bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative echocardiography in minimally invasive surgery for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Ceng , Wang Zhenzhen , Zheng Yi , Wang Jing , Sun Litao
Published: May 2024

Background

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is clinically symptomatic and prone to malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Currently, an effective treatment is surgical resection of the hypertrophic ventricular septum to relieve the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and mitral insufficiency. Our center performs an innovative, minimally invasive right infra‐axillary thoracotomy for transaortic septal myectomy. Minimally invasive procedures rely more on perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This study aimed to explore the use of echocardiography during the perioperative period of surgical intervention for HOCM.

Methods

Between August 2021 and April 2022, 27 patients with HOCM underwent cardiac surgery at our hospital. Minimally invasive transaortic septal resection (Morrow myectomy) was performed from the right axilla. The extent of myectomy and need for mitral valve repair were based on perioperative TEE assessment and surgical findings. The demographic parameters and clinical data of patients were recorded. The cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross‐clamp, and mechanical ventilation times were calculated. TEE was used to assess ventricular wall thickening and anatomical abnormalities of mitral regurgitation, assist in intravenous catheterization, and assess the postoperative gradients of the LVOT.

Results

Among the 27 patients with HOCM who underwent transaortic septal myectomy by minimally invasive right infra‐axillary thoracotomy, 16 had LVOT obstruction, 2 had mid‐LV obstruction, and 9 had both LVOT and mid‐LV involvement. TEE provides information about the fine structure of the LV cavity and the etiology of the obstruction. In all cases, LVOT obstruction and mitral valve systolic anterior motion were resolved postoperatively, and the degree of mitral regurgitation was significantly reduced.

Conclusion

Perioperative echocardiography provides valuable information regarding the complex etiology of LVOT obstruction during minimally invasive right infra‐axillary thoracotomy for transaortic septal myectomy. It helps determine the extent of septal resection and assess the need for concomitant mitral valve repair.
Concentration‐QTc and cardiac safety analysis of single and multiple zavegepant nasal spray doses in healthy participants to support approval
Authors: Hughes Jim H. , Bertz Richard , Bhardwaj Rajinder , Donohue Mary K. , Madonia Jennifer , Anderson Matt S. , Morris Beth A. , Croop Robert S. , Liu Jing
Published: May 2024

Zavegepant is a novel gepant administered as a nasal spray approved in the United States at a 10 mg dose for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. The cardiovascular safety of zavegepant nasal spray was assessed in both single‐ascending dose (SAD) and multiple‐ascending dose (MAD) studies in healthy participants. The SAD study included 72 participants (54 active/18 placebo) who received 0.1–40 mg zavegepant or placebo. The MAD study included 72 participants (56 active/16 placebo) who received 5–40 mg zavegepant or placebo for 1–14 days. Plasma zavegepant pharmacokinetics and electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters (Fridericia‐corrected QT interval [QTcF], heart rate, PR interval, ventricular depolarization [QRS], T‐wave morphology, and U‐wave presence) were analyzed pre‐ and post‐zavegepant administration. Using pooled data from the SAD and MAD studies, the relationship between time‐matched plasma zavegepant concentrations and QTc interval was assessed using a linear mixed‐effects model to evaluate the potential for QTc interval prolongation. Results showed that single and multiple doses of zavegepant had no significant impact on ECG parameters versus placebo, and there was no concentration‐dependent effect on QTcF interval. The estimated slope of the plasma zavegepant concentration‐QTcF model was −0.053 ms per ng/mL with a 90% confidence interval of −0.0955 to −0.0110 (p = 0.0415), which is not considered clinically meaningful. At doses up to four times the recommended daily dose, zavegepant does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling of sotatercept in healthy participants and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Ait‐Oudhia Sihem , Jaworowicz David , Hu Ziheng , Bihorel Sébastien , Hu Shuai , Balasubrahmanyam Budda , Mistry Bipin , de Oliveira Pena Janethe , Wenning Larissa , Gheyas Ferdous
Published: May 2024

Sotatercept is a breakthrough, first‐in‐class biologic, that is FDA‐approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model was developed using data from two phase 1 studies in healthy participants, and two phase 2 studies and one phase 3 study in participants with PAH. The pooled sotatercept PK data encompassed single intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) doses ranging from 0.01 to 3.0 mg/kg, as well as multiple SC doses ranging from 0.03 to 1.0 mg/kg, with PK samples collected up to a maximum of ~150 weeks following Q3W and Q4W dosing regimens. The final PopPK analysis included 350 participants, with 30 and 320 participants receiving sotatercept IV and SC, respectively. A two‐compartment model with a first‐order absorption rate constant and a linear disposition from central compartment well‐described sotatercept PK. The estimated bioavailability is ~66%; bioavailability, clearance (CL), and central volume (VC) have low to moderate inter‐individual variability. Time‐varying body weight and baseline albumin concentration were statistically significant predictors of PK; CL and VC were predicted to increase with increasing body weight, while CL was predicted to decrease with increasing baseline albumin concentration. However, the magnitude of covariate effects is not predicted to meaningfully alter the disposition of sotatercept. Altogether, the PopPK modeling results demonstrate favorable PK characteristics (low to moderate variability and typical bioavailability), supporting sotatercept as a SC biological agent for the treatment of patients with PAH.
A pharmacokinetic framework describing antibiotic adsorption to cardiopulmonary bypass devices
Authors: O'Hanlon Conor J. , Holford Nick , Anderson Brian J. , Greaves Mark , Blackburn Lee , Tingle Malcolm D. , Hannam Jacqueline A.
Published: May 2024

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can alter pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and the drug may adsorb to the CPB device, altering exposure. Cefazolin is a beta‐lactam antibiotic used for antimicrobial prophylaxis during cardiac surgery supported by CPB. Adsorption of cefazolin could result in therapeutic failure. An ex vivo study was undertaken using CPB devices primed and then dosed with cefazolin and samples were obtained over 1 hour of recirculation. Twelve experimental runs were conducted using different CPB device sizes (neonate, infant, child, and adult), device coatings (Xcoating™, Rheoparin®, PH.I.S.I.O), and priming solutions. The time course of saturable binding, using Bmax (binding capacity), Kd (dissociation constant), and T2off (half‐time of dissociation), described cefazolin adsorption. Bmax estimates for the device sizes were neonate 40.0 mg (95% CI 24.3, 67.4), infant 48.6 mg (95% CI 5.97, 80.2), child 77.8 mg (95% CI 54.9, 103), and adult 196 mg (95% CI 191, 199). The Xcoating™ Kd estimate was 139 mg/L (95% CI 27.0, 283) and the T2off estimate was 98.4 min (95% CI 66.8, 129). The Rheoparin® and PH.I.S.I.O coatings had similar binding parameters with Kd and T2off estimates of 0.169 mg/L (95% CI 0.01, 1.99) and 4.94 min (95% CI 0.17, 59.4). The Bmax was small (< 10%) relative to a typical total patient dose during cardiac surgery supported by CPB. A dose adjustment for cefazolin based solely on drug adsorption is not required. This framework could be extended to other PK studies involving CPB.
Thermal Tests of Type B Radioactive Transport Package: Experimental Description and Heat Flux Analysis
Authors: Lian Yiren , Wang Ning , Wang Changwu , Yan Jin , Chen Lei , Zhu Yeming , Sun Shutang , Sun Hongchao , Li Guoqiang
Published: May 2024

The design of Type B radioactive transport package should be able to withstand the fire accident scenario in transportation accident conditions. For the simulation of the fire scenario, there are mainly three methods: pool fire test, furnace test and thermal radiation test. This paper tried to carry out the fire test with the furnace method that the conditions in the furnace can be more carefully controlled. The paper described the requirements of fire test, test conditions and measurement test methods and analysed the temperature change of fire site and the heat flux data of the surface of the package during the fire test. The test results seemed that the fire test method could provide satisfactory thermal environment for fire test of Type B radioactive transport package.
Integrating fuzzy logic and multi‐criteria decision‐making in a hybrid FMECA for robust risk prioritization
Authors: Chakhrit Ammar , Djelamda Imene , Bougofa Mohammed , Guetarni Islam H. M. , Bouafia Abderraouf , Chennoufi Mohammed
Published: May 2024

Failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) is widely employed across industries to recognize and reduce possible failures. Despite its extensive usage, FMECA encounters challenges in decision‐making. In this paper, a new fuzzy resilience‐based RPN model is created to develop the FMECA method. The fuzzy model transcends the limitations associated with traditional risk priority number calculations by incorporating factors beyond frequency, severity, and detection. This extension includes considerations impacting system cost, sustainability, and safety, providing a more comprehensive risk assessment. In addition, to create trust in decision‐makers, a robust assessment approach is suggested, integrating three methodologies. In the initial phase, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process and the grey relation analysis method are used to determine the subjective weights of different risk factors and resolve the flaws associated with the deficiency of constructed fuzzy inference rules. In the second phase, an entropy method is applied to handle the uncertainty of individual weightage calculated and capture different conflicting experts' views. The suggested approach is validated through a case study involving a gas turbine. The results demonstrate significant differences in failure mode prioritization between different approaches. The introduction of MTTR addresses critical shortcomings in traditional FMECA, enhancing predictive capabilities. Furthermore, the hybrid approach improved criticality assessment and failure mode ranking, classifying failure modes into fifteen categories, aiding decision‐making, and applying appropriate risk mitigation measures. Overall, the findings validate the efficacy of the proposed approach in addressing uncertainties and divergent expert judgments for risk assessment in complex systems.
Synergistic modulation of SLME and thermal transport toward promising p‐type lead‐free halide semiconductors In2TiX6 (X = Br, I) via first principles analysis
Authors: Kumbhakar Jaidev , Abraham Jisha Annie , Srivastava Anshuman , Meena K. L. , Manzoor Mumtaz , Ghfar Ayman A. , Sharma Ramesh
Published: May 2024

Lead halide perovskites have been replaced by the environmentally acceptable and effective lead‐free double perovskite material. Double perovskites are innovative compounds for sustainable energy and budding substitutes to organic as well as lead‐based solar cells. In the current study, it has been expounded on the structural, electronic, thermoelectric, as well as thermodynamic characteristics of newly designed double perovskites In2TiX6 (X = Br, I) by means of ab‐initio computations relied on the FP‐LAPW tactics and semi‐classical Boltzmann transport theory with PBE‐GGA as exchange correlation potential. To obtain accurate value of band gaps (1.294 eV and 1.025 eV), TB‐mBJ approximation has been used along with PBE‐GGA. The best combinations of both compounds have spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency (SLME) values 33.96% and 31.63%, that are appropriate for solar cell absorbers, at 300 K, respectively. We have also computed Debye temperature and Grüneisen parameter to find the lattice thermal conductivity for both the investigated alloys. Thermoelectric properties have been labeled by Seebeck coefficient, electrical as well as thermal conductivities, and figure of merit. The peak values of Seebeck coefficient of 248 μV/K and 202 μV/K are observed for In2TiBr6 and In2TiI6 respectively in the p‐type regions. Attained results illustrates that the investigated In2TiX6 may be contender in thermoelectric due to their high figure of merit in low as moderate temperatures. Our results suggest that these materials are viable for use in thermoelectric devices.
Effect of soil pH and mineralogy on the sorption and desorption of phosphite and phosphate in Ultisols of the Southeastern Coastal Plain
Authors: Szogi Ariel A. , Padilla Joshua T. , Shumaker Paul D.
Published: May 2024

The development of transgenic crop varieties capable of utilizing phosphite (Phi) as a phosphorus (P) source is a promising strategy to increase P use efficiency while decreasing reliance on phosphate (Pi)‐based fertilizers. However, little information is available on Phi sorption and desorption in soils. We conducted batch experiments to investigate the sorption of Phi and Pi by three Ultisols from the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. At the soils' acidic field pH (pH 4.7–6.2), Pi had a higher affinity than Phi for soil solids, where maximum sorbed concentrations of Pi were an average of 44% greater than those of Phi. The sorption of both P species decreased when experiments were repeated adjusting soil pH to 6.5. More Phi than Pi was recovered during desorption experiments, indicating that Phi was more reversibly sorbed and, therefore, may be more plant‐available than Pi. Multiple linear regression between calculated linear distribution coefficients (KD; 10 mg P L−1 input solutions) and soil properties suggested that amorphous Al‐ and Fe‐oxides controlled Pi sorption. Alternatively, amorphous Al‐oxides and gibbsite controlled Phi sorption. Our results show that a lower affinity of Phi than Pi in Ultisols could improve P availability for plant uptake of Phi‐based fertilizers but may increase the risk of soil P buildup over time.
Assessing heterogeneity in surrogacy using censored data
Authors: Parast Layla , Tian Lu , Cai Tianxi
Published: May 2024

Determining whether a surrogate marker can be used to replace a primary outcome in a clinical study is complex. While many statistical methods have been developed to formally evaluate a surrogate marker, they generally do not provide a way to examine heterogeneity in the utility of a surrogate marker. Similar to treatment effect heterogeneity, where the effect of a treatment varies based on a patient characteristic, heterogeneity in surrogacy means that the strength or utility of the surrogate marker varies based on a patient characteristic. The few methods that have been recently developed to examine such heterogeneity cannot accommodate censored data. Studies with a censored outcome are typically the studies that could most benefit from a surrogate because the follow‐up time is often long. In this paper, we develop a robust nonparametric approach to assess heterogeneity in the utility of a surrogate marker with respect to a baseline variable in a censored time‐to‐event outcome setting. In addition, we propose and evaluate a testing procedure to formally test for heterogeneity at a single time point or across multiple time points simultaneously. Finite sample performance of our estimation and testing procedure are examined in a simulation study. We use our proposed method to investigate the complex relationship between change in fasting plasma glucose, diabetes, and sex hormones using data from the diabetes prevention program study.
Tuning the D‐Band Center of Bi2S3─MoS2 Heterostructure Towards Superior Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Yanan , Li Tengyu , Deng Yirui , Tang Wenhao , Wu Hao , Feng Ming , Yan Peng , Liu Ruiping
Published: May 2024

Lithium‐sulfur (Li–S) batteries are one of the most promising energy storage devices due to their environmental friendliness, low cost, and high specific capacity. However, the slow electrochemical kinetics and the “shuttle effect” have seriously hindered their commercialization. Herein, the nanoflower Bi2S3─MoS2 (BMS) heterostructure is synthesized by a two‐step hydrothermal method, and then the Bi2S3─MoS2‐Polypropylene (BMS‐PP) interlayer is constructed. The heterostructure is rich in active sites, in which BMS has strong adsorption to lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and can effectively anchor LiPSs while catalyzing LiPSs and promote the redox of Li2S at the same time, which can improve the utilization of active substances. More importantly, the d‐band center can be tuned by the formation of Bi2S3─MoS2 heterostructure. Thus, Li–S batteries containing the BMS‐PP interlayer show excellent rate performance (841.6 mAh g−1 at 5 C) and cycling performance (70.3% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 3 C). This work provides a new route for high‐performance lithium–sulfur batteries.
Enhancing Power Sharing Strategy for Consistent Decarbonized Energy Sources in DC Residential Microgrids
Authors: Lam Hong Phuc , Pham Quang T. D. , Ly Thoi Hung , Pham Minh Duc , Nguyen Duc Hung
Published: May 2024

A key issue in the transition to decarbonized energy sources with constant power sources is inaccurate current sharing and voltage quality. The main reason which causes these issues is the inevitable system impedance mismatches. This study addresses this issue by proposing an enhanced power‐sharing strategy that regulates adjustable resistance and compensates for voltage drops across the line impedance at the output of distributed generation converters. The control approach involves analyzing the mathematical relationship between system impedance mismatches and voltage drops in DC residential systems. Utilizing low‐computation proportional‐integral controllers, the secondary current sharing and load voltage controllers regulate converter outputs to compensate for mismatched resistance and voltage, ensuring proper current sharing and load voltage quality across various load conditions. Through the implementation of the proposed scheme incorporating adjustable resistance and voltage shifting terms, both the current‐sharing error and load voltage deviation are gradually reduced to negligible values, while maintaining stable performance in steady‐state conditions, without the need for prior knowledge of system parameters. Simulations and experimental studies are both conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The global prevalence and associated risk factors of Eimeria infection in domestic chickens: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Badri Milad , Olfatifar Meysam , Hayati Alireza , Bijani Behzad , Samimi Rasoul , Abdoli Amir , Nowak Oskar , Diaz Daniel , Eslahi Aida Vafae
Published: May 2024

Background

Eimeria is a protozoan parasite that affects poultry, particularly chickens, causing a disease known as coccidiosis. This disease imposes substantial significant economic challenges to the poultry sector.

Objectives

The current study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and associated risk factors of Eimeria in domestic chickens.

Methods

Multiple databases (Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for articles published until June 2023. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random‐effects model with a 95% confidence interval. The statistical analysis was conducted using meta packages in R version (3.6.1).

Results

In total, 41 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The global pooled prevalence was 44.3% (36.9%–51.8%) with Eimeria tenella (38.7%, 30.1%–47.7%) as the most prevalent species. The highest pooled prevalence was related to the Western Pacific Region (80.5%, 72.6%–87.3%) and urban areas (44.4%, 36.5%–52.6%). Moreover, areas with humid subtropical climates represent the highest overall prevalence (75.8%, 46.6%–95.9%).

Conclusion

The necessity for robust and innovative strategies for preventing and managing this disease cannot be overstated. Addressing Eimeria impact is crucial not only for safeguarding poultry health but also for sustaining the economic viability of the poultry industry.
A self‐assembled tannic acid‐modified Zn‐Al LDH supported Mg(OH)2 nanofiller for the preparation of bisphenol A based poly(amide‐imide) nanocomposites
Authors: Hajibeygi Mohsen , Moradi Hesam
Published: May 2024

A multifunctional organic‐inorganic nanofiller as a reinforcement of bisphenol A based poly(amide‐imide) (BPAI) was assembled through the formation of electrostatic forces between tannic acid (TA)‐modified Zn‐Al LDH and Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles (MDH). TA‐modified MDH@Zn‐Al LDH (TML) was fabricated using an in‐situ, one‐step co‐precipitation method. This involved the growth of LDH layers in the TA/MDH suspension. The manner of surface modification and the placement of MDH along with LDH in the TML structure were confirmed using FTIR, XRD, FE‐SEM, and TGA. The results exhibited that the modification has resulted in an intercalated structure with increased interlayer spacing of LDH. The Poly(amide‐imide) nanocomposites were prepared by reinforcing BPAI with TML using the solution casting method. The best thermal stability of the nanocomposites, in both air and N2 atmospheres, appeared in the sample with 2 wt% TML content. The T10 and Tmax values of this sample in the air atmosphere were found to be 45 and 37°C higher, respectively, than those of BPAI. Comparative to neat BPAI, the THR and HRC values of the mentioned sample were reduced by 43.6% and 45.7%, respectively. These results demonstrated the significant synergistic effect of the TML structure in enhancing the thermal and combustion resistance of BPAI.

Highlights

Preparation of LDH on a Mg(OH)2/tannic acid as multifunctional nanofiller.

Self‐assembling nanofiller including tannic acid‐modified LDH‐supported MDH.

A synthesized bisphenol A based poly(amide‐imide) (BPAI).

Effect of the nanofiller on the thermal and combustion resistance of BPAI.
Patterns of Sexual Risk Behaviors and Sexuality-Related Risk Factors among Young Adults in Germany: Implications for Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Jepsen Dennis , Healy Karl Vince , Bernard Marie , Markert Jenny , Brzank Petra J.
Published: May 2024

Sexual risk behavior (SRB) includes behavioral (sex without contraception, sexualized substance use, sex work, sexual partner violence, other sexual activities that harm oneself or others) and affective subtypes (sexuality-related feelings of shame/guilt, relationship impairments) and leads to psychosocial and health-related consequences. Young adults comprise a vulnerable group regarding the development of SRB. The study aimed to identify SRB patterns among young adults and their relation to sexuality-related risk factors. A cross-sectional online survey measured behavioral and affective aspects of SRB with nine items. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify patterns of SRB. Gender, sexual orientation, age of first intercourse, number of sexual partners, hypersexuality, and sexual dysfunction were captured as risk factors via multinomial logistic regression. Within this convenience sample (n = 609; nfemale = 365; nmale = 245; Mage = 23.1 years), the SRB patterns unremarkable (67%; low values in all SRB subtypes), shame-ridden (17%; high values in sexual feelings of shame/guilt) and risky sexual behavior (16%; high values in all subtypes of SRB, especially sexualized drug use) were identified. The shame-ridden and risky patterns were strongly associated with higher hypersexuality values, the risky pattern moreover with being non-heterosexual, of younger age at first sexual experience, and a higher number of sexual partners. Male and sexual minority participants demonstrated SRB more often than females and heterosexuals. Within prevention and treatment of SRB, it seems beneficial to address sexuality-related feelings of shame/guilt and addictive patterns (concerning sexual behaviors/substances) via gender- and diversity-sensitive measurements.
Attachment and Political Personality are Heritable and Distinct Systems, and Both Share Genetics with Interpersonal Trust and Altruism
Authors: Kleppesto Thomas Haarklau , Czajkowski Nikolai Olavi , Vassend Olav , Roysamb Espen , Eftedal Nikolai Haahjem , Sheehy-Skeffington Jennifer , Ystrom Eivind , Kunst Jonas R. , Gjerde Line C. , Thomsen Lotte
Published: May 2024

The attachment and caregiving domains maintain proximity and care-giving behavior between parents and offspring, in a way that has been argued to shape people’s mental models of how relationships work, resulting in secure, anxious or avoidant interpersonal styles in adulthood. Several theorists have suggested that the attachment system is closely connected to orientations and behaviors in social and political domains, which should be grounded in the same set of familial experiences as are the different attachment styles. We use a sample of Norwegian twins (N = 1987) to assess the genetic and environmental relationship between attachment, trust, altruism, right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), and social dominance orientation (SDO). Results indicate no shared environmental overlap between attachment and ideology, nor even between the attachment styles or between the ideological traits, challenging conventional wisdom in developmental, social, and political psychology. Rather, evidence supports two functionally distinct systems, one for navigating intimate relationships (attachment) and one for navigating social hierarchies (RWA/SDO), with genetic overlap between traits within each system, and two distinct genetic linkages to trust and altruism. This is counter-posed to theoretical perspectives that link attachment, ideology, and interpersonal orientations through early relational experiences.
The Prevalence, Predictors, and Health Consequences of Disagreement in Reports of Child Maltreatment Exposure
Authors: Dunn Erin C. , Ernst Samantha C. , Nishimi Kristen , Choi Kristen R.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence, predictors, and consequences of disagreement between prospective caregiver and retrospective child reports of childhood physical and emotional maltreatment. The design was a secondary analysis of data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a three-decade long UK-based birth cohort. Prospective caregiver reports were in poor to fair agreement with retrospective child reports for physical and emotional maltreatment exposure, with caregivers tending to underreport exposure. Disagreement between reporters was associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms and substance use severity, but decreased risk for mental health diagnoses. Screening measures of childhood maltreatment exposure should take caution against using measures from different reporters interchangeably (i.e., from mother versus child). Disagreement in reports may indicate unmet need for mental health evaluation.
Exploring the impact of entrepreneurial indicators on CO2 emissions within the environmental Kuznets curve framework: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khezri Mohsen , Karimi Mohammad Sharif , Naysary Babak
Published: May 2024

Many countries emphasize entrepreneurship promotion as a policy focus. However, empirical research has often neglected the complex environmental consequences associated with such initiatives. In this study, we analyzed data using a panel model from 14 countries, covering the years 2002 to 2018. Our goal was to thoroughly assess the impact of eleven distinct entrepreneurship indicators on CO2 emissions. Our findings indicate that some control variables, like trade liberalization, are fundamental in reducing emissions. This contrasts with traditional views, which typically revolve around a consistent Kuznets curve that depicts the environmental effects of economic growth. Instead, our research uncovers a dynamic pattern transitioning from a concave upward trajectory to an inverted U-shaped curve, primarily due to increased levels of entrepreneurship. Remarkably, various entrepreneurial indicators, such as government support and policies, taxes and bureaucracy, governmental programs, and cultural and social norms, demonstrate direct positive impacts on CO2 emissions. Conversely, other indicators show a mix of positive and negative effects. Furthermore, examining the spill-over effects of entrepreneurship indicators, particularly in their role in energy use intensity and GDP per capita, reveals significant implications for improving energy consumption efficiency. However, it is important to acknowledge that despite the potential for enhanced efficiency, the negative effects resulting from an increased scale of output may not be completely counteracted.
“Killjoys and Thrilljoys” – A Crip Theoretical Perspective on Sex Education in Special Schools
Authors: Löfgren Lotta
Published: May 2024

Sex education geared towards people with intellectual disability often focuses sexual risks and reproduction. However, research shows that students at special schools often find this inadequate and irrelevant. This conceptual article examines this issue from a crip theoretical perspective, combined with the classical concept of stigma. Furthermore, the term killjoy is added to the analysis; a term located at the intersection between queer and feminist theories. Might those in the environment surrounding individuals with ID, i.e., staff and family members, function as “killjoys” in relation to sexuality and intellectual disability? Or might they develop into “thrilljoys”, i.e., individuals who facilitate the embracement of stigma, with a focus on enjoyment rather than apparent problems in relation to sexuality and people with ID? The aim of this article is to highlight the significance of the social environment for these young people’s needs and life conditions, and to challenge presumptions that have to date been taken för granted. The result shows that assuming the role of thrilljoy means listening in a flexible and relevant way to the wishes that people with ID themselves express. This might in turn also make it easier for people with ID to themselves adopt a crip theoretical perspective and to really embrace that which has up until now been defined as a stigma. Developing new ways of looking at non-normative intellectual functionality and sexuality could contribute to develop sex education geared towards this goal group in a sufficient way.
Utility of time in tight range (TITR) in evaluating metabolic control in pediatric and adult patients with type 1 diabetes in treatment with advanced hybrid closed-loop systems
Authors: Bahillo-Curieses Pilar , Fernández Velasco Pablo , Pérez-López Paloma , Vidueira Martínez Ana María , Nieto de la Marca María de la O , Díaz-Soto Gonzalo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To analyze the time in tight range (TITR), and its relationship with other glucometric parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) systems.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on pediatric and adult patients with T1D undergoing treatment with AHCL systems for at least 3 months. Clinical variables and glucometric parameters before and after AHCL initiation were collected.

Results

A total of 117 patients were evaluated. Comparison of metabolic control after AHCL initiation showed significant improvements in HbA1c (6.9 ± 0.9 vs. 6.6 ± 0.5%, p < 0.001), time in range (TIR) (68.2 ± 11.5 vs. 82.5 ± 6.9%, p < 0.001), TITR (43.7 ± 10.8 vs. 57.3 ± 9.7%, p < 0.001), glucose management indicator (GMI) (6.9 ± 0.4 vs. 6.6 ± 0.3%, p < 0.001), time below range (TBR) 70–54 mg/dl (4.3 ± 4.5 vs. 2.0 ± 1.4%, p < 0.001), and time above range (TAR) > 180 mg/dl (36.0 ± 7.6 vs. 15.1 ± 6.4%, p < 0.001). Coefficient of variation (CV) also improved (36.3 ± 5.7 vs. 30.6 ± 3.7, p < 0.001), while time between 140–180 mg/dl remained unchanged. In total, 76.3% achieved TITR > 50% (100% pediatric). Correlation analysis between TITR and TIR and GRI showed a strong positive correlation, modified by glycemic variability.

Conclusions

AHCL systems achieve significant improvements in metabolic control (TIR > 70% in 93.9% patients). The increase in TIR was not related to an increase in TIR 140–180 mg/dl. Despite being closely related to TIR, TITR allows for a more adequate discrimination of the achieved control level, especially in a population with good initial metabolic control. The correlation between TIR and TITR is directly influenced by the degree of glycemic variability.
Prolonged Response to Dabrafenib/Trametinib in Grade 3 Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET G3) with BRAF V600E Mutation
Authors: Ueberroth Benjamin E. , Lieu Christopher H. , Lentz Robert W.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Treatment of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pancNETs), particularly grade 2 (G2) and grade 3 (G3), often presents a dilemma in choosing from multiple similarly efficacious therapies. Data on targeted therapies for these tumor types is limited, and this report presents BRAF-targeted therapy as a therapeutic option for metastatic pancNET G3.

Methods

This is a case report of a patient with G3 pancNET metastatic to the liver, lung, lymph node, and scalp (soft tissue) treated with dabrafenib/trametinib (D/T) in the presence of a BRAF V600E mutation detected in tumor tissue.

Results

This patient has demonstrated an ongoing partial response to therapy at all involved sites for nearly 15 months with minimal side effects attributable to D/T.

Conclusion

Dabrafenib/trametinib therapy for BRAF-mutated metastatic pancNETs provides a novel treatment option and, especially in the G3 setting, should be considered a first-line option. Tumor testing for actionable mutations should be undertaken at the time of diagnosis and/or progression to identify novel therapeutic avenues in these rare tumors.
Women’s emotional roller coasters during pregnancy as a consequence of infertility: a qualitative phenomenological study
Authors: Hadavibavili Parisa , Hamlaci Başkaya Yasemin , Bayazi̇t Gamze , Cevrioğlu Arif Serhan
Published: May 2024

Women experiencing infertility tend to experience distinct emotions during pregnancy following infertility. Individuals in this population often struggle with psychological and social challenges during pregnancy. This qualitative phenomenological study determines how infertility experiences affect mothers’ mental well-being during pregnancy as well as their experiences and emotions after becoming pregnant. A face-to-face, in-depth interview with 15 women with infertility was conducted between November 2022 and May 2023. The study adhered to ethical guidelines, with informed written consent obtained prior to interviews and voice recordings. The COREQ checklist is applied to follow the EQUATOR guidelines for reporting research and the data were coded using MAXQDA.20 software. A thematic analysis revealed four main themes and 15 codes. Main themes included “Over Emotional Burden,” “Overprotection,” “Overthinking,” and “Social Activity Changes.” Pregnancy after infertility is a unique and emotionally charged experience for women, encompassing a spectrum of feelings that can be difficult to express. The importance of caring for these women and receiving support from their partners, families, and healthcare providers should not be overstated. Healthcare providers should be aware of these emotional challenges so they can provide better support and counselling to improve women’s overall pregnancy experience. It is believed that empathetic communication and tailored support can significantly improve the psychological well-being of this population. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and midwives should also be more attentive to mothers’ emotional challenges and integrate comprehensive emotional support and provide coping mechanisms in perinatal care programs.
Psychometric properties and invariance of the Police Stress Questionnaire in the Romanian context
Authors: Petreuș Ana-Daniela , Vîrgă Delia , Okros Norberth
Published: May 2024

This research evaluates the psychometric properties of the Romanian version of the Police Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), featuring operational and organizational stress scales for police officers. We conducted three studies to test the reliability and validity of this questionnaire. The first study (N = 744) aimed at adapting and validating the Romanian version on the specific population. Confirmatory factor analysis of our two-factor model, each with 20 items grouped in a second-order factor, showed the good value of the fit indices: χ²(738) = 1420.11, p < .001; CFI = 0.992; TLI = 0.992; RMSEA = 0.035 [90% CI 0.033, 0.038]; SRMR = 0.059. Subsequently, we tested measurement invariance, demonstrating that the Romanian version of this questionnaire measures workplace stress (including operational and organizational stress factors) independently of the work environment (police officers vs. correctional officers). The second study (N = 394) confirmed PSQ’s convergent validity through positive correlations with stress perception, burnout, mental health complaints, and psychological distress and its discriminant validity through negative correlations with job satisfaction and work engagement. The third study tested the longitudinal invariance of the stress questionnaire for police (N = 317). The findings suggest that the PSQ is a reliable and valid tool, highlighting its significant impact on the well-being of Romanian police officers by facilitating stress management interventions through baseline and ongoing stress assessment. Future research should longitudinally assess police stress, incorporating multi-source data and diverse units, as well as exploring the impact of socio-demographic aspects for broader insights.
Comorbidities, acute kidney injury and long-term mortality in elderly patients hospitalized because of hip fracture: a moderation analysis
Authors: Borges de Sá Saulo Lacerda , Faria Maria Luiza Medeiros , Gonçalves Tiago Lins Oliveira , Libório Alexandre Braga
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Femoral fractures in elderly individuals present significant health challenges, often leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Acute kidney injury (AKI) during hospitalization further complicates outcomes, yet the interaction between AKI severity and comorbidities, as quantified by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), remains poorly understood in this population. This study aimed to assess the associations between AKI severity and the CCI and between AKI severity and one-year mortality postfemoral fracture in elderly patients.

Methodology

This study utilized data from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database and focused on elderly patients (> 65 years) admitted with hip fractures. Patients were categorized based on AKI stage according to the KDIGO criteria and CCI scores. The primary outcome assessed was all-cause mortality one year after hospital discharge. The statistical analyses included logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards regression and moderation analysis with the Johnson–Neyman technique to evaluate associations between AKI and long-term mortality and between the CCI and long-term mortality.

Results

The analysis included 1,955 patients and revealed that severe AKI (stages 2 and 3) was independently associated with increased one-year mortality. Notably, the CCI moderated these associations significantly. A lower CCI score was significantly correlated with greater mortality in patients with severe AKI. The impact of severe AKI was greater for those with a CCI as low as 3, more than doubling the observed one-year mortality rate. In contrast, higher CCI scores (≥8) did not significantly impact mortality. Sensitivity analyses supported these findings, underscoring the robustness of the observed associations.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the complex interplay between AKI severity and comorbidities and long-term mortality in elderly hip fracture patients. These findings underscore the importance of considering both AKI severity and comorbidity burden in prognostic assessments and intervention strategies for this vulnerable population. Targeted interventions tailored to individual risk profiles may help mitigate the impact of AKI on mortality outcomes, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms involved and refine risk stratification approaches in this population.
K3 surfaces, cyclotomic polynomials and orthogonal groups
Authors: Bayer-Fluckiger Eva
Published: May 2024

Let X be a complex projective K3 surface and let $$T_X$$

T
X

be its transcendental lattice; the characteristic polynomials of isometries of $$T_X$$

T
X

induced by automorphisms of X are powers of cyclotomic polynomials. Which powers of cyclotomic polynomials occur? The aim of this note is to answer this question, as well as related ones, and give an alternative approach to some results of Kondō, Machida, Oguiso, Vorontsov, Xiao and Zhang; this leads to questions and results concerning orthogonal groups of lattices.
Beyond Work and Play: Decolonising Children’s Right to Leisure
Authors: Mukherjee Utsa
Published: May 2024

In this research note, I unpack the way children’s right to leisure and play has been understood and formulated in contemporary child rights discourses. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) recognises children’s right to “rest and leisure” including their right to participate in age-appropriate play and recreational activities. I argue that this ‘right to leisure’ discourse within UNCRC reinforces a liberal, unitary model of citizenship that locates the individual child as the locus of rights. Instead, I connect contemporary debates around difference-centred model of children’s citizenship and living rights with decolonial approaches to leisure and vernacular rights cultures to offer a critical appraisal of children’s right to leisure. These inclusive approaches can offer new avenues for theorising and researching children’s right to leisure.
Digital transformation for sustainable health and well-being: a review and future research directions
Authors: Hameed Khizar , Naha Ranesh , Hameed Faisal
Published: May 2024

Ensuring good health and well-being is one of the crucial Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aims to promote healthy lives and well-being for people of all ages. This involves providing affordable and environmentally friendly medical services to the public fairly and equitably. Good health and well-being goals include achieving fair health outcomes and strong healthcare systems. It also highlights the importance of integrating sustainable health considerations into the policy frameworks of developing countries, which are established to address the social factors that influence health. Regarding healthcare reform, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a pivotal role as key enablers to improve patient access, treatment quality, and system efficiency. This shift in focus also highlights the significance of fostering digital accessibility, sustainability, inventiveness, cybersecurity, and digital leadership. Nevertheless, incorporating progressively advancing ICT technology into healthcare systems, sometimes called digital transformation, is not simple. However, some challenges arise in integration, application design, and security measures. While numerous studies have been suggested to tackle incorporating ICT technologies into healthcare systems, these studies have had limited scope and have not considered several factors. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an extensive research study focusing on integration technologies, design challenges, security and privacy challenges, application areas, and the potential positive and negative effects. Therefore, this paper contributes as the research literature study covering an important SDG, “Good health and well-being,” and its digital transformation, along with summarising our research findings in a detailed and taxonomical way. First, we analyze an all-encompassing taxonomy of prior research on healthcare and well-being, emphasizing incorporating ICT in healthcare, specifically with sustainability, security and privacy challenges, design and integration challenges, applications associated with Electronic Health (E-Health), and potential future avenues for exploration. Then, we explore the need for digital transformation in healthcare and its significant components, highlight E-Health’s importance and benefits, explore its integration and design challenges, and categorize the security and privacy challenges. Next, we determine the role of Blockchain Technology as today’s leading technology in E-Health. We discuss Blockchain Technology and its characteristics, highlight its benefits, and describe the possible types of Blockchain-based E-Health use cases. Furthermore, we compare the positive and negative impacts of ICT integration and identify open issues and challenges of integrating ICT technologies into the healthcare systems. We also discuss future research directions, strengthening researchers to address the issues in future solutions.
Transition Expertise and Identity
Authors: Connolly Christopher , Gobet Fernand
Published: May 2024

Through a systematic review of relevant literature and an analysis of in-depth interviews with key expert performers, this book examines the nature of expertise that enables individuals to make repeated successful transitions over the course of their career. Focusing on business, sports, and music, it examines the roles of motivation, cognitive flexibility, personal intelligence, generative thinking, and contextual intelligence in this process. It further shows how identity changes and adapts during a career transition and how self concept evolves over the course of a career. This book has wide appeal for academics in psychology, sports, music, and business, as well as coaches, mentors, talent management, and training organisations across these domains.
The Architecture of the Science of Living Beings
Authors: Falcon Andrea
Published: May 2024

Scholars have paid ample attention to Aristotle's works on animals. By contrast, they have paid little or no attention to Theophrastus' writings on plants. That is unfortunate because there was a shared research project in the early Peripatos which amounted to a systematic, and theoretically motivated, study of perishable living beings (animals and plants). This is the first sustained attempt to explore how Aristotle and Theophrastus envisioned this study, with attention focused primarily on its deep structure. That entails giving full consideration to a few transitional passages where Aristotle and Theophrastus offer their own description of what they are trying to do. What emerges is a novel, sophisticated, and largely idiosyncratic approach to the topic of life. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.