bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of metro track parameters on vibration characteristics of vibration damping track
Authors: Li Xiang , Ma Jie , Xu Ning
Published: November 2022

In view of the abnormal wear of the vibration damping track with small radius curve on the subway, the vibration and noise problems associated with it have been widely concerned by society. The dynamic model of vehicle-track system including elastic damping track is established by using simulation software. The influence of structural parameters of steel spring floating slab track (SSFST) with small radius curve on the mode and vibration frequency, as well as the resonance characteristics of elastic track structure are analyzed. The results show the following: (1) Increasing the length of floating slab can effectively reduce natural frequency, while the range of frequency variation caused by the thickness of floating slab is relatively small. The length and thickness of floating slab can be properly adjusted to avoid the track resonance. (2) It is more integrated for the rail and floating slab through increasing the vertical stiffness of fastener, which increases the vibration frequency of the track structure. There is little effect on the vibration characteristics of SSFST for changing the installation spacing of steel springs. (3) It is more obvious for resonance to occur between the inner rail and floating slab at 116 Hz, 130 Hz and 161 Hz, and the track vibration mode shows multi-step reverse vibration on both sides and overall vertical bending vibration. (4) Due to the unbalance load caused by curve superelevation, the inner wheel weight plays the restraining role, which makes the inner rail and floating slab have various forms of bending deformation in a certain frequency range, increasing the complexity of the bending deformation of the track structure.
The Sloop family: Addressing rural health disparities through service and education
Authors: Flynn M. Seth , Mosca Paul J.
Published: November 2022

Dr Mary T. Martin Sloop and Dr Eustace Henry Sloop shaped the landscape of healthcare and education for the small town of Crossnore in the mountains of Western North Carolina throughout the early- to mid-twentieth century. The duo of general practitioners founded the Crossnore School and the Garrett Memorial Hospital, later renamed Sloop Memorial Hospital before its closure in 1999. The Sloops provided medical care to an underserved Appalachian population and sought advice and assistance from key community stakeholders with every project they undertook, demonstrating their commitment to cultural assimilation. While the story of the Sloop family is one of success, patients in rural America are currently facing a dual crisis of healthcare access. Rural healthcare professional shortages contribute to difficulties establishing longitudinal relationships with primary care providers, which in turn decreases access to preventative medicine services. With over 106 rural hospitals closing since 2010, patients may face travel barriers to reach inpatient facilities with associated emergency services, and access to specialty services such as surgery is diminished. It is paramount to reflect on and learn from the stories of the past, highlighting the personal and professional fulfillment that can be found in embracing rurality through service and community integration.
Dr. Sait Bilal Golem (1899–1955): Veterinarian and pioneer researcher of public health in Albania and Turkey
Authors: Sinmez Cagri Caglar , Şahin Batuhan
Published: November 2022

Sait Bilal Golem is an Albanian veterinarian who graduated from the Military Veterinary School in 1920. Golem started his doctorate in microbiology at Alfort Veterinary School. In this process, he worked as an assistant to the world-renowned French microbiologist Dr Gaston Ramon at the Pasteur Institute. After his doctorate, he returned to Albania and established the Veterinary Affairs Organization and made significant contributions to its structuring in international standards. Dr Golem returned to Türkiye in 1926 and started working at the Central Institute of Hygiene. Dr Golem, together with physicians and veterinarians at this institute, diagnosed brucellosis in animals and humans with serological methods for the first time in Türkiye. Moreover, he isolated Newcastle virus from embryonated eggs for the first time and prepared Komarov type attenuated dry vaccine against this virus for the first time in Türkiye. He conducted the first research on the diagnosis of Q fever and prepared the first intradermal BCG vaccine in Türkiye. Through his studies for both public and animal health in Türkiye, he has contributed to the One Health concept with an understanding that transcends time.
Policy and Practice Considerations to Support College and Career Readiness for Youth With Disabilities: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review
Authors: Mazzotti Valerie L. , Morningstar Mary E. , Lombardi Allison , Kwiatek Stephen , Taconet Ashley , Buddeke Kathryn , Monahan Jessica , Harris Ryan
Published: November 2022

Youth with disabilities must be college and career ready to be prepared for adult life. U.S. federal policy efforts confirm this prioritization (Every Student Succeeds Act [ESSA], 2015; Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act [IDEIA], 2004). Parallel to the emergence of college and career readiness (CCR), transition planning and service requirements have promoted successful transitions to postschool education, employment, and community living (IDEIA, 2004). However, not all high schools provide a range of CCR supports for these students. We conducted a systematic mixed studies review to investigate the prevalence of five domains of CCR identified in the literature. Findings revealed the five domains had a range of coverage across the literature with academic engagement and process-oriented skills comprising more citations and transition competencies least likely to be included. In addition, across the CCR literature, data for students with disabilities were rarely disaggregated, which confirms that we know even less about the effectiveness of the five domains for these students. Clear gaps were identified and suggests research often does not inform CCR policy and/or practice decisions.
Multimorbidity and Its Associations With Anxiety and Depression Among Newly Diagnosed Patients With Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study in a US Commercially Insured and Medicare Advantage Population
Authors: Dai Dingwei , Coetzer Henriette , Zion Sean R. , Malecki Michael J.
Published: November 2022

Background

Multimorbidity is common in patients with breast cancer, thus increasing the complexity of cancer care and economic burden, worsening their prognosis and quality of life. The prevalence of multimorbidity and its influence on psychological distress among patients with breast cancer have not been well characterized.

Objectives

To examine the prevalence of multimorbidity and its associations with anxiety and depression among newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study using a large administrative claims database. Patients with breast cancer (ICD-10-CM: C50.x) were identified during the study period (1/1/2017-12/31/2020). The index date was defined as the diagnosis date of breast cancer. Demographics and comorbid conditions were assessed using data within 12 months prior to the index date. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of ≥2 comorbid conditions. Anxiety and depression were examined using data within 12 months after the index date. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between multimorbidity and anxiety and depression, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Results

Of the 6392 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, 86.9% had multimorbidity at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. The median number of comorbid conditions was 5. Overall, 27.7% experienced anxiety, and 21.9% experienced depression in the first year following breast cancer diagnosis. An increased number of comorbid conditions was associated with elevated prevalence of both anxiety and depression. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, number of comorbid conditions was significantly associated with risk of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.17 [1.15-1.19]), and depression (1.24 [1.21-1.26]); all P < .0001.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity was highly prevalent among patients with breast cancer and was strongly associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression in the first year following breast cancer diagnosis. The presence of multimorbidity, anxiety, and depression should be considered in the context of clinical decision making to optimize cancer care and improve mental health and quality of life.
Impact of Antithrombin Activity Levels Following Recombinant Antithrombin Gamma Therapy in Patients with Sepsis-Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Akahoshi Tomohiko , Kaku Noriyuki , Shono Yuji , Yamamoto Yuzo , Takahashi Keita , Iyonaga Takeshi , Momii Kenta , Nishihara Masaaki , Maki Jun , Tokuda Kentaro , Yamaura Ken
Published: November 2022

Recombinant antithrombin gamma (rAT) is reported as an effective drug for patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in Japan. As the appropriate dose and targeted AT activity remain unknown, this study aimed to determine these aspects for sepsis-induced DIC. Thirty-one patients with septic shock and DIC with AT levels <70% were treated with rAT between May 2018 and December 2020. The recovery rates from DIC were 32.2% and 63.3% on day 3 and 5 post administration, respectively. Recovery and survival rates were significantly higher in patients who achieved AT activity ≥70% or 80% on day 3 post administration. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the cutoff values of post-treatment AT activity on day 3 for 28-day survival and 5-day recovery from DIC were 79.5% and 81.5%, respectively. Patients who did not achieve AT activity ≥80% on day 3 presented a lower base level of AT activity and lower dose supplementation. Our results suggest that targeted AT activity should be at least 70%, and ideally 80%, and sufficient doses to maintain this activity are required to achieve better outcomes.
Risk factors and prediction nomogram model for 1-year readmission for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with STEMI after PCI
Authors: Yao Wensen , Li Jie
Published: November 2022

To identify risk factors and develop a risk-prediction nomogram model for 1-year readmission due to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. A total of 526 eligible participants were enrolled, which included 456 non-readmitted and 70 readmitted patients. Multivariate logistical regressions were performed to identify the independent risk factors for readmission, and a prediction nomogram model was developed based on the results of the regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. Female (OR = 2.426; 95% CI: 1.395–4.218), hypertension (OR = 1.898; 95% CI: 1.100–3.275), 3-vessel disease (OR = 2.632; 95% CI: 1.332–5.201), in-hospital Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) (OR = 3.143; 95% CI: 1.305–7.574), peak cTnI (OR = 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001–1.004) and baseline NT-proBNP (OR = 1.001; 95% CI: 1.000–1.002) were independent risk factors for readmission (all P < 0.05). The nomogram exhibited good discrimination with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.723, calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test; χ2 = 15.396, P = 0.052), and clinical usefulness. Female gender, hypertension, in-hospital VA, 3-vessel disease, baseline NT-proBNP, and peak cTnI were independent risk factors for readmission. The nomogram helped clinicians to identify the patients at risk of readmission before their hospital discharge, which may help reduce readmission rates.
A convex-deformable sandwich panel for mobile devices
Authors: Jeong Yoon Chang , Park Eun-Byeol , Kang Kiju
Published: November 2022

Panels with monolithic auxetic micro-architectures are capable of bending into convex shapes. However, the thickness of panels with these micro-architectures (such as re-entrant trusses) is currently under a few millimeters; thus, they are too compliant for structural applications. Moreover, their interior spaces are commonly divided into very small cells to accommodate solid parts. Therefore, a novel sandwich panel composed of stainless steel face sheets with a two-dimensional auxetic pattern and a 3D-printed polymer truss core is proposed as a kinematically and statically determinate structure. This structure allows for a three-dimensional convex deformation under buckling and bending loads. The sandwich panel exhibits high structural robustness and can accommodate thick solid parts within the core. Even when packed with irregular solid chips in the core, a square panel with a 100 mm side length and 4 mm thickness can be deformed up to a minimum curvature of 83.3 mm under extreme five-point bending. Thus, this panel is expected to be used as the main structure for mobile devices, designed for convenient carrying in typical jean’s back and thigh pockets.
Why is impact measurement abandoned in practice? Evidence use in evaluation and contracting for five European Social Impact Bonds
Authors: Hevenstone Debra , Fraser Alec , Hobi Lukas , Geuke Gemma
Published: November 2022

Despite broad consensus on the importance of measuring “impact,” the term is not always understood as estimating counterfactual and causal estimates. We examine a type of public sector financing, “Social Impact Bonds,” a scheme where investors front money for public services, with repayment conditional on impact. We examine five cases in four European countries of Social Impact Bonds financing active labor market programs, testing the claim that Social Impact Bonds would move counterfactual causal impact evaluation to the heart of policy. We examine first how evidence was integrated in contracts, second the overall evidence generated and third, given that neither contracts nor evaluations used counterfactual definitions of impact, we explore stakeholders’ perspectives to better understand the reasons why. We find that although most stakeholders wanted the Social Impact Bonds to generate impact estimates, beliefs about public service reform, incentives, and the logic of experimentation led to the acceptance of non-causal definitions.
EDP-514 in healthy subjects and nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor-suppressed patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Feld Jordan J , Lawitz Eric , Nguyen Tuan , Lalezari Jacob , Hassanein Tarek , Martin Paul , Han Steven-Huy , Dieterich Douglas , Giard Jeanne-Marie , De La Rosa Guy , Ahmad Alaa , Luo Ed , Conery Annie L , Adda Nathalie
Published: November 2022

Background

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. EDP-514 is a potent core inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) that reduces viral load reduction in HBV-infected chimeric mice. This first-in-human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of EDP-514 in healthy subjects and antiviral activity in patients with CHB.

Methods

In Part 1, 82 subjects received placebo or EDP-514 in fed or fasted state as single ascending doses of 50–800 mg and multiple ascending doses of 200–800 mg for 14 days. In Part 2, 24 HBV DNA-suppressed, nucleos(t)ide (NUC)-treated (i.e., NUC-suppressed) CHB patients received EDP-514 200–800 mg or placebo for 28 days.

Results

EDP-514 was well tolerated in healthy subjects and CHB patients with most adverse events of mild intensity. In Part 1, EDP-514 exposure increased in an approximately dose proportional manner up to 600 mg after single doses and up to 400 mg after 14-day dosing. In Part 2, EDP-514 exposure increased linearly with dose on Day 1 and Day 28, with some accumulation for Day 28 and median trough concentrations (Ctrough) approximately 20-fold above the protein-adjusted 50% effective concentration (EC50) for the dose range. Mean change in HBV RNA from baseline to Day 28 was −2.03, −1.67, −1.87, and −0.58 log U/mL in the 200 mg, 400 mg, 800 mg, and placebo CHB groups, respectively.

Conclusions

EDP-514 was well tolerated, had a PK profile supporting once daily dosing, and reduced HBV RNA levels in NUC-suppressed CHB patients.
Yindyamarra: Value Co-creation with Aboriginal Australians
Authors: Lawrence (Wiradjuri) Jayne , Lock (Ngiyampaa) Mark , Kleinschafer Jodie , Naden (Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay) Phillip , Gibbs (Gamilaraay) Cassandra , Gordon (Ngemba and Barranbinja) Joseph , Burmeister Oliver K
Published: November 2022

Bringing together individuals of diverse perspectives in a research team can be challenging, especially when one perspective has been largely unacknowledged. The phrase ‘Value co-creation’ is used in marketing to include the voice of the consumer in the development of offerings so as to create value for both the organisation and the consumer. This study examines how well value co-creation model captures a process of research collaboration that privileges marginalised voices in a culturally sensitive and safe way. We examine a project that brought together three different, but not necessarily mutually exclusive, groups of people: Aboriginal community members; health care practitioners, policymakers and marketing experts. It is revealed that the value co-creation model exemplifies many of the elements needed to weave together different methodological perspectives and manage the dynamics of a research team. However, some adaptations were required, particularly: the inclusion of a ‘cultural broker’; a means of ‘cultural governance’; and the addition of a sixth pillar to the model – ‘evaluation’.
Total Percutaneous Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair With a Triple Inner-Branch Device (the Innominate Approach)
Authors: Leone Nicola , Bieliauskas Gintautas , Ohrlander Tomas , Resch Timothy
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

To describe a completely percutaneous approach for endovascular arch repair (arch–percutaneous endovascular aortic repair [PEVAR]) with a triple inner-branch device: the “Innominate Approach.”

Technique:

After right axillary and single common femoral arteries percutaneous access, the arch stent-graft is introduced and deployed transfemorally using fusion overlay. The brachiocephalic artery (BCA) and the corresponding inner branch are cannulated from the axillary access. Through this access, a steerable-sheath guides antegrade cannulation of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) through its inner branch. Optionally, a wire preloaded through the left subclavian artery (LSA) and the LCCA branch, is snared from the BCA access providing LCCA through and through access. A 10 Fr sheath is then positioned from the BCA branch in the LCCA branch and a second, trans-axillary wire through the same sheath is used to catheterize the LCCA. The LCCA is then stented antegradely (regardless of approach). Finally, the BCA and LSA are bridged to complete the procedure. An additional novelty described is the use of VBX (W. L. Gore) as a bridging stent for the BCA.

Conclusion:

Arch-PEVAR is feasible with the use of adjuncts that are well-known for physicians performing complex endovascular repair. The “Innominate Approach” avoids access and exposure of the carotid arteries.

Clinical Impact

We aim to describe the feasibility of the axillary artery as the main route to perform the brachiocephalic artery (BCA) and the left common carotid artery bridging stenting in case of arch endovascular repair (arch-EVAR) with a triple Inner-Branch Device. According to the present “Innominate Approach”, percutaneous arch-EVAR is feasible using either a steerable sheath or a preloaded through-&-through wire. The Innominate approach, including a VBX bridging stent for the BCA, avoids carotid access and exposure, reduces the number of vascular accesses, and allows the downsizing of the trans-axillary devices.
Construction and Validation of Early Warning Model of Lung Cancer Based on Machine Learning: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ye Siyu , Pan Jiongwei , Ye Zaiting , Cao Zhuo , Cai Xiaoping , Zheng Hao , Ye Hong
Published: November 2022

Background: This study is a retrospective study. The purpose of this study is to construct and validate an early warning model of lung cancer through machine learning. Methods: The CDKN2A gene expression profile and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and divided into a tumor group and a normal group (n = 57). The top 5 somatic mutation-related genes were extracted from 567 somatic mutation data downloaded from TCGA database using random forest algorithm. Cox proportional hazard model and nomogram were constructed combining CDKN2A, 5 somatic mutation-related genes, gender, and smoking index. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups according to risk score. The predictability of the model in the prognosis of lung cancer was estimated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristics curve. Results: We constructed a prognostic model consisting of 5 somatic mutation-related genes (sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 [S1PR1], dedicator of cytokinesis 7 [DOCK7], DEAD-box helicase 4 [DDX4], laminin subunit beta 3 [LAMB3], and importin 5 [IPO5]), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), gender, and smoking indicators. The high-risk group had a lower overall survival rate compared to the low-risk group (hazard ratio = 2.14, P = 0 .0323). The area under the curve predicted for 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates are 0.609, 0.673, and 0.698, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model for predicting the 10-year survival rate of lung cancer are 76.19%, 56.71%, and 86.23%. Conclusion: The lung cancer early warning model and nomogram may provide an essential reference for patients with lung cancer management in the clinic.
Identity and Persistence Among Latinx Engineering Students at a: Research-Intensive Hispanic-Serving Institution
Authors: Mein Erika , Esquinca Alberto , Herrera-Rocha Lidia , Muciño Guerra Helena
Published: November 2022

Drawing on ethnographic methods, this study employed a community cultural wealth framework to analyze the successful trajectories of 27 Latinx engineering/computer science students at a research-intensive HSI. Our findings uncovered four types of community cultural wealth leveraged by participants—aspirational, linguistic, social, and navigational—as well as one additional form of capital: positional. The study has implications for institutions and individuals who serve Latinx students in engineering and STEM more broadly.
Impact of Transparency and Explanations on Trust and Situation Awareness in Human–Robot Teams
Authors: Ezenyilimba Akuadasuo , Wong Margaret , Hehr Alexander , Demir Mustafa , Wolff Alexandra , Chiou Erin , Cooke Nancy
Published: November 2022

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) missions continue to benefit from the incorporation of human–robot teams (HRTs). USAR environments can be ambiguous, hazardous, and unstable. The integration of robot teammates into USAR missions has enabled human teammates to access areas of uncertainty, including hazardous locations. For HRTs to be effective, it is pertinent to understand the factors that influence team effectiveness, such as having shared goals, mutual understanding, and efficient communication. The purpose of our research is to determine how to (1) better establish human trust, (2) identify useful levels of robot transparency and robot explanations, (3) ensure situation awareness, and (4) encourage a bipartisan role amongst teammates. By implementing robot transparency and robot explanations, we found that the driving factors for effective HRTs rely on robot explanations that are context-driven and are readily available to the human teammate.
Subcostal versus right lateral ultrasound measurements of inferior vena cava: Measurements obtained from these two views are not equivalent in non-ICU patients
Authors: Haroun Fadi , Robinson Mercedes , Shayman Corey S , Cotton Jennifer
Published: November 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study is to assess concordance between the subcostal and right lateral view for ultrasonographic inferior vena cava measurements including the end-inspiratory diameter, end-expiratory diameter and respiratory variation represented by the caval index in spontaneously breathing healthy adults.

Methods:

We recruited a convenience sample of 33 healthy adults. A phased array ultrasound probe was used to obtain inferior vena cava measurements from a subcostal view in the sagittal plane and from a right lateral view in the coronal plane with B-mode ultrasound. End-inspiratory diameter, end-expiratory diameter and caval index were obtained for each view. A two-tailed t-test was performed to compare the caval indices obtained by the two views. Bland–Altman analysis was used to obtain the limits of agreement for the inferior vena cava diameter and caval index across the two views.

Results:

Subcostal and right lateral caval indices across all participants were significantly different according to a paired t-test ( p < 0.0001). The Bland–Altman analysis showed wide limits of agreement in end-inspiratory diameter (−0.97 and 0.50 cm) and in end-expiratory diameter (−0.94 and 0.90 cm). The right lateral view underestimated the inferior vena cava caval index relative to the subcostal view.

Conclusions:

The subcostal and right lateral views are not equivalent in obtaining inferior vena cava measurements in spontaneously breathing healthy adults. Current cut-off values for measurement-based applications of inferior vena cava ultrasound, including fluid responsiveness using caval indices, may not be accurate when values are obtained from the right lateral view in the coronal plane of the inferior vena cava in patients.
Australian sonographers’ perceptions of patient safety in ultrasound imaging: Part two – translation into practice
Authors: McInerney John , Lombardo Paul , Cowling Cynthia , Roberts Simone , Sim Jenny
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

A lack of patient safety research hampers capacity to improve safety in healthcare. Ultrasound is often considered ‘safe’ as it does not use ionising radiation, a simplistic view of patient safety. Understanding sonographers’ actions towards patient safety is crucial; however, self-reported measures cannot always predict behaviour. This study is part of a PhD exploring patient safety in medical diagnostic ultrasound. The aim of this paper is to explore sonographers’ responses to the patient safety concerns identified in Part one of this study. The ultimate aim of the study is to inform the final phase of the doctoral study which will consider the next steps in improving the quality and safety of healthcare experienced by patients.

Methods:

A qualitative study using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) explained how sonographers respond to perceived patient safety risks in practice.

Results:

Thirty-one sonographers were interviewed. Based on the seven themes identified in Part one of the study, results showed that incongruences exist between identifying patient safety risks and the actions taken in practice to manage these risks.

Conclusion:

The TPB showed that behavioural, normative and control beliefs impact sonographers’ responses to perceived patient safety risks in practice and can lead to risk avoidance. Lack of regulation in ultrasound creates a challenge in dealing with Fitness to Practice issues. Collective actions are required to support sonographers in taking appropriate actions to enhance patient safety from multiple stakeholders including accreditation bodies, regulatory authorities, educational institutions and employers.
Letter-similarity effects in braille word recognition
Authors: Baciero Ana , Gomez Pablo , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni , Perea Manuel
Published: November 2022

Letter-similarity effects are elusive with common words in lexical decision experiments: viotin and viocin (base word: violin) produce similar error rates and rejection latencies. However, they are robust for stimuli often presented with the same appearance (e.g., misspelled logotypes such as anazon [base word: amazon] produce more errors and longer latencies than atazon). Here, we examine whether letter-similarity effects occur in reading braille. The rationale is that braille is a writing system in which the sensory information is processed in qualitatively different ways than in visual reading: the form of the word’s letters is highly stable due to the standardisation of braille and the sensing of characters is transient and somewhat serial. Hence, we hypothesised that the letter similarity effect would be sizable with misspelled common words in braille, unlike the visual modality. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a lexical decision experiment with blind adult braille readers. Pseudowords were created by replacing one letter of a word with a tactually similar or dissimilar letter in braille following a tactile similarity matrix (e.g., [Formula: see text] [ausor] vs [Formula: see text] [aucor]; baseword: [Formula: see text] [autor]). Bayesian linear mixed-effects models showed that the responses to tactually similar pseudowords were less accurate than to tactually dissimilar pseudowords—the response times (RTs) showed a parallel trend. This finding supports the idea that, when reading braille, the mapping of input information onto abstract letter representations is done through a noisy channel.
Reduced shoulder proprioception due to fatigue after repeated handball throws and evaluation of test–retest reliability of a clinical shoulder joint position test
Authors: Sutton Peter , Lund Ohlsson Marie , Röijezon Ulrik
Published: November 2022

Background

Proprioception is vital for motor control and can be disturbed, for example, due to fatigue or injury. Clinical feasible, reliable and valid tests of shoulder proprioception are warranted. The aim was to investigate the effects of local fatigue on shoulder proprioception and the reliability of a feasible joint position sense test using an experimental repeated measures design.

Method

Forty participants repeated a shoulder joint position sense test to assess test–retest reliability. The test was then utilized on a subgroup of handball players who were subjected to five bouts of a repeated throwing task with the dominant hand. The effect of local fatigue was investigated by comparing the fatigued with the non-fatigued shoulder.

Results

There was a significant interaction for the arm × bout ( p = 0.028, ηp2 = 0.20) and a significant effect for the arm ( p = 0.034, ηp2 = 0.35) with a significant decrease in joint position sense for the throwing arm compared to the non-throwing arm. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.78 (95% CI = [0.57; 0.89]). The standard error of measurement between trials was 0.70° (range: 0.57°–0.90°).

Discussion

The results indicate that repeated throwing to fatigue disturbs shoulder joint position sense. Assessment with the modified test showed acceptable reliability and can be a valuable assessment tool in the clinic.
Skull base infections, their complications, and management
Authors: Nguyen Phat Tan , Chang Jennifer , Shahlaie Kiarash , Raslan Osama , Ozturk Arzu , Bobinski Matthew , Assadsangabi Reza
Published: November 2022

Objective

Our review aims to summarize the current literature on skull base infections (SBIs) and retrospectively analyze any such cases encountered at our institution.

Design

A literature search was conducted using online databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and ResearchGate with the terms “skull base osteomyelitis,” “temporal bone osteomyelitis,” “skull base infections,” “necrotizing otitis media,” and “SBO”. References from the resulting manuscripts were reviewed for relevant articles. A search of our electronic health records using the same key terms was also performed to identify patients with a tissue biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of skull base infections. Patients with an indeterminate diagnosis or inaccessible/poor imaging were excluded.

Setting

A level one trauma and major tertiary academic medical center.

Participants

All patients treated at the University of California Davis Health System with a confirmed diagnosis of skull base infections from January 2005 to November 2020.

Main Outcome Measures

Imaging results, symptoms, treatment, morbidity, and mortality.

Results

Our literature search yielded 59 articles ranging from 1982 to 2021. A retrospective search of our electronic health records identified two cases of skull base infections.

Conclusion

Skull base infections have no pathognomonic findings. A multimodal approach with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine is necessary to characterize the disease process in addition to a biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Other diagnoses can mimic SBI on imaging, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and inflammatory pseudotumor. Culture-guided antimicrobial treatment and surgery are mainstay therapies. Other adjuvant strategies currently lack the robust evidence necessary to characterize their risks and benefits.
What is the role of Von Willebrand factor in chronic hepatitis B virus infection to hepatocellular carcinoma: a review article
Authors: Xiang Qiong , Tao Jia-Sheng , Li Jing-Jing , Tian Rong-Bo , Li Xian-Hui
Published: November 2022

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a glycoprotein synthesized and secreted by vascular endothelial cells and megakaryocytes, found on plasma surface, endothelial cells, and α-granule of platelets. VWF can be interacted with collagen and platelet membrane glycoproteins GPIb and GPIb-IIa and play an important role in platelet adhesion and aggregation. Growing research evidence suggests that VWF also mediates the prevention or protesting of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients from several clinical studies. While the mechanism of VWF in HCC protection or protest is still unclear, further study is required. This article aims to rationalize the role of VWF in the development of HCC, and the functional domain of VWF in cancer as well as cross-talking with platelets and miRNAs. This article also looks forward to the future development and challenges of VWF research.
Quality assessment of smartphone fitness apps used to increase physical activity level and improve general health in adults: A systematic review
Authors: Negreiros Alexandher , Maciel Roberto B T , Carvalho de Barros Bianca , Padula Rosimeire Simprini
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Mobile exercise apps for smartphones have been used with intervention measures to increase physical activity. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the quality of fitness apps for smartphones that were used to increase the level of physical activity and improve the overall health of healthy adults.

Methods

The systematic review was performed in five electronic databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Research Premier e Cochrane Reviews, and Trials. The search terms were grouped into three categories according to the principles of population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes. The following includes examples of the group terms: population (healthy adults), intervention (smartphone apps), and outcomes (physical activity level).

Results

Of the 3924 potential articles, 74 were read for full-text analysis. Only seven studies were included in the review. The methodological evaluation of the studies and the apps’ quality showed that only one study and one app were evaluated with good quality. All studies used a type of application to improve the level of physical activity (measured by the number of daily steps), reporting an increase and improvement in some general health indices (calorie expenditure, weight, BMI) in healthy adults, regardless of frequency and duration of intervention and applications.

Conclusion

We cannot say that the use of smartphone applications improves the level of physical activity and general health. The low methodological quality of the studies and the possibility to evaluate the applications used (Mars Scale) due to the lack of technical standardization presented in the studies, despite the app used showing positive results in all studies.
Fatigue is a common symptom in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease
Authors: Ladakis Dimitrios C , Gould Jennifer , Khazen Jenny M , Lefelar Julia M , Tarpey Scott , Bies Charles J , Salky Rebecca , Fitzgerald Kathryn C , Bhargava Pavan , Nourbakhsh Bardia , Sotirchos Elias S
Published: November 2022

Background

Unlike multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, the burden of fatigue in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is unclear.

Objective

To compare fatigue levels between people with MOGAD and household controls (HC) and explore factors associated with fatigue severity.

Methods

In a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from people with MOGAD and HC by utilizing an online questionnaire. Data elements included demographics, sleep quality measures, comorbidities, MOGAD characteristics, and fatigue severity measured by the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). We compared fatigue severity between MOGAD participants and HC and assessed the associations between demographic and disease characteristics and fatigue severity.

Results

There were 180/283 MOGAD and 61/126 HC respondents. Compared to HC, people with MOGAD reported more severe fatigue, as measured by the MFIS total score (49.3 vs. 36.5; p < 0.001), and a larger proportion of MOGAD participants (75.6% vs. 44.3%; p < 0.001) were classified as fatigued. Among MOGAD participants, higher age ( p = 0.04), history of bilateral optic neuritis ( p = 0.02), and current use of acute treatment ( p = 0.04) were independently associated with higher fatigue.

Conclusions

Fatigue is common in people with MOGAD, and a history of bilateral optic neuritis, comorbid conditions, and ongoing disease activity appear to contribute to fatigue severity.
School Administrators and School Counselors’ Legal and Ethical Alliance
Authors: Stone Carolyn
Published: November 2022

The importance of a cooperative school administrator–school counselor alliance is explored against the backdrop of legal proceedings involving professionals in both disciplines who at different points could have prevented or averted lengthy, energy-draining legal action. Most legal battles involving school administrators and school counselors revolve around child abuse reporting, confidentiality, and advocacy for equitable educational opportunities. An examination of case law, statutes, office of civil rights investigations, and other legal proceedings underscores the implications and consequences of school administrators (e.g., principals and assistant principals) and school counselors neglecting to understand disparate, and often mutual, legal and ethical imperatives. An alliance can afford greater comfort for both educational fields in ambiguous and situational dilemmas that are part of the daily work of school administrators and school counselors. Positive collaboration also can lead to increasing opportunities to develop social capital and better support outcomes for students.
School Counselors and Principals Serving as Co-Conspirators for Antiracist Program Evaluation
Authors: Beasley Jordon J. , Ieva Kara P.
Published: November 2022

Principals and school counselors, as advocates and leaders, have a moral and ethical imperative to interrogate and disrupt the educational inequities pervading P–12 schools. Trained in data collection, disaggregation, and analyses, principals and school counselors must utilize their knowledge and skills in program evaluation to challenge systemic racism, advocate for marginalized students, and collaborate with key stakeholders to dismantle racist policies and practices taking place in classrooms, schools, and broader communities. Program evaluation practices are tools that school counselors and principals can use to bridge social capital by inviting historically marginalized groups of people to have their voices be heard and have a seat at the table where decisions are being made. In this article, we present an Antiracist Program Evaluation Cycle as a framework for school counselor and principal collaboration, with recommendations to disassemble institutional racism that exists within schools and communities.
TElewoRk-RelAted Stress (TERRA), Psychological and Physical Strain of Working From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gualano Maria Rosaria , Santoro Paolo Emilio , Borrelli Ivan , Rossi Maria Francesca , Amantea Carlotta , Daniele Alessandra , Moscato Umberto
Published: November 2022

Background:

Many workers shifted to working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims to investigate if this sudden change caused an increase in TElewoRk-RelAted stress (TERRA) which is defined as physical and mental stress caused by telework.

Methods:

A systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed of three scientific databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus), which also included a quality assessment. Articles measuring stress, psychological or physical, in remote workers, published from December 2019 through August 2021 were included in the review. Results were extracted by reporting: authors, country, study design, type of workers, sample, questionnaires and measurements, and outcomes. Data were synthesized quantitatively for country, type of workers, and outcomes.

Results:

Out of the 518 articles found in the three databases, 19 articles were included in the systematic review (10,012 participants overall), and 78.9% of these highlighted an increase in TERRA levels in remote workers. Among 85.7% of the studies considering gender as a variable, TERRA levels were higher in female workers. Twelve (63.2%) of the studies investigated psychological well-being, two (10.5%) focused on the physical well-being of remote workers, three (15.8%) investigated both, and two studies had other outcomes (10.5%).

Conclusions:

Considering the redefinition of workplaces dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this review highlights the emerging issue of remote work and the use of technology in working from home, emphasizing a rapidly growing occupational health problem. Remote workers need to be provided with emotional and technical support to prevent TERRA in remote workers.
The Relationship Between Interaural Insertion-Depth Differences, Scalar Location, and Interaural Time-Difference Processing in Adult Bilateral Cochlear-Implant Listeners
Authors: Cleary Miranda , Bernstein Joshua G. W. , Stakhovskaya Olga A. , Noble Jack , Kolberg Elizabeth , Jensen Kenneth K. , Hoa Michael , Kim Hung Jeffrey , Goupell Matthew J.
Published: November 2022

Sensitivity to interaural time differences (ITDs) in acoustic hearing involves comparison of interaurally frequency-matched inputs. Bilateral cochlear-implant arrays are, however, only approximately aligned in angular insertion depth and scalar location across the cochleae. Interaural place-of-stimulation mismatch therefore has the potential to impact binaural perception. ITD left-right discrimination thresholds were examined in 23 postlingually-deafened adult bilateral cochlear-implant listeners, using low-rate constant-amplitude pulse trains presented via direct stimulation to single electrodes in each ear. Angular insertion depth and scalar location measured from computed-tomography (CT) scans were used to quantify interaural mismatch, and their association with binaural performance was assessed. Number-matched electrodes displayed a median interaural insertion-depth mismatch of 18° and generally yielded best or near-best ITD discrimination thresholds. Two listeners whose discrimination thresholds did not show this pattern were confirmed via CT to have atypical array placement. Listeners with more number-matched electrode pairs located in the scala tympani displayed better thresholds than listeners with fewer such pairs. ITD tuning curves as a function of interaural electrode separation were broad; bandwidths at twice the threshold minimum averaged 10.5 electrodes (equivalent to 5.9 mm for a Cochlear-brand pre-curved array). Larger angular insertion-depth differences were associated with wider bandwidths. Wide ITD tuning curve bandwidths appear to be a product of both monopolar stimulation and angular insertion-depth mismatch. Cases of good ITD sensitivity with very wide bandwidths suggest that precise matching of insertion depth is not critical for discrimination thresholds. Further prioritizing scala tympani location at implantation should, however, benefit ITD sensitivity.
Determinants of Urban land development: A panel study for U.S. metropolitan areas
Authors: Zietz Joachim , Kirchhain Heiko
Published: November 2022

This study examines the extent and determinants of urban land expansion and fragmentation for 104 U.S. metropolitan areas for the time period 2001-2019. It leverages temporally and spatially consistent, satellite-based data. The analysis distinguishes among four different intensity levels of urban development and makes use of a number of landscape fragmentation metrics. Estimation relies on two-way fixed-effects panel techniques. Our time fixed-effects indicate that high-intensity urban developments grew by about 25% from 2001 to 2019, low-intensity developments by about 5%. The percentage increases for the corresponding fragmentation statistics are higher, at about 40% and 15%, respectively. Higher gasoline prices are associated with less urban land expansion and fragmentation.
Categorizing urban space based on visitor density and diversity: A view through social media data
Authors: Chuang I-Ting , Chen Qingqing , Poorthuis Ate
Published: November 2022

Analyses of urban spaces have often stressed the importance of both the density and diversity of the people they attract. However, the diversity of people is a challenging concept to operationalize within the context of urban spaces, which is why many evaluations of urban space have relied primarily on density-based measures. We argue that a focus on only one of the two aspects misses important aspects of the variety of urban spaces in our cities. To address this, we design a methodology that evaluates both the density and diversity of human behavior in urban spaces based on geosocial media data. We operationalize density as the frequency of tweets from visitors to a particular location and diversity as the variety of the home neighborhoods of those visitors. Taking Singapore as a test case, we identify networks between the home neighborhoods of 28k Twitter users based on 2.2 million geolocated tweets collected between 2012 and 2016. Based on these data, we categorize the urban landscape of Singapore into four “performance” categories, namely High-Density/High-Diversity, High-Density/Low-Diversity, Low-Density/High-Diversity, and Low-Density/Low-Diversity. Our findings illustrate that this combined indicator provides useful nuance compared to differentiation between well and less performing spaces based on density alone. By enabling a categorization of urban spaces that fits closer to the diversity of human behavior in these spaces, human mobility data sets, such as the social media data we use, open the door to a practical evaluation of the design and planning of our heterogeneous urban environment.