bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in 1-Year-Mortality in Infants With Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease: Insights From Contemporary National Data
Authors: Steurer Martina A. , McCulloch Charles , Santana Stephanie , Collins James W. , Branche Tonia , Costello John M. , Peyvandi Shabnam
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Racial inequities in congenital heart disease (CHD) outcomes are well documented, but contributing factors warrant further investigation. We examined the interplay between race, socioeconomic position, and neonatal variables (prematurity and small for gestational age) on 1-year death in infants with CHD. We hypothesize that socioeconomic position mediates a significant part of observed racial disparities in CHD outcomes.

METHODS:

Linked birth/death files from the Natality database for all liveborn neonates in the United States were examined from 2014 to 2018. Infants with cyanotic CHD were identified. Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic infants were compared with non-Hispanic White (NHW) infants. The primary outcome was 1-year death. Socioeconomic position was defined as maternal education and insurance status. Variables included as mediators were prematurity, small for gestational age, and socioeconomic position. Structural equation modeling was used to calculate the contribution of each mediator to the disparity in 1-year death.

RESULTS:

We identified 7167 NHW, 1393 NHB, and 1920 Hispanic infants with cyanotic CHD. NHB race and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with increased 1-year death compared to NHW (OR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.25–1.64] and 1.17 [95% CI, 1.03–1.33], respectively). The effect of socioeconomic position explained 28.2% (CI, 15.1–54.8) of the death disparity between NHB and NHW race and 100% (CI, 42.0–368) of the disparity between Hispanic and NHW. This was mainly driven by maternal education (21.3% [CI, 12.1–43.3] and 82.8% [CI, 33.1–317.8], respectively) while insurance status alone did not explain a significant percentage. The direct effect of race or ethnicity became nonsignificant: NHB versus NHW 43.1% (CI, −0.3 to 63.6) and Hispanic versus NHW −19.0% (CI, −329.4 to 45.3).

CONCLUSIONS:

Less privileged socioeconomic position, especially lower maternal education, explains a large portion of the 1-year death disparity in Black and Hispanic infants with CHD. These findings identify targets for social interventions to decrease racial disparities.
A Parametric Model of Tropical Cyclone Surface Winds for Sea and Land
Authors: Kepert Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2023

Parametric models of tropical cyclone winds are widely used for risk assessment. Although tropical cyclones often present their worst wind risk to humanity during landfall, parametric models that represent land–sea differences are rare. This paper presents a parametric model with explicit representation of land–sea differences. Statistical models were developed over each surface of the frictional wind speed reduction from gradient level to 10 m, and of the surface inflow angle, based on about 1200 simulations with a three-dimensional dynamical boundary layer model. The wind profile of Willoughby et al. is used to represent the gradient flow, and a maximum likelihood scheme used to fit this profile to best track data. The mean RMS difference between the statistical and dynamical surface winds within 100 km of the storm center is 0.78 m s−1 and 4.26° over sea, and 1.04 m s−1 and 4.59° over land. During landfall, the use of a common gradient-level structure, but different surface roughnesses, provides dynamical consistency between the estimated winds over sea and land. A simple representation of internal boundary layers is applied near the coast. Analysis of the dynamical simulations revealed substantial consistency with observational studies of the tropical cyclone boundary layer, including that the azimuth of the surface wind maximum is on average 65° from the front of the storm, in the left-forward quadrant in the Southern Hemisphere. There was, however, substantial variability around this figure, with the maximum occurring in the opposite forward quadrant in storms that were intense, and/or had a relatively rapid decrease in wind speed outside of the radius of maximum winds.
Book review: J. Megan Greene, Building a Nation at War: Transnational Knowledge Networks and the Development of China during and after World War II
Authors: Thampi Madhavi
Published: July 2023

J. Megan Greene, Building a Nation at War: Transnational Knowledge Networks and the Development of China during and after World War II (Cambridge, MA/London: Harvard University Asia Centre, Harvard University Press, 2022), 336 pp., US$ 60. ISBN: 978-0674278318.
Antituberculosis-Drugs Induced DRESS: A Multidrug Hypersensitivity or Drug Hypersensitivity Relapse? A Case Report
Authors: Mansour Khadija , Chadli Zohra , Ben Fadhel Najah , Ben Fredj Nadia , Ben Romdhane Haifa , Chaabane Amel , Toumi Adnene , Aouam Karim
Published: July 2023

DRESS related to first-line antituberculosis drugs (ATD) is a challenging diagnosis. With a long-lasting combined treatment of 4-concomitantly administrated drugs, identification of the culprit drug remains difficult and may expose patients to treatment interruption and affect their outcome. A 42-year-old female, treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for multifocal tuberculosis, developed, 40 days later, hyperthermia, facial edema, cervical lymphadenopathy and generalized exanthema. Biological test results revealed eosinophilia, atypical lymphocytes, and liver injury. DRESS was suspected, and ATD were withdrawn. As patch tests for the 4 ATD showed negative results, we decided to reintroduce pyrazinamide, ethambutol and rifampicin separately with a 3-day interval. Pyrazinamide and rifampicin were tolerated. However, after receiving ethambutol, she developed fever and generalized rash, with no biological abnormalities. Since ethambutol was claimed to be the culprit drug, isoniazid was added, and 10 hours later, the patient developed fever, facial edema, generalized rash, eosinophilia and liver injury. This clinical and biological pattern resolved 2 weeks later. This report suggests a hypersensitivity relapse to ethambutol after isoniazid-induced DRESS.
Introducing the Mapping Attitudes, Perceptions and Support (MAPS) dataset on the Colombian peace process
Authors: Weintraub Michael , Steele Abbey , Pantoja-Barrios Sebastián , Nygård Håvard Mokleiv , Dahl Marianne , Binningsbø Helga Malmin
Published: July 2023

This article introduces the Mapping Attitudes, Perceptions and Support (MAPS) dataset, which provides rich survey data from more than 12,000 respondents in Colombia. Our panel survey – carried out in two separate waves in 2019 and 2021 – is representative at the level of each ‘Program for Development with a Territorial Focus’ (PDET, for its acronym in Spanish), the most war-affected regions and those targeted for peace agreement implementation. We describe the sample and compare support for the peace agreement in MAPS to other recent surveys in Colombia, showing how MAPS reveals regional variation obscured in nationally representative surveys. Regression analyses illustrate how the panel data allow us to explore how and why people’s perceptions of the agreement shift over time. The MAPS data will enable scholars to gain insights into the microfoundations of peacebuilding over time and across space.
The Ghosts Inside: The Historic Struggle to Reclassify Prison Labor, 1967–1979
Authors: Gibson-Light Michael
Published: July 2023

The 1970s saw incarcerated laborers engage in an unprecedented battle to secure recognition, rights, and protections. This article traces the rise of the Prisoners Union, the largest and most prominent organization of its sort, as it endeavored to elevate the standing of captive labor. Through qualitative analysis of archival materials, this work unpacks penal laborers’ classification struggles aimed at advancing status in the penal field and rejoining the ranks of the working class. Investigating this movement's successes and failures enhances empirical knowledge of prison organizing as well as theoretical understandings of classification struggles, and helps contextualize historic penological developments.
Endurance training and L-arginine intake: Their effect on antioxidant indices in the heart muscles of rats
Authors: Saifaddin Dara Latif , Mohammed Saiwan Sirwan , Rahim Hiwa Ahmed , Ghanbari Nasser , Kareem Dashni Anwer , Abdollah Hassan Hashem , Omar Salah Mahmood
Published: July 2023

Background: One of the side effects of doing sports activities is the increase of free radicals and oxidative stress. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of increasing endurance training with L-arginine supplementation on oxidative indices in the cardiac organ of male Wistar rats. Methods: 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups control, L-arginine, endurance training, and L-arginine plus endurance training. Animals in the endurance training groups completed increasing endurance training on a motorized treadmill (60-min/session, 5 times/week) for 8 weeks. Animals in the L-arginine groups consumed an L-arginine solution daily (4 mg/kg/body weight). In the supplement group, L-arginine was given to the mice as a solution in water and as a gavage. Forty- eight hours after the last endurance training session, a heart tissue sample was taken and placed in an RNAlater liquid. Spectrophotometry and an ELISA kit were used to calculate the concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results: The present study showed that endurance training and L-arginine consumption did not affect SOD activity. L-arginine intake increased GPX. Endurance training caused a significant increase in MDA compared to the supplemented group ( p = 0.01). Also, the consumption of L-arginine significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity TAC in the supplement group compared to the control group ( p = 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that taking an L-arginine supplement can increase antioxidant enzymes.
ChatGPT as an important tool in organizational management: A review of the literature
Authors: Ayinde Lateef , Wibowo Muhamad Prabu , Ravuri Benhur , Emdad Forhan Bin
Published: July 2023

ChatGPT is an emerging technology that revolutionizes organizational practices, fundamentally altering how individuals in organizations search for, generate, and utilize information within the workplace. The effective functioning of many organizations heavily relies on data and information. ChatGPT has streamlined the process of working with data and information, making it more accessible for organizations and the individuals involved. However, the adoption of ChatGPT also presents challenges across various domains, including social, economic, and legal considerations. This study conducts a comprehensive literature review to explore multiple perspectives on integrating ChatGPT into organizational management. It examines various aspects, such as the development of ChatGPT, its practical uses, ethical implications, governance mechanisms, regulations and policies. This study aims to guide managers and stakeholders in effectively incorporating ChatGPT into their organizational processes. This study provides a detailed examination of ChatGPT's impact on organizational management, offering valuable insights to practitioners and scholars alike, aiming to navigate the complexities and harness the benefits of this transformative technology. By understanding the implications and leveraging the potential of ChatGPT, organizations can enhance their operations and decision-making processes.
The impact of invasive treatment of superficial venous insufficiency of the lower extremities on cardiac functions
Authors: Koca Fatih , Levent Fatih , Tatlı Ahmet Burak , Demir Mehmet , Tenekecioglu Erhan
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of invasive treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) on cardiac hemodynamics.

Methods

Fifty three patients diagnosed with saphenofemoral junction or great saphenous vein insufficiency in a level above C3 according to Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification were included in the study. All the patients underwent 2D echocardiography before and 3 months after the invasive treatment.

Results

In postinvasive treatment echocardiographic assessment, significant decreases in right ventricular end-diastolic diameter ( p = 0.006), TAPSE ( p = 0.006), tricuspid E wave velocity ( p = 0.004), tricuspid E/A ratio ( p < 0.001), sPAB ( p = 0.017), tricuspid lateral s' wave velocity ( p = 0.004), and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain rate ( p = 0.011) were observed.

Conclusions

The invasive treatment of superficial venous insufficiency of the lower extremities may lead to reduction in the increased venous return in the supine position subclinically.
An Exploratory Comparative Analysis of Northern Plains Grain Shippers’ Perspective on Whether Operational Performance Translates into Service Quality in Freight Rail Transportation
Authors: Ndembe Elvis , Vachal Kimberly
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study is to assess whether railroad operational performance indictors translate into service quality. We achieved this by using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test to compare grain shippers’ perceptions of rail service with a pooled cross-section of survey data between 2008 and 2018 in North Dakota, U.S., involving six service dimensions: marketing and sales, timely delivery of equipment, car ordering alternatives/process, condition of equipment, availability of order information, and access to marketing personnel. The analysis is undertaken with an underlying assumption that shippers’ expectations about rail service are low. Results indicate that differences in freight rail service quality can be better explained by differences between railroads compared to differences within railroads over time. Gaps exist between shippers’ expectations and perceptions of freight rail service. It appears that some freight railroads have been able to exceed shippers’ service expectations by providing higher freight service quality than would be expected. Results suggest that the service quality of a shortline freight railroad is affected by its affiliated Class I freight railroad when comparing service quality as perceived by shortline freight railroad shippers. Although operational performance indicators including dwell time and train speed are frequently used to reflect service quality because of the dearth of knowledge about rail freight service quality, these operational performance indicators do not necessarily reflect service quality. The quality of freight rail service should be based on shippers’ perception or the gap between shippers’ perceptions and expectations.
Nonisothermal crystallization kinetic behavior of pure ethylene-Vinyl acetate copolymers and ethylene-Vinyl acetate copolymer/nitrile rubber thermoplastic vulcanizate
Authors: Zhang Weiran , Gao Yuan , Wang Junhao , Wang Zhaobo
Published: July 2023

Thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) made from the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/nitrile rubber (NBR) blend was fabricated using the dynamic vulcanization method. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was utilized to analyze the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of both pure EVA and EVA/NBR TPV. The nonisothermal crystallization mechanism was evaluated using the Avrami method modified by Jeziorny, the Ozawa method and the Mo method. The results demonstrate that the nonisothermal crystallization of both pure EVA and EVA/NBR TPV can be adequately described by the Avrami method modified by Jeziorny and the Mo method, while the Ozawa method is not applicable. By elevating the cooling rate, there was a reduction in the crystallization temperature and t1/2 for both pure EVA and EVA/NBR TPV, while the degree of crystallization increased. At the same cooling rate, the crystallization temperature of the EVA/NBR TPV was found to be higher than that of the pure EVA, suggesting that the presence of NBR facilitated the nucleation of the EVA matrix within the EVA/NBR TPV. Moreover, a steric hindrance effect existed in the NBR phase of EVA/NBR TPV at the same cooling rate, resulting in a larger t1/2 compared to that of the pure EVA, indicating hindered crystal growth.
Modeling and optimization of WEDM of monel 400 alloy using ANFIS and snake optimizer: A comparative study
Authors: Jithendra Thandra , Sharief Basha S , Das Raja , Gajjela Rajyalakshmi
Published: July 2023

The exploration of the prediction of wired electro-discharge machining parameters is becoming progressively more crucial in order to choose the ideal parameters for making products with impeccable designs. The objective of this work is to develop an augmented adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model by encrypting the snake optimizer for estimating the surface roughness, material removal rate, and residual stress of Monel 400 alloy in wire electric discharge machining (WEDM). The performance of the indicated augmented model called ANFIS-SO was evaluated using 64 trials of WEDM experimental data. As a means of emphasizing the performance of the presented model, estimation results were compared to those from existing models, which included integration of ANFIS and beetle antennae search capabilities, reptile search algorithms, and COOT algorithms. The ANFIS-SO model showed excellent performance based on the statistical benchmarks tested for the developed models. The model achieved RMSE of 0.0793, 0.2781, and 16.3286 with performance errors of 0.3203, 1.9687, and 1112.529 along with an accuracy of 99%, 98%, and 95% for surface roughness, MRR, and residual stress, respectively, which are extremely more accurate than the ANFIS, ANFIS-BAS, ANFIS-RSA, and ANFIS-COOT. As a result of these findings, it is evident that the developed ANFIS-SO model might be used with reliability when designing future model forecasting approaches for optimizing machining parameters. Therefore, it is discovered that using ANFIS-SO is an innovative method for determining WEDM machining parameters which are very promising.
Recurrent Primary Paget Disease of Vulva with Paget-Like Epithelial Cells in Papillary Dermis: Displaced or Invasion?
Authors: Tamayo Steffanie Charlyne , Quddus M. Ruhul , Singh Kamaljeet
Published: July 2023

While histological diagnosis of Paget disease of vulva is mostly straightforward, identifying and confirming invasion can be challenging. Often invasion is accompanied by epidermal hyperplasia, marked inflammatory response and desmoplastic reaction. Diagnosis of invasion in Paget disease portends a poor outcome. We report findings from a recurrent primary vulvar Paget disease where overall histomorphology of possible invasive disease is unusual and raises a possibility of displacement of Paget cells in the dermis. We compare histology of the index case with known invasive vulvar Paget disease cases retrieved from our pathology archives. Unique histomorphology in the index case suggests a possibility of previous excision related dermal displacement of Paget cells.
Polyvocal Poetry: Learning to Teach Amid Crises
Authors: Scott Baker J.
Published: July 2023

This article examines the perspectives of 18 preservice teachers in a Midwest, USA university teacher preparation program through poetic inquiry. The polyvocal poetry, created from the transcripts of two focus groups, explores the emotional health and well-being of preservice teachers in their field placements amid crisis, such as the COVID pandemic, systemic racism, and the resulting mental health and financial strains facing students in the aftermath. This article further contemplates a researcher’s need to maintain authenticity while working closely with evocative data to construct polyvocal poetry.
Evaluation of the inpatient use of inotuzumab ozogamicin and creation of appropriate use guidelines
Authors: Wells Kaitlyn N. , Martino Janine G.
Published: July 2023

Inpatient use of inotuzumab ozogamicin (IO) at our academic medical center has increased since its FDA approval in 2017. Administration of IO does not require hospitalization and is appropriate for outpatient use. The aim of this report is to assess the appropriateness of use, overall inpatient utilization, and cost of IO. This is a retrospective chart review of patients that received at least one dose of IO while admitted to the hospital. Data points included rationale for inpatient IO administration, hospital admission reason, number of IO doses and number of vials used, length of stay, in-hospital mortality, percentage of admissions that were new-starts, outpatient continuation of IO, use of concomitant regimens, and CD22 positivity. Between September 1, 2017, and June 30, 2022, 55 doses of IO were identified. Of the 29 unique admissions, common rationales for inpatient IO use included high disease burden/tumor lysis syndrome risk (31%) and use of a regimen requiring hospitalization (28%). The rationale for hospitalization was most commonly ‘chemotherapy administration’ (34%) and ‘relapsed/refractory disease’ (38%). Median length of stay was 23 days, most were new starts (76%), and 5 patients died during the associated admission. Only 63% of patients continued therapy in the outpatient setting. The inpatient use of IO was associated with a prolonged length-of-stay, a 17% in-hospital mortality, and represents a significant cost burden to the health system. As a result of these findings, guidelines for inpatient use of IO were implemented across the health system.
Stress solution for an arbitrarily shaped tunnel with a neighboring circular cavity
Authors: Zeng Xiang-Tai , Wang Shao-Jie , Lv Zhi-Tao
Published: July 2023

This paper gives an analytical stress solution for the plane strain problem that the deep rock mass contains an arbitrarily shaped tunnel and a circular cavity subjected to in situ stresses. Based on the discovery that the mapping function for an arbitrarily shaped hole can also manage a tunnel and a circular hole mapping into two circles, the plate bounded by the two holes is conformally mapped onto an annulus. The complex variable method is used to establish the stress boundary condition, and then the two analytical functions are solved by the power series method. Comparison with ANSYS solution is made to validate the correctness of deductions and solving process. To consider practical underground engineering, the cases of different lateral stresses, distances of the two holes, sizes, and positions of the cavity are discussed.
Preparing for the New Era of Artificial Intelligence: My Experience of Teaching “Artificial Intelligence in Advertising”
Authors: Yang Jing
Published: July 2023

With artificial intelligence (AI) technologies making significant evolutions over the past few years, there is a growing need for advertising students to get familiarized with the different types of AI technologies and explore and experiment with ways to adapt to such changes. This article illustrates the development and implementation of the course “AI in Advertising,” which is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts, underlying logics, and evolution of AI, as well as its various implementations in the field of advertising and marketing communications. Hands-on practices are offered to students with the aim of helping them work with AI and build AI-empowered campaigns for brands. The structure of the course is discussed in detail, and the author also offers reflections on the future of advertising education.
Aberrant AI creations: co-creating surrealist body horror using the DALL-E Mini text-to-image generator
Authors: O’Meara Jennifer , Murphy Cáit
Published: July 2023

The emergence in 2022 of surreal and grotesque image sets created using the free online AI text-to-image generator DALL-E Mini (Craiyon) prompts our analysis of their aesthetic content and connections to preexisting media forms and trends in digital culture. DALL-E Mini uses an unfiltered database of images from the internet to create new images based on a user’s text prompt, often resulting in misshapen bodies and impossible scenarios. Despite its technological limitations, DALL-E Mini’s popularity as a meme-making tool is visible on social media platforms, where crowd-sourced images are shared and experimentation with the tool is encouraged. Through comparison with existing artistic practices and formats (creative automata, surrealism, body horror, celebrity memes), we argue that DALL-E Mini creations can be understood as human-AI co-creations and forms of aesthetic mimicry. Building on the ideas of surrealists such as André Breton, we propose that DALL-E Mini’s images, prompts and the grid interface adhere to surrealism’s historical interests in the unconscious, the uncanny, and the collaborative ‘exquisite corpse’ parlour game. We also consider DALL-E Mini’s relevance to the category of ‘AI Arts’, Patricia De Vries’s call for more research that relates algorithms to the broader artistic and cultural contexts in which they are embedded (2020), and the ‘authoring’ of celebrity bodies as data (Kanai, 2016). Our theorisation of DALL-E Mini is supported by examples drawn from social media and personal experiments with the generator. Overall, we propose that internet users’ experimentation with DALL-E Mini corresponds with a cultural moment in which AI imaging technologies are eliciting excitement and anxiety. The outputs are revealed to be reliant on users’ pop cultural knowledge, with DALL-E Mini allowing for a playful, co-creative algorithmic practice, wherein contemporary anxieties about digital labour, (post)digital culture, biopolitics, and global issues are redirected into surreal visual storyworlds.
The incidence and characteristics of clinically relevant blunt cerebrovascular injury at an adult level 1 trauma centre: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Stanislaus Vimal , Mitra Biswadev , Zhang Wen Wen , Richardson Tom E , Ng Nico , Picker Bjoern , Madan Anoop , Mathew Joseph , Fitzgerald Mark , Cloud Geoffrey
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVIs) are uncommon but associated with ischemic stroke and disability, particularly in younger adults. There is a paucity of literature on the incidence and risk factors for BCVI. The aim of this study was to report the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with BCVI at an adult level 1 trauma centre.

Methods

This was a registry-based cohort study. The accessible sample was all patients in the Alfred Hospital Trauma Registry (AHTR) who presented from January 2014 to June 2021 and were recorded to have BCVI. The diagnosis of BCVI was confirmed by independent, blinded neuroradiologists prior to study inclusion. Demographics, injury mechanism and associated injuries of patients were extracted from the AHTR and patient medical records.

Results

There were 20,954 blunt trauma patients in the AHTR during the study period, of which 300 patients were confirmed to have 428 BCVIs. The incidence of BCVI was 1.4% (95%CI: 1.3–1.6). The mortality rate was 14% with a median survival time of 86 h from the time of injury. More men (65%) were diagnosed with BCVI than women and motor vehicle crashes (n  =  180; 60%) were the most common mechanism of injury. Younger age, high transfer mechanisms, high injury severity, brain and chest trauma were associated with carotid artery injuries, while vertebral artery injuries were associated with older age, higher presenting GCS and cervical spinal injuries.

Conclusion

The incidence of BCVI was low. The risk profile for patients with CAIs and VAIs were different. Consistent with the modified Denver criteria, high energy transfer mechanisms and cervical spinal injuries were identified to be high-risk features, but they impacted carotid and vertebral arteries differently. Any trauma involving these mechanisms should trigger investigation for the detection of BCVIs.
Contending With Censorship In Canadian-Accredited Schools Abroad
Authors: Smith Lee
Published: July 2023

In this study, one current and three former British Columbia (BC) offshore school principals were interviewed to seek their insights on how they contended with being compelled to censor material and disallow topics of conversation while administering a Canadian curriculum in an international context. Using a research design consistent with an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodological framework, the data were interpreted using three reduction cycles to generate five categories: disillusionment, anger, struggle, expedience, and subversion. The participants’ responses were synthesized through the five categories in light of the phenomenon of moral distress, which occurs when a person is hindered from following a course of action consonant with their own moral judgement. Participants’ reflections on leading Canadian high schools outside of Canada offered meaningful insights into their lived experiences abroad and provided a basis for a more robust consideration of how principals make sense of morally distressing situations in their schools.
A novel endoleak classification for intracranial aneurysm flow diversion: A retrospective case series
Authors: Kashkoush Ahmed , Moore Nina Z. , El-Abtah Mohamed E. , Achey Rebecca , Toth Gabor , Bain Mark
Published: July 2023

Background

Although flow diversion (FD) is safe and effective in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, a subset tends to continue filling on serial angiography. Risk factors for failed flow diversion include old age, large aneurysm size, and overstenting an adjacent end-arterial vessel. The hemodynamic modes of persistent aneurysm filling, or ‘endoleaks’, after FD are poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the various types of endoleaks following aneurysmal FD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all endovascular procedures performed at a single institution between 2017 and 2021. Patients were included if they demonstrated evidence of unique modes of intracranial aneurysm filling after FD. Data regarding treatment, follow-up angiography, as well as clinical course were collected.

Results

Five patients (mean age 50 years, four females) were included with mean 19-month angiographic follow-up. Five major endoleak types are proposed: Type 1 – due to graft porosity (A – low flow, B – high flow), Type 2 –through an overstented branch vessel, Type 3 – via stent migration no longer covering aneurysmal neck, Type 4 – endoleak due to malapposition of the stent wall, and Type 5 – endoleak via collateralization from adjacent blood vessels. All endoleak types were represented, except for the Type 4 endoleak.

Conclusion

We propose an endoleak classification scheme to describe the hemodynamic modes of failure following FD of intracranial aneurysms. Future studies are needed to evaluate the natural history of aneurysmal filling following FD and retreatment success according to endoleak type.
AZ31-Mg metal matrix composite in metallurgical and testing approaches
Authors: Maryam Betelhem Haymanot , Sinha Devendra Kumar , Kefyalew Samuel , Gautam Satyam Shivam , Kumar Santosh , Pande Sarang
Published: July 2023

The objective of this research is to experimentally investigate the metallurgical, mechanical, and tribological behavior of [Formula: see text], SiC, and [Formula: see text] reinforced AZ31 magnesium metal matrix composite (MMC) fabricated via powder metallurgy process. Accordingly, the mixing of the powders was carried out through ball milling operation at various times with constant speeds. The compaction of the milled powder was carried out on hydraulic press at various compaction pressures. The improvement of the wear resistance performance at 10 and 5 vol.% SiC were revealed around 12.9% and 25.8%. The fracture mechanisms of the optimal specimen resulting from the compression test were studied under SEM observation and it revealed that both ductile and brittle fractures occurred. The results from the confirmation test revealed an improvement of 2.04 g/cm3, 13%, 110.35 MPa, and 1293.399 MPa for actual density, porosity, ultimate strength, and hardness, respectively. The uniform nature of particle distribution was observed in SEM micrograph under investigation of the microstructure of the sample. The average particle size of the sample was also obtained around 809.14 nm. The proposed material is expected to be useful for various automotive and aerospace applications precisely for pistons and wings of airplane in aerospace.
Why Does Developmental Feedback Foster Employee Job Performance? The Mediating Role of Job Crafting
Authors: Guo Yun , Xiong Guobao , Shaw Kang-Hwa , Liao Jianqiao , Zhang Zeyu , Yi Feng
Published: July 2023

As a kind of job characteristic, feedback often occurs in the organization in order to improve employee performance. Based on leadership identity theory, this study developed a conceptual model involving supervisor developmental feedback, job crafting and job performance. the authors then targeted a large manufacturing enterprise in Hunan, China, obtaining 337 valid data using an on-site questionnaire survey. The data was analyzed using a hierarchical linear regression method, showing that supervisor developmental feedback was positively related to job crafting and employee job performance, and this job crafting was positively associated with employee job performance and partially mediated the relationship between supervisor developmental feedback and employee job performance. Managerial implications and directions for further research are discussed.
An Analysis of Medical Malpractice Litigation Involving Mandibular Fractures
Authors: Brozynski Martina , Seyidova Nargiz , Oleru Olachi , Rew Curtis , Roy Nikita , Taub Peter J.
Published: July 2023

Background:

With an increase in medical litigation, fractures of the mandible are not an uncommon source of legal action. The present study sought to conduct a comprehensive analysis of mandibular fracture malpractice cases. Specifically, the aim was to focus on the reasons a suit is brought, the outcomes, and the compensatory damages of litigation. The information is valuable to physicians as it may serve to minimize the risk of malpractice suits.

Methods:

The Westlaw and Lexis Nexis databases were searched for jury verdicts and settlements related to mandibular fracture malpractice lawsuits. Cases that did not meet the inclusion criteria, duplicate cases, and those for which enough information was not available were excluded. The data included reasons, outcomes, and monetary outcomes of litigations, as well as defendant specialty, location, year, and plaintiff demographics.

Results:

A total of 55 included cases spanned between 1970 and 2019. Of these, the most common reason a suit was brought included the defendant’s failure to make the diagnosis, which was noted in 27%. In 71% of the cases, the defendant was a surgeon; with 25% of these cases involving a plastic surgeon. Cases were resolved in favor of the defendant 51% of the time. Regarding outcome, 53% had a monetary outcome of $0.

Conclusions:

Although a slight majority of cases (51%) resulted in an outcome favoring the defendant, significant monetary consequences against the defendant were possible in cases when the plaintiff prevailed. Since failure to diagnose was the most common reason for a plaintiff to pursue litigation, physicians should thoroughly evaluate patients with suspected mandibular fractures to avoid litigation.
Seismic performance of large-scale rectangular reinforced concrete bridge columns with multi-spiral reinforcement
Authors: Wang Ping-Hsiung , Chang Kuo-Chun , Yin Samuel Yen-Liang , Wang Jui-Chen , Sung Yu-Chi , Hung Hsiao-Hui
Published: July 2023

Multi-spiral rectangular column is composed of two central interlocking large spirals that are interlocked with four small spirals in the corners to match a rectangular cross-section. Compared to conventional tied column, the multi-spiral column can provide better confinement and its spiral cage can be automatically fabricated and pre-assembled in a factory. Two large-scale rectangular bridge columns were constructed and tested in this study to examine the constructability of multi-spiral reinforcement and the cyclic performance of columns subjected to strong-axis cyclic loading. The test program was also served as a pioneering demonstration of the new bridge column system to boost construction automation that was recently applied to a highway bridge construction project in Taiwan. Test results indicate that the multi-spiral column exhibits superior ductile behavior compared to the conventional tied column, even though the former has only 73% of the total weight of transverse reinforcement of the latter. The parameters of the smooth hysteresis model identified from the test results further indicate that the multi-spiral column can very closely imitate the hysteresis behavior of the conventional tied column despite its slightly greater stiffness degradation. In addition, incremental dynamic analysis of two idealized bridges with conventional tied column and multi-spiral column show that, when the former bridge reached damage index, DI = 1.0 (i.e. having 20% strength deterioration) at Sa( Tn) = 39.4 m/s2 for far-field ground motions and at Sa( Tn) = 16.4 m/s2 for near-fault ground motions, the corresponding DIs of the latter bridge are approximately 0.74 and 0.71, respectively, even without strength deterioration.
Evaluation of newly developed wearable ear canal thermometer, mimicking the application to activities on sports and labor fields
Authors: Kato Issei , Watanabe Hironori , Nagashima Kei
Published: July 2023

We evaluated the reliability of a newly developed wearable ear canal thermometer based on three different experiments, in which ear canal and rectal temperature (Tear and Trec, respectively) were simultaneously monitored. In Experiment 1, participants sat at 28 °C and 50% relative humidity (RH), during which fanning or 41 °C lower legs water immersion was conducted. In Experiment 2, participants conducted a 70-min treadmill exercise (4 km/h, 0.5% slope) at 35 °C and 50% RH with intermittent fanning. In Experiment 3, participants completed a 20 min treadmill exercise (6 km/h, 5% slope) at 35 °C and 65% RH. Bland–Altman analysis for Tear and Trec showed the difference of − 0.2–0.3 °C and the limit of agreement of the mean ± 0.3–0.6 °C. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.44–0.83. The results may suggest that the ear canal thermometer is useful to assess core body temperature in sports and/or labor fields.
New silicate-substituted hydroxyapatite materials doped with silver ions as potential antifungal agents
Authors: Piecuch Agata , Targońska Sara , Rewak-Sorczyńska Justyna , Ogórek Rafał , Wiglusz Rafal J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Hydroxyapatites (HAp) are widely used as medical preparations for e.g., bone replacement or teeth implants. Incorporation of various substrates into HAp structures could enhance its biological properties, like biocompatibility or antimicrobial effects. Silver ions possess high antibacterial and antifungal activity and its application as HAp dopant might increase its clinical value.

Results

New silicate-substituted hydroxyapatites (HAp) doped with silver ions were synthesized via hydrothermal methods. The crystal structure of HAp was investigated by using the X-ray powder diffraction. Antifungal activity of silver ion-doped HAp (with 0.7 mol%, 1 mol% and 2 mol% of dopants) was tested against the yeast-like reference and clinical strains of Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, Rhodotorula rubra, R. mucilaginosa, Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii. Spectrophotometric method was used to evaluate antifungal effect of HAp in SD medium. It was shown that already the lowest dopant (0.7 mol% of Ag+ ions) significantly reduced fungal growth at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. Increase in the dopant content and the concentration of HAp did not cause further growth inhibition. Moreover, there were some differences at the tolerance level to Ag+ ion-doped HAp among tested strains, suggesting strain-specific activity.

Conclusions

Preformed studies confirm antimicrobial potential of hydroxyapatite doped with silver. New Ag+ ion-HAp material could be, after further studies, considered as medical agent with antifungal properties which lower the risk of a surgical-related infections.
Happy people live longer because they are healthy people
Authors: Song Cai Feng , Tay Peter Kay Chai , Gwee Xinyi , Wee Shiou Liang , Ng Tze Pin
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Higher levels of happiness are associated with longer life expectancy. Our study assessed the extent to which various factors explain the protective effect of happiness on all-cause mortality risk, and whether the association differs between older men and women.

Methods

Using data from the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Studies (N = 6073) of community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 55 years, we analyzed the association of baseline Likert score of happiness (1 = very sad to 5 = very happy) and mortality from mean 11.7 years of follow up. Cox regression models were used to assess the extent to which confounding risk factors attenuated the hazard ratio of association in the whole sample and sex-stratified analyses.

Results

Happiness was significantly associated with lower mortality (p < .001) adjusted for age, sex and ethnicity: HR = 0.85 per integer score and HR = 0.57 for fairly-or-very happy versus fairly-or-very sad. The HR estimate (0.90 per integer score) was modestly attenuated (33.3%) in models that included socio-demographic and support, lifestyle or physical health and functioning factor, but remained statistically significant. The HR estimate (0.94 per integer score) was substantially attenuated (60%) and was insignificant in the model that included psychological health and functioning. Including all co-varying factors in the model resulted in statistically insignificant HR estimate (1.04 per integer score). Similar results were obtained for HR estimates for fairly-to-very happy versus fairly-to- very sad).

Discussion

Much of the association between happiness and increased life expectancy could be explained by socio-demographic, lifestyle, health and functioning factors, and especially psychological health and functioning factors.
Social participation of older people in urban and rural areas: Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Jones C. Allyson , Jhangri Gian S. , Yamamoto Shelby S. , Hogan David B. , Hanson Heather , Levasseur Mélanie , Morales Ernesto , Légaré France
Published: July 2023

Background and objectives

Although the positive influence of social activity on health is now well-established, a complex relationship exists among social participation, personal, social and the environment. Social participation of older adults was examined in rural and urban settings to identify features of the built-environment and perception of neighborhood specific to the locale.

Research Design and methods

Using cross-sectional data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), we examined social participation and health of older people (65 + yrs) in relation to the built environment and sociocultural contexts for urban and rural areas. A social participation index was derived from responses on the frequency of participating in 8 social activities over the past 12 months. Personal, household and neighborhood indicators were examined to develop multivariable regression models for social participation in urban and rural cohorts.

Results

No meaningful differences were seen with the frequency of social participation between rural and urban settings; however, the type of community-related activities differed in that a greater proportion of urban participants reported sports and educational/cultural events than rural participants. Service club activities were greater for rural than urban participants. Different neighborhood features were statistically significant factors in explaining social participation in rural than in urban locales, although transportation was a significant factor regardless of locale. Trustworthiness, belonging and safety were perceived factors of the neighborhood associated with higher social participation for rural participants.

Discussion and implications

The relationship between home and health becomes stronger as one ages. Social and physical features of built environment specific to urban and rural settings need to be considered when implementing appropriate social activities for older people.
Intervention patterns and preliminary effectiveness on Social Participation following stroke: a scoping review
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Du Minxia , Dai Xiaojie , Zhu Shenghui , Zhou Lanshu , Li Xuemei
Published: July 2023

Background

Stroke survivors suffer an overall loss of social participation. However, the interventions aiming at improving social participation have not yet been well-established. There is a need to synthesize existing knowledge on clinical interventions aiming at improving social participation among people with stroke.

Objective

To describe the patterns of intervention that have been applied to stroke survivors to improve social participation and to determine the preliminary effects of these patterns.

Methods

Eight online databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, CINAHL plus, PsycINFO, and Scoups were searched with predefined search terms from inception to September 22, 2022. References of included articles and previous reviews were also checked to identify additional studies. Two reviewers independently selected eligible studies and extracted data from the included articles.

Results

A total of 98 studies were included, of which only 25 studies considered social participation as primary outcome of clinical interventions. The patterns of intervention were various, consisting of exercise-based intervention, occupational therapy, self-management program, and complex intervention. Of the 25 studies, eight studies found a positive effect of relative clinical intervention on social participation for stroke survivors. Of note, the same modality of intervention such as exercise-based intervention and self-management program produced paradoxical conclusion on social participation.

Conclusion

Exercised-based intervention, occupational therapy, self-management program, and complex intervention were important intervention modalities for the improvement of social participation among stroke survivors. Even though the preliminary effectiveness on social participation seems to be potentially positive, further high-quality researches are still required to reach a consensus to achieve optimal social participation among stroke survivors.
Adrenocortical pheochromocytoma diagnosed during pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Qiang Xiaoteng , Li Yin , Bai Qing , Huang Jing , Ma Xuemei , Wang Weiwei
Published: July 2023

This paper reports a rare case of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) diagnosed during pregnancy presenting with gestational hypertension. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy should receive enough attention to identify and exclude the possibility of adrenal diseases, thereby making a timely diagnosis and active treatment.