bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of microcirculatory impairment in delayed cerebral ischemia and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Naraoka Masato , Matsuda Naoya , Shimamura Norihito , Ohkuma Hiroki
Published: September 2021

Early brain injury (EBI) is considered an important cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). As a factor in EBI, microcirculatory dysfunction has become a focus of interest, but whether microcirculatory dysfunction is more important than angiographic vasospasm (aVS) remains unclear. Using data from 128 cases, we measured the time to peak (TTP) in several regions of interest on digital subtraction angiography. The intracerebral circulation time (iCCT) was obtained between the TTP in the ultra-early phase (the baseline iCCT) and in the subacute phase and/or at delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) onset (the follow-up iCCT). In addition, the difference in the iCCT was calculated by subtracting the baseline iCCT from the follow-up iCCT. Univariate analysis showed that DCI was significantly increased in those patients with a prolonged baseline iCCT, prolonged follow-up iCCT, increased differences in the iCCT, and with severe aVS. Poor outcome was significantly increased in patients with prolonged follow-up iCCT and increased differences in the iCCT. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased differences in the iCCT were a significant risk factor that increased DCI and poor outcome. The results suggest that the increasing microcirculatory dysfunction over time, not aVS, causes DCI and poor outcome after aneurysmal aSAH.
Effect of bioimpedance-defined overhydration parameters on mortality and cardiovascular events in patients undergoing dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yajie , Gu Zejuan
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the role of bioimpedance-defined overhydration (BI-OH) parameters in predicting the risk of mortality and cardiovascular (CV) events in patients undergoing dialysis.

Methods

We searched multiple electronic databases for studies investigating BI-OH indicators in the prediction of mortality and CV events through 23 May 2020. We assessed the effect of BI-OH indexes using unadjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analysis was used for each outcome.

Results

We included 55 studies with 104,758 patients in the meta-analysis. Extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) >0.4 (HR 5.912, 95% CI: 2.016–17.342), ECW/intracellular water (ICW) for every 0.01 increase (HR 1.041, 95% CI: 1.031–1.051), and OH/ECW >15% (HR 2.722, 95% CI: 2.005–3.439) increased the risk of mortality in patients receiving dialysis. ECW/TBW >0.4 (HR 2.679, 95% CI: 1.345–5.339) and ECW/ICW per increment of 10% (HR 1.032, 95% CI: 1.017–1.047) were associated with an increased risk of CV events in patients undergoing dialysis. A 1-degree increase in phase angle was a protective factor for both mortality (HR 0.676, 95% CI: 0.474–0.879) and CV events (HR 0.736, 95% CI: 0.589–0.920).

Conclusions

BI-OH parameters might be independent predictors for mortality and CV events in patients undergoing dialysis.
Duodenal bulbar necrosis with hemorrhage caused by cholecystolithiasis: a case report
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhang Wen , Qiao Zhenguo
Published: September 2021

Gastrointestinal bleeding and gallbladder stones are common diseases of the digestive system. However, duodenal necrosis and bleeding caused by gallbladder stone compression is relatively rare. The present report describes a patient with repeated hematemesis and melena that relapsed after several symptomatic treatments. The patient and his family elected surgical treatment. Intraoperative examination revealed necrosis of the duodenal bulb with hemorrhage, which was related to compression of the gallbladder neck. Because the imaging manifestations of this disease lack specificity, early diagnosis is difficult.
Use of a Hot-Mix Asphalt Plant to Produce a Cold Central Plant Recycled Mix: Production Method and Performance
Authors: Bowers Benjamin F. , Powell R. Buzz
Published: September 2021

Cold central plant recycling (CCPR) of asphalt mixtures continues to grow in interest among agencies and asphalt mixture suppliers. However, one implementation challenge has been the need to invest in new equipment to produce the mixture. In 2015, the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) worked with a local contractor to produce a CCPR mixture through a standard hot-mix asphalt (HMA) plant. The mix was then placed in a test section on the NCAT Pavement Test Track with a highly modified dense graded HMA overlay. The process used to produce the mixture in the HMA plant is outlined along with the performance of the mixture after heavy truck loading in comparison with a control section with a highly modified dense graded hot-mix asphalt in lieu of CCPR. After 17 million equivalent single axle loads the test section containing the CCPR mixture is performing as well as the control section. This shows that CCPR can be successfully produced using an HMA plant, which may encourage mix suppliers and agencies to conduct trial projects with CCPR, implement CCPR into standard practice, and further justify new CCPR equipment investments.
Economic Feasibility Analysis of Charging Infrastructure for Electric Ground Fleet in Airports
Authors: Soares Laura , Wang Hao
Published: September 2021

Many airports are converting their ground fleets to electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase airport operation sustainability. Although this paradigm shift is relevant to the environment, it is necessary to understand the economic feasibility to justify the decision. This study used life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) to compare the economic performance of electrified ground fleets in the airport with a conventional fossil fuel fleet. Three different charging systems (plug-in charging, stationary wireless charging, and dynamic wireless charging) for pushback tractors and inter-terminal buses at a major hub airport were considered in the analysis. Although the conventional fossil fuel options present the lowest initial cost for both fleets, they cost most in a 30-year analysis period. Among three electric charging infrastructures, the plug-in charging station shows the least accumulative cost for pushback tractors, and their cost differences are negligible for inter-terminal buses. Although the electric ground fleet is proved to show economic benefits, the most cost-effective charging infrastructure may vary depending on driving mileage and system design. The use of LCCA to analyze new systems and infrastructures for decision making at the project level is highly recommended.
Performance Evaluation of Bioengineered Recycled Asphalt Materials
Authors: Arabzadeh Ali , Podolsky Joseph H. , Staver Maxwell D. , Williams R. Christopher , Hohmann Austin D. , Hernández Nacú , Cochran Eric W.
Published: September 2021

In this study, asphalt mixtures were engineered with bio-renewable soybean oil-derived modifiers, and then used for pavement demonstration projects in the U.S. states of Iowa and Minnesota in the summer of 2019. The performance grade, elastic recovery (R), and non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) of the binders were evaluated. The modification of asphalt binder for the Iowa project almost maintained the high and low temperature grades, and the presence of modifier in the mixture of Minnesota project resulted in a slight decrease in the low temperature grade while maintaining the high temperature grade. The Jnr and R values proved the increase of elasticity and relaxation of the asphalt binder modified for the Iowa project. The Jnr calculated for the Minnesota project revealed a considerable increase in the relaxation of the asphalt binder. Disc-shaped compact tension, Hamburg wheel tracking, and push-pull were the mechanical performance tests performed on the mixtures. Based on the results obtained from these tests, the Iowa mixture, produced with modified asphalt binder, showed a significant improvement in resistance to low-temperature cracking, rutting, moisture damage, and fatigue cracking. The Minnesota mixture, modified in the plant, showed a significant improvement in the fatigue performance and a slight improvement in low-temperature cracking resistance.
Differences in Near-Crash Risk by Types of Distraction: A Comparison of Trends between Freeways and Two-Lane Highways using Naturalistic Driving Data
Authors: Bamney Anshu , Megat-Johari Nusayba , Kirsch Trevor , Savolainen Peter
Published: September 2021

Distracted driving is among the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes in the United States, though the magnitude of this problem is difficult to quantify given limitations of police-reported crash data. This study leveraged data from the second Strategic Highway Research Program Naturalistic Driving Study to gain important insights into the risks posed by driver distraction on both freeways and two-lane highways. More than 50 types of secondary tasks were aggregated into ten distraction type categories and mixed-effects logistic regression models were estimated to discern how the risks of near-crash events varied by distraction type while controlling for the effects of driver, roadway, and traffic characteristics. In general, the types of distractions that created the most pronounced risks were those that introduced a combination of cognitive, visual, and manual distractions. For example, drivers who used cell phones were subject to higher risks and these risks tended to be most pronounced when both visual and manual distractions were involved. Likewise, risks tended to be highest when drivers reached for other objects inside the vehicle, engaged in personal hygiene-related activities, or focused on activities occurring outside of the driving environment. Although the same factors tended to increase near-crash risk on both types of facilities, the impacts of several factors tended to be more pronounced on two-lane highways where interaction with other vehicles occurred more frequently. From a policy standpoint, the results of this study provide further motivation for more aggressive legislation and enforcement of distracted driving.
Proliferation of endothelial cells (HUVEC) on specific-modified collagen sponges loaded with different growth factors
Authors: Groger Andreas , Megas Ioannis-Fivos , Noah Ernst Magnus , Pallua Norbert , Grieb Gerrit
Published: September 2021

In general, matrices for tissue engineering must maintain structural integrity during the process of tissue formation and promote vascularization of developing tissue. Therefore, collagen sponges, manufactured by an approach that offers the potential of unidirectional pore size, were seeded with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to demonstrate a positive effect on cell proliferation. In addition, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been used to promote proliferation of HUVEC on optimized collagen sponges. Growth and viability of the cells were evaluated. Potential unidirectional pore structure demonstrated an improvement of both, endothelial cell growth and viability. Supplementation of growth factors showed an additional increase of endothelial cell growth on collagen sponges, which confirmed the high potential of combining this biomaterial with growth factors. The results suggest that a collagen sponge with a potential specific pore size could be a suitable scaffold for endothelial cells and might be a promising implantable biomaterial with enhanced angiogenic capabilities for future clinical applications.
Incorporation of cerium oxide into zirconia toughened alumina ceramic promotes osteogenic differentiation and osseointegration
Authors: Shan Jing , Wang Song , Xu Huaen , Zhan Haibo , Geng Zhen , Liang Hanqin , Dai Min
Published: September 2021

Due to its high wear resistance and good biocompatibility, zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) is an ideal material used as load-bearing implant. However, ZTA needs to be modified to overcome its bio-inert and thus improve osseointegration. Cerium oxide, which has been proved to be a bone-friendly ceramic, might be a desired material to enhance the bioactivity of ZTA. In this study, ZTA and cerium oxide doped ZTA (ZTAC) were prepared via sintering method. The in vitro study showed that the addition of cerium oxide promoted MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion and spreading through upregulating ITG α5 and ITG β1. In addition, the incorporation of cerium oxide enhanced cell proliferation, ALP activity, and ECM mineralization capacity. Moreover, the incorporation of cerium oxide promoted the expressions of osteogenesis related genes, such as ALP, Col-I, and OCN. The in vivo implantation test via a SD rat model showed that the incorporation of cerium oxide promoted new bone formation and bone-implant integration. In summary, this study provided a new strategy to fabricate bioactive ZTA implant for potential application in orthopedics field.
Student Intervention Against Homophobic Name-Calling: The Role of Peers, Teachers, and Inclusive Curricula
Authors: Ioverno Salvatore , Nappa Maria Rosaria , Russell Stephen T. , Baiocco Roberto
Published: September 2021

Encouraging bystander intervention is an effective strategy to prevent episodes of bullying victimization at school. Yet there remains a paucity of evidence on this behavior in situations of homophobic name-calling, a form of peer victimization aimed at mocking individuals based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. The existing research has focused on intentionality rather than actual student intervention behaviors, and, of note, no previous studies have taken into consideration contextual factors at the classroom and school levels. The present study examined whether students’ observations of teacher and peer interventions against homophobic name-calling and perceptions of the representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues in class are associated with student intervention behaviors against homophobic name-calling. A three-level multilevel approach was used to account for the nested nature of students’ experiences in classrooms and schools. The sample included 1,296 students (43.57% girls) recruited from 84 classrooms of 22 Italian public high schools. Preliminary analyses showed that the variability in students’ reports had more to do with which classrooms versus which schools students attend. Results from multilevel regressions indicated that students who observe teachers intervening during episodes of homophobic name-calling, and who perceive the representation of LGBT issues in class as positive, were more likely to intervene against homophobic name-calling and to observe other classmates intervene as well. Also, participants who observed other students intervening were more likely to intervene. These findings highlight the importance of the role of teachers in modeling classroom norms to encourage bystander interventions. Teachers can do so indirectly such as when providing a positive representation of LGBT issues in class, or directly when intervening to condemn episodes of homophobic name-calling. In addition, our results affirm the importance of peer influence in encouraging bystander interventions during episodes of homophobic name-calling.
Intimate Partner Violence Exposure and Adolescent Mental Health Outcomes: The Mediating Role of Housing Insecurity
Authors: Marçal Katherine E.
Published: September 2021

The present study investigated pathways from childhood exposure to mothers’ intimate partner violence (IPV) to adolescent depression and anxiety. Further, the study examined whether housing insecurity mediated the link from IPV exposure to mental health outcomes. Data came from the Years 5, 9 and 15 interviews of the Fragile Families and Child Well-being Study; the analytic sample was limited to mothers with at least partial custody of children ( N = 2,425). Structural equation modeling with latent variables investigated research questions. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) identified observed indicators for latent constructs, and a path analysis tested direct and indirect pathways from IPV exposure to adolescent depression and anxiety. IPV exposure at age five was associated with increased housing insecurity at age nine, which was associated with increased adolescent depression and anxiety at age 15. Although IPV exposure was not directly associated with either mental health outcome, housing insecurity mediated the link from IPV exposure to adolescent depression. Findings point to the long-term consequences of exposure to intimate partner violence in childhood, highlighting pathways to mental disorder in adolescence. The present study emphasizes the need for policies that protect survivors of IPV from eviction and homelessness, empower them to leave abusers without fear of losing their housing, and promote healthy child development in the wake of family violence.
Hepatitis B Viral Markers in the Human Milk of HBsAg-Positive Mothers: An Observational Study
Authors: Huang Hongyu , Ning Mingzhe , Feng Jing , Chen Jie , Dai Yimin , Hu Yali , Zhou Yi-Hua
Published: September 2021

Background:

Quantification of viral antigens and viral loads in human milk samples from mothers infected with hepatitis B virus is largely unknown.

Research Aim:

The aim of the study was to quantitatively measure the levels of viral antigens and deoxyribonucleic acid of hepatitis B virus in human milk from mothers infected with hepatitis B virus.

Methods:

Fifty-five pairs of milk and serum samples from mothers with positive hepatitis B surface antigen, including 11 hepatitis B e antigen positive, were quantitatively tested to measure viral antigens by microparticle enzyme immunoassay and viral loads by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results:

The median level of hepatitis B surface antigen in the human milk samples of mothers with positive or negative hepatitis B e antigen was each lower than that in the sera, respectively (1.10 vs. 4.32 log10 IU/ml, t = 10.693, p < .001; -0.77 vs. 2.53 log10 IU/ml, t = -25.135, p < .001). The titers of hepatitis B surface antigen or hepatitis B e antigen in the human milk samples were each correlated with that in maternal serum. The detectable level of deoxyribonucleic acid of hepatitis B virus in human milk ranged from 1.42–5.27 log10 IU/ml, whereas that in maternal sera was 1.44–8.66 log10 IU/ml. The viral level in human milk was not correlated with that in maternal circulation.

Conclusion:

The present study data illustrate the relatively low titers of viral markers in the milk of mothers with positive hepatitis B surface antigen.
Differential Involvement of the Locus Coeruleus in Early- and Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: A Potential Mechanism of Clinical Differences?
Authors: Bolton Corey J. , Tam Joyce W.
Published: September 2021

Sporadic early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (sEOAD) is often associated with atypical clinical features, yet the cause of this heterogeneity remains unclear. This study investigated post-mortem atrophy of the locus coeruleus (LC) in sEOAD and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Levels of LC atrophy, as estimated by pathologist-rating of hypopigmentation, were compared between sEOAD (n = 115) and LOAD (n = 672) participants while controlling for other measures of pathological progression. Subsequent analyses compared low vs. high LC atrophy sEOAD subgroups on neuropsychological test performance. Results show nearly 4 times greater likelihood of higher LC atrophy in sEOAD as compared to LOAD ( p < .005). sEOAD participants with greater LC atrophy displayed significantly worse performance on various baseline measures of attentional functioning ( p < .05), despite similar global cognition ( p = .25). These findings suggest the LC is an important potential driver of clinical and pathological heterogeneity in sEOAD.
Doctoral Degree Attainment From Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program Alumni: An Explanatory Embedded Case Study
Authors: Renbarger Rachel , Talbert Tony , Saxon Terrill
Published: September 2021

Due to structural inequity, White students, those whose parents attained a university degree, and those from upper/middle class households are more likely to attain a doctoral degree. One federal program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, provides undergraduates with academic and financial support to help marginalized students enroll and succeed in graduate school. However, little research has examined how this program has helped students attain the ultimate goal of a PhD. In this explanatory, embedded case study, 12 participants described how the program provided financial, academic, and social supports from peers, faculty, and staff during their doctoral programs.
The role of memory in the Wisdom of Solomon
Authors: Gregory Bradley C
Published: September 2021

The theme of memory in the Wisdom of Solomon shows affinities with the conceptualization of memory in the ancient world generally. The book is written such that the more one has internalized the texts and traditions of the Jewish community, the more meaningful and persuasive its argument will be. To have shaped oneself according to the authoritative Scriptural texts is to perceive the true reality of how history is unfolding. Even if there is danger or suffering in the present, one can make sense of this in terms of a coming eschatological judgment because one will contextualize the present in the patterns of the remembered past. Thus, virtues like fortitude, self-control, justice, and prudence can be developed because God and Wisdom, from whom these come, have assured their eventual reward. In addition, the same pedagogical role of memory that Pseudo-Solomon describes through the plague sequence is evident in the author’s approach to his audience as well. They are expected to learn from the remembered, sacred past as well as from their own experiences. And when shaped by these memories, they will have the prudence to remain faithful because they perceive the intimate connection between virtue and immortality that has been evident throughout history. They will understand that wisdom provides eternal remembrance, both among people but even more importantly, in the mind of God.
Revisiting the ‘Darwin–Marx correspondence’: Multiple discovery and the rhetoric of priority
Authors: Barnes Joel
Published: September 2021

Between the 1930s and the mid 1970s, it was commonly believed that in 1880 Karl Marx had proposed to dedicate to Charles Darwin a volume or translation of Capital but that Darwin had refused. The detail was often interpreted by scholars as having larger significance for the question of the relationship between Darwinian evolutionary biology and Marxist political economy. In 1973–4, two scholars working independently—Lewis Feuer, professor of sociology at Toronto, and Margaret Fay, a graduate student at Berkeley—determined simultaneously that the traditional story of the proposed dedication was untrue, being based on a long-standing misinterpretation of the relevant correspondence. Between the two, and among several other scholars who became their respective allies, there developed a contest of authority and priority over the discovery. From 1975 to 1982, the controversy generated a considerable volume of spilled ink in both scholarly and popular publications. Drawing on previously unexamined archival resources, this article revisits the ‘case’ of the so-called ‘Darwin–Marx correspondence’ as an instance of the phenomenon of ‘multiple discovery’. A familiar occurrence in the natural sciences, multiple discovery is rarer in the humanities and social sciences. The present case of a priority dispute in the history of ideas followed patterns familiar from such disputes in the natural sciences, while also diverging from them in ways that shed light on the significance of disciplinary norms and research infrastructures.
Numerical study for entropy generation and melting heat in flow of modified hybrid nanomaterial (Ag + MWCNTs + SWCNTs + Water)
Authors: Muhammad K. , Hayat T. , Alsaedi A.
Published: September 2021

The main theme behind this work is to model and analyze melting heat in the squeezed flow of a modified hybrid nanomaterial (Ag  +  MWCNTs  +  SWCNTs  +  Water). Entropy generation in the presence of viscous dissipation is investigated. Modeling is performed for basefluid (Water), nanofluid (SWCNTs  +  Water), hybrid nanofluid (MWCNTs  +  SWCNTs  +  Water), and modified hybrid nanomaterial (Ag  +  MWCNTs  +  SWCNTs  +  Water). Entropy production rate, velocity, Bejan number, skin friction coefficient, temperature, and Nusselt number are evaluated graphically under sundry variables. Non-linear coupled equations (ODEs) are constructed from the expressions (PDEs (continuity, momentum, and energy)) by adopting suitable transformations. The obtained coupled systems are then solved numerically by the bvp4c technique (shooting method with RK-4 algorithm). To execute this methodology, first we have converted our governed non-linear ODEs into a system of first-order ODEs. It is due to the fact that bvp4c works on the basis of the Runge–Kutta method, which is applicable to first-order ODEs. The velocity of the fluid increases with an increment in squeezing and melting parameters while it is reduced via nanoparticle concentration for silver. Fluid temperature reduces with melting while it boosts with squeezing number. Both melting and squeezing number boost skin friction. Nusselt number increases with both melting and squeezing number. Entropy is minimized via the squeezing number. The Bejan number is higher for both melting and squeezing number. It is concluded that performance of modified hybrid nanomaterial is best when compared with nanomaterial and hybrid nanomaterial.
A Transdiagnostic Perspective on Youth Irritability
Authors: Klein Daniel N. , Dougherty Lea R. , Kessel Ellen M. , Silver Jamilah , Carlson Gabrielle A.
Published: September 2021

Irritability is increasingly recognized as a significant clinical problem in youth. It is a criterion for multiple diagnoses and predicts the development of a wide range of disorders. Research on its etiology suggests that genetic and family environmental factors play a role, as do abnormalities in reward and cognitive-control neural circuitry. However, many of these effects are age dependent. Threat-responsive self-regulatory systems and the degree to which irritability is tonic or phasic influence whether irritable youth exhibit more internalizing or more externalizing outcomes.
Supply-side Readiness for Universal Health Coverage: Assessing Service Availability and Barriers in Remote and Fragile Setting
Authors: Verma Veenapani Rajeev , Dash Umakant
Published: September 2021

The study was conducted to a) Evaluate the service readiness and b) Ascertain supply side barriers inhibiting service provisioning in rural, remote and fragile district in India. We employed a mixed method study design encompassing Service Provisioning Assessment of entire network of public health facilities using Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) module of WHO in conjunction with Indian Public Health Standards Guidelines (IPHS). Qualitative information was collected via Field Observations, Key informant interviews and Focus group discussion with stakeholders ranging from leaders to laggards. A concise index of General Service Availability, Service Specific Availability and Facility Readiness was computed along with exploratory data analysis using Principal Component Analysis. Further, determinants of facility readiness were elucidated using Generalized Ordinal Logistic Model. Qualitative findings were analyzed via content analysis. Results indicated poorest readiness in lower-tier facilities with particularly abysmal readiness for basic amenities, diagnostic capacity and preparedness for emergencies and non-communicable diseases. The estimates for logistic model revealed that degree of vulnerability of facilities, type of facility and frequency of monitoring and supervision significantly impacted the readiness. Qualitative analysis divulged lack of incentives for health workers, political interference, topographical constraints and security disruptions as major barriers stymieing service provisioning in study area.
Congenital Segmental Intestinal Dilatation: A Clinical Dilemma
Authors: Kukreja Bhavya , Mehta Ajay Prakash , Wardhan Harsh , Narula Bhawna Sachdeva , Sidana Poonam
Published: September 2021

Congenital segmental dilatation of intestine is a rare clinical entity encountered in neonates with very few case reports from world over. It usually presents with symptoms of partial or total obstruction in neonatal period or infancy. We report a case of a preterm baby with segmental dilatation of intestine which was managed surgically. Diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively as well as histologically. Consideration of this entity in differential diagnosis of neonatal intestinal obstruction may enable for better understanding and more reporting of this rare condition.
Cranial Ultrasound in Preterm Neonates of Gestational Age 28 to 34 Weeks: A Single Centre Experience From Western India
Authors: Mehta Charul , Rana Urvashi
Published: September 2021

Context:

Intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia, the common brain injuries in premature infants, are major causes for early death in the neonatal period and later motor and cognitive disabilities. This study was undertaken to find out the incidence of normal cranial ultrasound (CUS), normal variants, and abnormal CUS findings.

Evidence Acquisition:

This prospective, observational study was conducted at Neonatal ICU, Department of Paediatrics, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, over a period of 2 years from September 1, 2014, to August 31, 2016. Detailed history, examination, and risk factor assessment was done for all 180 subjects. The neonates were subjected to cranial ultrasound during admission and on follow-up.

Results:

Upon sonographic evaluation, 125 (69.44%) neonates had normal ultrasound, 34 (18.90%) had normal variants, and 21 (11.66%) had abnormal cranial ultrasound findings. The predominant normal variants observed were cavum septum pellucidum (18; 10%) and choroid plexus cyst (11; 6.1%). The most common abnormality detected was intraventricular hemorrhage (15; 8.3%) and was found to have a clinically significant correlation with surfactant use and with mechanical ventilation ( P value < .05). Follow-up scans could be performed on 70 subjects out of which 2 had normal variants and 3 had abnormal CUS findings.

Conclusion:

Establishing institutional CUS scanning protocols will go a long way in decreasing morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates.
Smart materials in architecture for actuator and sensor applications: A review
Authors: Sobczyk Martin , Wiesenhütter Sebastian , Noennig Jörg Rainer , Wallmersperger Thomas
Published: September 2021

Severe challenges such as depletion of natural resources, natural catastrophes, extreme weather conditions, or overpopulation require intelligent solutions especially in architecture. Built environments that are conceived from smart materials based on actuator and sensor functionality provide a promising approach in order to address this demand. The present paper reviews smart materials-based technologies which are currently applied or developed for application in civil structures, focusing on smart material applications for actuation or sensing. After giving a definition and categorization of smart materials, applications of the investigated materials (i.e. shape memory materials, electro- and magnetostrictive materials, piezoelectric materials, ionic polymer-metal composites, dielectrical elastomers, polyelectrolyte gels as well as magneto- and electrorheological fluids) are presented for the fields of architecture and civil engineering. While some materials are already highly advantageous in the application context, others still need further research in order to become applicable in real-world constructions. Nonetheless this review indicates their large innovation potential which should be consolidated by systematic research efforts in the near future.
Coping Through COVID-19: A Mixed Method Approach to Understand How Palliative Care Teams Managed the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Finuf Kayla D. , Lopez Santiago , Carney Maria T.
Published: September 2021

Objective:

While previous work documented a substantial increase in patient mortality consultations and workload for palliative teams, little is known about how these team members managed their mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated how job resources (coworker and supervisor support) and personal resources (coping strategies) reduced perceptions of burnout and increased perceptions of well-being.

Method:

An anonymous electronic survey was sent to all members ( N = 64) of the palliative medical team among 14 hospitals of a New York State health system. Data were collected between September 2020 to October 2020. Measures included validated scales for burnout (Oldenburg Burnout Inventory), coping strategies (Cybernetic Coping Scale), subjective well-being (BBC Subjective Well-being scale), and coworker/supervisor support (7 items from Yang et al).

Results:

Results indicated devaluation coping tactics were used to reduce perceptions of burnout and to increase perceptions of physical health. Higher burnout was identified when using avoidance coping techniques. Furthermore, coworkers and supervisor(s) support significantly reduced disengagement when compared to coworker support alone.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 exacerbated burnout experienced by palliative care teams, yet the use of coping behaviors (devaluation/avoidance) and external resources (coworker and supervisor support) utilized by these teams were found to have positive effects. Further research should investigate these antagonizing factors to help preventing and addressing burn out during times of crises and in the everyday of palliative care teams.
Development and Validation of Two Abbreviated Intraminority Gay Community Stress Scales
Authors: Maiolatesi Anthony J. , Satyanarayana Satyanand , Bränström Richard , Pachankis John E.
Published: September 2021

Social stressors stemming from within the gay community might render gay and bisexual men vulnerable to mental health problems. The 20-item intraminority Gay Community Stress Scale (GCSS) is a reliable measure of gay community stress, but the scale’s length limits its widespread use in sexual minority mental health research. Using three independent samples of gay and bisexual men, the present research developed two abbreviated versions of the GCSS using nonparametric item response modeling and validated them. Results indicated that eight items provided maximal information about the gay community stress construct; these items were selected to form the eight-item GCSS. The eight-item GCSS reproduced the factor structure of the parent scale, and gay community stress scores obtained from it correlated with other identity-specific social stress constructs and mental health symptoms. Associations between gay community stress and mental health symptoms remained significant even after controlling for related identity-specific stressors, general life stress, and relevant demographics. A four-item version was also developed and assessed, showing good structural, convergent, criterion, and incremental validity and adequate reliability. The eight- and four-item versions of the GCSS offer efficient measures of gay community stress, an increasingly recognized source of stress for gay and bisexual men.
Risk Factors of Thromboembolism in Lymphoma Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy and its Clinical Significance
Authors: Li Xiao , Hou Shu-Ling , Li Xi , Li Li , Lian Ke , Cui Ju-Ya , Wang Gang-Gang , Yang Tao
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the risk factors of thromboembolism (TE) in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy and its clinical significance. A total of 304 lymphoma patients who received chemotherapy from January 2012 to July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 111 patients with and 193 patients without TE. The clinical characteristics and related laboratory test results were compared between the 2 groups using univariate analysis, while the risk factors for TE in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Univariate analysis revealed an increase in the risk of TE among lymphoma patients with chemotherapy in the following categories: female patients, patients with body mass index <18.5 or > 24, patients aged ≥60 years, those with platelet abnormality before chemotherapy, single hospital-stay patients, and Ann Arbor stage III/IV patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that for platelet count abnormality before chemotherapy, Ann Arbor stage III/IV and female patients represented independent risk factors for TE among lymphoma patients after chemotherapy ( P < .05). For lymphoma patients treated with chemotherapy, the risk of TE occurring in women, patients with platelet abnormalities before chemotherapy, and patients at Ann Arbor stage III/IV was significantly higher compared with other patients. For these patients, we recommend prophylactic anticoagulant therapy.
Progressive macular ischemia in retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy
Authors: Kuo Che-Yuan , Lin Po-Kang , Soong Bin-Wen , Chen Shih-Jen
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

We present a case of retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy and review the usefulness of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in the assessment of long-term outcomes.

Case description:

A 31-year-old woman developed sudden-onset scotoma in her right eye. Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography showed a patch of soft exudate and capillary nonperfusion in the posterior pole and outside the vascular arcades. OCT-A revealed that the initial vessel density (VD) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of the right eye were 32% and 49.2%, respectively. Interestingly, over time, the VD of the SCP and DCP gradually decreased to 23.1% and 26.2%, respectively. In contrast, the initial VD of the SCP and DCP of the left eye were both stable at 44.3% and 56.2%, respectively, and only decreased slightly to 39.3% and 45.7%, respectively, over time. The average VD loss of the SCP and DCP, assessed over 1 year, was 8% and 13%, respectively, in the right eye, and 3% and 6%, respectively, in the left eye.

Conclusion:

Based on this case report, in which we demonstrated a long-term decline in VD of the macula in a young woman with mild retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy, we suggest that there is a potential and valuable role for OCT-A in this rare disease.
Complete manuscript title: Neurological complications from sinugenic orbital cellulitis
Authors: Chaturvedi Ritu , O’Rourke Michael , Rostron Egle , Cook Anne , Dharmasena Aruna
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

This study was undertaken with an aim to identify any common factors or trends among patients of orbital cellulitis that developed neurological complications.

Methods:

A 24-month retrospective review of patients was undertaken to include those showing clinical deterioration and neurological complications on radiological imaging, after being treated for orbital cellulitis at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. The study specifically looked at the site of orbital collection, sinus involvement, types of neurological complications and whether these were detected at initial presentation, surgical input and microbiology findings.

Results:

Nine patients (9/26) developed associated neurological complications during the study period. (February 2018 and January 2020) This included subdural empyema in six patients; leptomeningeal enhancement in two and septic emboli in one patient. All the patients had associated significant pan-sinusitis at initial presentation. Neurological complications were detected in three patients at the time of admission and after clinical deterioration and further investigations in the rest.

Conclusion:

A superior orbital abscess and Streptococcus mileri infection had higher risk of neurological complications. It is worth debating whether patients with chronic sinusitis who develop orbital cellulitis need earlier surgical input rather than a conservative treatment. Patients who fail to improve clinically need to be re-imaged to look for possible neurological complications.
Assessing diagnosis disclosure and concealment in multiple sclerosis: Development and initial validation of the DISCO-MS survey
Authors: Kever Anne , Leavitt Victoria M
Published: September 2021

Background:

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) regularly report making strategic decisions about whether to share their diagnosis or keep it a secret; for many, this represents a key stressor. Surprisingly, the impact of disclosure and concealment are understudied in MS and a formal measurement instrument is lacking. We developed the Diagnosis Disclosure and Concealment in MS (DISCO-MS) survey, a self-assessment tool evaluating (1) frequency of concealment behaviors and (2) expected consequences of diagnosis disclosure in persons with MS.

Methods:

A systematic mixed-methods process was used for the design and initial validation of the DISCO-MS. Associations of DISCO-MS responses to demographics, clinical variables, and mood were examined in 204 participants with MS.

Results:

The 39-item DISCO-MS shows good psychometric characteristics. Approximately 25% of respondents conceal their diagnosis, particularly in professional settings. Higher concealment behaviors were associated with younger age, shorter disease duration, and lower physical disability. Nearly 50% of respondents believed that talking openly about their diagnosis might have undesirable professional and interpersonal consequences. Younger age, higher depression, and higher anxiety were associated with greater expectations of negative consequences.

Conclusion:

Development and validation of the DISCO-MS presents the first step toward systematic study of the impact of DISCO on people with MS.
Belief in Brua among psychiatric patients from Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao: Results from an explorative study in the Netherlands
Authors: Punski-Hoogervorst Janne L. , Rhuggenaath Sarah N. , Blom Jan Dirk
Published: September 2021

Brua is an Afro-Caribbean religion and healing tradition predominantly practised on the ABC islands of the former Netherlands Antilles. It is grounded in oral tradition and shrouded in strict social taboos. Existing literature suggests that the majority of people on and from the islands are familiar with Brua and that it plays a substantial role in shaping their illness conception and idioms of distress. A lack of knowledge of Brua may therefore lead biomedically trained health professionals to misdiagnose these patients. This article discusses how religious beliefs related to Brua influence the illness concepts and idioms of distress of psychiatric patients originating from the ABC Islands, based on semi-structured interviews with former islanders receiving treatment at a psychiatric institute in the Netherlands. We found that of the 29 interviewees, 93.1% knew what Brua involved, 72.4% believed in it, 48.2% had first-hand experience with Brua practices, and 34.5% attributed their mental illness to Brua with greater or lesser certainty. However, only one patient had previously discussed her belief in Brua with her psychiatrist and only when asked to do so. The role of psychoactive substances in the context of Brua practices was negligible. Thus, the present study indicates that the majority of psychiatric patients from the ABC islands are familiar with Brua, but feel reluctant to discuss their concerns in this area with mental health professionals. Recommendations for clinical practice and further research are provided, including the need for a culture-sensitive approach and integrative care.
‘The personal touch’: Campaign personalisation in Britain
Authors: Townsley Joshua , Trumm Siim , Milazzo Caitlin
Published: September 2021

Parliamentary candidates face choices about the extent to which they personalise their election campaigns. They must strike a balance between promoting their party’s message and their own personal appeal, and they must decide how much effort to invest in developing personalised campaign activities. These decisions determine the nature of the campaigns that candidates run, and therefore, voters’ experience during elections. In this article, we use individual-level survey data from the British Representation Study to explore the extent to which candidates personalise their election campaigns in terms of messaging focus and activities. We find that candidates who live in the area they seek to represent, and those who are more positive about their electoral chances, run more personalised campaigns, in terms of focus and activities. Incumbents’ campaigns, meanwhile, are more personalised in their focus only, while candidates who have held national party office tend to use a greater range of personalised campaign activities.
Gambling harms caused by electronic gambling machines should be prevented with state control
Authors: Järvinen-Tassopoulos Johanna , Marionneau Virve , Nikkinen Janne
Published: September 2021

Unlike in other Nordic countries, most of the electronic gambling machines (EGMs) are placed outside the Casino Helsinki and the gambling arcades in Finland. The placement of EGMs in non-casino locations, such as supermarkets, kiosks, and petrol stations, is matter of serious concern. We argue that availability and accessibility of EGMs has led to normalisation and banalisation of gambling in Finland. Exposure to EGMs also put at risk vulnerable populations and problem gamblers, who already suffer from the negative consequences of gambling harms. Gambling companies’ self-regulation initiatives and corporate social responsibility programmes are not enough to prevent and limit EGM related gambling harms. We suggest that Finland should follow Norway’s example and limit the availability of EGMs and transfer them from non-casino locations to gambling arcades. Finnish EGM policy should be a question of public policy guided by public health concerns.
Black Male Executives in Higher Education: The Experience of Ascending the Academic Leadership Ladder
Authors: Sparkman Torrence E.
Published: September 2021

The Problem

The current pipeline supplying qualified and competent leaders to the upper ranks of higher education appears to prelimit the number of Black males who reach executive status. Even though many universities and colleges remain resolute in increasing diversity, social, and structural barriers block access and restrict executive development. This study focuses on the leadership and career advancement of Black male executive leaders in predominantly White institutions (PWI’s) of higher education.

The Solution

This qualitative, phenomenological examination of the lived experiences of 10 Black male, executive leaders in predominantly White institutions of higher education describes what it is like for them to persist in their leadership roles despite negative experiences that are related to their social identity. The findings reveal how their existence in racialized environments has impacted their leadership approach and the trajectory of their careers.

The Stakeholders

The stakeholders are Black academics seeking or holding executive leadership roles in higher education; HRD scholars and practitioners.