bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Create an Optopia? – Kim Stanley Robinson's “Ministry for the Future” and the Politics of Hope
Authors: Mikes Anette , New Steve
Published: April 2023

Kim Stanley Robinson—award-winning science fiction writer—has warned us that our current history is a choice between utopia or catastrophe. In this interview and in the following reflections, we explore the implications of this existential choice for the social science disciplines; in particular, economics, finance, accounting, and management. Our goals are to build a provocation and develop some propositions about the direction of capitalism and the purpose of management research in an age of climate crisis. Against the backdrop of dread and greed and the specter of plutocratic capitalism, we offer a politics of hope. We envision a green capitalism in which corporations are held accountable for environmental and social stewardship. Rather than falling back on government or the corporation as an “either/or” choice, we urge a “both/and” approach and call for the active inclusion of communities and citizens in climate response through democratic, polycentric governance structures. Within this agenda, we envision a new role for the academy as “Ministry”; namely, giving voice to future generations and the silent (or silenced) victims of the present and, by embracing pragmatic realism, inspiring a liveable future—an optopia—that we can still forge from where we are.
Prognostic Role of Pathological Complete Response in Early Stage Epithelial Solid Tumors
Authors: Saltalamacchia Giuseppe , Bernardo Antonio , Quaquarini Erica
Published: April 2023

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was originally designed to convert inoperable cancer. Nowadays, this concept has expanded since it can also offer the possibility to evaluate markers of response such as pathological complete response (pCR) with possible implications in long-term prognostic outcomes. A substantial body of literature tried to evaluate the ability of pCR to fulfill the conditions required to establish a preliminary endpoint, such as pCR, as a surrogate for the final endpoint, the overall survival (OS) but no systematic reviews have been performed yet. In this review we systematically analyzed the prognostic role of pCR in various cancers (breast, gastro-oesophageal, rectal, ovarian, bladder, lung) in which neoadjuvant treatment is a standard of care, evaluating articles published in the English language of phase III or phase II randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Since the continue development of immunotherapy in earlier stage, it has also been considered the impact of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte on pCR.
Brigatinib-associated autoimmune hepatitis: A case report
Authors: Buyuksimsek Mahmut , Ogul Ali , Yetisir Abdullah Evren , Duman Berna Bozkurt , Tohumcuoglu Mert , Cil Timucin , Koseci Tolga , Kidi Mehmet Mutlu , Sumbul Hilmi Erdem
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Brigatinib is a next-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor that targets a wide variety of ALK mutations and ROS1 rearrangements. While pancreatic enzyme elevations due to brigatinib are well known, we wanted to present a case that caused liver toxicity.

Case report

ALK and ROS1 translocations were detected in a 58-year-old patient diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. In the patient who had a good response with brigatinib, more than 5-fold elevation was detected in liver enzymes at the fifth month of treatment.

Management & outcome

After excluding other hepatitis factors, the patient was thought to have autoimmune hepatitis, and methylprednisolone was started and liver enzymes were decreased.

Discussion

Increased creatine kinase and lipase levels are common side effects associated with brigatinib, while liver toxicity is rare. Autoimmune hepatitis due to brigatinib was considered because of hepatic toxicity that developed in the fifth month of treatment and responded well to steroids.
Protecting and Advancing Women’s Health and Rights Post-Roe Era Through Policy
Authors: Pirkle Jesseca R. A.
Published: April 2023

Since federal legalization in 1973, abortion has become a safe and popular option for those who desire to terminate a pregnancy. However, the Supreme Court decision of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in June 2022 clearly outlined a national divide that shifted abortion rights in the hands of state legislatures. This shift in legislative power will unveil major systematic flaws and further exacerbate health inequalities among underserved populations. However, legislatures can mitigate the disruption by addressing current infrastructural gaps that will make a positive lasting impact on women’s health. Legislatures should investigate the gaps within the current telehealth guidelines and interstate compact agreements that may lead to a lack of clarity and legality with a shift to state power for abortive services that may prevent abortive service distribution entirely. In addition, Graduate Medical Education Accreditation Councils and state legislatures have the opportunity to blunt the abortion provider shortage that is expected to increase with state power through expansion of family medicine residency programs curriculum and health Advanced Practice Clinicians licensure. Finally, implementation of comprehensive sexual education has shown to promote sexual health and decrease risk factors associated with utilization of abortive service and could be utilized as a preventive measure for future generations. By promptly addressing current infrastructural gaps, legislatures will be on the forefront of the challenges brought by prompt systemic change in the abortion infrastructure.
Mechanical behaviour of fabric-reinforced plastic sandwich structures: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Osa-uwagboe Norman , Silberschimdt Vadim V , Aremi Adedeji , Demirci Emrah
Published: April 2023

The use of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs) in sandwich structures increased for various industrial applications thanks to their strength-to-weight ratio which provides designers with advanced options for modern structures. FRP Sandwich Structures (FRPSS) are often used in aerospace, biomedical, defence, and marine products, where their high structural performance is required to sustain complex in-service loads and withstand varying environmental conditions. Progressive degradation of FRPSS under such circumstances has been a subject of interest for researchers owing to safety requirements for products with FRP. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of the mechanical behaviour of FRPSS subjected to various loading regimes. It highlights the variation in structural performance, viscoelastic properties, damage resistance, and sequence of environmental degradation of FRPSS. Numerical methods and damage algorithms used to predict failures are also presented to provide sufficient knowledge for the design of FRPSS. This review contributes to further research on characterizing the properties of FRPSS under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions.
Myopic macular schisis: Insights into distinct morphological subtypes and novel biomechanical hypothesis
Authors: Al-Sheikh Mayss , Govetto Andrea , Phasukkijwatana Nopasak , Matteucci Martina , Repetto Rodolfo , Romano Mario R , Virgili Gianni , Zweifel Sandrine , Barthelmes Daniel , Bailey Freund K , Sadda SriniVas R , Sarraf David
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To analyze the features of myopic macular schisis (MMS) in different retinal layers and to explore the role of Müller cells in the pathophysiology of such condition.

Methods

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images of myopic eyes with staphyloma and macular schisis were reviewed. The morphological features of MMS were analyzed and correlated with their geographical location in the parafoveal and perifoveal region. A biomechanical model was adopted to explain MMS morphological differences. The effect of the different schisis subtypes with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was also explored.

Results

A total of 36 eyes from 26 patients were included in this study. MMS was classified into inner, middle and outer retinal subtypes. The prevalence of middle retinal schisis was significantly lower in the parafovea, within a central 3 mm-diameter circle (p < 0.001) centered at the fovea . The prevalence of inner retinal schisis was significantly higher outside the central 3-mm diameter circle, in the perifoveal region (p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted in the prevalence of outer retinal schisis for these two locations (p = 0.475). The presence of middle retinal schisis within the central 3-mm diameter circle showed a weak association with lower BCVA (p = 0.058). The presence of outer retinal schisis within the central 3-mm diameter circle was significantly related with lower BCVA (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Three major forms of MMS are distinguished: inner, middle and outer retinal schisis. This classification may have clinical importance as only the outer grade of schisis was associated with vision loss.
Penetrating keratoplasty in brittle Cornea syndrome: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Incandela Cosimo , D’Oria Francesco , Lapenna Lucia , Acquaviva Antonio
Published: April 2023

It concerns three siblings (two 28 year old twin boys and a 25 year old woman) who presented a previous history of rupture of eyeball in one eye and very poor vision in the other. At the first ophthalmoscopic and instrumental evaluation, three patients presented with bluish sclera and keratoglobus in the intact eye. A genetic analysis with whole exome sequencing was then performed on the three siblings, identifying a biallelic variant of the PRDM5 gene that led to the diagnosis of Brittle Cornea Syndrome (BCS), a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by corneal thinning and blue sclera. To preserve the only intact eye from possible breakage, the three siblings were trained in using protective measures (polycarbonate goggles etc.) to carry out close monitoring of symptoms and were asked to continue with follow-up visits for ocular and systemic diseases associated with BCS. Given the poor best corrected visual acuity achievable with glasses and contact lenses, penetrating keratoplasty was performed, achieving good visual acuity maintained in the 2-year follow-up in two of the three patients. Knowledge of this pathology and its clinical manifestations is essential for early diagnosis and correct management of this rare but very debilitating pathology. To our knowledge, this is the first case series of BCS reported in an Albanian population.
RNA-seq and Single-Cell Transcriptome Analyses of TRAIL Receptors Gene Expression in Human Osteosarcoma Cells and Tissues
Authors: Feng Wenyu , Lin Haiyingjie , Rothzerg Emel , Song Dezhi , Zhao Wenxiang , Ning Tingting , Wei Qingjun , Zhao Jinmin , Wood David , Liu Yun , Xu Jiake
Published: April 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary cancer in the skeletal system, characterized by a high incidence of lung metastasis, local recurrence and death. Systemic treatment of this aggressive cancer has not improved significantly since the introduction of chemotherapy regimens, underscoring a critical need for new treatment strategies. TRAIL receptors have long been proposed to be therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, but their role in osteosarcoma remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression profile of four TRAIL receptors in human OS cells using total RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq). The results revealed that TNFRSF10B and TNFRSF10D but not TNFRSF10A and TNFRSF10C are differentially expressed in human OS cells as compared to normal cells. At the single cell level by scRNA-seq analyses, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10D, TNFRSF10A and TNFRSF10C are most abundantly expressed in endothelial cells of OS tissues among nine distinct cell clusters. Notably, in osteoblastic OS cells, TNFRSF10B is most abundantly expressed, followed by TNFRSF10D, TNFRSF10A and TNFRSF10C. Similarly, in an OS cell line U2-OS using RNA-seq, TNFRSF10B is most abundantly expressed, followed by TNFRSF10D, TNFRSF10A and TNFRSF10C. According to the TARGET online database, poor patient outcomes were associated with low expression of TNFRSF10C. These results could provide a new perspective to design novel therapeutic targets of TRAIL receptors for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of OS and other cancers.
Multiple sclerosis, disease-modifying drugs and risk for adverse perinatal and pregnancy outcomes: Results from a population-based cohort study
Authors: Fink Katharina , Gorczyca Agnes , Alping Peter , Englund Simon , Farmand Susan , Langer-Gould Annette M , Piehl Fredrik , McKay Kyla , Frisell Thomas , Razaz Neda
Published: April 2023

Background:

There is a paucity of information on maternal multiple sclerosis (MS) and risk of adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the association between MS and risks of adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women with MS. In women with MS, the influence of exposure to disease-modifying therapy (DMT) was also investigated.

Methods:

Population-based retrospective cohort study on singleton births to mothers with MS and matched MS-free mothers from the general population in Sweden between 2006 and 2020. Women with MS were identified through Swedish health care registries, with MS onset before child’s birth.

Results:

Of 29,568 births included, 3418 births were to 2310 mothers with MS. Compared with MS-free controls, maternal MS was associated with increased risks of elective caesarean sections, instrumental delivery, maternal infection and antepartum haemorrhage/ placental abruption. Compared with offspring of MS-free women, neonates of mothers with MS were at increased risks of medically indicated preterm birth and being born small for gestational age. DMT exposure was not associated with increased risks of malformations.

Conclusions:

While maternal MS was associated with a small increased risk of few adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, DMT exposure close to pregnancy was not associated with major adverse outcomes.
Does rural tourism reduce relative poverty? Evidence from household surveys in western China
Authors: Dang Peiying , Ren Linjing , Li Jie
Published: April 2023

Debates on whether tourism has pro-poor effects remain imperative and unsettled owing to the discrepancy of research perspectives, estimation techniques, data source, study regions, and variables designs, etc. With the eradication of absolute poverty in China, the focus of tourism-relative poverty nexus could get deeper insights into the poverty reduction efficacy of tourism development in developing countries. This study examines the impacts of rural households’ tourism participation on relative poverty using the survey data from 22 pro-poor tourism villages located in western China and the endogenous switching probit (ESP) model. The results show that participating in rural tourism reduces both objective and subjective relative poverty. However, it has no direct effect on subjective poverty, but exerts an indirect effect by decreasing objective poverty. Furthermore, heterogeneous effect analysis shows dual impacts. On the one hand, it brings reduction of relative poverty probability for tourism participants; on the other hand, it exacerbates the relative gap by individual endogenous capital endowments and narrows the gap by exogenous targeted poverty alleviation (TPA) policy interventions. Our findings extend theoretical significance of the pro-poor tourism arguments by clarifying the pro-poor effects and the pathways of rural tourism on both objective and subjective relative poverty at the household level. It also provides empirical evidence for improving the current anti-poverty policy related to rural tourism in China.
The association of perceived mattering and emotions with physical educator teacher resilience
Authors: Simonton Kelly L. , Mercier Kevin , Richards K. Andrew R. , Gaudreault Karen L.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among teachers’ perceived mattering, their identified emotional experiences while teaching, and their self-reported teacher resilience. Perceptions of teacher mattering and teacher emotions were examined as characteristics that may directly and indirectly be associated with teacher resilience. Physical educators ( N = 379; M age = 42.44; 54% male; 46% female) participated in a cross-sectional survey. The participants had been teaching physical education (PE) for an average of 16 years, with approximately 68% holding an advanced degree. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to explore hypothesized relationships among the following variables: perceived mattering (i.e. physical education mattering, teacher mattering), teacher emotions (i.e. enjoyment, anger, anxiety), and teacher resilience. Results showed that perceptions of physical education mattering were related to perceived teacher mattering. Subsequently, teacher mattering was associated with teacher enjoyment and anxiety, which were then linked positively and negatively to resilience, respectively. No direct relationship was identified between mattering and resilience, but indirect relations via emotions were found. Thus, emotions appeared to mediate the perceived mattering-resilience relationship. Both environmental and personal variables should be considered when studying teachers’ psychosocial skills in navigating workplace contexts. Enjoyment may buffer marginality beliefs and enhance resilience in day-to-day teaching. The characteristics of having or developing resilience appear to be founded somewhat in emotional experiences which, in turn, have shown strong links with actions, beliefs, and behaviors among teachers.
Planning the unplannable—How blind box tourism boosts purchase intentions
Authors: Ren Lianping , Ma Caiwei
Published: April 2023

For the first time in China, blind box concept has been applied to tourism marketing, and it has attracted tremendous attention. Guided by cognitive appraisal theory and information gap theory, this study investigates the behavioral psychology of tourists in embracing or avoiding this form of tourism product. By integrating stimuli, emotional arousal (novelty, mystery, curiosity, and risk perception), and behavioral intention in the testing model, a survey with 343 valid answers leads to important findings of the paradoxical role of information gap (raising perceived novelty, perceived mystery, and curiosity but increasing risk perception simultaneously). In addition, there is a moderating role for curiosity in the application of the blind box concept to tourism products. Implications are discussed.
A meta-analytic exploration of associations between religious service attendance and sexual risk taking in adolescence and emerging adulthood
Authors: Koletić Goran , Jurković Luka , Tafro Azra , Milas Goran , Landripet Ivan , Štulhofer Aleksandar
Published: April 2023

Findings since 2000 about the association between the frequency of religious service attendance (formal religiosity) and sexual risk taking in adolescents and emerging adults were explored. A systematic literature search (April 2020) focused on articles with data on religiosity and age at sexual debut, number of sexual partners, condom use at most recent sexual intercourse, and consistent condom use. A total of 27 studies with 37,430 participants ( Mage = 18.4, range: 12–25, 43.5% male) were included. In random-effects meta-analysis, the link between formal religiosity and sexual risk taking was significant only for age at sexual debut (r = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.13) and the number of sexual partners ( r = −0.14, 95% CI = −0.19, −0.09). Weak associations between the constructs of interest indicate that formal religiosity is not sufficient to protect young people’s sexual health.
Appreciation, admiration and affection
Authors: Hearn Jeff
Published: April 2023

As you get older, a couple of things happen – the probability of your own dying increases, and so too does that of friends. So, recently there have been the deaths of some very good friends and colleagues.
An “Academic Homosexual”: Ken Plummer and the National Deviancy Conference
Authors: Irvine Janice M
Published: April 2023

Like all scholars, Ken’s work was shaped at the intersection of his personal experiences and the complexities of his historical moment. And in the late 1960s and early 1970s, becoming an “academic homosexual” was no simple task. Both grassroots and academic scholars, whose publications would later be considered part of the gay canon, worked in obscurity.
Abolition and ethnic studies in early care and education
Authors: Yeh Cathery , Agarwal-Rangnath Ruchi , Albarran Moses Alejandra
Published: April 2023

The authors enter this conversation on equity, inclusion, and belonging in early care and education with abolition and ethnic studies as necessary standpoints that must be embodied to build what the world can and should be for its youngest inhabitants. Early care and education systems have been marked by damaging practices, pathologizing portrayals, and carceral pedagogies, which demand radical reimagining. The authors offer this writing as a collective—of early childhood educators, motherscholars, and community workers—realizing that there is more expertise and possibilities for change from the collective than any one person alone. This article shares how ethnic studies and abolition gave the authors the language and concepts to put their dreams of humanizing learning experiences for young children into action. They describe key concepts and examples of how abolition and ethnic studies can serve as methodological frameworks to attend to the survivance of young children and communities of color.
Chinese diaspora caregivers’ experiences in dementia care in high-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Xiao Lily , Wang Jing
Published: April 2023

Background

Chinese diaspora caregivers in high-income countries make up a large proportion of the ethnic population and usually experience significant challenges in the care of their family members with dementia.

Aim

The aims of this systematic review were to gain deep insights into Chinese diaspora caregivers’ experiences and factors contributing to their experiences in the care of family members living with dementia in high-income countries.

Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meta-aggregative approach to qualitative studies was applied to this systematic review. The review also followed the PRISMA guidelines and was informed by the Life Course Theory. Six English databases were searched between August 2020 and September 2020.

Results

In total, 330 articles were screened and 16 were included in the review. The number of caregivers included in these studies was 365 across four countries. Four synthesised findings with sub-themes were identified from studies reviewed. These synthesised findings were described as: (1) motivations to take on the caregiving role; (2) receiving limited dementia care education; (3) factors affecting access and use of care services; and (4) experiencing multifaced challenges.

Conclusion

Dementia care policies need to address disparities between caregiver support for the mainstream group and Chinese diaspora caregivers. Dementia education and care services need to consider the positive impact that filial piety and Confucianism have on Chinese diaspora caregivers and empower them to use their strengths. Dementia care services need to be culturally adapted to meet this care group’s needs, preferences and expectations.
Digital competency as a key to the financial inclusion of young people in complex scenarios: A focus groups study
Authors: Buenestado-Fernández Mariana , Ramírez-Montoya María Soledad , Ibarra-Vazquez Gerardo , Patiño Azeneth
Published: April 2023

Young people's financial and digital literacy have been studied independently and in-depth during the last decades. However, digital financial literacy as a compound concept is novel and still needs to be explored in the scientific literature. This work investigated young people's perception of their digital financial culture, identified factors that hinder or facilitate it, and explored their preferences in the training modalities for improvement. Twenty-two focus groups were carried out in different Mexican educational institutions based on diversity criteria. The evidence shows that: (1) young people perceive the need for digital financial education linked mainly to the understanding of critical concepts, the use of mobile applications, online financial operations, and digital financial security; (2) some voluntarily exclude themselves from online finance, this being one of the main obstacles in the development of digital financial culture; (3) the digital financial culture gap is accentuated more among young people in public educational institutions and upper secondary education; (4) they have a preference for emerging technological and digital resources for their training in digital finance. These findings make it possible to contextualize training proposals that favor the financial inclusion of young people in complex scenarios brought about by the digital transformation of the economy and society.
It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over: Interest-Group Influence in Policy Implementation
Authors: Truijens Douwe , Hanegraaff Marcel
Published: April 2023

Current research on interest-group influence in the European Union tends to focus on just one stage of the policy cycle, being agenda setting, the legislative process or (some aspects) of the implementation stage. We argue that this bifurcation of the research agenda is a serious shortcoming, as lobby dynamics may vary throughout different consecutive policymaking stages. As a consequence, lobby gains or losses in the legislative stage can be overturned in the implementation. This research note therefore explores how the influence of interest organisations travels across different stages of the policy cycle, most importantly between the legislative stage and the implementation stage. First, we observe that as policymaking is a continuous rather than a static process, also lobbying tends to stretch beyond the legislative stage. Second, we argue that the specific characteristics of the implementation vis-à-vis the legislative stage may structurally favour business and resourceful organisations over smaller groups and nongovernmental organisationss. Third, we illustrate the plausibility of our argument by means of an in-depth case study: the European Union Industrial Emissions Directive. We conclude with a call for a more integral approach to researching lobby powers throughout the policy cycle and provide a preliminary agenda for future research.
Healing Baltimore: Creating Support for VALUE (Vaccine Access & Acceptance, Lives in Unity, Education & Engagement) Baltimore Ambassadors as They Serve During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Holt Mackessa , Ruiz-Aguilera Evelyn , Ngeno Gloria , Bronner Yvonne
Published: April 2023

VALUE (Vaccine Acceptance & Access Lives in Unity, Engagement & Education) Baltimore began in February 2021 with the vision of helping underserved communities in Baltimore City value COVID-19 vaccination and have access to the vaccine. VALUE dispatched ambassadors to provide COVID-19 education and risk-mitigation strategies in their communities. Once the project was implemented, we noticed that our ambassadors were often overwhelmed by misinformation in the community and our priority populations faced deeper issues relating to the social determinants of health (SDOH) and social needs such as food, transportation, job loss, and housing.

To help our ambassadors cope with and address these issues, we created Healing Baltimore in April 2021. Healing Baltimore aims to support our VALUE ambassadors as they contribute toward improving the wellbeing of Baltimore now and after COVID. Healing Baltimore has four elements: (1) Weekly Self-Care Tips, (2) Weekly Positive Facts about Baltimore, (3) SDOH Referral to Baltimore City Health Department Services, and (4) Webinars to teach us about the VALUE communities while offering the opportunity to discuss historical trauma. We share our lessons learned from Healing Baltimore, which include (1) increasing ambassador input, (2) engagement, (3) co-creation, (4) collaboration, and (5) community appreciation.
Decellularization of the human urethra for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Kuniakova Marcela , Klein Martin , Galfiova Paulina , Csobonyeiova Maria , Feitscherova Claudia , Polak Stefan , Novakova Zuzana Varchulova , Topoliova Katarina , Trebaticky Branislav , Varga Ivan , Danisovic Lubos , Ziaran Stanislav
Published: April 2023

Recently, several scaffolds have been introduced for urethral tissue engineering. However, acellular human urethral scaffold harvested from deceased donors may provide significant advantages compared to synthetic, composite, or other biological scaffolds. This study aims to develop the protocol for decellularization of the human urethra that preserves substantial extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which are essential for subsequent recellularization mimicking the natural environment of the native ECM. A total of 12 human urethras were harvested from deceased donors. An equal part of every harvested urethra was used as a control sample for analyses. The protocol design was based on the enzyme-detergent-enzyme method. Trypsin and Triton X-100 were used to remove cells, followed by DNase treatment to remove DNA residues. Subsequently, the specimens were continually rinsed in deionized water for seven days. The efficiency of decellularization was determined by histochemistry, immunohistochemical staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and DNA quantification. Histological analysis confirmed cell removal and preservation of urethral structure after decellularization. The preservation of collagen IV and fibronectin was confirmed by histologic examination and immunohistochemical staining. SEM confirmed the maintenance of the ultrastructural architecture of ECM and fibers. DNA content in decellularized urethra was significantly lower compared to the native sample ( P < 0.001), and so the criteria for decellularized tissue were met. Cytotoxicity analysis data showed that the matrix-conditioned medium did not contain soluble toxins and had no significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, providing evidence that the decellularized samples are not toxic. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the enzyme-detergent-enzyme–based decellularization protocol for removing cellular components and maintaining urethral ECM and its ultrastructure. Moreover, obtained results provide solid ground for recellularization and urethral tissue engineering, which will follow.
Managing Workplace Boredom: Employee Coping Strategies, Supervisor Communication, and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Martin Donald R. , Winchatz Michaela R. , Knight Kendra , Burrows Luke
Published: April 2023

This survey study ( n = 297, 47% Caucasian, 52% female) examines U.S. employees’ experience of workplace boredom, their strategies for boredom coping, and their perceptions of managerial support of employee boredom mitigation. In regression analyses, employee job and supervisor satisfaction are predicted by perceived managerial effectiveness in reducing boring aspects of work, as well as perceived managerial support of employee coping mechanisms. Analysis of qualitative data provides a typology of worker coping mechanisms; a typology of managerial communicative responses to worker feedback surrounding the tasks performed; and a grounded theoretical framework for managerial communication with employees performing repetitive work routines.
Rescripting of the Genre Through Greek Mythology in Hades
Authors: Arthimalla Jaswanth
Published: April 2023

Hades is a 2018 video game by Supergiant Games that sees the player take control of Zagreus, an obscure son of Hades. Hades offers the player freedom to shape, order, and alter its narrative through their choices of pursuit. This article attempts to highlight aspects of this game's design by contrasting it with two prominent rogue-likes. It uses The Binding of Isaac and Dead Cells for this purpose, and to further establish similarities and differences from the rest of the genre in the narrative and the ludic. It introduces the reader to the conventional elements of a rogue-like and how Hades is equipped to work around their limitations. Through this article, I also attempt to comment on whether and how the conventional idea of the genre is evolving in videogames today and highlight how games like Hades, Dead Cells, and The Binding of Isaac are contributing to this evolution.
Vertebral-Venous fistulas: Single center experience and practical treatment approach
Authors: Costa Matias , Basamh Mohammed , Vivanco-Suarez Juan , Casanova Daniel , Baldoncini Matias , Alobaid Abdullah , Loh Yince , Patel Akshal , McDougall Cameron G , Monteith Stephen J
Published: April 2023

Background

Vertebral-venous fistulas (VVFs) are rare. Scarce literature exists to guide our understanding and management. We report our experience and propose a classification based on flow, feeder number, and involvement of accessible veins. Additionally, we include a practical treatment approach.

Methods

Retrospective chart and imaging review of cerebrovascular arteriovenous fistulas treated in our center between July 2013 and April 2022. We reviewed patient demographics, presentation, imaging, treatment strategies, and outcomes.

Results

Nine patients with VVFs were identified, six were females. Ages ranged between 38–83 years. There were six high-flow and three low-flow. Most VVFs originated at the level of V3. Additional feeders from the internal carotid artery, external carotid artery, and/or subclavian artery were present in four cases (two were high-flow). Four cases had multiple arterial feeders. All cases were symptomatic. Origin was spontaneous in eight and iatrogenic in one case. Most common presenting symptoms were pain (7) and pulsatile tinnitus (4). Neurological deficits were present in two cases (1 high- and 1 low-flow). Four cases were treated with vertebral artery segmental sacrifice alone, three required multiple transarterial embolizations with or without VA sacrifice, one case had single transvenous approach, and one was treated with single targeted transarterial embolization. One patient had a minor transient neurological complication. No treatment-related mortality was seen.

Conclusion

Treatment of high-flow and symptomatic low-flow VVFs is feasible and safe. Our classification and treatment approach might help guide patient selection and choice of endovascular approach. However, our approach warrants further validation with a larger number of patients.
Wire-driven parallel robot suspension system for SDM in a low-speed wind tunnel
Authors: Ji Yangfeng , Peng Miaojiao , Lin Qi , Yin Chunping
Published: April 2023

A wire-driven parallel robot with eight wires (WDPR-8) acting as the suspension system for an aircraft model in a low-speed wind tunnel is introduced in this paper. A kinematics model for WDPR-8 is established here. A theoretical basis is also provided, through which movement control of the model is achieved by changing the wire length. A model motion control subsystem, a monocular vision measurement subsystem for the model position, and a data acquisition subsystem were also developed for WDPR-8. A prototype of WDPR-8 was built and mounted in a low-speed wind tunnel with an open test section. A six-component strain-gauge balance was installed inside the test model to acquire aerodynamic parameters. The aerodynamic coefficients of the static test show reasonable agreement with reference results. The difference between the test result of WDPR-8 and the results from reference is smaller in the positive angle of attack than the negative angle of attack, and the total difference between WDPR-8 and other facilities is under 10%. Pitch dynamic tests with different amplitudes and frequencies were used to verify the aerodynamic hysteresis phenomena. The research indicates it is successful that the solution of measuring aerodynamic parameters with strain-gauge balance set into the standard dynamic model suspended by WDPR. It demonstrates that WDPR-8 is effective and feasible as a model suspension system in a low-speed wind tunnel. Furthermore, test results without interference correction in accordance with the reference data proves that the interference of Wire-Driven support system to flow field during wind tunnel tests is negligible. Finally, WDPR suspension system introduced in this paper will remarkably improve the efficiency and accuracy in wind tunnel test.
Anti-fibrotic therapy and lung transplant outcomes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Astor Todd L. , Goldberg Hilary J. , Snyder Laurie D. , Courtwright Andrew , Hachem Ramsey , Pena Tahuanty , Zaffiri Lorenzo , Criner Gerard J. , Budev Marie M. , Thaniyavarn Tany , Leonard Thomas B. , Bender Shaun , Barakat Aliaa , Breeze Janis L. , LaCamera Peter
Published: April 2023

Background:

It is unclear whether continuing anti-fibrotic therapy until the time of lung transplant increases the risk of complications in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Objectives:

To investigate whether the time between discontinuation of anti-fibrotic therapy and lung transplant in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis affects the risk of complications.

Methods:

We assessed intra-operative and post-transplant complications among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who underwent lung transplant and had been treated with nintedanib or pirfenidone continuously for ⩾ 90 days at listing. Patients were grouped according to whether they had a shorter (⩽ 5 medication half-lives) or longer (> 5 medication half-lives) time between discontinuation of anti-fibrotic medication and transplant. Five half-lives corresponded to 2 days for nintedanib and 1 day for pirfenidone.

Results:

Among patients taking nintedanib ( n = 107) or pirfenidone ( n = 190), 211 (71.0%) had discontinued anti-fibrotic therapy ⩽ 5 medication half-lives before transplant. Anastomotic and sternal dehiscence occurred only in this group (anastomotic: 11 patients [5.2%], p = 0.031 vs patients with longer time between discontinuation of anti-fibrotic medication and transplant; sternal: 12 patients [5.7%], p = 0.024). No differences were observed in surgical wound dehiscence, length of hospital stay, or survival to discharge between groups with a shorter versus longer time between discontinuation of anti-fibrotic therapy and transplant.

Conclusion:

Anastomotic and sternal dehiscence only occurred in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who discontinued anti-fibrotic therapy < 5 medication half-lives before transplant. The frequency of other intra-operative and post-transplant complications did not appear to differ depending on when anti-fibrotic therapy was discontinued.

Registration:

clinicaltrials.gov NCT04316780: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04316780
Long-term home mechanical ventilation using a noninvasive ventilator via tracheotomy in patients with myasthenia gravis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Yanbing , Li Tao , Shi Lei
Published: April 2023

Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are indications for long-term home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Noninvasive ventilation is preferred to HMV. However, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is more appropriate if the patient has uncontrollable airway secretions, the possibility of aspiration, failure to wean, or severe weakness of the respiratory muscles. But if the patient undergoes multiple intubation or tracheotomy, it will be more painful and unbearable. For some end-stage NMD patients who need long-term tracheostomy, HMV using noninvasive ventilator via tracheotomy may be a conservative care option. An 87-year-old male with myasthenia gravis underwent repeated IMV and failed to wean. We used a noninvasive ventilator connected to a tracheostomy tube for mechanical ventilation. One and a half years later, the patient weaned successfully. However, there was a lack of evidence-based medicine and standardized guidelines in such areas as indications, contraindications, and ventilator parameter setting. For the systematic review, a literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) to identify reported cases of using noninvasive ventilator in patients undergoing tracheostomy. A total of 72 cases who performed ventilation via tracheotomy tube were identified. The main diagnoses included NMD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). Indications included dysfunctional ventilatory weaning response (DVWR), apnea and cyanosis. Clinical outcome was as follows: 33 patients were weaned, and 24 patients underwent HMV. A total of 288 cases who performed ventilation through the mask after blocking the tracheostomy tube were identified. The primary diagnoses included COPD, NMD, thoracic restriction, spinal cord injured (SCI), and CCHS. Indications included DVWR, apnea and cyanosis, routine weaning. Clinical outcome was as follows: successful tracheostomy tube decannulations were performed in 254 patients and failed in 33 patients. So, in patients requiring HMV, selection of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or IMV should be individualized. Tracheostomy preservation should be considered in some patients with advanced NMD if there is respiratory muscle weakness or the risk of aspiration. And attempts can be made to use a noninvasive ventilator because of its advantages of portability, ease of operation, and low cost. Noninvasive ventilators can be used in patients with tracheotomy, whether direct connection tracheotomy or mask ventilation after the tube is capped, especially in weaning and tracheostomy tube decannulation.
Airway morphological abnormalities of bronchiolitis assessed by endobronchial optical coherence tomography
Authors: Su Zhu-Quan , Zhong Ming-Lu , Fan Ming-Yue , Rao Wan-Yuan , Zhou Zi-Qing , Chen Yu , Chen Xiao-Bo , Tang Chun-Li , Zhong Chang-Hao , Li Shi-Yue
Published: April 2023

Background:

A few studies have reported the medium-sized and small airway morphological abnormalities of bronchiolitis. Whether spirometry or impulse oscillometry (IOS) is correlated with airway remodeling of bronchiolitis remains unclear.

Objectives:

Aiming to demonstrate the airway morphological abnormalities of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) and diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) assessed by endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT), and elucidate whether spirometric and IOS parameters have correlation with the airway remodeling of bronchiolitis.

Methods:

We recruited 18 patients with bronchiolitis (BO, n = 9; DPB, n = 9) and 17 control subjects. Assessments of clinical features, St. George’s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), chest computed tomography (CT), spirometry, IOS, and EB-OCT were performed in all enrolled subjects. The correlation between EB-OCT and lung function parameters was studied and analyzed.

Results:

The magnitude of abnormalities of spirometric and IOS parameters was significantly greater in patients with bronchiolitis than that in control subjects ( p < 0.05). Patients with BO had notably lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF)% pred and higher resonant frequency (Fres), and area of reactance (AX) than those with DPB ( p < 0.05). The EB-OCT measurement among patients with bronchiolitis and between the bronchus in the left and the right lung demonstrated a heterogeneous distribution of airway calibers, presenting a high intra- and inter-individual variability. Patients with bronchiolitis had notably greater airway wall area ( p < 0.05) compared with control, while BO presented greater magnitude of airway abnormalities than DPB. Fres and the difference in airway resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5–R20) correlated negatively with medium-sized and small airway inner area, and correlated positively with airway wall area ( p < 0.05), whose correlation coefficients were higher than those of spirometric parameters.

Conclusion:

Bronchiolitis, BO and DPB, manifested a heterogeneous distribution of airway calibers with significant intra- and inter-individual variability. IOS parameters, rather than spirometry, correlated better with medium-sized and small airway remodeling in bronchiolitis assessed by EB-OCT measurement.
Endovascular treatment of acute basilar artery occlusion in patients with and without atrial fibrillation: results from the ATTENTION registry
Authors: Feng Shuo , Li Tong , Wu Yingchun , Shi Hongchao , Liu Yongchang , Xu Bo , Xu Chenghua , Zhou Qingqing , Qu Fengling , Li Rui , Tao Chunrong , Sun Wen , Hu Wei , Liu Xinfeng
Published: April 2023

Background:

Previous studies have shown a potential beneficial effect of endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). It was unclear that whether atrial fibrillation (AF) can affect the clinical outcomes for BAO patients treated with EVT.

Objectives:

To investigate the association between AF and clinical outcomes, and whether AF can modify the efficacy and safety of EVT in patients with BAO.

Design:

We conducted a multicenter, nationwide, retrospective analysis to investigate how the presence of AF affects treatment allocation for BAO patients.

Methods:

The endovascular treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion (ATTENTION) registry was a multicenter, prospective study in China that included acute BAO patients who underwent EVT or received best medical management (BMM) between 2017 and 2021. The outcomes include the distribution of 3-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, functional independence (defined as mRS 0–3), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and mortality.

Results:

2134 patients were included in the study, of which 619 had AF and 1515 did not have AF. The median age was 65 (interquartile range [IQR]: 56–73) years, and 689 (32.3%) patients were female. Multivariate regression analysis indicated no significant association existed between AF and the distribution of mRS (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.05 [95% CI: 0.88, 1.25]; p = 0.564) at 90 days. Similarly, AF was not found to have a significant association with and other measured outcomes, or with the effects of EVT in AF subgroups for at 90 days as measured by ordinal mRS ( p for heterogeneity = 0.247). Finally, no significant differences were found for symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and mortality within 90 days between the EVT and BMM groups across AF subgroups.

Conclusions:

Our results illustrated that the effect of EVT did not differ statistically in acute ischemic stroke patients with and without AF. Moreover, no significant association between AF and functional or safety outcomes could be detected at 90 days.