bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Multiple Myeloma With Myelomatous Pleural Effusion: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Gao Liang , Xu Junhui , Xie Weiwei , Wang Bingjie , Cen Xinan , Wang Mangju
Published: October 2022

Objectives: Myelomatous pleural effusion is a rare presentation of extramedullary disease in multiple myeloma, which has been reported with dismal prognosis. We aimed to explore whether it has distinctive clinical characteristics and outcomes compared to other anatomic locations of extramedullary involvements. Methods: Multiple myeloma patients diagnosed at our institution from 2010 to 2020 were retrieved retrospectively. In total, 42 pairs of patients with and without extramedullary disease were enrolled, including 13 with myelomatous pleural effusion. The clinical and laboratory parameters were collected and compared between different groups. Prognostic effect of myelomatous pleural effusion was assessed in cox regression model and Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: Myelomatous pleural effusion patients presented a higher level of β2-microglobulin ( P = .041), greater prevalence of multisites extramedullary lesions (69.2% vs 38.0%, P = .036) and International Staging System stage III (76.9% vs 44.8%, P = .016). Median overall survival was 60.6 months in patients without extramedullary disease versus 35.0 months in patients with extramedullary disease ( P = .045). Notably, median overall survival was 13.0 months in myelomatous pleural effusion patients versus 37.0 months in other extramedullary disease patients with a significant difference ( P = .029). Furtherly, multivariate analysis recognized myelomatous pleural effusion as an independent prognostic indicator (Hazard ratio: 2.669, 95% CI [1.132-6.293], P = .025). Conclusion: Myelomatous pleural effusion patients presented heavier tumor burden and worse outcomes than other extramedullary diseases.
Assessment of Anastomotic Viability With Spectroscopic Real-time Oxygen Saturation Measurement in a Porcine Study
Authors: Khosrawipour Tanja , Li Shiri , Steward Earl , Chaudhry Haris , Nguyen Danielle , Khosrawipour Veria , Jafari Mehraneh Dorna , Pigazzi Alessio
Published: October 2022

Objective

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe complication following intestinal procedures. Intra.Ox™ by ViOptix Inc (Newark, CA, USA) is a novel, FDA-approved spectroscopic device which enables real-time measurement of mixed tissue oxygen saturation (StO2). Using a porcine model, this study explores the correlation between StO2 measurements and AL formation as well as investigates the applicability of Intra.Ox™ in the clinical setting.

Methods

Eleven female swine were divided into 3 groups to explore AL formation in different ischemic conditions. Group 1: 100% mesenteric-vascular ligation, n = 3; Group 2: 50% ligation, n = 5; Group 3: No mesenteric ligation, n = 3. StO2 at the anastomotic line was measured before and after vessel ligation and anastomosis. Measurements were taken at 6 distinct locations along afferent and efferent loops. AL was evaluated on postoperative day 5 by re-laparotomy.

Results

AL rate was 100%, 60% and 0% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Post-anastomotic StO2 in group 1 (22.9 ± 18.5%) and 2 (39.2 ± 20.1%) were significantly lower than in group 3 (53.1 ± 8.3%, p<.0001). Post-anastomotic StO2 readings ≤40% indicated AL potential with 100% sensitivity,+ 80% specificity, positive predictive value of 85.7% and negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the value of Intra.Ox™ in assessing local perfusion and indicate the association between low StO2 and AL by providing accurate, real-time, noninvasive tissue oxygenation measurements at anastomotic sites. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical application of this novel device in intestinal surgery.
Association of Probiotic Treatment With Antibiotics in Male Accessory Gland Infections
Authors: Grande Giuseppe , Pompa Giuseppina , Astorri Anna Laura , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Milardi Domenico
Published: October 2022

Male accessory gland infection (MAGI) represents a frequent disease, commonly treated with antibiotics alone. However, in approximately 40% to 50% of patients, persistent infection is detected. Intestinal dysbiosis is involved in the pathogenesis of prostatitis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic treatment in association with a specific probiotic supplementation. A total of 104 infertile patients, with microbiological analysis on semen and/or prostatic secretions positive for Gram-negative bacteria, have been enrolled. All patients received antibiotic treatment with fluoroquinolones. In total, 84 patients received a commercial association of Enterococcus faecium and Saccharomyces boulardii during antibiotic treatment, followed by treatment with Lactobacilli. After the treatment, a complete microbiological analysis was repeated. Polymicrobial infections have been observed in 11% of patients, while infections due to a single germ were reported in 89% of the patients. After the treatment was performed, a complete eradication with negative semen culture and microbiological analysis on prostatic secretion was observed in 64 of 84 patients (76.2%), while only 10 of 20 patients receiving antibiotics alone (50%; p < .05) reported negative microbiological analysis. Persistent infections have been observed only in patients with infections due to Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. This study represents the first approach demonstrating the efficacy of a specific probiotic treatment in reducing the rate of persistent infections in patients with MAGI.
Outcomes of wake-up stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Michael , Kobeissi Hassan , Ghozy Sherief , Kallmes David F
Published: October 2022

Background

Wake-up stroke represents a significant challenge in acute treatment and care. Thrombolysis has been extensively studied in the wake-up stroke population. However, mechanical thrombectomy in wake-up stroke exclusively has not been well studied. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the clinical and functional outcomes of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for wake-up stroke.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature using publically accessible databases. Data extraction was completed using Nested Knowledge AutoLit software. Outcomes of interest included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2, mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score 2b/3. Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 4.1.2.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included in our study with a total of 510 patients included. Patients with wake-up stroke were found to have good functional outcome (mRS 0–2) in 46.2% of patients and successful reperfusion (TICI 2b/3) was seen in 83.5% of patients. Mortality was observed in 20.4% of patients with sICH seen in 8.3%.

Conclusion

Mechanical thrombectomy for patients with wake-up stroke was found to have favorable rates of good functional outcomes and relatively low rates of adverse events.
Cross-scale identification for friction and wear boundaries of tooth flank of high-feed milling cutter
Authors: Jiang Bin , Jia Junwei , Zhao Peiyi , Li Feifei , Fan Lili
Published: October 2022

In the milling process, under the high-efficiency and intermittent cutting loads, the instantaneous posture of the milling cutter and the instantaneous cutter-workpiece engagement are in an unstable state. It is difficult to accurately identify the friction and wear boundary of the cutter tooth flank. It has become an urgent problem to be solved in the life evaluation of milling cutters. The characteristics of the instantaneous posture variation of the milling cutter and the distribution of the thermal-stress mechanical coupling field of the flank of cutter tooth under the vibration were studied. Using the cross-scale load transfer method, the cross-scale relationship between the macro and micro friction loads on the cutter tooth flank was realized. The number of broken valence bonds, the sudden change of potential energy and the attenuation of elastic modulus of the super-cell on the flank of cutter tooth were studied. The mesoscopic scale identification method of the friction and wear boundary feature points of the tooth flank was proposed. The instantaneous and cumulative boundary distribution of friction and wear on the flank of cutter tooth were obtained, and verified by experiments.
Cryptotanshinone From Salvia miltiorrhiza Inhibits the Growth of Tumors and Enhances the Efficacy of Chemotherapy in a Gastric Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Wu Wenkai , Cao Yezhi , Cheng Ling , Wang Linghu , Yu Qingsheng , Peng Hui , Zhou Fuhai , Liu Haiwei , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2022

Cryptotanshinone is a quinone diterpene extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza root that shows obvious anticancer activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of cryptotanshinone as an antigastric cancer agent, as well as a chemotherapy potentiator. A gastric cancer model was established by tumor transplantation, and mice were treated with either 5-fluorouracil or cryptotanshinone, or both drugs. The tumor mass was recorded, and the tumor suppression rate was calculated. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, gene transcription was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and protein expression by Western blotting. The results showed that cryptotanshinone could reduce the tumor mass, increase the tumor suppression rate, and enhance the chemotherapeutic effect of 5-fluorouracil by a mechanism related to inhibition of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway.
Does Calcium Phosphate Cement Kyphoplasty Cause Intervertebral Disk Degeneration in Adolescents?
Authors: Tschauner Sebastian , Singer Georg , Weitzer Claus-Uwe , Castellani Christoph , Till Holger , Sorantin Erich , Wegmann Helmut
Published: October 2022

Objective

Balloon kyphoplasty with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) represents the standard procedure for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar type A compression fractures. However, an increased degeneration in adjacent intervertebral disks following PMMA kyphoplasty has been demonstrated in elderly patients. Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) appears to be superior to PMMA for the intravertebral stabilization in younger patients. It remains unkown whether CPC kyphoplasty causes degeneration of adjacent disks in adolescents.

Design

Seven adolescents with thoracolumbar spine fractures underwent kyphoplasty at a mean age of 14.5 years (range 10-18). At a mean follow-up of 3.7 years (range 1 to 4.8) postoperatively, 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine was performed to assess intervertebral disk degeneration by quantitative T2 relaxation maps and subjective ratings using modified Pfirrmann scores. A total of 56 intervertebral disks was analyzed. Initial computed tomography (CT) examinations served as basis to assess the severity of adjacent endplate injuries in terms of articular step-offs.

Results

Initial imaging detected 18 thoracolumbar vertebral body fractures of which 9 were treated with CPC kyphoplasty. Quantitative follow-up MRI revealed signs of degeneration in 10 (17.9%) of the examined 56 intervertebral disks, 7 of them adjacent to a previously fractured vertebral body. Signs of disk degeneration were significantly higher in caudal endplates with articular step-offs larger than 5 mm compared to fractured vertebral bodies without endplate step-offs.

Conclusions

Quantitative MRI follow-ups did not suggest CPC-related intervertebral disk degradations following thoracolumbar kyphoplasty in adolescents, but indicated disk alterations correlating to adjacent endplate fracture severity.
Posting of workers and the border of the labour market
Authors: De Wispelaere Frederic , Rocca Marco
Published: October 2022

Drawing on research conducted by the authors in the frame of the POSTING.STAT research project, this article explores the legal fiction that posted workers do not, at any time, ‘gain access’ to the labour market of a host State where they are in fact (temporarily) working. Hence, it analyses following question: at what point and under which circumstances are posted workers considered as working in a given Member State? To do so, it considers the use of the concept of ‘labour market’ across the case law of the Court of Justice concerning posting workers, to identify the constitutive elements of the implicit definition adopted by the Court. This analysis is compared with economic/statistical assumptions applied when measuring employment in a country. From a statistical point of view, the labour market appears to be demarcated by the place of establishment of the employer, thus excluding work (i.e., services) carried out through non-established employers. Consequently, cross-border labour mobility through the freedom to provide services does not fall within these boundaries and means that posted workers are counted in the employment statistics of their Member State of origin. The approach to posted workers in the labour market of the host State is therefore not only a legal, but also a statistical/economic, fiction. Based on an empirical reality that shows a strong concentration of posted workers in certain sectors, Member States or regions, we argue that courts and legislators, and also national statistical offices, should reconsider this approach.
Molecular and electrophysiological evaluation of human cardiomyocyte subtypes to facilitate generation of composite cardiac models
Authors: Li Jiuru , Wiesinger Alexandra , Fokkert Lianne , Boukens Bastiaan J. , Verkerk Arie O. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Boink Gerard J.J. , Devalla Harsha D.
Published: October 2022

Paucity of physiologically relevant cardiac models has limited the widespread application of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes in drug development. Here, we performed comprehensive characterization of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte subtypes from 2D and 3D cultures and established a novel 3D model to study impulse initiation and propagation. Directed differentiation approaches were used to generate sinoatrial nodal (SANCM), atrial (ACM) and ventricular cardiomyocytes (VCM). Single cell RNA sequencing established that the protocols yield distinct cell populations in line with expected identities, which was also confirmed by electrophysiological characterization. In 3D EHT cultures of all subtypes, we observed prominent expression of stretch-responsive genes such as NPPA. Response to rate modulating drugs noradrenaline, carbachol and ivabradine were comparable in single cells and EHTs. Differences in the speed of impulse propagation between the subtypes were more pronounced in EHTs compared with 2D monolayers owing to a progressive increase in conduction velocities in atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes, in line with a more mature phenotype. In a novel binary EHT model of pacemaker-atrial interface, the SANCM end of the tissue consistently paced the EHTs under baseline conditions, which was inhibited by ivabradine. Taken together, our data provide comprehensive insights into molecular and electrophysiological properties of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte subtypes, facilitating the creation of next generation composite cardiac models for drug discovery, disease modeling and cell-based regenerative therapies.
Readability of online health information pertaining to migraine and headache in the UK
Authors: Atherton Kate , Forshaw Mark J. , Kidd Tara M.
Published: October 2022

An estimated 46% of the worldwide adult population live with an active headache disorder, and it is thought that there is a proportion of headache and migraine sufferers who do not attend for medical care, instead choosing to manage their symptoms at home. The internet continues to act as a source of online health information for self-management, however, it is important that this information can be understood by the user. Research indicates that most health information online is written at a level too difficult for much of the UK population to understand. The aim of this study was to investigate the readability of online health information pertaining to headache and migraine for a UK-based internet user accessing the top four search engines. Searches for ‘headache’ and ‘migraine’ were performed on each search engine and results from the first page were selected for analysis. Five validated readability tests were used to analyse readability; Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning Fog Index, Coleman-Liau Index and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index. We found that the majority of online health information about migraine and headache is too difficult for the UK adult population to read. Findings highlight work is required to ensure that information from a wider variety of sources is easier to comprehend for much of the population in order for individuals to make informed decisions about health seeking and self-management of headache and migraine. Health information providers should weave readability analysis into their content design process, incorporating shorter sentences and simpler words in their description of conditions and treatment.
Intimate partner violence and health system response in Nekemte town, Western Oromia, Ethiopia, 2019: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wodajo Etenesh , Gutema Edosa Amente , Mulatu Befirdu , Assefa Lemessa , Moges Muluken
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

To assess intimate partner violence and health system response among married women.

Methods:

A mixed method of quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional community-based study was conducted from August to September 2019. Later than ethical clearance, the data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire adapted from the literature. Study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data collected is entered into EpiData and then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. The odds ratio with their 95% confidence interval was calculated. Variables with p-value < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was declared if the p-value was <0.05.

Results:

From all 770 sampled participants in Nekemte town, 730 married women participated in this study, yielding a response rate of 94.8%. The prevalence of intimate partner violence was 55.9%. From this study finding, no intimate partner violence screening was done for 678 (92.9%) respondents who visited health facilities. Educational status of women, partner being illiterate, occupational status being merchant, and daily laborer were associated with intimate partner violence with (adjusted odds ratio = 1.73, 95% confidence interval = (1.05–2.83)), (adjusted odds ratio = 5.94, 95% confidence interval = (1.25–12.23)), (adjusted odds ratio = 4.41, 95% confidence interval = (1.49–13.01)), and (adjusted odds ratio = 3.74, 95% confidence interval = (1.33–10.50)), respectively, were factors found to be associated with intimate partner violence Nekemte town. One of the study participants whose age was 36 years responded that, “our culture approves men’s superiority; we accept intimate partner violence as part of our marital life.” There is an assigned focal person and training was given to them, but screening of intimate partner violence has not started yet and it was not integrated into any maternal service in our health center.

Conclusion:

This study shows that in excess of half of women experience intimate partner violence. Educational status, occupation and violence seen during childhood were the factors that contributed to intimate partner violence. Educating women and partners, integrating, and strengthening a health service are important.
Comparison of different methods for evaluating the relationship between facial nerve and benign parotid tumors
Authors: Kojima Takashi , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Suzuki Yo , Sakyo Airi , Kojima Masataka , Fujimaki Mitsuhisa , Ohba Shinichi
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

The goals of benign parotid gland tumor resection are complete resection of the lesion and preservation of the facial nerve function. As the facial nerve cannot be directly visualized via imaging modalities, several methods, including the facial nerve line, Utrecht line, retromandibular vein, Stenon duct, and minimum fascia-tumor distance techniques, have been developed to estimate its location. However, there are no reports on their accuracy in determining tumor location. In the present study, we aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these methods based on tumor location.

Methods:

This retrospective study analyzed medical records and histological reports of 359 patients with various types of benign parotid gland tumors who underwent a parotidectomy between April 2014 and March 2020. The tumor location was subdivided into the following sections: anterior, superior, inferior, and middle. The tumor location was estimated using five methods: facial nerve line, Utrecht line, retromandibular vein, Stenon duct, and minimum fascia-tumor distance. The final diagnosis of superficial or deep lobe tumor was made based on surgical findings.

Results:

Each method showed a higher accuracy for superficial tumors (was more than 90%) than for deep lobe tumors. In contrast, for deep lobe tumors, the accuracy of diagnosis with the facial nerve line, Utrecht line, and retromandibular vein methods was low, in the 30% range. Among all methods, the Stenon duct method had the highest accuracy in the diagnosis of deep lobe tumors. The SD method was most useful in cases where both the duct and tumors were detected. The minimum fascia-tumor distance method had the second highest diagnostic accuracy (63%); however, for anterior tumors, it tended to provide false negatives.

Conclusions:

All tested methods were useful in diagnosing superficial lobe tumors; however, they were not helpful in diagnosing deep lobe tumors, especially anterior tumors.
A case of eruptive xanthomas associated with pregnancy unmasking a G188E heterozygous mutation of the lipoprotein lipase gene: A case report
Authors: Paquette Caroline , Careau Anne-Marie , Bergeron Jean , Carpentier Caroline , Claveau Joël
Published: October 2022

A case of eruptive xanthomas with exceptionally high levels of blood triglycerides without any complication during pregnancy is reported. Eruptive xanthomas may develop in the setting of severe hypertriglyceridemia. Clinically, patients present with small and smooth papules with a characteristic yellow hue. The condition can also be associated with morbid systemic complications. Estrogen replacement therapy is a known cause of secondary hypertriglyceridemia. Estrogen increase in pregnancy is associated with a physiologic elevation of blood triglycerides in order to provide sufficient nutrition for the fetus. However, in the setting of primary dyslipidemia, severe hypertriglyceridemia can occur. The case presented here was explained by a partial primary lipoprotein lipase deficiency with a heterozygous G188E mutation of the LPL gene. The delivery by induced labor and the introduction of fenofibrate led to a rapid decrease of triglycerides and a resolution of cutaneous lesions without any complication for the patient or her baby.
Congenital peritoneal encapsulation and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis: A case report
Authors: Davis Renee , Stahlfeld Kurt , Sell Harry W
Published: October 2022

Congenital peritoneal encapsulation is a rare entity characterized by an accessory peritoneal membrane that forms during embryonic development. Congenital peritoneal encapsulation is generally asymptomatic but can cause intermittent, colicky abdominal pain related to subacute small bowel obstruction. Diagnosis is made incidentally or upon surgical exploration for chronic abdominal complaints as preoperative imaging is typically nonspecific. We report a case of a 49-year-old male with epigastric abdominal pain, constipation, and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis on imaging. Upon exploratory laparotomy, the small bowel was covered by an accessory peritoneal sac consistent with congenital peritoneal encapsulation. The accessory sac was excised completely, and the patient recovered well. Although rarely causing significant gastrointestinal symptoms, congenital peritoneal encapsulation is an anomaly that requires surgical intervention.
Does polygyny cause intergroup conflict? Re-examining Koos and Neupert-Wentz (2020)
Authors: Ash Konstantin
Published: October 2022

An article recently published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution by Koos and Nuepert-Wentz finds an association between geographically proximate polygynous ethnic groups and rural violence in Africa. This study applies several empirical adjustments to their analysis. The association between rural violence and polygynous neighbors loses significance when replacing violent events with fatalities in both ACLED and UCDP-GED data or converting event counts to binary. Subsetting Afrobarometer data by urban and rural respondents shows that rural respondents from polygynous groups are not significantly more likely to feel violence is justified. Moreover, there is no evidence the conflicts leading to the most rural violence in ACLED, farmer-herder clashes, or UCDP-GED, violence during the apartheid transition in South Africa, are related to “excess men.” Both conflicts suggest broader violations in the assumptions made in hypothesizing why polygynous neighbors lead to rural violence. The re-analysis calls the claim that polygyny is associated with rural violence into question and suggests researchers use broader approaches to measuring violence than just event counts.
CiviAct: Negotiating ‘fields of paradox’ in anti-racist university community partnerships
Authors: Mason Will , Williams Patrick
Published: October 2022

This article introduces and critically reflects upon the development of CiviAct – a multi-agency project that partners six anti-racist activist organisations and two universities in the North of England. CiviAct seeks to support and realise the benefits of youth and community-led civic action. It does this by: (i) financially resourcing the work of six anti-racist activist organisations; (ii) connecting those organisations with each other to create new opportunities for co-learning; and (iii) exploring new models of community-led university partnership. Based on insights derived from a 12-month development period (conducted throughout the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic) we examine points of tension, manifested at the intersections between community partners, universities and project funders. Extending Strier’s discussion of university-community partnerships (UCP) as ‘fields of paradox’, we outline the complexities of collaborative working within a UCP that seeks to adhere to the priorities of anti-racism and an ethic of love. In doing so this article surfaces the burden of boundary work undertaken by both academic partners seeking to prioritise knowledge and anti-racist practices beyond the academy, and community activists, who are expected to conform with institutional standards that may have little relevance to their practice. The article contributes a series of reflections that may be of use to other activist researchers engaged in UCP.
Dialogic Scientific Gatherings: The Promotion of Scientific Literacy Among Children
Authors: Díez-Palomar Javier , Font Palomar Marta , Aubert Adriana , Garcia-Yeste Carme
Published: October 2022

The participation of citizens in democratic societies depends on their ability to understand scientific knowledge and apply it to everyday life situations. Thus, promoting scientific literacy from an early age should be among the main priorities in democratic societies. Dialogic Scientific Gatherings (DSGs) have successfully promoted scientific literacy among adults. This research intends to take a step forward in studying DSG implementation’s transferability in promoting scientific literacy in primary school children from a culturally diverse school placed in a low socioeconomic neighborhood in Spain. Drawing upon Communicative Methodology, this case study has collected data through semi-structured interviews and communicative observations. The results show that (1) DSG enhance scientific literacy, specifically instrumental learning, analytical and critical thinking and social abilities and (2) the promotion of scientific literacy has an impact on decision-making and participation in society. Furthermore, although this research is a case study implemented in one school, it shows that DSG can be transferred to a culturally diverse school.
J. M. Coetzee’s Waiting for the Barbarians Revisited: From Apartheid to Neoliberalism
Authors: Dagamseh Abdullah M.
Published: October 2022

This article re-reads Coetzee’s Waiting for the Barbarians as a representation of Coetzee’s effort to inform the broader world of the actual terrors and crimes against humanity that existed in South Africa in the 1970s and early 1980s by extending the narrative into the later 20th and early 21st centuries. I claim that the representations in the narrative allow readers to see the novel as a critique of a global historical process that started to emerge in the late 1970s and dominate the 1980s and 1990s in South Africa and much of the rest of the world. This historical process, which has come to be called neoliberalism, is part of the larger process of colonialism. Coetzee’s novel examines various manifestations of colonialism, and it makes it clear that there is no apparent point when colonialism in South Africa, or around the world, mutated into neoliberalism. Rather, neoliberalism is an extension of the process of colonialism heading into the late 20th and early 21st centuries. To expose this continuous process of colonization, Coetzee symbolically examines colonial discourse, the contradiction inherent in the discourse of Empire, and the failure of a liberal humanist to maneuver successfully with or against the neoliberal tide.
The Effect of Sintering Procedures on Fit and Color in Zirconia Crowns
Authors: Albayrak Haydar , Eraslan Ravza , Temizkanli Ozan , Sahin Bahar Sayin , Ayata Mustafa , Sezer Taygun
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of various sintering procedures on the color parameters, marginal, and internal fit of zirconia crowns.

Materials and Methods:

Overall, 60 zirconia crowns were produced using 3 distinct zirconia blocks (Wieland Zenostar, Zirkonzahn Ice Translucent, and Zirkonzahn Prettau). For the sintering procedure of the crowns, six groups were created as follows: Wieland-Standard, Wieland-Speed, Ice-Standard, Ice-Speed, Prettau-Slow, and Prettau-Standard programs. The crowns were assigned into groups ( n = 10 in each group). The color parameters, marginal fit, and internal fit of the crowns were evaluated. The normality of data distribution was evaluated with the Kolmogrov–Smirnov test. Two independent samples t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare the sintering groups.

Results:

Acceleration of sintering caused a significant change in the color parameters of the Wieland and Ice groups but not in the Prettau group. In the Wieland group, marginal ( p = .047) and internal ( p = .004) gap values of speed sintering were found to be significantly lower than those in standard sintering. In the Ice group, the marginal gap values of speed sintering were found to be significantly lower than those in standard sintering ( p = .019). In the Prettau group, the marginal gap values of standard sintering were found to be significantly higher ( p = .035) than those in slow sintering.

Conclusions:

It was concluded that the effects of sintering procedures on color parameters, and internal and marginal fit of zirconia crowns were clinically insignificant. Speed sintering can be recommended for zirconia restorations.
A Systematic Review of 50 Years of Human Resource Management Research in Bangladesh: Retrospective Reflections and Forward Trajectories
Authors: Islam M. Nazmul , Absar Mir Mohammed Nurul , Mahmood Monowar
Published: October 2022

This article aims to determine the current status of human resource management (HRM) research in Bangladesh by reviewing papers published from 1971 to 2021 and offering recommendations for future research. An electronic search of the Scopus database was carried out using 17 keywords connected to HRM in combination with ‘Bangladesh’ and ‘Bangladeshi’. Finally, through a systematic literature review using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), 25 empirical articles published in journals listed in the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) ranking were carefully chosen for the present review to ensure they were of good quality. This review demonstrates several distinct features of Bangladeshi HRM research conducted so far. First, no Bangladeshi HRM-based study has been published in A*-ranked journals in the ABDC ranking. Second, Bangladesh-based HRM studies have mostly employed self-reported questionnaires. Third, directors/heads of departments/managers/supervisors are the primary data sources in Bangladesh-based studies. Fourth, no longitudinal study has been conducted in Bangladesh-based HRM research in the last 50 years. Despite some limitations, the present review makes a notable contribution to the field of HRM in Bangladesh by identifying existing research gaps, as this is the first extensive and systematic review of HRM research in Bangladesh. Additionally, this study provides future research directions that could contribute to industrial development, economic growth, and HRM knowledge advancement and dissemination in Bangladesh.
Accidental and Late Diagnosis of Type A Aortic Dissection: Mimicking Unstable Angina Pectoris
Authors: Alirezaei Toktam , Irilouzadian Rana , Khani Mohammad
Published: October 2022

Aortic dissection is an infrequent diagnosis that usually presents with acute onset of sharp and severe tearing pain. It rarely presents with atypical symptoms, accompanied by a higher mortality risk that arises the delay in diagnosis. In this report, we discuss a type A aortic dissection case with a presentation of heaviness-like chest pain with no evidence of aortic dissection in his first echocardiography. The patient was treated for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but on the follow-up, echocardiography aortic dissection was diagnosed accidentally. Differentiation between ACS and aortic dissection is critical in patient management. Each one has an entirely different treatment approach, and misdiagnosis can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Living With Dementia: Care Partner Needs and Outcomes of a Dementia Support Program in Primary Care
Authors: Schara Hannah , Johnson Thomas , Brungardt Adreanne , Marcus Alexandra M. , Cassidy Jessica , Shanbhag Prajakta , Plys Evan , Lum Hillary D.
Published: October 2022

To address the need for collaborative approaches to managing dementia in primary care, we implemented the Living with Dementia (LWD) program in a geriatric primary care clinic. This study evaluated the impact of short (≤6 months) and longer-term (7+ months) participation in LWD on care partner outcomes (i.e., self-efficacy, depression, and burden) using t-tests and examined dementia support topics discussed with care partners through the intervention using deductive content analysis. Across 20 months analyzed, 57 dyads participated in the LWD program. Short and longer-term LWD participation indicated a significant increase in self-efficacy with small effect sizes; no changes were observed in depression or burden. Dementia support topics most frequently discussed with care partners focused on care partner well-being, behavior management, and offering referrals. This early evaluation suggests a collaborative care program integrated into primary care can address needs related to caring for persons with dementia and may improve care partner self-efficacy.
Anti-colonial neo-traditionalism in Central-Eastern Europe: A theoretical examination
Authors: Melito Francesco
Published: October 2022

The enormous attention devoted to populism has simplified the framework for analysis of the “illiberal turn” in Central-Eastern Europe. Although a populist aspect is certainly present, reductio ad populismum neglects other interpretations of the current political polarization. The article contributes to the literature on the cultural aspects of illiberalism as it offers an innovative theoretical examination of illiberalism(s) in the region. It proposes the concept of neo-traditionalism as a more comprehensive lens of analysis of the anti-colonial narrative against the “foreign liberal West” to defend the “genuine traditional Europe.” Neo-traditionalism in Central-Eastern Europe captures two criticisms of progressive liberalism. First, it contrasts progressive modernizing values. Emancipation and fluid identities are counterbalanced by a discourse where traditions provide ontological security and culturally defined identities. Second, it denounces the foreign origin of progressivism. The liberal West is described as a colonial power aiming to destroy “our authentic way of life.” Thus, the populist dimension of illiberalism in Central-Eastern Europe could be better grasped if we applied the concept of neo-traditionalism. Not only are the elites isolated from the people. They are also deemed to impose a colonial project to replace and modernize true European values.
Income-related spatial concentration of individual social capital in cities
Authors: Kovács Ádám J , Juhász Sándor , Bokányi Eszter , Lengyel Balázs
Published: October 2022

Social connections that span across diverse urban neighborhoods can support prosperity by mobilizing social capital. However, there is limited evidence on the spatial structure of individual social capital inside cities. This paper demonstrates that social capital measured by online social connections is spatially more concentrated for residents of lower-income neighborhoods than for residents of higher-income neighborhoods. We map the micro-geography of individual online social networks in the 50 largest metropolitan areas of the United States using a large-scale geolocalized Twitter dataset. We analyze the spatial dimension of individual social capital by the share of friends, closed triangles, and share of supported ties within circles of short distance radii (1, 3, 5, and 10 km) around users’ home location. We compare residents from below-median income neighborhoods with above-median income neighborhoods, and find that users living in relatively poorer neighborhoods have a significantly higher share of connections in close proximity. Moreover, their network is more cohesive and supported within a short distance from their home. These patterns prevail across the 50 largest US metropolitan areas with only a few exceptions. The found disparities in the micro-geographic concentration of social capital can feed segregation and income inequality within cities constraining social circles of low-income residents.
Spontaneous regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 in women with a biopsy—cone interval of greater than 11 weeks
Authors: Bruno Maria Teresa , Cassaro Nazario , Mazza Gabriele , Guaita Arianna , Boemi Sara
Published: October 2022

Background

Although there is broad consensus that only a subset of CIN3 will progress to cancer, there is currently no surefire way to predict which CIN3 will regress. Understanding the natural history of CIN3 is important, and finding markers for progression or regression could improve treatment strategies. According to the guidelines of the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology of 2006, positive CIN3 p16 in women should be managed with excisional treatment (LEEP). For ethical reasons we cannot fail to treat women with CIN3 in order to study their regression capacity so we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the regression rate of CIN3 diagnosed with a biopsy by studying the histological result of the cone removed by LEEP. We also investigated age, HPV genotypes and biopsy-cone interval distance as possible regression factors.

Methods

We selected 171 women with a histological diagnosis of positive CIN3 p16 as an entry criterion. All patients underwent LEEP / biopsy. A histological diagnosis of the cone of CIN3 or higher was considered as persistence or progression, the diagnosis of CIN1 or lower was considered as regression of the lesion.

We used out a logistic model to study the probability of spontaneous regression of CIN3 as a function of the patient’s age, the time elapsed between the biopsy and the cone (in weeks) and the HPV genotype.

Results

We found that the spontaneous regression rate of CIN3 was 15,8%, which was strongly associated with the biopsy-cone interval > 11 weeks. Genotype 16, the most represented, was present both in cases of regression (77.8%) and in persistence (83.3%). Regarding age, the estimated odds ratio of the probability of observing a regression in women over 25 years of age was 0.0045 times that of women under 25 years of age (CI: 0.00020, 0.036). Neither age nor viral genotype are significant as predictors of regression.

Conclusion

To wait at least 11 weeks from the biopsy before subjecting the woman to LEEP could prevent unnecessary LEEP procedures, considering also that from CIN3 to carcinoma it takes years before the neoplastic transformation takes place.
Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables: intervention impact of a randomized controlled trial on Latino father and adolescent energy balance-related behaviors
Authors: Baltaci A. , Hurtado Choque G. A. , Davey C. , Reyes Peralta A. , Alvarez de Davila S. , Zhang Y. , Gold A. , Larson N. , Reicks M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Studies have shown associations among food and activity behaviors and body weight of Latino fathers and adolescents. However, few Latino father-focused interventions have been designed to improve energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) and weight status among early adolescents. Thus, this efficacy study aims to evaluate the Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables (Padres) youth obesity prevention program for positive changes in EBRBs (fruit, vegetable, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), sweet/salty snack, and fast-food consumption, physical activity, and screen time) and weight status among low-income Latino fathers and adolescents (10-14 years).

Methods

A two-arm (treatment versus delayed-treatment control group) randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 8 weekly experiential learning sessions (2.5 hours each) based on social cognitive theory. The sessions included food preparation, parenting skills, nutrition, and physical activity. The program was delivered to father-adolescent dyads (mothers were encouraged to attend) in trusted community-based settings in a Midwest metropolitan area between 2017 and 2019. In March 2020, in-person implementation was discontinued due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which limited the sample size. Father/adolescent dyads were randomized to treatment or control group within each site. Surveys and measurements were completed by fathers and adolescents to assess changes in food and activity behaviors from baseline to post-intervention. Adolescents also completed 24-hour dietary recall interviews at baseline and post-intervention. Intervention effects were assessed using linear regression mixed models adjusted for covariates and accounting for clustering of participants within sites.

Results

Data from 147 father/adolescent dyads who completed at least the baseline data collection were used. No significant differences were observed for baseline to post-intervention changes in adolescents’ and fathers’ EBRBs or weight status between treatment and control groups. Fathers’ SSB and fast food intakes were not statistically significant (p = 0.067 and p = 0.090, respectively).

Conclusions

The Padres program resulted in no significant improvements in adolescent and father EBRBs and weight status. Additional Latino father-focused interventions are needed to examine intervention effects on EBRBs among Latino adolescents.

Trial registration

The Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables study is registered with the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03469752 (19/03/2018).
Medication use by US patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective study of administrative data
Authors: Weiss Tracey J. , Rosen Ramey Dena , Yang Lingfeng , Liu Xinyue , Patel Mahesh J. , Rajpathak Swapnil , Bajwa Ednan K. , Lautsch Dominik
Published: October 2022

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While clinical guidelines recommend specific drug therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), these drug therapies are not recommended for PH due to lung disease.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using the Optum® Clinformatics® Data Mart from January 2009–September 2019. An algorithm was designed to identify adults with ≥ 2 ICD-9-CM or ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for PH and with ≥ 2 diagnosis codes for COPD. Sensitivity analyses were conducted among subgroups of patients with evidence of a right heart catheterization (RHC) or pulmonary function test (PFT). Patient characteristics, medications used, and durations of use of PAH and COPD medications were analyzed.

Results

A total of 25,975 patients met the study inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 73.5 (SD 10.0) years and 63.8% were female. Medications targeting PAH were prescribed to 643 (2.5%) patients, most frequently a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (2.1%) or an endothelin receptor antagonist (0.75%). Medications for COPD were prescribed to 17,765 (68.4%) patients, most frequently an inhaled corticosteroid (57.4%) or short-acting beta agonist (50.4%). The median durations of use ranged from 4.9 to 12.8 months for PAH medications, and from 0.4 to 5.9 months for COPD medications. Of the subgroup of patients with RHC (N = 2325), 257 (11.1%) were prescribed a PAH medication and 1670 (71.8%) used a COPD medication. Of the subgroup with a PFT (N = 2995), 58 (1.9%) were prescribed a PAH medication and 2100 (70.1%) a COPD medication.

Conclusions

Patients with PH associated with COPD were identified in a US administrative claims database. Very few of these patients received any of the medications recommended for PAH, and only about two thirds received medications for COPD.