bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of a Novel Anatomic Technique and the Docking Technique for Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Meyers Kathleen N. , Middleton Kellie K. , Fu Michael C. , Dines Joshua S.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Current reconstruction techniques do not re-create the distal ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) insertion. Reconstructing the distal extension of the anterior band ulnar footprint may increase elbow stability and resistance against valgus stress after UCL reconstruction (UCLR).

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to test a new technique for UCLR, a modification of the docking technique, aimed at re-creating the distal ulnar footprint anatomy of the anterior band. We hypothesize that this novel “anatomic” technique will provide greater resistance to valgus stress after UCLR when compared with the docking technique.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Eighteen unpaired cadaveric arms were dissected to capsuloligamentous elbow structures and potted. With use of a servohydraulic load frame, 5 Nċm of valgus stress was placed on the UCL-intact elbows at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of flexion. UCLR was performed on each elbow, randomized to either the docking technique or the anatomic technique. After UCLR, the elbow was again tested at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of flexion. Ulnohumeral joint gapping was calculated using a 3-dimensional motion capture system applied to markers attached to the ulna and humerus. Differences in gapping among the intact state and docking and anatomic techniques were compared using a 2-way analysis of variance with significance set to P < .05.

Results:

There was no significant difference in gapping between the anatomic and docking technique groups regardless of elbow flexion angle. All reconstructed groups showed increased gapping relative to intact, but all increases were below the clinically relevant level of 1 mm.

Conclusion:

Ulnohumeral joint gapping and resistance to valgus stress were similar between the anatomic technique and the docking technique for UCLR.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides evidence that the anatomic technique is a viable alternative UCLR method as compared with the docking technique in a cadaveric model.
Gender on the agenda: Media framing of women and women of color in the 2020 U.S. presidential election
Authors: Gibbons Stephanie
Published: February 2022

The results of this article propose three primary findings: first, the news media perpetuates and creates new stereotypes for women and women of color who run for political office; second, female journalists disproportionately write news articles about female candidates compared to their male counterparts; and finally, images of women in online news stories appear to be “vanishing,” with news articles supplementing media elements with videos and infographics.
Multifunctional MnCuInSe/ZnS quantum dots for bioimaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Irmania Novi , Dehvari Khalilalrahman , Chang Jia-Yaw
Published: February 2022

In this work, manganese (Mn)-doped CuInSe quantum dots (QDs) with a ZnS passivation layer (MnCuInSe/ZnS) have been synthesized via a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal reaction using glutathione (GSH) as a stabilizer. The MnCuInSe/ZnS core-shell QDs combine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), excitation-dependent red emission, and reactive oxygen radical generation functions, in which regulation of Mn2+ incorporation leads to synergistic imaging and therapeutic modalities. The MnCuInSe/ZnS QDs exhibit high colloidal and photochemical stability in simulated media and at different pH values. An r2/r1 ratio of 9.99 was calculated from MRI studies suggesting their potential application as dual-modal imaging agents. Based on in vitro tests on Hela, B16, and HepG2 cell lines, it is apparent that MnCuInSe/ZnS QDs impose no significant cytotoxicity in the dark, while they can efficiently generate singlet oxygen radicals for photodynamic therapy of cancers, killing more than 80% of B16 cells within 5 min of laser irradiation (671 nm, 1 W cm−2). Furthermore, in vitro fluorescence imaging and cellular internalization of QDs are examined to visualize cellular uptake and in situ ROS generation. Therefore, this research exemplifies a new set of multifunctional chalcogenide QDs for theranostic applications.
Invasive Exploitation and the Multiplicative Hypothesis: Polyvictimization and Adolescent Depression Symptoms in Nepal
Authors: Emery Clifton R. , Abdullah Alhassan , Thapa Srijana , Do Mi-Hyang , Jordan Lucy , Huang Yu-Te , Men Vera Yu , Wekerle Christine
Published: February 2022

Adverse effects of childhood maltreatment experience and adolescent depression symptoms are theorized to be more profound for adolescents who have suffered multiple maltreatments (polyvictimization). New theoretical insights into the study of polyvictimization suggest that it must be studied using a multiplicative logic, particularly when maltreatment is characterized by invasive exploitation. This study, for the first time, examined the concept of invasive exploitation in the context of polyvictimization and its association with adolescent depression symptoms. The study used a random, three stage probability proportional to size (PPS) cluster sample of 565 mother-adolescent dyads in Kathmandu, Nepal, and also examined the protective effects of maternal empathy. We hypothesized that (a) singly, the empirical categories of maltreatment (neglect, physical abuse, and child sexual abuse) would associate positively with adolescent depressive symptoms and (b) main effects held constant, the interaction effects of a child sexual abuse X neglect and a child sexual abuse X physical abuse would be positive. Regression with clustering corrections found that neglect ( B = 3.17, p < .01) and sexual abuse ( B = 3.48, p < .05) positively associated with adolescent depression symptoms. Results support the multiplicative invasive exploitation polyvictimization hypothesis (child sexual abuse X neglect interaction ; B = 6.14, p < .05). The positive neglect X sexual abuse interaction is consistent with the theory that sexual abuse is distinct as invasive exploitation, and demonstrates that the multiplicative hypothesis can be fruitfully applied to the study of polyvictimization. Interventions targeting polyvictims with experience of invasive exploitation and studies aiming to provide deeper insights into sexual abuse as invasive exploitation are needed.
Embedded Strangers in One’s Own Job? Freelance Interpreters’ Invisible Work: A Practice Theory Approach
Authors: Giustini Deborah
Published: February 2022

This article investigates invisible work, as voiced by professionals in the interpreting sector in the UK. Informed by a practice theory approach alongside the sociology of invisible work, it re-frames invisibility as enacted according to the elements that organise and motivate work in terms of purposeful, normative and skilful actions. Drawing on a qualitative dataset of 20 observations and 46 interviews with interpreters, the article conceives invisibility as a functional labour logic in which compliance and resistance to being unseen are the twofold cornerstone of professionalism but also of devaluation. As a freelance workforce, interpreters face contradictions between deontological and stakeholders’ expectations of invisibility, and the individual need of displaying an expert role for securing work continuity. This article contributes to social practice and invisible work literature by uncovering the performative interrelation of the work dynamics which demand a negotiation of hidden/visible status.
Basics, properties, and thermal issues of EV battery and battery thermal management systems: Comprehensive review
Authors: Yacoub Al Shdaifat Mohammad , Zulkifli Rozli , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Adel Salih Abeer
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a comprehensive review on the battery especially Lithium-ion batteries and the battery thermal management systems for electric vehicles. The basics of the battery system and thermal issues related to the battery have been highlighted. Different battery thermal management systems have been discussed in the review. This paper has presented different thermal management systems for electric vehicle battery in details. Air cooling, phase change, and liquid cooling are studied in the reviewed literature, by showing and discussing the results of the previous studies in these fields. Most promising thermal management system is the liquid cooling, because it has the best cooling potential for the EV batteries which gets the researchers attention to improve it based on wide number of increasing studies and developments in the EV liquid cooling systems. Improving the hydraulic and thermal performance of the liquid cold plate which is part of the EV liquid colling systems has not widely been explored in the fields of developing inlets design, outlets, and fins. The review paper could guide the researchers to innovate better liquid cooling systems and improve their cooling and hydraulic performance in battery thermal management systems.
Modeling and analysis of magnetic hybrid nanoparticle (Au-Al2O3/blood) based drug delivery through a bell-shaped occluded artery with joule heating, viscous dissipation and variable viscosity effects
Authors: Gandhi Rishu , Sharma B. K. , Kumawat Chandan , Bég O. Anwar
Published: February 2022

The present work deals with the impact of hybrid nanoparticles (Au-Al2O3) on the blood flow pattern through a porous cylindrical artery with a bell-shaped stenosis in the presence of an external magnetic field, Joule heating, and viscous dissipation by considering two-dimensional pulsatile blood flow. The temperature-dependent viscosity model is utilized in this study. The blood flow is assumed to be unsteady, laminar, viscous, and incompressible. The mild stenotic presumption normalizes and reduces the bi-directional flow to uni-directional. The Crank-Nicolson scheme is applied to solve the continuity, momentum, and energy equations with appropriate initial and boundary conditions. Transport characteristics are visualized graphically for key dimensionless parameters such as Magnetic number ([Formula: see text]), Darcy number ( Da), Grashof number ( Gr), viscosity parameter ( β0), Reynolds number ( Re), Eckert Number ( Ec), Prandtl number ( Pr), different concentration of both the nanoparticles ( ϕ1, ϕ2), and pressure gradient parameter ( B1). The velocity contours for different emerging parameters have also been drawn to assess the overall behaviour of blood flow patterns. The non-dimensional velocity profile is enhanced with increment in values of Da, implying that the medium permeability provides less resistance to the flow. Increasing viscous dissipation ( Ec) and Joule heating ([Formula: see text]) parameter simultaneously raise the nanofluid temperature. Hybrid nanoparticles (Au-Al2O3/blood) effectively reduce hemodynamic variables such as wall shear stress and resistance (impedance). The present work finds applications in nano-mediated treatment of atherosclerosis and other diseases.
Ternary nanofluid with heat source/sink and porous medium effects in stretchable convergent/divergent channel
Authors: Ramesh G.K. , Madhukesh J.K. , Shehzad S.A. , Rauf A.
Published: February 2022

Flow and heat distribution over a convergent or divergent channel plays a major role in aeronautical, pharmaceutical, dynamic, civil, climatic, and biomechanical engineering, as well as heat transfer through a porous medium, has piqued the interest of researchers due to its numerous aerospace and automotive manufacturing, including waste disposal, raw petroleum products, grain collection, porous coating, petroleum lagoons, groundwater pollution, packed-bed power plants etc. Further, addition of nanoparticles to base liquid will improve the thermal distribution. Based on the above affordable application the present study will focus on heat transfer enhancement in ternary nanofluids flows induced by stretched convergent or divergent channels. The mobility of ternary nanoparticles occurs in the porous zone. The uniform energy absorption and generation influence is included in the energy expression. Through the use of comparable variables, the flow expressions are transformed into a system of non-linear ODEs (ordinary differential equations). To tackle the problem, the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg fourth and fifth order (RKF-45) scheme with shooting procedure is adopted. The nature of imposing limitations on physically significant quantities is explored and carried out. The augmentation in solid volume-fraction of both stretched/shrinked channels resulted a reduction in temperature. Furthermore, it is found that the increasing heat sink or source factor and Eckert number augmented the rate of energy transport in the diverging channel, but reverse nature is found in the converging channel. It is also noticed that the ternary nanofluid has a greater impact than the hybrid and mano-nanofluid.
The “Equal-Opportunity Jerk” Defense: Rudeness Can Obfuscate Gender Bias
Authors: Belmi Peter , Jun Sora , Adams Gabrielle S.
Published: February 2022

To address sexism, people must first recognize it. In this research, we identified a barrier that makes sexism hard to recognize: rudeness toward men. We found that observers judge a sexist perpetrator as less sexist if he is rude toward men. This occurs because rudeness toward men creates the illusion of gender blindness. We documented this phenomenon in five preregistered studies consisting of online adult participants and adult students from professional schools (total N = 4,663). These attributions are problematic because sexism and rudeness are not mutually exclusive. Men who hold sexist beliefs about women can be—and often are—rude toward other men. These attributions also discourage observers from holding perpetrators accountable for gender bias. Thus, rudeness toward men gives sexist perpetrators plausible deniability. It protects them and prevents the first perceptual step necessary to address sexism.
Inhibition of SET domain–containing (lysine methyltransferase) 7 alleviates cognitive impairment through suppressing the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome in isoflurane-induced aged mice
Authors: Ma Chao , Yu Xianjun , Li Dong , Fan Youwen , Tao Qiang , Tang Yajun , Zheng Lei
Published: February 2022

Background

As a common postoperative complication to elderly patients, postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a central nervous system complication, often taking place after anesthesia and surgery. (Su(var)3-9, enhancer-of-zeste, and trithorax) domain–containing protein 7 (SETD7) plays important roles in metabolic-related diseases, viral infections, tumor formation, and some inflammatory reactions. However, the role and mechanism of SETD7 in POCD have not been previously studied.

Methods

RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to evaluate the efficiency of knockdown of SETD7. The pathological changes of hippocampal neurons in isoflurane-anesthetized mice were detected by HE staining, and the Morris water maze experiment was performed to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of mice. The effect of SETD7 on the hippocampus in isoflurane-induced aged mice was examined by Western blot and TUNEL assay. Then ELISA assay was applied to determine the expression of some inflammatory cytokines, followed by the detection of expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome through Western blot.

Results

The data of this research revealed that SETD7 knockdown improved cognitive impairment in isoflurane-anesthetized mice, ameliorated cell pyroptosis, inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines, and suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in the hippocampus in isoflurane-induced aged mice.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results provided evidence that the inhibition of SETD7 could alleviate neuroinflammation, pyroptosis, and cognitive impairment by suppressing the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in isoflurane-induced aged mice.
Protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid on bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis through the repression of NADPH Oxidase 4 and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathways
Authors: Kocak Ayse , Ural Cemre , Harmanci Duygu , Oktan Mehmet Asi , Afagh Aysan , Sarioglu Sulen , Yilmaz Osman , Birlik Merih , Akdogan Gul Guner , Cavdar Zahide
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which is known as a powerful antioxidant, and the possible related molecular mechanisms that mediate its favorable action on skin fibrosis in the bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma (SSc) model in mice. The experimental design was established with four groups of eight mice: Control, ALA (100 mg/kg), BLM (5 μg/kg), and BLM + ALA group. BLM was administered via subcutaneous ( sc) once a day while ALA was injected intraperitoneally ( ip) twice a week for 21 days. Histopathological and biochemical analyses showed that ALA significantly reduced BLM-induced dermal thickness, inflammation score, and mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the skin. Besides, the mRNA expressions of the subunits of NADPH oxidase, which are Nox4 and p22phox, were found to be significantly induced in the BLM group. However, ALA significantly reduced their mRNA expression, which were in parallel to its decreasing effect on serum total oxidant status (TOS) level. Moreover, it was found that ALA downregulated the mRNA expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I and fibronectin in the skin tissue of the BLM group. Additionally, it was shown that ALA reduced significantly the TGF-β1 and p-Smad3 protein expressions in the BLM + ALA group. On the other hand, ALA did not exhibit any significant effect on the p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) activation induced by BLM. All these findings point out that ALA may be a promising treatment for the attenuation of skin fibrosis in SSc patients.
Physico-mechanical characterization and thermal property evaluation of polyester composites filled with walnut shell powder
Authors: Pradhan Priyabrat , Satapathy Alok
Published: February 2022

This paper reports on the processing and overall characterization of walnut shell powder (WSP) filled polyester composite. The effects of this filler on the properties of polyester resin are studied by conducting various characterization tests under controlled laboratory conditions. The composite formation mechanism has been explained by the interpretation of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The study reveals that the incorporation of WSP particles modifies the density and porosity of the composites along with their tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact strengths. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) is done on the samples to get an insight into their thermal stability. Measurement of thermal conductivity is carried out on samples of different compositions, and it is found that the inclusion of walnut shell powder leads to significant improvement in the thermal insulation capability of polyester resin. It is recorded that with an increase in the WSP content from 0 to 20 wt. % in polyester, the value of the effective thermal conductivity ( K eff) drops by about 42%. It is further seen that with the incorporation of WSP, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of polyester is substantially lowered.
Using Participatory Action Research to Sustain Palliative Care Knowledge and Readiness Among Latino Community Leaders
Authors: Johnson Lee Ann , Melendez Carlos , Larson Kim
Published: February 2022

Objective

We examined the effectiveness of nurse-led training on palliative care knowledge and advance care planning readiness with Latino leaders.

Methods

As part of a larger participatory action research study, we used a one-group, pretest–posttest design to evaluate Latino leaders’ preparation to share information during home visits with Latinos with advanced cancer. Using Spanish and English materials, 2 palliative care nurse specialists provided a 10-hour training plus a 6-month, post-training booster session. The Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS) was administered at baseline (T0), post-training (T1), and 10 months post-training (T2). The Advance Care Planning and Engagement Survey (ACPES) was administered at T0 and T2.

Results

Among the 15 leaders, 93% were women and 73% were of Mexican heritage. There was a significant increase in the PaCKS score between T0 and T1 ( MdT0 = 10; MdT1 = 12, z = −2.15, p exact = .031) and T0 and T2 ( z = −2.49, p exact = .008) with a medium-to-large effect size ( r = .45). There was a significant increase in ACPES scores between T0 and T2.

Conclusions

Nurse-led training of Latino community leaders improves palliative care knowledge and may bolster the palliative care infrastructure in emerging Latino communities.
Calculation and enhancement of fatigue life by ε-N approach and corrosion fatigue in steam turbine rotor
Authors: Silva José Antônio , Caetano Diego Amorim , Ribeiro Filho Sérgio Luiz Moni , Teixeira Flávio Neves , Guimarães Luiz Gustavo Monteiro
Published: February 2022

Power plants production’s growth capacity has led to increased concerns about efficiency and reliability of steam turbines. Its components are prone to cracking and failure caused by creep and fatigue. The present work used Ansys® and nCode GlyphWorks® package to predict tensions and deformations. The methodology used allows calculate the level of structural damage caused to each work cycle. Analysis of the application of a chemical process on the rotor to improve failure resistance influenced the component life, avoiding corrosion fatigue. To create residual stresses on the surface of material was used Shot peening process. Thermal analysis results show that the rotor supports approximately 3.18 × 104 cycles, obtaining a maximum error of 12.5% compared to experimental reference. The shot peening process increased the rotor life by about 3000 h (10.5%) and changes in the heat treatment microstructure increased by 9.6% in number of cycles.
Couple Connectedness in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Tadros Eman , Gomez Eunice , Dudek Meghan
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented global morbidity and mortality which altered people's daily lives, as well as created multiple societal challenges. One significant problem posed by this unique stressor is maintaining healthy intimate relationships, which are linked to mental and physical health. The literature has shown that the pandemic has exacerbated issues for couples such as financial difficulties, a lack of privacy, medical issues, and family and professional concerns. The pandemic has also forced all healthcare systems, hospitals, and clinics to quickly incorporate telehealth services. The number of requests for mental health consultations has risen to the point where demand exceeds supply. This paper provides an overview of ways couples can stay emotionally connected during this time as well as provide future directions for therapists to help couples develop or improve adaptive relationship mechanisms.
Anterior Mediastinal Neuroblastoma Associated with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion: A Morphologic, Immunohistochemical, and Genetic Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kennedy Gregory T. , Sande Christopher M. , Surrey Lea F. , Azari Feredun S. , Deshpande Charuhas , Singhal Sunil
Published: February 2022

We report a mediastinal neuroblastoma in an octogenarian with paraneoplastic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Neuroblastomas are very rare tumors in adults, with thoracic or mediastinal locations being especially uncommon. These neoplasms have been occasionally associated with the SIADH. Given the rarity of incidence and paucity of diagnostic and outcomes data, the significance of standard neuroblastoma prognostic characteristics is unclear, and no treatment paradigms exist for these patients. Further studies are needed to inform future clinical guidelines.
Breast T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Presenting as a Single Mass in a Young Female with Family History of Breast Cancer
Authors: Iqbal Fatima , Joya Sosa Yocelin , Kramer-Smotherman Danielle N. , Posleman Monetto Flavia E. , Dong Jianli , He Jing , Musunuru Tejo , Schlette Ellen J. , Lyapichev Kirill A.
Published: February 2022

Breast involvement by lymphoma is rare, constituting ≤0.5% of all breast malignancies, with T-cell lymphomas, comprising 2.5 to 7.5% of all lymphomas involving breast. Several types of T-cell lymphomas have been reported in breast, including anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified, adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia, NK/T-cell lymphoma, and T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. Breast involvement by T-lymphoblastic lymphoma is very unusual and when it is observed, it usually occurs as a secondary involvement by known lymphoma.

We report the case of a 33-year-old woman with family history of breast cancer who presented with a single right breast mass which was diagnosed as T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. At presentation, the patient was feeling well and did not have any B symptoms or any other signs of lymphoma or leukemia. One month after diagnosis, the patient presented to the emergency room with chest pain and shortness of breath and was found to have a large mediastinal mass with both pleural and pericardial effusions. Subsequent evaluation of peripheral blood smear and bone marrow biopsy showed increased amount of blasts and involvement by T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. The patient was induced with cyclophosphamide, vincristine sulfate, doxorubicin hydrochloride, and dexamethasone chemotherapy. After two-cycles of chemotherapy, a computed tomography of the thorax showed marked interval decrease in size of anterior mediastinal mass, suggestive of positive treatment response.

Here, we report the first well documented case of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma presented as a single breast mass without history of B symptoms and perform an extensive English language literature review.
Do Greener Trade Agreements Call for Side-Payments?
Authors: Brandi Clara , Morin Jean-Frédéric , Stender Frederik
Published: February 2022

Preferential trade agreements (PTAs) increasingly include environmental provisions. While the existing literature documents these provisions’ environmental impacts, this paper sheds light on their relation with aid flows. Using an event-specification and data on bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments for a sample of 147 developing country recipients in the period from 2002 to 2017, we find evidence that the number of environmental provisions in PTAs is positively associated with aid during negotiation phases. With high-income countries typically pre-determining the extent of environmental provisions in their upcoming PTAs, this suggests that aid serves as a side-payment for recipients to sweeten the pot and agree upon already formulated PTA content. While both aggregate ODA and its subcomponent environmental aid a priori qualify as candidates for pre-signature side-payments, we find that only the former fulfills this expectation, presumably reflecting more leeway to exploit aid fungibility.
Delivery Outcomes Among Pregnant Women With Comorbid Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders Receiving Comprehensive Treatment
Authors: Seger Celeste , Tuten Michelle , Storr Carla L. , Majer John M.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women with substance use disorders (SUDs) are at risk for adverse delivery outcomes, and some of these women have psychiatric comorbidities that increase this risk. AIMS: Although comprehensive care models offering prenatal care services and substance abuse treatment have been found to positively affect delivery outcomes for pregnant women with SUDs, there is a dearth of research to support such models for women who have psychiatric comorbidities. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted to understand the relationship between pretreatment psychiatric comorbidity and delivery outcomes for pregnant clients with SUDs receiving comprehensive treatment. We analyzed two groups of pregnant women with SUDs and hypothesized that women with psychiatric comorbidities would have worse neonatal and maternal outcomes compared with those who did not have any pretreatment psychiatric comorbidity. Regression models were used to examine changes in delivery outcome criteria (birthweight, neonatal abstinence syndrome, maternal urine toxicology screens at delivery, and hospital length of stay) in relation to psychiatric comorbidity among a sample of 74 mother-baby dyads receiving comprehensive care treatment. RESULTS: Results did not support our hypothesis as delivery outcomes were statistically similar for both groups. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest comprehensive care can reduce the risk of negative delivery outcomes among women with SUDs who have psychiatric comorbidities. Treatment and research implications are provided.
Exploring the eHealth literacy and mobile health application utilisation amongst Malaysian pharmacy students
Authors: Blebil Ali Q , Dujaili Juman A , Mohammed Ali H , Loh Li Ling , Chung Wei Xuan , Selvam Tarani , Siow Joycelyn QL
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Pharmacy students should be eHealth literate by being skilful in searching, evaluating and applying online health information. Mobile health applications should be utilised when making clinical decisions to achieve optimal patient care with the ever-changing pharmacy practice. This study aims to explore the eHealth literacy and mobile health application utilisation amongst pharmacy undergraduates.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021. An online survey, consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, Internet use, eHealth Literacy Scale and mobile health application utilisation, was distributed amongst pharmacy undergraduates in public and private universities in Malaysia. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance test, Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test

Results

A total of 415 participants completed the survey (response rate    =    82.5%). The median eHealth Literacy Scale score (out of 40) was 31.0    ±    3.0 (interquartile range). More than one-third of participants (34.7%) were found to have low eHealth literacy. Many lacked confidence in making health decisions from online information (42.4%) and skills in distinguishing between high-quality and low-quality health resources (35.2%). Only 70.4% of the participants had mobile health applications installed on their smartphones and/or tablets. Some students felt that they were neither knowledgeable nor skilful enough to utilise mobile health applications (24.8%), whereas 23.9% were unaware of the mobile health applications available.

Conclusion

In summary, the eHealth literacy of Malaysian pharmacy students can be further enhanced by incorporating eHealth literacy-focused programmes into the curriculum. Moreover, pharmacy students’ mobile health application utilisation can be improved through increased awareness and support from universities.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of gallstone surgery: A Swedish population-based study
Authors: Sandblom Gabriel , Österberg Johanna , Rogmark Peder , Drott Carl J. , Haraldsson Erik , Khodakaram Kaveh , Prebner Lise-Lott , Redéen Stefan , Syrén Eva-Lena , Söderström Maria , Enochsson Lars
Published: February 2022

Background:

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare delivery. As resources are reallocated, surgery for benign conditions such as gallstone disease is often given low priority. We do not know how this has affected the risk of patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease to develop acute cholecystitis, biliary pancreatitis, or obstructive jaundice.

Methods:

The study was based on the population-based Swedish Register of Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. The period prior to the first cases of COVID-19 in Sweden, that is, April 2015–March 2020, was compared to the period April 2020–March 2021 during the pandemic. Stratification was made for factors potentially related to priority decisions.

Results:

Altogether, 78,211 procedures were performed during the period of the study. The ratio of procedures performed during April 2020–March 2021 in the previous 5 years was 0.960 ( p = 0.113). The ratio of procedures on patients aged <65 years was 0.945 ( p = 0.008), on patients aged 65–80 years was 0.964 ( p = 0.423), on patients aged >80 years was 1.336 ( p = 0.025), on men was 1.001 ( p = 0.841), on women was 0.934 ( p = 0.006), on procedures completed laparoscopically was 0.964 ( p = 0.190), on procedures completed with open approach was 0.659 ( p = 0.044), on acute procedures was 1.218 ( p = 0.016), on planned procedures was 0.791 ( p < 0.001), on procedures performed for biliary colic was 0.808 ( p < 0.001), on procedures performed for acute cholecystitis was 1.274 ( p = 0.012), for biliary pancreatitis was 1.192 ( p = 0.037), and for obstructive jaundice was 1.366 ( p = 0.008).

Conclusions:

The COVID-19 has had a great impact on how gallstone surgery has been organized over the last 2 years. The decreased number of planned procedures probably reflects the reallocation of resources during the pandemic. However, whether the increasing number of acute procedures is the result of postponed planned surgery or a continuation of a long-term trend toward more acute surgery remains unanswered. Further studies are needed to assess and evaluate how this has affected public health and health economics.
Cortical step sign in spinal clearance on trauma computed tomography – Indicator of acute thoracolumbar compression fracture
Authors: Rajakulasingam Ramanan , Nightingale Peter , Bhatt Naman , Choudhary Surabhi
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Differentiating an acute from chronic compression fracture of the thoracolumbar (TL) spine can pose a dilemma for radiologists interpreting spinal imaging following trauma. Mild wedging of the vertebrae can be due to spondylosis or osteoporosis, whilst acute simple compression fractures may not always be associated with loss of body height. In this observational study, we hypothesize that the presence of a vertebral body cortical step is a reliable sign of an acute compression fracture on Computed Tomography (CT) scans.

Methods

In a retrospective review of thoracolumbar CT scans following trauma, two observers analysed for the presence of a cortical step at the anterior or posterior vertebral body cortex, fracture morphology and associated injuries. A ‘cortical step’ is defined as a break of hyperdense cortex on CT scans, intervening non-sclerosed trabecular bone, and sharp overlap of the underlying cortex. MRI of the spine was used as gold standard.

Results

187 consecutive CT scans over 2 years were assessed. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of cortical step sign were 100%, 90.2% and 97% in diagnosing an acute thoracolumbar compression fracture, respectively. The interobserver reliability was high (kappa = 0.97). False positive cortical step was seen in Kummel’s disease and large Schmorl’s nodule.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity of ‘cortical step sign’ in diagnosing acute vertebral body compression fractures of TL spine on CT scans in patients with trauma. This sign can be useful to radiologists for safe clearance of the thoracolumbar spine following trauma, helping distinguish acute trauma from chronic causes of vertebral body height loss.
Quench sensitivity of A379 alloy under high-pressure die-casting and gravity-casting processes
Authors: Deng Xuwang , Wang Yu , Wang Jeff , Mao Jian
Published: February 2022

Adding Cr to Al–Si–Mg alloys can eliminate the adverse effects of Fe, but can increase the quench sensitivity of the alloys. The influence of gravity-casting and high-pressure die-casting on the quench sensitivity of A379 (Al–7Si–0.5Mg–0.2Cr) alloys were studied using time–temperature–property curves. The nose temperatures of the gravity-casting- and high-pressure die-casting-fabricated specimens are near 350 °C and 355 °C, respectively. The temperature regions with high quench sensitivity characteristics of the former and latter occur from 310 °C to 390 °C and from 290 °C to 400 °C, respectively. The time–temperature–property curves of the high-pressure die-casting-fabricated samples are farther to the left than that of gravity-casting-fabricated samples, indicating that the high-pressure die-casting-fabricated specimens are more sensitive and are easier to generate precipitates than the gravity-casting-fabricated specimens during quenching because of the following reasons. For both specimens, the quench-induced precipitates (Mg xSi) nucleate on the Cr-containing dispersions in the grains, but the Cr-containing dispersions in the high-pressure die-casting-fabricated specimens are finer and more dispersible than in the gravity-casting-fabricated specimens. Meanwhile, the high-pressure die-casting-fabricated specimens exhibited finer grain sizes than the gravity-casting-fabricated specimens; thus, they can provide more grain boundary nucleation sites for forming the Mg xSi phase than the gravity-casting-fabricated specimens during isothermal treatment.
More-than-human kinship against proximal loneliness: practising emergent multispecies care with a dog in a pandemic and beyond
Authors: Han Maythe Seung-Won
Published: February 2022

Dogs are here to live with, not just to think with. In this autoethnographic essay, I share my experience of loneliness and more-than-human kinship while being in lockdown with my dog, Frank, in our small flat in Edinburgh due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I open with our histories and how we have come to be kin in order to make our positionalities explicit. I then tell three stories that illustrate how our lives – and our bodies – are being shaped by the current pandemic, addressing the ways in which its contribution to my loneliness in COVID-induced lockdown manifested in our everyday life. Engaging with existing scholarship on emotional/personal, social and cultural loneliness, I theorise that life in lockdown suffers from a new type of loneliness: proximal loneliness. Then, I build on the concept of response-ability to argue that multispecies kinship helps to alleviate feelings of proximal loneliness through emergent practices that make us response-able – care and respond – to one another. I contend that even in these unprecedented and viral times that have come to elicit profound feelings of loneliness and despair for many, the repertoire of our multispecies emergent practices that may help us through the difficulties of proximal loneliness continues to exist and grow with shared response-abilities of our kinship across the species boundaries.
The harms of medicalisation: intersex, loneliness and abandonment
Authors: Jones Charlotte
Published: February 2022

This article develops loneliness as a political and social justice issue by illustrating the harmful personal and social consequences of the medical jurisdiction over and constitution of variations in sex characteristics. Whilst connections between loneliness, health and illness have been well established, this work customarily identifies the ways illness can lead to, or be caused by, loneliness. Instead, I provide an account of the central role of medicalisation and medical management in producing loneliness. By doing so, I underline the imperative for medical practice to consider its influence upon social and personal, as well as physical, wellbeing. Drawing on stories shared through solicited diaries followed by in-depth interviews with seven people with sex variations and two parents in the UK, I show how accounts of loneliness help to illuminate the violence of abandonment, silencing and marginalisation that often goes unheard, together with hidden or normalised systems of harm.

Building on concepts of ethical loneliness and ontological loneliness, I show how structural violations operate to injure trust and self-worth, leading to social unease. I argue for the importance of people with sex variations finding sites of comfort and acceptance, but note the ways that some forms of medicalisation can inhibit alliances and community formation, despite diagnoses also carrying the potential to facilitate informal support structures and collective identities. By bringing together intersex studies with discourses of loneliness, I develop a better understanding of loneliness as a product of social and systemic violence, and the ways in which medical discourses tie in with larger structures of oppression, coercion and control. This article concludes by underlining the need for structural change in our approach to and understanding of sex variations, and with a call for us to become more attentive to these stories of medical harm, to ensure that they are heard and to seek necessary justice.
Emotional Justice as an antidote to loneliness: children's books, listening and connection
Authors: Magnet Shoshana , Dunnington Catherine-Laura
Published: February 2022

Loneliness is intimately related to the ongoing epidemics of systemic forms of oppression, including white supremacy, capitalism, heteropatriarchy and settler colonialism. The epidemic of loneliness has only intensified and grown during the isolation engendered by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we aim to think about how children's picturebooks wrestle with explaining loneliness and its antidotes (connection, community) and how these picturebooks are themselves manifestations of ongoing conversations related to Emotional Justice. We conclude by reviewing a number of children's books in order to think about how the picturebook might itself be an artifact that helps to fight feelings of loneliness as well as teaching children and adults alike about the importance of connection.
‘It’s a Hard Balance to Find’: The Perspectives of Youth Justice Practitioners in England on the Place of ‘Risk’ in an Emerging ‘Child-First’ World
Authors: Day Anne-Marie
Published: February 2022

In recent years, there has been a shift in youth justice central policy narratives in England and Wales away from risk assessment and management and towards child first. However, this shift is meeting with a number of challenges on the ground. The reasons for this have been conceptualised as resistance and reticence, contradiction and bifurcation and confusion about competing narratives emerging from different UK government departments about how to meet the statutory requirement to ‘prevent’ youth offending. The article emphasises the importance of meaningfully engaging with youth justice practitioners in debates about how to meet this challenge.
Introduction to Symposium: Experiments with Politicians: Ethics, Power, and the Boundaries of Political Science
Authors: John Peter , Foos Florian
Published: February 2022

This introduction sets out the context for this symposium, which is the discontent expressed by UK MPs and the Speaker of the House of Commons in March 2021 about a research project using e-mails from fictitious constituents to audit the responsiveness of legislators to constituent emails. The article reviews the research literature on experiments on politicians and summarises the debate in the academy about the ethical conduct of these randomised controlled trials. Contributors to the symposium defend and challenge approaches to carrying out these elite experiments, whether using fictitious identities, confederates, and/or partnerships with politicians, as well as refine a cost-benefit approach to the design of these studies.
Impact of prediabetes and duration of diabetes on radial artery atherosclerosis in acute coronary syndrome patients: An optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Li Zixuan , Tang Zhe , Wang Yujie , Liu Zijing , Wang Senhu , Wang Yuntao , Wang Guozhong , Wang Yuping , Guo Jincheng
Published: February 2022

Background

Prediabetes (PDM) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are common among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. The present study evaluated the association between diabetes status and radial artery (RA) atherosclerosis using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in ACS patients.

Methods

A total of 335 ACS patients who underwent RA OCT were categorized into the DM group, the PDM group, and the normal glucose metabolism (NGM) group. OCT characteristics and clinical variables were compared.

Results

RA atherosclerotic plaques were more frequent in the PDM and DM groups than in the NGM group (38.7% vs. 33.3% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.001). Lipid and calcified plaque occurrence were significantly more common in the DM group, followed by the PDM and NGM groups (19.3% vs. 14.6% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.027; 11.8% vs. 6.5% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.009). The prevalence of microvessels in the PDM group was significantly higher (42.7% vs 23.7%, p = 0.017) than in the NGM group but was comparable to the DM group. Multivariate analysis revealed that HbA1c level and age were independent predictors of RA plaque formation and eccentric intimal hyperplasia (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

RA atherosclerosis characteristics differ according to diabetes status. HbA1c level could be a useful marker for RA atherosclerosis progression in ACS patients.
Improving Comprehensive Cancer Control State Plans for Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Four Corners Region of the United States
Authors: Rodman Joseph , Mishra Shiraz I. , Adsul Prajakta
Published: February 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) disparities continue to persist in the four corners region (states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado) of the United States. The Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) state plans provide a policy and practice snapshot on how a state identifies and addresses its cancer burden. This study critically examines the four state plans to identify gaps and opportunities for cancer prevention and control. Using a conventional content analysis approach, we reviewed the CCC plans for CRC screening-related information, culminating in a conceptual framework that highlights three themes. First, states reported their cancer burden using national data from American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results. Although these data informed specific goals and objectives, not all plans reported state-level data on CRC differences by specific social determinants of health and other characteristics. Second, it was not clear whether the interventions chosen to address state plan objectives were evidence-based and whether or not clearly described criteria were used for the selection of the interventions. Third, very limited information was provided in terms of state-specific contextual challenges and practical implementation of interventions. Study findings highlight opportunities to improve state-level cancer prevention and control efforts: first, by promoting the selection and adaptation of contextually relevant evidence-based interventions for this unique region; and second, through multidirectional engagement with communities, researchers, and policy and practice stakeholders. Such synergies in research and policies are vital for a coordinated and integrated approach to cancer prevention and control.