bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geniposide Attenuates Hyperglycemia‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation by Activating the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Experimental Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Tu Yuanyuan , Li Lele , Zhu Linling , Guo Yang , Du Shu , Zhang Yuxing , Wang Zhenzhen , Zhang Yuting , Zhu Manhui
Published: December 2021

Geniposide (GEN) is a natural antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory product and plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications. To explore the biological functions and mechanism of GEN in diabetic retinopathy (DR), we constructed the in vitro and in vivo model of DR by using primary cultured mouse retinal Müller cells and C57BL/6 mice, respectively. We found that GEN inhibited ROS accumulation, NF‐κB activation, Müller cell activation, and inflammatory cytokine secretion both in vitro and in vivo, which is probably mediated through the Nrf2 pathway. Exendin (9‐39) (EX‐9), an antagonist of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R), abolished the protective effect of GEN on high glucose‐ (HG‐) induced Müller cells. Additionally, GEN decreased hyperglycemia‐induced damage to Müller cells and blood‐retinal barrier in the retinas of mice with DR. We demonstrated that GEN was capable of protecting Müller cells and mice from HG‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation, which is mostly dependent on the Nrf2 signaling pathway through GLP‐1R. GEN may be an effective approach for the treatment of DR.
Bladder Sonomorphological Tests in Diagnosing Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Yuan-zhuo , Peng Liao , Zhang Chi , Xu Shuai , Luo De-yi
Published: December 2021

Aims: We aimed to investigate the accuracy of bladder sonomorphological parameters including detrusor wall thickness (DWT) and ultrasound-estimated bladder weight (UEBW) for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted through databases including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Medicine, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Database, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science, and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) to select studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of DWT and UEBW to diagnose BOO in adults with LUTS. Databases were searched from inception to 2020 without restriction. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2), and measures of accuracy were calculated using random-effects model. Results: The initial search included 84 publications, of which 78 publications were screened, and 16 studies with 1,847 patients finally contained diagnostic data. The results from 10 out of 16 studies assessing DWT showed a pooled sensitivity (SSY) of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.56–0.78) and specificity (SPY) of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82–0.96) with I2 values of 93%, while 6 studies evaluating UEBW were analyzed with a SSY of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78–0.93) and SPY of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.67–0.90) with I2 values of 83%. Conclusions: DWT shows high SPY, and UEBW performs high SSY of diagnosing BOO. Further well-designed studies are needed to evaluate the utilization of DWT and UEBW for the diagnosis of BOO.
Effect of Oral Hydration on Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury among Patients after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Xie Weining , Zhou Yuge , Liao Zhishan , Lin Biying
Published: December 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of oral hydration volume to weight ratio (OHV/W) on contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 754 patients with STEMI undergoing PCI were selected. Each patient was encouraged to drink as much water as possible 24 h after PCI. Total volume intake was recorded for all patients. The ratio of OHV/W was calculated. The occurrence of CI-AKI was defined as ≥0.5 mg/dL absolute or ≥25% relative increase in serum creatinine within 48–72 h following PCI. Logistic regression analysis and generalized additive model were performed to evaluate the relationship between OHV/W and CI-AKI. Results: There was a nonlinear relationship between OHV/W and CI-AKI with an inflection point of 15.69 mL/kg. On the right side of the inflection point (OHV/W ≥15.69 mL/kg), a negative relationship was detected between OHV/W and CI-AKI (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82∼0.98, p = 0.0126). However, no relationship was observed between OHV/W and CI-AKI on the left of inflection point (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.95∼1.49, p = 0.1302). Subgroup analysis showed that significant interactions were observed only for gender difference (p for interaction = 0.0155), male patients had a significantly lower risk of CI-AKI (HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75∼0.93, p = 0.0012). Conclusion: OHV/W ≥15.6 mL/kg for 24 h post-procedure may be an effective preventive strategy of CI-AKI. In addition, male patients may particularly benefit from OHV to prevent CI-AKI.
Increased Attentional Focus on Walking by Older Adults Limits Maximum Speed and Is Related to Dynamic Stability
Authors: Kongsuk Jutaluk , Brown Cynthia J. , Rosenblatt Noah J. , Hurt Christopher P.
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose: Older adults with lower balance confidence demonstrate a reduced willingness to experience instability as the task of walking becomes more challenging (i.e., walking with a faster speed). However, the specific reason why is not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which capacity of increasing walking speeds relates to the attentional requirements (i.e., automaticity) of walking. Methods: Sixteen young (31 ± 5.85 years) and 15 older participants (69 ± 3.04 years) began walking on a treadmill at 0.4 m/s, and speed was increased by 0.2 m/s until the participant either chose to stop or reached a speed of 2.0 m/s. Sixty steps were collected at steady-state speed for each walking trial. Kinematic data were collected, and the margin of stability in the anterior direction (MOSAP) at heelstrike was quantified for each step. The timed up and go (TUG) and TUG dual (TUGdual) task were performed, from which an automaticity index (TUG/TUGdual × 100) was calculated. Older individuals were grouped based on whether they did or did not complete all walking speeds (i.e., completers [n = 9] or noncompleters [n = 6]). The fastest walking speed attempted (FSA), automaticity index, and MOSAP were compared, and correlations were assessed between the FSA/MOSAP and the automaticity index. Results: A significant difference was identified in an average MOSAP at heelstrike between older completer and noncompleter groups (p < 0.001). Further, older adults with lower automaticity index choose to stop walking at lower speeds (p = 0.001). The FSA was positively correlated with the automaticity index (ρ = 0.81, p < 0.001). Finally, the average MOSAP at FSA and the automaticity index were also negatively correlated (r = −0.85, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Older adults with lower automaticity of walking choose to stop walking at speeds before they completed all walking speeds, which may relate with increased attentional demands required to maintain dynamic stability at higher walking speeds. Given that these were otherwise healthy adults, the combination of FSA and an automaticity of walking may help to identify individuals who should be considered for an assessment to identify walking problems.
Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Risk of Pneumonia, Malnutrition, and Mortality in Adults Aged 60 Years and Older: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Banda Kondwani Joseph , Chu Hsin , Chen Ruey , Kang Xiao Linda , Jen Hsiu-Ju , Liu Doresses , Shen Hsiao Shu-Tai , Chou Kuei-Ru
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a serious health condition associated with poor survival and quality of life in adults aged 60 years and older. Comprehensive assessment and management of OD could lead to better and improved health outcomes for older adults. Therefore, we performed the first meta-analysis to determine the pooled prevalence of OD and risk of pneumonia, malnutrition, and mortality. Methods: Databases including Ovid-MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and CINAHL were searched up to January 2021. Data analysis was conducted using logistic-normal for prevalence rate and DerSimonian-Lard random-effects models for outcomes and associated factors of OD, providing odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The pooled prevalence of OD in 39 studies with 31,488 participants was 46% associated with higher pooled OR for risk of pneumonia 2.07 (95% CI, 1.58–2.72), malnutrition 2.21 (95% CI, 1.43–3.41), and mortality 2.73 (95% CI, 1.62–4.60). Geriatric syndromes including fecal incontinence 6.84 (4.955–9.44), immobility syndrome 6.06 (5.28–6.96), pressure ulcers 4.02 (2.46–6.56), sarcopenia 3.10 (1.89–5.09), urinary incontinence 2.75 (1.81–4.19), frailty 2.66 (1.16–6.13), delirium 2.23 (1.73–2.87), and falls 1.47 (1.19–1.81) and comorbidities including dementia 3.69 (2.36–5.78) and stroke 1.92 (1.47–2.52) were associated with OD. Conclusion: Early identification and management of OD should consider geriatric syndromes and neurogenic comorbidities to prevent malnutrition and pneumonia and reduce mortality in adults aged 60 years and older.
Exhaled Methane Is Associated with a Lower Heart Rate
Authors: Takakura Will , Chang Christine , Pimentel Mark , Mo Gina , Torosyan John , Hosseini Ava , Wang Jiajing , Kowaleski Edward , Mathur Ruchi , Chang Bianca , Pichetshote Nipaporn , Rezaie Ali
Published: December 2021

Background: In humans, methane (CH4) is exclusively produced by the intestinal microbiota and has been implicated in several conditions including cardiovascular disease. After microbial production of CH4 in the gut, it steadily crosses into the systemic circulation and reaches the lungs where it can be detected in the exhaled breath, as a surrogate measure for intestinal CH4 production. Recent reports have shown an association between CH4 and vagal dysfunction as well as the inhibition of CH4 activity on ileal contractions with atropine, suggesting its action on the parasympathetic nervous system. Given these findings, we hypothesized that CH4 may be affecting resting heart rate (HR) based on the potential effect of CH4 on the vagus nerve. Objectives: Given its possible role in the parasympathetic nervous system, we aimed to study the relationship between breath CH4 and resting HR in humans. Additionally, we performed a longitudinal study analyzing the change in HR and its association with breath CH4 over time. Methods: First, we reviewed 1,126 subjects and compared HR in subjects with detectable and undetectable breath CH4. Second, we performed a post hoc analysis of a randomized control trial to compare the change in HR for those who had an increase in breath CH4 versus those that had a decrease in breath CH4 over 14 weeks. Last, we assessed whether a larger decrease in CH4 is associated with a larger increase in HR over time. Results: In the retrospective cohort, subjects with detectable CH4 had a lower HR compared to those with undetectable CH4 (73.0 ± 0.83 vs. 76.0 ± 0.44 beats/min, p = 0.01). In the post hoc analysis, a decrease in CH4 over time was associated with an increase in HR (median ∆ = 6.5 ± 8.32 beats/min, p = 0.0006). Last, we demonstrated a biological gradient whereby a larger drop in CH4 was associated with a greater increase in HR (R = −0.31, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Our findings suggest a potential role for the microbiome (and specifically CH4 from methanogens) to regulate HR. Considering these findings, mechanistic studies are warranted to further investigate this potential novel microbiome-neurocardiac axis.
First records of Trichoptera from Timor-Leste, including seven newly described species
Authors: WELLS ALICE , CARTWRIGHT DAVID
Published: December 2021

Several collections of adults of the caddisfly order Trichoptera were studied from Timor-Leste, the nation-state comprising the eastern region of the island of Timor. The specimens represent ten families: Hydrobiosidae (2 species), Glossosomatidae (1 species), Hydroptilidae (3 species), Philopotamidae (5 species), Hydropsychidae (3 species), Polycentropodidae (1 species), Psychomyiidae (3 species), Xiphocentronidae (1 species), Lepidostomatidae (1 species), Leptoceridae (3 species). Among the 24 species listed, 16 were identified as established Southeast Asian species. Among these are two very widespread species, one extending further east to New Guinea, northern Australia, and New Caledonia and another that was described from Fiji. An additional seven species are newly described here: Ulmerochorema hatubuilico sp. nov., Hydroptila bellisi sp. nov. and H. aileuensis sp. nov., Chimarra lawaliu sp. nov., C. multidentata sp. nov., C. sameana sp. nov. and C. timorensis sp. nov. Hitherto, the genus Ulmerochorema Mosely was believed to be an Australian endemic. A xiphocentronid specimen could be identified to genus Drepanocentron only.
A new species of stone loach of the genus Mustura (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Chindwin River drainage, Manipur, north-eastern India
Authors: CHINGLEMBA YENGKHOM , RAMESHORI YUMNAM , VISHWANATH WAIKHOM
Published: December 2021

Mustura taretensis, a new nemacheilid loach, is described from the Taret River, a tributary of the Yu River, Chindwin River drainage, Manipur, India. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners by a unique combination of the following characters: body with 12–13 irregular dark-brown blotches or bars on flank, alternating with 11–16 irregular dark-brown saddles on the back; dorsum of head with a distinctly visible rhomboid dark-brown mark encircling a pale oval area on the nape; dorsal fin with 9½­ or 10½ branched rays; lateral line complete; a well-developed free posterior chamber of air bladder, the halves of air bladder capsules connected by a manubrium; poorly developed processus dentiformis; suborbital flap present in males; and body depth 12.8–16.0 % SL. The generic status of Mustura chindwinensis, M. dikrongensis, M. tigrina and M. tuivaiensis are also discussed in the paper.
Educational needs and type 1 diabetes mellitus: The voices of adolescents, parents and caregivers
Authors: Mayen Sandrine , Lagouanelle-Simeoni Marie-Claude , Cote José , Fonte David , Reynaud Rachel , Gentile Stéphanie , Colson Sébastien
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to describe the needs of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus for acquiring self-care and psychosocial skills for the progressive self-management of the disease, as a prelude to the development of an educational programme. The parents and health care professionals who supported young people were also asked to provide their insight into adolescents’ needs.

Methods, design and setting:

Qualitative focus group design with a thematic analysis informed by social-cognitive theory.

Results:

Findings highlight gaps and divergence in the perceived needs of adolescents engaged with in existing structured educational programmes. Suggestions for change to future programmes were identified, including the implementation of educational follow-ups outside of hospital settings and an educational programme open to family and friends to foster support from the adolescents’ social circle. The use of digital media is proposed as an on-demand (rather than planned) educational method.

Conclusion:

This study provides information relevant to the development of new educational programmes for adolescents with type 1 diabetes in the south of France. Future programmes should be structured so as to promote active participation by adolescents from the start of the programme through to its evaluation.
The Kurdish Civil War and Peace Negotiations, 1994–1998
Authors: Salih Dana Ali , Hama Hawre Hasan
Published: December 2021

The Kurdish Civil War between the military forces of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) began in 1994. Despite frequently occurring peace talks throughout the conflict, negotiations failed to bring about a durable settlement until the United States brokered the Washington Peace Agreement in 1998. This research explores why the earlier negotiations were unsuccessful, and whether it was only the US mediation in 1998 which made the difference. Although the US mediation was clearly an important factor, by employing the contingency model this research argues that both contextual variables and process variables determined the success of negotiations in 1998. Furthermore, they can explain the failure of the previous 4 years of negotiations.
Cross-National Comparisons of Cognitive and Physical Health in Older Adults Across China, Japan, and Korea: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nam Sanghun , Pritchard Kevin T. , Bae Suyeong , Hong Ickpyo
Published: December 2021

Background

Cross-national studies are an emerging research area in public health. Specifically, cross-national health comparisons are important for understanding the factors driving the success or failure of public health policies. Therefore, this study systematically analyzed studies that compared health status (physical health and cognition) of the older adults using national panel data for three East Asian countries—China, Japan, and Korea.

Methods

Google Scholar and PubMed were used for the literature search. The search strategy targeted papers published between 2005 and 2020, yielding a total of 2690 papers, of which seven were selected for the review. The Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) criteria was used to assess study design quality. The risk of bias for non-randomized studies (RoBANS) tool, a quality assessment tool developed in Korea to evaluate non-randomized interventional studies, measured risk of bias.

Results

Of the seven included papers, two studies performed cognitive comparisons, four studies performed physical health comparisons, and one study compared both cognition and physical health. The studies selected for this study by CEBM criteria included four prospective cohort studies (Level 2B) and three expert opinions without explicit critical appraisal (Level 5). Risk of bias using the RoBANS tool found a risk of confounding variables in four out of seven papers. Finally, measurement items of cognitive and physical health differed across all three countries’ panel surveys.

Conclusion

These results suggest that in order to compare East Asian health policies according to the aging society, it is necessary to develop consistent cognitive and physical health evaluation tools in the future.
Short reports on cutaneous leishmaniasis outbreak investigation in Ankesha-Guagsa district, Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Banchamlak , Yimer Mekonnen , G/eyesus Tsehaynesh , Ayal Alie , Yimer Mulat
Published: December 2021

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is spreading in Ethiopia and outbreaks have been recorded at new foci. In the Ankesha-Guagsa district, from September 24 to 28, 2020, 39 suspected cases were screened, and amastigote stages were identified in lesion samples of 34 (87.2%) cases.
Empyema necessitans – An unusual cause of necrotising fasciitis of the breast
Authors: Deivasigamani Sriram , Aruni Amresh , Chhabria Bharath , Irrinki Santhosh
Published: December 2021

Necrotising fasciitis is a dreaded aggressive soft tissue infection that can cause extensive tissue necrosis. It may arise in the breast where its diagnosis may not readily be evoked.
Adjustment and socioeconomic status: how do these factors influence the intention to dropout of university?
Authors: Mtshweni Bongani V
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the effects of adjustment and socioeconomic status on the intention by undergraduate students to dropout of university. The sample comprises 955 students from a university in South Africa and a quantitative research approach was used to test the hypotheses. Regression analyses results showed that social adjustment and institutional attachment significantly predicted the intention to dropout, whereas academic adjustment and personal-emotional adjustment could not predict the intention to dropout. In addition, the results showed that socioeconomic status significantly moderated the relationship between academic adjustment and the intention to dropout of university; however, socioeconomic status could not moderate the relationship between institutional attachment and the intention to dropout of university. The results highlight the need for students to be supported in dealing with adjustment challenges during the transition to university. Furthermore, the results encourage universities to consider various academic needs of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to improve their academic experiences.
Integrating Critical Thinking Into Instruction, Assignments, and Discussions Improves Students’ Critical Analysis and Evaluation Skills in an Online Course
Authors: Hamaoui Kamil G.
Published: December 2021

Background

Critical thinking is an important student learning outcome in all psychology courses and included in the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) goals for the undergraduate major.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of integrating a general model of critical thinking into the instruction, assignments, and discussions in an online course on students’ development of critical analysis and evaluation skills.

Method

Two raters scored 34 students’ written responses on a critical thinking test administered at the beginning and end of the semester that had students analyze psychological studies as reported in media reports and evaluate position statements on a controversial issue. During the term, students completed assignments on identifying the parts of a scientific study and discussions on identifying weaknesses in thinking.

Results

Students showed large gains in critical analysis and critical evaluation scores from pretest to posttest. Specific comparisons revealed that students significantly improved their abilities to identify the theoretical point of view of a study, relevant psychological concepts, assumptions, and implications.

Conclusion

Integrating critical thinking in a direct way into a course can lead to substantial improvements in critical thinking over the span of a single semester.

Teaching Implications

The conceptualization of critical thinking used is broadly applicable to any psychology course at any level of education.
Extending the Reach of the STARs (Students Tackling Advanced Research)
Authors: Posillico Caitlin , Stilwell Sarah , Quigley Jacqueline , Carr Crystal , Chadwick Sara , Lustig Cindy , Shah Priti
Published: December 2021

Background

Participating in research opportunities during undergraduate education is met with myriad benefits. Students learn the scientific research process, how to think critically, develop transferable skills, refine public speaking, build a professional network, and gain confidence. Despite the numerous benefits of undergraduate research participation, underrepresented and minority (URM) students (e.g., first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students) often do not engage in these valuable undergraduate research opportunities.

Objective

To begin breaking down some of these historical barriers to participation, we developed the Students Tackling Advanced Research (STAR) Scholars Program.

Method

A holistic educational outreach program was designed to facilitate underrepresented undergraduate students’ involvement in research and help them understand why research is important in a greater context.

Conclusion

Students who participated in STAR Scholars self-report positive impacts on understanding what research is, ways to seek out research opportunities, and what steps to take toward future educational and professional goals.

Teaching Implications

It is imperative to explicitly target barriers that underrepresented students face to allow for equity and inclusion in research and academia. Workshops and activities designed to demystify research, build networking and professional skills, and provide mentorship to students are successful in breaking down these barriers and increase student confidence and competence.
A benchmark of Spanish language datasets for computationally driven research
Authors: Candela Gustavo , Sáez María-Dolores , Escobar Pilar , Marco-Such Manuel
Published: December 2021

In the domain of Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) institutions, creative and innovative tools and methodologies for content delivery and user engagement have recently gained international attention. New methods have been proposed to publish digital collections as datasets amenable to computational use. Standardised benchmarks can be useful to broaden the scope of machine-actionable collections and to promote cultural and linguistic diversity. In this article, we propose a methodology to select datasets for computationally driven research applied to Spanish text corpora. This work seeks to encourage Spanish and Latin American institutions to publish machine-actionable collections based on best practices and avoiding common mistakes.
Kicking It Out? Football Fans’ Views of Anti-Racism Initiatives in English Football
Authors: Penfold Connor , Cleland Jamie
Published: December 2021

This article explores the views of 906 football fans (96% of whom selfidentified as White), collected via an online survey from May-June 2019, regarding the impact of the leading equality and inclusion organization, Kick It Out, in delivering initiatives to challenge the multifaceted expressions of racism by some White English football fans. Whilst fans recognize the importance of raising awareness of racial discrimination, nearly three quarters of White fans do not engage with any Kick It Out initiatives. In the face of new challenges, including the largely unregulated space of social media, and a socio-political climate that has facilitated the resurgence of overtly expressed bigoted, colour and cultural-based racisms, the article stresses that the English football authorities must support the work of anti-racism organizations to increase their potency amongst White fans if racial discrimination is to be more effectively challenged in the future.
The influence of intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation on central venous blood oxygen saturation
Authors: Mohamed Ayman , Aboulnaga Sameh , Hamwi Fayez , Omar Amr S , Pattath Abdulrasheed , Singh Rajvir , Alkhulaifi Abdulaziz
Published: December 2021

Objectives

We aim at identifying the changes in venous blood saturation values that associates intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in cardiac surgery patients with reduced left ventricular function (LVF).

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) in a tertiary cardiac center over 5 years in Qatar. A total of 114 patients with at least moderate impairment of LVF with ejection fraction (EF) less than 40% were enrolled. According to the association of IABP, patients were segregated into two groups with and without IABP (groups 1, 40 patients and group 2, 74 patients). Sequential arterial and venous blood gases were analyzed. The primary outcome was to analyze the changes in the central venous saturation (ScvO2) in both groups and the secondary outcome was to analyze whether these changes affect the overall outcome in terms of intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay.

Results

There was no significant difference between both groups with regard to age, preoperative EF, hemoglobin, and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) in blood gases. Patients with IABP have a higher cScvO2 when compared to the other group (71.5 ± 12.5 vs 63.5 ± 9.3, 68.3 ± 12.6 vs 60.1 ± 9.5, 62.7 ± 10.8 vs 55.63 ± 8.1, and 60.6 ± 7.6 vs 54.9 ± 8.1; p = 0.04, 0.05, 0.03, and 0.5, respectively). However, generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis showed that compared with the participants showing that there is a decreasing trend in mean levels within the groups during follow-ups, overall difference between both groups’ mean levels was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed that after cardiac surgeries, patients with IABP had non-significant higher ScvO2 when compared with a corresponding group with moderate impairment of LVF. Further prospective studies are required to validate these findings.
Association of total cerebral small vessel disease burden with the cavitation of recent small subcortical infarcts
Authors: Wang Meimei , Li Yunfei , Song Yingjie , Zhao Yingyu , Zhao Xiaohu
Published: December 2021

Background

Recent small subcortical infarcts (RSSIs) could evolve into cavitation (lacunes) or non-cavitation (white matter hyperintensities or disappearance) during the chronic period, but the factors involved remain unclear.

Purpose

To explore the association between total cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden and lesion cavitation.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively selected 202 inpatients with an isolated RSSI who underwent baseline and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (median interval = 16.6 months; interquartile range [IQR]=8.2–30.1). Inpatients were divided into cavitation and non-cavitation groups depending on whether a fluid-filled cavity formed. Data including demographic, clinical, and radiological features were collected and analyzed. To determine total CSVD burden, four imaging markers, including lacunes, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, and enlarged perivascular spaces, were rated and summed as a final practical score between 0 and 4.

Results

Overall, 137 (67.8%) patients progressed to cavitation and 65 (32.2%) to non-cavitation. Binary multivariable regression analysis showed that the baseline total CSVD burden ( P  = 0.005) and infarct diameter ( P  = 0.002) were independent risk factors for cavitation. A severe total burden (scores of 3–4) at baseline was independently related to cavitation ( P = 0.001). Moreover, the total CSVD burden score varied from 2 (IQR=1–3) at baseline to 3 (IQR=2–4) at follow-up. The extent of the increase in total burden was correlated with cavitation ( r = 0.201; P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Total CSVD burden, both the baseline value and extent of increase, was positively associated with cavitation. RSSIs with severe total CSVD burden at baseline have a greater potential to become cavitated.
Endoscopy-guided in vivo evaluation of ciliary sulcus location in children with ectopia lentis
Authors: Yang Jing , Wang Zhirong , Cao Qianzhong , Wang Yiyao , Wu Jieyi , Lian Zhangkai , Zheng Danying
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess a new method to measure the distance of the needle passage from the ciliary sulcus to the corneal limbus anterior border (CTC) in eyes with ectopia lentis directly in vivo via endoscopy and to further evaluate the correlations among the CTC, age, automated horizontal white-to-white distance (WTW), and ocular axial length (AL).

Methods

The WTW and AL were measured using an optical biometer. An intraocular endoscope was used during transscleral suture fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses to identify the true location of the ciliary sulcus. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between the CTC and other ocular biological parameters, including age, WTW, and AL.

Results

Thirty eyes of 30 children with ectopia lentis were evaluated. A statistically significant correlation was found between age and the CTC. The CTC could be predicted by the equation CTC = 0.1313 × Age + 0.9666. No statistically significant correlations were found between CTC and WTW, CTC and AL, WTW and AL, or WTW and age.

Conclusion

Endoscopy is useful for precisely suturing intraocular lens haptics in the real ciliary sulcus. Age can be used as an equivalent parameter for prediction of the true ciliary sulcus location.
Optimization Model for Rail Line Crossover Design Considering the Cost of Delay
Authors: Trommelen Willem , Gkiotsalitis Konstantinos , van Berkum Eric C.
Published: December 2021

In this study, we introduce a method to optimally select the crossover locations of an independent rail line from a set of possible crossover locations considering a fixed number of crossovers that must be used in the design. This optimal selection aims to minimize the cost of passenger delay. Previous research showed that including passenger delay in the decision of rail design choices could be beneficial from economic and societal perspectives. However, those studies were only able to evaluate a few alternatives, because the degraded schedules had to be determined manually. In this research, we introduced an integer nonlinear model to find the best crossover design. We further developed an algorithm to evaluate a set of crossovers and determine the cost of delays for all segments on a rail line given a set of potential disruptions. The monetized cost of passenger delays was used to analyze the tradeoff between the unreliability costs emerging from the delay of passengers in the case of disruptions, and the total number of required crossovers. Our model was applied on a light rail line in Bergen (Norway) resulting in 10% reduction in relation to passenger delays without increasing the number of crossovers; thus, ensuring that there were no additional costs.
Outcomes of 270° Labral Repair for Combined Shoulder Instability in Active-Duty Military Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Scanaliato John P. , Dunn John C. , Fares Austin B. , Czajkowski Hunter , Parnes Nata
Published: December 2021

Background:

There is a high prevalence of combined shoulder instability in military patients. Short-term outcomes after 270° labral repair are promising; however, there is a paucity of longer term outcome data in this high-demand group of patients.

Purpose:

To report the midterm outcomes of active-duty military patients treated with 270° labral repair for combined shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All consecutive patients between January 2011 and January 2019 who underwent 270° labral repair by the senior surgeon with complete outcome scores were identified. All patients had experienced a shoulder dislocation after a traumatic event and had magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative findings consistent with combined-type instability. A total of 52 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study, and all were active-duty servicemembers at the time of surgery.

Results:

The mean follow-up was 78.21 months (range, 24-117 months). There was a statistically significant increase in the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (from 44.92 to 89.31; P < .0001), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (from 52.32 to 93.17; P < .0001), and Rowe instability score (from 46.63 to 91.35; P < .0001) from preoperatively to postoperatively. Mean pain decreased significantly as measured by the visual analog scale for pain (from 8.04 to 1.44; P < .0001). Range of motion in forward flexion (from 155.29° to 155.96°; P = .6793), external rotation (from 67.50° to 65.29°; P = .0623), and internal rotation (from T9.58 to T9.56; P = .9650) did not change significantly postoperatively. Outcomes did not differ significantly for patients who underwent surgery on their dominant shoulder versus those who underwent surgery on their nondominant shoulder, nor did outcomes vary with the type of anchor utilized (biocomposite vs all-suture). The overall rate of return to active duty was 92.31%.

Conclusion:

Midterm outcomes in this population of active-duty patients undergoing 270° labral repair for combined shoulder instability demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant improvement in patient-reported outcome scores, a significant decrease in pain, and an overall rate of return to active duty of 92.31%.
External Validation of the Cardiac Surgery Score in a Quaternary Hospital in the United States of America
Authors: Singh Asha , Liang Chen , Mick Stephanie L. , Udeh Chiedozie
Published: December 2021

Background

The Cardiac Surgery Score (CASUS) was developed to assist in predicting post-cardiac surgery mortality using parameters measured in the intensive care unit. It is calculated by assigning points to ten physiologic variables and adding them to obtain a score (additive CASUS), or by logistic regression to weight the variables and estimate the probability of mortality (logistic CASUS). Both additive and logistic CASUS have been externally validated elsewhere, but not yet in the United States of America (USA). This study aims to validate CASUS in a quaternary hospital in the USA and compare the predictive performance of additive to logistic CASUS in this setting.

Methods

Additive and logistic CASUS (postoperative days 1-5) were calculated for 7098 patients at Cleveland Clinic from January 2015 to February 2017. 30-day mortality data were abstracted from institutional records and the Death Registries for Ohio State and the Centers for Disease Control. Given a low event rate, model discrimination was assessed by area under the curve (AUROC), partial AUROC (pAUC), and average precision (AP). Calibration was assessed by curves and quantified using Harrell's Emax, and Integrated Calibration Index (ICI).

Results

30-day mortality rate was 1.37%. For additive CASUS, odds ratio for mortality was 1.41 (1.35-1.46, P <0.001). Additive and logistic CASUS had comparable pAUC and AUROC (all >0.83). However, additive CASUS had greater AP, especially on postoperative day 1 (0.22 vs. 0.11). Additive CASUS had better calibration curves, and lower Emax, and ICI on all days.

Conclusions

Additive and logistic CASUS discriminated well for postoperative 30-day mortality in our quaternary center in the USA, however logistic CASUS under-predicted mortality in our cohort. Given its ease of calculation, and better predictive accuracy, additive CASUS may be the preferred model for postoperative use. Validation in more typical cardiac surgery centers in the USA is recommended.
Relational Mobility and Other Contributors to Decline in Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Hashemi Ladan , Fanslow Janet L. , Gulliver Pauline , McIntosh Tracey
Published: December 2021

This study explored whether changes in risk and protective factors of intimate partner violence (IPV) can account for the noted reduction in 12-month IPV prevalence in New Zealand between 2003 and 2019. Changes in relational mobility over time were also explored. Data from two population-based surveys of 18-64 year-old ever-partnered women in New Zealand that were conducted according to identical procedures in 2003 (n=2764) and 2019 (n=944) were used. Changes in a variety of potential risk and protective factors over time and their possible contribution to IPV reduction were assessed. The findings indicated that there was no change in the prevalence of the strongest risk and protective factors of IPV victimisation and perpetration over time (e.g. partner concurrent relationship, previous exposure to violence for both respondent and partner, and partner’s problematic alcohol/drug use). However, a combination of factors including decline in women’s problematic alcohol or drug use, decline in the number of children within families, and increases in the proportion of women and partners with a qualification higher than secondary education are likely to be associated with the reduction in IPV prevalence. A greater degree of relational mobility, demonstrated through a greater proportion of women who left their abusive partner permanently and increased numbers of relationships that women had, was also observed between two study years. Overall, these results indicate that changes in 12-month IPV prevalence over time are likely to be linked with changes that increase women’s autonomy and ability to move out of violent relationships. To achieve sustained reductions in IPV, more comprehensive and planned efforts are needed to address other underlying and exacerbating causes, including problematic alcohol/drug use and previous exposure to violence during childhood and adulthood.
Intimate Partner Violence and Subsequent Violent Offending Among Handgun Purchasers
Authors: Tomsich Elizabeth A. , Schleimer Julia , Wright Mona A. , Stewart Susan L. , Wintemute Garen J. , Kagawa Rose M. C.
Published: December 2021

Perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) often reoffend, and firearm access increases risk of severe injury or fatality. Prior research identifies an association between a history of violent misdemeanor convictions among handgun purchasers and increased risk of subsequent arrest for a violent crime; the risk associated specifically with an IPV criminal history remains largely unexplored. The current study examined a cohort of 76,311 California adults who legally purchased a handgun in 2001 and followed them through 2013. Compared with purchasers who had no criminal history at the time of purchase, those with a history of only IPV ( n = 178) charges were at increased risk of subsequent arrest for a violent Crime Index crime (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault; adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–5.1), any violent crime (AHR, 3.2; 95% CI: 2.0–5.1), and an IPV crime (AHR, 5.2; 95% CI: 3.0–9.0). Purchasers with both IPV and non-IPV charges demonstrated the greatest risk of re-arrest relative to those with no criminal history. Despite the strength of the relationship between IPV and subsequent arrest, a small proportion of handgun purchasers with an IPV criminal history were re-arrested for firearm violence crimes, limiting application for risk assessment purposes. Results affirm prior research identifying IPV as a risk factor for future offending.
Bias deployable grids with horizontal compound scissor-like elements: A geometric study of the folding/deployment process
Authors: Freire-Tellado Manuel J , Muñoz-Vidal Manuel , Pérez-Valcárcel Juan
Published: December 2021

Bias deployable structural units are two-way structures arranged in a rotational pattern with respect to the edges. They have interesting advantages such as robust three-dimensional operation with supports around their entire base perimeter and the exclusive use of load-bearing scissor-like elements (SLEs). However, they do not have edge trims and their resistance to angular distortion is limited. This article proposes a series of deployable bi-stable structures that address these problems and incorporate new, resilient features. A method of analysing the incompatibilities of the structural unit is developed based solely on the geometric study of the deployment process, which allows the level of incompatibility of the proposal to be graduated, varying from stress-free structures to bi-stable structures. A kinematic model of one of the proposals allows the research undertaken to be contrasted.
The Middle Holocene ‘funerary avenues’ of north-west Arabia
Authors: Dalton Matthew , McMahon Jane , Kennedy Melissa A , Repper Rebecca , Al Shilali Saifi Eisa , AlBalawi Yousef , Boyer David D , Thomas Hugh
Published: December 2021

The desert regions of the Arabian Peninsula and Levant are criss-crossed by innumerable pathways. Across large areas of north-west Arabia, many of these pathways are flanked by stone monuments, the vast majority of which are ancient tombs. Recent radiometric dating indicates that the most abundant of these monuments, elaborate and morphologically diverse ‘pendant’ structures, were constructed during the mid-to-late third millennium BCE. Thousands of kilometres of these composite path and monument features, ‘funerary avenues’, can be traced across the landscape, especially around and between major perennial water sources. By evidencing routes of human movement during this period, these features provide an emerging source for reconstructing important aspects of ancient mobility and social and economic connectivity. They also provide significant new evidence for human/environment interactions and subsistence strategies during the later Middle Holocene of north-west Arabia, and suggest the parallel existence of mobile pastoralist lifeways and more permanent, oasis-centred settlement. This paper draws upon the results of recent excavations and intensive remote sensing, aerial and ground surveys in Saudi Arabia to present the first detailed examination of these features and the vast cultural landscape that they constitute.
Combined treatment of prednisone and hydroxychloroquine may improve outcomes of frozen embryo transfer in antinuclear antibody-positive patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment
Authors: Gao Rui , Deng Wei , Meng Cheng , Cheng Kemin , Zeng Xun , Qin Lang
Published: December 2021

Background

The influence of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) on induced ovulation was controversial, and the effect of prednisone plus hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment on frozen embryo transfer outcomes of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for ANA-positive women was unclear.

Methods

Fifty ANA-positive women and one-hundred ANA-negative women matched for age and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were included from a Reproductive Medical Central of a University Hospital. Sixty-one oocytes pick-up (OPU) cycles in ANA+ group and one-hundred OPU cycles in ANA− group were compared; 30 frozen embryo transfer cycles without treatment and 66 with prednisone plus HCQ treatment among ANA-positive women were compared.

Results

There was no statistical difference in number of retrieved oocytes (13.66 ± 7.71 vs 13.72 ± 7.23, p = .445), available embryos (5.23 ± 3.37 vs 5.47 ± 3.26, p = .347), high-quality embryos (3.64 ± 3.25 vs 3.70 ± 3.52, p = .832), and proportion of high-quality embryos (26.5% vs. 26.7%, p = .940). Biochemical pregnancy rate (33.3% vs. 68.2%, p < .05), clinical pregnancy rate (20.0% vs. 50.1%, p < .05), and implantation rate (5.6% vs. 31.8%, p < .05) were lower, and pregnancy loss rate (83.3% vs. 23.1%, p < .05) was higher in patients with treatment than no treatment.

Conclusion

The influence of ANA on number of retrieved oocytes, available embryos, high-quality embryos, and proration of high-quality embryos was not found. The treatment of prednisone plus HCQ may improve implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate, and reduce pregnancy loss rate in frozen embryo transfer outcomes for ANA-positive women.