bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Endothelial Dysfunction Is Associated With Incident Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Sara Jaskanwal D. S. , Rajai Nazanin , Breitinger Scott , Medina‐Inojosa Betsy , Lerman Lilach O. , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco , Lerman Amir
Published: November 2024

Background

A subset of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) have a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors and cerebral small‐vessel disease, implicating vascular disease in the development of depression. Cross‐sectional studies demonstrate a link between endothelial dysfunction and MDD, but the prospective association between peripheral endothelial dysfunction (PED) and an incident diagnosis of MDD is unknown.

Methods and Results

Patients undergoing a baseline assessment of cardiovascular risk were evaluated for PED using reactive hyperemia–peripheral arterial tonometry (≤1.8 consistent with PED). Patient medical records were reviewed to identify those who underwent a formal clinical evaluation of MDD
after
the index PED evaluation. The frequency of PED was compared in those with and without MDD. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between baseline PED and incident MDD. Between January 2006 and December 2020, 1614 patients underwent testing for PED. Four hundred eighty‐four (30.1%) patients underwent a formal evaluation for MDD after (0–15 years) the index procedure (mean±SD age, 52.8±13.8 years; 65.2% women). Of these, 157 (32.4%) had PED and 108 (31.0%) were diagnosed with MDD. Individuals with MDD had a higher frequency of PED (40.2% versus 30.2%;
P
=0.034) compared with those without MDD. In multivariable analyses, PED was significantly associated with MDD (odds ratio, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.4–3.8];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

PED is significantly associated with incident MDD. Thus, PED may be a useful marker to identify individuals at increased risk of depression who may benefit from more frequent and earlier management strategies.
Duties to Self, Consent, and Respect in Kant’s Moral Philosophy
Authors: Davies Luke J.
Published: November 2024

In Kantian ethics, do we wrong someone when our use of them requires that they violate a duty to self, even when they have consented to that use? In this paper, I answer this question in the negative. Consent that constitutes a violation of a duty to self is impermissible yet normatively transformative. But it also matters how consent was obtained. For example, it matters whether consent is solicited or unsolicited, whether our action amounts to complicity with the violation, and how the act of consent is shaped by the broader contours of the relationship the parties stand in to each other. In Kantian terms, we might fail in our duties of respect to others even when our interactions with them are consensual. So many, but not all, consensual interactions in which one person violates a duty to self are also instances in which they are interpersonally wronged.
(Re)Inventing Feminism within the Discourse of Class Struggle: Women and Intellectual History in the Trade Union Movement of Late Colonial Bengal (1920–1947)
Authors: Sen Manaswini
Published: November 2024

This paper envisages (re)constructing the intellectual praxis of women trade unionists in late colonial Bengal. By arguing how political practice habitually translates to political thought, the paper devises a methodology to address the gendered discourse of intellectual history in the Global South. It focuses on intellectual output, primarily journal articles of women trade unionists like Santoshi Kumari Gupta, Maitreyee Bose, and Kanak Mukherjee, to trace a genealogy of how class struggle was perceived by women labour activists across the ideological spectrum of nationalism, socialism, and communism between 1920 to 1947 in Bengal. The piece is an effort to transcend the manifold marginalisations that plague the establishment of feminine political praxis within the regulating structures of colonialism and capitalism. In the process, it bids to unfold an alternative narrative of the anti-colonial, anti-capitalist, and anti-patriarchal narrative of the decolonisation of South Asian intellectual thought.
A new genus for the Blackfin Sucker, Thoburnia atripinnis (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae)
Authors: ARMBRUSTER JONATHAN W.
Published: November 2024

Thoburnia atripinnis is more closely related to Hypentelium (hogsuckers) than it is to other Thoburnia, and its presence in the Barren River of Kentucky is disjunct from that of true Thoburnia. Its unique morphology is unlike that of the easily recognized hogsuckers, making placement of the species within Hypentelium untenable; thus, a new genus is described. The new genus can be separated from all other catostomids by the presence of thin, black, prominent stripes on the body, a large black mark on the anterodist al portion of the dorsal fin, presence of pads ventrally on the leading portion of the pectoral fin, lateral laminae of the dermethmoid angled anteriorly, and the base of the lateral ethmoid narrow.
1. The Higher Education Landscape
Authors: Lierman Ash
Published: November 2024

This chapter briefly describes the higher education landscape as regards students with disabilities in general, and those who are neurodivergent and have invisible disabilities in particular. It discusses research on the systemic influences, historical and contemporary, of ableism, elitism, bias, and neoliberalism on academia’s responses to learners’ diverse needs. Also noted are some of the ways that students and educators have pushed back against these forces and continue to work for change.
7. Curricular Support Strategies
Authors: Lierman Ash
Published: November 2024

This chapter reviews examples of practices that students have suggested would be helpful in meeting the demands of the university curriculum, and strategies institutions have already tried to address their needs. These include needs for structural change thath are implicit throughout students’ narratives, as well as proactive outreach and intervention strategies by disability services and other offices, assistive technologies provided by institutions, and mentoring services from student peers or other university affiliates.
8. Co-Curricular Strategies
Authors: Lierman Ash
Published: November 2024

Strategies for improving students’ co-curricular lives are discussed, including both existing approaches that have been described in the literature and others that students have recommended. These include financial and career support services specifically for disabled students, strategies for improving the social climate and attitudes within the university, supports for the development of students’ social networks, campus mental and physical health care services, and strategies to develop critical skills and provide essential information for students.
Conclusions
Authors: Lierman Ash
Published: November 2024

Concluding thoughts are offered on the value of higher education for invisibly disabled and neurodivergent students in spite of its barriers, and the importance of respecting and valuing students as partners in improving campus environments. A number of key themes for systemic change that have emerged are identified, including inequitable time and energy demands for neurodivergent and disabled students, the need for accountability and support at all levels within and beyond individual institutions, and the need to foster human connections for student support.
Phantom Pains: The Image of Bulgarian Transition in Elena Aleksieva’s Dramas
Authors: Pytlak Magdalena
Published: November 2024

Phantom Pains: The Image of Bulgarian Transition in Elena Aleksieva’s Dramas
The article analyzes Elena Aleksieva’s dramas in the books Ангелски огън [Angel fire, 2014] and Жертви на любовта [Victims of love, 2015] in the context of the social changes in Bulgaria after 1989. Although this Bulgarian author does not write about the transition itself, the picture of the time created by her plays is very clear and representative. In the article, I focus on elements that serve to create this picture, such as freedom, women and their role in the new society, social stratification and art (particularly theatre).
 
Bóle fantomowe. Obraz bułgarskiej tranzycji w dramatach Eleny Aleksijewej
Artykuł zawiera analizę dramatów Eleny Aleksijewej opublikowanych w zbiorach Ангелски огън [Anielski ogień, 2014] oraz Жертви на любовта [Ofiary miłości, 2015] w świetle zmian ustrojowych w Bułgarii po 1989 roku. Mimo że autorka nie pisze o tranzycji wprost, to obraz tego okresu, jaki wyłania się z jej tekstów dramatycznych, jest klarowny i reprezentatywny. W artykule omawiam wybrane elementy składające się na ów obraz, spośród których najważniejsze to: wolność, miejsce kobiet w nowym społeczeństwie, rozwarstwienie społeczne oraz sztuka (teatr w szczególności).
The Complexities of Regulating Traders’ Activity: The Case of Small Traders in Ouagadougou's Rood Woko Market (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Ayimpam Sylvie
Published: November 2024

This paper analyses the complexity of regulating the activities of small traders at the Grand Marché in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Markets in Africa are places where small-scale trading takes place par excellence, and the traders who work there are generally considered to be self-employed. The plurality of regulations governing commercial activity observed there seems to be particularly conducive to such an analysis. We examine these complexities within the theoretical framework of “social regulation” as well as that of “normative pluralism,” which encompasses both official and practical norms. We show that the work of traders is regulated both by norms issued by the Régie Autonome de Gestion des Équipements Marchands (Independent Management Board for Commercial Facilities) – an official structure – and by traders’ own practical norms, which have both collective and individual aspects to them. The complexities of the relationship between these official and practical norms lie in the fact that sometimes they are not always articulated and may both co-exist and contradict each other.
Evaluation of a laboratory reflex testing protocol to detect hypopituitarism in primary care presenting as hypothyroxinaemia
Authors: Flannery Colleen , Rakovac Ana , Boran Gerard
Published: November 2024

Background

Thyroid function tests (TFTs) are routinely requested by general practitioners (GPs) in the clinical biochemistry laboratory. Hypothyroxinaemia (low fT4) accompanied by TSH within the reference interval (RI) is a discordant pattern which is seen commonly in non-thyroidal illness and also as result of medications. Hypopituitarism is a lot rarer, but a serious condition the laboratory does not want to miss.

Methods

All thyroid hormone samples from primary care meeting the discordant case definition under investigation [fT4<10 pmol/L and TSH within RI (0.3–4.2 mU/L)] had partial anterior pituitary profiles [PAPP (cortisol, oestradiol/testosterone, prolactin, gonadotrophins)] added as reflex tests and results interpreted by a chemical pathologist. From January to June 2023, we conducted structured interviews with the requesting GPs, and, where indicated, requested repeat samples for full anterior pituitary profile [FAPP (PAPP, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)]. We also reviewed the laboratory records of patients with previously known hypopituitarism to determine their fT4 and TSH values at diagnosis.

Results

Over the 6 months 41,487 GP TFTs were requested; 54 (0.13%) fitted the discordant case definition and had PAPP reflexed. 13 FAPPs were requested. We identified 3 cases of hypopituitarism. The number of additional tests required to diagnose 1 case of hypopituitarism was 129. In 74% of reflex-tested cases, there was a plausible explanation for the TFT pattern (medications, known thyroid dysfunction, non-thyroidal illness, pregnancy).

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of medical liaison and early intervention in a biochemistry laboratory in identifying cases of unsuspected hypopituitarism.
Examining American Indian Disadvantage: Social Context and Federal Sentencing Decisions
Authors: Redner-Vera Erica
Published: November 2024

Prior literature suggests that Blacks and Latinos are sentenced more harshly than similarly situated White offenders. Still, less is known about whether disparities extend to other minority groups, and consequently little is known about the treatment of these neglected groups. Recent research has investigated social context and disparities. However, this body of research has not assessed if social context impacts how other minority groups are treated. To address this gap, this manuscript focuses on American Indians, how they are treated, and if social context amplifies American Indian disadvantage. The minority threat perspective is used and data is analyzed from the Federal Justice Statistics Program Data Series and the U.S. Census. Implications for theory, research, and policy are discussed.
Immigrant Youth Adaptation and Risk Involvement: The Case of Immigrant Youth From France and the Former Soviet Union in Israel
Authors: Yakhnich Liat , Michael Keren , Shdema Ilan
Published: November 2024

Immigration is challenging for youth as it requires reorganization of their developmental system and can increase their vulnerability to risk factors. Adaptation processes may be affected further by the cultural context in which they take place. This study explored immigration and adaptation experiences among youth at risk, who had immigrated to Israel from France and from the Former Soviet Union (FSU), and the impact of these experiences on the youth’s involvement in risk behaviors. The 27 participants interviewed for this qualitative study were 11 immigrant youth from France, 10 from the FSU, and 6 practitioners who work with immigrant youth at risk. Data analysis indicates that immigration is a significant life event that affects all spheres of the youth’s lives: identity, relationships with parents and peers, and school integration. Based on the participants’ interviews, we conceptualized adaptation as a multilevel process, related to youth’s potential involvement in risk behaviors. Moreover, immigrant youth’s experiences on different levels are shaped by their culture of origin—a matrix in which their adaptation and risk behavior occur. The findings, derived from a comprehensive perspective of both the youth and the practitioners, have substantial implications for practice and policy to enhance immigrant youth’s constructive adaptation. Specifically, we emphasize the key role of pre- and post-migration preparation that targets immigrant youth and their parents, and Israeli education institutions that receive immigrants.
Young Black American’s Use of Afrocentric and Black Liberation Spiritual-Based Practices to Thrive Amid Racism: A Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Parker Janise S. , Jackson Tamika , Haskins Natoya , Wright Danielle , Avent Harris Janeé
Published: November 2024

Researchers have proposed Afrocentrism and Black Liberation Theology as two culture-specific frameworks that may explain why spirituality contributes to Black American’s capacity to thrive, despite ongoing encounters with racism that can lead to diminished mental health. Still, scholars have not examined the connection between spirituality, racism, and mental health among young Black Americans (adolescents and emerging adults) through an integrative lens of Afrocentrism and Black Liberation Theology. A meta-synthesis permits researchers to synthesize and draw new meaning to existing qualitative studies. As such, we synthesized qualitative data from 16 studies that included the voices of approximately 288 Black adolescents and emerging adults to understand processes involved in their use of Afrocentric and Black Liberation spiritual-based practices to thrive and navigate mental health-related challenges sparked by racism and other intersecting forms of social oppression. Findings revealed four interconnected components: (a) Commitment to a Spiritual Identity, (b) Critical Consciousness, (c) Connecting to the Transcendent, and (d) Collectivism and Communal Support. This study shows how a meta-synthesis was employed to provide an in-depth understanding of Black youths’ use of spiritual resources to thrive amid racism and intersectional oppression.
Setting targets: Abatement cost, vulnerability, and the agreement of NATO’s Wales Pledge on Defense Investment
Authors: Becker Jordan , Poast Paul , Haesebrouck Tim
Published: November 2024

Why do countries mutually agree to constraints on their behavior? Why do they comply with such constraints in the absence of enforcement mechanisms? More specifically, why did NATO allies, with disparate geography and perceptions of the international security environment, agree to ‘aim to move towards’ increased defense spending (2% of GDP on defense and 20% of defense budgets on equipment modernization) at their 2014 Wales Summit? Moreover, why have they largely complied with this agreement subsequently? We argue that the ‘Interest Based’ framework for understanding the success or failure of environmental agreements is useful for understanding the agreement and implementation of the Wales Pledge. This argument finds support from interviews with participants and a purpose-built dataset including outcomes of interest (overall defense spending and share of defense budgets allocated to equipment modernization) and key independent variables (vulnerability to security threats and ‘abatement cost’ of meeting the Wales Pledge aims). We find that vulnerability and abatement costs affected both the order in which states agreed the pledge, and the extent to which they have complied with it.
Remembering the Dead: Shifting Forms of Commemoration and Immanent Understandings of Death in Obituaries
Authors: Miller Chris , McKillop Hannah , Ganguly Sohini
Published: November 2024

Obituaries serve important social functions; they announce death, but more importantly, allow the living to shape how the dead are remembered. Originally reserved for the elite, a democratization of the format has led to obituaries becoming more common and more detailed over the past century. Changes in this genre interact with the rise of nonreligion. As declining affiliation complicates the relationship between death and religious structures, obituaries reveal a shift from transcendent to immanent life stances, reflected in patterns of death commemorations. Based on analysis of obituaries across six Canadian newspapers over the past 120 years, this paper explores the relationships, activities, and values people express through obituaries. We argue that the growing appearance of family members left behind, favourite hobbies, and community associations indicate changes in how death is understood. Death is increasingly commemorated by reflecting on the relationships that people form in life.
Sustainable development and utilization of marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction: A Chinese perspective
Authors: Mao Zhengkai , Zhang Zhijun , Wang Jinpeng , Zhang Shiyang
Published: November 2024

Breakthroughs in marine science and technology have profoundly expanded our knowledge of the ocean, driving unprecedented levels of marine resource utilization. Consequently, the immense value of marine genetic resources (MGRs) in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) has catapulted them to the forefront of international competition. In response to the existing gap in international legal frameworks governing the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in ABNJ, the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) was adopted on 19 June 2023. This study aimed to explore China's participation in this new frontier of global ocean governance, focusing on the opportunities and challenges it faces. By employing document analysis and policy analysis, the study delved into international legal frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the BBNJ Agreement, as well as China's domestic policies related to marine resource development. It systematically examined the relevant legal frameworks and their historical contexts. Additionally, comparative analysis was used to contrast the policy-making and development practices of developed and developing countries, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of China's role and challenges in the sustainable use of MGRs in ABNJ. It is concluded that while China has made remarkable progress in MGR research, it still lags behind traditional maritime powers in patent accumulation and the commercialization of MGRs. China also lacks comprehensive domestic legislation to address issues such as benefit-sharing and effective regulation of MGRs in ABNJ. Therefore, China must enhance its scientific research and innovation capabilities, actively participate in the follow-up work of the BBNJ Agreement, and promote global marine biodiversity conservation guided by the concept of a Maritime Community with a Shared Future.
Impact failure mechanism of kernmantle ropes for fall protection from heights
Authors: Zhao Zhengjie , Hu Zhongxian , He Guifang , Liu Qingyang , Li Hongxia , Xie Dan , Ning Xin , Ning Fanggang
Published: November 2024

Ropes, as lightweight and supple safety equipment, are being increasingly utilized in applications such as rock climbing and high-altitude work. However, the response behavior of ropes under the impact of falls and the mechanisms of fatigue failure are not yet well understood. This study constructed a synchronized impact force-displacement testing apparatus to investigate the impact behavior of a nylon core-sheath rope during falls, and compared the macroscopic and microscopic differences of the ropes before and after failure. It also explained the mechanisms of rope impact failure from multiple perspectives. The research found that the shearing action between the strands of the rope is the primary cause of failure, and that thermal damage and mechanical friction are also significant factors in impact failure. This has guiding significance for the proper use of safety ropes and the development of ropes with enhanced impact resistance.
A novel three-component helical auxetic yarn with staple fibers prepared by ring spinning
Authors: Yang Rui-Hua , Hua Yu-Zhu , Wang Xiang
Published: November 2024

Auxetic materials with negative Poisson’s ratio have excellent physical and mechanical properties, such as shear resistance, fracture resistance and energy absorption. To expand the application of the helical auxetic yarn, a novel three-component helical auxetic yarn was developed by utilizing modified ring spinning technology. The three-component helical auxetic yarn incorporated staple fiber components into the traditional two-component helical auxetic yarn, using cotton (staple wrap fiber)/polyester (stiffer wrap filaments)/spandex (elastomeric core filaments) as the raw material for spinning. Compared with two-component helical auxetic yarn, the addition of cotton components did not significantly impact Poisson’s ratio, and the three-component helical auxetic yarn maintained a relatively stable negative Poisson’s ratio under prolonged strain. The spinning parameters of helical auxetic yarns have an impact on the yarn’s structure, which subsequently impacts the yarn’s negative Poisson’s ratio. It was found that there were significant differences in Poisson’s ratio of helical auxetic yarn between different twist factors and draft ratio of the filaments. The test results revealed that, the maximum negative Poisson’s ratio of the three-component helical auxetic yarn could reach −4.66 under a twist factor [Formula: see text] of 3.40, an elastomeric core filament draft ratio of 1.02 and a stiffer wrap filament draft ratio of 1.03.
The Frequency and Characteristics of Brokered Illegal Drug Sales: Reconceptualizing Illegal Drug Markets and Measuring Local Demand
Authors: Hoffer Lee , Schlosser Allison V. , Hadley Emily , Bobashev Georgiy
Published: November 2024

Background

Drug policies and interventions require an ongoing understanding of the local demand for illegal drugs. How illegal drugs are distributed to consumers is critical in the demand process. To overcome barriers to purchasing illegal drugs, people utilize their peers to purchase substances for them. These brokered drug sales allow buyers to leverage their peer networks to make purchases. For brokers, this form of exchange allows them to obtain drugs for free. This drug acquisition strategy is underappreciated in understanding how local drug market's function.

Methods

This paper presents findings from a brief survey on brokering collected from a random sample (N = 241) of active illegal drug injectors recruited from two syringe services programs in Ohio, USA.

Results

Findings indicate that 30-day and lifetime brokering behavior is common (71% and 90% respectively). Respondents who brokered in the last 30 days (n = 181) purchased drugs for an average of 7 people and from an average of 4 different sellers. Among this group, over 84% indicated that they used drugs with the person they brokered for, 49% reported often or always inflating the price to the buyer, and 27% indicated they removed some drug before returning to the buyer.

Conclusion

Measuring brokering offers new insight on the dynamics of drug markets, how they operate, and ways to measure their activity. The demand for illegal drugs incorporates the increased use of a drug, changes in the use of different drugs, and/or a novel drug being used. Accessing drugs via brokering accommodates these dynamics. By including brokering in drug market activity, the concept and scope of illegal drug markets transform into networks and not places.
A revisited adaptive super-twisting control of underactuated mechanical systems: Design and experiments
Authors: Hfaiedh Afef , Chemori Ahmed , Abdelkrim Afef
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a real-time implementation of an adaptive super-twisting (ASTW) controller. This work deals with the stabilization challenging problems of underactuated mechanical system subject to parametric variations and state- and time-dependent disturbances. Due to the low number of control inputs compared to the number of DOFs, the proposed approach has been designed based on an explicit global change of coordinates. The stability analysis of the resulting closed-loop system was performed based on Lyapunov’s theory. Extensive experimental investigations were conducted on the inertia wheel inverted pendulum (IWIP) to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed solution. These experiments include a real-time comparison with existing control solutions from the literature, providing a detailed analysis of performance, effectiveness, and robustness under various conditions. Quantitative evaluations were carried out based on different performance criteria, highlighting the practical applicability and superiority of the proposed control strategy in real-time scenarios. The results from both numerical simulations and physical experiments demonstrate the controller’s capability to maintain stability and performance despite the presence of disturbances and parametric variations.
Statewide Assessment of Confidence and Training Needs Among Educators Who Support Transition-Aged Students With Visual Impairments
Authors: Travers Hilary E.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Students with visual impairments represent a low-incidence disability group with poor postschool outcomes. Educators who support these students at the transition-age level need access to high-quality training and resources. Method: I surveyed 87 special educators and teachers of students with visual impairments in a southeastern state to ask about their confidence in implementing 33 transition practices and their interest in training and resources on these same topics for youth with visual impairments. Results: Overall, teachers indicated moderate levels of confidence and moderate levels of interest in additional training across the 33 practices. There were some significant differences between teacher groups on ratings of confidence. Discussion: The findings of this study demonstrate the need for regular in-service opportunities for all teachers who support transition-aged youth with visual impairments to increase teacher confidence, as well as a stronger emphasis on transition in preservice programs. Findings of low interest in additional training suggest that more research is necessary to better understand the perceptions of teachers related to their roles in preparing youth in transition. Implications for Practitioners: This study should prompt educators to collaborate around transition for youth with visual impairments to ensure that knowledge that would improve student outcomes is shared, to encourage administrators to survey their staff members to understand which transition topics represent the most pressing need for ongoing training, and to prompt personnel preparation programs to place a stronger emphasis on transition education throughout their courses.
Fossil Fuel Layoff: Capturing Decarbonization Impacts on Workers Through a Refinery Closure
Authors: Parks Virginia , Baran Ian
Published: November 2024

We surveyed and interviewed oil refinery workers who lost their jobs when a refinery in California shutdown in October 2020 to document post-layoff employment outcomes. Workers experienced post-layoff median hourly wage losses of 24 percent, a 26 percent unemployment rate, and reported frustrating job search experiences marked by a difficulty to convey skills to new employers. Our study harbingers future transition experiences of fossil workers and identifies social insurance responses that could inhere within climate change policies to shield workers from economic risk. Workers identified a need for third-party certification of their skills, benefits negotiators, and wage supports.
Coronary arteriovenous fistula originating from the left coronary artery and draining into the superior vena cava
Authors: Kageyama Airi , Saito Takayuki
Published: November 2024

Coronary arteriovenous fistulas are rare coronary anomalies. Most fistulas arise from the right coronary artery and drain into the right heart structures. We report a case of a 59-year-old man with a rare coronary arteriovenous fistula that originates from the left coronary artery and drains into the superior vena cava. He was diagnosed incidentally with cardiac computed tomography during the investigation for atrial fibrillation. Surgical fistula ligation was successfully performed under cardiac arrest with cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient was discharged without complications.
Meta-analysis on QEEG Changes to Antidepressant Treatment Among Patients with Depression
Authors: Srivastava Anamika , Sanyal Soumyajit , Jaiswal Seema , Srivastava Shrikant
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Diagnostic and treatment accuracy of depression can lead to a better and possibly earlier response and remission in patients. The literature, though scanty, seems to suggest that quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) can predict the outcome of antidepressant effects.

Methodology:

Articles published between January 1990 and July 2019, including those dealing with QEEG recordings before and after the initiation of antidepressant medication, were included. The pooled effect size and subgroup analysis of waveforms were calculated to predict response to antidepressants.

Result:

In all, 572 results were retrieved from the searches, of which 20 studies were included. Pooled data using a random-effects model (REM) calculated an effect size of 0.80 (95% CI [0.64–0.97]). Heterogeneity of the sample was low with Tau² = 0.02; df = 18 ( P = .30); I² = 12%. Moreover, subgroup analysis showed that theta band frequencies were better at predicting response than alpha band frequencies (the standard mean difference [SMD] for theta was 0.91 compared to 0.68 for alpha waves).

Conclusions:

QEEG is a valuable predictor of the antidepressant response. Among the EEG frequencies, the theta band showed the most significant change with treatment.
Conformed to Gender Conformity? Gender Nonconformity Stigma is Buffered by Personal Contact
Authors: Rodrigues David L.
Published: November 2024

Research has shown that individuals from sexual and gender minorities are more likely to be stigmatized. Taking the perceiver’s perspective, we conducted two experimental studies to examine gender nonconformity stigma and the conditions under which such stigma is more (or less) likely to emerge. In both studies, participants were asked to read descriptions of targets varying in gender (non)conformity and assigned sex (Study 1; N = 337) or sexual identity (Study 2; N = 406). Results from both studies showed that participants preferred more social distance from gender nonconforming (vs. conforming) targets, tended to dehumanize them (i.e., attributed them more primary and less secondary emotions), and reported less anti-violence behavioral intentions and justifications. In both studies, results further showed that having more frequent and positive personal contact with gender nonconforming individuals helps buffer against gender nonconformity bias. Unexpectedly, results from Study 2 showed that humanizing gender nonconforming targets (rather than dehumanizing them) was associated with more violence predispositions for participants who reported having more negative personal contact with gender nonconforming individuals. No differences were found according to the targets’ assigned sex or sexual identity. Taken together, our findings highlight the need to understand the causes and boundaries of gender nonconformity bias.
The discussion of the relationship between cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperative thyroid function changes in pediatric congenital heart disease, and the analysis of oral thyroid hormone therapy and cardiac prognosis
Authors: Zhao Liang , Song Fengjie , Mu Minghua , Mu Chunjie , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ren Haobo , Xie Jiahui , Ma Runwei
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate the relationship between CPB factors and changes in TH levels in postoperative patients and the effect of oral levothyroxine sodium tablets on outcomes in patients with postoperative TF abnormalities.

Methods

Select patients who underwent CHD surgery between September 2017 and September 2023 and were aged 13 years or younger. The relationship between CPB and postoperative TF changes and the influencing factors were analyzed. In addition, patients with different diseases and ages were divided into the medication group and the non-medication group. The primary outcome was postoperative ejection fraction (EF), and the secondary outcomes were PICU hospitalization days and total hospital cost.

Results

Seven hundred 53 patients were included. The longer the CPB time and ACC time, the lower the postoperative triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4) levels ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). The longer the CPB time, the more pronounced the postoperative T3 level abnormality ( p < 0.001). The longer the CPB time, ACC time, and DHCA time, the more pronounced the postoperative T4 level abnormalities ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 and p = 0.046). The postoperative EF of patients in the medication group was slightly higher than that of the non-medication group, and the EF before discharge was significantly higher than that of the non-medication group ( p = 0.021, p = 0.015, and p = 0.024). Postoperative PICU days in the medication group [3.0 (2.0,7.0) versus4.0 (2.0,10.0), p = 0.020] were shorter than the non-medication group, and the proportion of ≤ 5 days was more [154 (66.1%) versus304 (58.5%), p = 0.047]. The total hospitalization cost was slightly lower in the medication group ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The duration of CPB, ACC, and DHCA in the open surgery process for CHD affects patients’ thyroid function in the postoperative period. In our study, we found that oral levothyroxine sodium tablets are beneficial to the children’s postoperative recovery.
One-Step Cartilage Repair of Full-Thickness Knee Chondral Lesions Using a Hyaluronic Acid–Based Scaffold Embedded With Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate: Long-term Outcomes After Mean Follow-up Duration of 14 Years
Authors: Whyte Graeme P. , Bizzoco Leandra , Gobbi Alberto
Published: November 2024

Background:

One-step cell-based techniques of cartilage repair that lead to restoration of durable chondral tissue and long-term maintenance of joint function are cost-effective and ideal for routine use.

Purposes:

To examine the long-term clinical outcomes, after a mean follow-up duration of 14 years, of cartilage repair in the knee using a hyaluronic acid–based scaffold in association with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (HA-BMAC) and to evaluate the effect of age, lesion characteristics, and associated treatments on the outcome of this cartilage repair method.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients were followed prospectively for a mean duration of 14.0 years after undergoing treatment of knee full-thickness articular cartilage injury using HA-BMAC. Clinical evaluation consisted of the patient-reported scoring tools of the visual analog scale and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, which were completed preoperatively and at the time of final follow-up.

Results:

A total of 26 patients with a mean age of 48.3 years (17 male, 9 female) and median chondral lesion size of 6.6 cm2 (range, 1-27 cm2) were followed prospectively. There were 3 treatment failures, and 1 patient who underwent medial compartment unicompartmental arthroplasty 12 years after HA-BMAC treatment of patellar chondral injury. Of the 22 remaining patients, after a mean final follow-up duration of 14.0 years (range, 12-16 years), the median visual analog scale score of 0.6 was significantly decreased from the preoperative median score of 5.0 ( P < .001). The median Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Pain (92), Symptoms (86), Activities of Daily Living (96), Sports (85), and Quality of Life (88) subscale values were all increased compared with the preoperative scores ( P≤ .001). There was no correlation of clinical outcome score and body mass index.

Conclusion:

One-step cartilage repair of full-thickness chondral defects in the knee using an HA-BMAC led to successful long-term clinical outcomes and maintenance of joint junction after a mean follow-up duration of 14 years. Long-term clinical success in active, nonobese patients has been uniformly demonstrated across a wide range of patient ages and lesion types, including cases of multicompartment involvement, treatment of associated conditions, and large or bipolar chondral lesions.
Design of eye phantom for optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Abira Bright B , Damodaran Vani , Jayanthi Thiruvengadam
Published: November 2024

Tissue phantoms play an important role in validating biomedical imaging techniques. For optical imaging systems such as optical coherence tomography, creating layers of phantoms with different refractive indices is important. This paper explored various phantom materials to create eye-mimicking phantoms. The phantom also included microfluidic channels to mimic vasculature. To verify the optical properties of the created phantom, the transmission and reflection spectroscopy was performed using a photoluminescent spectrometer studying the complete visible and near infrared spectrum. We created a 3D model to house multiple layers that mimicked the retina at one end and the contact lens at the other, representing the anterior segment of the eye. A realistic retinal layer-mimicking, which, among other things, may pave the way for new combined imaging modalities
Influence of stockpile design on carbonation of waste concrete: Implications for carbon management in China
Authors: Wang Panxiu , Wang Dawei , Ditta Asim A. , Qi Xiao
Published: November 2024

Enhancing the sequestration capacity of waste concrete is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality within the construction industry. Although existing studies primarily focus on theoretical analysis of concrete carbon sequestration, limited attention has been paid to explore the potential of waste concrete sequestration during stockpiling phase under varying environmental conditions. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed a CO2 uptake calculation model tailored for the stockpiling phase of waste concrete. This model investigates the impact of crush size, stacking method and environmental conditions on the total carbon sequestration capacity and efficiency, identifying the most advantageous approach. Our findings reveal the following: (1) Increasing the crush size of waste concrete enhances its carbon sequestration capacity, albeit extends the sequestration duration. A crush size of 5–20 mm is deemed optimal for achieving the desired sequestration efficiency. (2) The optimal stacking method involves smaller piles with reduced radii and angles. (3) High temperatures and humidity levels accelerate the sequestration rate. Practical measures such as watering and covering can be employed to enhance carbon sequestration. (4) In 2021, China’s waste concrete exhibited a declining sequestration potential from the southeast to the northwest and northeast regions. The maximum sequestration potential has the capacity to neutralize up to 4% of the carbon emissions generated by the construction industry in that year. This research provides a foundation for accurate assessment and the development of effective carbon sequestration strategies for waste concrete.
Palliative Care in the Midst of Adversity: Insights from a Low-Income Country
Authors: Sailian Silva Dakessian , Hanna Janane , Asmar Rebecca El , Bassila Joelle , Yamout Rana
Published: November 2024

The integration of palliative care into conventional healthcare services has demonstrated significant benefits in alleviating serious health-related suffering (SHRS), reducing symptom burden, and lowering healthcare expenditure for patients and families. Despite Lebanon's initial steps towards palliative care development, its integration remains inadequate, particularly due to the country's socio-political and economic challenges. This paper examines the current landscape of palliative care services in Lebanon, including their geographical distribution and care models, while addressing the obstacles impeding their progress. Data on palliative care services were gathered from the presentations of stakeholders at the 2023 National Palliative Care Conference. Currently, three nonprofit organizations provide home-based palliative care primarily for end-of-life patients, while seven hospitals offer palliative care through inpatient consultation teams, three of which have specialized palliative care wards and two outpatient clinics. Hospital-based palliative care services are primarily located in the capital city Beirut and operate within private healthcare facilities. Notably, only home-based services are provided free of charge, while hospital-based care is not reimbursed, thus limiting access to palliative care for only those who can afford it. The political and economic instability, inadequate policies and insufficient reimbursement, shortage of trained expertise and essential medicines like morphine, and inconsistent health education are some of the challenges that Lebanon faces in developing palliative care. A multilevel coordinated response and advocacy are crucial to drive policy reforms, enhance education, promote public awareness, and improve clinical practice ensuring quality and equitable palliative care access to all.
Conscientiousness, trait self-control, and neuroticism predict individual differences in the variability of goal dimensions
Authors: Kiendl Korbinian , Wenzel Mario , Kleinke Kristian , Hennecke Marie
Published: November 2024

When pursuing personal goals, individuals may experience fluctuations in goal-related dimensions like commitment and enjoyment. We present an approach to describe, analyze, and explain such within-person variability. In Part I, we determined to which extent within-person variability over time contributes to the total variability in goal dimensions, including between-person and between-goal variability. We observed strongest variability between goals, followed by variability over time, and between persons. In Part II, we estimated the within-person variability for each goal dimension using the indices dispersion (individual standard deviation), instability (root of squared successive differences), and inertia (autoregressive parameter). Dispersion was above-average for goal facilitation and progress and below-average for external motivation, value, and demand. Instability was above-average for facilitation and progress and below-average for commitment and demand. Inertia was above-average for facilitation and below-average for progress. Highlighting the relevance of self-regulatory competencies, we found that, when excluding outliers with extremely high variability, people with higher trait self-control, higher conscientiousness, and lower neuroticism showed lower variability. Both higher levels of trait self-control and conscientiousness predicted lower instability and higher inertia of goal dimensions. Conversely, higher neuroticism predicted higher dispersion and instability. We discuss these findings in the context of the Cybernetic Big Five Theory.
Design and analysis of a multi-motion self-balancing lower limb exoskeleton based on flat terrain
Authors: Wang Jiaqing , Zou Renling , Tan Hongwei , Xu Jing , Hu Xiufang , Yin Xuezhi
Published: November 2024

In this study, a multi-motion self-balancing lower limb exoskeleton is designed to provide crutches-free rehabilitation training for quadriplegic patients on flat terrain without hand support. First, based on the biomechanical characteristics of the human body and the bionic mechanism configuration of the human lower limb, an exoskeleton with a full-drive series-parallel hybrid structure was established. Secondly, the D-H method, geometric method and Newton iteration method were used to establish the forward and reverse kinematic solutions of the exoskeleton. In addition, the static self-balancing principle was used to complete the planning of the multi-motion self-balancing trajectory. Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, some numerical simulations were performed in this paper. The theoretical trajectories of the waist, ankle joint and foot center were compared with the simulated trajectories. The research results show that the forward and reverse kinematics model of the exoskeleton is feasible. Under the condition of contact force parameters, the exoskeleton has the ability of multi-motion self-balancing walking on flat terrain.
What Immigrants Want Providers to Know About Their Communities and Culture: A Content Analysis
Authors: Huslage Melody , Galvez Eliza Silvia , Held Mary Lehman , Rai Abha
Published: November 2024

Although immigrants comprise more than 25% of the U.S. population, non-immigrant social workers serving immigrants may lack a sufficient understanding of immigrant communities. The current study explores information that immigrants ( N = 405) wanted social workers to know about their culture as social workers extensively serve this group of individuals. We used content analysis and generated five themes: (a) a sense of community; (b) identity; (c) cultural practices, values, and traditions; (d) intercultural living; and (e) racism, discrimination, and stereotypes. By highlighting immigrant voices, findings can help providers better support immigrant communities. We discuss ways to center cultural humility and interact with immigrant clients and communities in ways that contribute to their well-being and empowerment.