bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disability-adjusted life years due to COVID-19 in Sri Lanka: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Wickremasinghe Ananda Rajitha , Ariyasena Akila Dinethra Kumari , Munasinghe Thushani Umesha , Perera Ruwanthi
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To estimate the health burden of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and to investigate how the burden varies across age groups and sex.

Methods and analysis

A retrospective study was conducted based on information obtained from the daily situation reports and monthly epidemiological reports issued by the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. DALYs due to COVID-19 in Sri Lanka from 27 January 2020 to 30 June 2022 were estimated by age and sex. For the calculation, we also included the DALYs due to mild anxiety for the family members of the patients with COVID-19.

Results

The total number of COVID-19 cases reported during this time period was 664 123, of which, 54% were males. There were 16 521 deaths reported giving a case fatality rate of 2.48%, which was higher in females as compared with males. The total years of life lost during this period is estimated to be 77 679 for males and 115 065 for females. The estimate of DALYs due to COVID-19 in Sri Lanka was 269 606 corresponding to 12.2 per 1000 population.

Conclusion

Compared with other countries, the burden of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, as assessed by DALYs, was relatively low. This may be due to the country being an island and the strict rules imposed by the government to limit the spread of the disease. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 using only DALYs does not reflect the devastating economic and social consequences experienced by the country.
Effects of Low-Dose Citicoline on the Electrical Conduction Function of the Crushed Sciatic Nerve of Rats
Authors: Çalışkan Serife Gökçe , Bozkurt Girit Özlem , Bilgin Mehmet Dinçer
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Citicoline has therapeutic and beneficial effects in a variety of neurologic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the beneficial effects of low doses of citicoline for the early period of administration in rat sciatic nerve crush injury by using electrophysiological and biochemical approaches. Methods: Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 in each) and treated as follows: sham-operated (intact, saline), control (crushed sciatic nerve, saline), 50C (crushed sciatic nerve, 50 mg/kg citicoline), and 250C (crushed sciatic nerve, 250 mg/kg citicoline). At the end of the 7-day experimental period, motor nerve conduction velocities (MNCVs) were determined using in vivo electrodes and fresh rat blood was collected for biochemical analysis. Results: MNCVs were significantly reduced in crushed sciatic nerve of rats but significantly increased after 7 days of citicoline administration. Improved electrophysiological recovery in the citicoline groups was significant when compared to the control group. In addition, citicoline exacerbated the decrease in total glutathione level and glutathione reductase and catalase activities but decreased malondialdehyde levels compared to the control group. Conclusion: Results presented in this paper suggest that low doses of citicoline for the early period of administration have a promotional effect on improving the electrical conduction function of the sciatic nerve.
A Unique Assemblage of Late Islamic Magical Artifacts from Netafim 2: A Campsite on the Darb al-Hajj, Southern Israel
Authors: Taxel Itamar , Avner Uzi , Amitai-Preiss Nitzan
Published: July 2023

Many remains of the Muslim pilgrimage road from Cairo to Mecca, the Darb al-Hajj al-Maṣri are preserved in the Eilat region of southern Israel. These include sections of the road, camps, and other associated structures. Most of these remains date to the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. In one camp (Netafim 2), an assemblage of unusual objects was found, including fragmentary clay rattles, votive clay incense burners, anthropomorphic and perhaps zoomorphic clay figurines, a cluster of colored quartz pebbles, and some seashells. The fabric of the clay objects indicates that they originated in Egypt. Based on the nature of the assemblage and a literary survey, this study suggests that the discussed artifacts were related to popular magic. The magical rituals, whose nature is yet unclear, were likely carried out at the site by professional sorcerers, who offered their services to pilgrims making the hajj.
Geofluid Object Workbench (GeoFLOW) for Atmospheric Dynamics in the Approach to Exascale: Spectral Element Formulation and CPU Performance
Authors: Rosenberg D. , Flynt B. , Govett M. , Jankov I.
Published: July 2023

A new software framework using a well-established high-order spectral element discretization is presented for solving the compressible Navier–Stokes equations for purposes of research in atmospheric dynamics in bounded and unbounded limited-area domains, with a view toward capturing spatiotemporal intermittency that may be particularly challenging to attain using low-order schemes. A review of the discretization is provided, emphasizing properties such as the matrix product formalism and other design considerations that will facilitate its effective use on emerging exascale platforms, and a new geometry-independent, element boundary exchange method is described to maintain continuity. A variety of test problems are presented that demonstrate accuracy of the implementation primarily in wave-dominated or transitional flow regimes; conservation properties are also demonstrated. A strong scaling CPU study in a three-dimensional domain without using threading shows an average parallel efficiency of ≳99% up to 2 × 104 MPI tasks that is not affected negatively by expansion polynomial order. On-node performance is also examined and reveals that, while the primary numerical operations achieve their theoretical arithmetic intensity, the application performance is largely limited by available memory bandwidth.

Significance Statement

This work considers the need for computationally efficient, high-order, low dissipation numerics to fully leverage emerging exascale computing resources in an effort to examine and improve the accuracy of numerical treatments of atmospheric and weather phenomena. A new spectral element implementation is introduced that attempts to address the issues involved. Well-understood tests are presented that illustrate the known efficacy of the method in wave-dominated, quasi-laminar, and relatively strong shear flow regimes, and good conservation properties for mass and total energy are achieved. Importantly, the implementation is shown to exhibit encouraging performance characteristics.
Cross-Strait Relations Between Taiwan and Mainland China: The Economic Imbalance and its Implications
Authors: Liu Kerry
Published: July 2023

The cross-strait relations between Taiwan and China are critical in the Asia Pacific and the world. This study focuses on economic relations and their implications. The main conclusions include: First, the economic gap in output is increasingly larger, thus favouring China. Based on a time series robust least squares model, this study finds that this economic strength will significantly reduce the number of Taiwan’s foreign allies. At the same time, this economic strength also brings military imbalance. Second, by employing the Granger causality tests to examine the causality relations between the stock markets of Taiwan and China, which reflect the economic integrations in areas such as the trade of goods and services and capital flow, this study finds that China is in a dominant position. At the same time, Taiwan is in a dominated position. However, except for tourism, the effects of China’s dominant position as leverage seem limited.
The Potential Impact of Tariff Liberalisation on India’s Automobile Industry Global Value Chain Trade: Evidence From an Economy-Wide Model
Authors: Badri Narayanan G.  , Sen Rahul , Srivastava Sadhana
Published: July 2023

The impact of tariff barriers affecting participation in global value chain (GVC) trade has received attention in recent literature. However, the empirical evidence in the context of mega-regional trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), from which India opted out recently, remains non-existent. Our study contributes to the empirical literature by undertaking an economy-wide modelling exercise, augmenting it to the automobile sector trade in GVC goods in the Indian context. We conduct two policy simulations with an aim to analyse how India’s auto-industry and auto-parts trade, involving forward and backward linkages in GVCs, have been affected by its decision to opt out of RCEP compared to a hypothetical scenario of not doing so. Our results suggest that a potential RCEP membership would have created net trade in both the finished automobile and intermediate auto-parts sectors, although imports would exceed exports. Further, we infer that both backward linkages and forward linkages in this industry will be adversely affected by opting out of RCEP, as there is export diversion in the auto-parts sectors globally, with India facing terms of trade losses due to higher import prices. This informs policymakers that developing domestic resilience and improving productivity are critical for India to improve its long-run export competitiveness while contemplating future trade agreements, including those with RCEP members.

JEL Codes: F15, F61, O53
The Ties that Bind: War Histories and Online Social Networks in Postwar Societies
Authors: Lesschaeve Christophe , Glaurdić Josip
Published: July 2023

We use a large quota-sampled online survey and data on Facebook connections among survey respondents in six successor states of former Yugoslavia to demonstrate that, even more than two decades after the violence had ended, online social connections in this region are substantially related to people’s war experiences of combat, victimhood, and forced migration, as well as to their views of the wars’ causes, conduct, and consequences. What is particularly important, the sizes of the effects of these war-related factors on respondents’ online social networks are substantively large and comparable to those of gender, ethnicity, education, or political ideology. Our findings are an important contribution to the understanding of the deeply pervasive and long-lasting effects of wars on societies. They also highlight the enduring relevance of wartime violence in postwar social networks that is likely to affect efforts at enduring conflict resolution and reconciliation.
Autistic Consumer Audit of UC Davis MIND Institute’s Mutant Angelman Mice and Their Translational Value Toward the Human Autistic Experience
Authors: Kupferstein Henny , Chau Valerie , Watts Courtney A.
Published: July 2023

On March 10, 2022, six researchers in affiliation with the UC Davis MIND Institute published a mouse gait study in the Autism Research journal, the official journal of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR). Our team of Autistic scientists set about conducting this consumer audit to evaluate any conflict(s) of interest between the study topic, choice of journal publication, and grant award agenda. To evaluate the impact factor of translational research, we investigated the researchers’ strident claims that genetically modified mutant Angelman syndrome mice (“AS mice models”) may contribute to the advancement of discoveries of behavioral and cognitive abnormalities in intellectually disabled and developmentally disabled (ID/DD) people, such as Autistics. As a result of our exhaustive review of both broad and narrow claims, a full retraction request is made in our recommendation to the publishers of the Autism Research journal, John Wiley & Sons. In conclusion, we strongly recommend that speculative claims about rodent models and translational research for Autism should not be considered meritorious of funding from the National Institutes of Health. Our grassroots initiative is aimed at ameliorating the damaging stereotypes within the medical pathology paradigm under which Autistic people are studied as abnormal human variants under the disease model. Finally, we ask that UC Davis’ MIND Institute cease and desist all rodent model research with the aims of investigating the pathogenic mechanism that is presumed to be underlying Autistic behavioral expression.
Frontal Sinus Anatomy Variations in Race and Sex Using the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification
Authors: Howser Lauren A. , Jones Alexander J. , Sreenath Satyan B. , Ting Jonathan Y. , Illing Elisa A.
Published: July 2023

Objective: To identify frontal sinus anatomical variations grouped by patient sex, race, and presence of chronic rhinosinusitis with frontal sinus involvement (CRFS) using the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) system. Methods: A retrospective review from 2015 to 2020 was performed of consecutive adult patients with computed tomography sinus imaging. Prevalence of frontal sinus cells using the IFAC system was recorded. Comparisons were made between patient race, sex, and CRFS groups. Results: A total of 184 patients (368 sides) were included, 90 (48.9%) of which had CRFS. The racial distribution was 50 white (27.2%), 50 black (27.2%), 45 Hispanic/Latino (24.5%), and 39 Asian (21.2%) patients. The supra agger cell was most prevalent in the white population ( P = 0.009), and supraorbital ethmoid cells were more prevalent in the Asian population ( P = 0.017). Patients with frontal sinus disease were more likely to have a supraorbital ethmoid cell ( P = 0.024). Overall, CRFS was more prevalent in the Asian population ( P = 0.013). Conclusion: Significant differences in frontal sinus anatomy and disease exist between patient race and sex. Supraorbital ethmoid cells are associated with the development of CRFS. These patterns in frontal sinus anatomy should be noted prior to frontal sinus surgery to improve surgical awareness and outcomes.
Internet of things adoption and use in academic libraries: A review and directions for future research
Authors: Asim Muhammad , Arif Muhammad
Published: July 2023

This study aims to synthesise the findings of research on Internet of Things (IoTs) adoption and use in libraries. This systematic literature review is based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method and comprises publications in the five world-renowned databases. The libraries adopted IoTs for saving time, enhance performance and efficiency, improve the quality of services, and ease in collection accessibility. This study identified various IoTs-based practices including auto-notification of circulation tasks, inventory management, tracing users’ data from virtual/physical card, user tracking and self-guided virtual tour of library. To adopt and use IoTs, libraries faced several challenges such as security and privacy, cost, lack of standards and policy, require highly integrated environment, and lack of management interest. The critical IoTs adoption and usage factors as well as various challenges identified would provide valuable insights to library professionals to design state-of-the-art smart technologies drive services.
Using a Sample Size Calculation Framework for Clinical Prediction Models When Developing and Selecting Mapping Algorithms Based on Linear Regression
Authors: Hagiwara Yasuhiro
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To propose using a framework for calculating the sample size for clinical prediction models when developing and selecting mapping algorithms from a health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) measure onto the score of a preference-based measure (PBM) using linear regression.

Methods

The framework was summarized for health economics researchers. Mapping studies that mapped the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 onto the EQ-5D-3L index using linear regression were evaluated in terms of sample size. The required sample size for each study was calculated using 4 criteria: global shrinkage factor ≥ 0.9, difference between the apparent and adjusted R2 ≤ 0.05, multiplicative margin of error in the estimated residual standard deviation ≤ 1.1, and absolute margin of error in the estimated model intercept ≤ 0.025.

Results

Ten mapping studies were identified. The information required to calculate the sample size was successfully extracted from previous mapping studies. Four of 10 mapping studies did not have sufficient sample sizes.

Limitations

Further extension of this framework to other regression approaches used in mapping studies is necessary.

Conclusions

The sample size should be considered when developing and selecting a mapping algorithm based on linear regression.

Highlights

No recommendation or guidance is available for the sample size to develop and select a mapping algorithm from a health-related quality-of-life measure onto the score of a preference-based measure. This research proposes using a framework for calculating the sample size for clinical prediction models in sample size consideration for mapping algorithms using linear regression. A survey showed that the information required to calculate the sample size could be successfully extracted from previous mapping studies and that 4 of 10 mapping studies did not have sufficient sample sizes.
Contracting Out and Its Outcomes in Public Health: A Case of New York Counties
Authors: Noh Shihyun , Park Ji Hyung
Published: July 2023

Previous studies have reported a positive relationship between local government spending and health outcomes. However, there is limited scholarly research on how the different policy tools used for delivering public health services affect the health of local residents. This study adopted a comprehensive model, widely utilized in health policy and management research, to control for health behaviors, socioeconomic factors, physical environment, and clinical care. It provides evidence that a county with higher health spending through contracting has a higher health ranking among New York counties, indicating that service provision arrangements affect health outcomes. Thus, county efforts to improve health outcomes should consider the effects of differing service delivery arrangements.
Extended and weightbearing wrist 3-T MRI using a novel harness and flexible 24-channel glove coil to evaluate carpal kinematics: a pilot study in 10 volunteers
Authors: Wang Bili , Walczyk Jerzy , Ahmed Mohammad , Elkowitz Stuart , Daniels Steven , Brown Ryan , Burke Christopher J
Published: July 2023

Background

Wrist pain in the extended or extended weightbearing positions may be incompletely evaluated using standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with standard rigid clamshell coils in the neutral position.

Purpose

To evaluate a flexible 24-channel glove coil and harness when imaging the wrist in neutral, dorsally extended, and weightbearing positions.

Material and Methods

Ten wrists in 10 asymptomatic volunteers (mean age = 29 years) were scanned. Participants underwent 3-T MRI using the harness and flexible glove coil, acquiring sagittal turbo spin echo (TSE) and half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) pulse sequences. Static TSE images were obtained in neutral, extended, and weightbearing positions using proton density parameters and independently evaluated by two radiologists for: dorsal radiocarpal ligament thickness; radiocapitate, radiolunate, and capitatolunate angles; palmar translation of the lunate on the radius; angulation of the extensor tendons; and distance from the distal extensor retinaculum to Lister's tubercle. Cine HASTE images were dynamically acquired between neutral-maximum extension to measure the radiocapitate angle.

Results

Good reader agreement was observed (r > 0.73) for all measurements except palmar translation in the neutral position (r = 0.27). Significant increases in dorsal radiocarpal ligament thickness; radiocapitate, radiolunate and capitolunate angulation; and extensor tendon angulation were observed between the neutral and extended positions ( P < 0.001). A further significant increase in these metrics between extended and weightbearing positions was also seen ( P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Significant increases in dorsal radiocarpal ligament thickness, articular and tendon angulations occur during wrist extension, that further increase with dorsal weightbearing.
The Impact of Age on Clinical Outcomes of Acetabular Microfracture During FAI Surgery
Authors: Westermann Robert W. , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Pascual-Garrido Cecilia , Larson Christopher M. , Zaltz Ira , Beaulé Paul E. ,   ANCHOR Study Group, Kim Young-Jo , Millis Michael , Sucato Daniel J. , Sink Ernest L. , Sierra Rafael J. , Podeszwa David A. , Sankar Wudbhav N. , Bedi Asheesh , Matheney Travis H. , Novais Eduardo N. , Belzile Etienne L. , Clohisy John C.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Full-thickness acetabular cartilage lesions are common findings during primary surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Purpose:

To evaluate clinical outcomes after acetabular microfracture performed during FAI surgery in a prospective, multicenter cohort.

Study Design:

Cohort Study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients with FAI who had failed nonoperative management were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter cohort. Preoperative and postoperative (mean follow-up, 4.3 years) patient-reported outcome measures were obtained with a follow-up rate of 81.6% (621/761 hips), including 54 patients who underwent acetabular microfracture. Patient characteristics, radiographic parameters, intraoperative disease severity, and operative procedures were analyzed. Propensity matching using linear regression was used to match 54 hips with microfracture to 162 control hips (1:3) to control for confounding variables. Subanalyses of hips ≤35 and >35 years of age with propensity matching were also performed.

Results:

Patients who underwent acetabular microfracture were more likely to be male (81.8% vs 40.9%; P < .001), be older in age (35.0 vs 29.9 years; P = .001), have a higher body mass index (27.2 vs 25.0; P = .001), and have a greater alpha angle (69.6° vs 62.3°; P < .001) compared with the nonmicrofracture cohort (n = 533). After propensity matching to control for covariates, patients treated with microfracture displayed no differences in the modified Harris Hip Score or Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score ( P = .22-.95) but were more likely to undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA) (13% [7/54] compared with 4% [6/162] in the control group; P = .002), and age >35 years was associated with conversion to THA after microfracture. Microfracture performed at or before 35 years of age portended good outcomes with no significant risk of conversion to THA at the most recent follow-up.

Conclusion:

Microfracture of acetabular cartilage defects appears to be safe and associated with reliably improved short- to mid-term results in younger patients; modified expectations should be realized when full-thickness chondral lesions are identified in patients >35 years of age.
The efficacy of hyperthermic intravesical chemotherapy in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients with BCG intolerance
Authors: Akbulut Fatih , Pazir Yasar , Esmeray Abdullah , Erbin Akif , Ozgor Faruk , Sarilar Omer
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim:

Some patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) are unable to receive adequate BCG instillations due to intolerance. In this study we aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of hyperthermic intravesical chemotherapy (HIVEC®) treatment using Mitomycin C (MMC) in BCG-intolerant NMIBC patients.

Methods:

Retrospectively collected data from a total of 22 high-risk papillary NMIBC patients who received adjuvant HIVEC therapy for BCG intolerance were analyzed. The primary outcomes of the study were recurrence-free survival (RFS), time to recurrence, progression-free survival (PFS), and time to progression following initial TURB. Detection of histologically confirmed urothelial carcinoma during follow-up was considered as recurrence, while detection of muscle-invasive disease was defined as progression. The secondary outcome was adverse events of HIVEC treatment.

Results:

The median follow-up was 32.2 (IQR: 17.8–42.8) months. The RFS and PFS rates were 81.8% and 95.4%, respectively. The mean time to tumor recurrence and progression was 29.2 ± 14.3 and 16.7 months, respectively. Adverse events occurred in 50% of patients, and 95% of adverse events were mild to moderate.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that adjuvant HIVEC with MMC is an effective and safe alternative bladder sparing treatment in BCG intolerant high risk papillary NMIBC patients.
A review on gas diffusion layer in proton exchange membrane fuel cell: Materials and manufacturing
Authors: Luo Chuanxu , Choo Hui Leng , Ahmad Hafisoh , Sivasankaran Praveena Nair
Published: July 2023

A promising alternative to fossil fuel energy is the fuel cell technology. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are widely used in electric vehicle and mobile power generation fields. There are several components in the PEM fuel cell, namely the gas diffusion layer (GDL), PEM, catalyst layer (CL) and bipolar plate (BPP). The GDL is one of the key components of a PEM fuel cell and acts as a distributor of reagents, current conductor, water manager and a CL support. This paper presents an analysis of the materials and fabrication technologies of the GDL in the PEM fuel cell. A summary of the main materials for manufacturing the macroporous substrate (MPS) and microporous layer (MPL) of GDL was presented. Advanced manufacturing methods were described as single layer manufacturing, double layer manufacturing and multilayer manufacturing. A brief overview of the materials and manufacturing processes of BPP and CL were also presented. Future research directions have also been proposed.
Numerical study on thermal-electrical-mechanical coupling mechanism of electrical connectors considering contact resistance
Authors: He Wenxin , Feng Yu , Wu Shaolei , Wang Wei
Published: July 2023

Electrical connectors are widely used in electromechanical equipment. Their rough surfaces inevitably induce electrical contact resistance (ECR) and thermal contact resistance (TCR), which generates a significant influence on electricity and heat conducting at the faying surface and affects the accuracy of the thermal-electrical-mechanical coupling (TEMC) numerical calculation. Thus, a TEMC model with ECR and TCR of a parallel groove clamp is necessary to investigate the TEMC mechanism. Firstly, appropriate ECR and TCR models are created based on the available experimental results. Secondly, a refined TEMC finite element model is established by optimising the mesh size at the faying surfaces, and the cyclic coupling calculation method is adopted to achieve efficient and consistent numerical calculations. Meanwhile, the validity of the simulation model is verified by experimental results. Finally, the transient real contact area, current density, and heat generation rate (HGR) are obtained to analyse the TEMC mechanism during temperature rise. The results indicate that the mechanical characteristics during temperature rise are different under two loading conditions of tight and loose, thereby resulting in different changing laws in terms of the maximum current density and HGR. In addition, two coupling mechanisms exist until the steady-state temperature is achieved.
Energy regulation, energy innovation, and carbon intensity nexus in China: A nonlinear perspective
Authors: Yanzhe Feng , Ullah Sana
Published: July 2023

Considering the role of energy regulations and innovations in reducing energy-driven emissions, our main objective is to scrutinize the influence of energy regulations and innovations on carbon intensity in China over the period 1991–2020. In contrast to the previous studies, the analysis also focuses on the asymmetry assumption. The scientific value added to this study lies in its innovative methods and empirical evidence. The autoregressive distributed lag model, both linear and nonlinear, is utilized in the research to examine the short- and long-run estimates. The linear model highlights that energy regulations, energy innovations, and human capital reduce carbon intensity in the long run, while per capita income and financial development escalate it. However, only energy regulations and human capital help reduce carbon intensity in the short term. In the nonlinear models, the positive shock in environmental regulations reduces carbon intensity in short and long run. Conversely, the positive shock in energy innovations reduces carbon intensity in the long run. Negative shocks in energy regulations and innovations have a statistically insignificant impact on carbon intensity in both the short and long term. In addition, per capita income and financial development only increase carbon intensity in the long run, while human capital reduces carbon intensity in the short run. These findings advocate for implementing heavy energy taxes on firms and industries that rely heavily on fossil fuels. Increasing investment in green energy innovations is the need of the hour in lowering carbon intensity in China.
Homoharringtonine-Based Induction Therapy Reduces the Recurrence Rate of Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Wang Bin , Wen Xiaojia , Zhang Ruidong , Zhu Guanghua , Wu Ying , Zhang Yuanyuan , Lin Wei , Yu Jiaole , Fan Jia , Li Jing , Yang Jun , Qin Maoquan , Zheng Huyong
Published: July 2023

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Pediatric patients with AML who relapse after HSCT have an extremely poor prognosis. We performed a retrospective study of pediatric patients diagnosed with AML from August 2015 to October 2019 who were treated with HSCT. Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to evaluate overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and cumulative recurrence rate (CRR). Cox regression analysis was used to determine the association between the baseline characteristics and relapse. A total of 37 pediatric patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight (75.7%) patients survived, and 9 (24.3%) patients died. The OS rates of AML patients treated with HSCT were 89.2% ± 5.1%, 75.7% ± 7.1%, and 75.7% ± 7.1% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, and the CRRs were 11.4% ± 5.4%, 24.7% ± 7.7%, and 33.1% ± 10.4% at 1, 3, and 5 years after HSCT, respectively; four of nine children who relapsed after transplantation died. Induction with etoposide rather than homoharringtonine and fungal infections could be high-risk factors for recurrence after transplantation. The association between homoharringtonine-based induction therapy and a low recurrence rate persisted after adjusting for age, sex, risk stratification, fusion genes, and fungal infections. This study clarifies the clinical features and poor prognosis of post-transplant relapse in pediatric AML and indicates the urgent need for effective therapy for patients who relapse after HSCT.
Does Investment in CSR Activities Enhance Firm Value for Politically Connected Firms? Evidence from India
Authors: Ganguly Kousik , Mishra Ajay Kumar
Published: July 2023

This article examines whether political connections and CSR activities influence firm value in an emerging market. We use panel data of 1,897 firms listed on the National stock exchange (NSE) for 2015–2020 with 11,382 firm-year observations. Around 20% of sample firms in the study are politically connected, with 12% connected through the donation channel and 18% connected through the promoter or firm owner channel. The results show that politically connected firms are actively involved in CSR through spending on various activities. We find that politically connected firms perform better, and investment in CSR activities has a moderating effect on firm value. Our result is consistent when examined using firm-level ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) data and after controlling for various factors.
Adverse Impact of Lockdown During the COVID-19 Pandemic on MSME (Especially the Indian Handicraft Sector): A Study on Highlighted Exit Strategies and Important Determinants
Authors: Yadav Uma Shankar , Tripathi Ravindra , Tripathi Mano Ashish
Published: July 2023

The adverse impact of COVID-19 posed immense challenges for the global economy. For small- and medium-sized businesses, particularly in the handicraft sectors, it was exceptionally difficult to maintain operations during a global crisis. Without crisis management plans in place, business owners run the risk of having their operations abruptly terminated. Therefore, the researchers sought to comprehend and study the factors that led to the shutdown and departure strategies of micro-enterprises (in the handicraft sector) during the pandemic. In order to organize a focused study, an outline for the exploratory study was used, and enrolled micro and businesses in the Eastern region were specifically selected. According to the study’s findings, the majority of micro-enterprises were single-person businesses and had been in working for three and six years. As a result, the respondents’ most typical issues are training and retooling of crisis or pandemic-sensitive handicrafts such as famous business approaches for micro-enterprises owners, particularly in the handmade industry, as well as research into the negative effects of lockdown on the handicraft sector a part of micro small and medium enterprises are all examples of crisis-sensitive strategies for entrepreneurs with small businesses in the crafts sector.
Technology to Support Older Adults in Home Palliative Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Basile Ilaria , Consolo Letteria , Colombo Stella , Rusconi Daniele , Rampichini Flavia , Lusignani Maura
Published: July 2023

Background

Today, many older adults use health technologies, approach their final days with laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Telepalliative care is a service that remotely delivers palliative care through videoconferencing, telephonic communication, or remote symptom monitoring. The service meets the needs of patients who want to die at home and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. The objective of this study is to map the literature on the use of technology by the terminally ill older adult population being cared for at home, to identify which technology systems are in use, to determine how technology can change communication between palliative care professionals and patients, and to explore the strengths or weaknesses patients perceive regarding the use of technology.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review following the methodology of Arksey and O’Malley. A literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Ilisi and Google Scholar databases.

Results

Fourteen eligible papers identified various tools available in clinical practice and found that most older adults are comfortable and satisfied using them. Despite being physically distanced from clinicians, patients felt cared for even though eye contact was lacking. Being unfamiliar with technology emerged as a barrier to telepalliative care in addition to difficulties caused by screen size and internet connection problems.

Conclusions

Older adults in palliative care at home perceive technology as a means of receiving efficient care. However, future research is needed to investigate what they look for in a technological tool and to develop more suitable technologies for them.

Clinical Trial Registration

The protocol of this study has been published in the Open Science Framework (OSF) preregistrations at https://osf.io/acv7q to enhance replicability and transparency and reduce any publication or reporting bias.
Mindfulness on Symptom Control and Quality of Life in Patients in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stadnyk Anastasiya , Casimiro Hugo Jorge , Reis-Pina Paulo
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Palliative care is a medical and humanitarian approach that improves the quality of life of patients, and their families, who are facing problems associated with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for terminally ill or incurable patients. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on symptom control and quality of life in patients in palliative care.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched for articles, published between January 2017 and December 2022, in English, including randomized controlled and clinical trials. Participants: terminally ill or incurable patients. Interventions: any mindfulness-based intervention. Comparators: any. Outcomes: symptom control and quality of life. The risk of bias was analysed through Cochrane’s ROB-2 tool.

Results

Eight studies were included involving 609 patients and 75 dyads patients-spousal caregivers. The overall risk of bias was low to moderate. Mindfulness-based interventions are helpful in managing suffering, anxiety and depressive symptoms, fatigue, insomnia, drowsiness, appetite, and spiritual well-being.

Conclusion

Mindfulness-based interventions control several symptoms and improve spiritual quality of life in patients in palliative care. Additionally, their informal caregivers also benefit from these interventions. Future trials are crucial to investigate other effects of mindfulness-based interventions, and their long-term benefits, in patients in palliative care.
A Scoping Review of Factors Associated With Emotional Dysregulation in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Bodalski Elizabeth A. , Flory Kate , Meinzer Michael C.
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Emotion dysregulation is frequently seen in adults with ADHD and is associated with many adverse outcomes. We conducted a scoping review of factors associated with emotion dysregulation in adults with ADHD.

Method:

PubMed and PsycInfo (EBSCO) were searched. Articles were included if they measured ADHD, emotional dysregulation or some aspect of emotional dysregulation, and at least one other construct. Studies examining physiological underpinnings as well as clinical trials examining the effect of ADHD medications on emotional dysregulation were excluded because recent reviews have already examined these topics.

Results:

Thirty-five studies were included in the review. Factors such as biological sex, comorbidities, attachment style, using certain emotional regulation strategies, and ADHD subtype tend to be related to emotion dysregulation.

Conclusion:

Clinicians working with adults with ADHD can collect information on these factors to better understand risk for emotion dysregulation, and emotion regulation skills may be one area for intervention.
Thrombocytosis in 158 cats (2011–2018)
Authors: Howard Leigh A , Woolcock Andrew D , Christian John A , Moore George E
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Thrombocytosis is an uncommon hematologic abnormality that is associated with various physiologic, metabolic, inflammatory and neoplastic conditions in people and dogs. Thrombocytosis is not a well-described abnormality in cats. The objective of this study was to classify thrombocytosis in cats based on underlying disease processes and severity, and to compare this with a control population of cats.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of cats with increased (>600 × 103/µl; thrombocytosis group) and normal (200–600 × 103/µl; 2:1 age-matched control group) platelet counts between 2011 and 2018. Platelet counts were estimated based on blood smear assessment in all cats. Cats were classified by the severity (mild, moderate or marked) of thrombocytosis. Diagnoses were recorded for all cases, and were classified broadly into either neoplasia, endocrine or inflammatory disease.

Results

In total, 158 cats were identified with thrombocytosis, with 315 cats in the control group. Non-neoplastic inflammatory disease was the most common diagnosis in both groups (54.4% in cats with thrombocytosis and 56.2% in controls; P = 0.77); however, gastrointestinal diseases were more common in cats with thrombocytosis (75.6%) when compared with controls (34.5%; P <0.0001). Neoplasia was diagnosed more frequently in cats with thrombocytosis (44.3%) compared with the control group (25.4%; P <0.0001). Round cell tumor was the most common neoplasia diagnosis in both groups, but gastrointestinal and multicentric lymphoma were diagnosed more frequently in cats with thrombocytosis compared with control cats. No association between the severity of thrombocytosis and etiology was identified.

Conclusions and relevance

Thrombocytosis in cats is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary or immune-mediated diseases when compared with a control population. Neoplasia, especially multicentric and gastrointestinal lymphoma, was more commonly diagnosed in cats with thrombocytosis when compared with control cats.
Numerical and experimental methods to measure the acoustic performance of sonic crystal noise barrier
Authors: Mohapatra K , Jena DP
Published: July 2023

The array of periodic scatterers is known as sonic crystal at present and sonic crystal is the most cost-effective solution for a “noise barrier” because of its acoustic attenuation due to size, geometry, and periodic arrangement of scatterers. The simulation methods to estimate acoustic attenuation and the Bragg band of the periodic scatterers have been demonstrated in this paper. First, the periodic cylindrical and C-shaped scatterers have been studied along with the effect of thermo-viscous losses to establish the simulation method. Next, in the laboratory environment, the measurements have been carried out for periodic cylindrical and C-shaped scatterers and the experimental results are in good agreement with simulation results.
Effect of overlapping technique on the grain size distribution and grain orientation in friction stir processed aluminum alloys
Authors: Satyanarayana Marukurti V N V , Suresh Bade Venkata , Janaki Durga Venkatesh , Kumar Adepu
Published: July 2023

Friction stir processing (FSP) with the overlapping method is the best approach for achieving bulk surface modification in metals and alloys. In the current study, a bulk-area processing region was created in aluminum alloys using FSP with pin overlapping. The grain size distribution and texture orientations have been examined using the electron backscattered diffraction technique. The findings revealed that the grain size distribution is uniform throughout the processed region, but the texture orientation is varied from one pass to other overlapping passes. Finally, it was identified from the results that the overlapping technique does not affect the grain size but affects the texture orientations and their intensities in each overlapping pass.
Three-dimensional comparison of continuous and segmented arch techniques in the traction of palatally impacted canines using a non-linear finite element analysis
Authors: Bou Malhab Stephanie , Karam Richard , Kaddah Fouad , El Khoury Tony , Ghosn Nabil , Khoury Elie , Kassis Adib , Ghoubril Joseph
Published: July 2023

Objective:

To compare the three-dimensional (3D) effects of canine traction on the maxillary teeth when using two different traction methods, the continuous and the segmented arch wire techniques; then to test whether adding a transpalatal arch (TPA) would affect their response to traction.

Design:

Finite element analysis.

Methods:

A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of a patient with bilateral palatally impacted canines was chosen, from which a 3D model was derived and imported into ABAQUS. Two arch wires were modelled, a continuous round one and a segmented rectangular one. Four models were obtained by adding a TPA to both techniques. A 100° imposed rotation was then applied at the intersection between the vertical loop and the horizontal segment of each wire. Initial displacement of the maxillary tooth in the labio-lingual and in the vertical directions was measured. The absolute maximum principal stress of the periodontal ligament (PDL) was also assessed.

Results:

Traction using a continuous arch wire led to different movement patterns of all teeth, some of them were tipped in a labial direction while others were lingually tipped. Traction using a segmented arch wire resulted in a retroclination of the posterior teeth and a proclination of the anterior teeth with a high level of stress on the premolars’ PDL. Adding the TPA only affected the displacement of the first molars. The right side showed a maximum displacement of the first premolar, while the left side showed it on the lateral. The total displacement on the right side was higher than the left side.

Conclusion:

The segmented technique caused a uniform displacement of all teeth while the continuous one showed a non-uniform displacement. The angulation and position of the vertical loop affected the displacement of the maxillary teeth. The addition of a TPA acted only on the first molars.
How Institutional Agents and Resources Shape Vertical Transfer Students’ Agency
Authors: Hudson Tara D. , Nahlik Beth E.W. , Nelson Lindsay
Published: July 2023

Many students who aspire to attain a bachelor's degree begin their journeys at a community college with the goal of transferring to a 4-year institution, yet only 24% of community college students ultimately transfer and just 17% attain a bachelor's degree within 6 years. To provide new insight into this problem, we drew upon Wang’s concepts of agentic momentum and agency by default to understand how pre- and post-transfer students exhibit agency along their vertical transfer journeys as well as how their experiences within the sending and receiving institutional environments may shape how they exhibit agency. Using focus group and interview data, we identified four forms of agency exhibited as well as patterns in how availability and utility of institutional agents and resources shaped their agency. Our findings highlight how institutions can amplify students’ agentic momentum so they don’t have to pursue their transfer journeys on their own.
Use of Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis to Rescue Inadvertent False Lumen Deployment of the Innominate Branch Stent During Physician-Modified Fenestrated-Branched Aortic Arch Repair
Authors: Han Sukgu M. , DiBartolomeo Alexander D. , Pyun Alyssa J. , Maithel Shelley , Patel Sanjeet , Fleischman Fernando
Published: July 2023

A 70-year-old male with a history of 3 prior median sternotomies and on anticoagulation presented with acute chest and back pain associated with a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending and aortic arch in the setting of residual dissection involving the innominate, proximal right carotid, and subclavian arteries. A physician-modified triple vessel fenestrated-branched arch endograft was deployed. The innominate branch stent was deployed from the right carotid cut down, while the left carotid and left subclavian branch stents were placed from a femoral approach. Postoperatively, the innominate branch was found to be deployed in the false lumen of the dissected native innominate artery, leading to continued pressurization of the pseudoaneurysm. This was rescued by placing a Gore Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE) into the innominate branch through a temporary conduit sewn to the right carotid artery with a right subclavian branch placed via a brachial artery cut down into the internal iliac gate. The use of IBE allowed branch stent extension past the dissected native vessels. The patient had an uneventful recovery without neurologic complications. At 3-month follow-up, the patient remains well with an excluded pseudoaneurysm, and patent bifurcated innominate, bilateral carotid, and subclavian artery branches. A Gore IBE can be utilized in a dissected innominate artery to create an innominate branch device during fenestrated-branched endovascular arch repair.