bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frailty predicts increased risk of reintervention in the 2 years after arteriovenous fistula creation
Authors: Stavert Bethany , Monaro Sue , Naganathan Vasikaran , Aitken Sarah
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Frailty is associated with adverse survival and increased hospital use in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Dialysis access failure is an important source of morbidity and mortality for these patients. There is limited evidence about the interactions between frailty and haemodialysis access failure. This population-based cohort study aimed to determine if haemodialysis access reintervention was predicted by frailty.

Methods:

Routinely-collected hospital data linked with death records were analyzed for all patients with ESKD who had a new arteriovenous fistula or graft (AVF) created between 2010 and 2012 in New South Wales, Australia. Frailty risk was assigned by the Hospital Frailty Risk Score. Multivariate Cox-proportional hazard ratios (HR), adjusted for patient and procedural variables, quantified if frailty was prognostic for adverse haemodialysis access outcomes in the 2 years after AVF creation.

Results:

Almost one quarter of the 2302 patients who had a new AVF created during the study period were classified as high frailty risk (554, 24.1%). Compared to low frailty risk patients, patients with high frailty had a significantly greater risk of reintervention for AVF failure in the 2 years after creation (HR 1.68; 95% CI 1.45–1.96), adjusted for age, sex and prior AVFs. Frailer patients were also more likely to have perioperative complications, longer hospital length of stay and readmission to hospital. Frailty was associated with a higher risk of mortality at 2 years after AVF creation (adjusted HR 2.65; 95% CI 1.72–4.10).

Conclusion:

Frailty predicted adverse haemodialysis access outcomes, with frailer patients having higher rates of AVF reinterventions. These results can assist clinicians engaging in shared decision-making discussions about dialysis access risks and help personalize dialysis access decisions.
Multilingual learning and cognitive restructuring: The role of audiovisual media exposure in Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals’ motion event cognition
Authors: Wang Yi , Wei Li
Published: April 2022

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

Can learning additional languages affect what we perceive to be similar events? The current study explores the impact of learning a second language (L2) and a third language (L3) on how motion is categorized in functional Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals. Specifically, it examines the extent to which L1 speakers of Cantonese (equipollent-framed) with an L2-English (satellite-framed) and an L3-Japanese (verb-framed) restructure their lexicalization and conceptualization of voluntary motion through audiovisual media exposure to the target language.

Design/methodology/approach:

A total of 150 participants were recruited and divided into five groups: three groups of monolinguals in Cantonese, English, and Japanese as well as Cantonese–English bilinguals and Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals. Participants were given a linguistic encoding task and a non-linguistic similarity judgement task.

Data and analysis:

Mixed-effects modelling was used to compute participants’ encoding patterns and categorical preferences, as well as the correlation between audiovisual media exposure and the degree of cognitive restructuring.

Findings/conclusions:

Multilinguals’ L1-based verbalization and categorization showed reverse transfer from both L2 and L3. The degree of cognitive restructuring was modulated by audiovisual media exposure to TV watching in English and Japanese.

Originality:

This study extends the thinking-for-speaking hypothesis from bilingualism to multilingualism and explores the language–thought interface through reverse cross-linguistic influence. It focuses on how functional Cantonese–English–Japanese multilinguals with partially overlapping language systems encode and gauge similarity of voluntary motion in their L1, which is a rarely studied language combination.

Significance/implications:

Looking at the cognitive effects of additional language learning can shed light on the mechanism of cognitive restructuring in the thinking-for-speaking perspective, and inform the language learning question of how learners integrate both linguistic and non-linguistic experience to recalibrate their cognitive dispositions when given sufficient multimodal input.
Visualizing the invisible: User-centered design of a system for the visualization of flows and concentrations of particles in the air
Authors: Christmann Olivier , Fleury Sylvain , Migaud Jérôme , Raimbault Vincent , Poussard Benjamin , Guitter Thibaut , Gorisse Geoffrey , Richir Simon
Published: April 2022

This study presents two experiments addressing the representation of scientific data, in particular airflows, with a user-centered design approach. Our objective is to provide users feedback to data visualization designers to help them choose an air flow representation that is understandable and attractive for non-experts. The first study focuses on static markers allowing to visualize an airflow, with information characterizing the direction and the intensity. In a second study, carried out in an immersive virtual environment, two information were added, the temporal evolution and the concentration of pollutants in the air. To measure comprehension and attractiveness, participants were asked to answer items on Likert scales (experiment 1) and to answer User Experience Questionnaire (experiment 2). The results revealed that arrows seem to be a very common and understandable form to represent orientation and direction of flow, but that they should be improved to be more attractive by making them brighter and more transparent, as the representation could occlude the scene, especially in virtual reality. To solve this problem, we suggest giving the users the ability to define the specific area where they want to see the air flow, using a cross-sectional view. Vector fields and streamlines could therefore be applied in a virtual reality context.
Rethinking systemic ableism: A response to Zagouras, Ellick, and Aulisio
Authors: Andrews Erin E , Ayers Kara B , Stramondo Joseph A , Powell Robyn M
Published: April 2022

Introduction

This article is a response to Zagouras, Ellick, and Aulisio who presented a case study justifying the questioning of the capacity and autonomy of a young woman with a physical disability who was pregnant and facing coercive pressure to terminate.

Case description

Julia is described as a 26-year-old woman with a neurological disability that requires her to receive assistance with activities of daily living. She was described as living with her parents who provided her with personal care assistance. Julia became pregnant and her parents wished her to terminate because they did not want to care for her child in addition to her. In fact, Julia's parents threatened her with institutionalization if she did not elect to terminate the pregnancy. Her health care team questioned her decision-making capacity based on her alleged “mental age” and experiences of being sheltered and excluded. The health care team used directive tactics to convince Julia to terminate the pregnancy, which describe as both an ethical and feminist intervention.

Discussion

The current authors take issue with the case analysis provided by and argue that they neglected to account for numerous instances of systemic ableism that adversely affected Julia, demonstrated prejudicial and judgmental attitudes toward pregnancy and disability, inappropriately questioned her decision-making capacity by infantilizing her, misconstrued the feminist concept of relational autonomy, and colluded with coercive interference from family members. This is a classic example of discriminatory and culturally incompetent reproductive health care for a disabled woman.
Refining dissent: Response to Sarah M. Stitzlein’s ‘Democratic education in an era of town hall protests’ (2011)
Authors: Luckey Eric F.
Published: April 2022

What is dissent? And how should educators teach students the skills and dispositions of this democratic virtue? By engaging with the 2011 article by Sarah M. Stitzlein on ‘Democratic education in an era of town hall protests’, this retrospective article discusses Stitzlein’s definition of dissent, her curricular approach to teaching dissent, and the context in which she offered both. It concludes by offering a refined definition of dissent and reassessing the curricular implications for democratic educators.
Experimental study and simulation of non-crimp 3D orthogonal composite shafts during torsional load
Authors: Moaveni Raouf , Ajeli Saeed , Minapoor Shohreh
Published: April 2022

Non-crimp 3D orthogonal fabrics are high-tech textiles with three sets of orthogonal yarns. 3D composites reinforced by this fabric have a high performance and wide usages due to their structure. This study attempted to investigate the torsional behavior of Glass/epoxy composite rods reinforced by 3D fabrics experimentally and numerically. Accordingly, three different 3D weaves, including low-density and high-density non-crimp 3D orthogonal, and braid-pultruded fabrics were tested by a torsion tester machine. The results showed that non-crimp 3D orthogonal composites, especially those with a higher density, had better torsional properties than the others, due to the square cross-section and perpendicular fiber involvement in all directions. Optimal torsional properties were obtained for the high-density non-crimp 3D orthogonal composite with the lower void content. Also, a python code was developed to simulate the torsional behavior of the rod composite in macro-scale based on the geometry of the unit cell and the mechanical constants obtained from the meso-scale.
Study on thermal protective performance of thermal liner in a multi-layer clothing under radiant heat exposure
Authors: Das Tathagata , Das Apurba , Alagirusamy R
Published: April 2022

Different factors should be considered for designing fire protective clothing. Constructional parameters, air gap, and proper fibers selection are critical, which need to be investigated thoroughly. In this work, the effect of the number of layers of the thermal liner on the thermal protection properties of thermal protective clothing has been studied. An experiment has been conducted using the three-level three-factor Box-Behnken designing method; factors used are the number of layers of the thermal liner, the areal density of the thermal liner, and intensity of radiant heat flux. Analysis of Variance study has been performed to analyze the significance of the structural and test parameters and their interaction. Second-degree burn time or protection time has been observed to increase with the increase in the areal density of thermal liner and decrease with increased heat flux. As the number of layers increases, protection time also increases. The effect of the number of layers is more prominent at a lower level of heat flux than a higher level of heat flux.
Examining Physicians’ Explanatory Reasoning in Re-Diagnosis Scenarios for Improving AI Diagnostic Systems
Authors: Alam Lamia , Mueller Shane T.
Published: April 2022

AI systems are increasingly being developed to provide the first point of contact for patients. These systems are typically focused on question-answering and integrating chat systems with diagnostic algorithms, but are likely to suffer from many of the same deficiencies in explanation that have plagued medical diagnostic systems since the 1970s ( Shortliffe, 1979 ). To provide better guidance about how such systems should approach explanations, we report on an interview study in which we identified explanations that physicians used in the context of re-diagnosis or a change in diagnosis. Seven current and former physicians with a variety of specialties and experience were recruited to take part in the interviews. Several high-level observations were made by reviewing the interview notes. Nine broad categories of explanation emerged from the thematic analysis of the explanation contents. We also present these in a diagnosis meta-timeline that encapsulates many of the commonalities we saw across diagnoses during the interviews. Based on the results, we provided some design recommendations to consider for developing diagnostic AI systems. Altogether, this study suggests explanation strategies, approaches, and methods that might be used by medical diagnostic AI systems to improve user trust and satisfaction with these systems.
The Negative Impact of Routine, Dietary Pattern, and Physical Activity on Obesity and Dysglycemia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ray Justina L. , Srinath Reshmi , Mechanick Jeffrey I.
Published: April 2022

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, has disrupted routines in education, work, exercise, and dining habits. To prevent viral spread, communal spaces including offices, schools, restaurants, and gyms have closed or drastically limited their capacity. Additionally, government-mandated lockdown orders have forced people to spend more time at home. Studies have shown that these COVID-19 restrictions have led to unhealthier eating patterns, increased sedentary behaviors, and decreased physical activity, leading to weight gain, dysglycemia, and increased metabolic risk. While strict social distancing measures have been necessary to curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, people have been forced to adapt by altering their daily routines. Based on existing literature, a model is proposed for intentionally creating daily routines to ensure healthy habits, minimize weight gain, and prevent worsening dysglycemia.
Japan Stroke Society Guideline 2021 for the Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Miyamoto Susumu , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Kuroda Satoshi , Itabashi Ryo , Toyoda Kazunori , Itoh Yoshiaki , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Shiokawa Yoshiaki , Takagi Yasushi , Ohtsuki Toshiho , Kinouchi Hiroyuki , Okada Yasushi , Takahashi Jun C , Nakase Hiroyuki , Kakuda Wataru ,   the Committee for Stroke Guideline 2021, the Japan Stroke Society
Published: April 2022

The revised Japan Stroke Society Guidelines for the Treatment of Stroke were published in Japanese in July 2021. In this article, the extracted recommendation statements are published. The revision keeps pace with the great progress in stroke control based on the recently enacted Basic Act on Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease in Japan. The guideline covers the following areas: primary prevention, general acute management of stroke, ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, asymptomatic cerebrovascular disease, other cerebrovascular disease, and rehabilitation.
Development of a leading simulator/trailing simulator methodology as part of an integrated safety-security analysis for nuclear power plants
Authors: Cohn Brian , Noel Todd , Osborn Douglas , Aldemir Tunc
Published: April 2022

Nuclear power plant (NPP) risk assessment is broadly separated into disciplines of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. Different analysis methods and computer models have been constructed to analyze each of these as separate disciplines. However, due to the complexity of NPP systems, there are risks that can span all these disciplines and require consideration of safety-security (2S) interactions which allows a more complete understanding of the relationship among these risks. A novel leading simulator/trailing simulator (LS/TS) method is introduced to integrate multiple generic safety and security computer models into a single, holistic 2S analysis. A case study is performed using this novel method to determine its effectiveness. The case study shows that the LS/TS method avoided introducing errors in simulation, compared to the same scenario performed without the LS/TS method. A second case study is then used to illustrate an integrated 2S analysis which shows that different levels of damage to vital equipment from sabotage at a NPP can affect accident evolution by several hours.
Rethinking civic education in the digital era: How media, school, and youth negotiate the meaning of citizenship
Authors: Zhang Weiyu , Chen Zhuo , Chia Yeow-Tong , Neoh Jia Ying
Published: April 2022

This study clarifies the evolving notion of civic education that resulted from technological advancement. We investigated Singaporean young people's views on civic education by contrasting the roles of schools, families and friends, and social media in shaping their understanding. Through focus groups, we found that there are contentions on the definitions, approaches, and meanings of civic education. We conclude that in view of the inevitable diversity digital technologies tend to present, young people's civic learning might be limited by the pressure and confusion coming along with the exposure to diverse views, the tendency to retreat from formal politics, and the lack of effective school intervention into the social media space.
Robot-assisted sacro(hystero)colpopexy with anterior and posterior mesh placement: impact on lower bowel tract function and clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up
Authors: Li Marzi Vincenzo , Morselli Simone , Di Maida Fabrizio , Musco Stefania , Gemma Luca , Bracco Francesco , Tellini Riccardo , Vittori Gianni , Mari Andrea , Campi Riccardo , Carini Marco , Serni Sergio , Minervini Andrea
Published: April 2022

Background:

Robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) is an established option for the treatment of apical, anterior, and proximal posterior compartment pelvic organ prolapses (POP). However, there is lack of evidence investigating how lower bowel tract symptoms (LBTS) may change after RSCP.

Methods:

Data from consecutive patients treated with RSCP for stage 3 or higher POP from 2012 to 2019 at a single tertiary referral center with at least 1 year of follow-up were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. RSCP was performed following a standardized technique which always employed both anterior and posterior hand-shaped meshes. Outcomes were collected at follow-up and analyzed. LBTS were evaluated through the Wexner questionnaire.

Results:

Overall, 114 women underwent RSCP. Eleven were excluded for missing data, whereas 12 had insufficient follow-up. Thus, 91 (79.8%) patients were included in this cohort. Median follow-up was 42 [interquartile range (IQR), 19–62] months. Mean age was 65 ± 10 years. In our series, RSCP was mainly performed for anterior and apical/medium stage 3 POP (in 95.6% of patients). Anatomic success rate of RSCP was 97.8%, with 89 patients with POP stage 0–1 at 12-month follow-up. Two patients (2.2%) experienced POP recurrence and were treated with redo-SCP. No patient experienced clinically significant posterior vaginal wall prolapse after RSCP. When analyzing LBTS, there was no significant change in postoperative total Wexner’s score as compared to the preoperative value ( p > 0.05). However, the manual assistance subscore was statistically significantly lower within the first-year follow-up ( p = 0.04), but it spontaneously improved during the follow-up ( p = 0.12).

Conclusion:

RSCP with simultaneous placement of both anterior and posterior mesh is safe and successful to treat high-stage POP in carefully selected patients. Of note, LBTS appear unaffected by posterior mesh placement, supporting its routine use to prevent posterior POP recurrence. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.
Determinants of uterine rupture at public hospitals of western Ethiopia: A case–control study
Authors: Tesema Oliyad , Tilahun Temesgen , Kejela Gemechu
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Uterine rupture is a separation of the entire thickness of the uterine wall with the extrusion of fetal parts to the peritoneal cavity. It contributes to high maternal and perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. This study was aimed to identify determinants of uterine rupture among mothers who gave birth at East Wollega Zone public hospitals.

Methods:

A facility-based unmatched case–control study was conducted among 239 samples (47 cases and 192 controls) from 5 June 2019 to 30 September 2019. Cases were those with uterine rupture, and controls were those free from uterine rupture. Cases were selected consecutively, and controls were selected using a systematic sampling method. For analysis, data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe the variables. Binary and multivariable logistic regression were used in the analysis. The outputs were presented using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

Two hundred thirty-nine (47 cases and 192 controls) mothers who gave birth in public hospitals in the East Wollega zone were interviewed, making a response rate of 100%. Living in an urban area (adjusted odds ratio = 0.219, 95% confidence interval: 0.067, 0.717), prolonged labor (adjusted odds ratio = 5.401, 95% confidence interval: 1.825, 15.981), obstructed labor (adjusted odds ratio = 4.333, 95% confidence interval: 1.276, 14.715), previous history of C/S (adjusted odds ratio = 6.5261, 95% confidence interval: 1.889, 22.554), and having no history of female genital cutting (adjusted odds ratio = 0.190, 95% confidence interval: 0.053, 0.682) were predictors of uterine rupture.

Conclusion:

In this study, socio-demographic, maternal nutrition, obstetric, and health system-related factors were identified as risks of uterine rupture. Particular emphasis should be given to modifiable risk factors to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in the study area.
Determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among gynecologic patients attending public referral hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2020: Institution-based unmatched case-control study design
Authors: Sirage Nurye , Hailu Desta , Kahsay Tensay , Amaje Elias
Published: April 2022

Background:

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common disorder, with up to 40% of women worldwide having some form of anatomical prolapse, and it is a significant public health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in Ethiopia is 13% in Benchi Maji. This study is designed to provide information about the determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among gynecologic patients attending public referral hospitals in the Amhara region, 2020.

Method:

Institution-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from March to June 2020 among randomly selected 348 mothers (116 cases and 232 controls). A convenient sampling technique was used to select cases, and controls were selected by systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were coded and entered into Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science IBM version 25 for analysis. Finally, adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were used to declare statistical significance.

Result:

The result showed that being unable to read and write (illiterate) (adjusted odds ratio = 3.91; 95% confidence interval = 1.06–14.39), age of women >= 40 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.91; 95% confidence interval = 1.255–6.736), giving first birth before age of 20 (adjusted odds ratio = 5.72; 95% confidence interval = 1.73–18.94), carrying heavy objects (adjusted odds ratio = 2.296; 95% confidence interval = 1.102–4.785), parity ⩾ 4 (adjusted odds ratio = 7.02; 95% confidence interval = 1.16–42.45), and family history of pelvic organ prolapse (adjusted odds ratio = 3.09; 95% confidence interval = 1.24–7.71) were significantly associated with pelvic organ prolapse.

Conclusion:

This study concluded that being unable to read and write, age ⩾ 40, multiparity, family history of pelvic organ prolapse, early childbirth, and carrying heavy objects were the risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse. Providing health education on planning the number of children, and the impact of carrying heavy loads on pelvic organs, preventing early childbirth, and encouraging women to pursue their education at least up to primary school level is recommended.
Roberts syndrome with tetraphocomelia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Okpala Boniface Chukwuneme , Echendu Sylvia Tochukwu , Ikechebelu Joseph Ifeanyichukwu , Eleje George Uchenna , Joe-Ikechebelu Ngozi Nneka , Nwajiaku Louis Anayo , Nwachukwu Cyril Emeka , Igbodike Emeka Philip , Nnoruka Mark Chinedu , Okpala Augusta Nkiruka , Ofojebe Chukwuemeka Jude , Umeononihu Osita Samuel
Published: April 2022

Roberts syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by symmetrical reductive limb malformation and craniofacial abnormalities. It is caused by mutation in the “Establishment of cohesion 1 homolog 2” genes, resulting in the loss of acetyltransferase activities and manifesting as premature centromere separation in metaphase chromosomes. The affected individual grows slowly during pregnancy and after birth with associated mild to severe intellectual impairment. We present a 35-year-old multiparous Nigerian lady who had emergency cesarean section at 35 weeks of gestation following abruptio placentae with a live fetus. The baby had poor Apgar score at birth and died shortly afterward. Tetraphocomelia was detected on prenatal ultrasound done at about 24 weeks of gestation with other features sonographically normal. However, clinical diagnosis of severe variant of Roberts syndrome with tetraphocomelia, growth restriction, and craniofacial abnormalities were noted at birth. This case exhibits a very rare variant of Roberts syndrome with tetraphocomelia, intrauterine growth restriction, and craniofacial abnormalities. It also highlights the crucial role of detailed clinical examination and the inherent challenges in making cytogenetic diagnosis in low-income countries.
Heterotopic gestation in polycystic ovary disease: Termination of tubal pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy progressing to term
Authors: Kaguta Munawar , Jusabani Ahmed , Gregory Ntiyakuze , Jaiswal Shweta , Fidaali Zainab , Ally Pilly , Rubagumya Davis , Mgonja Miriam , Seif Farhat
Published: April 2022

Heterotopic pregnancy is rare. We report a 27-year-old lady with polycystic ovarian disease. She presented at our health facility with acute abdomen. Her evaluation revealed heterotopic pregnancy. High index of suspicion for heterotopic pregnancy in any woman with early pregnancy presenting with acute abdomen is crucial. Therefore, correct and early diagnosis allows appropriate management while it preserves the intrauterine pregnancy as in the index case.
Public support for assistance for workers displaced by technology
Authors: Werfel Seth , Witko Christopher , Heinrich Tobias
Published: April 2022

Technology is expected to displace many workers in the future. The public generally supports government assistance for workers viewed as less responsible for their unemployment; thus, we ask whether individuals who lose their jobs to technology are perceived as less at fault and more deserving of government benefits, compared to those who lose their jobs to other workers. We conducted a survey experiment on a nationally representative sample in the United States, randomizing whether a hypothetical worker was replaced by technology, a foreign worker, or domestic worker, and asked questions about fault perception and support for unemployment benefits. We find that workers who lose jobs to technology (or foreign workers) are viewed as less at fault than those who lose jobs to domestic workers, and that fault attribution mediated support for unemployment benefits.
The effect of oral vitamin E and omega-3 alone and in combination on menopausal hot flushes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maghalian Mahsa , Hasanzadeh Robab , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: April 2022

This systematic review was conducted to investigate the effects of vitamin E and omega-3 used alone and in combination on the frequency and intensity of hot flushes (primary outcomes) and adverse effects (secondary outcome) in menopausal women. English and Persian databases were searched until March 18, 2021. The quality of the published papers was evaluated using Cochrane Handbook and the meta-analysis was conducted in RevMan 5.3. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2. In cases with substantial heterogeneity, a random effects model was used instead of a fixed effects model. A total of 387 papers were obtained from the databases. Finally, 10 papers with a sample size of 1100 participants entered the systematic review and a meta-analysis was conducted on nine of them. The results of the meta-analysis of two studies indicated that using vitamin E and omega-3 in combination significantly reduced the intensity of hot flushes compared to the placebo (mean difference (MD): −0.35; 95% CI: −0.48 to −0.21). The mean frequency (MD: −0.50; 95% CI: −1.58 to 0.58) and intensity (SMD: −0.61; 95% CI: −1.50 to 0.29) of hot flushes in the omega-3 group and the frequency of hot flushes (SMD: −0.21; 95% CI: −0.47 to 0.04) in the vitamin E group showed no significant differences with the placebo. No serious adverse effects were reported in the studies. Given the low number of RCTs, more clinical trials with larger sample size are required.
Nicardipine Is a Safe, Efficacious, and Cost-Effective Antihypertensive for Neonates and Young Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Lushaj Entela , Hermsen Joshua L. , Nelson Kari , Amond Kate , Bogenschutz Monica , Arndt Shannon , Wilhelm Mike , Anagnostopoulos Petros V.
Published: April 2022

Objective

The use of nicardipine in congenital cardiac surgery has been guarded given the calcium sensitivity of immature myocardium and paucity of clinical data. Reports of nicardipine use have excluded neonates with single ventricles. The goal of this study was to compare the use of nicardipine and sodium nitroprusside for postoperative blood pressure control in young patients recovering from cardiac surgery.

Methods

All neonates (<30 days) and young infants (31-180 days) who received either sodium nitroprusside or nicardipine as first-line therapy for blood pressure control were retrospectively reviewed. Some patients had multiple index operations and each index operation was counted separately regarding treatment with sodium nitroprusside or nicardipine.

Results

A total of 59 patients underwent 70 procedures (24 as neonates and 46 as infants). Nicardipine was administered as initial therapy following 33 procedures (n = 28 patients), and sodium nitroprusside was administered as initial therapy following 37 index procedures (n = 31 patients). The duration of treatment was longer ( P = .025) when sodium nitroprusside was the initial treatment. Five (15%) patients that received nicardipine required a second blood pressure management agent, and seven (19%) patients that received sodium nitroprusside required a second agent ( P = .66). No adverse events related to titratable antihypertensive therapy were recorded in any treatment group. The use of nicardipine resulted in significant medication cost reduction. Based on average wholesale price, patient costs for sodium nitroprusside use were $182,952 ($5,544/pt), while costs for nicardipine were only $24,960 ($780/pt).

Conclusions

Nicardipine can be safely used as a first-line antihypertensive in infants. The use of nicardipine as initial antihypertensive therapy rather than sodium nitroprusside can lead to a significant reduction in medication costs without jeopardizing clinical outcomes.
Perceived Organizational Support and Knowledge Sharing: A Moderated-Mediation Approach
Authors: Choi Wonseok , Goo Wongun , Choi Yongjun
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the positive influence of perceived organizational support (POS) on employees’ knowledge sharing behavior through their affective commitment. Moreover, it examines the moderating effect of task interdependence, as a situational factor, on this mediating relationship. The results from a total of 222 supervisor-subordinate dyads showed that POS was positively related to affective commitment, leading to knowledge sharing behaviors. Besides, the mediation effect of affective commitment was stronger when task interdependence was low than when it was high. These results imply that employees receiving high organizational support would share their knowledge when they perceive knowledge sharing as a voluntary behavior. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Risk of surgery and epidemiological profile of athletes presenting to a single sports injury clinic in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Ashley Ying-Ying , Man Gene Chi-Wai , Wu Yuen-Man , Wong Hiu-Wun , Ong Michael Tim-Yun , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang
Published: April 2022

Background

Although participation in sports and exercise is promoted widely due to its health benefits, sports-related injuries can also be a detriment to an individual's health and a burden for the healthcare system. Herein, the aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review on the epidemiological profile and the risk for surgery of athletes presented to a sports injuries clinic in Hong Kong.

Methods

A total of 566 patients attending the sports injuries clinic at a local hospital between October 2017 and September 2018 were reviewed. Only 271 patients sustaining injuries from sports activities were included. These patients attended a survey-based data collection session, which recorded their demographic, injury site, events leading to injury, exercise details (type, level-of-play, frequency, experience), and functional score according to the injury site.

Results

The highest proportion of injuries was observed in amateur athletes (45.4%) than in recreational (28.8%) and professional (25.8%). Those patients aged between 18–29 years old (50.2%) had the most injuries. Both soccer (25.1%) and basketball (25.1%) were the two most common sports to incurred injuries. Whereas, the lower extremities being the most common injured sites. Based on our logistic model, athletes with less experience were more prone to required surgeries with injuries in the lower extremities.

Conclusion

Preventive measures should be targeted at less experience athletes, focusing on strengthening the knee region, to reduce sports-related injuries and surgeries. Importantly, this study demonstrates the need to further identify factors to develop effective sports injury prevention programmes for tailoring athletes at different levels-of-play.
Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Experiences of Conducting Clinical Research Projects in Their Bachelor Theses – a Qualitative Study
Authors: Grønning Kjersti , Karlsholm Guro , André Beate
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The aim of educational institutions in the field of nursing is to educate nurses with the competences to provide high-quality care to their patients, meaning that students need to learn about evidence-based practice and how to translate the knowledge, skills, competency, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours into daily practice. The bachelor thesis is the ultimate test for undergraduate nursing students to present what they have learned.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore undergraduate nursing students’ experiences of conducting clinical projects in their bachelor theses.

Methods

We used qualitative focus-group interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the students’ experiences of conducting clinical projects in their bachelor theses as an approach to learn about evidence-based practice. The analyses focused on meaning according to Brinkmann and Kvale.

Results

Eighteen out of 22 eligible students who had chosen to participate in ongoing clinical research projects and write an academic paper as their bachelor thesis were included in this study. The students were all females and divided into three focus groups. The clinical projects were conducted in a public hospital, a private hospital, nursing homes, or within home-care nursing. The analyses showed that conducting clinical projects in the bachelor thesis provided the students with important knowledge for providing evidence-based care and it. motivated them to want to initiate future clinical projects as nurses., They got valuable hands-on experience for how to conduct research, and made the students aware of the importance of keeping themselves updated on the latest knowledge.

Conclusion

Conducting clinical research projects on a bachelor level provide undergraduate nursing students with important knowledge of how to provide evidence-based nursing care to their patients. Learning how to conduct clinical research projects is also important for motivating future nurses to initiate research aiming to improve clinical nursing practice.
Nailfold capillaroscopy for the early diagnosis of the scleroderma spectrum of diseases in patients without Raynaud’s phenomenon
Authors: Hong Cassandra , Xiang Ling , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Low Andrea HL
Published: April 2022

Background:

The utility of nailfold capillaroscopy in the evaluation of patients without Raynaud’s phenomenon is unclear.

Objective:

This study aims to compare the utility of nailfold capillaroscopy for the early diagnosis of the scleroderma-spectrum of diseases in patients who present with Raynaud’s phenomenon, undifferentiated non-Raynaud’s phenomenon features and positive systemic sclerosis-associated antibodies without scleroderma-spectrum of disease features.

Methods:

Eligible patients were divided into three referral criteria groups: (I) Raynaud’s phenomenon; (II) Undifferentiated non-Raynaud’s phenomenon features and (III) Positive systemic sclerosis-associated autoantibodies without features to suggest scleroderma-spectrum of diseases. This includes systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease and dermatomyositis. The association between baseline scleroderma pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy (systemic sclerosis–nailfold capillaroscopy) and final diagnosis at follow-up was determined using logistic regression analysis. Test characteristics of nailfold capillaroscopy were compared and stratified by referral groups.

Results:

Of 95 patients followed-up for a mean of 1.6 years, 28 (29.5%) patients developed scleroderma-spectrum of diseases, 36 (37.9%) patients had suspected/other connective tissue disease and 27 (28.4%) patients had no connective tissue disease. Baseline systemic sclerosis-nailfold capillaroscopy was significantly associated with the development of scleroderma-spectrum of diseases in patients from Group I (odds ratio, 7.1, p = 0.01) and Group II (odds ratio 7.3, p = 0.005). In Group II patients, nailfold capillaroscopy had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 71.4%, 76.5%, 55.6% and 86.7%, respectively. Specificity (81.8%) and PPV (69.2%) were the highest in Group I patients. Nailfold capillaroscopy had the highest negative predictive value in Group III (100%), followed by Group II (86.7%) and Group I (78.3%) patients.

Conclusion:

In addition to evaluating patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon, nailfold capillaroscopy was useful in the evaluation and exclusion of scleroderma-spectrum of diseases in patients with undifferentiated non-Raynaud phenomenon features and those with systemic sclerosis-associated antibodies without features to suggest scleroderma-spectrum of diseases.
Enhancement of tensile, flexural and ILSS properties of C-epoxy composites with the addition of ETBN toughener and Af-MWCNTs
Authors: Appa Rao Yenni , Ramji Koona , Rao Pujari Srinivasa
Published: April 2022

The objective of this research is to develop a hybrid composite with a unique combination of features such as tensile, flexural and Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) properties. It is a present need for components used in underwater, aerospace, defence and automotive applications, as parts are subjected to a variety of loading conditions, including tensile, bending and shearing. Carbon fibre reinforced epoxy (C-epoxy) composite is modified by adding epoxy terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (ETBN) liquid rubber and amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Af-MWCNTs). With the addition of ETBN, the tensile, flexural and ILSS properties were improved by 38%, 46% and 80%, respectively. The addition of 0.5wt% of Af-MWCNTs improved the tensile and flexural strengths by a maximum of 59% and 61%, respectively. In contrast, the maximum improvement in ILSS of 120% was obtained at 1.0 wt.% of Af-MWCNTs. The unique combination of C-epoxy-ETBN-Af-MWCNTs led to the formation of the serrated surface at the fibre matrix interface, which caused improved energy absorption. The toughening mechanisms which are responsible for the improvement in properties are discussed and the results are validated through finite element analysis (FEA).
Marangoni convection of γ-Al2O3-water/ethylene glycol nanofluids with the inclusion of nonlinear thermal radiation
Authors: Mathur Priya , Mishra Satyaranjan , Pattnaik Pradyumna Kumar
Published: April 2022

The current study used convective heat transfer properties to investigate the Marangoni convection flow of oxide particles within water and ethylene glycol past a linearly expanding sheet. The flow characteristic is enhanced by the inclusion of nonlinear thermal radiation in the heat transfer phenomenon. The model is properly designed in conjunction with the appropriate assumption of the effective properties of the nanofluid, such as viscosity, conductivity, and the Prandtl number, among others. However, the flow analysis of γ− Al2 O3 nanofluid embedding with the permeable medium affects the behavior of the contributing parameters. The non-dimensional forms of the governing equations designed with the above-mentioned properties are obtained by selecting the appropriate similarity transformation. Furthermore, the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg numerical method is used to solve these sets of formulated problems from case studies. The flow domain’s behavior when several relevant parameters are varied is depicted graphically and briefly described. However, the major contributions are; inclusion of particle concentration accelerates the nanofluid temperature whereas the fluid velocity decelerates near the sheet region, and further it shows its opposite impact. The resistance offered by the permeability of the porous medium attenuates the fluid velocity significantly.
Objective Sleep-Wake Characteristics Are Associated With Diabetes Symptoms in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Griggs Stephanie , Grey Margaret , Ash Garrett I. , Li Chiang-shan R. , Crawford Sybil L. , Hickman Ronald L.
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to examine the associations between sleep-wake characteristics (total sleep time, sleep variability, sleep onset latency, and sleep efficiency), distress symptoms (general and diabetes), and diabetes physical symptoms in young adults ages 18 to 30 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The secondary purpose was to determine whether biological sex, body mass index (BMI), and T1D duration (covariates) influence the relationships among the study variables.

Methods:

Forty-six young adults with T1D, recruited from diabetes clinics from December 2018 to February 2020, wore a wrist actigraph and continuous glucose monitor concurrently for 6 to 14 days and completed the PROMIS Emotional Distress Scale, Diabetes Distress Scale, and Diabetes Symptom Checklist-Revised.

Results:

Shorter total sleep time and poorer sleep efficiency were associated with higher diabetes emotional distress symptoms. Higher sleep variability was associated with higher neurological pain symptoms. A longer sleep onset latency was associated with higher symptoms of diabetes distress, including psychological, cognitive, hyperglycemia, and a higher total symptom burden. Associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for biological sex and BMI, with the exception of sleep onset latency and total symptom burden.

Conclusions:

Poorer objective sleep-wake characteristics were associated with higher diabetes symptoms even after considering biological sex and BMI among young adults with T1D.
A comparative study of seismic analysis, design, and collapse safety margins of tall buildings in the United States and Japan: Part II: comparison of seismic capacity and collapse safety margin
Authors: Kolozvari Kristijan , Hori Yusuke , Yasumoto Hiroshi , Suzuki Yoshitaka , Nakashima Masayoshi , Naeim Farzad
Published: April 2022

This is an extension of the companion paper (Part 1) that presents the details of the two buildings located in Tokyo and designed using the US Performance Based Seismic Design (PBSD) methodology for one building (US Prototype Building) and the Japanese PBSD methodology for the other (Japan Prototype Building). The paper presents the IDA results and associated discussion on the collapse safety margin and the damage progress of the major structural elements. The Japan Prototype Building made of steel moment-resisting frames equipped with oil dampers is 1.5 times stronger in terms of the collapse safety margin than the US Prototype Building made of an reinforced concrete (RC) core shear wall system. The difference between the two buildings is believed to occur because of the larger redundancy and resultant larger over-strength achieved by the Japan Prototype Building. It is noteworthy that the construction cost of the Japan Prototype Building is about 30% higher than the US Prototype Building as indicated in Part 1. To explain the behavioral difference, sequences, and progresses of damage to major structural members are characterized in reference to the fragility curves of respective members. The benefits of oil dampers are found that the addition of the oil dampers would increase the collapse safety margin by 29% with an extra construction cost of 3%.
Impaired p47phox phosphorylation in neutrophils from patients with p67phox-deficient chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Belambri Sahra Amel , Marzaioli Viviana , Hurtado-Nedelec Margarita , Pintard Coralie , Liang Shiyu , Liu Yezhou , Boussetta Tarek , Gougerot-Pocidalo Marie-Anne , Ye Richard D. , Dang Pham My-Chan , El-Benna Jamel
Published: April 2022

Superoxide production by the phagocyte reduced NAD phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is essential for innate immunity as shown in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an immunodeficiency disease resulting from mutations in 1 of its genes. The NADPH oxidase is composed of 2 membrane proteins (gp91phox/NOX2 and p22phox) and 4 cytosolic proteins (p47phox, p67phox, p40phox, and Rac1/2). The phosphorylation of p47phox is required for NADPH oxidase activation in cells. As p47phox and p67phox can form a tight complex in cells, we hypothesized that p67phox could regulate p47phox phosphorylation. To investigate this hypothesis, we used phospho-specific antibodies against 5 major p47phox-phosphorylated sites (Ser304, Ser315, Ser320, Ser328, and Ser345) and neutrophils from healthy donors and from p67phox−/− CGD patients. Results showed that formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and phorbol myristate acetate induced a time- and a concentration-dependent phosphorylation of p47phox on Ser304, Ser315, Ser320, and Ser328 in healthy human neutrophils. Interestingly, in neutrophils and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B lymphocytes from p67phox−/− CGD patients, phosphorylation of p47phox on serine residues was dramatically reduced. In COSphox cells, the presence of p67phox led to increased phosphorylation of p47phox. In vitro studies showed that recombinant p47phox was phosphorylated on Ser304, Ser315, Ser320, and Ser328 by different PKC isoforms and the addition of recombinant p67phox alone or in combination with p40phox potentiated this process. Thus, p67phox and p40phox are required for optimal p47phox phosphorylation on Ser304, Ser315, Ser320, and Ser328 in intact cells. Therefore, p67phox and p40phox are novel regulators of p47phox-phosphorylation.