bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Heart Failure Symptoms Assessment After Myocardial Infarction Identifies Patients at Risk for Death
Authors: Wohlfahrt Peter , Jenča Dominik , Melenovský Vojtěch , Stehlik Josef , Spertus John A. , Mrázková Jolana , Šramko Marek , Kotrč Martin , Želízko Michael , Adámková Věra , Piťha Jan , Kautzner Josef
Published: January 2024

Background

Heart failure is a common complication after myocardial infarction (MI) and is associated with increased mortality. Whether remote heart failure symptoms assessment after MI can improve risk stratification is unknown. The authors evaluated the association of the 23‐item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) with all‐cause mortality after MI.

Methods and Results

Prospectively collected data from consecutive patients hospitalized for MI at a large tertiary heart center between June 2017 and September 2022 were used. Patients remotely completed the KCCQ 1 month after discharge. A total of 1135 (aged 64±12 years, 26.7% women) of 1721 eligible patients completed the KCCQ. Ranges of KCCQ scores revealed that 30 (2.6%), 114 (10.0%), 274 (24.1%), and 717 (63.2%) had scores <25, 25 to 49, 50 to 74, and ≥75, respectively. During a mean follow‐up of 46 months (interquartile range, 29–61), 146 (12.9%) died. In a fully adjusted analysis, KCCQ scores <50 were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 6.05 for KCCQ <25, HR, 2.66 for KCCQ 25–49 versus KCCQ ≥50; both
P
<0.001). Adding the 30‐day KCCQ to clinical risk factors improved risk stratification: change in area under the curve of 2.6 (95% CI, 0.3–5.0), Brier score of −0.6 (95% CI, −1.0 to −0.2), and net reclassification improvement of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.45–1.04). KCCQ items most strongly associated with mortality were walking impairment, leg swelling, and change in symptoms.

Conclusions

Remote evaluation of heart failure symptoms using the KCCQ among patients recently discharged for MI identifies patients at risk for mortality. Whether closer follow‐up and targeted therapy can reduce mortality in high‐risk patients warrants further study.
Hungary and the Dissolution of the Warsaw Pact (1988–1991)
Authors: Békés Csaba
Published: January 2024

After the demise of Communism in East-Central Europe in 1989–1990, the new, non-Communist governments in the region had to consolidate their countries’ independence. The basic institutions of Soviet domination in East-Central Europe—the Warsaw Pact, the Council for Economic Mutual Assistance (CMEA), four large contingents of Soviet troops, and various other mechanisms of intra-bloc integration—still existed, and Soviet leaders hoped they could preserve most of those features in some form. Officials in East-Central Europe soon realized that they would have to take the initiative in eliminating all vestiges of Soviet hegemony in the region. The main impetus came from Hungary and Czechoslovakia and eventually Poland. Acting as a pressure group, they achieved agreement in the first half of 1991 on the dismantling of the alliance's military structures and then, by mid-1991, the dissolution of both the Warsaw Pact and CMEA. This article draws on recently declassified Hungarian, Soviet, East German, and Bulgarian archival sources to tell the behind-the-scenes endgame of the Warsaw Pact.
The Long Misunderstanding: Cuba's Economic Ties with the Soviet Bloc
Authors: Yordanov Radoslav
Published: January 2024

This article examines the political and economic issues that arose in relations between the Soviet bloc and Cuba from 1959 through 1991, including the admission of Cuba into the Soviet-dominated Council for Economic Mutual Assistance (CMEA) in the early 1970s. The article breaks new ground by consulting previously unseen primary documents originating from the East European states and Cuba, which highlight the often contentious ties between the European CMEA states and Cuba. The East European governments were often dismayed by the egregious economic mismanagement of Fidel Castro's regime and tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to encourage better policies. The relationship that emerged was shaped in part by Cuba's ever-increasing demands, by the East European states’ own economic limitations, and by the Soviet Union's far-reaching political objectives.
The Olympics and the Cold War: A Historiography
Authors: Sarantakes Nicholas Evan
Published: January 2024

This article is a historiographic review of the literature on the Olympic Games and the Cold War. The topic has been a growth area among scholars of both diplomatic history and the history of sports over the past three decades. Most of the literature has been in English, but a significant amount of work has appeared in French, German, and a few other languages. Despite the proliferation and richness of the historiography, some large gaps in coverage still exist, and some important issues still need to be explored.
Génétique animale et modernisation de l’élevage dans la France de l’après-guerre. Essai d’épistémologie historique de la sélection
Authors: Cornu Pierre
Published: January 2024

De la fondation de l’INRA en 1946 à la loi sur l’élevage de 1966, la génétique animale française vit une période d’une exceptionnelle intensité, qui la fait passer de la marge de la recherche nationale à une position de carrefour entre science, société et politiques agricoles. Les archives et la mémoire des acteurs de la recherche et de l’appui technique mettent en lumière cette histoire : la fabrique d’une véritable économie politique du cheptel, marquée au sceau de la rationalisation des bioressources, dans une dynamique hybride de biosciences appliquées, de « politique des grands nombres » et d’imaginaire du « progrès ». Une analyse diachronique en termes d’économie de la connaissance offre un récit intégrateur de la modernisation agricole dans ses dimensions biologique, sociale, technique et politique, en en restituant la conflictualité interne, mais également le rôle insoupçonné dans l’émergence d’une réflexivité critique au sein même du dispositif génétique.
New species of Pseudoscalibregma Ashworth, 1901 (Annelida: Scalibregmatidae Malmgren, 1867) from Brazil
Authors: MENDES SAMUEL LUCAS DA SILVA DELGADO , PAIVA PAULO CESAR DE , RIZZO ALEXANDRA E.
Published: January 2024

Pseudoscalibregma Ashworth, 1901 is a small genus of the family Scalibregmatidae Malmgren, 1867. Currently, a total of eight valid species are accepted. Of these, the majority are found at great depths. This work contains the first report of Pseudoscalibregma to the Brazilian coast, with the description of three new species: Pseuscalibregma ermindae sp. nov., P. magalhaesi sp. nov. and P. parapari sp. nov. The material was sampled from the Brazilian southeast region, on Campos and Santos sedimentary basins, during scientific expeditions called “Santos Project—Santos Basin Environmental Characterization” and “Ambes Project—Espírito Santo Basin Assessment Project”, both coordinated by PETROBRAS/CENPES. We also include an identification key to Pseudoscalibregma species.
Observations of Parametric Subharmonic Instability of Diurnal Internal Tides in the Northwest Pacific
Authors: Wang Yifan , Guan Shoude , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhou Chun , Xu Xin , Guo Chuncheng , Zhao Wei , Tian Jiwei
Published: January 2024

Based on yearlong observations from three moorings at 12°, 14°, and 16°N in the northwest Pacific, this study presents observational evidence for the occurrence and behavior of parametric subharmonic instability (PSI) of diurnal internal tides (ITs) both in the upper and abyssal ocean around the critical latitudes (O1 IT: 13.44°N; K1 IT: 14.52°N), which is relatively less explored in comparison with PSI of M2 ITs. At 14°N, near-inertial waves (NIWs) feature a “checkerboard” pattern with comparable upward- and downward-propagating components, while the diurnal ITs mainly feature a low-mode structure. The near-inertial kinetic energy at 14°N, correlated fairly well with the diurnal KE, is the largest among three moorings. The bicoherence analysis, and a causality analysis method newly introduced here, both show statistically significant phase locking between PSI triads at 14°N, while no significant signals emerge at 12° and 16°N. The estimated PSI energy transfer rate shows a net energy transfer from diurnal ITs to NIWs with an annual-mean value of 1.5 × 10−10 W kg−1. The highly sheared NIWs generated by PSI result in a 2–6 times larger probability of shear instability events at 14°N than 12° and 16°N. Through swinging the local effective inertial frequency close to either O1 or K1 subharmonic frequencies, the passages of anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies both result in elevated NIWs and shear instability events by enhancing PSI efficiency. Particularly, different from the general understanding that cyclonic eddies usually expel NIWs, enhanced NIWs and instability are observed within cyclonic eddies whose relative vorticity can modify PSI efficiency.

Significance Statement

Parametric subharmonic instability (PSI) effectively transfers energy from low-mode internal tides (ITs) to high-mode near-inertial waves (NIWs), triggering elevated mixing around critical latitudes. This study provides observational evidence for the occurrence of PSI of diurnal ITs in the northwest Pacific and its role in enhancing shear instability. Generally, anticyclonic eddies act to trap NIWs while cyclonic eddies tend to expel NIWs. Here we document elevated NIWs and shear instability within both anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies, which shift the local effective inertial frequency close to either O1 or K1 subharmonic frequencies, thereby enhancing PSI efficiency. Processes associated with PSI and the modulation of PSI efficiency by mesoscale eddies have significant implications for improving mixing parameterizations in ocean circulation and climate models.
Improvement of Albedo and Snow-Cover Simulation during Snow Events over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Lian , Ma Yaoming
Published: January 2024

The snow albedo is a vital component of land–atmosphere coupling models. It plays a critical role in regulating land surface energy exchange by controlling incoming solar radiation absorbed by the land surface and influencing the timing and rate of snowmelt. Accurate snow albedo simulation is essential to obtain surface energy balance and snow-cover estimates. Here, the simulation of albedo and snow cover using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model and an improved snow albedo scheme is verified against satellite-retrieved products during and immediately following eight snowfall events over the Tibetan Plateau. The improved model successfully characterizes the spatial pattern and inverted U-shaped temporal pattern of albedo over the entire Tibetan Plateau. This is attributed to the local optimization of snow-age parameters and explicit consideration of snow depth in the improved scheme. Compared with the previous model, the model proposed herein greatly decreases the overestimated albedo (by 0.13–0.27), yielding a bias range of ±0.08, mean relative bias decrease of 70%, and significant increase in the spatial correlation coefficient of 0.03–0.39 (mean: 0.13). The significant improvements of albedo estimates appear in deep snow-covered regions, largely attributed to parameter optimization related to snow albedo decay, while less improvements appear over the shallow snow-covered regions. Accurate reproduction of the spatiotemporal variation in albedo alleviated snow-cover overestimation by small amounts. For snow-cover estimates, the improved model consistently decreases the false-alarm rate by 0.03, and increases the overall accuracy and equitable threat score by 0.04 and 0.03, respectively. Moreover, the improved scheme shows an equivalent improvement of albedo estimates at both 1- and 5-km grid spacing over the eastern Tibetan Plateau; this is also true for snow-cover estimates.

Significance Statement

Snow albedo schemes in widely used numerical weather prediction models show notable shortcomings in complex mountainous regions, hindering accurate surface energy balance and snow-cover prediction. The purpose of this study is to better understand the role of snow albedo on snow-cover estimates and reveal the application potential of an improved snow albedo scheme across the Tibetan Plateau. This is important because snow albedo influences the timing and rate of snowmelt, and in turn snow-cover estimates, through regulating the surface energy budget. Our results highlight the strong application potential of our improved scheme in reducing snow simulation errors, confirm the importance of snow depth on snow albedo, and provide a new perspective for improving the accuracy of snow forecast over the topographically high Tibetan Plateau.
Optimization of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Strategies for Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors Within 20 mm
Authors: Yu Qianwei , Zhang Yanxi , Su Yuan , Zhao Qian , Xiong Kangwei , Zhang Lijiu , Fang Haiming
Published: January 2024

Aims

No consensus regarding the optimal endoscopic resection approach for rectal neuroendocrine tumors (R-NETs) measuring 10-20 mm, this study aims to investigate this issue.

Methods

Patients with R-NETs underwent either endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The primary endpoint was the complete resection rate, and the secondary endpoints were surgery-related complications and long-term outcomes.

Results

96 patients met the inclusion criteria, 84 patients completed endoscopic resection, and 5 patients were excluded. 79 patients were enrolled and divided into EMR (n = 21) and ESD groups (n = 58). 100% of ESD excisions reached the primary endpoint, while 90.5% of EMR. Endoscopic submucosal dissection can achieve higher R0 rate and lower positive margin rate than EMR. The mean operative time of ESD and EMR was 35.22 ± 8.96 min and 13.14 ± 3.26 min, respectively. The complication rates of ESD and EMR were 3.4% and 4.8%, respectively. For R-NETs between 10 mm and 20 mm, the R0 rate of ESD was significantly higher than that of EMR (100% vs 71.4%, P = .01) and the margin positive rate of ESD was significant lower than that of EMR (4.8% vs 42.9%, P < .05). Both ESD and EMR obtained 100% R0 resection of less than 10 mm R-NET. The median follow-up was 13 months (3-84 months); 1 patient relapsed 25 months after EMR and was re-treated with ESD.

Conclusion

For R-NETs with a diameter less than 10 mm, both EMR and ESD were safe and effective and EMR is convenient and fast, with advantages. ESD offers superiority for R-NETs between 10 and 20 mm and can be considered as the preferred method.
Removing Trade Barriers Between China and India: A Counterfactual Analysis on Export Growth and Welfare
Authors: Kathjoo Umar Nisar , Fazili Asif
Published: January 2024

The two Asian giants, China and India, share a long history of political acrimony and simmering border disputes. This often disrupts their bilateral economic relationship along with the overall dynamics of the regional balance of power and the global multi-polarisation order. Under such a scenario, this study aims to measure the impact of a hypothetical removal of all trade barriers between China and India on the overall exports and welfare of 73 sample countries while preserving the geographical trade costs. Employing the structural gravity model under a general equilibrium setting, the counterfactual scenario reveals that India, followed by China, is the main beneficiary of full-scale integration in terms of trade growth and welfare. Indian consumers gain while producers tend to lose through a decrease in prices. Chinese welfare gains are shared among its producers and consumers with light asymmetry. Next, we simulate a unilateral removal of all trade barriers while preserving the effects of geography for exports from China to India. The results reveal that asymmetric trade liberalisation leads to smaller gains for both countries at the expense of certain groups and the aggregate national welfare.

JEL Codes: D58, F02, F17, O57
Long-term effects of various experiences of parental migration on adult health: A nationwide survey in China
Authors: Wang Feng , Yang Shuai , Wang Yan , Liu Zhijun
Published: January 2024

Background:

Despite numerous literature studies on the short-term effects of diverse experiences of being left-behind, migrant, or both on children, the research on their long-term effects remains inadequate. The purpose of current study is to explore the long-term impact of being left-behind, migrant or experiencing both during childhood on health in adulthood. Simultaneously, we investigate the impact of psychological resilience on adults in the presence of diverse experiences of parental migration.

Method:

A total of 2,371 samples were selected from 28 provinces in China, consisting of 656 participants who had been left behind but never migrated (PLBNM), 205 participants who had migrated but never been left behind (PMNLB), 265 participants who had both been left behind and migrated (PLBM), and 1,245 participants who had no left-behind/migrant experiences (NLBM). The mental health, health condition, and psychological resilience were measured using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Self-Rated Health, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), respectively.

Results:

The results of the regression model indicated that PLBNM ( OR = 2.10, 95% CI [1.59, 2.77], p < .001), PMNLB (1.93, [1.27, 2.94], p < .01), and PLBM (2.01, [1.37, 2.94], p < .001) displayed lower self-rated health compared to NLBM. However, only PLBNM (1.29, [1.05, 1.58], p < .05) reported higher mental health problems compared to NLBM. Our results also showed a strong association between psychological resilience and adults’ lower self-rated health (0.72, [0.64, 0.82], p < .001).

Conclusion:

The negative long-term impact of various experiences regarding being left-behind, migrant, or both, on adult’s mental health and self-rated health were more pronounced. The Chinese government ought to create unique policy frameworks that offer assistance to those adults.
A Two-Phase Qualitative Enquiry Into Storytelling’s Potential to Support Palliative Care Patient-Led Change, Using a Systematic Review Approach
Authors: Roberts Amanda
Published: January 2024

A terminal diagnosis can diminish an individual’s sense of agency and identity. Leading change appears to restore a sense of agential self. The first phase of this literature review explores factors influencing patient-led change across the palliative care ecosystem. The second phase illuminates how storytelling can support palliative care patients in leading ecosystem-wide change. 35 studies were identified in Phase 1 and 36 in Phase 2. This research highlights the need to situate patient leadership activity within a palliative care ecosystem to understand factors likely to support or hinder patient leadership activity within it. The evidence indicates the potential use of storytelling to support patients with a life-limiting illness to lead change across the palliative care ecosystem. This challenges current conceptualisations of such patients and offers them instead as an additional source of palliative care support.
Examining the Mediating Effects of Organizational Trust on the Relationship between Organizational Justice and Job Attitudes among Correctional Staff
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Hogan Nancy L. , Solinas-Saunders Monica , Morrow Weston J. , Vickovic Samuel G.
Published: January 2024

Drawing from organizational justice theory, this study examined the mediating effects of organizational trust on the association between organizational justice (i.e. in the forms of distributive and procedural justice) and the job attitudes of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in a sample of 220 correctional staff employed full-time at a high-security prison in the U.S. Midwest. Ordinary least squares regression results indicated that participant perceptions of organizational trust fully mediated the association between procedural justice and job satisfaction, but only partially mediated the association between distributive justice and job satisfaction. Further, organizational trust fully mediated the association between both distributive and procedural organizational justice and staff commitment toward the organization.
Implementing Assessment as Learning in Online EFL Writing Classes
Authors: He Mengyuan , Wang Lu
Published: January 2024

This article describes the implementation of assessment as learning (AaL) in an online English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) writing course at a university in China. The authors observed that challenges from the university administration and students were found when integrating AaL into face-to-face writing classrooms, including failure to offer prompt feedback due to the packed course syllabus and large class sizes as well as students’ low engagement due to insufficient English ability, shyness, or prior learning experience. An online teaching innovation was therefore made to tackle these problems. Key steps of the online AaL-focused writing process included (1) establishment of writing goals with peers and teachers through forums on the learning management system (LMS) and live-broadcasting platforms, (2) instructional scaffolding of genre knowledge and writing strategies via videos and quizzes on the LMS before writing, (3) self-assessment, peer-assessment and teacher feedback via online document editors and online chat rooms during writing, and (4) self-reflection via online worksheets on the LMS after writing. Data including a post-course survey and student interviews showed that the online formative assessment practices facilitated the implementation of AaL strategies and improved students’ learning by offering timely focused feedback, creating personalized learning experiences, and encouraging learner engagement. Implications for applying AaL in a blended EFL writing classroom during the post-pandemic era are discussed.
‘A lack of cultural understanding and sometimes interest’: Towards half a century of anti-racist policy, practice and strategy within probation
Authors: Wainwright John , Burke Lol , Collett Steve
Published: January 2024

In 2021, HM Inspectorate of Probation published a long awaited and highly critical report – Race equality in probation: the experience of black, Asian and minority ethnic probation service users and staff. The inspection upon which it was based was conducted in the Autumn of 2020 and was therefore set against the background of the death of George Floyd in the United States, and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement worldwide. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement laid down a challenge on many levels, stating that black, Asian and minority ethnic people must be accepted and respected as equal citizens and nowhere is this more urgently needed than within the operation of the criminal justice system. However, its follow up report (HM Inspectorate of Probation 2023) reported being disappointed in the lack of progress made by the Probation Service in addressing the issues raised in its earlier report. The article seeks to move beyond the conclusions and recommendations of the Inspection report using the lens of Critical Race Theory to engage in a discussion of systemic racism in society. To do this we have used three levels of analysis – macro, meso and micro – to situate contemporary probation within the wider structures of a post-colonial society.
Scratch and wear resistance of interstitial-free steel subjected to severe shot peening
Authors: Sahoo Bibekananda , Bhat K. Udaya , Muralidhara
Published: January 2024

Surface integrity in terms of scratch and wear resistance is the major concern of any engineering component, which is attributed to most of the surface damages. A popular way of improving such behaviours is the mechanical treatment of the surface. The current investigation studied the improvement of scratch and wear properties by performing shot peening on the Ti–Nb stabilised interstitial free steel, a popular choice in automotive industries. The samples were shot-peened at different coverages. It was found that the shot-peened samples showed a superior scratch and wear behaviour as compared to as-received samples. The scratch hardness was improved by 2.4 times, the wear volume was decreased by 59.6%, and the wear rate was minimal for the 2000% peened sample.
PALLiative care in ONcology (PALLiON): A cluster-randomised trial investigating the effect of palliative care on the use of anticancer treatment at the end of life
Authors: Hjermstad Marianne Jensen , Pirnat Aleksandra , Aass Nina , Andersen Sigve , Astrup Guro L , Dajani Olav , Garresori Herish , Guldhav Kristin V , Hamre Hanne , Haukland Ellinor C , Jordal Frode , Lundeby Tonje , Løhre Erik Torbjorn , Mjåland Svein , Paulsen Ørnulf , Semb Karin A , Staff Erik S , Wester Torunn , Kaasa Stein
Published: January 2024

Background:

Effects on anticancer therapy following the integration of palliative care and oncology are rarely investigated. Thus, its potential effect is unknown.

Aim:

To investigate the effects of the complex intervention PALLiON versus usual care on end-of-life anticancer therapy.

Design:

Cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT), registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT01362816). The complex intervention consisted of a physician education program enhancing theoretical, clinical and communication skills, a patient-centred care pathway and patient symptom reporting prior to all consultations. Primary outcome was overall use, start and cessation of anticancer therapy in the last 3 months before death. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes. Mixed effects logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard were used.

Setting:

A total of 12 Norwegian hospitals (03/2017–02/2021).

Participants:

Patients ⩾18 years, advanced stage solid tumour, starting last line of anticancer therapy, estimated life expectancy ⩽12 months.

Results:

A total of 616 (93%) patients were included (intervention: 309/control:307); 63% males, median age 69, 77% had gastrointestinal cancers. Median survival time from inclusion was 8 (IQR 3–14) and 7 months (IQR 3–12), and days between anticancer therapy start and death were 204 (90–378) and 168 (69–351) (intervention/control). Overall, 78 patients (13%) received anticancer therapy in the last month (intervention: 33 [11%]/control: 45 [15%]). No differences were found in patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusion:

We found no significant differences in the probability of receiving end-of-life anticancer therapy. The intervention did not have the desired effect. It was probably too general and too focussed on communication skills to exert a substantial influence on conventional clinical practice.
Hidden in the mediastinum: a case of extramedullary hematopoiesis unveiled through thoracoscopy
Authors: Sun Hui , Zeng Gan Hua , Xiong Yu
Published: January 2024

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare condition characterized by proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells outside the bone marrow, usually as a compensatory response to hematological disease. Although EMH primarily occurs in the liver and spleen, it can manifest in atypical locations, such as the mediastinum. We herein describe an asymptomatic 66-year-old man with incidentally discovered posterior mediastinal EMH. A 28- × 32-mm mass was detected during a routine examination. Laboratory findings were within normal limits. Computed tomography revealed a well-defined enhancing mass with a density of 60 Hounsfield units, suggestive of a neurogenic tumor. Surgical resection confirmed EMH, characterized by megakaryocytes and hematopoietic precursors. The patient recovered smoothly and was discharged 5 days postoperatively. Accurate preoperative diagnosis of EMH is challenging, as illustrated by this case. Although typically associated with anemia or hematological abnormalities, EMH can present without such signs. Surgical resection and histopathological examination are essential for diagnosis. This case emphasizes the diagnostic complexity of posterior mediastinal EMH, even in patients without overt hematological disorders. Posterior mediastinal EMH is exceedingly rare and diagnostically demanding. A high index of suspicion and histological tissue analysis are crucial for optimal management. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery enables both diagnosis and treatment through mass excision.
“Strabismus in children” is not simple – bilateral persistent hyperplasia primary vitreous: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yuqiu
Published: January 2024

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) is a rare congenital developmental ocular disorder caused by incomplete regression of the embryonic hyaloid vasculature; bilateral presentations are even rarer. We report a 6-year-old child with bilateral PHPV who visited our hospital for strabismus, without exhibiting leukocoria, microphthalmia, and systemic diseases. These unique characteristics distinguish our case from other cases of PHPV. It is crucial to increase awareness of congenital eye disease in children and the importance of performing fundus examination with the pupils dilated.
Several laboratory variables indicate severity and prognosis of COVID-19
Authors: Sheng Lingxiang , Hu Mahong , Ji Conghua , Xu Xiujuan
Published: January 2024

Objective

While several laboratory variables have been used to assess COVID-19 disease, to our knowledge, no attempt has previously been made to compare differences across different patient groups. We attempted to evaluate the relationship between laboratory variables and severity of the disease as well as on prognosis.

Method

We searched BioLINCC database and identified three studies which had separately included outpatients, inpatients, and ICU patients. For this re-analysis, we extracted data on general demography, laboratory variables and outcome.

Result

In total, 2454 participants (496 outpatients [Study 1], 478 inpatients [Study 2], and 1480 ICU patients [Study 3]) were included in the analysis. We found three laboratory variables (i.e., creatinine, aspartate transferase, and albumin) were not only prognostic factors for outcome of inpatients with COVID-19, but also reflected disease severity as they were significantly different between inpatients and ICU patients. These three laboratory variables are an indication of kidney function, liver function, and nutritional status.

Conclusion

For patients with COVID-19, in addition to monitoring infectious disease indicators, we need to pay attention to liver function, renal function, and take timely measures to correct them to improve prognosis.
Worth of pan-immune-inflammation value in trismus prediction after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinomas
Authors: Somay Efsun , Yilmaz Busra , Topkan Erkan , Ozdemir Beyza Sirin , Ozturk Duriye , Besen Ali Ayberk , Mertsoylu Huseyin , Selek Ugur
Published: January 2024

Objective

Radiation-induced trismus (RIT), one of the rare but serious side effects of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (C-CRT), is difficult to predict with high accuracy. We aimed to examine whether the pretreatment pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) measures predict RIT in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) receiving C-CRT.

Methods

Data of patients with LA-NPC who underwent C-CRT and had maximum mouth openings (MMO) > 35 mm were reviewed. Any MMO of 35 mm or less after C-CRT was considered RIT. All PIV values were computed using the complete blood count test results: PIV = (Platelets × Monocytes × Neutrophils) ÷ Lymphocytes. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was employed to dissect a possible association between pre-treatment PIV readings and RIT status. Confounding variables were tested for their independent relationship with the RIT rates using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The research comprised 223 participants, and RIT was diagnosed in 46 (20.6%) at a median time from C-CRT to RIT of 10 months (range: 5–18 months). Pre-C-CRT PIV levels and RIT rates were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with 830 being the optimal cutoff (area under the curve: 92.1%; sensitivity: 87.5%; specificity: 85.5%; Youden index: 0.730). RIT was significantly more prevalent in the PIV > 830 cohort than its PIV ≤ 830 counterpart (60.3% vs. 5%; hazard ratio 5.79; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced T-stage ( P = 0.004), masticatory apparatus dose V58Gy≥%32 ( P = 0.003), and PIV > 830 ( P < 0.001) were independently linked with significantly elevated rates of RIT.

Conclusion

The presence of elevated pre-C-CRT PIV is a unique biological marker that independently predicts increased RIT rates in LA-NPC undergoing C-CRT.
Time and Risk Factors of Trauma-Related Mortality: A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis From a National Level I Trauma Center
Authors: Asim Mohammad , El-Menyar Ayman , Abdelrahman Husham , Consunji Rafael , Siddiqui Tariq , Kanbar Ahad , Taha Ibrahim , Rizoli Sandro , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: January 2024

Background: We aimed to analyze in-hospital timing and risk factors for mortality in a level 1 trauma center. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all trauma-related mortality between 2013 and 2018. Patients were divided and analyzed based on the time of mortality (early (≤48 h) vs late (>48 h)), and within different age groups. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to predict in-hospital mortality. Results: 8624 trauma admissions and 677 trauma-related deaths occurred (47.7% at the scene and 52.3% in-hospital). Among in-hospital mortality, the majority were males, with a mean age of 35.8 ± 17.2 years. Most deaths occurred within 3–7 days (35%), followed by 33% after 1 week, 20% on the first day, and 12% on the second day of admission. Patients with early mortality were more likely to have a lower Glasgow coma scale, a higher shock index, a higher chest and abdominal abbreviated injury score, and frequently required exploratory laparotomy and massive blood transfusion ( P < .005). The injury severity scores and proportions of head injuries were higher in the late mortality group than in the early group. The severity of injuries, blood transfusion, in-hospital complications, and length of intensive care unit stay were comparable among the age groups, whereas mortality was higher in the age group of 19 to 44. The higher proportions of early and late in-hospital deaths were evident in the age group of 24 to 29. In multivariate analysis, the shock index (OR 2.26; 95%CI 1.04-4.925; P = .04) was an independent predictor of early death, whereas head injury was a predictor of late death (OR 4.54; 95%CI 1.92-11.11; P = .001). Conclusion: One-third of trauma-related mortalities occur early after injury. The initial shock index appears to be a reliable hemodynamic indicator for predicting early mortality. Therefore, timely hemostatic resuscitation and appropriate interventions for bleeding control may prevent early mortality.
How Work Hour Variability Matters for Work-to-Family Conflict
Authors: Cho Hyojin , Lambert Susan J , Ellis Emily , Henly Julia R
Published: January 2024

Variable work hours are an understudied source of work-to-family conflict (WFC). We examine the relationships between the magnitude and direction of work hour variability and WFC and whether work hour control and schedule predictability moderate these relationships. We estimate a series of linear regressions using the 2016 US General Social Survey, examining women and men workers separately and together. Findings indicate that as the magnitude of work hour variability increases, so does WFC, controlling for the usual number of hours worked. Work hour control helps to protect workers, especially women, from WFC when work hour variability is high and hours surge. Although schedule predictability tempers the relationship between work hour variability and WFC, its potency diminishes as variability increases. Our study emphasizes the potential benefit to workers and families of government policies and employer practices that promote work hour stability, schedule predictability, and equity in employee work hour control.
A safety-guaranteed game-theoretical velocity planning for autonomous vehicles on sharp curve roads
Authors: Chen Qitong , Dong Zhao , Liu Congzhi , Li Liang
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a safety-guaranteed game-theoretical velocity planning framework in a hierarchical manner is proposed to generate safe, ride comfort, and travel efficiency-balanced velocity for autonomous vehicles (AVs). In the upper layer, a bang-bang decision-making method is utilized to determine which planning mode to be implemented based on acceleration and jerk constraints, including a comfort mode, an efficiency mode, and a game mode. In the lower layer, asymmetric jerk limits based on comfort characteristics sensibility analysis and safe velocity simultaneously considering longitudinal and lateral stability are firstly developed to maintain ride comfort and driving safety, respectively on curve roads, especially sharp curves where vehicle stability may be not fully considered in most researches. Based on these, a non-cooperative game-theoretical velocity planning method is presented to solve the conflict between comfort mode and efficiency mode by optimizing his own objective based on the other’s action. Finally, for the sake of solving efficiency and accuracy, a chaos optimization-based algorithm (COA) is designed to solve for the Stackelberg equilibrium solution of the bilevel game optimization problem. Three experimental tests are carried out to comprehensively demonstrate the effectiveness, robustness, and real time of the proposed framework. The results show that the proposed method can provide the great performance of ride comfort, travel efficiency, and longitudinal-lateral stability in real time in the velocity planning process.
Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction Increases BBB Permeability and Promotes Stem Cell–Induced Regeneration of Stroke by Downregulating MMP8
Authors: Bai Yun , Du Yichao , Yang Yin , Wälchli Thomas , Constanthin Paul E , Li Fan
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of intravenous stem cell delivery utilizing ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), while investigating the underlying mechanisms. Acute cerebral infarction (ACI) was induced surgically in adult rats to create the MCAO rat model. Intravenous injection of SonoVue microbubbles and bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) was performed concurrently, with or without ultrasound targeting the stroke. The animals were divided into four groups: sham-operated group, ACI-MCAO rats treated with phosphate-buffered saline (ACI+PBS), rats receiving intravenous delivery of BMSC expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP-BMSC; ACI+BMSC), and rats receiving intravenous GFP-BMSC with simultaneous UTMD exposure (ACI+BMSC+UTMD). The efficacy of the treatments was assessed by evaluating the animals’ neurological function using the Longa score and examining histopathological changes such as cerebral infarct volume, cerebral edema, and cell apoptosis. A rat cytokine array was utilized to identify the potential cytokines that may be responsible for the therapeutic effect of UTMD-mediated BMSC treatment. Optimal UTMD parameters resulted in an increase in blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability after 30 min, which returned to baseline 72 h later without causing any residual injury. UTMD application significantly increased the homing of intravenously delivered BMSC, resulting in a 2.2-fold increase in GFP-BMSC cell count on day 3 and a 2.6-fold increase on day 7 compared with intravenous delivery alone. This effect persisted for up to 6 weeks after injection. Intravenous BMSC delivery significantly reduced the volume of cerebral infarct and decreased cerebral edema, leading to a lower Longa score. Furthermore, this effect was further enhanced by UTMD. Acute cerebral infarction induced by MCAO led to elevated matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, which were significantly reduced following UTMD-mediated BMSC treatment. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction facilitates the migration and homing of BMSC into the brain, possibly by transiently increasing blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes in an ACI rat model. The observed effect may be partly attributed to modulation of MMP8 levels.

Advances in knowledge: UTMD-mediated intravenously delivered BMSC transplantation led to a significant increase in cell homing and reduction of MMP8 levels, resulting in increased therapeutic effect in an acute ischemic cerebral infarction model.
Impact of Self-Blame and Social Reactions on Adult Sexual Assault Sequelae
Authors: Choi Jihyeon
Published: January 2024

This study examined the effects of self-blame attribution and social response after disclosure of sexual assault on the adult female victims’ trauma symptoms. The author applied a sequential explanatory mixed method and quantitatively analyzed the data from 81 women and subsequently conducted in-depth interviews with 10 women who experienced sexual assault in their adulthood. In the final stage, we integrated the two phases and interpreted how self-blame, family reactions, response from institutions, and rape myths affect the sequelae of the victims of sexual assault. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship and impact of individual and social contextual factors of sexual assault sequelae.
Research on composite hierarchical anti-disturbance strategy for magnetic bearing rotor using H∞ and observer
Authors: Jin Chaowu , Cao Yingqing , Zhou Heng , Zhou Jin , Xu Yuanping , Ye Zhoucheng , Xin Yu
Published: January 2024

The magnetic bearing rotor system is affected by internal uncertainties and various forms of external disturbances, which will affect the stability of the active magnetic bearing system. To address this issue, a composite hierarchical anti-disturbance strategy is used to improve the anti-disturbance ability of the magnetic bearing rotor system. The disturbance observer is used to compensate the system’s external disturbances, and the controller is used to suppress the system’s internal uncertainties. For this purpose, H∞ controller, disturbance observer (DOB), and linear extended state observer (LESO) are designed, respectively. Then, H∞ controller is combined with DOB and LESO to form H∞-DOB and H∞-LESO composite controllers and prove their stability. Finally, simulation and experiments show that H ∞-DOB and H ∞-LESO have better disturbance suppression effects than the H ∞ controller for external disturbances. And when the disturbance frequency or rotor rotation frequency of the system is high, H ∞-LESO controller has better disturbance suppression effect than H ∞-DOB.
Alcohol use disorder and fitness to drive: Discrepancies between health professionals’ evaluations and objective measures of alcohol use and cognitive functioning
Authors: Høiland Kristoffer , Arnevik Espen Kristian Ajo , Egeland Jens
Published: January 2024

Aims: In this study, we investigated if health professionals’ evaluations of driving ability corresponded with measures of severity of alcohol use and measures of cognitive functions necessary for safely driving a car. Methods: A total of 90 participants from a multicentre study were included. Participants were categorised into three groups: (1) the group judged fit to drive (FIT); (2) the group judged not fit to drive (UNFIT); and (3) the group who had lost their driver's licence due to legal sanctions (LEGAL). The participants’ AUDIT scores, earlier treatment episodes and results from neuropsychological tests of reaction time, attention and visuospatial ability were included in the analyses. Results: We found a significant difference in the severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and visuospatial abilities between the FIT and UNFIT groups. Half of the UNFIT group had at least mild visuospatial difficulties, compared to only a quarter in the FIT group. There were no group differences in reaction time or attentional measures. The LEGAL group had more severe AUD than the other groups. Conclusion: The FIT group did not perform differently from the UNFIT group on attention and reaction time measures. The UNFIT group had more visuospatial impairments, but even half of this group had normal scores. It is uncertain whether the differences between the two groups are of practical significance. The quality of health professionals’ evaluations may be questioned, and the results highlight the need for more reliable and valid criteria for doing fitness to drive evaluations.
Multiplex colonial sociology
Authors: McLennan Gregor
Published: January 2024

This article assesses George Steinmetz’s The Colonial Origins of Modern Social Thought: French Sociology and the Overseas Empire. Princeton University Press. Princeton and Oxford, 2023. ISBN 9780691237428 (hbk) xvi + 551. Expertly illuminating the neglected constellation of French colonial sociology, Steinmetz emphatically extends recent reconciliatory moves on the question of decolonizing sociology. With and beyond Bourdieu, taxing issues persist concerning the nature of the perspective being rehabilitated and the one being marshalled in analysis.
Suppression of NBS1 Upregulates CyclinB to Induce Olaparib Sensitivity in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhong Ailing , Cheng Chien-shan , Lu Ren quan , Guo Lin
Published: January 2024

Background: Deficiencies in DNA damage repair responses promote chemotherapy sensitivity of tumor cells. The Nibrin homolog encoding gene Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome 1 (NBS1) is a crucial component of the MRE11-RAD50-NBN complex (MRN complex) and is involved in the response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair that has emerged as an attractive strategy to overcome tumor drug resistance, but the functional relationship between NBS1 regulated DNA damage repair and cell cycle checkpoints has not been fully elucidated. Methods: In this study, lentivirus-mediated RNAi was used to construct NBS1-downregulated cells. Flow cytometry, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry were used to explore the regulatory relationship between NBS1 and CyclinB in vivo and in vitro. Results: Our findings suggest that NBS1 deficiency leads to defective homologous recombination repair. Inhibition of NBS1 expression activates CHK1 and CyclinB signaling pathways leading to cell cycle arrest and sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to Olaparib treatment in vitro and in vivo. NBS1-deficient ovarian cancer cells tend to maintain sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs through activation of cell cycle checkpoints. Conclusions: NBS1 may be a potential therapeutic target for epithelial ovarian cancer as it plays a role in the regulation of the DNA damage response and cell cycle checkpoints. Suppression of NBS1 upregulates CyclinB to induce Olaparib sensitivity in ovarian cancer.
Is the Pull-Down Effect Overstated? An Examination of Trust Propagation Among Fighter Pilots in a High-Fidelity Simulation
Authors: Lyons Joseph B. , Mator Janine D. , Orr Tony , Alarcon Gene M. , Barrera Kristen
Published: January 2024

Research on trust propagation has primarily been conducted with undergraduates using low-fidelity scenarios. It is unclear if the pull-down effect (e.g., system-wide trust) occurs in more applied domains with actual operators. A sample of experienced US Air Force fighter pilots ( n = 13) engaged in six trials using a high-fidelity simulation for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The pilots were given command of four CCAs to complete realistic targeting missions. They were asked to monitor the CCAs, report any errors, evaluate a number of potential targets, select a valid target, and select one of the CCAs to perform a strike. One of the CCAs evidenced an error in four of the six trials (17% of all observations), and if the pilots did not report the error, they were prompted to it by an experimenter playing the role of Air Battle Manager. After each trial, reliance intentions and subjective workload were assessed for each of the four CCAs. The presence of an error reduced trust and increased workload for that CCA referent only. There was no evidence of a pull-down effect, nor did the composition of the CCA group (homogenous vs. heterogenous) influence trust propagation. Implications for trust research are discussed.