bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Impact of Concomitant COVID-19 Infection on Outcomes in Trauma Patients
Authors: Rafaqat Wardah , Abiad May , Lagazzi Emanuele , Argandykov Dias , Proaño-Zamudio Jefferson A. , Velmahos George C. , Hwabejire John O. , Parks Jonathan J. , Luckhurst Casey M. , DeWane Michael P.
Published: April 2024

Background

The impact of COVID-19 infection at the time of traumatic injury remains understudied. Previous studies demonstrate that the rate of COVID-19 vaccination among trauma patients remains lower than in the general population. This study aims to understand the impact of concomitant COVID-19 infection on outcomes in trauma patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients ≥18 years old admitted to a level I trauma center from March 2020 to December 2022. Patients tested for COVID-19 infection using a rapid antigen/PCR test were included. We matched patients using 2:1 propensity accounting for age, gender, race, comorbidities, vaccination status, injury severity score (ISS), type and mechanism of injury, and GCS at arrival. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) LOS, 30-day readmission, and major complications.

Results

Of the 4448 patients included, 168 (3.8%) were positive (COV+). Compared with COVID-19-negative (COV-) patients, COV+ patients were similar in age, sex, BMI, ISS, type of injury, and regional AIS. The proportion of White and non-Hispanic patients was higher in COV- patients. Following matching, 154 COV+ and 308 COV- patients were identified. COVID-19-positive patients had a higher rate of mortality (7.8% vs 2.6%; P = .010), major complications (15.6% vs 8.4%; P = .020), and thrombotic complications (3.9% vs .6%; P = .012). Patients also had a longer hospital LOS (median, 9 vs 5 days; P < .001) and ICU LOS (median, 5 vs 3 days; P = .025).

Conclusions

Trauma patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection have higher mortality and morbidity in the matched population. Focused interventions aimed at recognizing this high-risk group and preventing COVID-19 infection within it should be undertaken.
Clinical Implications of Over- and Under-Triage Using Need for Trauma Intervention and Cribari Indices
Authors: Lenart Emily K. , Byerly Saskya E. , Gross Megan G. , Ali Yasmin M. , Evans Cory R. , Easterday Thomas S. , Howley Isaac W. , Kerwin Andy J. , Fischer Peter E. , Filiberto Dina M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Need for Trauma Intervention (NFTI) score was proposed to help identify injured trauma patients while minimizing under (UT) and over triage (OT). Using a national database, we aimed to describe UT and OT of NFTI vs standard Cribari method (CM) and hypothesized triage sensitivity remains poor.

Methods

The 2021 Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database was queried. Demographics, mechanism, verification level, interfacility transfer (IF), and level of activation were collected. Patients were stratified by both NFTI [+ vs -] and CM [Injury severity score (ISS) < 15 vs > 15]. UT was defined as NFTI + or ISS >15 without full trauma activation.

Results

1,030,526 patients were identified in TQIP. 84,969 were UT and 97,262 were OT using NFTI while 94,020 were UT and 108,823 were OT using CM. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of NFTI is 49%, 89%, 45%, and 90%, respectively vs 43%, 87%, 39%, and 89% of CM, respectively. Age was higher in the UT group using both scores (52 vs 42, P < .0001 and 54 vs 42, P < .0001, respectively). Using MLR, level 2 and 3 verification, blunt mechanism, female, IF, and older age were associated with UT in both NFTI and CM. Level 1 verification, penetrating mechanism, male, no IF, and younger age were associated with OT.

Conclusions

Current prehospital triage criteria have poor sensitivity for identifying severely injured trauma patients by both NFTI and CM. UT increases as age of the patient increases. Further studies are needed to improve triage.
Mortality Rates in Patients Undergoing Urgent Versus Elective Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Apostolos Anastasios , Ktenopoulos Nikolaos , Chlorogiannis Dimitrios-David , Katsaros Odysseas , Konstantinou Konstantinos , Drakopoulou Maria , Tsalamandris Sotirios , Karanasos Antonios , Synetos Andreas , Latsios Georgios , Aggeli Constantina , Panoulas Vasileios , Tsioufis Costas , Toutouzas Konstantinos
Published: April 2024

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AoS) often present with acute heart failure and compensation, frequently leading to cardiogenic shock. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has been recently performed as a bailout treatment in such patients. The aim of our meta-analysis is to compare urgent TAVR with elective procedures. We systematically screened three databases searching for studies comparing urgent vs elective TAVR. Primary endpoint is the 30-days mortality. Secondary endpoints included in-hospital mortality, device success, periprocedural vascular complications, 30-days stroke, 30-days acute kidney injury (AKI), permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM), moderate or severe paravalvular leakage, and 30-days bleeding. Seventeen studies were included, with a total of 84,495 patients. Urgent TAVR was associated with an increased risk for 30-days mortality [Risk Ratio (RR): 2.53, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 1.81–3.54)], in-hospital mortality (RR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.94–3.68), periprocedural vascular complications (RR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.28–2.85) and AKI (RR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.93–4.14), compared with elective procedure. No differences were observed in the other secondary endpoints. Urgent TAVR was associated with higher in-hospital and 30-days mortality, possibly driven by the increased incidence of AKI and vascular complications in urgent TAVR. The results highlight the importance of early TAVR in stable AoS patients.
Acute Knee Crutch Use Provokes Changes to Postural Strategy
Authors: Maron Christian , Jendre Aron , Goble Daniel , Marks Charles , Haworth Joshua
Published: April 2024

Single-leg knee crutches are a relatively new, hands-free mobility assistive device with benefits over standard axillary crutches. Our main goal in this study was to evaluate balance ability in a healthy population upon first exposure to the knee crutch device. We had 20 healthy individuals ( M age = 21.1; SD = 1.5 years ) complete baseline static and dynamic balance tests on a force plate, followed by knee crutch fitting, a self-selected duration of ambulation practice, and another round of balance testing while wearing the knee crutch. We used the BTrackS Balance Test (BBT) to measure static balance, and the BTrackS Limits of Stability (BLOS) test to measure dynamic balance, and we created a custom lateral bias score from the BLOS results. On average, participants self-selected 3.1 minutes of ambulation practice. Wearing the knee crutch caused a near doubling of static balance path length and a large reduction in percentile ranking on the BBT. Dynamic balance area was more than halved ( p < .001), with lateral bias scores during the BLOS, indicating that participants heavily favored their non-crutched leg ( p < .001). Our results indicate that static and dynamic balance were significantly altered when wearing the knee crutch, and participants seemed to switch to a single leg stance strategy. Despite these balance changes, participants were quickly ready and willing to complete independent ambulation and balance testing procedures using the single-leg knee crutch.
The effectiveness and safety of centralized early rehabilitation care for critically ill children with severe acquired brain injury: A retrospective cohort and implementation study
Authors: Zhang Ting , Duan Xiao-ling , Chen Yu-xia , Feng Ying , Huang Qin-rong , Tang Xiang , Lin Li , Xiao Nong
Published: April 2024

Background

Most children with neurocritical illness are at risk of physical, neurocognitive, and psychosocial sequelae and need centralized early rehabilitation care.

Objective

To identify the effectiveness and safety of centralized early rehabilitation care for children with severe acquired brain injury.

Methods

This is a mixed methods study—an implementation study and single-center retrospective cohort study with historical control. All children with severe acquired brain injury hospitalized in a specialized rehabilitation center in a comprehensive tertiary pediatric hospital between September 2016 and August 2020 were included. Patients treated in the centralized early rehabilitation unit were compared to historical controls dispersed in the normal inpatient rehabilitation ward. The effectiveness outcomes were measured by the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) scale and the incidence of newly onset comorbidities. The safety outcomes were indicated by the mortality rate and the incidence of unexpected referrals.

Results

One hundred seventy-five patients were included. The delta PCPC scores of the first 4 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group ( Z = −2.395, p = 0.017). The PCPC scores at 1 year in the intervention group were significantly reduced as compared to the control group ( Z = −3.337, p = 0.001). The incidence of newly onset pneumonia/bronchitis was also decreased in the intervention group ( χ2 = 4.517, p = 0.034). No death of patients was recorded, and there was no significant difference in unexpected referral rate between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.374, p = 0.541).

Conclusions

The centralized pediatrics early rehabilitation unit is effective and safe for children with severe acquired brain injury. Further multicenter prospective implementation studies on effectiveness, safety, and economic evaluation are needed.
Harnessing technology to improve sleep in frontline healthcare workers: A pilot study of electronic noise-masking earbuds on subjective and objective sleep measures
Authors: Haller Heinrich C , Moore Susan L , Green Katherine K , Johnson Rachel L , Sammel Mary D , Epperson C Neill , Novick Andrew M
Published: April 2024

Objective: This pilot study assessed the effects of electronic noise-masking earbuds on subjective sleep perception and objective sleep parameters among healthcare workers (HCWs) reporting sleep difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using a pre–post design, 77 HCWs underwent 3 nights of baseline assessment followed by a 7-night intervention period. Participants wore an at-home sleep monitoring headband to assess objective sleep measures and completed subjective self-report assessments. The difference in mean sleep measures from baseline to intervention was estimated in linear mixed models. Results: Compared to baseline assessments, HCWs reported significant improvements in sleep quality as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) (Cohen's d = 1.74, p < 0.001) and a significant reduction in perceived sleep onset latency (SOL) during the intervention ( M = 17.2 minutes, SD = 7.7) compared to baseline ( M = 24.7 minutes, SD = 16.1), (Cohen's d = −0.42, p = 0.001). There were no significant changes in objective SOL ( p = 0.703). However, there was a significant interaction between baseline objective SOL (<20 minutes vs >20 minutes) and condition (baseline vs intervention) ( p = 0.002), such that individuals with objective SOL >20 minutes experienced a significant decrease in objective SOL during the intervention period compared to baseline ( p = 0.015). Conclusions: HCWs experienced a significant improvement in perceived SOL and ISI scores after using the electronic noise-masking earbuds. Our data provide preliminary evidence for a nonpharmacological intervention to improve the sleep quality of HCWs which should be confirmed by future controlled studies.
Use of the Phylobone database for the annotation of bone extracellular matrix proteins in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Authors: Sánchez-Reverté Alba , Fontcuberta-Rigo Margalida , Nakamura Miho , Puigbò Pere
Published: April 2024

Bone extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play a key role in bone formation and regeneration, including structural and regulatory functions. The Phylobone database consists of 255 ECM protein groups from 39 species and can be used to support bone research. Here, we gathered bone ECM proteins from reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus), a member of the Cervidae family. The importance of reindeer lies in their ability to regenerate their antlers, in both male and female individuals. Protein sequences were extracted from the National Center for Biotechnology Information's repository and selected by homology searches. We identified 215 proteins and their corresponding functional domains, which are putatively present in the bone ECM of reindeer. Protein sequence alignments have shown a high degree of conservation between R. tarandus and other members of the Cervidae family. This update expands the Phylobone database and shows that it is a useful resource for the preliminary annotation of bone ECM proteins in novel proteomes.
The investigation of flame-retardant fiber mats for high performance composites: flame retardancy and structure performance
Authors: Zhu Chenkai , Li Jiawei , Huang Changyong , Nie Lei , Lu Libin , Zhang Wuxiang , Qi Dongming
Published: April 2024

The flame-retardant performance of carbon fiber reinforced composites serves as a critical metric for structural stability. Nonetheless, the prevalent methodologies for improving the flame retardancy of composites struggle to reconcile the dual objectives of flame retardancy and mechanical robustness, due in part to the constraints imposed by the conventional additive-based approach on the material interface. This study introduced a novel method involving a glass fiber mat, which was augmented with a polyurethane-based treatment integrated with flame-retardant substances, in particular ammonium polyphosphate and nickel hydroxide. This fiber mat was strategically applied to the composite surface, conferring both flame retardancy and enhanced structural resilience. The structure performance and flame retardancy of composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and the cone calorimeter test. Experimental comparisons with nontreated controls indicated that the innovative composites exhibited a reduction in total heat release and total smoke production by 13.7% and 18.8%, respectively. Concurrently, a notable enhancement in mechanical properties was observed, with increases of 20.9% and 23.1% for tensile and flexural strength. This well-balanced performance is attributable to the structure design, with toughened glass fiber mats to protect the composite surfaces from structural failure, and flame-retardant agent composition for combustion resistance and smoke suppression. Consequently, the proposed integrative flame-retardant structural design, enriched with specific flame-retardant treatments, offers a promising avenue for fabricating high-performance composite materials with potential utility in the aviation and aerospace sectors.
Mapping Ecosystems: Building an Understanding of an Urban Network of Supports and Resources for Black and Latino/a Students
Authors: Velez Gabriel , Mancheno Verónica , López Saúl
Published: April 2024

Urban minoritized students often face a multitude of systemic challenges that play out in their statistical outcomes. Still, they are also surrounded by cultural, family, and community resources, supports, and funds of knowledge. In this manuscript, we present a methodology for a community-engaged process to urban educational ecosystems as a first step in promoting systems change. We describe the need consider systems, and then discuss our work in mapping the ecosystem of supports for Black and Latino/a students in Milwaukee. Our aim is to present an adaptable model for other scholars and findings from our own engagement with the process.
“It Wasn’t Just in My Head”: A Qualitative Study on Nurturing the Racial Literacy of Mexican American Aspiring School Leaders in South Texas
Authors: Lac Van T. , Sulaica Bianca , Zapata Bianca
Published: April 2024

This qualitative study centers on interview data from ten Mexican American aspiring school leaders as they developed their racial literacy across two sociocultural foundations courses in a principal preparation program at a Hispanic Serving Institution in South Texas. The theoretical perspectives framing this study include notions of racial literacy and the subtractive schooling of Mexican school children in the United States. Findings illustrate how coursework strengthened Mexican American participants’ racial literacy in several ways. The discussion elaborates on racial literacy from theory to practice and the contextual elements that promote anti-racial literacy in P-20 settings in South Texas.
A Political Ecology of Resistance: Actions and Reactions of Agrarian Socio-territorial Movements in Latin America
Authors: Moura Joana Tereza Vaz de , Cavalcante Leandro Vieira , Jara Cristian Emanuel , Saettone Julieta , Fernandes Bernardo Mancano , Villalba Ana Eliza , Bitencourt Silmara Olveira Moreira , Bolañez Claurdia Yesica Fonzo
Published: April 2024

Territorial disputes have intensified in Latin America due to the advance of neo-extractivism, while agrarian socio-territorial movements have created strategies of resistance and reinvention of their territorialities. In dialogue with political ecology perspectives, we seek to understand the dynamics of these movements in Argentina and Brazil. We analyzed the information systematized in the DataLuta Network database on the actions and reactions of socio-territorial movements based on published news reports in 2021. We noted that, even with different political contexts, the socio-territorial movements of Argentina and Brazil have included environmental issues in their agendas, demonstrated by their commitment to the fight against pesticides, agro-industry, and mining, and in defense of agroecology and the production of healthy food.

La disputa territorial se ha intensificado en América Latina por el avance del neoextractivismo, mientras que los movimientos socioterritoriales agrarios han creado estrategias de resistencia y reinvención de sus territorialidades. Dialogando con las perspectivas de la ecología política, buscamos comprender la dinámica de estos movimientos en Argentina y Brasil. Analizamos la información sistematizada en la base de datos de la Red DataLuta sobre las acciones y reacciones de los movimientos socioterritoriales a partir de las noticias publicadas en 2021. Notamos que, aún con diferentes contextos políticos, los movimientos socioterritoriales de Argentina y Brasil han incluido la cuestión ambiental en sus agendas, que se manifiesta en su compromiso con la lucha contra los plaguicidas, la agroindustria y la minería, en la defensa de la agroecología y la producción de alimentos saludables.
Event-triggered sliding mode control for singular discrete-time fuzzy Markov jump networked systems
Authors: Gao Xinru , Han Yueqiao
Published: April 2024

In this present paper, the event-triggered sliding mode control (SMC) issue for a type of singular networked Markov jump systems with partly unknown transition probabilities (TPs) is mainly investigated, and it is modeled by discrete-time Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems. To save network resources, a mode-dependent event-triggered scheme (ETS) is applied to improve transmission efficiency. Subsequently, a common sliding surface is designed, which can effectively reduce the impact of the jumping process. Therein, the stochastic admissibility criterion for the system with [Formula: see text] performance [Formula: see text] is derived in the sense of partly unknown TPs. Moreover, a novel SMC law that guarantees the reachability of the quasi-sliding mode is given in view of the reaching condition. Finally, the validity of the presented theorems is demonstrated by a numerical example.
Pseudo-model-based iterative learning control for nonlinear multi-phase batch processes
Authors: Geng Yan , Ruan Xiaoe , Yang Xuan
Published: April 2024

In this article, a pseudo-model-based iterative learning control (ILC) is exploited for multi-phase batch processes which can be described as a nonlinear switched system with unknown functions and identical states in different phases. The nonlinear switched system is converted into a linear model whose system parameter matrix is approximated by minimizing the discrepancy from the real system output increment to the approximated system output increment. A data-driven ILC is constructed in an interactive form with system parameter matrix approximate algorithm. Meanwhile, the signs of the diagonal elements of system lower triangular parameter matrix are introduced into the construction of control input law. Theoretical analysis shows that the pseudo-model-based ILC (PM-ILC) concept can be extended to multi-phase batch processes with non-identical states in different phases. Furthermore, the approximation error of the system parameters matrix is bounded and the proposed PM-ILC is robust if the parameter is appropriately chosen. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed PM-ILC.
Cumulative family risk and rural-to-urban migrant adolescent prosocial behavior: The moderating role of school belonging
Authors: Yao Zhuojun
Published: April 2024

The importance of prosocial behavior in helping migrant youths overcome challenges associated with relocating to urban settings has been emphasized. However, the trajectory of prosocial behavior in this population and the factors influencing it remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influence of cumulative family risk on the growth trajectory of prosocial behavior among Chinese rural-to-urban migrant adolescents from 7th grade to 8th grade. Additionally, it delved into the moderating role of school belonging in the relationship between cumulative family risk and prosocial development. The participants in this study included rural-to-urban migrant adolescents (Mean age  =  13.52, SD  =  1.23, N  =  844) and their parents. Outcomes from latent growth curve modeling revealed that migrant adolescents displayed intra-individual increases in prosocial behavior during the transition from 7th grade to 8th grade, while cumulative family risk had a negative influence on these changes. Nevertheless, the adverse impact of cumulative family risk on prosocial development was alleviated for adolescents who reported a heightened sense of belonging within the school environment. These findings underscore the protective role of school belonging in the prosocial development of migrant adolescents, especially for those facing elevated cumulative family risk.
Intersectional Male-Centric and White-Centric Biases in Collective Concepts
Authors: Bailey April H. , Williams Adina , Poddar Aashna , Cimpian Andrei
Published: April 2024

In principle, the fundamental concepts person, woman, and man should apply equally to people of different genders and races/ethnicities. In reality, these concepts might prioritize certain groups over others. Based on interdisciplinary theories of androcentrism, we hypothesized that (a) person is more associated with men than women (person = man) and (b) woman is more associated with women than man is with men (i.e., women are more gendered: gender = woman). We applied natural language processing tools (specifically, word embeddings) to the linguistic output of millions of individuals (specifically, the Common Crawl corpus). We found the hypothesized person = man / gender = woman bias. This bias was stronger about Hispanic and White (vs. Asian) women and men. We also uncovered parallel biases favoring White individuals in the concepts person, woman, and man. Western society prioritizes men and White individuals as people and “others” women as people with gender, with implications for equity across policy- and decision-making contexts.
Distributing Blame Among Multiple Entities When Autonomous Technologies Cause Harm
Authors: McManus Ryan M. , Mesick Catherine C. , Rutchick Abraham M.
Published: April 2024

As autonomous technology emerges, new variations in old questions arise. When autonomous technologies cause harm, who is to blame? The current studies compare reactions toward harms caused by human-controlled vehicles (HCVs) or human soldiers (HSs) to identical harms by autonomous vehicles (AVs) or autonomous robot soldiers. Drivers of HCVs, or HSs, were blamed more than mere users of AVs or HSs who outsourced their duties to ARSs. However, as human drivers/soldiers became less involved in (or were unaware of the preprogramming that led to) the harm, blame was redirected toward other entities (i.e., manufacturers and the tech company’s executives), showing the opposite pattern as human drivers/soldiers. Results were robust to how blame was measured (i.e., degrees of blame versus apportionment of total blame). Overall, this research furthers the blame literature, raising questions about why, how (much), and to whom blame is assigned when multiple agents are potentially culpable.
Voice Through Votes and Remittances: Diaspora Efforts to Influence Elections
Authors: Whitaker Beth Elise , Wellman Elizabeth Iams
Published: April 2024

The increasing political inclusion of diaspora populations around the world has raised questions about their influence on electoral outcomes back home. In Kenya, emigrants have advocated for direct influence through external voting rights, while less attention has been given to the ways in which they may also indirectly influence elections through economic remittances. In this research note, we explore diaspora efforts to influence elections through the perspectives of domestic voters, which are often overlooked in the literature on diaspora voting. We surveyed a nationally representative sample of eligible voters within Kenya prior to the August 2022 presidential election and posed parallel questions to a smaller sample of diaspora Kenyans. Domestic voters strongly support direct diaspora participation in elections for president, but not for lower-level offices. Our survey results also indicate that roughly one of every seven eligible voters in Kenya was encouraged to vote in the 2022 election by friends and family abroad from whom they receive remittances. Thus, emigrants may have more influence on elections through their connections at home than through their direct votes. Drawing on the Kenyan case, we explore some directions for future research on transnational citizenship and voting rights.
A survey of the high-cycle fatigue performance of additively manufactured alloy 718
Authors: Mills Matthew , Thomas Meurig
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a survey of the published high-cycle fatigue (hcf) data for the nickel–iron superalloy alloy 718 fabricated by additive manufacture. Approximately 680 fatigue data points were collected from the published literature and the reported data are presented in the form of stress versus cycles to failure curves for load ratios of R = −1, 0 and 0.1. Following this, curves showing estimated survival probabilities of 0.5, 0.95 and 0.99 are constructed using a statistical analysis based on the Weibull probability density function. Finally, a comparison between the fatigue performance of additively manufactured and wrought alloy 718 under fully reversed loading conditions ( R = −1) is provided.
Microstructural and electrochemical behaviour of severely surface-deformed 316L steel manufactured by conventional and selective laser melting routes
Authors: Kumar Vikesh , Kumbhar Nilesh K. , Joshi Manoj D. , Ma Yuan-Ron , Singh Indrasen , Hosmani Santosh S.
Published: April 2024

This study thoroughly examines the influence of conventional and selective laser melting (SLM) routes and surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) on the microstructural and electrochemical properties of 316L steel. Compared to wrought specimens, the SLM specimens exhibit significantly smaller grains (∼41 vs. ∼83 µm) and higher dislocation density (∼7.2 × 1013 vs. ∼3.7 × 1012 m−2). Both specimens show nearly doubled surface hardness after SMAT, with the SLM surface displaying a ∼30 nm grain size and minimal α’ phase. The microstructure significantly influences passivation and corrosion behaviour. The SLM specimens exhibit superior electrochemical characteristics to wrought counterparts in SMATed (0.00299 mmpy) and non-SMATed (0.00771 mmpy) conditions. SMAT effectively eliminates surface porosity, enhancing the passivation and corrosion resistance of SLM steel.
The anatomy of austerity in Finnish media: The journalistic point-of-view towards Europe from the North
Authors: Vainikka Eliisa , Toivanen Pihla
Published: April 2024

This article investigates how four Finnish media outlets, Helsingin Sanomat, YLE, Iltalehti and STT, framed the discussions about austerity policies and their impacts on Finland's national identity from 1998 to 2019. Using historical discourse analysis, the article shows the arc of austerity reporting and how Finland's position and role in the Euro crisis changed during the years. The analysis reveals something about the national self-understanding of Finland, as presented in the media in relation to other European countries. The article addresses three research questions. (1) How did the journalistic treatment of austerity change over time and what were the key turning points? (2) What kinds of perspectives and narratives did journalism construct in the coverage of austerity? (3) How was Finland as a nation represented and compared to other nations in the context of the Euro crisis and austerity? The article shows that the journalistic coverage of austerity evolved from a local issue affecting municipal economies to a global issue linked to the Euro crisis, and that Finland's national identity was constructed through a contrastive comparison with other Northern and Southern European countries. The article contributes to the discussion on media coverage of austerity by providing a longitudinal comparative analysis.
Directional sensitivity of the cerebral pressure-flow relationship during forced oscillations induced by oscillatory lower body negative pressure
Authors: Labrecque Lawrence , Roy Marc-Antoine , Soleimani Dehnavi Shahrzad , Taghizadeh Mahmoudreza , Smirl Jonathan D , Brassard Patrice
Published: April 2024

A directional sensitivity of the cerebral pressure-flow relationship has been described using repeated squat-stands. Oscillatory lower body negative pressure (OLBNP) is a reproducible method to characterize dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA). It could represent a safer method to examine the directional sensitivity of the cerebral pressure-flow relationship within clinical populations and/or during pharmaceutical administration. Therefore, examining the cerebral pressure-flow directional sensitivity during an OLBNP-induced cyclic physiological stress is crucial. We calculated changes in middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCAv) per alterations to mean arterial pressure (MAP) to compute ratios adjusted for time intervals (ΔMCAvT/ΔMAPT) with respect to the minimum-to-maximum MCAv and MAP, for each OLBNP transition (0 to −90 Torr), during 0.05 Hz and 0.10 Hz OLBNP. We then compared averaged ΔMCAvT/ΔMAPT during OLBNP-induced MAP increases (INC) (ΔMCAvT/[Formula: see text]) and decreases (DEC) (ΔMCAvT/[Formula: see text]). Nineteen healthy participants [9 females; 30 ± 6 years] were included. There were no differences in ΔMCAvT/ΔMAPT between INC and DEC at 0.05 Hz. ΔMCAvT/[Formula: see text] (1.06 ± 0.35 vs. 1.33 ± 0.60 cm⋅s−1/mmHg; p = 0.0076) was lower than ΔMCAvT/[Formula: see text] at 0.10 Hz. These results support OLBNP as a model to evaluate the directional sensitivity of the cerebral pressure-flow relationship.
Acute isometric and dynamic exercise do not alter cerebral sympathetic nerve activity in healthy humans
Authors: Tymko Michael M , Drapeau Audrey , Vieira-Coelho Maria Augusta , Labrecque Lawrence , Imhoff Sarah , Coombs Geoff B , Langevin Stephan , Fortin Marc , Châteauvert Nathalie , Ainslie Philip N , Brassard Patrice
Published: April 2024

The impact of physiological stressors on cerebral sympathetic nervous activity (SNA) remains controversial. We hypothesized that cerebral noradrenaline (NA) spillover, an index of cerebral SNA, would not change during both submaximal isometric handgrip (HG) exercise followed by a post-exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO), and supine dynamic cycling exercise. Twelve healthy participants (5 females) underwent simultaneous blood sampling from the right radial artery and right internal jugular vein. Right internal jugular vein blood flow was measured using Duplex ultrasound, and tritiated NA was infused through the participants' right superficial forearm vein. Heart rate was recorded via electrocardiogram and blood pressure was monitored using the right radial artery. Total NA spillover increased during HG (P = 0.049), PECO (P = 0.006), and moderate cycling exercise (P = 0.03) compared to rest. Cerebral NA spillover remained unchanged during isometric HG exercise (P = 0.36), PECO after the isometric HG exercise (P = 0.45), and during moderate cycling exercise (P = 0.94) compared to rest. These results indicate that transient increases in blood pressure during acute exercise involving both small and large muscle mass do not engage cerebral SNA in healthy humans. Our findings suggest that cerebral SNA may be non-obligatory for exercise-related cerebrovascular adjustments.
Indigenous–Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence in the Altiplano
Authors: Villar D. A. , Thomsen Bastian , Paca-Condori Anahi Cosky , Gutiérrez Tito Edwin R. , Velásquez-Noriega Paula , Mamani Edilio , Vilca Mario Arivilca , Moreno Terrazas Edmundo G. , Marino Jorgelina , Gosler Andrew G.
Published: April 2024

Understanding the drivers of conflict and coexistence in human–wildlife relations are critical to conservation. This study sought to understand th varying attitudes of local indigenous people towards wildlife, focusing on the Titicaca Grebe ( Rollandia microptera), an endangered endemic species found in Lake Titicaca and surrounding waters in the Altiplano of Peru and Bolivia. We used an ethnobiology approach to understand which demographic, sociocultural, and economic factors influenced (a) attitudes and local ecological knowledge (LEK) towards the grebe and (2) their effects on Indigenous–wildlife conflict or coexistence. We used a qualitative, semi-structured questionnaire to interview 221 individuals over six months in villages surrounding Lake Titicaca. Participants primarily consisted of locals from the Aymara, Quechan, and Uro Indigenous groups. We found that most individuals expressed apathy towards the grebe, with a significant minority being hostile towards it. Hostility was concentrated amongst fishers and was driven by economic concerns. Knowledge of the grebe was low in the general population, but higher amongst fishers. There was, however, widespread willingness to conserve the grebe amongst the general population, particularly when informed that the grebe is endemic to the Altiplano. This small environmental education intervention suggested increased positive attitudes and a willingness to conserve the grebe. Non-homogenous perspectives towards the grebe were held within and between indigenous groups, suggesting the need for future research into intra-indigenous group dynamics in indigenous–wildlife relations. Future conservation work on the Titicaca Grebe should focus on reducing grebe-fisher conflict, both real and perceived, and on educating people on the grebe's endemic status.
Glycated serum protein is independently associated with progressive infarction in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Zou Keji , Wei Caixia , Huang Qin , Xu Zubing , Mao Xiaocheng , Zhang Hudie , Zeng Chenying , Zhang Lanjiao , Lin Jing , Yi Yuling , Zhang Jinchong
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between glycated serum protein (GSP) and progressive infarction (PI).

Methods

From April 2017 to December 2020, we recruited 477 patients within 48 hours after the onset of acute ischemic stroke into this case–control study. Demographic characteristics, clinical information, and laboratory and neuroimaging data were recorded after admission.

Results

PI occurred in 144 (30.8%) patients. Patients with PI had higher initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, higher discharge NIHSS scores, higher modified Rankin scale scores at 3 months after onset, higher GSP levels, lower prothrombin times, and lower creatinine levels than patients without PI. The likelihood of PI increased with increases in the GSP quartile. Multiple regression analysis revealed that high GSP levels (>2.14 mmol/L) were independently associated with PI. Subgroup analyses identified high GSP levels as an independent predictor of PI in patients with large artery atherosclerosis (third quartile: odds ratio [OR] = 3.793; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.555–9.250; fourth quartile: OR = 2.675; 95% CI = 1.056–6.776) and anterior circulation small vessel occlusion (fourth quartile: OR = 13.859; 95% CI = 2.024–94.885).

Conclusions

GSP might be an independent predictor for PI in certain patients with acute ischemic stroke.
ORF virus causes tumor-promoting inflammation in sheep and goats
Authors: Pintus Davide , Cancedda Maria G. , Puggioni Giantonella , Scivoli Rosario , Rocchigiani Angela M. , Maestrale Caterina , Coradduzza Elisabetta , Bechere Roberto , Silva-Flannery Luciana , Bullock Hannah A. , Macciocu Simona , Montesu Maria A. , Marras Vincenzo , Dore Simone , Ritter Jana M. , Ligios Ciriaco
Published: April 2024

ORF virus (ORFV) causes contagious ecthyma (“ORF”), a disease of sheep and goats characterized by lesions ranging from vesicles and pustules to atypical papilloma-like and angiomatous lesions in the skin and mucosae. The authors investigated the molecular factors leading to the ORF-associated atypical tumor-like changes. Fifteen lambs, 15 kids, and an adult ram clinically affected by natural ORFV infection were enrolled in the study and examined by several methods. ORFV was detected by viral culture or real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the lesioned tissues and in the blood of the clinically affected sheep and goats. Surprisingly, ORFV was also detected in the blood of healthy goats from an affected herd. Microscopically, they found a pseudo-papillomatous proliferation of the epithelium, while the dermis and lamina propria were expanded by a proliferating neovascular component that highly expressed the viral vascular endothelial growth factor (vVEGF) and its host receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization for mRNA showed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was expressed in the fibrovascular component, in the infiltrating CD163+ macrophages, and in the basal stratum of the epidermis. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that CD163+ macrophages were associated with VEGF and VEGFR2. Finally, they found by quantitative RT-PCR the overexpression of the interleukin-6 and VEGFR2 genes in the lesioned tissues. These findings suggest that ORFV activates an inflammatory reaction characterized by CD163+ macrophages expressing EGFR and VEGFR2, which might play an oncogenic role through synergistic action with vVEGF signaling.
SOX-10 and TRP-1 expression in feline ocular and nonocular melanomas
Authors: Orlandi Margherita , Porcellato Ilaria , Sforna Monica , Lo Giudice Adriana , Giglia Giuseppe , Mechelli Luca , Brachelente Chiara
Published: April 2024

In felines, ocular and nonocular melanomas are uncommon tumors that represent a diagnostic challenge for pathologists, especially when amelanotic. To date, the immunohistochemical diagnostic panel in cats is based on specific melanocytic markers (Melan-A and PNL2) and a nonspecific but sensitive marker (S100). In human medicine, SOX-10 is reported to be a sensitive antibody for the detection of melanoma micrometastasis in the lymph node. TRP-1, an enzyme involved in melanogenesis, has recently been used in humans and dogs as a specific melanocyte marker. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cross-reactivity and the expression of SOX-10 and TRP-1 antibodies in feline normal tissue and melanocytic tumors. Thirty-one cases of ocular, cutaneous, and oral melanomas were retrospectively evaluated and confirmed by histopathological examination and by immunolabeling with Melan-A and/or PNL2. SOX-10 nuclear expression in normal tissues was localized in epidermal, subepidermal, hair bulb, and iridal stromal melanocytes and dermal nerves. In melanomas, nuclear expression of SOX-10 was detected in ocular (11/12; 92%), oral (6/7; 86%), and cutaneous sites (12/12; 100%). TRP-1 cytoplasmic immunolabeling in normal tissue was observed in epidermal and bulbar melanocytes and in the lining pigmented epithelium of the iris and in its stroma. Its expression was positively correlated to the degree of pigmentation in the tumor and was observed in 75% of ocular (9/12), 43% of oral (3/7), and 33% of cutaneous melanomas (4/12). This study demonstrated the cross-reactivity of SOX-10 and TRP-1 antibodies in feline non-neoplastic melanocytes and their expression in ocular and nonocular melanomas.
Psychometric evaluation and feasibility of the Persian-Relative Mastery Scale in the caregivers
Authors: Hassani Mehraban Afsoon , Motaharinezhad Fatemeh , Ghahari Setareh , Lajevardi Laleh , Mohebbirad Mohammad
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and feasibility of the Persian version of the Relative Mastery Scale as a measure of the Occupational Adaptation Model in caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis.

Method:

In a cross-sectional study, after translation, face and content validity, the caregivers completed the Relative Mastery Scale and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Expanded Disability Status Scale for people with multiple sclerosis was reported by neurologist. Also, convergent validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and exploratory factor analyses were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 150 caregivers completed both instruments. Cronbach’s α = 0.852 and ICC = 0.838 were good. The convergent validity of the total Relative Mastery Scale score was confirmed with a significant correlation with Canadian Occupational Performance Measure ( r > 0.67, p < 0.001) and Expanded Disability Status Scale score ( r > 0.34, p < 0.001). The Persian-Relative Mastery Scale was found as a multidimensional instrument with three items that appeared to be redundant.

Conclusion:

The Persian-Relative Mastery Scale had acceptable reliability and validity for evaluating mastery in Persian-speaker caregivers.
Medication “underuse” headache
Authors: Rattanawong Wanakorn , Rapoport Alan , Srikiatkhachorn Anan
Published: April 2024

Background

Many risk factors have been associated with migraine progression, including insufficient and ineffective utilization of migraine medications; however, they have been inadequately explored. This has resulted in suboptimal usage of medications without effective altering of prescribing recommendations for patients, posing a risk for migraine chronification.

Methods

Our aim is to conduct a comprehensive review of the available evidence regarding the underuse of migraine medications, both acute and preventive. The term “underuse” includes, but is not limited to: ( 1 ) ineffective use of appropriate and inappropriate medication; ( 2 ) underutilization; ( 3 ) inappropriate timing of usage; and ( 4 ) patient dissatisfaction with medication.

Results

The underuse of both acute and preventive medications has been shown to contribute to the progression of migraine. In terms of acute medication, chronification occurs as a result of insufficient drug use, including failure of the prescriber to select the appropriate type based on pain intensity and disability, patients taking medication too late (more than 60 minutes after the onset or after central sensitization has occurred as evidenced by allodynia), and discontinuation because of lack of effect or intolerable side effects. The underlying cause of inadequate effectiveness of acute medication lies in its inability to halt the propagation of peripheral activation to central sensitization in a timely manner. For oral and injectable preventive migraine medications, insufficient efficacy and intolerable side effects have led to poor adherence and discontinuation with subsequent progression of migraine. The underlying pathophysiology here is rooted in the repetitive stimulation of afferent sensory pain fibers, followed by ascending brainstem pain pathways plus dysfunction of the endogenous descending brainstem pain inhibitory pathway. Although anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) medications partially address pain caused by the above factors, including decreased efficacy and tolerability from conventional therapy, some patients do not respond well to this treatment. Research suggests that initiating preventive anti-CGRP treatment at an early stage (during low frequency episodic migraine attacks) is more beneficial than commencing it during high frequency episodic attacks or when chronic migraine has begun.

Conclusions

The term “medication underuse” is underrecognized, but it holds significant importance. Optimal usage of acute care and preventive migraine medications could potentially prevent migraine chronification and improve the treatment of migraine attacks.
Mechanical Properties and Performance of Mixtures Containing a High Level of Recycled Materials That Are Designed Using Alternative Approaches
Authors: Isied Mayzan , Mocelin Douglas Martins , Preciado Jaime , Vestena Pablo , Underwood B. Shane , Kim Y. Richard , Castorena Cassie
Published: April 2024

Using recycled asphalt material (RAM) in asphalt mixtures is very common among transportation agencies. With the recent development of balanced mix design methods, it is becoming more important to understand how to optimize mixture performance by offsetting the adverse effects of RAM. In this paper, mixtures from three different sources were adjusted according to the availability adjusted mix design (AAMD) and corrected optimum asphalt content (COAC) methods. Three control mixtures containing RAM, three mixtures containing no RAM, five mixtures designed according to the AAMD method (two of which had 50% reclaimed asphalt pavement content), and two mixtures adjusted using the COAC-based approach were evaluated. Both asphalt mixture performance tester experiments and index tests were used in this study to evaluate material-level indicators of cracking and rutting resistance. Additionally, pavement performance simulations were carried out using AASHTOWare Pavement ME and FlexPAVETM to assess how the observed material-level differences led to differences in structural-level pavement performance. Both the AAMD and COAC methods improved cracking measures. However, the results suggest that the additional virgin binder added through the COAC method without any adjustments to the aggregate structure can have negative consequences for the rutting performance measures. In addition, the mixture and pavement performance results suggest that the AAMD method is a rational approach for including recycled binder availability in mix design procedures to promote improvements in the cracking performance of mixtures by controlling the volumetric properties and the aggregate structure of the mix without having a detrimental effect on rutting resistance.