bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretações paleoambientais de afloramentos do Membro Capianga na Bacia de Jatobá: aspectos petrográficos e micropaleontológicos
Authors: Sousa Pamela Caroline Silva de , Fambrini Gelson Luís , Oliveira Leonardo Marinho de , Oliveira Edison Vicente
Published: October 2024

O Membro Capianga, unidade superior da Formação Aliança, é uma sucessão de rochas pelíticas com camadas carbonáticas subordinadas do Jurássico Superior, que registra a inundação da Depressão Afrobrasileira por um lago extenso, porém não muito profundo. Assim como em outras bacias de margem passiva do Brasil e da África e em riftes continentais abortados associados aos eventos distensivos que deram origem aos Oceano Atlântico Sul, depósitos lacustres marcam a sequência de início de rifte e estão diretamente associados à tectônica incipiente desses eventos. Esses depósitos reúnem uma litologia bastante característica que muito comunica acerca do paleoambiente, além de uma assemblagem faunística de ostracodes bastante relevante. Esses microcrustáceos são reconhecidos por sua sensibilidade às variações das características físico-químicas do meio em que vivem, o que os tornam excelentes indicadores paleoambientais, portanto amplamente aplicados para esse objetivo. Este estudo apresenta análises faciológicas, petrográficas e micropaleontológicas de camadas carbonáticas a partir de amostragens feitas em afloramentos dos municípios de Ibimirim e Tacaratu, Pernambuco; porções nordeste e sul da Bacia de Jatobá, respectivamente. As amostras foram preparadas conforme as técnicas laboratoriais padrão para o estudo de ostracodes e usadas para confecção de lâminas delgadas para classificação petrográfica. Aqui são apresentadas as ocorrências dos taxa de Ostracoda: Theriosynoecum pricei e Alicenula sp. nos afloramentos estudados e uma análise quantitativa desses gêneros entre os níveis de cada localidade. O caráter dominante de um gênero (Theriosynoecum) em detrimento de outro (Alicenula), e as variações de espessura das camadas de rochas evaporíticas nas regiões, demonstram que na porção sul o lago alcançou maiores profundidades e concentrou mais sal nos períodos de evaporação.
Prognostic Value of Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure in Severe Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Choi You-Jung , Choi Jah Yeon , Lee Jieun , Choi Byoung Geol , Park Soohyung , Kang Dong Oh , Park Eun Jin , Kim Ji Bak , Roh Seung-Young , Choi Cheol Ung , Kim Jin Won , Kim Eung Ju , Rha Seung-Woon , Park Chang Gyu , Yong Hwan Seok , Baek Man-Jong , Na Jin Oh
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Current guidelines recommend intervention for asymptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) with mitral valve area ≤1.5 cm
2
based on indicators including pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) >50 mm Hg and new-onset atrial fibrillation; however, evidence supporting this is lacking.

METHODS:

This single-center retrospective study included patients with rheumatic MS between 2006 and 2022. Pulmonary hypertension was evaluated by using echocardiography to estimate PASP. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, and arterial thromboembolic events for up to 5 years.

RESULTS:

Overall, 287 patients with severe rheumatic MS were enrolled (mean age, 62.5±11.3 years; 74.6% women). During a median follow-up of 2.52 years, MACE occurred in 99 patients. There were no differences in echocardiographic parameters, such as the mean mitral valve pressure gradient, mitral valve area, and proportion of mitral valve area <1.0 cm
2
, between patients who developed primary outcomes and those who did not. Survival analysis showed a worse prognosis in patients with estimated PASP (ePASP) >50 mm Hg than in those with ePASP ≤50 mm Hg (log-rank
P
<0.001); however, atrial fibrillation was not a significant prognostic indicator. As a continuous variable, ePASP (mm Hg) was a significant predictor of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.027 [95% CI, 1.011–1.042];
P
<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an optimal ePASP threshold of >45 mm Hg, which was an independent predictor of MACE in patients with severe rheumatic MS (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.127 [95% CI, 1.424–3.177];
P
<0.001). Competing risk analysis considering mitral valve intervention as a competing risk showed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study demonstrated the prognostic significance of ePASP, rather than atrial fibrillation, in relation to MACE among patients with severe rheumatic MS. Additionally, we proposed a lower ePASP threshold (>45 mm Hg) as a predictor of an unfavorable prognosis.
Current and Emerging Radiotracers in Molecular Cardiovascular Imaging
Authors: Joshi Shruti S. , Geers Jolien , Gimelli Alessia , Hyafil Fabien , Habib Gilbert , Erba Paola , Gheysens Olivier , Glaudemans Andor W.J.M. , Newby David E. , Slart Riemer H.J.A. , Dweck Marc R.
Published: October 2024

Cardiovascular imaging has rapidly advanced over the past decades. Traditional imaging techniques such as echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance are essential for assessing the structural and functional aspects of the cardiovascular system but often fall short in providing direct insights into disease activity. This gap is increasingly being bridged by molecular nuclear imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography, which enable the visualization of disease processes at the molecular and cellular levels. This review highlights the role of cardiovascular molecular imaging, emphasizing its current and potential applications in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular disease. With advancements in positron emission tomography scanners, novel radiotracers, and sophisticated imaging software, molecular imaging is set to play an essential role in precision medicine by enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms, accelerating the development of targeted therapies, and facilitating personalized patient care.
Randomized Trial of COBRA PzF Stenting to Reduce the Duration of Triple Therapy: The COBRA-REDUCE Trial
Authors: Byrne Robert A. , Colleran Róisín , Coughlan J.J. , Jauhar Rajiv , Maillard Luc , De Labriolle Axel , Maeng Michael , Croft Charles , Brunner Michael , Leistner David , Zrenner Bernhard , Kollum Marc , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Xhepa Erion , Mayer Katharina , Lahu Shqipdona , Joner Michael , Kirtane Ajay , Mehran Roxana , Barakat Mark , Urban Philip , Cutlip Donald E. , Kastrati Adnan ,   on behalf of the COBRA-REDUCE Investigators
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Patients with an indication for oral anticoagulation who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention require a combination of oral anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. The use of a coronary stent with a thromboresistant and pro-healing coating may allow an abbreviated duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) without an increase in the risk of thromboembolic events.

METHODS:

Patients with an indication for oral anticoagulation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to treatment with the COBRA polyzene F (PzF) stent followed by 14 days of DAPT or a Food and Drug Administration–approved new-generation drug-eluting stent followed by 3 or 6 months of DAPT. The bleeding coprimary end point was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type ≥2 beyond 14 days (or after hospital discharge) until 6 months. The thromboembolic coprimary end point was the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, definite or probable stent thrombosis, or ischemic stroke at 6 months. The trial hypothesis was that the COBRA PzF stent strategy would be superior with respect to bleeding events and noninferior with respect to thromboembolic events.

RESULTS:

A total of 996 patients underwent randomization. The bleeding end point occurred in 37 of 475 patients (7.8%) in the COBRA PzF group and 47 of 482 patients (9.8%) in the control group (difference, −2.0 [95% CI, −5.6 to 1.6];
P
=0.14). The thromboembolic end point occurred in 37 of 492 patients (7.5%) in the COBRA PzF group and 24 of 490 patients (4.9%) in the control group (difference, 2.6%; prespecified noninferiority margin 5%, upper limit of 1-sided 95% CI of the difference, 5.2%;
P
noninferiority
=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with an indication for oral anticoagulation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, treatment with the COBRA PzF stent plus 14 days of DAPT was not superior with respect to bleeding events and was not noninferior with respect to thromboembolic events at 6 months compared with treatment with standard Food and Drug Administration–approved drug-eluting stent plus 3 to 6 months of DAPT.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02594501.
Postpartum Blood Pressure Variability and Heart Rate Variability in Preeclampsia
Authors: van Wingerden Anne-Sophie , Katsidoniotaki Maria , Haghighi Noora , Almonte Casandra , Woolcock Martinez Helen , Valdes Eduard , Castro Pedro , Alian Aymen , Booker Whitney , Bello Natalie A. , Marshall Randolph S. , Kougioumtzoglou Ioannis A. , Petersen Nils H. , Miller Eliza C.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Preeclampsia is associated with autonomic dysregulation during pregnancy; however, less is known about autonomic function in the first week postpartum after preeclampsia.

METHODS:

We retrospectively analyzed data from a prospective cohort of women with and without preeclampsia. Continuous blood pressure and heart rate were measured with finger plethysmography within 7 days postpartum. Frequency-domain blood pressure and heart rate variability (HRV) were calculated using spectral analysis. Time-domain HRV was calculated as the root mean square of successive R–R interval differences. We compared results between those with and without preeclampsia, as well as between those with new-onset preeclampsia, chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, and normotensive participants.

RESULTS:

A total of 70 postpartum women were enrolled: 20 normotensive, 29 new-onset preeclampsia, and 21 superimposed preeclampsia. Both low- and high-frequency blood pressure variabilities were higher in those with preeclampsia compared with controls (
P
=0.04 and
P
=0.02, respectively). This difference was driven by those with new-onset preeclampsia. The preeclampsia group had lower high-frequency HRV (
P
<0.005), a higher low-/high-frequency ratio of HRV (
P
<0.005), and lower time-domain HRV (
P
=0.01); this difference was seen in those with and without chronic hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS:

Postpartum patients with preeclampsia with and without chronic hypertension had lower HRV compared with normotensive postpartum controls. Higher blood pressure variability was observed only in those with nonsuperimposed preeclampsia, suggesting that the autonomic profile of preeclampsia may differ in patients with chronic hypertension.
Synthetic data in generalizable, learning-based neuroimaging
Authors: Gopinath Karthik , Hoopes Andrew , Alexander Daniel C. , Arnold Steven E. , Balbastre Yael , Billot Benjamin , Casamitjana Adrià , Cheng You , Chua Russ Yue Zhi , Edlow Brian L. , Fischl Bruce , Gazula Harshvardhan , Hoffmann Malte , Keene C. Dirk , Kim Seunghoi , Kimberly W. Taylor , Laguna Sonia , Larson Kathleen E. , Van Leemput Koen , Puonti Oula , Rodrigues Livia M. , Rosen Matthew S. , Tregidgo Henry F. J. , Varadarajan Divya , Young Sean I. , Dalca Adrian V. , Iglesias Juan Eugenio
Published: October 2024

Synthetic data have emerged as an attractive option for developing machine-learning methods in human neuroimaging, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—a modality where image contrast depends enormously on acquisition hardware and parameters. This retrospective paper reviews a family of recently proposed methods, based on synthetic data, for generalizable machine learning in brain MRI analysis. Central to this framework is the concept of domain randomization, which involves training neural networks on a vastly diverse array of synthetically generated images with random contrast properties. This technique has enabled robust, adaptable models that are capable of handling diverse MRI contrasts, resolutions, and pathologies, while working out-of-the-box, without retraining. We have successfully applied this method to tasks such as whole-brain segmentation (SynthSeg), skull-stripping (SynthStrip), registration (SynthMorph, EasyReg), super-resolution, and MR contrast transfer (SynthSR). Beyond these applications, the paper discusses other possible use cases and future work in our methodology. Neural networks trained with synthetic data enable the analysis of clinical MRI, including large retrospective datasets, while greatly alleviating (and sometimes eliminating) the need for substantial labeled datasets, and offer enormous potential as robust tools to address various research goals.
Processing the fine-grained features of tactile textures involves the primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Esposito Giulia , Nozaradan Sylvie , Kuzminova Avgustina , Collignon Olivier , Mouraux André
Published: October 2024

Dynamic tactile perception and discrimination of textures require the ability to encode and differentiate complex vibration patterns elicited at the level of the skin when sliding against a surface. Whether the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) can encode the fine-grained spectrotemporal features distinguishing textures remains debated. To address this question, electroencephalography (EEG) frequency-tagging approach was used to characterize responses to vibrotactile oddball contrasts between two textures. In a first session designed to identify the topographical distribution of responses originating from the hand and foot representations in S1, standard and deviant stimuli were pure sinusoidal vibrations differing in frequency and intensity. In a second session, standard and deviant stimuli were two different snippets of bandpass-filtered white noise matched in terms of intensity and average frequency content, but differing in terms of their complex spectrotemporal content. Using the S1 functional localizer, we showed that oddball responses to a spectrotemporal contrast follow the somatotopical organization of S1. Our results suggest that the encoding of fine-grained spectrotemporal features associated with different vibration patterns involves S1.
A Material Ecology of Toulouse’s Observatories in the 18th Century
Authors: Lamy Jérôme
Published: October 2024

Based on the concept of “material ecology”, which designates the structural properties of space and objects in the constitution of places of scientific practice, this article proposes a socio-historical analysis of the materiality of Toulouse observatories in the 18th century. Toulouse observatories reveal the importance of the material dimension in the organization of scientific work throughout the 18th century. First, the article demonstrates how the material infrastructure of the observatory of the short-lived Academy of Sciences of Toulouse contributed to creating and consolidating the local astronomical community. Secondly, it shows that the architectural characteristics of the observatories built by the most active astronomers in Toulouse served as a model to design later scholarly institutions. The patrimonialization of the old observatories at the beginning of the 19th century is finally discussed. By resorting to the notion of material ecology concerning the places of astronomical observation, the article brings to light the socio-epistemic dimension that underpins scientific practice.
Paper Crystallisations
Authors: Heidelbach Sandro P.
Published: October 2024

This essay investigates the graphical and diagrammatic techniques the Dutch mathematician and natural philosopher Christiaan Huygens (1629–1695) employs in his meteorological investigations. A distinction is discerned between Huygens’ drawings of crystalline structures under the microscope, and his hypothetical modelling of different types of atmospheric light-refracting bodies. It is demonstrated, however, that both domains of inquiry are intricately connected through Huygens’ longstanding interest in “wondrous” light refraction phenomena in the atmosphere, such as solar halos and parhelia.
Epistemology of Disagreement: Which Disagreement?
Authors: Cocchiaro Mariangela Zoe
Published: October 2024

Far from considering the phenomenon of disagreement across the board, the peer debate in epistemology solely focuses on cases of disagreements that are at least assumed to be genuine. What counts as a genuine disagreement is most of the times kept on the level of a pre-theoretical intuition according to which the peers disagree insofar as they hold incompatible doxastic attitudes with respect to a proposition P (King, 2012). Yet, the pre-theoretical intuition yields the wrong verdict when the bone of contention is a proposition whose truth is relativized. In order to avoid these counter-intuitive results, the peer debate needs to replace the pre-theoretical intuition of genuine disagreement with a full-fledged account of it. In this essay I firstly put forth a possible candidate for the role coming from an ongoing discussion in philosophy of language. Then, I assess how well such an account fares in both an outright and a credal model of belief.
Evaluation and Determination of the Physical Properties of Gasoline and the Presence of Fine Particles in the Ten Districts of the City of N'djamena
Authors: Adannou Haroun , Matar Podo , Constantin Tchang , Saleh Achta , III Simon
Published: October 2024

The context, which allowed to write this article is the fact that we have noticed an increase in the environmental impact caused by the poor management of car parks and fuel sellers as well as the proliferation of service stations that do not respect any standards. The illegal storage and marketing of petroleum products, especially gasoline, in the city of N'Djamena is the main factor of vulnerability and criticality of air pollutants, thus demonstrating the growing environmental impact in the city of N'Djamena. The presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as that of fine particles which are part of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and characterize by their toxicities, their persistence in the environment, their bioaccumulation in living tissues, and their long-distance transport. Thus, the main objective of this work is to determine and evaluate the physical properties of gasoline and the presence of fine particles in the ten districts of the city of N'Djamena. These are the species sold on the street and presenting a danger to users. The main idea would be to look for gas stations and points of sale that comply with the regulations in force and those that do not. Then physical analyses were carried out on different types of gasoline consumed and then the air quality was measured with a Purple Air sensor. In conclusion, a complete structure of the ten districts with their degrees of pollution as well as the number of gas stations and fuel sellers on the street will be listed.
In-Silico Screening of Prenylated Quercetin from Globimetula oreophila Against Plasmodium falciparum Enzymes: Hope for New Antimalarial Drugs
Authors: Garba Dauda , Yusuf Jimoh , Amatul-Hafeez Akande , Ali Hassan , Shamsudeen Yakubu , Ibrahim Gidado , Hafsat Rabiu , Ibrahim Ismail , Tawakaltu Tijani , Akeem Olaiya
Published: October 2024

Malaria continues to be one of the most devastating global health problems due to the high morbidity and mortality it causes in endemic regions. The search for new antimalarial targets is vital because of the increasing prevalence of drug resistance in malaria parasites. Malarial proteases constitute promising therapeutic targets as they play important roles in the parasite life cycle. The inhibition of these enzymes has pharmacological and therapeutic significance since they are involved in numerous processes, including the development, invasion, egress, and breakdown of host hemoglobin to release amino acids for parasite sustenance. In this study, in silico techniques were used to shed light on the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of prenylated quercetin isolated from Globimetula oreophila on plasmepsin I and II, falciparum 2 and 3, Plasmodium falciparum calcium-dependent protein kinase 2, dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase, and serine repeat antigen 5. The test compound significantly interacts with key enzyme binding pockets through hydrogen bonds, van der Waals, and hydrophobic interactions, influencing protease specificity control. Crucial ligand features like carbonyl and hydroxyl groups were identified as essential for receptor interactions. Comparative analysis revealed the test compound's strong binding affinities with energies ranging from -6.4 Kcal/mol to -9.4 Kcal/mol, indicating competitive potential against various enzymes, particularly excelling against PfDHFR-TS, plasmepsin-I, and SERA5 compared to native ligands. This suggests the compound's ability to competitively inhibit enzyme activity by targeting co-factor binding sites, especially with specific proteases, holding promise for therapeutic applications as potent inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
Psychological Impact on Overweight and Obese Among Adolescents Visited in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Dhaka
Authors: Ahsan Mohammed , Islam Khaleda , Ghosh Kinkar , Makbul Sabrina , Roy Shanta , Torsa Maliha
Published: October 2024

Background: The relationship between overweight/obesity and Psychological impact is quite complex. Many researchers believe that overweight/obesity has a direct impact on mental health and can lead to mental disorders. Mental illness is common during the period of adolescence. Overweight and obesity in adolescent’s present significant challenges to public health and have become major public health issues in recent decades in Bangladesh. This study needed as there was very few information of Psychological impact on overweight and obese among adolescents. Methodology: This cross sectional observational study was held in Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute from 1st September 2023 to 29th February 2024. A total 84 participants were included in this study. Data were collected by SDQ questionnaire and demographic variables like age, sex and BMI were measured. Results: Among 84 participants 57% were male and 43% were female. Most of the respondents 63 (75%) were between the age of 10 to 14 years, 13 (15.5%) respondents were between the age of 15 to 17 years and 8 (9.5%) respondents were between the age of ≥ 18 years. Regarding Participant’s Education, 58.33% of respondents were in Junior Secondary, 28.57% were in Primary, 8.3% were in Higher Secondary and 4.76% were in Secondary education. According to the Parent’s Monthly Income, most of the parents 83.33% earn more than Forty Thousand Taka Per Month. Among 84 Participants, 58 (69%) were Overweight and 26 (31%) were Obese. Among Overweight participants 6(10.34%) were normal, 42 (72.41%) respondents had Emotional symptoms, 7 (12.07%) respondents had Conduct Problem, 2 (3.45%) respondents had Hyperactivity/Inattention and 1 (1.72%) respondents had Peer Relationship Problems. Among Obese participants 1 (3.85%) was normal, 17 (65.38%) respondents had Emotional symptoms, 5 (19.23%) respondents had Conduct Problem, 2 (7.69%) respondents had Hyperactivity/Inattention and 1 (3.85%) respondents had Peer Relationship Problems. Conclusion: This study have been conducted regarding the Psychological impact on overweight and obese among adolescents and found significant impact of both overweight and obesity but Obese adolescents face more psychological impact comparatively.
Challenges of Leadership in the Implementation of the National Children’s Policy of Ethiopia at Bahir Dar City Administration Women, Children and Social Affairs Department
Authors: Abiye Yosa
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this research was to identify the major challenges of Leadership in the implementation of the national children’s policy of Ethiopia, at Bahir Dar City Administration Women, Children and Social Affairs Department. To identify the major challenges of leadership in the implementation of the policy, constructivist research paradigm, qualitative research approach and phenomenological research design were employed. Interviews and focus group discussions were the basic tools of data collection. Purposive sampling technique and thematic data analysis are employed. The challenges of leadership in the implementation of the national children’s policy in the study area are multi-faceted. But according to the findings of this study, they are grouped into four themes. These are: economic challenges, socio-cultural challenges, lack of awareness and political and legal problems. To overcome the challenges of leadership in the implementation of the policy, the following recommendations were given. These were: providing education and health facilities for children, providing school feeding for children, creating awareness about the rights of children for all stakeholders, increasing the economic level of families, building recreational centers for children, allocating enough financial and human resources for children affairs, increasing children role and participation in decision making processes affecting them, giving due attention for the rights of children by the government and providing effective justice system for children.
COVID-19 and Service Provisions at Darou Khoudous Health Center of Touba
Authors: Sow Papa , Diop Assane , Gueye Boubakcar , Bop Martial , Dramé Aboubakry , Ndiaye Abdou , Tal Alioune , Diop Cheikh , M'baye Gora
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The objective is to study the consequences of COVID-19 on service provision at the Serigne Mbacke Madina health center in Darou Khoudous in the Touba district. Materials and methods: To achieve this objective, a retrospective, descriptive study was conducted from July 2021 to December 2021. Results: Over the period 2016-2020, the age group 50-59 years and 60 years and over rarely attended the health structure. This low attendance at the health structure was further accentuated in 2020. According to consultation by service: We note that General Medicine, TRI and On-call are quite busy over the period with a significant drop in these consultations within these services in 2020. Indeed, General Medicine went from 37,378 patients in 2017 to 22,332 patients in 2020, i.e. 40%, TRI went from 35,461 patients in 2017 to 26,080 patients in 2020, i.e. 26.45%, and On-call went from 21,880 patients to 12,008 patients in 2020, i.e. 45.11%. Between 2019 and 2020 in Medicine we noted a decrease of 27.84%, in TRI a decrease of 27.8%. For patients followed for HIV at the Darou Khoudous health center, we noticed an almost complete absence of the 0-14 age group. We also noticed a low rate of new cases before 2018 and a sharp drop in the rate of new cases in 2020, a decrease of 87.84% compared to 2019. For tuberculosis patients followed in the department, we noted a strong impact on the age group >15 years, more accentuated between 15 and 35 years over the period 2016-2020. For this same age group, we also noticed a decrease in cases between 2019 and 2020, a decrease of 10%. In 2018 we also noticed a peak in cases compared to the previous 2 years. According to the EPI: variations are almost non-existent during the pandemic, on the contrary, attendances have increased since 2016, this would surely be due to awareness of the beneficial effects of EPI vaccines and that the disease initially only affected the elderly, rare are the cases of children reported. Conclusion: The data collected as part of this study show that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health services and put intolerable pressure on health systems and their staff. We urgently need to reverse this trend and strengthen the resilience of health systems.
Long-Term Outcomes of Airway Management in 6 Children With Campomelic Dysplasia
Authors: Li Carol , Smith Matthew , Zak Sara , Burg Gregory , Rutter Michael
Published: October 2024

Objective:

This case series describes the outcomes of airway management, including airway reconstruction, in 6 patients with campomelic dysplasia and tracheostomy/ventilator dependence secondary to multilevel airway obstruction.

Methods:

Case series and clinical guidelines are provided for the airway management of patients with campomelic dysplasia.

Results:

Average age of individuals is 19.4 years. Mean follow-up was 12.2 years. Four individuals underwent open airway reconstruction and achieved decannulation. One patient underwent airway reconstruction with improvement of a complete subglottic stenosis but remains ventilator dependent due to severe scoliosis. The remaining 2 patients did not require additional airway reconstruction, have been liberated from ventilator support, and are under evaluation for tracheostomy tube decannulation.

Conclusion:

Although campomelic dysplasia was historically considered a lethal form of congenital skeletal dysplasia, with many patients succumbing to respiratory failure due to tracheobronchomalacia in the neonatal period, airway reconstruction and long-term survivorship is feasible in children with campomelic dysplasia and significant airway disease.
Environment and Umwelt: Grand Challenges and Intelligent Self-Limitation
Authors: Knudsen Morten
Published: October 2024

This commentary presents an epistemological perspective on grand challenges (GCs) suggesting that the distinction between Umwelt (what social systems observe) and environment (the surrounding but unobserved world) can help us provide deeper analyses of GCs. I argue that indifference to the environment outside the observed Umwelt is a root cause of GCs and suggest that organizations must compensate for society’s inability to address GCs by developing forms of intelligent self-limitation.
Evaluation of Timing of Pharmacologic Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Initiation in Trauma Patients at a Level One Trauma Center
Authors: Holder Taylor A. , McGinnis Cory B. , Chiappelli Abby L.
Published: October 2024

Background: Major trauma is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Trauma guidelines recommend prompt initiation of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. While early initiation is recommended, delays in therapy can occur. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the compliance of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis initiation timing with trauma guidelines and impact on rates of VTE, bleeding and in-hospital mortality. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to a trauma unit between January 1, 2020 and December 1, 2021. Patients were stratified by injury type and categorized as either compliant or non-compliant based on timing of initiation. Rates of VTE, bleeding, and in-hospital mortality were collected. Results: Of the 300 patients, 259 (86.3%) were compliant. Reasons for non-compliance included bleeding (19.5%) and pending evaluation for intervention such as nerve block procedure (12.2%) and surgical operation (4.9%). There were no differences in VTE (4.8% vs 1.2%, P = .139) or bleeding (4.6% vs 0%, P = N/A) between groups. There was a higher rate of in-hospital mortality in the non-compliant group (12.2% vs 2.3%, P = .009). Upon multivariate logistic regression, the ICU setting was identified as a risk factor for noncompliance ( P = .020, OR = .45). Conclusion: Initiating pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis in concordance with trauma guidelines led to low observed rates of VTE and bleeding. In evaluating reasons for noncompliance, we identified areas of improvement for initiation including minimizing inappropriate delays in therapy.
Transforming Higher Education Towards Economic Development: A Zimbabwean Case Study
Authors: Mpofu Sibongile , Shava George , Mpofu Thabani
Published: October 2024

This study is a systematic review of research on higher education in Zimbabwe, in particular, it assesses the contribution of higher education towards engendering socio-economic development. This is achieved through identifying higher education activities prioritised in research during the study period which spans a three-year period from 2021 to 2023. This period comes just after the introduction of Education 5.0, which includes innovation and industrialisation. Furthermore, the articles are assessed on whether they address socio-economic development issues. A total of 41 abstracts of research articles were subjected to qualitative content analysis. The findings reveal five major activities that research has focussed on in priority order: teaching and learning; quality in education; management operations and policy; knowledge and research; and equity and equality. Furthermore, while the analysis indicates that the prioritised activities contribute towards socio-economic development, the nuances of balancing political, individual and epistemic priorities affecting higher education institutions are brought to the fore. The identified activities underscore the need for interventions at national, institutional, departmental and individual lecturer levels. However, there are concerns about the de-prioritisation of gender equality and equity in higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe. In conclusion, the research topics not only highlight the complexities and the dynamics faced by higher education institutions in Zimbabwe in playing their expected role of contributing to socio-economic development but also the need to foreground specificity to allow for the identification of effective interventions and processes required to support higher education’s goal of contributing towards economic growth. The study further concludes that the neglect of equity and equality issues may be detrimental to educational outcomes geared towards economic growth.
Honoring Donna Rockwell
Authors: Blau Diane
Published: October 2024

This is a tribute to Donna Rockwell, a colleague and dear friend, who passed suddenly.
Groceries or School Cafeterias: How Households Respond to School Nutrition Mandates
Authors: Palazzolo Mike , Hu Zoey , Ailawadi Kusum , Pattabhiramaiah Adithya
Published: October 2024

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) placed strict nutritional mandates on meals served at U.S. public schools. This policy offers a unique opportunity to study household response to a large, exogenous change in healthiness of food available to their children. Did more healthy school meals lead households to substitute toward them, and away from grocery food purchases? Which households were more responsive to the nutritional mandates? And was there any spillover effect on the nutritional quality of their grocery food purchases? The authors document a meaningful decrease in the quantity of grocery food in response to the HHFKA, and a small decrease in quality. Consistent with substitution toward school meals, more of the quantity decrease is attributable to items likely to be purchased for children and categories traditionally associated with breakfast and lunch (the meals served at school). The HHFKA attracted even greater participation from financially constrained and time-constrained households for whom school meals were already important and were now coupled with the additional benefit of healthier food. These findings have important implications for policy makers and researchers, but also for food manufacturers and retailers.
EXPRESS: Disrespectful Promotions: The Negative Impact of Price Promotions on Products Symbolically Linked to Stigmatized Identities
Authors: Du Guanzhong , Millet Kobe , Aydinli Aylin , Argo Jennifer J.
Published: October 2024

To reach a more diverse consumer base, companies have begun to offer products symbolically linked to stigmatized identities, and these products are often promoted by price discounts. Despite past work finding that linking consumer identities to products is generally appealing and that price promotions benefit consumers, the current research finds that offering discounts on products symbolically linked to stigmatized identities may backfire. Across eight studies, which include a variety of stigmatized groups in U.S. society, we find that when a company offers a discount on a product symbolically linked to a stigmatized identity, members of the stigmatized group react negatively toward the company (i.e., they hold less favorable attitudes, have lower purchase intentions, and choose the company’s competitor). These negative reactions, which do not arise for the non-stigmatized, occur because stigmatized consumers perceive the company’s action of offering a discount as disrespectful toward their social group. The effect is contingent on whether the company is an in-group or out-group member, the selection of other discounted products, and the type of sales promotions employed. This research enriches our understanding of stigmatized consumers and offers insights into the nature of disrespectful cues in the marketplace and the social cost of price promotions.
What Hath New Haven to Do with Chicago? A Reappraisal
Authors: Brown Shaun C.
Published: October 2024

One of the most significant theological debates of the late twentieth century was between the postliberal theology associated with Yale Divinity School and the revisionist theology associated with the University of Chicago Divinity School, led by Lutheran historical theologian and ecumenist George Lindbeck, and theologian Hans Frei at Yale and Roman Catholic theologian David Tracy at Chicago. Given that the fortieth anniversary of The Nature of Doctrine is in 2024, it is time to reappraise the terms of the debate, as well as note the commonalities of these two theological schools, by focusing upon the possible role of correlation in theology, the public nature of theology, and the plain sense of Scripture.
H. Richard Niebuhr's Suggestion Reconsidered: Towards Trinitycentrism as a Trinity-Centered Theology
Authors: Baik Chung-Hyun
Published: October 2024

This article reconsiders H. Richard Niebuhr's suggestion of “a synthesized formula” of the Trinity as an ecumenical theology for the whole church's faith in God. His suggestion seems to go in the right direction for a proper understanding of the triune God. However, Niebuhr unfortunately does not go further in more detail. To take a close look at Niebuhr's analysis of three unitarianisms such as “the Unitarianism of the Father or the Creator,” “the Unitarianism of Jesus Christ or the Son,” and “the Unitarianism of the Spirit” in his 1946 article, this article finds that his choice of theological terms is not accurate but somewhat content with showing some general tendencies of understanding and expressing the doctrine of the Trinity in church history. Niebuhr also maintains that each of three unitarianisms cannot stand alone but they are interdependent with one another. Considering this point, this article suggests that it is better to use terms such as “theocentrism,” “christocentrism,” and “pneumacentrism” for each of the three unitarianisms. Theocentrism refers to a God the Father-centered theology or a Creator-centered theology. Christocentrism refers to a God the Son-centered theology or a Redeemer-centered theology. Pneumacentrism refers to a God the Holy Spirit-centered theology or a Consummator-centered theology. Each centrism shows a different emphasis on each of the three divine persons of the Trinity, but not excluding the other two. And each of those three centrisms has both some strengths and some weaknesses. Therefore, this article argues that it is the better to put some strengths together to maximize them, and to put some weaknesses away to minimize them, while referring to such a synthesized formula as “Trinitycentrism,” as “a Trinity-centered theology.”
Moltmann in America: Impact and Critical Reception
Authors: Lösel Steffen
Published: October 2024

The world of Christian theology mourns the passing of Jürgen Moltmann (1926–2024), one of the most prominent Protestant theologians of the twentieth century. Moltmann's death invites a first, albeit only cursory, review of his impact in the US. Since his first stay at Duke University in 1967–1968, he spent much time here, whether on lecture tours, conferences, or for visiting appointments.
Lost in a Maze? On the Philosophical Problems With Differential and Individual-Level Susceptibility in Research on Media Effects
Authors: Coenen Lennert
Published: October 2024

This paper provides a philosophical discussion of moderators and person-specific differences (referred to as “hedges”) in research on media effects. It is shown that while, historically, the reliance on hedges has been regarded as a sign of theoretical sophistication (the “hedges-as-progress-perspective”), it has left the field behind in a maze of epistemological problems. The paper therefore urges to reinterpret the role of hedges as a sign of theoretical resilience instead of sophistication (the “hedges-as-protection-perspective”). This shift is shown to have substantive implications for how one describes and evaluates media effects research—not just its history, but also its current state and its ambitions going into the future.
Optimal Test Design for Estimation of Mean Ability Growth
Authors: Bjermo Jonas
Published: October 2024

The design of an achievement test is crucial for many reasons. This article focuses on a population’s ability growth between school grades. We define design as the allocating of test items concerning the difficulties. The objective is to present an optimal test design method for estimating the mean and percentile ability growth with good precision. We use the asymptotic expression of the variance in terms of the test information. With that criterion for optimization, we propose to use particle swarm optimization to find the optimal design. The results show that the allocation of the item difficulties depends on item discrimination and the magnitude of the ability growth. The optimization function depends on the examinees’ abilities, hence, the value of the unknown mean ability growth. Therefore, we will also use an optimum in-average design and conclude that it is robust to uncertainty in the mean ability growth. A test is, in practice, assembled from items stored in an item pool with calibrated item parameters. Hence, we also perform a discrete optimization using simulated annealing and compare the results to the particle swarm optimization.
Analysis of the Effect of Preoperative Eye Position Fixation Training in Patients With Pterygium: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chu Xueqin , Chen Fan , Chen Bei , Wu Huarong
Published: October 2024

This study evaluated the effect of preoperative ocular fixation training on patients undergoing pterygium surgery. Before pterygium excision, patients were trained to perform eye position fixation training, which is beneficial for surgeons performing microsurgery. The study analysed the effectiveness of preoperative eye position fixation training in patients with pterygium by randomised controlled experimental design. The number of occurrences of self-turning, operation time, self-rating depression scale scores and self-rating anxiety scale scores of the experimental group (EG) were lower than those of the control group (CG). The recurrence rate and the incidence of conjunctival tear and conjunctival suture loosening in the EG were significantly lower than those in the CG. The use of eye fixation training prior to pterygium surgery can facilitate the activities of the surgeon, reduce the operation time, reduce the occurrence of complications and reduce the recurrence rate after the operation. Eye fixation training is worthy of application in patients with pterygium.
Accuracy of the HemoCue® to measure cell-free plasma hemoglobin and detect clinically significant hemolysis
Authors: Butler Madison , Maywar Anna , Ruppert Kristine , Fuhrman Dana , Kim-Campbell Nahmah
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Monitoring cell-free plasma hemoglobin (PHb) during extracorporeal therapies allows early intervention of significant hemolysis, but timely measurements are often challenging. We thus present an analysis of a rapid benchtop device’s ability to detect clinically significant hemolysis (PHb ≥50 mg/dL).

Methods

PHb was measured in 419 plasma samples from 88 pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass via both the benchtop device (HemoCue® Plasma/Low Hb system) and the clinical laboratory at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (reference standards). Values of PHb ≥50 mg/dL as measured by the reference standard was defined as the binary outcome of clinically significant hemolysis. Analyses included Pearson correlations, logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curves, and Bland-Altman. Because the manufacturer specifications identify the measurement range of the HemoCue® system as 30-3000 mg/dL, a secondary analysis was completed using PHb ≥30 mg/dL.

Results

Using reference measurements, 66/88 subjects had at least one PHb level that fell within the range of detection (≥30 mg/dL) of the benchtop device and 46/88 had significant hemolysis as defined by PHb ≥50 mg/dL. PHb levels ≥30 mg/dL largely correlated with measurements made with the benchtop device (r = 0.82, p < .001). The device was able to predict PHb values ≥30 mg/dL (AUROC 0.9582) and ≥50 mg/dL (AUROC 0.9637). The Bland-Altman demonstrated a mean difference of 7.0 mg/dL with <5% outside the 95% limits of agreement.

Conclusions

The HemoCue® system is an effective surrogate for more robust laboratory testing to identify clinically significant hemolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Differential hypoxemia during peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Aquilina Julia , Emilie Fournier  , Matteo Matteucci  , Manuel Beffi  , Andrea Musazzi  , Paolo Severgnini
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for mitral valve repair often uses cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) through peripheral femoro-femoral cannulation. A rare complication of differential hypoxemia can cause upper body hypoxia.

Case Report

A 38-year-old man with Barlow Syndrome underwent MICS mitral valve repair with peripheral CPB. During the procedure, his right upper limb SpO2 dropped to 65% due to dislodgement of the venous cannula from the superior vena cava (SVC), causing inadequate right heart venous drainage, leading to differential hypoxemia. Repositioning the venous cannula to the SVC restored SpO2 to 100%, allowing the surgery to proceed without complications.

Discussion

Differential hypoxemia happens when deoxygenated blood from the left ventricle mixes with oxygenated CPB blood. A literature review found only one previous case of this complication on peripheral CPB for MICS. Unlike our case, Kanda et al. monitored cerebral hypoxia, underscoring the importance of cerebral oxygenation monitoring in future MICS procedures due to higher stroke risk compared to conventional sternotomy.

Conclusion

We recommend cerebral oxygenation monitoring in future MICS to prevent neurological complications, and highlight the need for effective team communication in the cardiac operating theatre.
Fetal meconium peritonitis after maternal hepatitis B: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhang Li , Gao Baorong
Published: October 2024

Maternal hepatitis virus has rarely been implicated in fetal meconium peritonitis (FMP), and its underlying mechanism is largely unknown. We describe a case of FMP presumably caused by maternal chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). A 29-year-old primigravid woman was referred to our hospital at 35 weeks of gestation for the disappearance of fetal movements. The maternal prenatal history included HBV for more than 10 years. Her HBV DNA level was suppressed (<20 IU/mL) and she was taking oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300 mg/day). At 21+5 weeks, fetal ascites, echogenic bowel, and intra-abdominal calcifications were observed by abdominal ultrasound. These findings were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and were regarded as diagnostic for FMP. Cord blood and amniotic fluid were positive for hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen. Ascites of the FMP was completely self-absorbed at 27+3 weeks. At 35 weeks of gestation, fetal movements had vanished and male stillbirth was induced. A histopathological examination of the placenta showed meconium uptake by macrophages in the amniochorionic membranes. Our findings suggest that maternal HBV can cross the placenta and induce FMP. Close surveillance may allow an early diagnosis of FMP and prevent fetal mortality.