bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothermic rescue by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A case report
Authors: Chen Hao , Yuan Wei , Sun Xiangyou , Sun Yutian , Zhang Jing , Wu Haibo
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Severe hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that often causes hemodynamic instability or cardiac arrest and carries a high risk of mortality. The use of VA-ECMO in this indication has greatly improved the prognosis of patients.

Case report

We describe an incredible case involving the complete recovery of a 47-year-old man placed on VA-ECMO for cardiogenic shock and protracted ventricular fibrillation caused by hypothermia. The patient was discharged home in 20 days with no neurologic sequelae.

Clinical discussion

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been recommended as the gold standard for the treatment of severe hypothermia due to its rapid availability and the possibility of prolonged support. Our case demonstrates the effectiveness of ECMO in treating patients with hypothermic cardiogenic shock. At the same time, nutritional support and rehabilitation therapy play an integral role in the whole treatment process. Therefore, it is recommended that such patients be managed by an experienced cardiac team that can evaluate the patient’s condition in multiple aspects.

Conclusion

ECMO may be an effective treatment for hypothermia-induced cardiogenic shock, but further research is needed on the effectiveness of this method of treatment.
Are reporting and investigation of rape cases victim friendly? Responses of the police from a cross-sectional study conducted in three states of eastern India
Authors: Swetapadma Sonali , Subudhi Rabi N , Chattoraj Paromita
Published: August 2023

The police are the first stakeholders within the criminal justice system responding to the offence of rape. Some specific laws have been enacted in India with the aim of incorporating a victim-friendly approach during the stages of reporting and investigation of rape cases by the police. This paper presents the results from the responses of the police from a cross-sectional study conducted in the states of Odisha (OD), Jharkhand (JH), and West Bengal (WB) in eastern India to see their approaches to the implementation of the victim-friendly provisions of the law at such specific stages. It presents the police perceptions on compliance with laws pertaining to reporting, registration and investigation of rape cases in the three selected states and the corresponding state-wise differences in police attitudes. The findings show that there is more non-compliance and there are differences in the degrees of compliance or non-compliance in the three states.
Heuristics and the Choice of Method in Entrepreneurial Marketing Education
Authors: Lopez-Castro Itzel , Larios-Hernandez Guillermo J. , Borbolla-Albores Alberto
Published: August 2023

This article exhibits that entrepreneurial marketing educators recur to their own heuristics to deal not only with the challenges that relate to their mentees’ entrepreneurial projects, but also with the operationalization of their teaching and methodological approaches. Based on the identification of heuristics derived from a convenience sample of 20 entrepreneurship educators, this research characterizes four archetypes of educators: academics, experts, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and mentors. Findings indicate that academics refer to the most common and successful practices, whereas experts qualify methods that fulfill their purposes and follow best practices. Entrepreneurs-in-residence mirror their own startup experiences, involving a certain level of pragmatism, and mentors base their decisions on experience, choosing practices that they judge suitable. Each profile tends to replicate heuristics patterns in the selection of the education method, suggesting an impossibility to separate context and experience from the methodological choices that determine entrepreneurial marketing education, whose learning process is presented as an adapted version of the model originally proposed by Kolb for students. This article contributes to the academic discussion of the role of educators in entrepreneurial marketing, offering an exploratory explanation as to why and how different educator profiles choose their teaching and methodological approaches.
Resist, Recover, Renew: Fiscal Resilience as a Strategic Response to Economic Uncertainty
Authors: Rao Manita , Musso Juliet Ann , Young Matthew M.
Published: August 2023

The cyclicality of economic recessions worsens fiscal stability and increases vulnerability to future shocks. This article argues that the concept of resilience provides an important frame for understanding the dynamic character of public financial management. The study introduces a theoretical framework that decomposes fiscal resilience into precrisis fiscal resistance, postcrisis fiscal recovery, and long-term fiscal renewal. It empirically tests the model employing a Cox proportional hazard model and over three decades of data (1991–2018) covering two previous recessions—the dotcom recession and the Great Recession. The findings indicate that although strategic decisions associated with revenue diversification and countercyclical capacity facilitate fiscal resilience, specific features of local government finances such as the revenue structure and service structure are critical to fiscal recovery and renewal. In addition, the underlying characteristics of each recession affect whether institutional and economic conditions facilitate fiscal resilience. The article discusses implications for financial management and emphasizes embedding resiliency-based frameworks in local government strategic planning.
Changes of regional cerebral blood flow after repeated transcranial direct current stimulation in healthy participants: a pilot study
Authors: Jeong Hyeonseok , Song In-Uk , Chung Yong-An , Kim Doyu , Na Seunghee , Lee Sang Hoon
Published: August 2023

Background

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can potentially enhance brain function and cognition in healthy individuals as well as in patients with cognitive impairment. However, neural correlates of repeated tDCS remain relatively unexplored in a healthy population.

Purpose

To assess the effects of repeated tDCS on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in healthy volunteers in a pilot investigation.

Material and Methods

Five healthy adults received bifrontal tDCS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3–F4 montage, 1 mA intensity, 30 minutes/session, five sessions/week) over four weeks. All participants underwent brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans at baseline and one week after the last tDCS session. Changes in rCBF were examined using Statistical Parametric Mapping.

Results

Resting rCBF was significantly improved in the right superior frontal gyrus at the follow-up ( P < 0.001). Adverse events were not reported and the stimulation was well-tolerated.

Conclusion

Repeated tDCS may be effective for enhancing brain function in healthy participants. Larger sham-controlled studies should be performed to confirm our preliminary findings.
Pin-assisted retraction technique in unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jiang Xiaozhou
Published: August 2023

Objective

Unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) discectomy is a reliable endoscopic technique in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. However, UBE discectomy involves a single-handed manipulation, which may compromise the utility of the procedure. The present study was performed to examine the efficacy and safety of a novel pin-assisted retraction technique.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study involved 57 consecutive patients who underwent UBE lumbar discectomy from July 2021 to May 2022. The patients were randomly divided into the pin-assisted UBE discectomy group (P-UBE group) and the traditional UBE discectomy group (T-UBE group). The patients’ perioperative data, clinical outcomes, and radiologic outcomes were collected and compared between the two groups.

Results

The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, endoscopic irrigation volume, and overall complication rate were significantly lower in the P-UBE group than in the T-UBE group. There were no significant differences in the clinical outcome data between the two groups.

Conclusion

P-UBE discectomy may have superior safety and efficacy over the traditional technique, and it has the potential to serve as an optional method in UBE lumbar surgery.
Association with controlling nutritional status score and disease activity of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Lian Ziyu , Hu Jingyi , Cheng Cheng , Liu Yajun , Zhu Lei , Shen Hong
Published: August 2023

Objective

To explore the association between the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with UC. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and compared. The CONUT score was obtained for each patient. The association between the CONUT score and laboratory parameters was analysed and the ability of the score to assess disease activity was evaluated.

Results

A total of 182 patients with UC were enrolled. Patients with active disease showed significantly increased inflammatory biomarkers and decreased nutritional biomarkers compared with patients in remission. Malnourished individuals had significantly elevated inflammatory biomarkers and significantly reduced haemoglobin, prealbumin and retinol-binding protein. The CONUT score was inversely correlated with haemoglobin, prealbumin, retinol-binding protein and was positively correlated with faecal calprotectin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.655 (95% confidence interval, 0.557–0.752). The optimal cut-off value was 1.5 points, with a sensitivity of 75.7% and a specificity of 50.0%.

Conclusion

The CONUT score may evaluate the inflammatory response and nutritional status of UC patients, so it could be a potential biomarker to assess disease activity in UC.
Dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid pressure alterations and bilateral transverse–sigmoid sinus morphologies in Asian patients with venous pulsatile tinnitus
Authors: Hsieh Yue-Lin , Zuo Bo , Shi Yanhui , Wang Shenjiang , Wang Wuqing
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the dynamics of intracranial pressure (ICP) alterations and bilateral transverse–sigmoid sinus morphologies in patients with venous pulsatile tinnitus (PT).

Methods

This retrospective study involved 27 patients with venous PT associated with sigmoid sinus wall anomalies. ICP and ICP metrics were measured by cerebrospinal fluid manometry and internal jugular vein compression tests. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the statistical correlation between ICP and the morphological metrics.

Results

The mean ICP was 212.5 ± 47.3 mmH2O. The median [Formula: see text] was 130 (range, 55–150) mmH2O. The [Formula: see text] was linearly correlated with the open lumbar pressure, and a significant difference was found between patients with normal and elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure. The [Formula: see text] was linearly correlated with the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. [Formula: see text] was linearly correlated with [Formula: see text]

Conclusions

Complete obstruction of flow patency should be avoided in patients with low ICP and large volumetric/patency differences in the bilateral transverse–sigmoid sinus systems.
Ligamentum teres hepatis wrapping of the gastroduodenal artery stump for protection in total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a single-center experience
Authors: Yu Zongdong , Wu Xiang , Zhou Xinhua , Hu Xiaodong , Lu Jun , Fang Shenzhe , Wang Luoluo , Ruan Yi , Lu Yeting , Li Hong
Published: August 2023

Objective

Hemorrhage from the stump of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) is a significant postoperative risk with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Studies have shown that wrapping the GDA stump using the omentum or the falciform ligament can help prevent bleeding. We aimed to determine whether wrapping the GDA stump with the ligamentum teres hepatis (LTH) would reduce postoperative PD hemorrhage.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data for 148 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) at our hospital from November 2015 to September 2021. We compared perioperative data from 63 LPD patients without wrapping of the GDA (unwrapped group) and 85 whose GDA stumps were wrapped (wrapped group).

Results

There were no significant differences in the groups’ baseline characteristics. The postoperative GDA stump bleeding incidence was significantly lower in the wrapped group than that in the unwrapped group (7.9% vs. 0, respectively). There was also no significant difference in the incidence of other complications (intra-abdominal infection, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), biliary fistula, and gastrointestinal bleeding).

Conclusion

Using the LTH to wrap the GDA stump during LPD can reduce bleeding from the GDA stump but not the incidence of other complications.
Detection of skunk adenovirus-1 in domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius)
Authors: Orbay-Cerrato Maria E. , Nilsen Roger Alan , Gottdenker Nicole , McManamon Rita , Elbert Jessica A. , Stilwell Justin M. , Ard Mary B. , Ritchie Branson W. , McHale Brittany
Published: August 2023

We describe gross pathology, histopathology, ultrastructure, and molecular characterization of skunk adenovirus 1 (SkAdV-1) in 3 ferrets ( Mustela putorius) submitted to the Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service at the University of Georgia. Case 1 came from a cohort with a 6-week history of multiple ferrets with respiratory disease and mortality. Cases 2 and 3 were submitted 19 days later; they died 3 days after arrival at the vendor’s facility. Histopathological evaluation found evidence of suppurative bronchopneumonia, with intralesional gram-positive cocci in case 1. The others had evidence of subacute multifocal histiocytic and lymphoplasmacytic interstitial pneumonia. Viral isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing identified SkAdV-1 in lung tissue. In situ hybridization confirmed adenovirus within the lung lesion, and adenovirus particles were visible under an electron microscope. This is the seventh species in which SkAdV-1 has been identified. Cross-species transmission events have important implications for wildlife management and multispecies facilities.
Nodular hyperplasia of lymphoglandular complexes in dogs: A potential diagnostic pitfall for rectal masses
Authors: Stent Andrew W. , Kiupel Matti , Dandrieux Julien R. S. , Liffman Rebekah , Bera Monali M.
Published: August 2023

Lymphoglandular complexes are components of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue that are characterized by submucosal lymphoid aggregates invested by projections of mucosal epithelium. Reports of pathology involving these structures are rare in both human and veterinary literature. Here, the authors report 2 cases of rectal masses excised from dogs following a period of tenesmus and hematochezia. In both animals, the masses were composed of lymphoid tissue closely encompassing tubuloacinar structures. Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction antigen receptor rearrangement testing demonstrated that the lymphoid population was polyclonal, comprising T and B cells arranged in loosely follicular aggregates centered on the epithelial foci. In light of these findings, a diagnosis of lymphoglandular complex nodular hyperplasia was reported. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of this condition in dogs.
Orofacial pain for clinicians: A review of constant and attack-like facial pain syndromes
Authors: May Arne , Benoliel Rafael , Imamura Yoshiki , Pigg Maria , Baad-Hansen Lene , Svensson Peter , Hoffmann Jan
Published: August 2023

Background

Primary headache syndromes such as migraine are among the most common neurological syndromes. Chronic facial pain syndromes of non-odontogenic cause are less well known to neurologists despite being highly disabling. Given the pain localization, these patients often consult dentists first who may conduct unnecessary dental interventions even if a dental cause is not identified. Once it becomes clear that dental modalities have no effect on the pain, patients may be referred to another dentist or orofacial pain specialist, and later to a neurologist. Unfortunately, neurologists are also often not familiar with chronic orofacial pain syndromes although they share the neural system, i.e., trigeminal nerve and central processing areas for headache disorders.

Conclusion

In essence, three broad groups of orofacial pain patients are important for clinicians: (i) Attack-like orofacial pain conditions, which encompass neuralgias of the cranial nerves and less well-known facial variants of primary headache syndromes; (ii) persistent orofacial pain disorders, including neuropathic pain and persistent idiopathic facial/dentoalveolar pain; and (iii) other differential diagnostically relevant orofacial pain conditions encountered by clinicians such as painful temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, sinus pain, dental pain, and others which may interfere (trigger) and overlap with headache. It is rewarding to know and recognize the clinical picture of these facial pain syndromes, given that, just like for headache, an internationally accepted classification system has been published and many of these syndromes can be treated with medications generally used by neurologists for other pain syndromes.
Exploration of Social-Psychological Factors Leading to Distracted e-Bike Riding Among Delivery Workers in China
Authors: Wu Genhao , Huang Chunxi , He Dengbo
Published: August 2023

With the fast development of the online-to-offline market, there are over 13 million delivery workers in China, of which the primary transportation tool is electric bicycles (i.e., e-bikes). Because of the difficulty in executing enforced regulations, delivery workers usually engage in non-riding-related tasks (NRRTs) while riding e-bikes, leading to distracted riding, which can threaten traffic safety. Although distraction engagement in vehicle driving and motorcycle/bicycle riding has been extensively investigated, the prevalence of and the factors leading to distracted riding among delivery workers have not yet been explored. In this study, a survey has been designed to explore the social-psychological factors leading to NRRT engagement among delivery workers. The factors were chosen based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework. We have also assessed workers’ awareness of the regulation in the survey. A total of 150 delivery workers (146 males and 4 females, mean age: 27.25) participated in the study. Results show that delivery workers tended to engage more in technology-based NRRTs, and “manually operating the phone” was the most prevalent. Compared to older peers, younger workers held more positive attitudes toward engaging in NRRTs and perceived engaging in NRRTs as more prevalent among their colleagues. TPB-related factors (i.e., attitudes, descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and perceived behavior control) were found to be correlated with self-reported NRRT engagement. The awareness of the regulations, however, had limited effects in explaining NRRT engagement. This research can provide insights into the design of countermeasures aiming at reducing the prevalence of NRRT engagement among delivery workers.
Diagnostic value of programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression on circulating tumor cells in lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cui Meng , Wan Zhiyong , Yang Jia , Liao Dan , Yang Yang , Xiang Yin
Published: August 2023

The expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on circulating tumor cells offers a noninvasive method for the detection of PD-L1 expression in lung cancer, and could serve as a potential surrogate for cancer tissue. However, discrepant results make it difficult to apply PD-L1 on circulating tumor cells to clinical practice. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the diagnostic value of PD-L1 on circulating tumor cells in lung cancer. To identify the relationship between the expression of PD-L1 on circulating tumor cells and lung cancer, the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to March 2023. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the diagnostic performance of PD-L1. We also conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses. A total of 11 studies including 472 lung cancer patients were included in our study. The overall performance in terms of pooled sensitivity and specificity was 0.72 (0.52–0.86) and 0.54 (0.25–0.81), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and area under the curve were 1.57 (0.87–2.84), 0.52 (0.30–0.90), and 0.70 (0.66–0.74), respectively. Deeks’ funnel plot test indicated no publication bias. Our analysis demonstrated that positive PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) exhibited a moderate diagnostic value in lung cancer, and CTCs may serve as a feasible alternative tissue analysis for the detection of PD-L1 in lung cancer.
Student Loan Debt Response to Tuition Changes
Authors: Dowdy Zachary Jacob , Dacass Tennecia
Published: August 2023

Amid rising concerns regarding student loan debt, we examine the effect of Washington State’s College Affordability Program introduced in 2015 on undergraduate student loan debt to provide policy-makers with additional tools to help prevent another student loan debt crisis. The program reduced tuition for resident full-time undergraduate students at public colleges and universities for two consecutive academic years. This policy adoption created a natural experiment that we exploit to identify a causal link between tuition and loans. Using college-level data for the 2009–2010 through 2021–2022 academic years and employing a difference-in-differences model in conjunction with nearest-neighbor matching, we show that a decrease in college tuition following the adoption of the College Affordability Program caused a $637.96 (9 percentage-point) decline in average loans among first-time, full-time undergraduates in Washington State relative to undergraduates from matched U.S. schools.

JEL Codes: G28, I22
“It Has Totally Changed How I Think About the Police”: COVID-19 and the Mis/Trust of Pandemic Policing in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Deckert Antje , Long Nicholas J. , Aikman Pounamu Jade , Appleton Nayantara Sheoran , Davies Sharyn Graham , Fehoko Edmond , Holroyd Eleanor , Jivraj Naseem , Laws Megan , Martin-Anatias Nelly , Roguski Michael , Simpson Nikita , Sterling Rogena , Tunufa'i Laumua
Published: August 2023

In the initial phase of COVID-19, Aotearoa New Zealand was internationally praised for its pandemic response that included lockdowns to control the spread and work toward elimination. Community compliance with control measures was thus essential when pursuing elimination as a policy. Using a mixed-methods approach, we sought to explore whether New Zealand Police (NZP) were trusted to police the lockdown rules at Levels 4 and 3. We analyzed 1,020 survey responses comparing trust among respondents who had been stopped by NZP over the lockdown rules (contacts) with those who had not (non-contacts). We found that both contacts and non-contacts expressed greater trust in NZP to enforce the Level 4 than the Level 3 rules; contacts expressed less trust in NZP to enforce the lockdown rules than non-contacts; contacts perceived NZP more heavy-handed than non-contacts; contacts perceived NZP as only somewhat procedurally just and feeling somewhat encouraged to comply with the lockdown rules and; that unexpected high-profile policing-related events during the survey only affected contacts’ trust significantly. We offer two explanations: (1) NZP were perceived as procedurally unjust or inconsistent in applying the lockdown rules, (2) members of the public and NZP learned the lockdown rules simultaneously. We caution that the unfamiliar character of pandemic policing may jeopardize trust in NZP even among segments of the population that typically express high levels of trust in NZP, that is, people of European descent. We conclude that community compliance with pandemic control measures is no matter to be dealt with by the criminal legal system.
Comparing the Accuracy of Mini-BAL to Bronchoscopic BAL in the Diagnosis of Pneumonia Among Ventilated Patients: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Tepper John , Johnson Sean , Parker Connor , Collins James , Menard Laura , Hinkle Laura
Published: August 2023

Background: Despite its widespread use, there are no direct studies comparing mini-bronchoalveolar lavage (mini-BAL) to bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for diagnosing pneumonia in ventilated patients. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of studies comparing ventilated patients undergoing both bronchoscopic BAL and mini-BAL, to determine the mini-BAL's diagnostic accuracy. Methods: We conducted a systematic review searching the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception until January 2022, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Search terms included variations on “pneumonia,” “critical illness,” and “mini-bronchoalveolar lavage.” Article screening and data extraction were performed independently by 2 reviewers. Results: Our search yielded 4296 abstracts. This was narrowed to 6 studies in which each patient underwent both mini-BAL and bronchoscopic BAL in succession. Included patients had a mean APACHE II score of 20.02 ± 3.81 and 15.95 ± 11.46 ventilator days. The sensitivity of the mini-BAL for diagnosis of pneumonia was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.778-1.000) and the specificity was 0.827 (95% CI: 0.716-0.938). Limitations included inconsistency in volume of saline instilled and heterogeneity in included patients Conclusion: This study is the first to compile data from multiple publications directly comparing the mini-BAL to bronchoscopic BAL for diagnosing pneumonia in ventilated patients. Our data demonstrate a high degree of both sensitivity and specificity of mini-BAL for the diagnosis of pneumonia in ventilated patients and indicate that mini-BAL could be considered as an acceptable alternative diagnostic study.
HEI employer-engagement – a practitioner's reflections using institutional logics lenses
Authors: McAllister Katie
Published: August 2023

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are increasingly engaging with businesses to provide opportunities for their students whilst also promoting their own relevance and impact in society. However, this engagement often involves navigating multiple internal processes and practices. This paper presents an employer-engagement practitioner's reflections on HEI employer-engagement, using the lens of two institutional logics – professional and corporate logics. This paper considers how these logics are shaping HEI employer-engagement, the challenges for employer engagement middle managers (EE-MM), and tensions with senior leadership teams (SLT).

This paper is framed and located from the point of view of a middle manager working within employer engagement, reflecting the challenges being faced by myself and seven other EE-MM across five English HEIs as part of my doctoral research. It explores the tensions between EE-MM and HEI-wide SLT; highlighting the competing demands between day-to-day management and strategic overview.
Exploring the Impacts of Heteronormative and Cisnormative Ideologies on Fertility Intentions and Family Planning Experiences Within the 2SLGBTQ Community: A Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Marshall Kerry , Martin Wanda , Walker Rachel Loewen , Vandenberg Helen
Published: August 2023

Objectives: Normative beliefs around gender and sexuality place individuals in the Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (2SLGBTQ) community at risk for poorer health outcomes within the health care system compared with their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts, particularly within gendered areas of care including family planning and fertility intentions. The purpose of this research was to explore the effect that the normative beliefs of heteronormativity and cisnormativity had on the experiences of 2SLGBTQ people engaged in family planning, and to begin to understand how health care providers can provide appropriate, safe, and holistic care. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using case study methodology and completing semi-structured interviews with 11 participants with diverse genders and sexualities. Findings: For members of the 2SLGBTQ community, family planning is greatly affected by ideals of normal, intersections of identities, health care systems, and community. They may face additional emotional labor and intentional decision-making when related to family planning. Heteronormativity and cisnormativity greatly impact the health care that is received. Conclusions: The findings contribute information in the limited field of research related to the 2SLGBTQ community and may support health care providers in providing holistic care.
Thermodynamic analysis of heat transfer reduction in spark ignition using thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Gainey Brian , Gandolfo John , Filipi Zoran , Lawler Benjamin
Published: August 2023

This work uses a 0D thermodynamic engine model coupled to a 1D surface temperature solver to study the potential of low thermal inertia thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) on combustion chamber surfaces to increase the efficiency of spark ignition engines. Under ideal conditions, coating the piston crown, head, and valve faces with a TBC with a thermal inertia of 640 J/m2 K s1/2 resulted in less than a 1% relative improvement in efficiency. Despite using a low thermal inertia coating to avoid open cycle charge heating, the reduction in closed cycle heat transfer, which is the pathway to increasing efficiency, increased knock propensity. Therefore, any efficiency gain through closed cycle heat transfer reduction in spark ignition is offset by the need to retard spark timing to counter knock. An exergy analysis of completely blocking heat transfer for a 10 crank-angle degree window showed that on a low compression engine, like those used for stoichiometric gasoline spark ignition, the maximum efficiency gain achievable was limited compared to a higher compression ratio engine. Furthermore, the high gas temperatures of stoichiometric operation mean that even state-of-the-art TBCs cannot elevate surface temperatures enough purely through temperature swing to achieve a significant reduction in heat transfer near top dead center, where work availability is highest. Overall, these results indicate that low thermal inertia TBCs are ill-suited for achieving an efficiency benefit in spark ignition through a heat transfer reduction pathway. Instead spark ignition TBC research should explore ways to use low thermal inertia TBCs to achieve open cycle charge cooling to reduce knock propensity.
Effectiveness of coolant on sustainable drilling and hole quality of titanium alloy
Authors: Pramanik Alokesh , Basak Animesh K , Samarasinghe Mahen , Prakash Chander , Subramaniam Shankar
Published: August 2023

The present research investigated the effects of input parameters such as feed rate, cutting speed and coolant type on sustainability and hole quality during the drilling of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Several output parameters such as surface roughness, burr height, chip thickness ratio, thrust force, torque and peak power consumption were measured and analysed. Higher cutting speeds (2000 r/min) and lower feed rates (0.04 mm/rev) are recommended to be used to reduce drilling torque (0.77 Nm), thrust force (695 N) and power consumption (0.07 kW). However, it should be noted that increasing cutting speed (2000 r/min) can increase tool tip temperature which is detrimental, particularly for low thermal conductivity materials such as titanium alloys. In addition to that, the effect of tool wear also cannot be negated, as increased tool wear generates more heat in the cutting zone which was not effectively removed due to the poor thermal conductivity of titanium. Liquid nitrogen and chilled air had the greatest influence on temperature reduction at the cutting zone, however, its poor penetration and lubrication properties diminished hole quality. Minimum quantity lubrication conditions proved to strike a balance between good hole quality and enhancing sustainable machining by lowering torque, force and power consumption.
Heterogeneity in practitioner-reported barriers to use, cost considerations and priorities for point of care sexually transmitted infection tests on surveys across seven years
Authors: Tuddenham Susan , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang , Manabe Yukari C , Gaydos Charlotte Ann , Rompalo Anne
Published: August 2023

Background

Point of care diagnostic tests (POCTs) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have the potential to improve STI care worldwide. However, barriers to adoption, cost considerations and practitioner priorities may not be uniform globally and over time. We conducted two surveys, 7 years apart, among members of the International Union Against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI), and compare results here.

Methods

Surveys were given to members attending two IUSTI conferences in 2012 (Australia) and 2019 (Estonia). Descriptive analyses were performed and chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests conducted.

Results

Amongst N = 190 participants in 2012 and N = 166 in 2019, 61% in 2012 and 77% in 2019 were from high-income countries (HICs). In 2012, 84% of respondents from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and 70% from HICs thought cost of test was more important than amount of reimbursement. Trends were similar in 2019. In 2012, unreliability was considered the most important barrier to POCT use by all groups, followed by being laboratory-driven and complexity. In 2019, time frame was considered most important, followed by unreliability and being laboratory-driven. In 2012, the top priority for POCT development among LMIC respondents was early HIV seroconversion (31%), versus chlamydia (57%) for HICs. In 2019, chlamydia remained top priority for HICs (40%), followed by early HIV seroconversion (19%) and gonorrhea (17%); top priorities for LMICs were chlamydia (26%), HPV (24%), and early HIV seroconversion (21%).

Conclusions

Practitioner priorities for STI POCTs may be shifting. Cost may be critical to adoption in all settings. Larger studies are needed to verify findings.
Corilagin Induces ROS-mediated Apoptosis and Triggers Cell-Cycle Arrest at G0/G1 Stage in Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Liu Jichao , Yang Dong , Liu Jianyu
Published: August 2023

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an extremely aggressive primary bone cancer (BC) malignancy. A variety of malignancies can develop in the bones, including BC. Primary BCs are tumors that start in the bone. Bones can also become affected by tumors that start in the body’s organs or other tissues.

Objectives

Several reports suggested that corilagin (CL) exerts anticancer properties on various kinds of tumor cells; however, its molecular action on OS cells remains undefined.

Materials and Methods

The CL activity of OS cells’ cytotoxicity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis, and cell-cycle distribution was evaluated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), Rh-123, acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB), 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Results revealed that CL could suppress OS cell proliferation via enhanced intracellular ROS, and MMP loss, and triggered apoptosis in a dose-dependent has an inferior manner. Our findings demonstrated that CL alleviates U2OS and MG-63 cell proliferation by the ROS-mediated apoptosis, which triggers G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest.

Conclusion

Thus, CL might be a protective therapeutic agent against BC.
Does Corporate Governance Impact Risk Disclosure? An Empirical Analysis in the Indian Context
Authors: Gupta Ritika , Symss Jacqueline
Published: August 2023

This study aims at identifying the determinants of corporate governance that impact corporate risk disclosure in India’s top non-financial listed companies based on market capitalisation. The analysis of the study is based on risk disclosure practices of the leading non-financial listed companies using annual reports as well as risk disclosure practices in the presence of various regulations. The risk exposure is measured using manual content analysis while the impact is analysed using multiple regression. The empirical findings reveal that the corporate risk disclosure level has improved significantly. The major corporate governance variables namely board size and ownership are insignificant to risk disclosure whereas audit committee meetings and role duality are somewhat significant. Firms having bigger size plays a major role in risk disclosure practices of companies, on the other hand, liquidity and growth of the firm do not influence risk disclosure practice. Due to the constant fallouts of companies, this paper tries to analyse the role of corporate governance practices in minimising companies’ risk exposure. The results of the study help analyse the failures in corporate governance practices that lead to companies’ poor disclosure policies.
Rationalization of Antibiotic Prescription: Modulation of the Gut Microbiome and Possibilities of Minimizing the Risks for the Development of Antibiotic Resistance—A Narrative Review
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Shukla Aman , Shinu Pottathil , Mathew Bijo , Kailkhura Shashank , Singh Pranjal Pratap , Nair Anroop B.
Published: August 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global health issue, and it is greatly influenced by the gut flora. The rationalization of antimicrobial doses in clinical studies is crucial for preventing AMR. This review analyzes how rationalization tactics affect AMR and gut microbiota in clinical studies. Studies that provided data on the use of antibiotics, AMR, or gastrointestinal microbiota were taken into account for the current review. The AMR rate was found to be low when healthy gut flora was maintained using various antibiotic rationalization techniques, such as limited use of antibiotics or targeted treatments. However, the effectiveness of these strategies differed based on the particular intervention, the research population, and the length of the course of therapy. The rationalization of antibiotic prescriptions in clinical research is one potential method for reducing the prevalence of AMR by maintaining the gut flora. Rationalization techniques may help lower AMR rates and foster the development of good intestinal flora. This review describes various antibiotic rationalization techniques and the importance of maintaining healthy microbial flora to minimize AMR-associated health issues.
The MOOC Post-Mortem: Bibliometric and Systematic Analyses of Research on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), 2009 to 2022
Authors: Billsberry Jon , Alony Irit
Published: August 2023

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are online-based teaching programs designed to accommodate thousands of students without charging any fees. They began appearing in 2009 and 2010, became popular for a while, but are in decline now. This paper contains bibliometric and systematic reviews of research on MOOCs to see what can be learned from the innovation. The primary goals of these reviews are (1) to bibliometrically chart the research conducted on MOOCs and highlight significant milestones, (2) to reveal themes in MOOC research and discover key lessons, and (3) to surface any management education-specific lessons. The results show an increasing interest in scholarly work on MOOCs that demonstrates an enduring interest in reducing drop-out rates, although remedies have not yet been found. Studies demonstrate the importance of increasing opportunities for engagement and interaction. Few studies have explored MOOCs related to business and management. As universities have sought to monetize MOOCs, they have become less massive and less open as key components like credit and certification have been placed behind pay walls. The paper concludes with a critical discussion of MOOC research that suggests that they were a fad whose time has come and gone.
Video-Shorts: A Simple and Useful Classroom-Based Method for Developing Skills
Authors: Pye Jane , Fledderjohann Jasmine
Published: August 2023

Background: The teaching and learning of skills in a classroom setting are often thought to require a resource-intensive approach. Purpose: This study explores the impact of a relatively basic and short communication skills teaching session on postgraduate students’ self-perception of their skills. Methodology/Approach: Data was gathered using a preteaching and postteaching survey designed to enable students to evaluate their own sense of skill development. Findings/Conclusions: Students overwhelmingly found this teaching session helpful in terms of increasing their confidence and readiness to communicate on their first social work practice placement. Implications: Effective skill development can take place within the constraints of a classroom setting with few resources using a basic simulation within an experiential framework.
Dr. ChatGPT: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Education
Authors: Lebhar Michael S. , Velazquez Alexander , Goza Shelby , Hoppe Ian C.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study sought to explore the unexamined capabilities of ChatGPT in describing the surgical steps of a specialized operation, the Fisher cleft lip repair.

Design

A chat log within ChatGPT was created to generate the procedural steps of a cleft lip repair utilizing the Fisher technique. A board certified craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgeon then wrote the Fisher repair in his own words blinded to the ChatGPT response. Using both responses, a voluntary survey questionnaire was distributed to residents of plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS), general surgery (GS), internal medicine (IM), and medical students at our institution in a blinded study.

Setting

Authors collected information from residents (PRS, GS, IM) and medical students at one institution.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measures included understanding, preference, and author identification of the procedural prompts.

Results

Results show PRS residents were able to detect more inaccuracies of the ChatGPT response as well as prefer the CMF surgeon's prompt in performing the surgery. Residents with less expertise in the procedure not only failed to detect who wrote what procedure, but preferred the ChatGPT response in explaining the concept and chose it to perform the surgery.

Conclusions

In applications to surgical education, ChatGPT was found to be effective in generating easy to understand procedural steps that can be followed by medical personnel of all specialties. However, it does not have expert capabilities to provide the minute detail of measurements and specific anatomy required to perform medical procedures.
How Does Data Empower SMEs to Achieve Continuous Innovation? Implications From China
Authors: He Zhiwei , Sun Xinbo
Published: August 2023

Continuous innovation is one of the effective ways to enhance the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While the contribution of data, a new production factor, to enhance continuous innovation performance is widely recognized, little is known about the mechanisms through which data empowers continuous innovation in SMEs. This study focuses on the under-explored issue of how data empowers SMEs to achieve continuous innovation. It applies the theoretical lens of empowerment to explain the process by which SMEs transform data resources into continuous innovation capabilities. Drawing on a multiple case study of four Chinese SMEs (including 15 semi-structured interviews, archival materials, and observations) through theoretical sampling, our materials were coded and analyzed based on the Gioia methodology. The results show that (1) SMEs can build digital platforms to break down organizational boundaries, allowing external stakeholders such as customers and suppliers to directly participate in innovation activities and leveraging data to directly propel innovation activities. Such SMEs usually adopt disruptive innovation. (2) SMEs can broaden and deepen their product expertise by collecting and analyzing data from customer feedback and data generated during production, and eliminate data silos between departments through data flow, thus achieving incremental improvements in products or technologies. These SMEs usually adopt incremental innovation. Based on these findings, we propose a theoretical model under the guidance of empowerment theory to demonstrate two distinct processes for data empowering continuous innovation in SMEs. Finally, we discuss our study’s implications for data empowerment and continuous innovation research and provide future research directions. We also offer some suggestions for SMEs seeking continuous innovation. On the one hand, SMEs should choose a continuous innovation route that suits them according to their resource acquisition capabilities. On the other hand, SMEs in related industries should jointly develop digital platforms, thus expanding the scope of data empowerment and promoting continuous innovation.
Political Development and Political Thought
Authors: Petrov Philip
Published: August 2023

This essay applies existing research in new institutional economics to early modern European political theory so as to offer an interpretive proposal. Using Hobbes, Hume, and James Madison as examples, the essay proposes that understanding early modern European political theorists as inhabitants of developing countries (in a particular sense of that term) can benefit contemporary readers in interpreting some of these theorists’ normative prescriptions. Early modern political theorists faced significant risk of large-scale violence, political instability, and state repression in polities that still struggled to accomplish goals such as implementing rule of law, protecting property rights, and widely distributing material resources using impartial criteria. By contrast, many contemporary readers of these writers live in the developed and liberal-democratic West. Contemporary readers are thus liable to normalize their own conditions and to underestimate the political-economic constraints under which early modern political theorists wrote, thereby misreading some of the latter’s normative prescriptions. By interpreting early modern political theorists as writers who faced institutional constraints that have significantly receded in today’s West, contemporary readers can enrich their understanding of these writers’ objectives.