bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Video Electroencephalography (EEG) for Event Characterization in Critically Ill Children
Authors: DiBacco Melissa L. , Cavan Kelly , Sansevere Arnold J.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine features of paroxysmal events and background electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities associated with electroclinical seizures in critically ill children who undergo continuous video EEG to characterize clinical events.

Methods

This is a prospective study of critically ill children from July 2016 to October 2018. Non-neonates with continuous video EEG indication to characterize a clinical event were included. Patients with continuous video EEG to assess for subclinical seizures due to unexplained encephalopathy and those whose event of concern were not captured on continuous video EEG were excluded. The event to be characterized was taken from documented descriptions of health care providers and classified as motor, ocular, orobuccal, autonomic, and other. In patients with more than 1 component to their paroxysmal event, the events were classified as motor plus and nonmotor plus.

Results

One hundred patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria, with electroclinical seizures captured in 30% (30/100). The most common event to be characterized was an autonomic event in 32% (32/100). Asymmetry and epileptiform discharges were associated with electroclinical seizures (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-6.5, P = .03; and OR 12.5, 95% CI 4.4-35.6, P < .0001). Autonomic events alone, particularly unexplained vital sign changes, were not associated with electroclinical seizures (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.11-0.93, P = .03).

Conclusions

Isolated autonomic events are unlikely to be electroclinical seizures. Details of the paroxysmal events in question can help decide which patient will benefit most from continuous video EEG based on institutional resources.
Self-adaptive coordination for fuel-constrained robot teams with periodic and aperiodic communications
Authors: Kenzin Maksim , Bychkov Igor , Maksimkin Nikolai
Published: May 2022

This paper introduces a novel mission-planning scheme to coordinate a heterogeneous team of mobile robots under fuel and communication constraints. The proposed scheme has a two-level structure, where the upper level is responsible for scheduling team communication, recharging and regrouping activities, while the lower level provides plans and routes for individual group members. Such decomposition allows us to relieve an overall group routing problem by singling out the harshest constraints as a separate time-management problem. Thus, the high-level planning problem is to construct a group schedule ensuring both the efficient refuelling order and the required communication periodicity. The problem is formulated in terms of workforce scheduling problems and a hybrid evolutionary algorithm is developed to solve it. The lower-level module is to arrange emergent team communication sessions in case of unpredicted events. This original problem combines features of vehicle routing problems and special aspects of multi-agent network spreading models. A few simple ruled-based heuristics are presented to treat the problem in a timely manner.
Economic instability and pollution emissions in developing countries: A panel data investigation
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Rana Arslan Tariq , Ghardallou Wafa
Published: May 2022

Developing economies are characterized by unstable and volatile growth performance. Some recent studies argue that this can potentially undermine their environmental quality. This study tests the impact of macroeconomic instability on pollution emissions for a large panel of developing countries. Thus, we extend the standard environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework and include the indicator of economic instability in addition to the other variables, including income, income squared, financial development, FDI, and trade openness. For this purpose, we use the annual dataset of 34 developing countries over the period 1985–2019. The empirical analysis comprises both short-run and long-run relationships among the selected variables, using panel cointegration and the Panel Vector Error Correction Model (P-VECM). The estimated results confirm our hypothesized pollution-enhancing effects of economic instability on the sample economies. Furthermore, we confirm the validity of the EKC hypothesis in the sample economies. These findings suggest that developing economies should ensure economic stability to control their CO2 emissions.
Transformational Leadership and Organizational Commitment: A Higher Educational Institutions Perspective
Authors: Mishra Amar Kumar , Upadhyay Rajesh Kumar
Published: May 2022

Higher educational institutions (HEIs) in India are plagued by many problems, one of the most noticeable being the high rate of attrition and turnover. While several factors account for turnover, one of the most prominent reasons for most employees is the lack of identification and belongingness with their institutions. The affection, however, does not evolve in a day and requires perennial nurturing from transformational leaders. Transformational leaders pervade a feeling of belongingness among employees for their organization through transcendence of employees’ interests for organizational interests. The relationship between transformational leaders and organizational commitment, though well documented, is not linear or direct. The mechanisms and boundary condition that explains these effects have remained a holy grail in Indian HEIs. The present study proposed that organizational commitment can be increased by transformational leadership associated with motivational job characteristics. It further proposed that the perceived organizational support strengthens the relation between transformational leadership and job characteristics as well as between job characteristics and organizational commitment. The study employed a survey method using a proportionate stratified random sampling method to collect data from 320 employees from 32 institutions. Results of our study support a structural model whereby indirect effects supplement the direct effects of transformational leadership on organizational commitment through the mechanisms of job characteristics. Further, it found that the relationships were significantly stronger for followers who perceived more organizational support. The findings of this study will help institutions to get a dedicated and committed workforce to render their service for long and reduce the cost of recruitment, selection, training and switching.
Percentage of U.S. General Population Accommodated by Commercial Airline Seats
Authors: Rusch Jacob P. , Marklin Richard W.
Published: May 2022

The number of seats per airplane has increased over the years, leading to a decrease in seat width and legroom. Using the HFES Multivariate Accommodation Testing Tool, the percentage of the general population accommodated in a static seated posture was calculated with respect to two important design dimensions of airline seats, seat width and legroom. Results from this article can inform seat manufacturers and airlines on how to design seats that physically accommodate the largest number of passengers. This paper does not address passenger safety and comfort, which are complex, multi-factor issues that extend beyond physical accommodation.
Experiencing Time—A Commentary on Recent Perspectives on the Perception of Time
Authors: Smith Thomas J.
Published: May 2022

The research reported in this article demonstrates that the passage of time is not directly perceived. The implication is that time is the only environmental stimulus that cannot be directly experienced as perceived sensory feedback

The research reported in this article demonstrates that the passage of time is not directly perceived. This conclusion is supported by the following observations: 1) down through the millennia, there have been recurrent ergonomic efforts to design technological proxies—from the pyramids to the atomic clock—for detecting the passage of time; and 2) these efforts point to our reliance on technology, rather than our own sensory feedback control capabilities, to track time. The implication of the research is that time represents the only environmental stimulus that cannot be directly experienced as perceived sensory feedback.
Foreign Bodies in Sinonasal Tissues: A Potential Pitfall yet a Hint to Oroantral Fistulas
Authors: AbdullGaffar Badr , Manzlgi Munzer , Awadhi Farzad
Published: May 2022

Foreign bodies in the maxillary sinus are infrequent findings with various organic and inorganic materials have been reported. Most are iatrogenic due to abnormal communications between the oral cavity and the sinus cavity, predominantly secondary to dental and oral procedures. Oroantral fistulas might be asymptomatic incidental findings or may present with sinusitis-related symptoms. Even though oroantral fistulas are frequently encountered iatrogenic complications, most studies focused on radiologic findings and surgical closure procedures. A few cases reported the histopathologic findings of foreign body-related antral sinusitis. Our aim is to report three cases of chronic maxillary sinusitis induced by various foreign bodies of oral and dental origin associated with oroantral fistulas. Our focus is to highlight the different histopathologic patterns, potential pitfalls and helpful clues of foreign body-induced maxillary sinusitis. Altered foreign bodies in procured sinus specimens might be missed, misinterpreted or ignored by pathologists. Obvious vegetable food remnants were detected, but subtle vegetable residuals showed pulse granuloma, rings and sheet-like patterns embedded in the granulation tissue and fibrous stroma. Some materials mimicked fungal hyphae while others were ignored as nonspecific debris. Periodic acid Schiff stain and polarizing light helped delineate their nature. Other helpful hints included the presence of oral-type squamous epithelium, crystals, hemosiderin pigments, dental materials such as alvogyl, and microorganisms of oral origin for example Actinomyces. Our series emphasizes the importance of correct recognition of foreign bodies of oral and dental origin in paranasal specimens to guide clinicians to the possibility of oroantral fistula-associated odontogenic sinusitis versus conventional rhinosinusitis.
Diagnostic Challenges and Pitfalls of Mammary Pleomorphic Adenoma Illustrated by a Case Report
Authors: Joyon Natacha , Mathieu Marie-Christine , Rouleau Etienne , Roulot-Paumelle Aurélie , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Suciu Voichita
Published: May 2022

Mammary pleomorphic adenoma is a biphasic tumor, characterized by epithelial-myoepithelial components with myxochondroid stroma, resembling the prototypic pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands. We report the multiple diagnostic pitfalls raised by a mammary pleomorphic adenoma, initially diagnosed as mucinous carcinoma on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and invasive carcinoma on needle core biopsy. The final diagnosis was made on the surgical specimen. As the term “pleomorphic” suggests, this tumor can present various phenotypes, some of which might be misleading on both FNA cytology or needle core biopsy. Rearrangements in PLAG1 and HMGA2 genes have not been detected in our patient. Mammary pleomorphic adenoma is considered a benign tumor, despite rare local recurrence and malignant behavior. Its correct identification, despite the difficulties, is essential to avoid unnecessary aggressive treatment.
Perception, knowledge, and handling practice regarding the risk of exposure to antineoplastic drugs in oncology day hospitalization units and compounding unit staff
Authors: Benoist Hubert , Busson Amandine , Faveyrial Audrey , Bouhier-Leporrier Karine , Divanon Fabienne , Breuil Cécile , Roger-Leenaert Sophie , Palix Agnès , Odou Pascal , Simon Nicolas , Saint-Lorant Guillaume
Published: May 2022

Background

Antineoplastic drug exposure is a major problem in regard to caregivers’ health. The aim of the present study was to assess the perception, knowledge, and handling practices of all occupation level categories of two oncology day hospitalization units and two compounding units regarding the risk of exposure to antineoplastic drugs.

Methods

This descriptive study, performed through face-to-face interviews, concurrently assessed the perception, knowledge, and handling practices of antineoplastic drugs in five different job categories in four different settings. This work was part of a larger comprehensive project examining surface and blood contamination. Different scores were assigned to evaluate responses to a questionnaire about the perception, knowledge, and handling practices of healthcare workers, a risk global score including a risk perception score, and education/knowledge and handling practices scores.

Results

In the survey, continuous training was associated with the global risk score ( p = 0.03), particularly with the handling practices risk score ( p = 0.01). Job category was also significantly associated with the global risk score ( p < 0.001), particularly with the handling practices risk score ( p < 0.001) and the education/knowledge score ( p < 0.001). Pharmacy technicians had the highest score regarding risk perception (71.4%), indicating a higher perception of risk, and had a lower score regarding handling practices (25.0%) as well as a lower score (15.7%) regarding risk knowledge. Nurses and physicians had a high score (50%) regarding the risk of handling practices and a score of 57.1% regarding risk perception, indicating an increased perception of safety. Auxiliary caregivers had the highest global score (43.5%) and a score of 30.0% regarding handling practices.

Conclusions

This study identified significant differences among healthcare workers depending on job categories in the antineoplastic drug handling practices and in the knowledge of the risks associated with occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs. These differences were particularly important between trained and untrained participants, revealing the importance of implementing a continuous training program.
The Impact of Mobile Social App Usage on Offline Shopping Store Visits
Authors: Cui Xuebin , Sun Yacheng , Chen Yubo , Wu Banggang
Published: May 2022

This research is a first empirical investigation into the effect of mobile social app usage on consumers’ decisions to visit offline stores and how such an effect varies across consumers and carries over time. The analysis combines data on mobile app usage at the individual consumer level with a fine-grained geolocation data set. The authors find a positive effect of social app usage on consumers’ visits to brick-and-mortar stores. This effect is amplified by the consumer's mobility level and the offline store density in the consumer's neighborhood. The positive impact of social app usage carries over for up to nine days, indicating a short-term effect. Additional analyses indicate that such an effect is likely due to consumers’ social discovery of product- and store-related information via word of mouth on strong-tie social apps (i.e., instant messaging apps). These results point to new opportunities for offline retailers seeking to acquire customers via the mobile channel.
Lack of association between feline AB blood groups and retroviral status: a multicenter, multicountry study
Authors: Spada Eva , Jung Hyein , Proverbio Daniela , Perego Roberta , Baggiani Luciana , Ciuti Silvia , Sharp Claire R , Nash Katherine J , Westman Mark , Lait Philippa JP , Davidow Elizabeth B
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The relationship between blood group antigens and disease has been studied in humans. Blood types have been associated with both decreased and increased rates of various infections. In addition, blood group expression has been shown to vary with some cancers and gastrointestinal diseases. The objective of this study was to explore whether there is a relationship between blood type and retroviral infections in cats.

Methods

Case records from a veterinary research laboratory, veterinary teaching hospitals and veterinary blood banks were retrospectively searched for cats where both blood type and retroviral status (feline leukemia [FeLV], feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV] or both) were listed (part 1). In addition, a sample of 33 cats with confirmed FIV infection was genotyped to determine blood groups (part 2).

Results

In part 1, 709 cats were identified, 119 of which were positive for retroviral infection. Among all cases, 621 were type A (87.6%), 68 were type B (9.6%) and 20 were type AB (2.8%). There was no relationship between overall retroviral status (positive/negative) and blood type ( P = 0.43), between FeLV status and blood type ( P = 0.86) or between FIV status and blood type ( P = 0.94). There was no difference in the distribution of blood types between cats that were healthy and typed as possible blood donors vs sick cats that were typed prior to a possible transfusion ( P = 0.13). In part 2, of the 33 FIV-infected cats, all blood group genotypes were identified, although this test did not discriminate type A from type AB.

Conclusions and relevance

No relationship was identified between feline retroviral status and blood type in this study. The relationship between blood type and other disease states requires further study in veterinary patients.
The positioning of the catheter tip with an intracavitary electrocardiogram in epicutaneo–caval catheter placement via lower limbs in newborns: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Sha , Zhu Yuxin , Du Yuqiong , Yin Xinxin
Published: May 2022

Objective:

Few studies have been conducted on whether catheterisation via the lower limb pathway is suitable for intracavitary electrocardiogram (ECG) technology. This study explored the positioning of the epicutaneo–caval catheter (ECC) tip with intracavitary ECG via the lower limbs in newborns to determine its optimal placement and to improve the success rate of ECC placement using this method.

Methods:

Twenty-eight cases were selected for the observation group. The tip location with intracavitary ECG method was used to observe the changes in specific atrial depolarisation (P-wave) during the catheterisation process to determine whether the catheter tip was in the correct position. For comparative observation, chest X-rays and abdominal radiographs were taken within 24 h to determine sensitivity and specificity. The control group included 28 cases where the ECCs were inserted via the lower limbs, and chest X-rays and abdominal radiographs were taken within 24 h after the line was placed to confirm the correct positioning.

Results:

The success rate of the observation group was 91.30% (there were two cases of primary malposition), and the success rate of the control group was 78.57% (there were six cases of primary malposition). The success rate of the observation group was higher compared with the control group.

Conclusion:

The tip location with intracavitary ECG method improved the success rate of ECC placement via the lower limbs in neonates. This method can effectively prevent the occurrence of lower limb primary catheter malposition and has significant clinical application value.
Psychological therapists’ perceptions of adolescent depression and its treatment: A mixed methods online survey
Authors: Cliffe Bethany , Peck Amelia , Shafique Jawairya , Hards Emily , Loades Maria E
Published: May 2022

Background:

Challenges to implementating interventions for adolescent depression exist. Exploring the perceptions of key stakeholders in the treatment of adolescent depression is essential for improving implementation . This study aimed to explore psychological therapists’ perceptions of, and experiences treating, adolescent depression to identify future avenues for exploration.

Method:

Data were collected opportunistically via a survey integrated within an e-learning package about adolescent depression.

Results:

Participants believed that adolescent depression was characterised by adolescents’ lack of understanding, isolation, and a lack of hope and knowledge. Participants overcame engagement barriers by building trust. Following the e-learning, participants expressed increased understanding of the risk factors associated with adolescent depression and of assessment using different measures. Several key areas for future research to explore were identified and discussed, including (1) whether clinicians of different modalities or at different career stages have difference perceptions, (2) how to meaningfully engage adolescents in treatment and (3) how to train clinicians on different modalities so patients have a choice over their treatment.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the value of knowledge gained from understanding psychological therapists’ perceptions and illustrates how this can contribute to the improved treatment of adolescent depression.
Modal parameters-based hunting stability analysis of high-speed railway vehicles considering full range of equivalent conicity
Authors: Sun Jianfeng , Chi Maoru , Jiao Weidong , Jiang Yonghua , Li Gang , Shi JiZhong
Published: May 2022

The balance of vehicle parameters to avoid both the carbody and bogie hunting instabilities existing at different stage of vehicle operation is a long-standing problem. However, most of the existing researches focus on a single form of hunting instability and only take specific value of equivalent conicity as the worst case of wheel-rail contact relationship. To face this challenging problem, this paper studies the hunting stability of high-speed railway vehicles from the perspective of modal parameters based linearized analysis. The root locus analysis is carried out first to observe the modal information and hunting stability. The continuous modal tracking method is exploited to understand the variation regularity of each mode under the speed parametric excitation, especially when the frequency coupling occurs. Two objective functions related to the minimal damping ratio are proposed to indicate the severity of carbody and bogie hunting instabilities, respectively. The proposed objective functions consider the full range of running speed and wheel-rail contact conicity during operation. Starting from the objective functions, the sensitive analysis and a vector evaluated genetic algorithm are implemented to optimize the suspension parameters. Finally, the optimal solution of the suspension parameters is obtained after a generation of 20. The research method presented in this paper deepens the understanding of hunting motion and improves the vehicle stability in a simple, efficient and effective way.
Mobilizing Peripheral Partisan Voters: A Field Experimental Analysis From Three California Congressional Election Campaigns
Authors: Shaw Daron R. , Dun Lindsay , Heise Sarah
Published: May 2022

Since the early 2000s, an array of experimental research has demonstrated that face-to-face canvassing is the most effective form of get-out-the-vote campaigning. Recent scholarship, however, suggests that text messaging can also have powerful mobilization effects. Can the effects of text messaging match those of canvassing? We present a field experiment gauging the effects of text messaging, canvassing, mail, and phone calls among medium propensity evangelical Christian voters in three California battleground congressional districts for the 2018 midterm election. The results show significant turnout effects associated with texting as well as any form of outreach followed by a late-October text message. This challenges the widely held notion that personalized contacting is required to get voters to the polls; rather, we find that peripheral voters—often targeted by campaigns for mobilization—may be receptive to anonymous but timely outreach.
Online Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Two College Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: López-Pinar Carlos , Vicente-Gispert Andrea
Published: May 2022

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent disorder among college students. Although there is growing literature supporting the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for this population, no previous study has investigated the feasibility of it being delivered online. In addition, recent evidence suggests that online therapy could be possible for other diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, or health-related disorders. Therefore, research in this area could be critical, as online settings could also improve accessibility to evidence-based interventions for college students with ADHD. This study describes the implementation of CBT for ADHD intervention delivered online for two college students with this diagnosis. We found improvements in both self-reported and clinician-assessed outcomes, in measuring ADHD-related behaviors, executive functioning, emotional comorbidities, and quality of life. These changes were more evident in the case that was more severe at pre-treatment, and were maintained at a 6-month follow-up; even further improvements in self-reported quality of life were observed. These findings support the potential feasibility and clinical utility of online CBT in this population.
Trapeziectomy, Partial Trapezoidectomy, and Abductor Pollicis Longus Dual Loop Ligament Reconstruction for Advanced Basal Joint Arthritis: Long-Term Outcome of 150 Cases
Authors: Melone Charles P. , Lovy Andrew J. , Ciaglia Mark , Qin BaiJing
Published: May 2022

Background:

Although hand surgeons usually concur that arthroplasty is indicated for disabling basal joint arthritis, controversy persists regarding the preferred surgical methods. This article describes a novel technique of trapezial excisional arthroplasty with partial trapezoidectomy and abductor pollicis longus (APL) dual ligament reconstruction, and reports the long-term results of 150 cases. Based on this experience, we hypothesize that this technique is a reliably effective and durable surgical option for basal joint arthritis.

Methods:

This study evaluated consecutive patients with Eaton and Littler advanced stage III/IV basal joint arthritis, treated by this procedure, and followed for a minimum of 10 years. Outcome assessment included grip and pinch strength, thumb mobility, radiographic parameters, pain relief, and patient-reported outcomes as measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scoring system.

Results:

A total of 150 thumbs in 124 patients with an average follow-up of 13.5 years (range, 10-22 years) were studied. Alleviation of pain and patient satisfaction were constant outcomes, and the mean DASH score was a normative 8.7. Grip and pinch strength were significantly improved ( P < .001), carpometacarpal joint malalignment and adduction deformities were consistently corrected, complications were few, and revision surgery was unnecessary.

Conclusions:

These results support the premise that trapeziectomy and partial trapezoidectomy with APL dual ligament stabilization is a reliable and durable arthroplasty for basal joint arthritis with distinct advantages and equally favorable outcomes when compared with other frequently employed methods.
BOBBY balloon guide catheter thrombectomy in large-vessel occlusion stroke: Initial experience
Authors: Topiwala Karan , Quinn Coridon , Mehta Tapan , Masood Kamran , Grande Andrew , Tummala Ramachandra , Jagadeesan Bharathi
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Nonrandomized studies have found Balloon Guide Catheter (BGC) use to improve technical and functional outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data of consecutive ischemic stroke patients undergoing MT at our institution (December 2020-October 2021). Interventions where BOBBY BGC (BBGC, MicroVentionTM, Aliso Viejo, CA) was used were identified. Baseline demographics and clinico-radiographic characteristics were retrospectively collected and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 43 patients received BBGC-MT (male: female = 26:17, median age 72 years [IQR 62-82]). The most common occlusion site was the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (60.4%). Over half (51.2%) received intravenous thrombolytics. The BBGC tracked well over tortuous aortic arches (type II 34.8%, type III 16.3%), with median arteriotomy-to-perfusion time of 29 min (IQR 20-46). Thromboaspiration was used as first-line MT technique in 69.7% cases, with 1 (IQR 1-2) median MT pass achieving modified TICI (thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia) scores of 3 and 2b/3 in 74.4% and 95.3% respectively. Our overall first pass effect (FPE, defined as mTICI 3 after firs-pass) and modified FPE (defined as, mTICI 2b/3 after first-pass) rates were 51.1% and 79.1% respectively, with rates of 92.3% and 100% respectively when stentretriever and thromboaspiration were combined. The median reduction in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 9 (IQR 4–15, p < 0.0001), with a median 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 1.5 (IQR 0-2).

Conclusions

BOBBY BGC use resulted in a high first-pass effect rate and may contribute towards improved functional outcomes.
The Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Hyaluronic Acid on Perforation of Nasal Septum
Authors: Celik Serdal , Kilic Osman , Zenginkinet Tulay , Tuysuz Ozan , Kalcioglu M. Tayyar
Published: May 2022

Background

Conservative approaches and surgical methods have been tried for the treatment of nasal septum perforations (NSPs), but a satisfactory method has not yet been determined.

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in repairing NSPs, which were experimentally created in rabbit septum.

Methods

A total of 36 white New Zealand rabbits were included in the study. Perforations measuring 0.7 × 0.7 cm were created in their nasal septa. No additional intervention was made to the control group, which was the first group. For the second, third, and fourth groups, respectively, HA, PRF, and HA + PRF were used in the NSP region. Macroscopic and histopathological evaluations were performed after 40 days.

Results

In the first group, closure was observed in none of the rabbits’ NSPs. In the second group, 6 rabbits (66.7%) had full closure in their NSPs. In the third group, the NSP of 6 rabbits (66.7%) was completely closed. In the fourth group, the NSP of 7 rabbits (77.8%) had full closure.

Conclusion

Statistically significant closure was achieved with PRF and/or HA in rabbits in which NSP was established. These materials can be used to increase the likelihood of perforations closing.
Informing Future Paralympic Media Approaches: The Perspective of Canadian Paralympic Athletes
Authors: Pearson Erin , Misener Laura
Published: May 2022

Media coverage of the Paralympic Games can affect how athletes with impairment and disability sport are perceived by the public. Researchers investigating media representations of disability sport have focused on how Paralympic athletes and disability sport are represented by the media. Limited research, however, has examined how Paralympic athletes perceive these representations of themselves and the meanings they attribute to such representations. The purpose of this study was to examine how Paralympic athletes make meaning of discourses of disability within Paralympic coverage. This involved semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews with eight Canadian Paralympic athletes. A reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) was used to analyze the data utilizing Foucault’s notions of discourse, power, and technologies of the self. The findings demonstrate that Paralympic athletes made meaning of the discourses of disability within Paralympic media coverage by drawing on their lived and media experiences. Athletes with more media experience articulated problematizations of dominant discourses of disability in Paralympic media coverage and engagement in technologies of the self. Knowledge generated from this study offers media personnel an informed understanding of how Paralympic athletes understand representations of disability and disability sport. This knowledge may offer insight and inform future media approaches of disability sport and the Paralympic Games.
Exploring Common Method Variance in Analytics Research in the Indian Context: A Comparative Study with Known Techniques
Authors: Saxena Mansi , Bagga Teena , Gupta Sangeeta , Kaushik Neeraj
Published: May 2022

The correlational marker technique by Lindell and Whitney for controlling method variance by adding an unrelated variable in the study is gaining a rage of debate and demands analysis study. This article explores common method variance in HR analytics research made in the Indian context. The study makes a comparative study upon common method variance with three known techniques. In our study, we test the biases in the HR analytics data using Harman’s single-factor test, the common latent factor technique and the comprehensive confirmatory factor analysis marker approach. Common method variance was tested through Analysis of Moment Structures, version 21.0, by adding an unrelated variable. This article explains the implementation and testing of a marker variable and its impact in comparison to other practices for bias testing. The article also discusses the importance of selecting a marker variable in the questionnaire while collecting data.
Testing of Random Walk Hypothesis in the Cryptocurrency Market
Authors: Verma Ruchita , Sharma Dhanraj , Sam Shiney
Published: May 2022

Cryptocurrency as a financial asset has emerged as a fad among investors, academicians and policymakers alike. In a financial purview, this study intends to empirically test the behaviour of the cryptocurrency return, inferring its market efficiency. For this purpose, daily data of five cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether and Ripple) have been collected from 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2021 to investigate the well-known financial theory of random walk hypothesis for this young market. To provide statistical evidence and ensure the robustness of results, analysis is performed using the variance ratio test, augmented Dickey–Fuller test, Philip–Perron test, Breusch–Godfrey serial correlation LM test and ARIMA model. The statistical results illustrated strong evidence refuting the presence of the random walk hypothesis in this emerging market, thus implying inefficiency in the cryptocurrency market. Furthermore, the absence of random walk in the cryptocurrency makes this financial asset predictable, giving investors an arbitrage edge to earn abnormal gains using trading strategies, which is euphoria.
Improved Patient Experience and Outcomes: Is Patient–Provider Concordance the Key?
Authors: Otte Sonia V.
Published: May 2022

Health disparities remain ubiquitous in the United States despite initiatives by the federal government and other organizations. A long-term solution for health inequity is needed in order to help improve patient outcomes for all. The purpose of this review is to examine if racial, gender, or multifactorial concordance (eg, race, age, gender, education, language) between patient and provider leads to a better patient experience and improved health outcomes. A PubMed search for articles published between 2016 and 2021 resulted in 23 separate studies that met inclusion criteria. The results from these studies were inconclusive in determining an association between patient–provider concordance and patient outcomes. Further research is needed to evaluate the positive, neutral, and sometimes negative impact of patient–provider concordance. By diversifying healthcare professions and improving cultural competency and communication training programs, providers may be better prepared to care for diverse populations in both concordant and discordant patient relationships.
A Sensational View of Human Learning, Thinking, and Language
Authors: Gee James Paul , Zhang Qing Archer
Published: May 2022

Educational research regularly claims, with lots of evidence, that humans learn from experience. However, experience is composed of outer and inner sensations. Thus, if humans learn from experience, we would expect that educational research would be replete with work on sensation. Yet sensation in the wild, outside laboratory studies, plays no real role in educational research on teaching and learning. This paper is based on current research, in several different disciplines, that sensation and feeling activate, guide, and assess cognition and that much of human thinking and problem-solving is based on associations formed from experience that are triggered quickly and unconsciously. We explore the nature of living things, learning and thinking without consciousness, the distinctive nature of the human brain and body, and the role of the physical and social body in cognition. The paper discusses some of the implications of a sensation-based view of human thinking and acting for how we study learning, language, and social identity.
The need to accurately measure energy intake and expenditure in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Hughes Michael , Harrison Elizabeth , Herrick Ariane L , McLaughlin John T , Lal Simon
Published: May 2022

Background:

Malnutrition is common in systemic sclerosis and patients are frequently underweight. However, the balance between assessed dietary energy intake versus expenditure has been neglected to date. This study aimed to assess energy (dietary) intakes and expenditures and to compare discrepancies in systemic sclerosis.

Methods:

Thirty-six outpatients with systemic sclerosis completed the study. Demographics and clinical data were recorded. Functional questionnaires were completed. Predicted energy requirements were calculated. Over a consecutive 3-day period, patients completed an estimated food diary and wore a specialist energy expenditure monitor (SenseWear® Armband). Assessments of intake and expenditure were compared for individual patients, and the impact according to patient demographics, clinical manifestations and disease severity evaluated.

Results:

Energy intake did not correlate with predicted (s = 0.117; p = 0.511) or measured (s = −0.039; p = 0.825) expenditures. Predicted and measured energy expenditures correlated, but actual values differed for individuals (intraclass correlation = 0.62; 95% limits of agreement = −459 to 751 kcal). Respiratory involvement was negatively correlated with number of steps (s = −0.350; p = 0.04) and time spent lying (s = 0.333; p = 0.05). There was a significant correlation between body mass index and predicted versus measured energy discrepancy (s = 0.41; p = 0.02), and this discrepancy was greater with higher body mass indices.

Conclusion:

There was no correlation between intake and either predicted or measured energy expenditure. Predicted and measured energy expenditures were strongly correlated yet differed for the individual patient. In patients with systemic sclerosis, where energy expenditure must be accurately assessed, it should be directly measured.
Parallel multi-swarm cooperative particle swarm optimization for protein–ligand docking and virtual screening
Authors: Li Chao , Li Jinxing , Sun Jun , Mao Li , Palade Vasile , Ahmad Bilal
Published: May 2022

Background

A high-quality docking method tends to yield multifold gains with half pains for the new drug development. Over the past few decades, great efforts have been made for the development of novel docking programs with great efficiency and intriguing accuracy. AutoDock Vina (Vina) is one of these achievements with improved speed and accuracy compared to AutoDock4. Since it was proposed, some of its variants, such as PSOVina and GWOVina, have also been developed. However, for all these docking programs, there is still large room for performance improvement.

Results

In this work, we propose a parallel multi-swarm cooperative particle swarm model, in which one master swarm and several slave swarms mutually cooperate and co-evolve. Our experiments show that multi-swarm programs possess better docking robustness than PSOVina. Moreover, the multi-swarm program based on random drift PSO can achieve the best highest accuracy of protein–ligand docking, an outstanding enrichment effect for drug-like activate compounds, and the second best AUC screening accuracy among all the compared docking programs, but with less computation consumption than most of the other docking programs.

Conclusion

The proposed multi-swarm cooperative model is a novel algorithmic modeling suitable for protein–ligand docking and virtual screening. Owing to the existing coevolution between the master and the slave swarms, this model in parallel generates remarkable docking performance. The source code can be freely downloaded fromhttps://github.com/li-jin-xing/MPSOVina.
Anesthesia personnel’s visual attention regarding patient monitoring in simulated non-critical and critical situations, an eye-tracking study
Authors: Roche Tadzio R. , Maas Elise J. C. , Said Sadiq , Braun Julia , Machado Carl , Spahn Donat R. , Noethiger Christoph B. , Tscholl David W.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cognitive ergonomics design of patient monitoring may reduce human factor errors in high-stress environments. Eye-tracking is a suitable tool to gain insight into the distribution of visual attention of healthcare professionals with patient monitors, which may facilitate their further development.

Methods

This prospective, exploratory, high-fidelity simulation study compared anesthesia personnel’s visual attention (fixation count and dwell-time) to 15 areas of interest on the patient monitor during non-critical and critical anesthesia situations. Furthermore, we examined the extent to which participants’ experience influenced visual attention and which vital signs displayed on the patient monitor received the most visual attention. We used mixed zero-inflated Poisson regression and mixed linear models to analyze the data.

Results

Analyzing 23 ten-minute scenarios, we found significantly more fixations to the areas of interest on the patient monitor during critical than non-critical situations (rate ratio of 1.45; 95% CI 1.33 to 1.59; p < 0.001). However, the dwell-time on the areas of interest did not significantly differ between the non-critical and critical situations (coefficient of − 1.667; 95% CI − 4.549 to 1.229; p = 0.27). The professional experience did not significantly influence the visual attention (fixation: rate ratio of 0.88; 95% CI 0.54 to 1.43; p = 0.61 and dwell-time: coefficient of 0.889; 95% CI − 1.465 to 3.229; p = 0.27).

Over all situations, anesthesia personnel paid the most attention to the vital signs blood pressure (fixation: mean [SD] of 108 [74.83]; dwell-time: mean [SD] of 27 [15.90] seconds), end-expiratory carbon dioxide (fixation: mean [SD] of 59 [47.39]; dwell-time: mean [SD] of 30 [21.51] seconds), and the electrocardiogram (fixation: mean [SD] of 58 [64.70]; dwell-time: mean [SD] of 15 [14.95] seconds).

Conclusions

Critical anesthesia situations increased anesthesia personnel’s visual interaction with the patient monitor. Furthermore, we found that their visual attention focused mainly on a few vital signs. To assist clinicians in critical situations, manufacturers should optimize monitors to convey necessary information as easily and quickly as possible and optimize the visibility of less frequently observed but equally critical vital signs, especially when they are in an abnormal range.
Linoleic acid pathway disturbance contributing to potential cancerization of intrahepatic bile duct stones into intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jun , Lu Jiongjiong , Lv Shaodong , Sun Shujun , Liu Caifeng , Xu Feng , Sun Haiying , Yang Jiamei , Wang Xinjun , Zhong Xingyang , Lu Junhua
Published: May 2022

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy with poor prognosis. Intrahepatic bile duct stone (IBDS) is one of the key causes to ICC occurrence and can increase morbidity rate of ICC about forty times. However, the specific carcinogenesis of IBDS is still far from clarified. Insight into the metabolic phenotype difference between IBDS and ICC can provide potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets, which is expected to inhibit the carcinogenesis of IBDS and improve the prognosis of ICC.

Methods

A total of 34 participants including 25 ICC patients and 9 IBDS patients were recruited. Baseline information inclusive of liver function indicators, tumor biomarkers, surgery condition and constitution parameters etc. from patients were recorded. ICC and IBDS pathological tissues, as well as ICC para-carcinoma tissues, were collected for GC–MS based metabolomics experiments. Multivariate analysis was performed to find differentially expressed metabolites and differentially enriched metabolic pathways. Spearman correlation analysis was then used to construct correlation network between key metabolite and baseline information of patients.

Results

The IBDS tissue and para-carcinoma tissue have blurred metabolic phenotypic differences, but both of them essentially distinguished from carcinoma tissue of ICC. Metabolic differences between IBDS and ICC were enriched in linoleic acid metabolism pathway, and the level of 9,12-octadecadienoic acid in IBDS tissues was almost two times higher than in ICC pathological tissues. The correlation between 9,12-octadecadienoic acid level and baseline information of patients demonstrated that 9,12-octadecadienoic acid level in pathological tissue was negative correlation with gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in peripheral blood. These two indicators were all cancerization marker for hepatic carcinoma and disease characteristic of IBDS.

Conclusion

Long-term monitoring of metabolites from linoleic acid metabolism pathway and protein indicators of liver function in IBDS patients has important guiding significance for the monitoring of IBDS carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, further insight into the causal relationship between linoleic acid pathway disturbance and changes in liver function can provide important therapeutic targets for both IBDS and ICC.
The potential impact of nutritional intake on symptoms severity in patients with comorbid migraine and irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Magdy Rehab , Eid Ragaey A , Hassan Mahmoud , Abdelghaffar Mohamed , El Sayed Asmaa F , Mohammed Zeinab , Hussein Mona
Published: May 2022

Background

Specific dietary recommendations for migraine patients with comorbid irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are lacking. This work aimed to study the severity scores of such two common pain-related disorders in relation to various macronutrients and micronutrients intake.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with concomitant migraine and IBS. The frequency and intensity of migraine attacks and the severity of IBS were evaluated. Data on dietary intake were collected using food frequency questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recall.

Results

One-hundred patients with a median age of 36 years participated. The severity scores for migraine and IBS were positively correlated with fat and copper and negatively correlated with fiber and zinc intake. Copper intake was an independent predictor of the severity of both migraine and IBS (P 0.033, < 0.001). Patients with episodic migraine (n = 69) had a significantly higher frequency of cooked, fresh vegetables, and wheat bran bread intake (P 0.009, 0.004, 0.021) and lower frequency of hydrogenated oils intake (P 0.046), in comparison to patients with chronic migraine (n = 31). Patients with moderate intensity of migraine (n = 37) had a significantly higher frequency of herbal drinks intake (P 0.014) than patients with a severe intensity of migraine (n = 63). Patients with mild (n = 13) and moderate IBS (n = 41) had a significantly higher frequency of wheat bran bread and sen bread intake (P 0.003, 0.022) than patients with severe IBS (n = 46).

Conclusion

Patients with comorbid migraine and IBS are advised to adhere to a diet low in fat and copper and rich in fiber and zinc.