bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vestibular disorders following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination: A retrospective case series
Authors: Ammar Helmi , Le Beller Christine , Bouccara Didier , Malinvaud David , Jouffroy Romain , Lillo‐Le Louet Agnès
Published: July 2023

Background

There are few publications regarding manifestations of vestibular disorders (VDs) following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination.

Purpose

We describe cases of VD potentially related to BNT162b2 vaccination and calculate its reporting rate, in order to enlarge knowledge about this adverse effect.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of cases of VD following BNT162b2 vaccination reported to the pharmacovigilance centre of Georges‐Pompidou European Hospital (France), in 2021 was performed. In order to identify these cases from the pharmacovigilance database containing all our registered cases, we used the Standardised MedDRA Query (SMQ) ‘vestibular disorders’. Then we analysed cases with vestibular symptoms, based on the association of typical manifestations. The reporting rate was calculated based on the number of VD cases and the number of vaccinated patients.

Results

Among 6608 cases reported to our centre related to COVID‐19 vaccines during 2021, 34 VDs associated with BNT162b2 administration were included. They were mainly reported in females (79%), 62% occurred after the first dose and 32% were serious. Symptoms had completely resolved in 13 cases (38%). Vertigo was the most common symptom followed by balance disorders. Three patients received second dose without reappearance of VD. The final diagnosis was reported in 10 patients (six cases of vestibular neuritis, two cases of central VD, two cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). The regional reporting rate was 26 [95% CI: 17–34] cases of VD per 1 million persons vaccinated.

Conclusion

Although the relationship between vaccination and VD cannot be established, clinicians should be aware of this rare adverse effect.
Examining the relationship between rural residents’ satisfaction with local hospital's COVID‐19 response and intention to use the hospital
Authors: Apenteng Bettye A. , Adewoye Aishat , Owens Charles , Opoku Samuel T. , Kimsey Linda , Peden Angie , Shehaj Blerta
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted the importance of having emergency and acute care services close to home and emerged as an opportunity for hospital‐community engagement. This study examined whether rural residents’ satisfaction with their local hospital's pandemic response was associated with improved community perception of the hospital and an intention to use it in the future.

Methods

Data for the study were obtained from a survey of rural residents of 6 Georgia rural communities and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses.

Results

Rural residents’ satisfaction with their local hospital's pandemic response was associated with an improved perception of the hospital. Improvement in the perception of rural hospitals following the pandemic was found to partially mediate a positive association between community residents’ satisfaction with hospital pandemic response and the intention to use the hospital when needed.

Conclusion

The COVID‐response efforts may have given rural hospitals an opportunity to influence public perception.
Assessing the economic impacts of severe skeletal anomalies in Mediterranean hatcheries culturing seabream and seabass
Authors: Cantillo Javier , Martín Juan Carlos , Román Concepción
Published: July 2023

The economic impact of skeletal anomalies in aquaculture farming is a significant issue for the industry, as deformed fish are frequently discarded because of their low survival rate and a variety of other disadvantages, including increased costs, consumer distrust of aquaculture products, and ethical concerns. The goal of this article is to propose a method for calculating the direct costs of severe skeletal anomalies in typical Mediterranean seabream and seabass aquaculture hatcheries using a deterministic static model programmed in MATLAB that simulates their annual operation. Our findings suggest that larger hatcheries experience higher direct costs associated with severe skeletal anomalies but have better financial stability and significantly higher expected profits. Mean results indicate that the annual economic losses of severe skeletal anomalies for seabream and seabass Mediterranean aquaculture are 22.88 million euros per year for a scenario of low severe skeletal anomalies, 65.34 million euros per year for a scenario of medium severe skeletal anomalies, and 115.98 million euros per year for a scenario of high severe skeletal anomalies. Furthermore, some options for increasing the financial stability of the hatcheries are to increase the sale price of fingerlings, reduce the feed conversion ratio, and reduce the feed unit cost.
The wounded social work student: A strength-based enquiry of personal loss experience and its impact on social work students’ professional practice
Authors: McInnerney Kathrin , Wayland Sarah
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION: When working in the fields of loss, grief, bereavement and dying, the lived experience of the social work students, and their developing practice in the field, can be enhanced by awareness of the concept of the wounded healer.
METHODS: This study sought to explore the wounded healer concept amongst Australian social work students who had experienced the death of a loved one. The project was underpinned by a phenomenological approach seeking to understand personal loss experiences in professional practice skill development. Using semi-structured interviews, final-year social work students were asked to reflect on the positive and negative impacts of their personal loss experience on their emerging professional social work practice.
FINDINGS: An analysis of the data identified three main themes: (1) repeated triggers of loss and grief during field placement can occur; (2) students’ ambiguity and confusion of safe inclusion of lived experience in a professional setting was identified; and (3) learning can be impacted by wounded reflections.
CONCLUSION: The study noted a lack of understanding among social work students on how to safely navigate their own woundedness and how to incorporate awareness into their professional practice skills. This may be addressed by responding to a current gap in the Australian social work curriculum. Future considerations for reflections on the effectiveness of field placement supervision and further guidance and education for wounded social work students at a university level may assist.
Crustal structure of the Lazufre volcanic complex and the Southern Puna from 3-D inversion of magnetotelluric data: Implications for surface uplift and evidence for melt storage and hydrothermal fluids
Authors: Unsworth Martyn , Comeau Matthew J. , Diaz Daniel , Brasse Heinrich , Heit Benjamin , Favetto Alicia , Pomposiello Cristina , Barcelona Hernan , Peri Giselle , Ticona Faustino
Published: July 2023

The Central Andes are unique in the global system of subduction zones in that a significant, high-altitude plateau has formed above a subduction zone. In this region, both subduction and the associated magmatism have been shown to vary in both space and time. Geophysical data have been invaluable in determining the subsurface structure of this region. Extensive seismic studies have determined the regional-scale distribution of partial melt in the crust and upper mantle. Magnetotelluric studies have been effective in providing independent constraints on the quantity and composition of partial melt in the crust and upper mantle. Geodetic studies have shown that a small number of volcanic centers exhibit persistent, long-term uplift that may indicate the formation of plutons or future eruptions.

This paper describes a detailed study of the Southern Puna using magnetotelluric (MT) data. This region is located at the southern limit of the Central Andes in a region where a recent transition from flat-slab subduction to normal subduction has caused an increase in magmatism, in addition to hypothesized lithospheric delamination. It is also a region where an extensive zone adjacent to the volcanic arc is undergoing surface uplift, located near Volcán Lastarria and Cordon del Azufre (collectively called Lazufre). The main goals of the work are to define the crustal structure and to investigate processes that may cause surface uplift of relatively large regions not associated with active volcanism.

As part of the PLUTONS project, MT data were collected on an east-west transect (approximately along 25°S) that extended across the Southern Puna, from Lazufre to north of Cerro Galan. The data were combined with previously collected MT data around Lazufre and inverted to give a 3-D resistivity model of the crust. The low resistivity of the crust resulted in limited sensitivity to mantle structure. A number of major crustal conductors were detected and included (1) a mid-crustal conductor extending eastward from the volcanic arc as far as the Salar de Antofalla; (2) an upper- to mid-crustal conductor located north of Cerro Galan; and (3) a conductor that rises westward from (1) and terminates directly beneath the region of surface uplift at Lazufre. These conductors are broadly coincident with the location of crustal low shear-wave anomalies. The conductive features were interpreted to be due to zones of partial melt stored in the crust, and petrological data were used to estimate melt fractions. Below Lazufre, it is likely that aqueous fluids contribute to the high conductivity, which is observed within the depth range of the inflation source, giving evidence that the surface uplift may be associated with both magmatic and hydrothermal processes.
Randomised controlled trials in child and adolescent health in 2023
Authors: Duke Trevor
Published: July 2023

In the year July 2022 to June 2023 there were 501 publications from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in child and adolescent health in developing countries identified through a standardised search strategy that has been going for 20 years. This year, trials addressed the widest range of diseases and conditions that affect the health, development and well-being of children, newborns, adolescents and mothers. RCTs reflected old, neglected and new problems, the changing epidemiology of child health, social and economic circumstances in many countries, local and global priorities of low-income and middle-income countries, environmental causes of poor child health, and inequities. The RCTs tested new and refined treatments, diagnostics, vaccines, holistic management, and prevention approaches, and explored many outcomes, including mortality, nutrition, psychosocial measures, and neurodevelopment. The studies were conducted in numerous hospitals and healthcare clinics, schools, and communities, including among some of the world’s most disadvantaged populations in humanitarian and refugee emergencies. Some studies are of the highest quality, and others fall short. Many RCTs will influence guidelines, practice and policies for years to come.
Correlation inequalities for the uniform eight-vertex model and the toric code model
Authors: Björnberg J. E. , Lees B.
Published: July 2023

We investigate connections between four models in statistical physics and probability theory: (1) the toric code model of Kitaev, (2) the uniform eight-vertex model, (3) random walk on a hypercube, and (4) a classical Ising model with four-body interaction. As a consequence of our analysis (and of the GKS-inequalities for the Ising model) we obtain correlation inequalities for the toric code model and the uniform eight-vertex model.
Effect of ion intercalation and electrochemisorption on nonlinear optical absorption of MoO3: A comparative study of six different ions
Authors: Hou Ruipeng , Li Hui , Zhang Chi , Huang Zhipeng , Humphrey Mark G.
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical modulation of nonlinear optical (NLO) absorption has recently garnered significant attention. In this work, we demonstrate the effective modulation of the third-order NLO absorption of layered molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) by cation intercalation. Upon application of different negative voltages to samples in different electrolytes, we observe varying degrees of enhancement in MoO3’s nonlinear absorption corresponding to different cations and different electrochemical processes. Cation intercalation of H[Formula: see text], Li[Formula: see text], Na[Formula: see text], K[Formula: see text], and Mg[Formula: see text] is found to be more effective in enhancing the nonlinear absorption of MoO3 than electrochemisorption of Al[Formula: see text] cations. Notably, Li[Formula: see text] intercalation leads to the most significant performance improvement, with an enhancement of 11.6 times and a nonlinear absorption coefficient of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]GW[Formula: see text]. This improvement is ascribed to the increasing number of defect states in MoO3 during ion intercalation, which strengthens its saturation absorption behavior. Our work provides valuable insights into the electrically controlled NLO performance of MoO3 and can be applied to other similar materials.
MAω1(S)[S] does not imply 𝒦2
Authors: Peng Yinhe , Wu Liuzhen
Published: July 2023

We construct a model in which MA[Formula: see text] holds and [Formula: see text] fails. This shows that MA[Formula: see text] does not imply [Formula: see text] and answers an old question of Larson and Todorcevic in [Katetov’s problem, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 354(5) (2002) 1783–1791]. We also investigate different strong colorings in models of MA[Formula: see text].
Bridge Evaluation Based on Identified Influence Lines and Influence Surfaces: Multiple-Scenario Application
Authors: Zheng Xu , Yi Ting-Hua , Yang Dong-Hui , Li Hong-Nan , Zhou Yu
Published: July 2023

Bridge influence lines (BILs) and bridge influence surfaces (BISs) are inherent static parameters of bridges which can be extracted from moving vehicle-induced bridge responses. Compared with dynamic parameters, these parameters are directly related to the stiffness and internal forces in each cross-section of a bridge therefore can be considered as an effective bridge metamodel. To accelerate the engineering practice of BIL- and BIS-based bridge evaluation, this paper first briefly reviews the current BIL and BIS field test and identification methods. Then, the bridge evaluation guidelines of China and the United States are introduced as the basis of the evaluation methods. Engineering application scenarios for bridge evaluation, including permit load verification, performance degradation checking, and load carrying capacity evaluation, are summarized, and a multiple-scenario bridge evaluation method is established. At the end of this paper, an evaluation example of a four-span continuous bridge is presented to illustrate the application procedure and verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The outcomes of this paper provide a promising application method of field test BILs and BISs, which may help bridge engineers more effectively use these parameters in engineering practice.
Functional equations for the stochastic exponential
Authors: Chikvinidze Besik , Mania Michael , Tevzadze Revaz
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we consider two versions of functional equations for the stochastic exponential. One equation for a function of a semimartingale and its square characteristic and the second for non-anticipative functionals. A martingale characterization of the general solutions of these equations is given.
A MULTI-MODAL INTENTION INTEGRATION METHOD FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES BASED ON THE COMBINATION OF BIOELECTRICAL SIGNALS AND CONVENTIONAL HUMAN–COMPUTER INTERACTION
Authors: LI WEILONG , FENG GUOQIANG
Published: July 2023

With the rapid development of intelligent information technology, human–computer interaction for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems has gradually developed from single-mode interaction to multi-modal interaction. Due to the problems of information ambiguity and operational redundancy in multi-modal interaction, and the inability to effectively realize the coupling of human–computer interaction of different modalities, a priority strategy for multi-modal interaction for UAV systems is proposed. Living cells or tissues, whether in a static or active state, will produce regular electrical phenomena called bioelectricity. Human–computer interaction intention recognition technology based on bioelectrical signals can significantly enhance the real-time performance and flexibility of human–computer interaction and has great development potential. The characteristics of human–computer interaction intention recognition methods based on bioelectrical signals, such as electroencephalograms (EEGs), electromyograms (EMGs), electrooculograms (EOGs), and other conventional methods are introduced and analyzed, and then the basic characteristics of single-mode interaction and multi-modal interaction are compared. Furthermore, the priority strategies for UAV systems under different interaction modes are studied based on the analysis of task value evaluation parameters. The cumulative value, urgency, and task complexity are comprehensively analyzed and evaluated, and a set of priority strategies for multi-modal interaction is integrated. Through the simulation and verification of the multi-modal human–computer interaction software of the UAV system, it is determined that the proposed priority strategy conforms to the operation intention of the user, which improves the interaction efficiency and the reliability. In noisy environments, the UAV system control can be combined with the complementary information of various interaction methods to achieve precise control, which has obvious advantages.
Level Set and Optimal Control for the Inverse Inclusion Reconstruction in Electrical Impedance Tomography Modeling
Authors: Charkaoui Abderrahim , Yazidi Youness El
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we address the identification of an unknown inclusion in an elliptic equation, which arises in the context of electrical impedance tomography and multiphase problems. We present a novel approach by formulating the overdetermined system as an optimal design problem based on the unknown inclusion and two state solutions, which is derived from by introducing a least square functional. We establish the existence results and first optimality conditions, and employ the finite element method to discretize the involved variational equations. Furthermore, we update the unknown inclusion using the level-set method. To demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of our proposed algorithm, we investigate simple and complex geometries numerically. Our results showcase the efficiency and accuracy of the method, making it a promising tool for solving similar inverse problems in various engineering applications.
“Is it Even Giving the Correct Reading or Not?”: How Trust and Relationships Mediate Blood Pressure Management in India
Authors: Karnatak Nimisha , Loughrin Brooke , Kuo Tiffany Amy , Mateu-Silvernail Odeline , Medhi Thies Indrani , Thies William , Jain Mohit
Published: July 2023

While chronic disease afflicts a large Indian population, the technologies used to manage chronic diseases have largely been informed by studies conducted in other sociocultural contexts. To address this gap, we conducted qualitative interviews with 21 patients clinically diagnosed with abnormal blood pressure (BP) living in low-resourced communities of Haryana, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh in India. We found that patients’ trust in the BP ecosystem and social ties plays a significant role in shaping their perceptions of technology and chronic care. Trust in one actor of the ecosystem fosters trust in another, e.g., trust in BP reading depended on the type of device and the person measuring the BP. We also observed nuanced sharing and intermediation of BP devices. Based on our findings, we recommend designs to boost patients’ trust, familiarity, and access to technologies used in BP management and improve their experience of care in low-resource settings in India.
Service Caching and Computation Reuse Strategies at the Edge: A Survey
Authors: Barrios Carlos , Kumar Mohan
Published: July 2023

With the proliferation of connected devices including smartphones, novel network connectivity and management methods are needed to meet user Quality of Experience (QoE) and computational demands of contemporary applications. Service caching and computation reuse techniques are being employed to alleviate challenges due to scalability, interoperability, and mobility, as well as to reduce application latency by enabling caching at the edge. This survey provides a taxonomy for service caching and computation reuse and describes the current state of the research and its challenges. This is the first survey that provides a comprehensive analysis and suggests future research directions on this topic.
The unique structural and functional characteristics of glomerular endothelial cell fenestrations and their potential as a therapeutic target in kidney disease
Authors: Finch Natalie C. , Neal Chris R. , Welsh Gavin I. , Foster Rebecca R. , Satchell Simon C.
Published: July 2023

Glomerular endothelial cell (GEnC) fenestrations are a critical component of the glomerular filtration barrier. Their unique nondiaphragmed structure is key to their function in glomerular hydraulic permeability, and their aberration in disease can contribute to loss of glomerular filtration function. This review provides a comprehensive update of current understanding of the regulation and biogenesis of fenestrae. We consider diseases in which GEnC fenestration loss is recognized or may play a role and discuss methods with potential to facilitate the study of these critical structures. Literature is drawn from GEnCs as well as other fenestrated cell types such as liver sinusoidal endothelial cells that most closely parallel GEnCs.
Nitrous oxide consistently attenuates thermogenic and thermoperceptual responses to repetitive cold stress in humans
Authors: Moes Maaike I. , Elia Antonis , Gennser Mikael , Eiken Ola , Keramidas Michail E.
Published: July 2023

Human thermoeffector plasticity was evaluated in response to prolonged iterative exposure to 30% N2O and moderate cold stress. Regardless of the duration of gas exposure, N2O-induced narcosis impaired in a persistent manner shivering thermogenesis and thermoperception.
Physiological responses to 9 hours of heat exposure in young and older adults. Part II: Autophagy and the acute cellular stress response
Authors: McCormick James J. , Meade Robert D. , King Kelli E. , Notley Sean R. , Akerman Ashley P. , McGarr Gregory W. , Richards Brodie J. , McCourt Emma R. , Boulay Pierre , Sigal Ronald J. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: July 2023

We demonstrate for the first time that peripheral blood mononuclear cells from older adults exhibit signs of autophagic impairments during daylong (9 h) heat exposure relative to their younger counterparts. This was paired with greater apoptotic signaling and inflammatory responses, and an inability to stimulate components of the heat shock response. Thus, autophagic dysregulation during prolonged heat exposure may contribute to age-related heat vulnerability during hot weather and heat waves.
Finite-Time Stability of Linear Conformable Stochastic Differential Equation with Finite Delay
Authors: Rhaima Mohamed , Mchiri Lassaad , Ben Makhlouf A.
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the finite-time stability (FTS) of a linear conformable stochastic differential equation with finite delay (LCSDEwFD). We use the Banach fixed point theorem (BFPT) to prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution and analyze the FTS of the system using the Gronwall inequalities. To demonstrate the practical value of our approach, we provide two numerical examples that showcase the relevance and effectiveness of our theoretical results.
Supplementary Figure S6 from Early Clearance of Plasma Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations as a Predictor of Outcome on Osimertinib in Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer; Exploratory Analysis from AURA3 and FLAURA
Authors: Gray Jhanelle E. , Ahn Myung-Ju , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Shepherd Frances A. , Imamura Fumio , Cheng Ying , Okamoto Isamu , Cho Byoung Chul , Lin Meng-Chih , Wu Yi-Long , Majem Margarita , Gautschi Oliver , Boyer Michael , Bulusu Krishna C. , Markovets Aleksandra , Barrett J. Carl , Hodge Rachel , McKeown Astrid , Hartmaier Ryan J. , Chmielecki Juliann , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki A. , Ramalingam Suresh S.
Published: July 2023

Kaplan–Meier estimates showing investigator-assessed PFS in FLAURA trial patients by clearance or non-clearance of plasma EGFRm status at Weeks 3 or 6 in patients who had baseline detectable plasma EGFRm. For comparison, patients with baseline non-detectable plasma EGFRm are included. A, Osimertinib arm by Week 3 plasma EGFRm status (n = 238). B, Comparator EGFR-TKI arm by Week 3 plasma EGFRm status (n = 243). C, Osimertinib arm by Week 6 plasma EGFRm status (n = 240). D, Comparator EGFR-TKI arm by Week 6 plasma EGFRm status (n = 235). Censored data are indicated by tick marks. Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; EGFRm, epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (ex19del or L858R); NC, not calculable; mPFS, median PFS; TKI, tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Early Clearance of Plasma Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations as a Predictor of Outcome on Osimertinib in Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer; Exploratory Analysis from AURA3 and FLAURA
Authors: Gray Jhanelle E. , Ahn Myung-Ju , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Shepherd Frances A. , Imamura Fumio , Cheng Ying , Okamoto Isamu , Cho Byoung Chul , Lin Meng-Chih , Wu Yi-Long , Majem Margarita , Gautschi Oliver , Boyer Michael , Bulusu Krishna C. , Markovets Aleksandra , Barrett J. Carl , Hodge Rachel , McKeown Astrid , Hartmaier Ryan J. , Chmielecki Juliann , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki A. , Ramalingam Suresh S.
Published: July 2023

Kaplan–Meier estimates showing OS in all trial patients with a valid baseline (detectable or non-detectable) plasma ctDNA result in A, patients from the AURA3 trial (n = 291) and B, patients from the FLAURA trial (n = 499). Censored data are indicated by tick marks. Abbreviations: CI, confidence interval; EGFRm, epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (ex19del or L858R); HR, hazard ratio; mOS, median overall survival; NC, not calculable.
Primary Prevention and Interception Studies in RAS-Mutated Tumor Models Employing Small Molecules or Vaccines
Authors: Dragnev Konstantin H. , Lubet Ronald A. , Miller Mark Steven , Sei Shizuko , Fox Jennifer T. , You Ming
Published: July 2023

Therapeutic targeting of RAS-mutated cancers is difficult, whereas prevention or interception (treatment before or in the presence of preinvasive lesions) preclinically has proven easier. In the A/J mouse lung model, where different carcinogens induce tumors with different KRAS mutations, glucocorticoids and retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonists are effective agents in prevention and interception studies, irrespective of specific KRAS mutations. In rat azoxymethane-induced colon tumors (45% KRAS mutations), cyclooxygenase 1/2 inhibitors and difluoromethylornithine are effective in preventing or intercepting KRAS-mutated or wild-type tumors. In two KRAS-mutant pancreatic models multiple COX 1/2 inhibitors are effective. Furthermore, combining a COX and an EGFR inhibitor prevented the development of virtually all pancreatic tumors in transgenic mice. In the N-nitroso-N-methylurea-induced estrogen receptor–positive rat breast model (50% HRAS mutations) various selective estrogen receptor modulators, aromatase inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors, and RXR agonists are profoundly effective in prevention and interception of tumors with wild-type or mutant HRAS, while the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib preferentially inhibits HRAS-mutant breast tumors. Thus, many agents not known to specifically inhibit the RAS pathway, are effective in an organ specific manner in preventing or intercepting RAS-mutated tumors. Finally, we discuss an alternative prevention and interception approach, employing vaccines to target KRAS.
Intracranial Stenosis Treated with Stenting in Patients with Suspected Cerebral Vasculitis: Two Case Reports
Authors: Vandelli Gabriele , Giacobazzi Laura , Ciolli Ludovico , Dell'Acqua Maria Luisa , Vandelli Laura , Picchetto Livio , Rosafio Francesca , Borzì Giuseppe Maria , Ricceri Riccardo , Meletti Stefano , Vallone Stefano , Salvarani Carlo , Sebastiani Marco , Sacchetti Federico , Verganti Luca , Merolla Stefano , Zelent Gabriele , Bigliardi Guido
Published: July 2023

Central nervous system vasculitis (CNSV) is an uncommon and poorly understood form of vasculitis. Early recognition is important because medical treatment might improve the outcome. However, randomized clinical trials on CNSV treatment do not exist. Endovascular treatment has been reported in few cases, but no data exist for intracranial stenting. We report 2 cases of patients with suspected CNSV and recurrent clinical episodes, treated with intracranial stenting. A 48-year-old man had relapsing episodes of right hemiparesis. Neuroradiological exams showed severe left carotid terminus stenosis. Despite immunosuppressive therapy, neuroradiological follow-up exams showed a worsening of the aforementioned stenosis with many transient episodes of weakness in the right limbs and aphasia. A 64-year-old woman had a sudden onset of dysarthria and transient aphasia. Neuroradiological exams showed a severe arterial stenosis involving the origin of left anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Despite dual antiplatelet therapy, she presented an acute onset of severe aphasia, due to an occlusion of the left carotid terminus and proximal MCA. In both cases, endovascular procedure and intracranial stenting was performed, with marked improvement of cerebral blood flow. No more clinical episodes were reported. Intracranial stenting may be a valid therapeutic option in selected patients with CNSV and involvement of medium or large size vessels with clinical worsening despite best medical treatment.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Transient Global Amnesia
Authors: Komulainen Tiina , Bärlund Venla , Tanila Heikki , Koivisto Anne , Jäkälä Pekka
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a spontaneously resolving, anterograde amnesia that lasts mostly <24 h and often occurs with retrograde amnesia. The etiology of TGA remains unclear, although in recent decades, many risk factors and preceding events have been identified. There are few up-to-date reports on the TGA incidence in Northern Europe. In this study, we report the incidence and risk factors associated with TGA in Finland. Materials and Methods: The study included all patients with suspected TGA that were referred to Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) in 2017. The hospital catchment area included 246,653 individuals. Risk factors and demographic data were collected from medical records. The TGA incidence rates were calculated as the number of patients with TGA divided by the number of individuals at risk in different age groups. Results: In 2017, 56 patients were treated for TGA at KUH. Of these, 46 had a first-ever TGA. The most common event preceding TGA was physical effort (n = 28, 50%), followed by emotional stress (n = 11, 19.6%) and water contact or a temperature change (n = 11, 19.6%). The most common comorbidities were hypercholesterolemia (n = 22, 39.3%), hypertensive disease (n = 21, 37.5%), hypothyroidism (n = 11, 19.6%), coronary artery disease (n = 8, 14.3%), and migraine (n = 7, 12.5%). TGA occurred most often in December (n = 9, 16.0%), March (n = 8, 14.3%), or October (n = 8, 14.3%), and least often in November and May (n = 2, 3.6% in both months). The crude incidence of a first TGA in Eastern Finland was 18.6/100,000 inhabitants, and when standardized to the European population in 2010, it was 14.3/100,000 inhabitants. Therefore, the TGA incidence was higher than previously reported in European countries. Discussion: The most common precipitating factors for TGA were physical effort, emotional stress, and water contact/temperature change. The incidence of TGA was high in the Eastern Finnish population.
Inferior Vena Cava Filters: Adherence to Clinical Practice Guidelines Recommendations, Retrieval Rates, and Filter Complications in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Gabara Cristina , Montoya-Rodes Marc , López Néstor , Zamora-Martínez Carles , Ortiz María , Morancho Alma , Moisés Jorge , Osorio Jeisson , Coloma Emmanuel , Font Carme , Jiménez Sonia , Zarco Federico , Burrel Marta , Bermúdez Patricia , Barrufet Marta , Aibar Jesús
Published: July 2023

The present study evaluated the adherence to guideline recommendations regarding the indication for inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) placement, retrieval rates, complications, thrombotic recurrences, and mortality. Patients in whom an IVCF was placed between 2015 and 2020 in a tertiary hospital were retrospectively included. We considered absolute indication of IVCF placement if all the guidelines evaluated agreed on the indication, relative indication if only some guidelines recommended it and without indication if none of the evaluated guidelines recommended it. From the 185 patients included; 47% had an absolute indication, 15% a relative indication, and 38% had no indication. Filter-associated complications and non-removal rates were 12.4% and 41%, respectively. Venous thromboembolism recurrence rate was 17.8%, being filter-associated complications (24.2 vs 9.8%, P = .02) and thrombosis of the inferior cava or iliac veins (12.1 vs 2.6%, P = .03) more frequent in this group. The mortality rate was 40%, with higher mortality risk in patients with co-existing cancer. Previous major bleeding, filter-associated complications, and mortality were associated with a major risk of non-removal. In conclusion, the adherence to guidelines regarding the indication of IVCF placement is still low and IVCF complications are not negligible. This fact is of special concern in the elderly, comorbid, and cancer patients.
Analysis of operator’s activity in control rooms of underground coal mines
Authors: Grozdanovic Miroljub , Marjanovic Dobrivoje , Ilic Milos
Published: July 2023

The analysis for estimating operator’s activity and quantity of information in control rooms of underground coal mines is presented in this paper. Monitoring of operators in control rooms was conducted in mines Rembas, Soko, Ibar, Jasenovac and Stavalj. The network models are used during the analysis of operator’s activity in control rooms. The result of the analysis is proposed critical path network model. The application of network models improves the quality and level of research, making it more efficient. Most of the analysed information are related to normal and alarm state data received from the mine shaft and operator’s response to this data. Results are given according to actual scope of work depending on the work dynamics in underground coal mines, via histogram of changes in average number of activities per 1 h for 24-h period, then number of operator’s activities per work hour and insight into the global view of technological process in the coal mine with focus on the work scope of mine workers. Analysis of operator’s activities presented in this paper determines the relations between devices in control rooms and operators’ capabilities in order to get better ergonomic design of control rooms.
Barriers to digital government and the COVID-19 crisis – A comparative study of federal government entities in the United States and Austria
Authors: Moser-Plautz Birgit
Published: July 2023

Digital government has been an evolving topic in research and practice, and during the COVID-19 crisis, different tools emerged as crucial elements in tackling the crisis. Comparing the federal level in the United States (Anglo-Saxon public interest culture) and in Austria (continental European rule-of-law culture), this article looks at how different barriers to digital government were affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Fourteen semi-structured interviews with experts in United States departments and their Austrian counterparts are conducted. The results show strong similarities between the United States and Austria in cultural barriers (bureaucratic culture, resistance to change, risk aversion) but also in structural barriers (political commitment and resources, workforce) to digital government. The main difference lies in laws and regulations as structural barriers, stemming from the different administrative traditions. Furthermore, the study highlights the dynamic nature of barriers. It shows that a crisis can result in the lowering of both structural as well as cultural barriers. Deliberate removal of structural barriers in experimentation spaces may therefore enhance digital government in ‘orderly’ times as well.

Points for practitioners

Knowing how to overcome certain barriers is essential in innovation processes. This study shows that windows of opportunity can be opened by a crisis, but also provides key learnings for policy measures that can be taken in ‘orderly’ times. Public administrations require space where structural barriers are deliberately removed in order to experiment and learn, which can lower cultural barriers to digital government as well.
‘Something rich and strange’: Translating Shakespeare's poetry into Japanese
Authors: Chiba Jessica
Published: July 2023

Translating poetry is difficult, and in a language so far removed from English as Japanese, the complications are manifold: rhyme creates no impact, and there are no inherent stresses out of which to create Western-style rhythms. Shakespeare's poetic drama, then, presents serious obstacles to translation. Through an investigation of the different approaches to translating Shakespeare's plays into Japanese, and what it means to do so, this article reconsiders the presence of Shakespeare's works in Japan to suggest that foreignness may be a more crucial part of the popularity of the dramas than universality.
Enhancement of Tendon-to-Bone Healing: Choose a Monophasic or Hierarchical Scaffold?
Authors: Zhang Xuancheng , Han Kang , Fang Zhaoyi , Cho Eunshinae , Huangfu Xiaoqiao , Zhao Jinzhong
Published: July 2023

Background:

To enhance the healing of tendon to bone, various biomimetically hierarchical scaffolds have been proposed. However, the fabrication of such scaffolds is complicated. Furthermore, the most significant result after a routine repair is loss of the transition zone between the tendon and bone, whose main components are similar to fibrocartilage.

Purpose:

To compare tendon-to-bone healing results in a rabbit model using a monophasic graft (decellularized fibrocartilage graft; DFCG) and hierarchical graft (decellularized tendon-to-bone complex; DTBC) that contain the native hierarchical enthesis.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

DFCG and DTBC were harvested from allogenic rabbits. A rabbit model of a chronic rotator cuff tear was established, and 3 groups were assessed: direct repair or repair with DFCG or DTBC fixed between the tendon and bone. Hierarchical evaluations of the repaired tendon-to-bone interface were performed with regard to the tendon zone, transition zone, and bone zone using histological staining and micro–computed tomography scanning. Biomechanical analysis was performed to evaluate the general healing strength.

Results:

The healing results in the tendon zone exhibited no significant difference among the 3 groups at any time point. In the transition zone, the grade in the direct repair group was significantly lower than that in the DFCG and DTBC groups at 4 weeks, and the grade in the DFCG group was significantly lower than that in the DTBC group at this time point. However, any significant difference between the DFCG group and DTBC group could no longer be detected at 8 and 16 weeks, which was inconsistent with the results of the biomechanical analysis. Micro–computed tomography analysis showed no significant difference among the 3 groups with regard to bone mineral density at 16 weeks.

Conclusion:

A monophasic DFCG was able to achieve enhanced tendon-to-bone healing similar to that with hierarchical DTBC over the long term, with regard to both histological and biomechanical properties.

Clinical Relevance:

Fabrication of a monophasic scaffold instead of a hierarchical scaffold to promote regeneration and remodeling of a transition zone, which was mainly composed of fibrocartilaginous matrix between the tendon and bone, may be sufficient to enhance tendon-to-bone healing.
Current status of biomedical waste management practices and barriers among private Jordanian dental clinics: A cross-sectional investigation of the capital Amman
Authors: Mamoori Huda Jawad , Al-Majali Joud , Shibli Dana Rida , Al-Ani Abdallah , Jibrin Dayana , Al-Jarrah Rand , Khader Omar , Jaber Amal , Al-Huneidy Yazan , Al-Huneidy Leen , Al-Nabelsi Mazen Basem , AlQutob Raeda
Published: July 2023

Biomedical waste management (BMWM) is vital in facilitating safe providing of healthcare. Developing countries suffer from the impact of mishandled biomedical waste (BMW) on the general public in addition to healthcare practitioners. Thus, this study aims to investigate the awareness and compliance of dental facilities to BMW regulations. Through a questionnaire designed as per the WHO guidelines on BMWM, we randomly recruited a total of 421 dental facilities representative of Jordan’s capital. Mean BMWM practice scores were relatively high for the studied sample (0.748 ± 0.12). Nonetheless, while collection, transportation and storage standards were acceptable, those pertaining to segregation and disposal demonstrated lack of compliance to BMWM safety measures. An alarming number of participants dispose of infectious waste (40%), extracted teeth (48.5%), expired pharmaceuticals (44.4%), liquid chemicals (53.2%), X-ray films (35.0%) and solutions (48.7%) in the general trash or draining system. Such is attributed to either lack of resources, lack of proper equipment or poor awareness with BMWM guidelines. Moreover, it appears that location of the clinic ( p < 0.001), occupation ( p = 0.026) and presence of regulatory instructions ( p = 0.048) were associated with higher BMWM scores. Overall, dental practitioners require proper training in terms of handling hazardous dental, chemical and radioactive wastes. Moreover, regulatory bodies should actively enforce regulations and monitoring, update current compliance legislations and subsidize eco-friendly practices.
Experimental investigation on the performance of ceramics and CBN cutting materials during dry machining of cast iron: Modeling and optimization study using RSM, ANN, and GA
Authors: Gasmi Boutheyna , Yallese Mohamed Athmane , Boucherit Septi , Chihaoui Salim , Mabrouki Tarek
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on the performance evaluation of CBN and ceramic tools in dry machining of gray cast iron EN GJL-350. The machining factors taken into account during turning are: cutting speed ( Vc), feed rate ( f), depth of cut ( ap), and cutting tool material (CBN, white ceramic, mixed ceramic, and silicon nitride). The first part of this investigation concerns the evaluation of the four cutting materials performance used in terms of tool wear evolutions, 2D and 3D surface roughness and cutting forces variation according to working parameters. The second part exposes the results according to L32 Taguchi design of experiment. Statistical treatment by ANOVA allowed to quantify the impact of the input factors on the performance parameters, namely the surface roughness ( Ra), the cutting force ( Fz), the cutting power ( Pc), and the specific cutting energy ( Ecs). The response surface methodology (RSM), and the artificial neural network (ANN) approach were adopted to develop mathematical models for predicting the different output parameters. The results of the two methods were compared and discussed. A multi-criteria optimization was performed using the desirability function (DF) approach. The genetic algorithm (GA) was also applied to find pareto fronts. The results found show that CBN is the most efficient material in terms of lower tool wear, surface roughness and cutting forces. The DF method allowed to find an optimal combination ( Vc = 660 m/min, f = 0.13 mm/rev, ap = 0.232 mm, and the CBN material) leading to a compromise between the minimization of ( Ra, Fz, Pc, and Ecs) and the maximization of (MRR). The Pareto fronts found by the (GA) method make it possible to propose a multitude of solutions according to the desired objectives.
Numerical approach based on particle swarm technique for optimization of nonlinear buried pipeline on tensionless foundation
Authors: Shang Hsu Yang , Deitos Igor Alexandre , Ulrich Lucas Portugal
Published: July 2023

This work aims to contribute to the development of numerical approach for optimization of buried pipeline by using finite element (FE) method and particle swarm optimization (PSO), considering static analysis and material hardening. The buried pipeline is discretized by finite element approach, constituted by Euler-Bernoulli three nodes beam element, while the soil-structure interaction is modeled by Winker-type tensionless foundation. Moreover, the tensionless foundation is discretized by spring element in the numerical model. The material nonlinearity behavior is analyzed by Von Mises isotropic hardening model. In the numerical approach, this model is solved by stress increment procedure. Furthermore, the critical loading and optimum wall thickness, that leads to optimized condition, are determined using swarm techniques. The cost function is formulated using evaluated stress and target stress, more, the calculated error is minimized by using swarm techniques for single-variable and two-variable optimization. Several applications are carried out by considering several soil conditions, boundary conditions and loading types. As a novelty, the soil random stiffness is included in the numerical model, where the optimum wall thickness and critical loading are evaluated considering material nonlinearity. The performance of finite element particle swarm technique is also compared to finite element genetic algorithms technique. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed numerical approach for nonlinear buried pipeline optimization.
Why Do Arabs Share News Online? Motivations for Sharing News on Social Media in the Emirates
Authors: Ahmed Azza Abdel-Azim Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Sharing news over social media (SM) has become an everyday practice among internet users all over the world. Despite the potential importance of news-sharing, little is known about this phenomenon in the Arab region. The news-sharing literature and Uses and Gratifications approach form the theoretical framework of the current research which examines the tendency of news-sharing on SM and its motivations among Emiratis and Arabs residents in the United Arab Emirates. It also explores the correlation between motivation and topics shared on SM. It investigates the difference in news-sharing and motivational factors among the demographic groups, mainly gender, age, nationality and level of education. A convenient sample of 324 respondents filled an online constructed questionnaire. Factor analysis revealed four motivational factors that stimulate respondents to share news through SM. A positive significant correlation between news-sharing and both ‘status-seeking’ and ‘social responsibility’ was found. The correlation was non-significant between news-sharing and both ‘socialising’ and ‘dissemination of information’. These factors significantly correlate positively with the type of topics that the Arab respondents share on SM. There is no significant difference between males and females in the news-sharing motivational factors except in the category of ‘socialising’, which is higher in the mean value among females than males. Emiratis have higher mean values in all news-sharing motivations as compared to Arab expats.