bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Upper Attachment of the Uncinate Process and Anterior Ethmoidal Artery
Authors: Yaprak Fulya , Coban Istemihan , Ozer Mehmet Asim , Eraslan Cenk , Govsa Figen
Published: August 2023

Objective:

Variations in the upper attachment of the uncinate process (UP) are important because they can affect frontal sinus drainage and change the morphology. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the primary technique used to treat chronic medically refractory rhinosinusitis. Uncinectomy is the basis of FESS technique to obtain the best possible result from surgery. The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) enters the nasal cavity through the orbital medial wall (lamina papyracea) may also be affected by the upper attachment of the UP. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible link between UP variations and the course of the AEA.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective, computed tomography (CT)-based, anatomic study was conducted on 200 healthy adults (100 females and 100 males) by screening bilateral paranasal sinus images. The upper attachment of the UP was classified in 6 types (1-6) based on the Liu classification. The AEA was divided into 4 types (A-D) based on location: anterior to the frontal sinus (A), between the frontal sinus and the middle nasal turbinate (B), and anterior to the posterior ethmoidal cells (C and D). All the CT images were evaluated simultaneously by 2 anatomists and 1 radiologist.

Results:

Of the total cases (200 right and 200 left side), 48.8% were type 1 UP attachment, 11.0% type 2, 12% type 3, 9% type 4, 18% type 5, and 1.2% type 6. The AEAs were classified as 12.2% type A, 71.8% type B, 15.2% type C, and 0.8% type D.

Conclusion:

The course of the AEA through the nasal cavity was observed to shift anteriorly from the ethmoidal bulla to the frontal sinus in patients with UP attached to the lamina papyracea and middle turbinate. Remarkably, the AEA always coursed anterior from the middle nasal turbinate line.
Association between mental health workforce supply and clusters of high and low rates of youth suicide: An Australian study using suicide mortality data from 2016 to 2020
Authors: Hill NTM , Bouras H , Too LS , Perry Y , Lin A , Weiss D
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To examine the association between mental health workforce supply and spatial clusters of high versus low incidence of youth suicide.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of spatial suicide clusters in young Australians (aged 10–25) from 2016 to 2020 was conducted using the scan statistic and suicide data from the National Coronial Information System. Mental health workforce was extracted from the 2020 National Health Workforce Dataset by local government areas. The Geographic Index of Relative Supply was used to estimate low and moderate-to-high mental health workforce supply for clusters characterised by a high and low incidence of suicide (termed suicide hotspots and coldspots, respectively). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between suicide clusters and a range of sociodemographic characteristics including mental health workforce supply.

Results:

Eight suicide hotspots and two suicide coldspots were identified. The multivariate analysis showed low mental health workforce supply was associated with increased odds of being involved in a suicide hotspot (adjusted odds ratio = 8.29; 95% confidence interval = 5.20–13.60), followed by residential remoteness (adjusted odds ratio = 2.85; 95% confidence interval = 1.68–4.89), and illicit drug consumption (adjusted odds ratio = 1.97; 1.24–3.11). Both coldspot clusters occurred in areas with moderate-to-high mental health workforce supply.

Conclusion:

Findings highlight the potential risk and protective roles that mental health workforce supply may play in the spatial distributions of youth suicide clusters. These findings have important implications for the provision of postvention and the prevention of suicide clusters.
Optimized GICP registration algorithm based on principal component analysis for point cloud edge extraction
Authors: Zhao Weidong , Zhang Dandan , Li Dan , Zhang Yao , Ling Qiang
Published: August 2023

For iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, the initial position and the number of iterations are needed in registration. At the same time, the ICP algorithm is easy to fall into local convergence and convergence speed is slow. By constructing K-D tree to search neighborhood points and artificially set threshold, plane fitting is carried out, the on-time point cloud to be deployed is separated from the complex background, and statistical analysis is used to calculate the distance between the point cloud and the neighborhood point to quickly remove the invalid point cloud. The surface equation is set to calculate the tangent plane of point cloud normal vector and each normal vector, and the local coordinate system is constructed. The angle between adjacent vectors and the local coordinate system is calculated to determine the feature point set of edge contour. According to the covariance matrix of the feature points set, the principal feature component is obtained, the principal axis direction of the two sets of point clouds is found, and the rotation matrix and the displacement vector are obtained. Finally, GICP precise registration of point cloud is carried out according to initial pose parameters and rigid body transformation matrix obtained by maximum likelihood estimation method. The results show that the optimized algorithm can effectively avoid local convergence. Compared with the traditional ICP algorithm, when the algorithm achieves the same registration accuracy in the public dataset experiment, the registration speed is on average 44.82% faster and the overlap rate is on average 15.26% higher. In the real dataset experiment, the registration speed is on average 59.04% faster, the registration accuracy is on average 30.24% higher and the overlap rate is on average 10.61% higher. This shows that the optimization algorithm is superior to the traditional ICP algorithm in registration accuracy and convergence speed.
Religion-Related Values Differently Influence Moral Attitude for Robots in the United States and Japan
Authors: Ikari Shogo , Sato Kosuke , Burdett Emily , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Jong Jonathan , Nakawake Yo
Published: August 2023

Increasing evidence suggests that people show moral concern for robots among other nonhuman entities. Furthermore, people’s attitudes toward new automated technologies such as robots and artificial intelligence (AI) are influenced by their social backgrounds, including religion. Two specific religion-related values, that is, animism and anthropocentrism, have been recognized to influence preference for and familiarity with robots. However, how they affect moral care for robots under different religious traditions has not been studied. Here, we empirically examined how moral care for robots is influenced by religiosity (i.e., religious beliefs and religious attendance) and religion-related values (i.e., animism and anthropomorphism) in U.S. and Japanese samples, cultures that are grounded in Abrahamic and Shinto-Buddhist traditions, respectively ( N = 3,781). Overall, moral care for robots was higher in Japan than in the United States, matching previous findings. Moral care for robots was negatively associated with religiosity in the United States and positively in Japan, although its variance was better explained by religion-related values than religiosity. Furthermore, moral care for robots had a negative association with anthropocentrism in the United States and a positive association with animism in Japan. The findings demonstrate how religious tradition may influence moral attitudes toward robots, highlighting the role of cultural traditions in the realm of moral considerations.
Recent Advances in the Use of the Mortality Syndromic Surveillance System—New York City, 2015-2020
Authors: Castro Alejandro F. , Li Wenhui , Bernard-Davila Blanca , Huynh Mary , Van Wye Gretchen
Published: August 2023

Objective:

New York City’s automated mortality syndromic surveillance system monitors temporal and spatial patterns in mortality. To describe the use of the syndromic surveillance system, we used the system to find mortality patterns for the 15 leading causes of death and for deaths from rare and reportable diseases in New York City from February 2015 through June 2020. We used results to find aberrations that indicate threats to public health.

Methods:

We used unobserved components models to analyze time series of mortality counts for leading causes of death, historical limits methods for rare and reportable diseases, and SaTScan for temporal–spatial cluster analysis. We obtained data on the number of deaths from the electronic death registry system maintained by the city’s Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Results:

The mortality syndromic surveillance system detected an increase in the number of deaths from heart disease by April 1, 2020, when 75.0 deaths occurred on March 24, 2020, instead of an expected 45.8 deaths (95% upper prediction limit of 61.0) and an increase in the number of deaths from all causes on March 20, 2020, when 194.0 deaths were observed while 150.1 deaths were expected (95% upper prediction limit of 178.0). The number of deaths from all causes returned to normal the week beginning June 14, 2020, when 990.0 deaths were observed and 998.8 deaths were expected.

Practice Implications:

When compared with efforts from New York City to provide yearly vital statistics, the automated mortality syndromic surveillance system can provide timely mortality data with fewer resources and raise the capacity to detect anomalous increases in mortality.
Religious involvement and psychological well-being in the Middle East
Authors: Koenig Harold G , Al Shohaib Saad
Published: August 2023

Objective

There is growing evidence that religious involvement is associated with better mental health in Christian Western countries. Whether the same is true in Middle Eastern countries whose populations are largely Muslim is less clear. The present study examined the association between religiosity and psychological well-being in the Middle East.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved nationally representative samples of adults aged 18 or older in Egypt (n = 3496), Tunisia (n = 3070), and Turkey (n = 3019) (Wave 1 of Middle Eastern Values Panel Study). Data on psychological well-being (life satisfaction, happiness, and optimism) were available on 8835-8886 participants. Bivariate analyses and multivariate analyses were conducted, controlling for age, gender, education, employment status, marital status, financial satisfaction, economic class, country, and Muslim religious affiliation. Interactions with gender were also examined.

Results

Most participants (95%) reported a Muslim affiliation. Bivariate analyses indicated a positive association between overall religiosity (the primary predictor) and life satisfaction (r = .12), happiness (r = .13) and optimism (r = .19) ( P < .0001). Multivariate analyses indicated a significant relationship between overall religiosity and life satisfaction (B = .046, SE = .005), happiness (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.02-1.04), and optimism (B = .054, SE = .005). A significant interaction between gender and religiosity was found for life satisfaction (B = -.025, SE = .009, P = .007), such that the association was stronger in males than in females. For happiness and optimism, trends were in the same direction.

Conclusions

Small but significant associations between overall religiosity (beliefs and practices) and psychological well-being were found in this largely Muslim Middle Eastern sample. Prospective studies are needed to determine the causal direction of these relationships.
Evaluating the effect of environmental conditions on high compressive strain rates in unfilled and filled neoprene rubbers
Authors: Gkouti Elli , Chaudhry Muhammad Salman , Yenigun Burak , Czekanski Aleksander
Published: August 2023

Elastomers are known for their strain-rate-dependent properties not only to quasistatic but also to high strain rate deformations, where mechanical behavior is significantly affected by inertia. Concurrently, environmental changes, such as temperature and humidity variations, can impact their stress response to deformation. This study investigates the effects of material layers within neoprene samples on mitigating these environmental changes. While the presence of an intermediate layer proves effective against temperature and humidity influence, it fails to block the impact of increasing high strain rates. Moreover, the different humidity levels at room and elevated temperatures do not significantly alter the mechanical behavior of filled neoprene samples compared to pure neoprene. Notably, in unfilled neoprene, an increase in humidity levels, other than an absolutely dry environment, leads to a notable stress level rise at room temperature, while under elevated temperature conditions, there is a significant stress decrease with increasing humidity. However, neoprene filled with polyester/cotton or nylon displays resilience to diminishing mechanical behavior under various temperature and humidity regulations, indicating that the material layer within these samples effectively “protects” the rubbers from potential stress lapses observed in unfilled neoprene. While a high strain rate compression affects the behavior of the filled variants significantly, increasing humidity and temperature have minimal impact on their stress levels. These findings offer valuable insights into the dynamic responses of elastomers to environmental changes, highlighting the advantages of using filled rubbers in diverse applications.
Analysis of Sinus Inflammation Associated With Maxillary Sinus Fungal Ball Based on CT Imaging
Authors: Liu Chengyao , Yang Ting , Shi Pengyu , Zeng Yun , Wang Yi , Li Yunchuan , Wei Hongzheng
Published: August 2023

Background: Paranasal sinus fungal balls usually occur unilaterally, and the maxillary sinus is most commonly involved. However, other sinuses could be concomitantly inflammed, and this phenomenon is rarely discussed. Aims/Objectives: To evaluate the severity of maxillary sinus fungal ball (MSFB) and the occurrence of sinus inflammation in paranasal sinuses according to the image findings and analyze the potential correlations. Material and Methods: A total of 1226 cases of MSFB were divided into 2 groups according to ostiomeatal complex obstruction on computed tomography. The potential correlations between sinus inflammation and MSFB in these groups were analyzed. Results: The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with obstructed ostiomeatal complex (OOMC) and those with clear ostiomeatal complex (COMC). The incidences of sinus inflammation in the ipsilateral sinuses of MSFB were higher in the OOMC group than in the COMC group, and there were no differences in the contralateral sinuses of MSFB. In the OOMC group, sinus inflammation was more common in all ipsilateral sinuses of MSFB than in the contralateral sinuses. In the COMC group, the incidences of sinus inflammation in the ipsilateral ethmoid and frontal sinuses of MSFB were higher than that in the contralateral sinuses. However, no significant difference was observed in the sinus inflammation incidence of bilateral sphenoid sinuses in the COMC group. The incidence of nasal polyps was higher in the ipsilateral nasal cavity in the OOMC group. Conclusions and Significance: MSFB stimulated sinus inflammation and nasal polyps in the adjacent sinuses through local factors.
The Impact of School Infrastructure and Teachers’ Human Capital on Academic Performance in Brazil
Authors: Wanke Peter , Lauro Adriano , dos Santos Figueiredo Otávio H. , Faria João Ricardo , Mixon Franklin G.
Published: August 2023

To improve one of the lowest rates of literacy and numeracy in the world, the government of Brazil has targeted public education reform, given the strong link between an educated population and economic growth. This study examines the academic performance of the Brazilian public primary school system. It addresses the empirical shortcomings of prior research to examine the dynamics of the relationship between academic performance scores and several demographic and institutional variables, such as socioeconomic characteristics, variations in school infrastructure and school complexity, and teachers’ human capital. We employed quantile regression to explore the determinants of academic performance across 35,490 schools in rural and urban environments in Brazil. The dependent variable in our analysis captures the academic performance score, as measured by Brazil’s education authorities, of each school in our dataset. The model includes several education-related indices used in prior research and, as explanatory factors, measures of teachers’ human capital and the students’ socioeconomic level, which synthesizes information on parents’ education and household income. The results suggest that several institutional variables, including access to school libraries, computer facilities, projectors, and televisions, are positively and significantly related to the academic performance of primary students in Brazil’s system of public education. Furthermore, students’ socioeconomic level is positively associated with their academic performance.
Big Data for the Prediction of Forced Displacement
Authors: Henningsen Geraldine
Published: August 2023

In a world where every 80th person is now forcibly displaced, using big data sources to improve planning processes is no longer a question of if, but a question of how. In recent years, UNHCR has intensified its efforts to integrate a variety of data sources, ranging from satellite imagery to newspapers to online digital data, into estimates of refugees and persons of concern. These novel data sources offer UNHCR an opportunity to improve planning about early warning and acute crisis situations. This paper outlines the potential of big data for practitioners within the area of predictive work in the humanitarian sector and presents examples of how some of those data sources are currently used in the organisation. In particular, it considers the opportunities and challenges of aligning big data with UNHCR's goals of accuracy, scalability and sampling bias adjustments.
Re-Dosing del Nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery: Perfusion characteristics and outcomes--Is there an optimal redosing strategy?
Authors: Kossar Alexander P , Nemeth Samantha , Kosuri Yaagnik D , Kazzi Brigitte E , Honzel Emily , D’Angelo Alex , Spellman Jessica , Takeda Koji , Takayama Hiroo , Bapat Vinayak , Argenziano Michael , Beck James , Smith Craig R , Kurlansky Paul , George Isaac
Published: August 2023

Objectives

del Nido cardioplegia is utilized for myocardial protection in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery; however, no standardized re-dosing protocol exists. We describe perfusion characteristics and clinical outcomes in adult cardiac surgery patients who were re-dosed with del Nido cardioplegia.

Methods

Chart review was performed for adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery (specific inclusion/exclusion criteria below) who received exactly two doses of del Nido cardioplegia from 2012 to 2019; n = 542 patients. The main outcome was a composite endpoint comprised of operative mortality, myocardial infarction, post-operative cardiac support device (CSD), and postoperative decrease in ejection fraction (EF), which was analyzed via multivariable logistic regression (MVLR). A secondary analysis evaluated postoperative vasoactive-inotropic scores (VIS) via gamma log link regression (GLLR) as a more physiologic indication of myocardial recovery.

Results

MVLR demonstrated that increased total cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was associated with a positive composite outcome ( p < .001), whereas time between doses ( p = .237) and the volume of each dose was not ( p = .626). GLLR also demonstrated that prolonged CBP, decreased EF, congestive heart failure at time of surgery, and low hematocrit at the start of the surgery were all associated with higher VIS.

Conclusions

In this retrospective study, variations in re-dosing strategy for del Nido cardioplegia do not affect postoperative outcomes and increased CPB time is associated with increased operative mortality, myocardial infarction, need for post-operative CSDs, and reduced postoperative EF, and increased VIS, irrespective of the re-dosing strategy. Further studies are warranted to to identify additional patient and operative characteristics that predispose to complications.
Unrepresented, unheard and discriminated against: A qualitative exploration of relatives’ and professionals’ views of palliative care experiences of people of African and Caribbean descent during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dewhurst Felicity , Tomkow Louise , Poole Marie , McLellan Emma , Kunonga Tafadzwa Patience , Damisa Efioanwan , Stowell Melanie , Todd Chris , Hanratty Barbara
Published: August 2023

Background:

People of African and Caribbean descent experienced disproportionately high mortality from COVID-19 and have poor access to palliative care.

Aim:

To explore palliative care experiences of people of African and Caribbean descent during and immediately prior to the pandemic.

Design:

Qualitative interview study with thematic analysis. Refinement of themes/recommendations in consultation with an expert patient and public advisory group.

Setting/participants:

Twenty-six bereaved relatives and 13 health/social care professionals (cared for people of African and Caribbean descent) from throughout England, recruited using social media, community networks and direct advertising to over 150 organisations.

Results:

Three themes were identified: Representation: Participants did not see themselves reflected in the palliative care services and did not expect their needs to be understood. Mistrust of the healthcare system and perceptions of racism were common and led to anticipation of inequitable care. Personalisation: Relatives and professionals reported a lack of cultural and religious sensitivity in healthcare. Assumptions were made based on ethnicity, and services not offered to all. Awareness and education: Professionals felt they lacked the knowledge to provide care to diverse communities, but were reluctant to ask, due to fear of making mistakes. Inequitable access to services was exacerbated by, but not unique to, the pandemic. Participants recommended raising awareness of palliative services, building professional competence in culturally-sensitive care, and greater ethnic diversity within services.

Conclusions:

Person-centred, culturally-competent palliative care is not the norm for people of African and Caribbean descent. Expectations of inequitable care are widespread. Sustained action on multiple fronts is needed.
Longitudinal Spatial Trends in U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities, 1999–2020
Authors: Sanchez Rodriguez Ossiris , Ferenchak Nicholas N.
Published: August 2023

The number of pedestrian deaths from motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. has risen 59% since 2009. Several studies have researched crash characteristics—such as the people, vehicles, and roadways involved—when examining this sharp increase. But where are these fatalities occurring and what spatial characteristics of these locations could be influencing this trend? We looked at pedestrian fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System and socioeconomic, demographic, and built environment data from the U.S. Census and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Smart Location Database for the study period of 1999–2020. After inputting the data into QGIS, we made graphs with 95% confidence intervals to analyze longitudinal trends in crash location characteristics and created heat maps of pedestrian fatality locations in nine large U.S. cities to compare clustering in the beginning of the study period (1999–2002) with clustering at the end (2017–2020). The results of this study indicate that pedestrian fatalities are moving away from downtown areas (with a 63.0% decrease in study cities’ downtowns) and are now happening more in suburbs (a 32.1% increase outside downtowns). Many of these suburbs are post-war suburbs that were built in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s and have low population and road densities and low levels of pedestrian commuting. Additionally, these fatalities are happening in neighborhoods with high proportions of minority residents, low educational attainment, and high poverty rates that are more than 60% above the national average.
Extracorporeal albumin dialysis in critically ill patients with liver failure: Comparison of four different devices—A retrospective analysis
Authors: Sommerfeld Oliver , Neumann Caroline , Becker Jan , von Loeffelholz Christian , Roth Johannes , Kortgen Andreas , Bauer Michael , Sponholz Christoph
Published: August 2023

Background:

Besides standard medical therapy and critical care monitoring, extracorporeal liver support may provide a therapeutic option in patients with liver failure. However, little is known about detoxification capabilities, efficacy, and efficiency among different devices.

Methods:

Retrospective single-center analysis of patients treated with extracorporeal albumin dialysis. Generalized Estimating Equations with robust variance estimator were used to account for repeated measurements of several cycles and devices per patient.

Results:

Between 2015 and 2021 n = 341 cycles in n = 96 patients were eligible for evaluation, thereof n = 54 (15.8%) treatments with Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System, n = 64 (18.7%) with OpenAlbumin, n = 167 (48.8%) Advanced Organ Support treatments, and n = 56 (16.4%) using Single Pass Albumin Dialysis. Albumin dialysis resulted in significant bilirubin reduction without differences between the devices. However, ammonia levels only declined significantly in ADVOS and OPAL. First ECAD cycle was associated with highest percentage reduction in serum bilirubin. With the exception of SPAD all devices were able to remove the water-soluble substances creatinine and urea and stabilized metabolic dysfunction by increasing pH and negative base excess values. Platelets and fibrinogen levels frequently declined during treatment. Periprocedural bleeding and transfusion of red blood cells were common findings in these patients.

Conclusions:

From this clinical perspective ADVOS and OPAL may provide higher reduction capabilities of liver solutes (i.e. bilirubin and ammonia) in comparison to MARS and SPAD. However, further prospective studies comparing the effectiveness of the devices to support liver impairment (i.e. bile acid clearance or albumin binding capacity) as well as markers of renal recovery are warranted.
Effect of hybridization on free vibration response of Carbon/Glass hybrid composite laminates
Authors: Li Mengzhen , Zhang Peng , Cui Jin , Liu Zhiping , Zhao Yingjiang , Qiu Yu , Li He
Published: August 2023

The effect of hybridization on vibration response of carbon/glass hybrid composite laminates are studied using the analytical and the numerical models. For this purpose, nine hybrid types of the four-layer hybrid composite laminates are performed in this paper. The first-order shear deformation theory and the higher-order shear deformation theory based on the energy method are utilized. The equations of motion and boundary conditions are derived from Hamilton’s principle and Navier solution. Numerical examples are presented to validate the accuracy and reliability of the adopted analytical methods. A good agreement is observed between the current results and FEA ones. The influence of the stacking sequences on the positive/negative hybrid effect is studied. Moreover, the influences of stacking sequences, material properties, and geometries on the vibration response are also studied in detail. The results reveal that the natural frequencies increase with the hybrid ratios due to the increasing stiffness of the hybrid laminates. Moreover, the positive effect of hybrid laminates can only be achieved by arranging the CFRP on the exterior surfaces.
Curating time – Museum-things as counterclocks in a climate-challenged world
Authors: Fredengren Christina , Owman Caroline
Published: August 2023

Climate changes in every social sector, every web of life, radical change is occurring, and we all have to find ways to relate to such fundamental transformation. In this paper, we explore how museums can engage with environmental changes and concerns in new ways. By understanding how the power of time operates, one can make visible temporal connections between human and more-than-human agencies, control and negligence and its consequences. The paper explores the huge potential of museum exhibitions to open up various temporal relations, crucial both for witnessing, learning and un-learning the human impact on the world. Time is one of the museum's most important dimensions and the effects of recognizing other temporalities rather than the prevailing anthropocentric ones – become profound. We have selected one particular exhibition to work with: ‘500 years of Monarchical Power’ at the Royal Armory in Stockholm to explore how temporal relations are produced and maintained in this exhibition. The starting point is that time is not only something measured but also made, which opens up for analyzing museum temporalities in new ways. As will be shown under common museum narratives lies temporal complexities that weaves through human-animal relations, care time and those of planetary change. How, then, can we lay the ground for developing what could be called a more affirmative and ecologically inclusive alter-museum by curating time differently?
Sir Benjamin William Rycroft OBE (1902–1967): British ophthalmologist and pioneer in corneal surgery
Authors: Wilcox Josh , Cooper Maxwell
Published: August 2023

An unsung hero of British ophthalmology is the largely forgotten Sir Benjamin Rycroft (1902–1967). This paper will discuss and analyse the undervalued career of this great man. Upon graduating from medical school, Rycroft became a General Practitioner. Rycroft then decided to train to become an ophthalmologist. Rycroft began his ophthalmology career in 1930s London focusing on the new ground-breaking surgery of keratoplasty (corneal grafting) before serving with distinction in the medical corps during the Second World War. He is chiefly remembered for his work after the war at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, Sussex, where he worked with renowned plastics surgeon Archibald McIndoe. During his time, there Rycroft became globally recognised for his skill in keratoplasty and started a campaign which radically changed the legal framework behind organ donation in the UK. Despite few knowing of him today, Rycroft is undoubtedly one of the most influential British ophthalmologists of the past century. He was for decades seen as one of the world's leading practitioners of keratoplasty and established a unit which restored sight to wounded veterans. His greatest achievement lies in his organ donation reform, which started the process of allowing organ donation to be carried out on a nationwide scale for the first time.
Role of Nitric Oxide Modulators in Neuroprotective Effects of Mangiferin in 6-Hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson’s Disease in Rats
Authors: Tiwari Prafulla Chandra , Chaudhary Manju J. , Pal Rishi , Nath Rajendra
Published: August 2023

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is typified by inflammation of dopaminergic neurons leading to the release of various inflammatory mediators. These mediators activate the transcription factor NF-κB, which in turn activates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), leading to increased inflammation.

Purpose

This study was intended to study the effect of combination of mangiferin, a specific inhibitor of NF-κB with low-dose nitric oxide (NO) modulators.

Methods

A total of eight Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were used in each group. Stereotactic surgery was performed to induce 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions. The treatment period extended from day 14 to day 42, during which time behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the effects of mangiferin and its combination with NO modulators. On day 42, the brains of the rats were removed for biochemical and molecular analyzes.

Results

Mangiferin significantly improved locomotor activity and decreased inflammatory chemokines levels in rats with 6-OHDA lesions. Mangiferin therapy decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels and reduced oxidative stress. In particular, caspase-3, caspase-9 and COX-2 activities were significantly reduced after the mangiferin treatment. A combination of 45-µg mangiferin and 10-mg/kg L-NAME showed the greatest improvement in locomotor, behavioral, biochemical, and molecular parameters impaired by 6-OHDA.

Conclusion

In this study, mangiferin was found to protect rats with 6-OHDA lesions by inhibiting inflammation causing chemokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Besides, the grouping of iNOS inhibitor L-NAME at a dose of 10 mg/kg with 45-µg mangiferin enhanced the anti-inflammatory and anti-Parkinsonian activity of mangiferin. Consequently, the combination therapy of mangiferin and L-NAME is promising for the treatment of PD. However, clinical trials will be required to evaluate the efficacy of this combination therapy in humans.
The Role of Dexmedetomidine in Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jerousek Cole R. , Reinert Justin P.
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in the treatment and prophylaxis of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH).

Data Sources:

A review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria and queried Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, SciELO, Korean Journal Index (Clarivate), Global Index Medicus, and CINAHL Plus for results through June 2023.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Studies providing efficacy or safety data associated with dexmedetomidine with a reported diagnosis of PSH were included. Exclusion of studies in pediatric populations, without quantitative and qualitative outcome data, and not readily translatable to English was adhered to.

Data Synthesis:

Thirteen observational studies of 178 patients were included in the qualitative analysis. Reductions in PSH frequency or symptom severity were reported in 44 of 48 patients who received dexmedetomidine for acute treatment. Prophylactic use of dexmedetomidine was associated with reductions in PSH-Assessment Measure (PSH-AM) scores in postsurgical patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Adverse events associated with dexmedetomidine were either absent or reported as none.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

This review supports the safe and effective use of dexmedetomidine in the treatment and prophylaxis of PSH. Further investigation is required to determine optimal dosing strategies and the extent to which PSH etiology correlated to the efficacy of dexmedetomidine.

Conclusions:

The use of dexmedetomidine appears to be both efficacious and safe for the treatment and prevention of PSH in patients experiencing a TBI. Additional research is needed to elucidate dosing strategies, titration parameters, and duration of therapy.
“Positioning” Analysis With Autoethnography—Epistemic Explorations of Self-Reflexivity: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Greschke Heike
Published: August 2023

(Auto)ethnographic positioning analysis is a new approach that mobilizes the demarcation between evocative and analytic autoethnography and combines the strengths of both with positioning theory. It is considered a suitable methodology for addressing the ongoing crisis of ethnography, understood as a continuing expression of the moral explosiveness of ethnographic relations in a socially divided and connected world. This introduction outlines the special issue’s line of argument and justifies its goal and contribution to the persisting crisis of ethnography. The individual contributions are presented, focusing on how each study “positions” analysis autoethnographically and what this indicates about the respective research fields.
A Self-reflexive Positionality to Navigate the Invective Latency of Ethnographic Relations: Insights From Lebanon and Germany
Authors: Tuzi Irene
Published: August 2023

Positionality has become increasingly important in ethnographic and autoethnographic research. The recent “reflexive turn” in migration studies has encouraged scholars to discuss the concept from different perspectives (e.g., gender, ethnicity, and class). Yet, positionality is relational: It is the result of ongoing interactions between how researchers present themselves in the field and how research participants perceive these presentations. Because self-positioning and positioning of others are mutually bound to each other, positionality reflects a continuous negotiation between actors who may be motivated by different interests. For this reason, it is necessary for researchers to analytically reflect upon the implications of these mutual positionings to more fully understand how to navigate research fields. This is especially important for sensitive research fields—like migration and forced migration—characterized by inequalities, hierarchical structures, and unequal power relations. The present article uses insights from fieldwork conducted among Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Germany between 2017 and 2019 to show how configurations of “humanitarian paternalism” and researchers’ false expectations to save the world can frame positionality as a meta-invective action. Positionality informed by self-reflexivity can help to explore the invective latency of field relations and let contradictions, discomfort, and disharmonic elements emerge. This does not mean that field relations will become more equal and that power structures and inequalities will be reduced as a result. However, being aware of these invective elements offers the opportunity to explore a level of analysis that is often overlooked and make steps toward decolonizing research methodologies and knowledge production.
Hormone Receptor-Positive / HER2-Negative Early Breast Cancer High-Risk Population: An Algorithm for Optimization Systemic Adjuvant Treatment Based on 2022 Updates
Authors: González-Hurtado Daniel , Rivero Sergio , Samamé Pérez-Vargas Juan Carlos , Petracci Fernando E.
Published: August 2023

Prognostic and predictive factors for early and late distant distance recurrence risk in estrogen-receptor positive and HER2-receptor negative early breast cancer are well known, but not all these variables work equally for the prediction. The following are the most widely accepted variables for categorizing risk levels: clinic-pathologic features (tumor size, lymph node involvement, histological grade, age, menopausal status, Ki-67 expression, estrogen, and progesterone expression), primary systemic treatment response (pathologic response and/or Ki-67 downstaging), and gene expression signatures stratification. Treatment guidelines from cancer societies and collaborative groups, online predict-tools, real-world data and experts’ opinion recommends different adjuvant strategies (chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, ovarian suppression, olaparib, or abemaciclib) depending on the low (< 10%), intermediate (10%-20%) or high-risk of distance recurrence at least in the first 5 years. Multiple randomized prospective trials were updated in 2022, that evidence allow us to perform a stratification of risk in pre- and postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive and HER2-receptor negative early breast cancer based on a combination of clinic-pathologic features and genomic assays and guide the adjuvant systemic treatment recommendation for those with high risk.
Health Profiles of Marshallese With and Without a Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis in the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Authors: Andersen Jennifer A , Felix Holly C , Malhis Joseph R , Gloster Erin , McElfish Pearl A
Published: August 2023

Background:

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) faces a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Objectives:

The aim of the study is to document the health of Marshallese with and without a T2DM diagnosis to inform future interventions.

Design:

Data are from screenings collected in preparation for a diabetes education intervention. Data, including HbA1c, random glucose, cholesterol, weight, and self-rated health, were collected.

Methods:

Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher’s exact tests were used to identify differences in participants with and without T2DM diagnosis.

Results:

There were significant differences in both HbA1c level ( P ⩽ .0001) and glucose level ( P ⩽ .0001) between the diagnosed T2DM and non-diagnosed T2DM groups, as well as diastolic blood pressure ( P = .0179), systolic blood pressure ( P = .0003), and pulse pressure ( P = .0023). There were no differences in weight, body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, or self-rated health. Marshallese without a T2DM diagnosis have signs of insulin resistance, including elevated glucose and triglyceride levels.

Conclusion:

The results indicate a need for a socioecological approach to T2DM interventions, and interventions in the RMI should consider inclusion of blood pressure and cholesterol management. There is a need for interventions to prevent prediabetes and its progression to T2DM.
Checking verifications during the 2022 Brazilian run-off election: How fact-checking organizations exposed falsehoods and contributed to the accuracy of the public debate
Authors: Cazzamatta Regina , Santos Augusto
Published: August 2023

This study observes content-related indicators of the editorial decisions made by fact-checkers during the 2022 Brazilian run-off election. Specifically, it aims to investigate fact-checkers’ outputsregarding verification genres, scrutinized actors, types of verified falsehoods, and inspected platforms. The focus on Brazil stems from its reputation as a disinformation hub, owing to social polarization, populist communication, high social media use, low media trust, and intense WhatsApp penetration. Consequently, fact-checking agencies have proliferated within Brazil’s media landscape. To provide some hints about the fact-checkers’ editorial choices, we conducted a quantitative content analysis of verification articles ( n = 349) published during the second round of the presidential election by four leading fact-checking organizations: Lupa and Aos Fatos (independents), Estadão Verifica (press), and AFP Checamos (global news agency). The results reveal a prioritization of combating online falsehoods (82.2%) spread by anonymous sources, as opposed to verifying public figures’ statements (5.5%), a trend already observed in other media systems. Although Meta’s social networks and Twitter are primarily monitored, other platforms such as TikTok, Kwai, and Telegram are increasingly gaining fact-checkers’ attention. Fact-checkers predominantly scrutinized anonymous disinformation agents. Moreover, they primarily debunked falsehoods targeting the opposition, legacy media, social networking companies, and the Supreme Electoral Court. Despite the anonymity, 77.4% of the verified falsehoods were found to be beneficial to Bolsonaro, while 12% were advantageous to Lula da Silva.
A review of solid SCR systems as an alternative for NOx reduction from diesel engines
Authors: Raza Hassan , Woo Sanghee , Kim Hongsuk
Published: August 2023

Several NOx reduction technologies have been developed to alleviate the impact of NOx emissions on the environment and meet the more stringent upcoming emission legislation. Although UWS is the most commonly used NOx reduction technology, it has various issues listed in this article. Several alternative technologies based on solid materials as a gaseous ammonia source are developed to eradicate these issues. This article reviewed the solid SCR systems currently being developed as an alternative to UWS for deNOx applications. Furthermore, the chemistry of the various ammonia storage materials used in these systems and their potential to produce gaseous ammonia for use in SCR have been evaluated. Furthermore, the deNOx performance of ammonium salts-based and metal ammine chlorides-based solid SCR systems have been evaluated. Besides, we have discussed various numerical modeling and simulation approaches applied to develop these solid SCR systems. Due to gaseous ammonia injection solid SCR systems offer better NOx conversion efficiency compared with UWS systems, especially at low exhaust gas temperatures. The authors believe this article will be helpful for future studies in this field to further develop and establish these solid SCR systems as a viable alternative deNOx technology.
PFI SI engine fueled with ethanol with exhaust gas rebreathing: Thermal efficiency optimization with thermodynamic modeling and ANN-PSO application
Authors: Fagundez Jean Lucca Souza , Lanzanova Thompson Diórdinis Metzka , Martins Mario Eduardo Santos , Salau Nina Paula Gonçalves
Published: August 2023

An ethanol-fueled Atkinson cycle PFI SI engine using exhaust rebreathing (ER) was evaluated under 110 different operating conditions. While ethanol is an important biofuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Atkinson cycle engines have been studied as low-consumption alternatives for hybrid architecture vehicles. The operating conditions were validated with GT-Power® and the resulting combustion and performance parameters were trained by a series of artificial neural network (ANN) structures in order to learn and reproduce the non-linear correlations. The ANN structures were analyzed by number of nodes, hidden layers, and optimization methods. TPA results showed that ER tests had higher indicated thermal efficiency and lower combustion temperatures than both the standard Atkinson cycle and Otto cycle conventional throttled valve strategy with a similar engine setup. The best ANN to accurately predict all six outputs with easy-to-measure operating conditions was a combined ANN-PSO model, with two hidden layers with [30 10] nodes to predict net IMEP, airflow, total mass trapped and burned mass percentage, and a complementary 10-nodes PSO hidden layer, to predict PMEP, and the average exhaust runner temperature. The final model can predict and calibrate an Atkinson cycle PFI SI engine operating with ER with significant accuracy and no need for further TPA simulations.
Changing the Subject: A Turn From Content Toward Values and Skills in Introductory Psychology
Authors: Nolan Susan A. , Cranney Jacquelyn
Published: August 2023

The author of the target article hypothesizes that introductory psychology textbook authors aim to “indoctrinate” students toward a more liberal political worldview. In our response, we offer a counterhypothesis that introductory psychology authors are more likely to be biased against updating older research in general, given the enormous amount of new research that must be incorporated, as opposed to specifically ignoring findings that fit with a conservative political worldview. We point to content that is generally overlooked that would fit with a liberal perspective, and we suggest an empirical investigation that the author could conduct to evaluate these competing hypotheses. Finally, we encourage a pivot in how we think about the introductory psychology course from an emphasis on content to an emphasis on skills and values, offering psychological literacy as a framework for the renewal of the introductory psychology curriculum.