bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Marine Heatwave (MHW) Variants under a Basinwide MHW Conditioning Mode in the North Pacific and Their Atlantic Associations
Authors: Zhao Yu , Yu Jin-Yi
Published: September 2023

During 2013–16 and 2018–22, marine heatwaves (MHWs) occurred in the North Pacific, exhibiting similar extensive coverage, lengthy duration, and significant intensity but with different warming centers. The warming center of the 2013–16 event was in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), while the 2018–22 event had warming centers in both the GOA and the coast of Japan (COJ). Our observational analysis indicates that these two events can be considered as two MHW variants induced by a basinwide MHW conditioning mode in the North Pacific. Both variants were driven thermodynamically by atmospheric wave trains propagating from the tropical Pacific to the North Pacific, within the conditioning mode. The origin and propagating path of these wave trains play a crucial role in determining the specific type of MHW variant. When a stronger wave train originates from the tropical central (western) Pacific, it leads to the GOA (COJ) variant. The cross-basin nature of the wave trains enables the two MHW variants to be accompanied by a tripolar pattern of sea surface temperature anomalies in the North Atlantic but with opposite phases. The association of these two MHW variants with the Atlantic Ocean also manifests in the decadal variations of their occurrence. Both variants tend to occur more frequently during the positive phase of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation but less so during the negative phase. This study underscores the importance of cross-basin associations between the North Pacific and North Atlantic in shaping the dynamics of North Pacific MHWs.
Opposite Skills of ENGPI and DGPI in Depicting Decadal Variability of Tropical Cyclone Genesis over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Yiran , Wang Bin , Wu Liguang , Zhao Haikun , Cao Jian
Published: September 2023

The genesis potential index (GPI) has been used widely to estimate the influence of large-scale conditions on tropical cyclone (TC) genesis. Here we find that two GPIs, the Emanuel–Nolan GPI (ENGPI) and the dynamic GPI (DGPI), show opposite skills in quantifying decadal variability of TC genesis in the western North Pacific (WNP). During 1979–2020, ENGPI shows a reverse decadal variation to the WNP TC genesis with a significant negative correlation of −0.61, while DGPI can reasonably reproduce the decadal variation of the WNP TC genesis with a significant correlation of 0.66. The opposite skills of the two indices arise from the opposed effects of dynamic and thermodynamic parameters on TC genesis induced by a WNP anomalous cyclonic circulation that controls the decadal variation of TC genesis. On the one hand, the cyclonic circulation leads to favorable dynamical conditions including ascending motion, cyclonic vorticity, and weakened vertical shear, and thus tends to increase the DGPI. On the other hand, the cyclonic circulation leads to unfavorable thermodynamical conditions (decreased maximum potential intensity and midlevel humidity) that tends to decrease the ENGPI. As a result, the DGPI and ENGPI are reversely evolved and eventually lead to their opposite correlation between TC genesis. The significant positive correlation between DGPI and TC genesis suggests a critical role in the large-scale dynamical control of the decadal variability of the WNP TC genesis.

Significance Statement

Tropical cyclones (TCs) account for one-third of the deaths and economic losses from weather-, climate-, and water-related disasters. Understanding variations in TC activity from the perspective of large-scale conditions is of great importance to seasonal forecasting and disaster mitigation. Here we find that two genesis potential indexes (GPIs), the Emanuel–Nolan GPI (ENGPI) and dynamic GPI (DGPI), show opposite skill in quantifying decadal variability of TC genesis in the western North Pacific (WNP). The opposite skills of the two indices arise from the opposed effects of dynamic and thermodynamic parameters on TC genesis. The result suggests a critical role of large-scale dynamic control in the decadal variability of TC genesis in the WNP.
Understanding the Association of Subjective Perception and Emotional Resentment With Micro- and Macro-Level Violence: A Multilevel SEM Examination of Relative Deprivation Theory
Authors: Park Seong-Min , Forepaugh Christopher , Hong Young-Oh
Published: September 2023

Criminological theories suggest that economic deprivation elevates violence in societies at both micro and macro levels. Relative Deprivation Theory constructed this causal framework by introducing pathways from objective deprivation to violence through mediating subjective perceptions and emotional resentments. This study tests these interactive pathways by building and examining stepwise multilevel structural equation models. We sampled 2,040 residents in South Korea using pair-matching stratified sampling and conducted face-to-face interviews. Findings suggest that subjective perception and emotional resentment play significant roles in understanding the association between economic deprivation and violence. These findings signify that criminologists should consider individual cognitive interpretations and social/cultural backgrounds when investigating the impact of economic deprivation.
Physical, Social and Economic Characteristics of Gated Communities for a Living Choice in Karachi-Pakistan: Comparative Analysis of Kaneez Fatima (CHS) and Naya Nazimabad
Authors: Qureshi Hira
Published: September 2023

This article contributes twofold to the international discussion on ‘gated communities as a living choice’. First, this study constructs a ‘living choice’ framework based on the physical, social, and economic characteristics of gated communities as established by the four key researchers. Next, the framework is applied to analyze the reasons for living within gated communities in Karachi, Pakistan. A cross-comparison of two gated communities employs post-occupancy household survey questionnaires from residents, and qualitative interviews with real estate developers, and community managers. The findings ascertain that security and lifestyle are the main values associated with living in gated communities in Karachi.
Social Networks for COVID-19 Across Africa
Authors: Yum Seungil
Published: September 2023

This study sheds new light on understanding COVID-19 response in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe by employing social network analysis for Twitter. This study finds that African countries have different social networks for COVID-19. For instance, news media play an important role in South Africa, governmental key players exert a significant impact on Nigeria, and African key players play a significant role in Ghana. The Ministries play a significant role in Kenya, institutes and organizations play a critical role in Zambia, and the Minister of Health and the President of Zimbabwe play an important role in Zimbabwe. Second, African countries show different social network systems according to groups. For example, Kenya shows the most active communication networks across groups, whereas Zambia shows the least communication networks across groups among the six countries. Third, African countries have different top-mentioned tweeters in the networks. For example, South Africa shows news media, Ghana and Zambia have international organizations, and Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe exhibit government institutes as the top-mentioned tweeter. Therefore, governments and policymakers should understand the characteristics of social networks of COVID-19 to cope with the pandemic effectively.
The Effect of Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy on Promoting Meaning in Lives of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Abed Mohammadreza , Rezaei-Jamalouei Hasan , Raeisi Zohreh , Ansari Shahidi Mojtaba , Taheri Mahdi
Published: September 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy (MCGP) on promoting meaning in the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury. This single-blind study was quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and experimental and control groups. Forty-three Iranian patients with poor meaning in life were selected by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received MCGP, while the control group received no intervention. The data were collected by the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance. The results revealed significant differences between the post-test and follow-up scores of the experimental and control groups regarding the presence of meaning in life and the search for meaning in life. Also, no significant difference was found between the post-test and follow-up scores of the experimental group, which demonstrated the stability of the treatment effects. In general, MCGP significantly improved the meaning in the lives of patients with spinal cord injury.
Multilateralism from the middle: stratification and NGOs
Authors: Ruhlman Molly
Published: September 2023

The universe of civil society organizations is vast and stratified. This article focuses on a particular type of organization: those that utilize high levels of multilateral expertise and expend significant resources on advocacy work within international organizations. Borrowing from middle power state theory, I suggest that considering material and social stratification helps us to understand the conditions that lead to a particular NGO role in global diplomacy. Drawing on meeting records, committee and working group membership, and interviews with organization representatives, this paper offers a plausibility probe investigation of a set of NGOs that are exceptionally engaged in civil society affairs in the New York hub of the United Nations.
The statistical trilemma: built-in limitations of international economic statistics
Authors: DeRock Daniel , Mügge Daniel
Published: September 2023

Economic statistics are central to global economic governance. They are the informational background to the Sustainable Development Goals, conditional lending by international organizations, and other dimensions of development policy. But there is a growing chasm between aspirations for economic statistics and what they can deliver on the ground. We argue that these shortcomings are rooted in what we call a trilemma of official statistics, a general limitation that goes beyond methodological deficiencies of individual indicators. Data users demand that economic statistics should (a) use harmonized standards to be comparable, (b) be guided by standards prescriptive enough to guarantee reliability and prevent manipulation, and (c) be suited to local socioeconomic contexts. Yet as we show, complex statistics can only satisfy two of these conditions at once. Importantly, we can only increase the suitability of such statistics to local contexts if we make concessions on either prescriptiveness or harmonization. We examine three cases in detail: national accounts statistics, poverty lines, and unemployment statistics. To strengthen external validity, we also briefly consider inflation, trade, and debt statistics as additional cases. The statistical trilemma clarifies the inevitable trade-offs statisticians face when designing measurement standards and thus the role they can – and cannot – play in global governance.
Yield of coeliac screening in children with non-specific functional abdominal pain: A cross-sectional study from North India
Authors: Madavi Shraddha , Rai Anuradha , Kumar Manish , Sharma Shikha , Mittal Santosh
Published: September 2023

A significant group of children suffer from non-specific functional abdominal pain. We argue that the prevalence of coeliac disease is higher in this group than the general population; thus, screening in this group is justified.
Local Anesthesia-Based Modified Cartilage “Inlay” Graft Myringoplasty for Repairing Large Perforation
Authors: Wu Meixia , Lou Zhengcai
Published: September 2023

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the graft success rate and hearing outcome of modified cartilage inlay graft technique for repairing large perforations under local anesthesia.

Study Design:

Prospective case series.

Methods and Materials:

We performed a prospective study in 31 patients with large perforations who underwent endoscopic local anesthesia-based modified cartilage inlay graft technique with no raising of the squamous epithelium and no rimming of the perforation margins. The graft outcomes and complications were evaluated at 6 and 24 months postoperatively.

Results:

Thirty-one patients (31 ears) were included in this study. The mean operation time was 42.3 ± 2.6 (ranged 36-51) minutes. The visual analog scale pain scores at intraoperative and 2 and 48 hours postoperatively were, respectively, 2.6 ± 0.6, 1.4 ± 0.2, and 0.6 ± 0.1. The graft success rate was 100.0% (31/31) at 6 months after surgery. However, only 25 (80.6%, 25/31) patients completed a 2-year follow-up and performed a temporal bone CT examination; re-perforation was seen in 2 patients, the graft success rate was 92.0% (23/25). CT revealed the well-developed pneumatization of the mastoids and middle ear in all the patients. Nevertheless, 1 (1/25, 8.0%) patient developed a graft epithelial inclusion cyst, which was removed by endoscope in the outpatient setting. The mean preoperative air bone gap (ABG) was 23.1 ± 4.3 dB, while the mean postoperative ABG after 6 months was 14.9 ± 2.6 dB; the difference between these values was significant ( P < .05; Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test), and the functional success rate was 93.5% (29/31).

Conclusion:

Endoscopic modified cartilage “inlay” graft technique with no raising the squamous epithelium and no rimming the perforation is a minimally invasive technique with a short operative time and satisfying success rate for closure of large perforations under local anesthesia.
Multidimensional poverty and conflict events in Nigeria over time
Authors: Nogales Ricardo , Oldiges Christian
Published: September 2023

We analyse the relationship between multidimensional poverty trends and changing dynamics of conflict in Nigeria in 2008–2018. We take a wide notion of poverty going beyond purely monetary hardships and considering simultaneously experienced non-monetary deprivations. Focusing on poverty experienced by people living in conflict affected areas, post conflict-areas and peaceful areas helps us understand how well-being changes with conflict, and how conflict may alter previous trends of poverty reduction. We pay particular attention to address the changing nature of conflict within zones and across neighbouring states. For this, we compare the poverty–conflict nexus across bordering regions in a spatial regression framework. We find that conflict arises not necessarily in the poorest Nigerian states, but in some of the relatively better-off states. Furthermore, we find that although levels of the Multidimensional Poverty Index decreased between 2008 and 2013, conflict may have played a major role in halting these trends, if not reverting them.
Reduced radiation dose and volume of contrast medium in heart rate-based, one-stop computed tomography angiography of coronary, carotid and cerebrovascular arteries
Authors: Yu Hairong , Song Hao , Sun Xiaonan , Song Tiangang , Xie Anming , Xu Jianghua , Qin Ruiying , Jing Lihua , Zuo Taiyang , Zhao Jie , Luan Xiaomei , Wang Zengkun , Chai Huijing , Zhao Yuanzhen , Song Peiji
Published: September 2023

Background

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a reliable, non-invasive screening method for diagnosing panvascular disease. By using low contrast agent volume, CTA imaging enables one-stop multi-organ scanning, thereby minimizing the potential risk of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with impaired renal function.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of one-stop CTA following a heart rate (HR)-based protocol using a low volume of contrast medium (CM) for examination of the coronary, carotid and cerebrovascular arteries.

Material and Methods

Sixty patients undergoing coronary carotid, and cerebrovascular CTA after a single injection of CM were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n = 30) underwent CTA following a traditional protocol. The timing of the scans in Group B (n = 30) was determined according to the patient's HR.

Results

The CT values for the thoracic aorta (432.2 ± 104.28 HU), anterior cerebral artery (303.96 ± 99.29 HU), and right coronary artery (366.70 ± 85.10 HU) in Group A did not differ significantly from those in Group B (445.80 ± 106.13, 293.73 ± 75.25 and 344.13 ± 111.04 HU, respectively). The qualities of most of the scanned images for both groups were scored as 3 or 4 (on a five-point scale). The radiation dose and the volume of CM were significantly higher in Group A (303.05 ± 110.95 mGy) (100 mL) than in Group B (239.46 ± 101.12 mGy) (50 mL).

Conclusion

The radiation dose and volume of CM were significantly reduced in CTA following the HR-based protocol. The personalized administration of CM also simplified the scanning process.
The diagnosis performance of convolutional neural network in the detection of pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Liu Bo , Liu Kefu , Wang Lina
Published: September 2023

Background

Pulmonary nodules are an early imaging indication of lung cancer, and early detection of pulmonary nodules can improve the prognosis of lung cancer. As one of the applications of machine learning, the convolutional neural network (CNN) applied to computed tomography (CT) imaging data improves the accuracy of diagnosis, but the results could be more consistent.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of CNN in assisting in detecting pulmonary nodules in CT images.

Material and Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Elsevier, CNKI and Wanfang databases were systematically retrieved before 30 April 2023. Two reviewers searched and checked the full text of articles that might meet the criteria. The reference criteria are joint diagnoses by experienced physicians. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated by a random-effects model. Meta-regression analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty-six studies were included in this meta-analysis, involving 2,391,702 regions of interest, comprising segmented images with a few wide pixels. The combined sensitivity and specificity values of the CNN model in detecting pulmonary nodules were 0.93 and 0.95, respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 291. The AUC was 0.98. There was heterogeneity in sensitivity and specificity among the studies. The results suggested that data sources, pretreatment methods, reconstruction slice thickness, population source and locality might contribute to the heterogeneity of these eligible studies.

Conclusion

The CNN model can be a valuable diagnostic tool with high accuracy in detecting pulmonary nodules.
Obstacles et perspectives pratiques de la consultation en médecine générale du migrant porteur de troubles psychologiques. Étude qualitative auprès de médecins généralistes français
Authors: Lerigoleur Marie , Urena-Dores Aurélie , Gérard Bourrel , Jaume Cyril , Minet Mathilde , Million Élodie , Clary Bernard , Oude Engberink Agnès , Lognos Folco Béatrice
Published: September 2023

Résumé

Objectif

L’objectif de cette étude est de comprendre les problèmes de la prise en charge des troubles psychologiques chez les personnes migrantes à partir de l’expérience des Médecins Généralistes

Méthode

Une étude qualitative a été réalisée auprès de médecins généralistes interrogés sur un mode semi-directif. Nous avons choisi la méthode de comparaison continue et l'approche phénoménologique pragmatique de Peirce, afin d’explorer l'expérience vécue.

Résultats

Treize entretiens réalisés ont permis de faire émerger quatre catégories phénoménologiques : (1) La migration était un itinéraire de l’expérience de la souffrance mentale du départ jusqu’à l’arrivée, à l’origine des TPPM avec nécessité d’un suivi spécialisé. (2) L’accueil insuffisant à l’arrivée du migrant, avec un parcours administratif compliqué et des conditions sociétales et environnementales insécures aggravaient leur précarité rendant leur suivi difficile. (3) La migration était un itinéraire transculturel dans lequel le langage, les attitudes et les représentations de chacun brouillaient la compréhension des symptômes et des soins et donc la communication professionnelle. (4) Les médecins généralistes impréparés considéraient la consultation du migrant inadaptée, chronophage et complexe. Ils pointaient la nécessité d’un dispositif coordonné avec une prise en charge globale pluridisciplinaire. La saturation des données a été atteinte. Il y a eu triangulation de trois chercheurs.

Conclusion

Ce travail expose les difficultés rencontrées par les MG confrontés aux patients migrants en France. Ils se sentent démunis devant la nature des troubles exprimés et ressentent une inadéquation entre la relation difficile à mettre en place et celle de leur exercice habituel, même lorsque l’expérience professionnelle auprès de cette population est développée. Ils témoignent un besoin de modèles coordonnés de prises en charge, financés par les politiques.
Family Members’ Abuse of Older Adults, Psychological Well-Being, and Sleep Quality Among Older Women and Men in China
Authors: Zhang Dan , Li Shuzhuo
Published: September 2023

Despite the well-documented detrimental health effects of elder abuse, scholars have rarely considered whether and how family members’ abuse of older adults is associated with sleep. Data from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey ( N = 8110) were used to assess the association between elder abuse committed by family members and sleep quality, and how psychological well-being (depression and loneliness) mediates and gender moderates the above association. Results indicated that those who experienced family members’ abuse were more likely to report poor sleep quality than their non-abused counterparts. Depression and loneliness partially mediated the elder abuse–sleep relationship. Furthermore, among those who experienced one elder abuse, older women had a higher risk of poor sleep quality than their male counterparts. However, two or more elder abuse experiences had similar negative effects on older women and men. Preventing elder abuse and improving psychological well-being is critical to promoting late-life sleep.
Data science, artificial intelligence and the third wave of digital era governance
Authors: Dunleavy Patrick , Margetts Helen
Published: September 2023

This article examines the model of digital era governance (DEG) in the light of the latest-wave of data-driven technologies, such as data science methodologies and artificial intelligence (labelled here DSAI). It identifies four key top-level macro-themes through which digital changes in response to these developments may be investigated. First, the capability to store and analyse large quantities of digital data obviates the need for data ‘compression’ that characterises Weberian-model bureaucracies, and facilitates data de-compression in data-intensive information regimes, where the capabilities of public agencies and civil society are both enhanced. Second, the increasing capability of robotic devices have expanded the range of tasks that machines extending or substituting workers’ capabilities can perform, with implications for a reshaping of state organisation. Third, DSAI technologies allow new options for partitioning state functions in ways that can maximise organisational productivity, in an ‘intelligent centre, devolved delivery’ model within vertical policy sectors. Fourth, within each tier of government, DSAI technologies offer new possibilities for ‘administrative holism’ - the horizontal allocation of power and functions between organisations, through state integration, common capacity and needs-based joining-up of services. Together, these four themes comprise a third wave of DEG changes, suggesting important administrative choices to be made regarding information regimes, state organisation, functional allocation and outsourcing arrangements, as well as a long-term research agenda for public administration, requiring extensive and detailed analysis.
Development of cellulose nanocomposites for electromagnetic shielding applications by using dynamic network
Authors: Hamad Abdulsattar Abdullah , Ahmed Faris Maher , Kumar C. Labesh , Donipati Sumalatha , Sreekrishna Talluri , Bandhu Din , Kumar Bathina Rajesh , Tayyeh Alnoman Mundher
Published: September 2023

The scientific community has recently shown a growing interest in novel, affordable, biodegradable materials made from renewable resources that can be applied to various applications. Cellulosic nanocomposites have been demonstrated to be promising materials due to their capacity to combine properties of different materials, such as mechanical, thermal, rigidity, processability, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties. Cellulose is a carbohydrate that can be obtained from plants and is one of the most common polymers on the planet since it is present in almost all plants and acts as the main structural component of their cell walls. Oxygen atoms join glucose molecules to form their chemical structure. This study deals with the composite materials of magnetite nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) added to cellulosic materials for electromagnetic shielding. A series of physical and mechanical tests showed that the nanoparticle addition improved the paper's properties. The thermogravimetric analysis results show that the mass does not decrease by more than 50% between a temperature range of 50°C to 1000°C. The homogeneity and roughness of shaped materials are evaluated using their Haralick textures method. These textures demonstrate that the materials’ uniformity and roughness are suitable. The cellulose/MWCNT samples’ electrical characteristics revealed high resistance, almost no phase, and highly conductive. The SEt of the total effective shielding was calculated using the insertion method to be >20 dB. An analysis of the study's results indicates that nanocomposites have the potential for technological applications, including use in electronic devices, battery components, and materials to shield against electromagnetic interference, particularly when they are incorporated into them.
Sustainable Financial Development Through Mobile Payment: Using SEM-ANN Analysis
Authors: Jing Huang , Al Mamun Abdullah , Naznen Farzana , Ali Mohd Helmi
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to examine the influence of performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating condition (FC), hedonic motivation (HM), perceived trust (PT) and lifestyle compatibility (LC) on the intention to adopt M-payment (IMP) as well as the mediating effect of IMP on the adoption of M-payment (AMP). This study adopted a cross-sectional design and collected quantitative data through an online survey from 309 respondents in China. The results revealed the significant positive influence of PE, EE, FC, HM, PT and LC on the IMP. The IMP was found to positively and significantly mediate the relationships of all predictors (except SI) and the actual usage of M-payment. Artificial neural network results validated the high prediction accuracy of the data fitness and highlighted the importance of PE, EE and LC on the IMP among Chinese users.
Coast-or Inland Residence and Differences in the Occurrence of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Authors: da Silva Adriana Mendonça , de Lavôr Juliane Rolim , Freitas Valéria Souza , Vieira Alexandre Rezende
Published: September 2023

Objetive

To analyze if differences in lifestyle and environment between coastal and inland areas are associated with differences in frequency of orofacial cleft types.

Design

Populational cross-sectional study.

Setting

All live borns with orofacial cleft registered at Brazilian Live Birth Information System between 1999 and 2020.

Participants

33,699 live borns with orofacial cleft.

Intervention

Data from borns with orofacial cleft were collected at Brazilian Live Birth Information System.

Main outcome measure

Differences in frequencies between the cleft types and covariates were determined using chi-square. Bivariate analysis was done to obtain the prevalence ratio of types of clefts by geographic origin. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine adjusted odds ratios, controlling for covariates, establishing a significance level of p value <0.05.

Results

The frequency of cleft types was statistically significant different according to geographic origin (inland x coast). For syndromic clefts, the prevalence ratio for cleft lip with/without palate was 3.6 times higher inland (p value = 0.000). Regarding non-syndromics, the prevalence ratio for cleft lip with/without palate was two times higher inland (p value = 0.000). Logistic regression suggested cleft lip with/without palate was 6.33 more likely to occur in inland regions (p value = 0.000).

Conclusion

Geographic origin was associated with the type of cleft in Brazil, with a higher prevalence of cleft lip with/without palate in inland areas, compared to cleft palate, which was higher in the coast.
Keeping It “Current”: A Review of Treatment Options for the Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Tednes Patrick , Marquardt Samantha , Kuhrau Shannon , Heagler Kristin , Rech Megan
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To review treatment options and updates that exist for the management of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

Data Sources:

A literature search of PubMed was performed including articles from 1974 to June 2023 using the terms: arrhythmias, adenosine, verapamil, diltiazem, esmolol, propranolol, metoprolol, beta-blockers, amiodarone, PSVT, synchronized cardioversion, methylxanthines, dipyridamole, pediatrics, heart transplant, and pregnancy. Primary literature and guidelines were reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Studies were considered if they were available in English and conducted in humans.

Data Synthesis:

PSVT is a subset of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) that presents as a rapid, regular tachycardia with an abrupt onset and termination. Due to frequent emergency department (ED) visits annually with symptoms of PSVT, appropriate and efficient management of these patients is vital. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology of PSVT, while also describing the literature behind nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic management of PSVT.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

This review describes new literature regarding the improved success of the modified Valsalva maneuver as a nonpharmacologic therapy in PSVT. In addition, it describes a new technique in administration of adenosine that has improved outcomes, defines dose adjustments needed for drug interactions with adenosine, compares the utilization of nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers with adenosine, and provides management recommendations for patients in special populations.

Conclusions:

With high annual rates of ED visits for SVT, providers should be aware of the data behind management and modifications of therapy based on patient-specific factors (ie, patient preference, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, and special populations).
Comparison of the Effectiveness and Safety of Clozapine Between Once-Daily and Divided Dosing Regimen in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
Authors: Sathienluckana Thanompong , Jansing Thaksin , Srisuriyakamon Supakan , thonkhunthod Aunchalee , Sangsuwanto Parsiri , Losatiankij Pholphat , Supanya Suttha
Published: September 2023

Background:

Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic with respect to the incidence of discontinuation and is indicated for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Although the recommendation for clozapine administration is divided dosing, once-daily dosing of clozapine is commonly prescribed in many countries. However, there is currently no clinical data comparing all-cause discontinuation between the 2 methods of administration of clozapine.

Objectives:

To compare the all-cause discontinuation and safety of clozapine administration between once-daily and divided dosing regimens.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study. Participants were patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who had received 300 to 600 mg/day of clozapine for at least 3 months. Data were collected from outpatient medical records at Somdet Chaopraya Institute of Psychiatry. Eligible patients were classified into 2 groups: once-daily dosing and divided dosing. The primary outcome was the all-cause discontinuation rate between groups. The duration of the study was 2 years.

Results:

One hundred eighteen patients were included and analyzed in this study (once-daily dosing group: n = 58; divided dosing group: n = 60). There was no significant difference in all-cause discontinuation between the 2 groups (odds ratio 1.03; 95% confidence interval: [0.28, 3.79]: P = 1.00), or adverse events between groups.

Conclusion and Relevance:

In patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, there were no significant differences in effectiveness or safety between once-daily and divided dosing of clozapine. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings.
The Significance of BRAF Mutation in the Epithelioid Glioblastoma Subtype: A Systematic Literature Review and a Case Report with a Unique Intraventricular Topography
Authors: Prieto Ruth , Barrios Laura , Ebrat-Mancilla Edwin , Martín Paloma , Tejerina Eva
Published: September 2023

Epithelioid glioblastoma (E-GBM) is an exceedingly rare subtype of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype glioblastoma, first included in the WHO 2016 classification and characterized by a dominant population of epithelioid cells. Its histological and molecular defining features remain troublesome. The significance of BRAF mutations to pathological diagnosis and surgical outcome has drawn increasing attention given their promising potential for future adjuvant therapies. Herein, we describe a unique case of an E-GBM in the atrium of the left lateral ventricle and comprehensively analyze the importance of BRAF status in a cohort of 211 E-GBMs from the literature. Our patient was a 40-year-old man with occipital pain. His brain MRI revealed a large intraventricular tumor at the same location as a signal change found 10 years earlier with no additional follow-up. He underwent gross total tumor removal followed by conventional adjuvant treatment. Histopathological diagnosis was consistent with IDH-wildtype E-GBM WHO grade 4 with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma-like areas. BRAF p.V600 mutation was demonstrated in the tumoral genetic study. In the cohort analyzed, male patients predominated (63%), the median age was 32 years old, and the 5-year survival rate following diagnosis was 4.2%. BRAF mutations were found in 60.3% of the tumors overall, with this rate increasing to 78.3% in young adults (19-49 years, P < .001). Presence of BRAF mutations associated with tumor progression ( P = .001), the event usually leading to death ( P < .001). In conclusion, our study supports the importance of genetic BRAF p.V600 mutation analysis because its presence not only points to an E-GBM diagnosis but may also promote tumor progression.
Conversion in Music Streaming Services
Authors: Seifert Rouven , Denk Janis , Clement Michel , Kandziora Michael , Meyn Janek
Published: September 2023

Demand spillovers between distribution channels are critical for revenue streams in the music industry. Drawing on consumption capital theory, this study investigates the impact of a subscription (unsubscription) or upgrade (downgrade) in music streaming on live, physical, and digital music consumption. The propensity score matching approach applied to a biannual panel with six waves indicates that conversion in music subscriptions spills over to the live market and changes willingness to pay (WTP) and demand for live events. Converting from no streaming or free streaming to a premium subscription leads to a particularly high surplus in WTP and demand for live music. Unsubscribing or downgrading a music subscription decreases WTP and demand for live events. However, changes in music subscriptions are rather unrelated to physical and digital purchases. A scenario analysis indicates that deleting the free streaming option outperforms restricting the features available to free users. The authors provide contingencies of this finding.
Surprising Consequences of Innocuous Mobile Transaction Reminders of Credit Card Use
Authors: Kim Jikyung (Jeanne) , Yoon Yeohong , Choi Jeonghye , Dong Hang , Soman Dilip
Published: September 2023

Excessive credit card use has been a serious concern across the world since the introduction of the payment method. In South Korea, credit card companies and the government collaborated on a behavioral intervention, the transaction reminder service, to help consumers better manage their credit. Credit card transactions trigger text message confirmations sent to users’ mobile phones, increasing the salience and memory of expenses and resulting in more controlled spending. Experimenting in an institutional setting in which one group receives reminders and the other does not, the authors combined difference-in-differences methodology with inverse probability treatment weighting to assimilate random assignment. The empirical findings show that this intervention counterintuitively brings an overall increase in spending. This increase is substantial among those who had been light to medium spenders before the implementation, whereas historically high spenders experience little to no change after receiving the transaction reminders. The results are consistent with a theory that users reallocate the mental effort of remembering their past spending (mental recordkeeping) to digital devices, leading to higher spending due to poor recall. These findings attest to the value of evaluating a policy before scaling it broadly.
Birth prevalence and characteristics of congenital corneal opacities
Authors: Borik Kaitlynn , Mohney Brian G. , Hodge David , Reynolds Margaret M.
Published: September 2023

Purpose/Aim

To report the birth prevalence and natural history of congenital corneal opacities among a population-based cohort of children.

Materials and methods

The medical records of patients <5 years diagnosed with a congenital onset corneal opacity while residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from January 1, 1977, through December 31, 2016, were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Fourteen patients were diagnosed with a congenital corneal opacity during the 40-year study period for a birth prevalence of 1 in 5188 live births. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.5 months (range 0–48 months) and 9 (64.3%) were males. Four patients had congenital glaucoma, 4 had limbal dermoids, 2 had sclerocornea, and 1 patient each had Descemet's tear from birth trauma, herpes simplex virus type 1 keratitis, corneal leukoma, and an undiagnosed scar. Six (42.8%) patients required treatment for their underlying corneal opacity including the four patients with congenital glaucoma. The other 8 (57.1%) patients had a clear central axis. Four (28.6%) of 14 patients required amblyopia therapy, and 4 (28.6%) developed strabismus. Four (28.6%) patients had associated systemic conditions. During a mean follow up of 5.4 years (range 1.3–27.0 years), the median best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was logmar 0.16 (20/25) (range 20/20-hand motion) with one patient with unilateral BCVA less than 20/60 and one patient with bilateral BCVA less than 20/60.

Conclusions

In this 40-year cohort, congenital corneal opacities were relatively rare and the result of a variety of disorders. Although amblyopia and strabismus occurred commonly, most patients had good visual outcomes.
The effectiveness of parent-Child observation in parent-Mediated programmes for children with developmental disabilities and externalizing disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kei Noel , Hassiotis Angela , Royston Rachel
Published: September 2023

This systematic review evaluated the treatment effects of communication-focused parent-mediated interventions (CF-PMT), a form of intervention that involves therapists observing parent-child interactions and giving feedback to parents on how they can practice positive parenting strategies to prevent or reduce externalizing behaviours in children with developmental disabilities. A literature search was conducted on three electronic databases. To be included in the review, studies had to: evaluate CF-PMT where therapists give feedback after observing parent-child interactions; examine changes in externalizing behaviours amongst children with any forms of developmental disability; and adopt a randomised controlled trial study design. Fifteen studies met eligible criteria for the literature review, of those, 13 studies had available data on changes in the primary (child externalizing behaviours) and secondary outcomes (parental stress, child linguistic abilities and child social responsiveness). We found significant treatment effects for CF-PMT in reducing child externalizing behaviours (d = −.60) but not for any of the secondary outcomes. A sensitivity analysis showed a small but significant treatment effect for parental stress (d = −.18). Considerable bias was observed due to the lack of available information reported by studies on aspects measured by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Overall, we found evidence to support the benefits of complex interventions which incorporate direct parent-child observations and feedback to improve behavioural outcomes amongst children with developmental disabilities.
Evaluation of the thermal comfort in different commercial buildings in Guangzhou
Authors: Mao Yudong , Zhu Kaiyue , Zheng Zhiming , Fang Zhaosong
Published: September 2023

A post-occupancy study of the thermal environment and thermal comfort in office buildings certified with China’s one- to three-star green building label was compared with traditional office buildings. The results showed that the indoor temperature and air movement of both building types met the GB/T 50378, Green Building Evaluation Standard. The green office buildings outperformed conventional office buildings, and occupants had a more comfortable thermal perception and a higher satisfaction level. The three-star buildings were shown to produce the best performance. The comfort temperature range of office workers in green office buildings was about 4°C. The wider comfort temperature range suggests that employees in green office buildings are better adapted to their thermal environment and may have greater potential for energy savings in the design and intelligent operation of air-conditioning systems. The purpose of this study is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the indoor conditions of green office buildings in China, which may have implications for design decisions on green building practices, and provide guidance for the design and operation of green buildings that can create a better indoor environment with better energy consumption and carbon emission while ensuring indoor thermal comfort.
‘Crisis’, control and circulation: Biometric surveillance in the policing of the ‘crimmigrant other’
Authors: Wienroth Matthias , Amelung Nina
Published: September 2023

Automated facial recognition, the use of dactyloscopic data and advanced forensic DNA analyses are becoming dominant technological surveillance means for ‘crimmigration’ control. ‘Crimmigration’ describes the increasing criminalisation of migration, based on a perceived ‘crisis’ of mass migration and its assumed negative impact on national stability and welfare, materialising in overlapping crime and migration control regimes. We analyse the policing of migration through biometric technologies as the reproduction of social practices of security against crime. By combining concepts of social practices and ethical regimes, we suggest that biometric ethical regimes are constituted by social practices working towards legitimising the use of biomaterials and biodata. This analytical synthesis supports us in exploring how biometric technologies deployed in the policing of crime circulate into the policing of migration and vice versa. First, technologies as materials (DNA, fingerprints, facial images, analysis kits, databases, etc.) are inscribed with assumptions about validating identity and suspicion, and are increasingly made accessible as data across policy domains. Second, forensic competence moves in abstracted forms of expertise independent of context and ethics of application, creating challenges for reliable and legitimate technology deployment. Third, biometric technologies, often portrayed as reliable, useful, accurate policing tools, travel from crime into migration control with meanings that construct generalised criminal suspicion of migrants. To evidence the complexity and difficulty of achieving accountability and responsibility for the ethical governance of biometric technologies in policing, we trace how the goals, risks, benefits and values of biometric technologies are framed, and how the legitimacy of their deployment in policing of migration is constructed and negotiated.
Forensic DNA phenotyping: Privacy breach, bias reification and the pitfalls of abstract assessments of rights
Authors: Coquet Margaux , Terrado-Ortuño Nuria
Published: September 2023

Although the practical benefits of forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) in criminal investigations remain unclear, this emerging forensic technology is the subject of increasing interest from various European stakeholders. However, the risks that the technology poses to data privacy, as well as its negative impact on racialized sub-populations are well documented. Yet, we argue that the abstract nature of the current legal framework and judicial review allows predictive technologies with uncertain outcomes, such as FDP, to still be considered socially desirable while normalizing their adverse consequences on human rights and social equity. We also argue that criminal law and criminal sciences are in a synergistic relationship in which the reification of socially constructed categories of deviancy by forensic technologies contributes to the legitimization of the repressive apparatus, which in turn calls for the use of more investigative tools despite their inherent pitfalls or limits. We conclude with the need to be mindful of this phenomenon when analysing the social costs attached to emerging forensic technologies, as well as to request disclosure from public authorities of comprehensive data regarding its concrete benefits.