analysis of corrugated microchannel on aluminum using pulsed laser
Authors: Chandan Guddakesh Kumar , Aslam Mohd , Kanchan Brajesh Kumar
Published: December 2023

Microchannel research has emerged significantly in the last decade due to its several applications, viz., heat exchanger, pharmaceutical, etc. Although several micro-machining processes have been developed in the previous few decades, the contemporary utilization of laser micromachining is minimal. In this context, the current research investigates the material characterization and thermal analysis of corrugated aluminum channels using an experimental and numerical approach. Herein, the types of equipment used are pulsed laser, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for experimental analysis. Moreover, the numerical investigation has been conducted using the finite-element method. The current study developed a numerical model for transient thermal analysis utilizing a Gaussian heat source. After that, the output data value is comparable to laser micromachining for experimental inquiry. The results of laser micromachining are shown in terms of heat affected zone (HAZ), depth, and width. The microstructural analysis revealed that the coarser grains are formed near HAZ, whereas finer grains with cracks are located near the laser focal point.
Book review: Gurpreet Bal, Sociology of Entrepreneurship in India
Authors: Razak Abdul
Published: December 2023

Gurpreet Bal, Sociology of Entrepreneurship in India (Rawat Publications, 2023), 271 pp., ₹1,295, ISBN: 978-81-316-1317-7 (Hardcover).
“Healthcare Disparities in the Care of Children with Craniosynostosis in the United States: A Systematic Review”
Authors: Valenti Alyssa B. , Munabi Naikhoba , Obinero Chioma G. , Demetres Michelle , Greives Matthew R , Imahiyerobo Thomas A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Healthcare inequity is a pressing concern in pediatric populations with craniofacial conditions. Little is known about the barriers to care affecting children with craniosynostosis. This systematic review investigates disparities impacting care for children with craniosynostosis in the U.S.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed in the following databases from inception to December 2022: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library. Studies were screened for eligibility by two authors. All original articles that focused on disparities in access, treatment, or outcomes of craniosynostosis surgery were included. Studies describing disparities in other countries, those not written English, and review articles were excluded (Figure 1).

Results

An initial database search revealed 607 citations of which 21 met inclusion criteria (Figure 1). All included studies were retrospective reviews of databases or cohorts of patients. The results of our study demonstrate that barriers to access in treatment for craniosynostosis disproportionally affect minority children, children of non-English speaking parents and those of lower socioeconomic status or with Medicaid. Black and Hispanic children, non-English speaking patients, and children without insurance or with Medicaid were more likely to present later for evaluation, ultimately undergoing surgery at an older age. These patients were also more likely to experience complications and require blood transfusions compared to their more privileged, white peers.

Conclusions

There is a discrepancy in treatment received by minority patients, patients with Medicaid, and those who are non-English speaking. Further research is needed to describe the specific barriers that prevent equitable care for these patients.
The Quality of CLP-Related Information for Patients Provided by ChatGPT
Authors: Duran Gökhan Serhat , Yurdakurban Ebru , Topsakal Kübra Gülnur
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess the quality, reliability, readability, and similarity of the data that a recently created NLP-based artificial intelligence model ChatGPT 4 provides to users in Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP)-related information.

Design

In the evaluation of the responses provided by the OpenAI ChatGPT to the CLP-related 50 questions, several tools were utilized, including the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool, Reliability Scoring System (Adapted from DISCERN), Flesh Reading Ease Formula (FRES) and Flesch-Kinkaid Reading Grade Level (FKRGL) formulas, Global Quality Scale (GQS), and Similarity Index with plagiarism-detection tool. Jamovi (The Jamovi Project, 2022, version 2.3; Sydney, Australia) software was used for all statistical analyses.

Results

Based on the reliability and GQS values, ChatGPT demonstrated high reliability and good quality attributable to CLP. Furthermore, according to the FRES results, ChatGPT's readability is difficult, and the similarity index values of this software exhibit an acceptable level of similarity ratio. There is no significant difference in EQIP, Reliability Score System, FRES, FKGRL, GQS, and Similarity Index values among the two categories.

Conclusion

OpenAI ChatGPT provides a highly reliable, high-quality, but challenging to read, and acceptable similarity rate in providing information related to CLP. Ensuring that information obtained through these models is verified and assessed by a qualified medical expert is crucial.
Deceptively Stable? How the Stability of Aggregate Abortion Attitudes Conceals Partisan Induced Shifts
Authors: Deckman Melissa , Elder Laurel , Greene Steven , Lizotte Mary-Kate
Published: December 2023

The 2022 Dobbs decision, striking down constitutional protection for abortion, sent shockwaves through the American political system. For the 50 years prior, however, public opinion on abortion was distinctive for its stability, with almost the same percent of Americans supporting legal abortion in the twenty-first century as in the 1970s. This stasis persisted during a period of dramatic change in the political landscape. We employ General Social Survey (GSS) data to explore the ways that partisanship, as well as demographic and attitude changes among key groups, have contributed to underlying shifts in abortion attitudes and, on an aggregate level, the appearance of stability. We show that demographic changes combined with meaningful attitude change balance each other out leading to deceptive stability. We also show the growing power of partisanship as a predictor of abortion attitudes for both Democrats and Republicans, especially Republican women, who have become more opposed to legal abortion than Republican men. Our findings provide a baseline for understanding abortion attitudes in post-Roe America and insights as to where continuity and change can be expected.
Application of Femoral Nerve Block in Treating Great Saphenous Vein Insufficiency by Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Punctate Stripping
Authors: Li Ying-hao , Wang Tao , Qian Cheng , Chen Guo-ping , Lou Wen-sheng , Gu Jian-ping
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block (FNB) in treating great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency by endovenous radiofrequency ablation (EVRA) combined with punctate stripping (PS).

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. A total of 135 patients were divided into Group A (59 patients) and Group B (76 patients). All patients received tumescent anesthesia during the operation, and group A received an additional ultrasound-guided FNB before the procedure. Intraoperative and postoperative pain score, the volume of tumescent anesthesia solution (TAS), and other indicators were compared in two groups.

Results

Group A had a significantly lower intraoperative pain visual analog scale than group B (2.7 ± 1.2 vs 5.2 ± 1.5, P < 0.001). The volume of TAS in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (198 ± 26.6 ml vs 338 ± 34.7 ml, P < 0.001). Postoperative muscle strength of group A was significantly decreased compared with group B (54.2% vs 3.90%, P < 0.001); no patient had severe limitation of active movements in both groups, and all motor blocks recovered within 24 h. The incidence of skin ecchymosis in group A was lower than that in group B (18.6% vs 46.1%, P = 0.001). The operation duration of the two groups had no statistically significant difference.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided FNB in treating GSV insufficiency by EVRA combined with PS significantly relieved intraoperative pain and reduced the dosage of TAS and the incidence of skin ecchymosis without increasing the complications of anesthesia or any other surgical complications.
Vibration analysis of magneto-electro-elastic sandwich plate with auxetic graphene reinforced metal matrix composite core
Authors: Tran Quoc Quan , Ngo Dinh Dat , Nguyen Dinh Duc
Published: December 2023

This research addresses analytical solutions for vibration performance of simply supported sandwich plate subjected to coupled mechanical-electric-magnetic-thermal loads. The plate is made of graphene reinforced metal matrix composite (GRMMC) core and magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) face sheets. Three graphene distribution patterns, FG-X, FG-O, and UD are considered for evaluating the reinforcement efficiency of graphene. The Reddy’s higher order shear deformation plate theory and Hamilton’s principle are employed to formulate the equations of motion of the sandwich plate. Then, using double trigonometric functions for variables and applying Bubnov–Galerkin procedure, the system of nonlinear second-order differential equations is constructed to reveal the natural frequency, frequency ratio, and dynamic response of the sandwich plate. The influences of graphene distribution patterns and volume fraction, magnetic and electric potentials, temperature change, and volume fraction of piezoelectric phase are discussed in details. This research provides basis for the design of sandwich composite structures, especially smart structures and devices.
Design of a bulk-lead zirconate titanate ultrasonic transducer array addressing specific excitation modes
Authors: Song Shoupeng , Wei Minghui
Published: December 2023

Conventional ultrasonic transducer arrays generally use simultaneous or delayed excitation methods to generate various types of wave fronts in ultrasonic testing. Such array excitation modes are relatively simple and unable to maximize the functions of the array elements or element apertures. Accordingly, this study developed a novel excitation ultrasonic transducer array with flexible excitation aperture. A minimum row-column-addressing planar array structure for ultrasonic transducers based on bulk lead zirconate titanate (PZT) was designed for industrial ultrasonic testing. In addition, a transducer structure design scheme and truth table for array addressing with excitation logic were provided. By performing an acoustic field simulation, this study analyzed the relationship between the longitudinal amplitude and resonant frequency of the array elements and the impedance distribution. The transducer was fabricated and packaged using a circuit board and bulk PZT array elements. Testing revealed that the resonant frequency of the array was 1.07 MHz, the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient was 0.40, and the fractional bandwidth of the pulse echo response and spectrum was 38.46%. Using an aluminum block, performance in single-element, row-, column-, and full-array excitation was tested, and echo curves were obtained for multiple apertures. Using a single-circuit module, the transducer realized flexible gating and excitation of the array elements. The research provided a new method for industrial ultrasonic transducer array design.
The Role of Race, Social Support, Empowerment, and Posttraumatic Cognitions in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Ceroni Taylor L. , Holmes Samantha C. , Alshabani Nuha , Silver Kristin E. , Johnson Dawn M.
Published: December 2023

Black women experience more frequent and severe intimate partner violence (IPV), but there are mixed findings on their posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. This may be explained by cultural-salient factors which are associated with fewer posttraumatic cognitions. We hypothesized an indirect effect of race on PTSD symptoms via social support, empowerment, and posttraumatic cognitions, serially. Path analysis revealed Black women reported increased social support, which was associated with higher levels of empowerment, which was associated with lower levels of posttraumatic cognitions. Decreased posttraumatic cognitions were associated with less severe PTSD symptoms. Results increase understanding of culturally-salient factors that may impact PTSD symptoms in Black women.
Perioperative and Anesthetic Considerations in Shone’s Complex
Authors: Landsem Leah , Brown Nicholas , Cox Ryan , Ross Faith
Published: December 2023

Shone’s complex is a congenital cardiac disease consisting of the following four lesions: parachute mitral valve, supravalvar mitral ring, subaortic stenosis, and aortic coarctation. Though not all components are required for a diagnosis, the end result is both left ventricular inflow and outflow obstruction, which typically present in patients as congestive heart failure. The complex pathology requires careful management and surgical decision-making to ensure an optimal outcome. This review will focus on the anatomy, physiology, and perioperative anesthetic management of patients with Shone’s complex.
Urine Metabolite Analysis to Identify Pathomechanisms of Long COVID: A Pilot Study
Authors: Taenzer Maja , Löffler-Ragg Judith , Schroll Andrea , Monfort-Lanzas Pablo , Engl Sabine , Weiss Günter , Brigo Natascha , Kurz Katharina
Published: December 2023

Background:

Around 10% of people who had COVID-9 infection suffer from persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnoea, chest pain, arthralgia/myalgia, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction and impairment of mental health. Different underlying pathomechanisms appear to be involved, in particular inflammation, alterations in amino acid metabolism, autonomic dysfunction and gut dysbiosis.

Aim:

As routine tests are often inconspicuous in patients with Long COVID (LC), similarly to patients suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), accessible biomarkers indicating dysregulation of specific pathways are urgently needed to identify underlying pathomechanisms and enable personalized medicine treatment. Within this pilot study we aimed to proof traceability of altered metabolism by urine analysis.

Patients and Methods:

Urine metabolome analyses were performed to investigate the metabolic signature of patients with LC (n = 25; 20 women, 5 men) in comparison to healthy controls (Ctrl, n = 8; 7 women, 1 man) and individuals with ME/CFS (n = 8; 2 women, 6 men). Concentrations of neurotransmitter precursors tryptophan, phenylalanine and their downstream metabolites, as well as their association with symptoms (fatigue, anxiety and depression) in the patients were examined.

Results and Conclusion:

Phenylalanine levels were significantly lower in both the LC and ME/CFS patient groups when compared to the Ctrl group. In many LC patients, the concentrations of downstream metabolites of tryptophan and tyrosine, such as serotonin, dopamine and catecholamines, deviated from the reference ranges. Several symptoms (sleep disturbance, pain or autonomic dysfunction) were associated with certain metabolites. Patients experiencing fatigue had lower levels of kynurenine, phenylalanine and a reduced kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp). Lower concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and higher activity of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) were observed in patients with anxiety. Conclusively, our results suggest that amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis is disturbed in patients with LC and ME/CFS. The identified metabolites and their associated dysregulations could serve as potential biomarkers for elucidating underlying pathomechanisms thus enabling personalized treatment strategies for these patient populations.
Why the West’s alternative to China’s international infrastructure financing is failing
Authors: Hameiri Shahar , Jones Lee
Published: December 2023

As geopolitical rivalry intensifies, Western states have moved to compete with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, the mobilisation of funds for global infrastructure remains paltry, suggesting that Western states cannot contest Chinese dominance here. Why? Through comparative political economy analysis of China and the United States, we argue that serious competition cannot be willed into being by state managers thinking geostrategically. States’ strengths and weaknesses are rooted in structural political economy dynamics. Where state managers’ plans jibe with, or express, the interests of powerful social forces and the capital and productive forces they command, a powerful impact results. This is true of China, whose BRI is principally a spatio-temporal fix for industrial overcapacity and over-accumulated capital. Conversely, where geopolitical ambitions are divorced from powerful groups’ interests and material realities, results are lacklustre. This applies to the United States, characterised by infrastructural decay, industrial hollowing-out and a dominant financial sector largely disinterested in infrastructure. Although US state managers are turning towards increased state spending on domestic infrastructure, internationally, the West’s continued neoliberal approach still relies on the already-failed approach of mobilising private capital into infrastructure investment.
Manufacturing consensus: China’s strategic narratives and geoeconomic competition in Asia
Authors: Lin Alex Yu-Ting , Katada Saori N.
Published: December 2023

China’s attempt to build geopolitical influence through economic instruments has become a critical facet of US-China competition. How can rising powers convince follower states to join alternative (geoeconomic) initiatives created and/or led by the rising powers, in the shadow of potential rebuke from the hegemon? This article theorizes how rising powers can use strategic narratives to ameliorate the follower states’ concerns of antagonizing the hegemon for aligning with alternative initiatives. We argue that rising powers can control the narrative through “two-front narration”: simultaneously telling the hegemon that they seek limited changes, while telling follower states that they do not have to worry about crossfire because the rising powers-hegemon relations are non-zero-sum. By sending the right messages to different audiences to induce motivated reasoning, rising powers can manufacture the appearance of consensus among multiple audiences to help follower states hedge, while blunting the formation of containment coalitions. We adopt a mixed-methods approach to substantiate our theory: (1) text analysis of China’s messaging about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) from 2008 to 2016; (2) case study of the rhetorical action-reactions between China, the United States, and the follower states on the relationship between the TPP and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership; and (3) parallel case study of the rhetorical action-reactions between China, the United States, and the follower states on the relationship between the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and multilateral development banks such as the World Bank. Our analysis has implications for theories of strategic narratives in international politics and debates about geoeconomic competition/hedging in Asia.
National emergency medical teleconsultation: A novel system applied during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Kai-Wen , Shih Hong-Mo , Ng Chip-Jin , Shih Chung-Liang , Chen Wei-Kung
Published: December 2023

Objective

Telemedicine can facilitate social distancing during an infectious disease pandemic and reduce the burden on health-care resources. Moreover, telemedicine can be utilized for medical care in remote island regions, in home health care, and during isolated major disasters such as regional earthquakes. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine for emergency consultation remains unclear. This study introduced and analyzed the national emergency medical teleconsultation (NEMTC) established in Taiwan in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control established a temporary 24-h NEMTC contingency system. Patient information was collected from consultations through the NEMTC from April 28 to June 28, 2022. After successful consultation, physicians made recommendations for home observation, emergency department (ED) visit, or outpatient follow-up. ED visits were divided into two categories, namely self-transport and transport, by the emergency medical service system (EMSS).

Results

During the aforementioned period, 20,902 consultation requests were made through the NEMTC, and 11,804 consultations (56.5% of 20,902) were successful. Consultation success rates were significantly higher for those who had a consultation between 08:00 and 16:00, had a waiting time of less than 10 min, and were not aged between 18 and 45 years. Moreover, 8.2% of the analyzed patients were advised to visit the ED, and only 0.4% required ambulance transportation. Children and older individuals and patients with cardiovascular symptoms, shortness of breath, or neurological or abdominal symptoms had a significantly higher chance of being referred to the ED than did other individuals.

Conclusions

The NEMTC response system can enhance the efficiency of the EMSS and can reduce the burden of patients with mild conditions overloading the EMSS and EDs. The NEMTC could serve as an effective rapid response system during future pandemics.
Popliteal artery aneurysm ultrasound criteria for reporting characteristics
Authors: Bellomo Tiffany R , Goudot Guillaume , Gaston Brandon , Lella Srihari , Jessula Samuel , Sumetsky Natalie , Beardsley Jenna , Patel Shiv , Fischetti Chanel , Zacharias Nikolaos , Dua Anahita
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is the modality of choice for surveillance of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs). However, noninvasive vascular laboratories have no standard guidelines for reporting results. This study assessed reports of PAA DUS for inclusion of information pertinent to operative decision-making and timing of surveillance.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective review of a multi-institutional repository that was queried for all patients with a PAA from 2008 to 2022 and confirmed via manual chart review. DUS reports were abstracted and images were individually annotated for features of interest including dimensions, flow abnormalities, and percent thrombus burden.

Results:

A total of 166 PAAs in 130 patients had at least one DUS available for viewing. Postoperative surveillance of PAAs was performed at several intervals: the first at 30 months (IQR 3.7–113, n = 44), the second at 64 months (IQR 20–172, n = 31), and the third at 152 months (IQR 46–217, n = 16) after the operation. The largest diameter of operative PAAs (median 27.5 mm, IQR 21.8–38.0) was significantly greater than nonoperative PAAs (median 20.9 mm, IQR 16.7–27.3); p < 0.01. Fewer than 33 (21%) reports commented on patency of distal runoff. We calculated an average percent thrombus of 60% (IQR 19–81) in nonoperative PAAs, which is significantly smaller than 75% (IQR 58–89) in operative PAAs; p < 0.01.

Conclusion:

In this multi-institutional retrospective study, PAAs are often not followed at intervals recommended by the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines and do not include all measurements necessary for clinical decision-making in the multi-institutional repository studied. There should be standardization of PAA DUS protocols performed by all noninvasive vascular laboratories to ensure completeness of PAA DUS images and inclusion of characteristics pertinent to clinical decision-making in radiology reports.
Clinical crown height changes in adult patients after non-extraction, orthodontic treatment: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tsukada Keizo , Ozeki Yumi , Sato Chikatoshi , Fushima Kenji
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To assess changes in clinical crown height (CCH) in adult orthodontic patients treated by fixed appliances to distalise the molars.

Design:

Retrospective case series study.

Setting and patients:

A total of 30 adults with healthy periodontal tissues who received orthodontic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics, Yokohama, Japan and its related orthodontic clinic were assessed.

Methods:

CCH was measured as the distance from the gingival margin to the crown plane perpendicular to the tooth axis. Treatment changes of CCH of each tooth were examined on the labial/buccal and lingual/palatal side.

Results:

In the upper dentition, on the labial/buccal side, the CCH of the lateral incisors, canines, first premolars, first molars and second molars were increased significantly ( P < 0.01), with a median value of 0.41 mm, 0.43 mm, 0.28 mm, 0.43 mm and 0.55 mm, respectively. In contrast on the palatal side, the CCH of the central incisors, first molars, and second molars decreased significantly ( P < 0.01), with a median value of −0.41 mm, −0.30 mm and −0.20 mm, respectively. In the lower dentition on the labial/buccal side, the CCH of the first premolars, second premolars and first molars were increased significantly, with a median value of 0.39 mm ( P < 0.01), 0.43 mm ( P < 0.01) and 0.19 mm ( P < 0.05), respectively. The second molars exhibited a significant decrease in CCH with a median value of −0.26 mm ( P < 0.05). On the lingual side, the CCH of the central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, first premolars, second premolars and first molars were increased significantly ( P < 0.01), with a median value of 0.28 mm, 0.22 mm, 0.31 mm, 0.37 mm, 0.26 mm and 0.28 mm, respectively.

Conclusion:

Significant differences were observed in CCH before and after treatment for many teeth, the average change was less than 0.5 mm. The impact on the long-term health of the periodontal tissue is unknown.
Managerial coaching and employees’ innovative work behavior: The mediating effect of work engagement
Authors: Viitala Riitta , Laiho Maarit , Pajuoja Maria , Henttonen Kaisa
Published: December 2023

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rely on each employee to be innovative, and understanding how employees can be supported in their innovative behavior is a crucial factor. This study draws on managerial coaching (MC) literature to examine the dynamics of how leadership behaviors impact employees’ innovative work behavior (IWB). In an attempt to disclose the mechanism through which MC can impact the IWB of employees, we particularly expected work engagement to mediate the relationship. Accordingly, we operationalized IWB as a four-dimensional construct to show whether MC and work engagement equally affect all of the dimensions of IWB. We collected survey data ( N = 4418) from 88 Finnish SMEs and found that MC was positively related to each dimension of IWB, and that work engagement mediated the linkages. Interestingly, the importance of MC (both directly and when mediated by work engagement) grows as the employee moves from idea exploration to implementation. This study sheds light on the mechanism through which leadership behavior can impact the IWB of employees in SMEs.
Examination of the permeability of rubberized concrete with different water/cement ratios and their resistance against acid and sulfate attack
Authors: Kandil Ufuk , Bulut H Alperen
Published: December 2023

This study aims to examine the permeability and acid and sulfate attack of waste rubber-substituted concrete containing recycled rubber in three different grain size classes (chips, crumb and powder) with two different water/cement (w/c) ratios (0.4 and 0.5). Waste rubber at different ratios (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16%, 20%, and 24%) was used in concrete by replacing fine and coarse aggregates. Sorptivity, electrical resistivity, and acid and sulfate attack tests were conducted on concrete cured for 90 days. Although the capillarity coefficient values increased with the waste rubber replacement ratio increase, a decrease occurred after the 20% waste rubber replacement ratio. In 12% waste rubber-substituted concrete (0.4WR12) with a water/cement ratio of 0.4, the electrical resistivity value (8.3 kΩ.cm) was the highest, and concretes with low permeability could be produced. As a result of the use of 16% waste rubber in the concrete, 75% less compressive strength loss was observed after the acid attack compared to the control concrete. In concrete with a water/cement ratio of 0.5, when the waste rubber ratio increased by up to 16%, the compressive strength losses caused by the sulfate attack decreased dramatically (95.76% less) compared to the control concrete. The rubberized concrete with a water/cement ratio of 0.5 showed high resistance to acid and sulfate attacks. The experiment results showed that 12% to 16% waste rubbers are ideal ratios. In this study, the water/cement ratio was a valuable parameter for the waste rubber ratio in rubberized concrete.
Qilian Formula Inhibits Tumor Cell Growth in a Bone Metastasis Model of Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Qin , Zhao Bei , Li Jiaqi , Zhao Jingwen , Wang Chengyan , Li Quanyao , Yang Wenxiao , Xu Ling , Gong Yabin
Published: December 2023

Background:

Bone metastasis is frequently common in advanced lung cancer with the major issue of a pathological fracture. Previous studies suggested that Astragalus membranaceus (Qi) and Ampelopsis japonica (Lian), which are used as folk medicine in China, have potential effects on inhibiting tumor growth and protecting bones, respectively. In this study, an experiment on the inhibitory effect of the Qilian formula (AAF) in vivo was designed to examine tumor growth in bone and osteoclast formation.

Materials and Methods:

The bone metastasis xenograft models were established by implanting NCI-H460-luc2 lung cancer cells into the right tibiae bones of mice. After confirming the model’s viability through optical imaging 7 days post-implantation, 2 groups, namely the AAF group and the control group, were administered 0.3 mL of AAF extract (9 g/kg/day) or normal saline via intragastric delivery for a duration of 4 weeks. Throughout the study, we longitudinally assessed tumor burden, bone destruction, and weight-bearing capacity in vivo using reporter gene bioluminescence imaging (BLI), micro-CT, and dynamic weight-bearing (DWB) tests. Mechanistic insights were gained through Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, western blotting, and flow cytometry.

Results:

Qilian formula produced significant inhibition to the progress of bone destruction and tumor burden in the right tibiae bone in the treatment group. It was further evidenced by molecular imaging in vivo via small animal micro-CT and BLI with parametric quantification, characterizing significantly lower uptake of BLI signal in the treated tumor lesions and improving the pathological changes in the microstructure of bone. Furthermore, DWB tests revealed that Qilian formula treatment significantly maintained the weight-bearing capacity. According to immunohistochemical analysis, the effect of the Qilian formula appeared to involve the suppression of osteoclast formation by lower expression of the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Cell apoptosis and death induction were evidenced by a higher percentage of Bal2、BAX and caspase 3 expressions of Qilian formula-treated tumor tissues.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect of the Qilian formula on the progression of osteolytic invasion in vivo by suppressing osteoclastogenesis and promoting apoptotic cell death.
Giant Prostate Abscess: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Liang Fuchao , Cao Jun , Qin Linghui , Zhang Xuejun
Published: December 2023

Prostate abscess, a rare condition often associated with prostate bacterial infections, often occurs in immunosuppressive individuals and manifests as fever and lower urinary tract symptoms. Clinical practice lacks standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols for prostate abscesses, resulting in predominantly empirical approaches with uncertain outcomes. This study presents a case of a giant prostate abscess, diagnosed in a patient exhibiting fever, lower urinary tract symptoms (including dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency, and weakness), and anal pain. The diagnosis was confirmed through prostate magnetic resonance imaging and transrectal color ultrasound examinations. Treatment included targeted anti-infective therapy (based on the urine culture results), urine flow diversion (suprapubic bladder puncture stomy), ultrasound-guided perineal puncture drainage of the prostatic abscess, intermittent abscess cavity irrigation, and urethral electroprostatectomy. The patient experienced a complete recovery and significantly improved quality of life. This successful case underscores several key points: (1) the importance of targeted anti-infective therapy based on etiological findings in prostate abscess treatment; (2) early urine flow diversion, precise puncture drainage, and intermittent abscess cavity irrigation may be one of crucial elements in abscess management; (3) the potential significance of transurethral prostate resection following abscess resolution in preventing recurrence. It is hoped that this case report offers new valuable insights for diagnosing and treating prostate abscesses. Slightly different from previous treatment experience, we extra used early urine diversion, intermittent abscess cavity irrigation, and etiological electroprostatectomy, which might also hold promise as potential therapies.
Triple-P: Interaction of mother-adolescent with intellectual and developmental disability
Authors: Jalil-Abkenar Seyyedeh Somayyeh
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a Positive Parenting Program (Triple-P) on the interaction of the mother-adolescent with intellectual disability. The pre-test and post-test randomized experimental design was used for this research. Thirty-four mothers of adolescents with intellectual disability took part in the present research and were assigned to experimental and control groups, each comprised of 17 people. The experimental group took part in an 8-session Triple-P and each session lasted 75 minutes, but the control group did not participate in this intervention. The data were analyzed using MANCOVA. The findings revealed that Triple-P intervention significantly influenced dependency, closeness, conflict, and positive interaction between the mother and the child with intellectual disability. The present study emphasized that Triple-P will improve the interaction of mother-adolescent with intellectual disability; therefore, Triple-P is a useful intervention.
Feasibility and acceptability of collecting umbilical cord tissue for prenatal cannabis research: A mixed-methods research study
Authors: Bayrampour Hamideh , Langlois Jenna , Likhodi Serguei , Lisonkova Sarka , Jevitt Cecilia , Oberlander Tim , Webster Glenys , Mérette Sandrine , Vedam Saraswathi , Janssen Patricia
Published: December 2023

Background:

Large-scale longitudinal studies with biological samples are needed to examine the associations between prenatal cannabis use and birth and developmental outcomes.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to understand the feasibility and acceptability of collecting umbilical cord tissue for the purpose of cannabis use testing in a community sample.

Design:

This is a mixed methods research study consisted of a prospective cohort study and a qualitative descriptive study.

Methods:

This study was conducted in Vancouver, British Columbia between January 2021 and August 2022. Participants were recruited during pregnancy, and the umbilical cord tissues were collected at birth and tested for the presence of cannabinoids. After the completion of the study, participants completed an online open-ended questionnaire about their overall experience. Data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analyses.

Results:

Among the 85 eligible individuals, 57 people (67%) consented to the study. The cord tissue was collected for 39 participants (68.4%). The collection rates for participants with vaginal, elective, and emergency cesarean delivery were 73.0%, 71.4%, and 53.8%, respectively, and for those with spontaneous and induced labor were 81.5% and 50%, respectively. Four (7.0%) and seven participants (12.3%) reported prenatal cannabis use in direct and probing self-report questions, respectively. The agreement between any self-report and cord tissue test was moderate (kappa 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.06–0.99). Qualitative findings were classified into five themes.

Conclusion:

The collection of cord tissue was perceived acceptable by most participants. Implementation of collection protocols for complex labors, a central hospital unit to liaise direct communications and active participants’ involvement might increase the feasibility of future studies.
Gender and research productivity of award recipients among Canadian national ophthalmology and affiliate subspecialty societies
Authors: Nguyen Anne Xuan-Lan , Zahedi-Niaki Golnaz , Lando Leonardo , Hutnik Cindy ML , Wu Albert Y
Published: December 2023

Background:

Although women remain historically underrepresented in medical achievement awards, gender distribution of award recipients in ophthalmology in Canada remain to be explored based on research productivity metrics.

Objective:

To characterize the gender distribution of award recipients among the main Canadian national ophthalmological societies and subspecialty affiliates based on research productivity, graduate degrees, affiliated institution, and award type.

Design:

Retrospective, observational study.

Methods:

Award recipients were selected from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS), Canadian Association of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (CAPOS); Canadian Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery Society (CCEDRSS); Canadian Council of Ophthalmology Residents (CCOR) Research Proposal Award; and Canadian Glaucoma Society (CGS). The recipients’ gender was determined by web search for the gender-specific pronoun, profile photograph check, or using Gender-API. Outcomes included gender distribution of recipients per award, society, year, and training level and differences in research productivity.

Results:

Thirteen special awards were given to 255 recipients (215 individuals) from 1995 to 2022. In total, 31% of recipients were women, the majority being from Canada. Women had a significantly lower median h-index (2.0 (0–62) women versus 4.0 (0–81) men, p = 0.001) and number of published documents (3.0 (0–213) women versus 8.0 (0–447) men, p < 0.001). On stratified analyses by type of award (research or lifetime achievement) and level of training (trainee or ophthalmologist), significant differences were found for mean h-index and number of publications for awardees within the research category ( p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively) and trainee level ( p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Overall, women’s proportion rates in awards did not reach parity in 27 out of the 28 years analyzed.

Conclusion:

Women were confirmed to be historically minored in proportion among the prominent society awards in Canada, with attested research disparity possibly explaining some of this bias. These findings require further confirmation in larger cohorts accounting for additional educational, institutional, and provincial factors.

Registration:

Not applicable.
Application of deep learning in the diagnosis and evaluation of ulcerative colitis disease severity
Authors: Jiang Xinyi , Luo Xudong , Nan Qiong , Ye Yan , Miao Yinglei , Miao Jiarong
Published: December 2023

Background:

Achieving endoscopic and histological remission is a critical treatment objective in ulcerative colitis (UC). Nevertheless, interobserver variability can significantly impact overall assessment performance.

Objectives:

We aimed to develop a deep learning algorithm for the real-time and objective evaluation of endoscopic disease activity and prediction of histological remission in UC.

Design:

This is a retrospective diagnostic study.

Methods:

Two convolutional neural network (CNN) models were constructed and trained using 12,257 endoscopic images and biopsy results sourced from 1124 UC patients who underwent colonoscopy at a single center from January 2018 to December 2022. Mayo Endoscopy Subscore (MES) and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity Score (UCEIS) assessments were conducted by two experienced and independent reviewers. Model performance was evaluated in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and positive predictive value. The output of the CNN models was also compared with the corresponding histological results to assess histological remission prediction performance.

Results:

The MES-CNN model achieved 97.04% accuracy in diagnosing endoscopic remission of UC, while the MES-CNN and UCEIS-CNN models achieved 90.15% and 85.29% accuracy, respectively, in evaluating endoscopic severity of UC. For predicting histological remission, the CNN models achieved accuracy and kappa values of 91.28% and 0.826, respectively, attaining higher accuracy than human endoscopists (87.69%).

Conclusion:

The proposed artificial intelligence model, based on MES and UCEIS evaluations from expert gastroenterologists, offered precise assessment of inflammation in UC endoscopic images and reliably predicted histological remission.