bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of cropland cover using historical literature in Northern China, Sui Dynasty, AD 609
Authors: Wang Fahao , Ye Yu , Zhang Chengpeng , Fang Xiuqi
Published: December 2022

Reconstruction of historical cropland cover is not only essential for studying agricultural development in historical periods, but also provides the basic data for long-term global and climatic change simulations. However, reconstructing the amount and spatial distribution of cropland prior to the past millennium remains challenging because of incomplete data and the suitability of the allocation method. Based on the household census and cropland demand per household data, which was calculated from grain consumption per household and crop yield per unit area, this study estimated the prefecture-level cropland area in northern China in AD 609 during the Sui dynasty. Then, a cropland allocation model based on natural land suitability for cultivation was used to reconstruct the spatial distribution of cropland in 5′ × 5′ grid cells. The results were as follows: (1) the cropland area in northern China in AD 609 was 1.77 × 105 km2, with an average cropland area fraction of 10.04%. (2) The cropland was continuously distributed in the North China Plain, Guanzhong Plain, Fenhe Valley and central Shangdang and Changping on the Loess Plateau, resulting in a high cropland agglomeration area appearing in those regions. While it is scattered in the northern Loess Plateau and the Hexi Corridor. (3) Compared with our reconstruction, the HYDE dataset underestimated the cropland area in plains except for riverine areas and overestimated the cropland area in the hills and mountainous areas along the border. (4) This discrepancy was primarily derived from population differences and the divergent cropland allocation methods between the two datasets.
Association of podocyte injury with clinical features and prognosis in patients with mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis
Authors: Guo Muyao , Xie Xiaoyun , Lin Wei , Zhou Yaou , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study is to explore the association of podocyte injury with clinical features and outcomes in mesangial proliferative (Class II) lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective and clinicopathologic analysis with 576 LN patients with renal biopsy and screened 58 patients with Class II LN. Then, the 58 cases were divided into 4 groups based on the degree of podocyte damage and immune complex (IC) deposits on light microscope (histological and immunofluorescence) and electron microscope: Podocyte Injury Group, IC deposits Group, Podocyte Injury and IC Group, and Less-lesion Group. Clinical and pathologic information was collected from the patients’ medical records at the time of the kidney biopsy and at follow-up. The data of demography, clinical parameters, therapy, remission, and relapse rates were analyzed and compared across groups.

Results

A significant difference was observed in the ages of patients among four Class II LN groups. The onset age of patients with FPE ≥ 50% was significant later. The frequency of thrombocytopenia was statistically different among the four groups and the patients with FPE ≥ 50% had lower frequency of thrombocytopenia. Patients with FPE ≥ 50% had lower serum albumin, eGFR, and elevated proteinuria and serum lipids. In this study, most patients received glucocorticoids in combination with immunosuppressants. Among the 4 groups, the use of ACEI/ARBs was highest in the podocyte injury group. There was a statistical difference in the renal relapse rates among the 4 Class II LN groups. Moreover, the recurrence rate was higher in the FPE ≥ 50% group.

Conclusion

Our data identified Class II LN patients with podocyte injury (FPE ≥ 50%) present prominent renal damage and higher rate of renal relapse, suggesting more aggressive treatment and close follow-up for these patients.
Book review: Peter Martell, First Raise a Flag: How South Sudan Won the Longest War but Lost the Peace
Authors: Anshu Aditya
Published: December 2022

Peter Martell, First Raise a Flag: How South Sudan Won the Longest War but Lost the Peace, Oxford University Press, 2019, 332 pp.
Acceleration harmonic identification for an electro-hydraulic shaking table based on the Simulated Annealing-Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Li Yingzhao , Yu Xinda , Liu Yuanming , Sun Shuanghai , Yan Yukun
Published: December 2022

Nonlinear factors exist in electro-hydraulic shaking table and may distort the response signal when a sinusoidal acceleration is inputted. To obtain accurate harmonics, a harmonic identification strategy for the acceleration of the electro-hydraulic shaking table based on the SA-PSO (Simulated Annealing-Particle Swarm Optimization) algorithm was proposed. First, the criterion function of harmonic identification was built with the least square method. Then, the PSO algorithm was introduced into the internal circulations of the SA algorithm to speed up the local search speed to construct the harmonic identification strategy. To verify the performance of the identification strategy, the SA algorithm, PSO algorithm, and SA-PSO algorithm were successively used to identify the response signal. And the convergence rate, accuracy, and stability of the three algorithms were compared. Finally, the harmonic regeneration was carried out after the amplitude and phase of each harmonic were obtained. Experimental results show that the harmonic identification strategy has fast identification speed and high identification accuracy.
Intrinsic properties of chitosan on the characteristics of gold nanoparticles and its application as smart packaging device
Authors: Sreelakshmi K. R. , Mohan C. O. , Remya S. , Tejpal C. S. , Ravishankar C. N.
Published: December 2022

Storage temperature fluctuation is a major problem faced in food and pharmaceutical industry, apart from prevailing fraud in marketing frozen products as fresh. The present work aimed to study the effect of intrinsic properties of chitosan on synthesis and performance of gold nanoparticles as smart packaging devices. Different types of Chitosan from shrimp waste were used as reducing and capping agent in the synthesis of metal nanoparticle. Time is taken to reduce gold atom to gold nanoparticles varied with the type of reducing agent, between 6 min 40 s to 15 min 02 s. The maximum absorbance ( λmax) for AuNPs was observed between 517 and 530 nm. An increase in the concentration of chitosan resulted in smaller and uniform size AuNPs with size ranging from 8.09 to 9.95 nm compared with 14.44 to 19.88 nm for lower concentration of chitosan. Visible ruby red colour of AuNPs synthesised using trisodium citrate (TSC) and lower concentration of chitosan (0.1%) changed to colourless and grey to blue, respectively upon exposure to frozen condition (−18 °C ± 1 °C). UV Visible spectra indicated distinctly different (broader) spectrum with reduced peak intensity. A visible change in colour from ruby red to bluish and colourless state indicates that irrespective of the properties of available chitosan, it can be used for synthesis of gold nanoparticles as smart packaging to distinguish packed fresh/chilled/refrigerated products from frozen ones.
Effect of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in treatment-naive and previously-treated patients with diabetic macular edema
Authors: Nikolopoulou Eleni , Sacconi Riccardo , Lorusso Massimo , Costanzo Eliana , Parravano Mariacristina , Micelli Ferrari Luisa , Ferrari Tommaso Micelli , Querques Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To document the effects of intravitreal dexamethasone implant on retinal microvasculature in patients with diabetic retinopathy complicated by center-involving macular edema.

Methods

35 eyes of 35 patients affected by retinopathy due to type 2 diabetes (15 treatment-naïve and 20 previously treated) were included in this retrospective study with a follow-up of 4 months. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) densities in the foveal and parafoveal areas were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) at baseline and 2 and 4 months post-injection. Intraocular pressure, morphological and functional parameters were evaluated.

Results

a significant difference was found in both groups at 2 months after injection in terms of functional (BCVA, p < 0.05) and morphological (CMT, p < 0.05) parameters. During follow-up, FAZ area, SCP, and DCP in the foveal and parafoveal areas did not change significantly.

Conclusions

intravitreal dexamethasone implant is effective in the treatment of diabetic center-involving macular edema and was associated with significant improvements in BCVA and CMT at 2 months after injection. After a single dexamethasone implant injection, FAZ area and retinal vascular density does not show significant variations in both naive and non-naive DME patients subgroups.
Cost-benefit analysis of a non-government organization and Australian government collaborative supported employment program for autistic people
Authors: Hedley Darren , Hedley David FE , Walkowiak Emmanuelle , Bury Simon M , Spoor Jennifer R , Shiell Alan
Published: December 2022

We present a cost-benefit analysis of an Australian Government sponsored 3-year supported employment program for autistic adults—the DXC Dandelion Program—in the information and communications technology sector. We explored the range of direct costs associated with running the program, benefits to participants, and avoided costs to the government. Estimates were based on data from 56 (86% men; Mage = 25.28, standard deviation [SD]  = 8.36 years) autistic participants in the program. The program generated a high benefit ratio for government, mainly driven by increases in wage rates and hours worked and avoiding welfare and unemployment benefit payments. Participants received the largest benefit through wages and access to the labor market, with most participants transitioning into productive, open employment following program completion. The results from the model are robust; the benefit ratio remained above 1.0 even when higher discount rates were applied. In sum, our analysis identifies potential economic savings associated with supported employment programs that provide pathways for otherwise unemployed or under-employed autistic adults to enter the workforce.

Lay abstract

Relative to the size of the population, there are fewer autistic people than non-autistic people in the workforce. Employment programs that provide extra support to autistic people may help them to gain and keep jobs that are suited to their skills and expertise. In this study, we reviewed the DXC Dandelion Program. This is a supported autism employment program run in partnership with the Australian Government. The program provided jobs to autistic people who worked in information and communications technology roles, such as software testing and cyber security. In this study, we examined some of the benefits of the program for the autistic people who participated in it. We also examined the benefits of the program to the government. We found that there are many savings to government when autistic people are employed in jobs that are matched to their skills and abilities, compared to being unemployed or working in jobs that are below their level of education, training, or skills.
An investigation of child health in relation to housing renovations for a disadvantaged immigrant population in Malmö, Sweden
Authors: Richter Jens C. , Flanagan Erin , Taj Tahir M. , Al-Nahar Lina , Jakobsson Kristina , Oudin Anna
Published: December 2022

Aims:

The aim of the study was to describe child health in relation to housing renovations in more than 800 rental units, consisting of repairs of dilapidated kitchens and bathrooms, in the disadvantaged neighbourhood of Herrgården in Rosengård, Malmö, Sweden.

Methods:

Data on housing conditions and self-reported health were collected during home visits to families living in Herrgården (building renovations area) and a comparison area (neighbouring Törnrosen, with generally better housing conditions). At baseline, 130 families with 359 children participated, while 51 families with 127 children participated at follow-up. All data were collected between 2010 and 2012. Additionally, regional register data on health-care usage/in- and outpatient contacts within the public health-care system between 2008 and 2013 were also collected for all 8715 children registered as living in the two areas.

Results:

Self-reported health seemed to somewhat improve in both areas, with 74% versus 86% and 78% versus 88% reporting good or very good health in Herrgården and in the comparison area at baseline and follow-up, respectively. In Herrgården, crowdedness increased, while it decreased in the comparison area. The number of health-care contacts remained stable over time in Herrgården, while it decreased in the comparison area.

Conclusions:

Partial housing renovations did not seem to result in clear health improvements as measured with the indicators used in the present study. This could possibly be due to persisting health effects due to increased crowdedness or persisting poor housing conditions, as only kitchens and bathrooms were renovated.
Calcified identities: Persisting essentialism in academic collections of human remains
Authors: Kurzwelly Jonatan , Wilckens Malin S
Published: December 2022

Essentialist assumptions about human beings persist in scientific practice, despite their erroneous logic. This article examines essentialism related to research on, and handling of, academic collections of human remains. Historically human remains, and skulls in particular, have served to produce various forms of scientific racialization and racism, confining people to fixed notions of identities and legitimizing violent systems of exploitation and oppression. Contemporary handling of these human remains aims to account for the problematic and violent past, examining the provenance of particular human remains, often leading to their restitution. Despite the different political and ideological motivations of contemporary practice, it too often relies on essentialist categorization and inaccurate or erroneous assumptions. This text exposes the problematic logic of social essentialism and challenges its prevalence in scientific practice.
Functional interlopers: Lifestyle journalists' discursive construction of boundaries against digital lifestyle influencers
Authors: Cheng Lydia , Chew Matthew
Published: December 2022

Guided by boundary work (Carlson, 2015; Carlson & Lewis, 2019), this study aims to better understand where lifestyle journalists situate digital lifestyle influencers within the field of lifestyle journalism, and what types of boundary-making strategies these journalists employ in reaction to such influencers. Through 37 interviews with lifestyle journalists from Singapore, the findings show that the journalists view the influencers as functional interlopers, and have an uneasy “frenemy” relationship with them. The interviewees engage in expansion, expulsion, and protection of autonomy boundary strategies (Carlson, 2015; Carlson & Lewis, 2019), but these are enacted at different times in response to different aspects of influencers. Overall, this study lends insight into how lifestyle journalists discursively construct the boundaries of their field against the incursion of digital lifestyle influencers.
Morning circle as a community of practice: Co-teachers’ transmodality in a dual language bilingual education preschool classroom
Authors: Sembiante Sabrina F , Bengochea Alain , Gort Mileidis
Published: December 2022

To understand how verbal, visual, and actional modalities serve dual language bilingual education instruction and learning in the preschool activity of Morning Circle (MC), we ask: (a) What is the nature of teachers’ transmodal practices to facilitate MC activity? (b) How do teacher pairs orchestrate transmodal practices across MC activities? Using a communities of practice perspective, we explore how co-teacher pairs establish a nexus of high-valued practices and transmodal norms. We collected bi-weekly video recordings of co-teachers’ MC practices across three Spanish/English dual language bilingual education preschool classrooms to capture teachers’ and students' transmodal interactions. Findings reveal variation in and strategic coordination of co-teachers’ transmodalities based on instructional foci/content of different MC activities (e.g., singing songs; reviewing numeracy concepts or literacy concepts; fostering participation norms). Co-teachers’ collaborative efforts created a community of practice inviting and engaging children in the socially-aligned (e.g., participation norms) and instructionally-relevant (e.g., numeracy and literacy) routines and purposes of MC. Findings have implications for how teachers’ transmodal/translanguaging practices vary according to social and curricular expectations, problematizing the oral-multimodal divide and hierarchy and legitimizing teachers’ collective translingual-transmodal repertoire.
“In accordance with age and maturity”: Children’s perspectives, conceptions and insights regarding their capacities and meaningful participation
Authors: Henderson-Dekort Emmie , van Bakel Hedwig , Smits Veronica , Van Regenmortel Tine
Published: December 2022

Embedded within family law proceedings and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989) there is ambiguity surrounding the terms rights, participation, best interests, and capacity. Research furthering the rights of children is necessitated across academic literature and practice. Across research, literature and practice there is an evident reliance upon age in relation to the participation of children in family law settings. There is considerably limited research regarding strong characterisations of such concepts, and significantly less literature involving the voices of children and their perspectives regarding the topic. This qualitative action research aimed to gather the perspectives of children aged 6–12 regarding concepts relating to their capacity to participate using child-friendly methods of assessment, specifically the use of play, art, and narrative activities. This research aim to explore the research questions, how do children aged 6–12 demonstrate, understand and describe participation capacities, what does capacity, rights and participation mean to them? How can children demonstrate and increase their understanding of complex concepts through the use of child-friendly methods such as narrative, play, and drawing? This research allowed children to meaningfully share their unique perspectives, educated the participants, and provided one further step in actualizing the rights of children. Further, this research has offered recommended various methodologies for future endeavours involving children’s participation.
Application of deblur technology for improving the clarity of digital subtractive angiography
Authors: Geng Jiewen , Zhang Pu , Xu Yan , Huang Yan , He Siyu , Wang Yadong , He Chuan , Zhang Hongqi
Published: December 2022

Background

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is most commonly used in vessel disease examinations and treatments. We aimed to develop a novel deep learning-based method to deblur the large focal spot DSA images, so as to obtain a clearer and sharper cerebrovascular DSA image.

Methods

The proposed network cascaded several residual dense blocks (RDBs), which contain dense connected layers and local residual learning. Several loss functions for image restoration were investigated. Our training set consisted of 52 paired images of angiography with more than 350,000 cropped patches. The testing set included 10 body phantoms and 80 clinical images of different types of diseases for subjective evaluation. All test images were acquired using a large focal spot, and phantom images were simultaneously acquired using a micro focal spot as ground-truth. Peak-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM) were determined for quantitative analysis. The deblurring results were compared with the original data, and the image quality was subjectively evaluated and graded by two clinicians.

Results

For quantitative analysis of phantom images, the average PSNR/SSIM based on the deep-learning approach (35.34/0.9566) was better than that of large focal spot images (30.64/0.9163). For subjective evaluation of 80 clinical patient images, image quality in all types of cerebrovascular diseases was also improved based on a deep-learning approach ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Deep learning-based focal spot deblur algorithm can efficiently improve DSA image quality for better visualization of blood vessels and lesions in the image.
Cognitive screening considerations for psychosocial clinical trials in HIV, aging, and cognition
Authors: Eaton Andrew D , Chan Carusone Soo , Murzin Kate , Hui Jenny , McCullagh John W , Walmsley Sharon L
Published: December 2022

Cognitive impairment is a common comorbidity among individuals aging with HIV, which can be an extreme source of stress and anxiety for many. Psychosocial interventions have the potential to alleviate symptoms associated with cognitive impairment and help improve the quality of life of people with HIV as they continue to age; these interventions are in the infancy of development and require further testing via clinical trials. The slow development of interventions may be partially attributed to a common trend of requiring a formal HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder diagnosis to qualify for psychosocial clinical trials. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder is diagnosed through intensive, time-consuming tests, and still many cases of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder remain undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or misclassified due to the limitations of the assessment process. This commentary suggests an alternate method of screening for cognitive impairments through the use of a brief, low-barrier assessment, alongside validity considerations. Such alternate screening may improve enrollment and completion rates in psychosocial clinical trials for people aging with HIV and cognitive impairment, by removing the burden of extensive testing that is commonly associated with an HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder diagnosis from clinical trial eligibility, while still providing valuable insight into individuals’ cognitive functioning.
Humans can monitor trial-based but not global timing errors: Evidence for relative judgements in temporal error monitoring
Authors: Öztel Tutku , Balcı Fuat
Published: December 2022

Humans can monitor the magnitude and direction of their temporal errors in individual trials. Based on the predictions of our model of temporal error monitoring that rely on a relative comparison of internal clock readings, we predict that participants would monitor their timing errors in individual trials, but not the direction of their global timing errors without external feedback. One study has indeed found that accurate self-monitoring of average timing biases required external feedback with directional information. The current study investigates how different sources of feedback (i.e., internal or external) affect performance in the self-monitoring of average timing bias. Four groups of participants were tested in a temporal reproduction task. Participants in the self-evaluation condition evaluated the direction and size of their time reproduction errors in individual trials. In the accurate feedback condition, participants received explicit trial-based feedback regarding the direction of their error while participants in the partially accurate feedback condition received trial-based feedback according to the accuracy of short-long judgements of another participant in the self-evaluation condition. Participants in the control condition reproduced only the target duration without making any judgements regarding their reproduction performance or receiving any external feedback about it. Results showed that while participants accurately monitor timing errors in individual trials, in none of the experimental conditions were they more accurate than the chance level in terms of evaluating the direction of their average temporal bias. We discuss these results in terms of the temporal error monitoring model introduced by Akdoğan and Balcı. Thus, our findings suggest that external directional feedback does not have any informational value for global temporal bias judgements above and beyond internal self-monitoring.
Novel therapies for proliferative retinopathies
Authors: Martinez-Alejo Juan Manuel , Baiza-Duran Leopoldo Martin , Quintana-Hau Juan de Dios
Published: December 2022

Proliferative retinopathies, such as neovascular age–related macular degeneration and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, are a special health issue due to their contribution to irreversible blindness. Although the promoting conditions and physiopathology of proliferative retinopathies are different, these feature a highly detrimental angiogenesis driven by the overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This article describes the mechanism of action of ocular antiangiogenic therapies currently found in clinical development. Systems classify accordingly as (a) novel anti-VEGF systems, (b) molecules targeting non-VEGF pathways, and (c) gene therapies. Whereas most therapies are designed to neutralize VEGF, there is a significant set of products with diverse complexity and mechanism of action. Anti-VEGF therapies are still the most studied approach to tackle angiogenesis. Therapies targeting non-VEGF pathways, however, are highlighted because they could be an option for patients nonresponsive to anti-VEGF therapies. Finally, gene therapy is a promissory technology platform but still is subject to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
The thematic review of mental health in probation in England and Wales
Authors: Buckley Laura
Published: December 2022

While the relationship between offending and mental health is complex, research findings indicate that those in conflict with the law have higher levels of mental illness and need than the general population. This article considers the findings of a joint thematic inspection of the criminal justice journey for individuals with mental health needs, with a particular focus on the probation stage. Inspectors from across justice and health reviewed cases to establish the extent to which needs were identified and met. Interviews were also undertaken with 67 individuals who had lived experience of mental illness while in the criminal justice system. Findings are considered in relation to the identification of mental health needs; the role of trauma; probation practitioners’ skills, knowledge and support; case management; and access to required services. This inspection led to identified effective practice and key agencies agreeing to a number of actions in response to inspectors’ recommendations.
Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay due to Novel Mutations in the SACS Gene
Authors: Sharma Rohan , Aravindhan Akilandeswari , Puente Clara , Veerapandiyan Aravindhan
Published: December 2022

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix–Saguenay (ARSACS) is characterized by triad of progressive cerebellar ataxia, progressive spasticity, and axonal/demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. Other manifestations include dysarthria, weakness in lower extremities and distal muscle wasting, foot deformities, retinal striation, prolapse of the mitral valve and rarely intellectual disability, hearing loss, and myoclonic epilepsy. We describe a patient who developed peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy in the absence of spasticity on initial presentation. He had nerve root enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lumbar spine, and nerve conduction studies were suggestive of demyelinating polyneuropathy. Patient had mild cerebellar atrophy on MRI and some delay of motor milestones. Over the course of several months, he developed spasticity, and genetic analysis together with clinical presentation was consistent with ARSACS. He was noted to have a pathogenic mutation c.8108G>A (p. Arg2703His) inherited from mother and a variant of uncertain significance c.7216T>C (p. Ser2406Pro) inherited from his father in SACS gene. Atypical cases may present later in life or in absence of one of the classical features at the time of presentation, which may make diagnosis difficult. Our patient had such an atypical presentation of ARSACS. Young patients with neuropathy and concomitant cerebellar atrophy on MRI should raise suspicion for hereditary spastic ataxia syndrome. Follow-up examination can often reveal additional findings to aid the diagnosis.
Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma Presenting With Cardiac Tamponade: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Prakash Swathi , Luis Rayas Jose , Rojas Murguia Adrian , Lingireddy Ajay , Hassan Mariam , Alhariri Sara , Hakim M. Nawar , Dihowm Fatma , Maharaj Satish
Published: December 2022

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) comprise a large group of heterogeneous malignant tumors that form approximately 1% of all adult malignancies. Most sarcomas originate from soft tissue and the rest arise from the bone. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is an aggressive tumor that usually presents as an asymptomatic subcutaneous mass that exhibits rapid growth with unremarkable skin findings. The diagnosis is usually made with histopathology or immunohistochemistry; once the diagnosis is confirmed, evaluation and workup of the primary tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis should be made. Treatment is stage-dependent but generally involves en-bloc resection followed by a review of pathology with a discussion of the benefits of adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy. Here, we discuss a case of a 77-year-old patient who presented with a large mass over the right shoulder and echocardiographic findings of cardiac tamponade.
The Differences Between RSV and no RSV Acute Bronchiolitis in Hospitalized Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Christou Evangelos , Bourousis Evangelos , Pouliakis Avraam , Douros Konstantinos , Varela Pinelopi , Delis Dimitris , Priftis Kostas N.
Published: December 2022

To identify the differences between the RSV and non-RSV bronchiolitis in hospitalized infants in a Greek tertiary pediatric unit and the possible risk factors related to severe forms of the illness. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional data analysis by reviewing medical records of patients that were hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis from 2012 to 2019. The patients with RSV bronchiolitis were found to require antibiotic treatment, IV fluids, adrenaline, and hypertonic saline inhalations more frequently than the non-RSV patients. They also required prolonged hospitalization, especially those that were admitted to PICU, and received oxygen therapy for longer periods. We searched risk factors for severe forms of the disease according to the need for admission to PICU, the supplemental oxygen and the extended length of hospital stay, concurrently. The patients with RSV bronchiolitis developed more severe illness in comparison with patients with bronchiolitis due to other respiratory viruses.
Computational Analyses of Physiologic Effects After Midvault Repair Techniques in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Avashia Yash J. , Martin Hannah L. , Frank-Ito Dennis O. , Hodges Katrina Z. , Trotta Rose T. , Li Hang , Lowry Carolyn , Woodard Charles R. , Allori Alexander C. , Marcus Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Midvault reconstruction is an essential element of functional rhinoplasty. An improved understanding of airflow patterns after spreader graft (SG) or spreader flap (SF) techniques can inform surgical techniques based on individual anatomy.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to compare the physiologic changes related to nasal function after midvault reconstruction with SF and SG.

Methods:

Soft tissue elevation (STE), SG, and SF were performed in sequence on 5 cadaveric specimens. Computational modeling was used to simulate airflow, heat transfer, and humidity in three-dimensional nasal airway reconstructions of each specimen.

Results:

Median bilateral airflow-rates (L/min) were similar for STE (29.4), SF (27.6), and SG (28.9), and were not statistically significant (STE vs SF: P = 1.0, power = 5%; STE vs SG: P = .31, power = 16%; SF vs SG: P = .42, power = 14%). Both SF and SG had increased unilateral airflow volume (L/min) through the more obstructed nasal passage (median: STE 10.3, SF 12.2, SG 12.7), but these differences were not significant (STE vs SF: P = .19, power = 24%; STE vs SG P = .19, power = 30%). Furthermore, SF and SG had decreased unilateral nasal resistance (Pa s/mL) on the more obstructed side (median: STE 0.085, SF 0.072, SG 0.062) (STE vs SF: P = .13, power = 23%; STE vs SG P = .13, power = 24%). For all 3 models, heat flux distribution was greater in the anterior portion of the nasal passage than the posterior portions.

Conclusions:

Differences in nasal airflow and resistance after SF and SG were not statistically significant, but both procedures resulted in higher airflow rates and decreased nasal resistance through the more obstructed nasal passage.
A retrospective study of hip posterior fracture-dislocation: closed reduction at the emergency department or in the operation theater?
Authors: Lai Po-Ju , Lai Chih-Yang , Tseng I-Chuan , Su Chun-Yi , Hsu Yung-Heng , Chou Ying-Chao , Yu Yi-Hsun
Published: December 2022

Background

For hip posterior fracture-dislocation, the current consensus is to perform joint reduction within 6 h to prevent sequelae. However, whether a closed reduction (CR) should be performed at the emergency department (ED) or in the operation theater (OT) remains debatable. We aimed to assess the incidence and factors predictive of CR failure at the ED in patients with hip posterior fracture-dislocation.

Methods

Patients with hip posterior fracture-dislocation between 2009 and 2019 were included. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), injury severity score, new injury severity score, time from injury to first reduction attempt (TIR), presence of associated femoral head fracture, posterior wall marginal impaction, and posterior wall fragment size were compared between patients with CR success and patients with CR failure at the ED.

Results

Fifty-five patients with hip posterior fracture-dislocation experienced CR attempts at the ED and were enrolled in the study. Thirty-eight (69.1%) hips were reduced successfully at the ED, and 17 (30.9%) experienced failure. No significant differences in age, sex, BMI, presence of femoral head fracture, marginal impaction, or size of the posterior wall fragment were found between the groups. TIR was significantly shorter in the successful CR group (2.24 vs. 4.11 h, p = 0.01). According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, 3.5 h was the cut-off time.

Conclusions

For patients with hip posterior fracture-dislocation, TIR was a critical factor for successful CR. If the time interval exceeds 3.5 h from injury, the success rate of bedside CR at the ER is likely to decrease, and the OT should be prepared in case of failed bedside CR.

Level of Evidence III.
The value of cardiac CT in the diagnosis of unroofed coronary sinus syndrome
Authors: Ma Junqing , Zheng Yongze , Xu Sunan , Teng Hewei , Lv Lei , Li Yanpei , Liang Yongfeng , Zhang Yang
Published: December 2022

Background

Unroofed coronary sinus syndrome (UCSS) is a rare cardiovascular malformation with nonspecific clinical manifestations that easily causes misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. The aim of this study is to present the different features of UCSS by various CCT (cardiac CT) postprocessing techniques and evaluate the diagnostic advantages of CCT.

Methods

9 UCSS patients who were diagnosed by imaging and undergone both CCT and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were included in this study, and their CCT images were reviewed. The UCSS images were classified by multiplanar reformations, maximum intensity projection, volume rendering and cinematic rendering. The size of CS roof defect was also measured.

Results

Only 4 of 9 CCT confirmed UCSS patients were detected by TTE (4/9, 44.4%), the sensitivity of TTE was lower compared to CCT by Fisher’s exact test (P < 0.05). UCSS was classified according to the Kirklin and Barratt Boyes’s method, including 1 case was classified as type I, 4 cases as type II, 1 case as type III, 2 cases as type IV, 1 case as type V (variant type), and TTE was undiagnosed in all type III-V patients. Additionally, CCT showed 12 extra malformations in these patients, only 5 of them were found by TTE (5/12, 41.7%), and TTE missed all extracardiac malformations. The mean size of CS roof defect was 3.04 ± 1.57 cm.

Conclusions

CCT with various postprocessing technologies has excellent value in diagnosing and differentiating subtypes of UCSS, measuring size of coronary sinus defect, describing accompanying cardiovascular abnormalities.
Long-term results of postoperative unsuspected small cell lung cancer on real-world data
Authors: Guo Juntang , Shen Leilei , Ren Zhipeng , Liu Yang , Liang Chaoyang
Published: December 2022

Background

In traditional opinion, solid pulmonary nodule suspected lung cancer should be confirmed by pathology before the operation to exclude small cell lung cancer (SCLC), considering SCLC tends to be aggressive and surgical effect in the management of SCLC remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival result and risk factors of postoperative unsuspected SCLC.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with postoperative unsuspected SCLC who were confirmed by pathology and referred to Chinese PLA General Hospital between 2000 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed (surgery group). Additionally, 120 patients with limited-stage SCLC who underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the same period were enrolled in the chemoradiotherapy group.. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival; the Log-Rank test was used to compare survival rates between different groups; a COX stepwise regression model was used for multivariate analysis.

Results

Among 120 patients in the surgery group, 28 were with central type and other 92 with peripheral type. The median survival (OS) was 44.85 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 46%. The 5-year survival rates for stage I, II, and III were 52.1%, 45.4%, and 27.8%, respectively. The mean disease-free survival time (DFS) was 30.63 ± 4.38 months, and the 5-year DFS rate was 31.5%. In the chemoradiotherapy group, the mean OS was 21.4 ± 4.26 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 28.3%. The 5-year survival rates for clinical stage I, II, and III were 42.5%, 39.8%, and 20.5%, respectively. The mean progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.63 ± 3.6 months. In the surgery group, one-way ANOVA revealed that the gender, symptoms, smoking history, tumor location, and postoperative radiotherapy were not associated with OS (P ≥ 0.05), while age, surgical approach, surgical method, N stage, TNM stage, and vascular tumor thrombus were related to OS (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the N stage was associated with OS (HR = 1.86 P = 0.042).

Conclusion

Surgery and adjuvant therapy were found to have encouraging outcomes in postoperative unsuspected SCLC. Patients with stage I, stage II and part of stage IIIA SCLC could benefit from surgery and the standard lobectomy, and systematic lymph node dissection, is also recommended for these patients.
Resilience mediates parenting style associated school bullying victimization in Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Chen Xue , Lu Jin , Ran Hailiang , Che Yusan , Fang Die , Chen Lin , Peng Junwei , Wang Sifan , Liang Xuemeng , Sun Hao , Xiao Yuanyuan
Published: December 2022

Background

Existing evidence has shown that negative parenting style elevates the risk of school bullying victimization in children and adolescents. Resilience may play as a mediating factor in this association. However, this hypothesis has not been investigated.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 4582 Chinese children and adolescents had been surveyed by self-administered questionnaire. The Chinese version of Egna Minnen av. Barndoms Uppfostra (s-EMBU-C), the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (OBVQ) and the Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents (RSCA) were used to collect relevant information. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the crude and adjusted associations between parenting style, resilience, and bullying victimization. Path analysis was used to estimate the mediation via resilience in the association between parenting style and bullying victimization.

Results

After adjustment for possible covariates, the results of multivariate binary logistic regression model suggested that among all dimensions of parenting style, mother’s and father’s rejection were significantly associated with school bullying victimization. Path analysis revealed a statistically significant mediation of resilience in the association between parental rejection and bullying victimization, and among the five dimensions of resilience, emotion regulation, family support and interpersonal assistance accounted for the highest proportions of mediation.

Conclusions

For children and adolescents who suffered from parental rejection, building up resilience, especially those measures aiming at improving emotion regulation ability and consolidating family and peer support, might be effective in reducing risk of school bullying victimization.
Needle consideration in umbilical two-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for patent processus vaginalis of children: hook-needle or forcep-needle
Authors: Xiao Yuanhong , Zhang Jing
Published: December 2022

Background

Although umbilical two-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for the treatment of processus vaginalis patency of children has been verified to be safe and effective, the improvements of technical skills and instruments have been always on their ways. Recently, forcep-needle has begun to be used. In this study, we compared forcep-needle with hook-needle in this minimal invasive procedure for children suffered from hernia or hydrocele, with the aim to evaluate the instrumental convenience of the two needles.

Methods

From July 2021 to May 2022, we begun to use hook-needle or forcep-needle in umbilical two-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure for children suffered from hernia or hydrocele. The hook-needle group included nineteen children and the forcep-needle group included twenty-four ones. The data of the patients age, sex, side, operation time, postoperative hospital-stay, follow-up time, postoperative complications were evaluated. Common silk thread was used to encircle the internal ring preperitoneally.

Results

There were no statistical differences between the two groups for the following items: age, sex, side, operation time, postoperative hospital-stay and postoperative complications (P > 0.05). The follow-up time of the hook-needle group was longer than that of the forcep-one (P = 0.0020). No open transfer happened for all the patients. One hydrocele boy in the hook-needle group reoccurred 1 month postoperatively due to the peritoneal broken. The single pole retreating of the hook-needle accompanied with chaotic movements, while for that of the forcep-needle, the double-arm retreating movements were more orderly. The outer surface of the forcep-needle was smooth without restrain, as for the hook-needle, an inlaid barb held the danger of brokening the peritoneum.

Conclusion

In our preliminary experience of umbilical two-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure using a hook-needle or a forcep-needle, in view of the instrumental convenience and safety, the double-arm and smooth outer surface designs of the forcep-needle contained more spatial orientation perceptions and safety.
Women's perceptions about mobile health solutions for selection and use of family planning methods in Karachi: a feasibility study
Authors: Abrejo Farina Gul , Iqbal Romaina , Saleem Sarah
Published: December 2022

Background

The qualitative study explored the feasibility and acceptability of potential mHealth intervention for women living in low socio-economic areas to increase the uptake of family planning. The study also examined providers' perceptions' potential benefits of mHealth intervention.

Methods

The qualitative exploratory study recorded the perception of 23 women and conducted seven in-depth interviews with the providers of family planning services. These interviews assessed women's attitudes through; personal experience based on the usage of smartphones and family planning, acceptability for personal benefits, features of mobile applications and the convenient language, and self-efficacy for identifying the potential impact of mHealth intervention to increase women's empowerment for family planning usage.

Results

Three predetermined themes were used to record women’s perceptions. Women's personal experience identified that women in low-socioeconomic areas use mobile phones frequently and also use them for gaining information related to health. Few women have experience using mobile phones to get information about sexual and reproductive health. Women considered; poor counselling and high transport costs to the facilities as significant barriers to getting family planning services. Perceived acceptability discussed the potential features of the mHealth app. Women considered that including short videos instead of written material would help them to understand its usage and complete information about family planning methods, including; dosage, expected side effects, and potential benefits suggested to include in the app. Women perceived that the mHealth intervention would save their transport costs to the facility and fill the information gap about family planning methods.

In comparison, providers considered it would save time in counselling and motivating women at the facility. One of the significant factors discussed was self-efficacy in the form of women's empowerment in deciding on family planning. Women discussed that the mHealth intervention would increase their self-confidence to discuss the method with their husbands.

Conclusion

There is a high potential for mHealth interventions for family planning in Pakistan. The usage of mobile phones can increase women's acceptability and accessibility for family planning uptake in the country.