bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplemental Material: Rheological heterogeneities at the roots of the seismogenic zone
Authors: Volpe Giuseppe , al. et
Published: August 2023

SM1 (Coulomb stress change); SM2 (basement geometries); SM3 (clustering methods); SM4 (cross-correlation analysis); SM5 (clusters); SM6 (experimental apparatus and procedures); SM7 (basement gouges); and SM8 (seismicity cutoff evolution).  
Management of acute non-specific low back pain in the emergency department: do emergency physicians follow the guidelines? Results of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Jermini-Gianinazzi Ilaria , Blum Manuel , Trachsel Maria , Trippolini Maurizio Alen , Tochtermann Nicole , Rimensberger Caroline , Liechti Fabian Dominik , Wertli Maria M
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Clinical guidelines for acute non-specific low back pain (LBP) recommend avoiding imaging studies or invasive treatments and to advise patients to stay active. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of acute non-specific LBP in the emergency departments (ED).

Setting

We invited all department chiefs of Swiss EDs and their physician staff to participate in a web-based survey using two clinical case vignettes of patients with acute non-specific LBP presenting to an ED. In both cases, no neurological deficits or red flags were present. Guideline adherence and low-value care was defined based on current guideline recommendations.

Results

In total, 263 ED physicians completed at least one vignette, while 212 completed both vignettes (43% residents, 32% senior/attending physicians and 24% chief physicians). MRI was considered in 31% in vignette 1 and 65% in vignette 2. For pain management, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol and metamizole were mostly used. A substantial proportion of ED physicians considered treatments with questionable benefit and/or increased risk for adverse events such as oral steroids (vignette 1, 12% and vignette 2, 19%), muscle relaxants (33% and 38%), long-acting strong opioids (25% and 33%) and spinal injections (22% and 43%). Although guidelines recommend staying active, 72% and 67% of ED physicians recommended activity restrictions.

Conclusion

Management of acute non-specific LBP in the ED was not in agreement with current guideline recommendations in a substantial proportion of ED physicians. Overuse of imaging studies, the use of long-acting opioids and muscle relaxants, as well as recommendations for activity and work restrictions were prevalent and may potentially be harmful.
COVID-19 pandemic stress and cancer symptom burden
Authors: Ballesteros Olivia , Mark Sueann , Block Astrid , Mackin Lynda , Paul Steven , Cooper Bruce , Abbott Maura , Chang Susan , Hammer Marilyn J , Levine Jon , Pozzar Rachel , Snowberg Karin , Tsai Katy , Van Blarigan Erin , Van Loon Katherine , Miaskowski Christine A
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In a sample of patients with cancer (n=1145) who were assessed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct stress profiles and to evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics and symptom severity scores among these subgroups.

Methods

Patients completed measures of cancer-specific and COVID-19 stress, global stress, social isolation, loneliness, depression, state and trait anxiety, morning and evening fatigue, morning and evening energy, sleep disturbance, cognitive function, and pain. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct stress profiles. Differences among the subgroups in study measures were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric tests.

Results

Using clinically meaningful cut-off scores for the stress measures, four distinct stress profiles were identified (ie, none class (51.3%); low stress and moderate loneliness class (24.4%), high stress and moderate loneliness class (14.0%), and very high stress and moderately high loneliness class (high, 10.3%)). Risk factors associated with membership in the high class included: younger age, lower annual household income, lower functional status and higher comorbidity burden. The two worst stress profiles reported clinically meaningful levels of all of the common symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments.

Conclusion

Findings from this study, obtained prior to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and anti-viral medications, provide important ‘benchmark data’ to evaluate for changes in stress and symptom burden in patients with cancer in the postvaccine era and in patients with long COVID-19.
What Amphibians Can Teach Us About the Evolution of Parental Care
Authors: Ringler Eva , Rojas Bibiana , Stynoski Jennifer L. , Schulte Lisa M.
Published: August 2023

Parenting is considered a key evolutionary innovation that contributed to the diversification and expansion of vertebrates. However, we know little about how such diversity evolved. Amphibians are an ideal group in which to identify the ecological factors that have facilitated or constrained the evolution of different forms of parental care. Among, but also within, the three amphibian orders—Anura, Caudata, and Gymnophiona—there is a high level of variation in habitat use, fertilization mode, mating systems, and parental sex roles. Recent work using broad phylogenetic, experimental, and physiological approaches has helped to uncover the factors that have selected for the evolution of care and transitions between different forms of parenting. Here, we highlight the exceptional diversity of amphibian parental care, emphasize the unique opportunities this group offers for addressing key questions about the evolution of parenting, and give insights into promising novel directions of research.
Best practices in assessing cardiac protein O-GlcNAcylation by immunoblot
Authors: Zou Luyun , Zhang Dingguo , Ha Chae-Myeong , Wende Adam R. , Chatham John C.
Published: August 2023

The post-translational modification of proteins by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine ( O-GlcNAc) is recognized as mediating cardiac pathophysiology. However, there is considerable variability in the quality of O-GlcNAc immunoblots used to evaluate changes in cardiac O-GlcNAc levels. Here we show that with relatively minor changes to a commonly used protocol it is possible to minimize the intensity of nonspecific bands while also reproducibly generating O-GlcNAc immunoblots covering a range of molecular weights from <30 to ∼450 kDa.
Synergistic regulation of uterine radial artery adaptation to pregnancy by paracrine and hemodynamic factors
Authors: Allerkamp H. H. , Leighton S. , Pole T. , Clark A. R. , James J. L.
Published: August 2023

Placenta-specific paracrine factors β-estradiol, progesterone, and placental growth factor attenuate flow-mediated constriction of the rate-limiting uterine radial arteries, enabling higher flow rates in pregnancy. These paracrine factors induce their actions in part via nitric oxide mediated mechanisms. A synergistic combination of paracrine factors and shear stress is likely necessary to produce sufficient levels of nitric oxide during early human pregnancy to trigger adequate uterine vascular adaptation.
Effects of maternal hypothyroidism on postnatal cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac disease responses of the progeny
Authors: Li Yijia , Johnson Jaslyn P. , Yang Yijun , Yu Daohai , Kubo Hajime , Berretta Remus M. , Wang Tao , Zhang Xiaoying , Foster Michael , Yu Jun , Tilley Douglas G. , Houser Steven R. , Chen Xiongwen
Published: August 2023

Our study shows that compared with Ctrl (control) progeny, the adult progeny of mothers who have MH (MH progeny) had fewer CMs. This reduction of CM numbers was associated with decreased postnatal CM proliferation. Gene expression studies showed a reduced expression of Bmp10 in MH progeny. Bmp10 has been linked to myocyte proliferation. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that Bmp10 treatment of MH progeny and their myocytes could increase CM proliferation. Differences in CM number and size in adult hearts of MH progeny were linked to more severe cardiac structural and functional remodeling after pressure overload. T4 (synthetic thyroxine) treatment of MH mothers during their pregnancy, prevented the reduction in CM number in their progeny and the adverse response to disease stress.
CETP expression ameliorates endothelial function in female mice through estrogen receptor-α and endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway
Authors: Lazaro Carolina M. , Victorio Jamaira A. , Davel Ana Paula , Oliveira Helena C. F.
Published: August 2023

Here we demonstrated that CETP expression has a sex-specific impact on the endothelium function. Contrary to what was described for males, CETP-expressing females present preserved endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine and improved relaxation response to 17β-estradiol. This was associated with less ROS production, increased eNOS-derived NO, and increased expression of proteins that stabilize estrogen receptor-α (ERα), thus increasing E2-ERα signaling sensitivity. These results highlight the need for considering the sex-specific effects of CETP on cardiovascular risk.
Color‐Coded Light Signals Based Communication for Swarming Behaviors in Mobile Robotic System
Authors: Kaushal Abhishek , Sharma Anuj Kumar , Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Singh Gyanendra Kumar
Published: August 2023

Swarm robotics deals with the design, development, and control of multirobot system. The individual agents of the swarm robotics system are simple, with limited capabilities in order to enhance easy scalability of the system. The current researches in swarm robotics are limited due to the complexity of their control and communication system. This paper presents minimobile robots that uses color‐coded light signals for communication over short distances and can also communicate over WiFi mesh for global information sharing. Color‐coded light‐based communication enables the robots to control the directionality and range of communication signals, thus making the communication highly efficient comparing to other conventional communication techniques. The proposed robot design helps the agents to communicate with each other and thereby a swarming behavior emerges from their interaction.
Tumor-Targeted Nonablative Radiation Promotes Solid Tumor CAR T-cell Therapy Efficacy
Authors: Quach Hue Tu , Skovgard Matthew S. , Villena-Vargas Jonathan , Bellis Rebecca Y. , Chintala Navin K. , Amador-Molina Alfredo , Bai Yang , Banerjee Srijita , Saini Jasmeen , Xiong Yuquan , Vista William-Ray , Byun Alexander J. , De Biasi Andreas , Zeltsman Masha , Mayor Marissa , Morello Aurore , Mittal Vivek , Gomez Daniel R. , Rimner Andreas , Jones David R. , Adusumilli Prasad S.
Published: August 2023

Infiltration of tumor by T cells is a prerequisite for successful immunotherapy of solid tumors. In this study, we investigate the influence of tumor-targeted radiation on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy tumor infiltration, accumulation, and efficacy in clinically relevant models of pleural mesothelioma and non–small cell lung cancers. We use a nonablative dose of tumor-targeted radiation prior to systemic administration of mesothelin-targeted CAR T cells to assess infiltration, proliferation, antitumor efficacy, and functional persistence of CAR T cells at primary and distant sites of tumor. A tumor-targeted, nonablative dose of radiation promotes early and high infiltration, proliferation, and functional persistence of CAR T cells. Tumor-targeted radiation promotes tumor-chemokine expression and chemokine-receptor expression in infiltrating T cells and results in a subpopulation of higher-intensity CAR-expressing T cells with high coexpression of chemokine receptors that further infiltrate distant sites of disease, enhancing CAR T-cell antitumor efficacy. Enhanced CAR T-cell efficacy is evident in models of both high-mesothelin-expressing mesothelioma and mixed-mesothelin-expressing lung cancer—two thoracic cancers for which radiotherapy is part of the standard of care. Our results strongly suggest that the use of tumor-targeted radiation prior to systemic administration of CAR T cells may substantially improve CAR T-cell therapy efficacy for solid tumors. Building on our observations, we describe a translational strategy of “sandwich” cell therapy for solid tumors that combines sequential metastatic site–targeted radiation and CAR T cells—a regional solution to overcome barriers to systemic delivery of CAR T cells.
Acute Kidney Injury after Multiple Cycles of Cisplatin Chemotherapy: A Nomogram for Risk Assessment
Authors: Zhu Xuejing , Li Juanjuan , Tang Yushang , Li XiaoPing , Xu Juntian , Jing Ran , Liu Tongqiang
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by cisplatin is common and has a higher incidence of multiple use, resulting in a poor short- and long-term prognosis for patients. There is currently no good premedication AKI risk assessment tool. The aim of this study was to establish an AKI risk assessment nomogram for patients with multiple cisplatin applications. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of patients who were treated with non-first-time cisplatin chemotherapy regimen at Changzhou Second People’s Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to January 2022. All data from the development group were used to screen the impact factors of AKI via univariate and multivariate analyses. A nomogram was developed based on these impact factors and verified with verification group. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curves, and decision curve analyses (DCAs) were used to evaluate the nomogram. Results: Among the 256 patients enrolled in 450 cycles of chemotherapy, 282 were in the development cohort (97 AKI), and 168 were in the validation cohort (61 AKI). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age, hypertension, diabetes, serum cystatin C (sCysC), urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (uKim1), and a single dose of cisplatin were independently associated with AKI. The results showed that our model yielded satisfied diagnostic performance with an AUC value of 0.887 and 0.906 using the development group and on verification group. The calibration plots and DCA showed the superior clinical applicability of the nomogram. These results were verified in the validation cohort. Conclusion: A nomogram combining functional (sCysC) and tubular (uKim1) injury biomarkers with conventional clinical factors might assess the risk of AKI after multiple cycles of cisplatin chemotherapy.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Early Detection of Retinopathy of Prematurity: Review of the Literature
Authors: Shah Shivani , Slaney Elizabeth , VerHage Erik , Chen Jinghua , Dias Raquel , Abdelmalik Bishoy , Weaver Alex , Neu Josef
Published: August 2023

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding disease in premature neonates that requires a skilled workforce for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Artificial intelligence is a valuable tool that clinicians employ to reduce the screening burden on ophthalmologists and neonatologists and improve the detection of treatment-requiring ROP. Neural networks such as convolutional neural networks and deep learning (DL) systems are used to calculate a vascular severity score (VSS), an important component of various risk models. These DL systems have been validated in various studies, which are reviewed here. Most importantly, we discuss a promising study that validated a DL system that could predict the development of ROP despite a lack of clinical evidence of disease on the first retinal examination. Additionally, there is promise in utilizing these systems through telemedicine in more rural and resource-limited areas. This review highlights the value of these DL systems in early ROP diagnosis.
Homenagem ao Professor Doutor Philippe Willemart
Authors: Almeida Aline Novais de , Dias Wagner Miranda
Published: August 2023

Homenagem a Philippe Willemart pela título de Professor Emérito da Universidade de São Paulo.
“No”: Cortázar lee y hace archivo. Observaciones crítico-genéticas, legibilidades topológicas en el archivo
Authors: Gómez Susana
Published: August 2023

Las anotaciones y las marcas que indican una lectura atenta de Cortázar es un hallazgo frecuente en el Fondo Cortázar. Nos interrogamos sobre la posibilidad de leer en este acervo documental una escritura manuscrita que no ingresa en la génesis de la obra literaria, sino que permite conocer los procesos críticos ejercidos por el propio autor. La negación “No” es frecuente, por lo que se puede rastrear con ella las marcas espaciales, que van conformando un recorrido en el Archivo Digital. Con ello, accedemos a ese sistema de sentidos que va tomando para Cortázar la recepción crítica de su obra.
Morphological ontogeny of Nanhermannia sellnicki (Acari, Oribatida, Nanhermanniidae), and comments on Nanhermannia Berlese
Authors: SENICZAK ANNA , SENICZAK STANISŁAW , HAGEN SNORRE B. , KLÜTSCH CORNELYA F. C.
Published: August 2023

The morphological ontogeny of Nanhermannia sellnicki Forsslund, 1958 is described and illustrated. In all juvenile stages the bothridial seta is minute, and two pairs of exobothridial setae are present (exa reduced to its alveolus, exp short). In the larva, the seta f1 is setiform but in the nymphs it is unobservable among cuticular tubercles. Most prodorsal and gastronotal setae of the larva are short while thouse of nymphs are long; seta in and all gastronotal and adanal setae are inserted in small individual depressions. In all instars the leg segments are oval in cross section and relatively thick, and most setae on tarsi are relatively short, thick or conical. The seta d accompanies solenidion σ on all genua, φ1 on tibia I and φ on other tibiae.
Morphological ontogeny of Zachvatkinibates svanhovdi (Acari, Oribatida, Punctoribatidae)
Authors: SENICZAK STANISŁAW , SENICZAK ANNA , HAGEN SNORRE B. , KLÜTSCH CORNELYA F. C.
Published: August 2023

The morphological ontogeny of Zachvatkinibates svanhovdi A. Seniczak & S. Seniczak, 2023 is described and illustrated. The juveniles of this species are light brown with slightly darker colour on the prodorsum, gastronotal shield, surrounding of gla opening, and legs. The larva has 12 pairs of gastronotal setae, most are of medium size and barbed; the nymphs have 15 pairs, most are short and smooth. In all juveniles, the setae of c-series are inserted on unsclerotized integument. In the larva, the pygidial shield is absent but, in the nymphs, the gastronotal shield is present and the setae p2 and p3 are inserted on unsclerotized integument. In the larva, a humeral organ is absent but is present in the nymphs.
The Development of the Urban-Rural Cleavage in Anglo-American Democracies
Authors: Taylor Zack , Lucas Jack , Armstrong David A. , Bakker Ryan
Published: August 2023

We provide a mixed-methods, comparative analysis of the development of the urban-rural electoral cleavage in Canada, Great Britain, and the United States from the early 20th century to the present. Using aggregate election results, electoral district boundary files, and electoral district population measures, we construct a new comparable dataset of district election results and urbanity for the lower house of the legislature in each country. We use this dataset to measure the importance of the urban-rural divide for election outcomes across countries and time. We find that the cleavage has widened over time in each country, each arrived at its current urban-rural divide via a distinct developmental trajectory, which we interpret with reference to secondary literature. We conclude by discussing the significance of our findings for theories of both the causes and consequences of urban-rural divides and discuss the implications of our work for the comparative study of urban-rural cleavages.
Community Perceptions, Concerns for Privacy, and Support for Law Enforcement Use of Aerial Surveillance in Baltimore
Authors: Nader Elias , Wasileski Gabriela , Poteyeva Margarita
Published: August 2023

In 2020, the Baltimore Police Department implemented the Aerial Investigation Research (AIR) surveillance program, partnering with a third-party vendor that took video surveillance of the city to supporting investigations for four violent offenses: murders, non-fatal shootings, armed robberies, and carjacking. This study examined which factors shape community support for the program. Survey data was collected from Baltimore city residents online and over the phone ( N = 769). Results indicate that fear of crime and perceptions of police legitimacy and bias effect support for the AIR program. Importantly, residents who were more concerned about privacy violations were less likely to support the program and viewed it as less effective. Findings emphasize the need for police to examine public support prior to program implementation.
People-centric Democracy and Accountability of Political Parties in India
Authors: Narayani Aditi
Published: August 2023

The bulwark of most constitutional democracy rests in an informed citizenry, which can effectively partake in the governance of the State by exercising its right to vote. The formulation of this informed group of citizens, in turn, requires transparency in the working of the public bodies and the making of administrative and policy decisions as it can enable them to make informed choices. In India, the focus on transparency in the working of government offices or ‘public authorities’ was given a fresh thrust with the enactment of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Despite containing a wide definition of ‘public authority’ to include several institutions within its ambit, the scope of this Act fails to include all such institutions or entities which have a considerable impact on the governance of the country. This article examines the role of transparency in a constitutional democracy and its relations with accountability. It then analyses the part played by political parties in the constitutional set-up of India to scrutinise the importance of its role in matters which affect the public at large. Using the importance of the role played by the political parties, the article examines the reasons as to why they should be brought under the ambit of the Right to Information Act. Through this analysis, the article highlights the need for adding the test of ‘public function’ in the Act, in order to expand the scope of ‘public authority’.
Parental rejection and control: Potential risks for excessive Internet usage among adolescents
Authors: Tom Annmary , Thomas Bino , Sharma Manoj , Joseph Anoop
Published: August 2023

Background:

Internet addiction is an emergent health hazard among adolescents, especially after COVID19. Parenting factors in a family environment specifically, have potential roles in either causing excessive internet usage, or in protecting teenagers from internet addiction.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to understand factors in parent-adolescent relationship that determine low and excessive internet usage.

Methods:

A total of 102 adolescents within the age group of 13 to 18 years from two different schools in urban Bengaluru, India were recruited. Data was collected using three instruments namely semi structured tool to assess socio-demographic characteristics, Young’s internet addiction test for internet usage and parental bonding instrument for adolescent perception about parenting dimensions.

Results:

Half of the participants were found to have mild to severe levels of internet addiction, and the remaining half had normal levels of internet usage. The results showed that decreased care and increased control from the mother, high autonomy from father and increased rejection from both parents as risk factors associated with adolescent internet excessive use. No other significant associations were found between adolescents’ demographic, academic, peer and school profile and their internet addiction.

Conclusion:

As internet has become an inevitable part of our life, parent-adolescent relationship forms an essential moderating factor in adolescents’ internet usage.
Soda Taxes and Marketing Conduct
Authors: Keller Kristopher O. , Guyt Jonne Y. , Grewal Rajdeep
Published: August 2023

Soda taxes are an increasingly popular policy tool that discourages purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages. This study analyzes how emphasis on marketing conduct elements and their effectiveness might change after soda tax introductions. Prior studies on the effect of soda taxes focus on price increases but neglect other relevant marketing conduct tools (i.e., promotional frequency, promotional discount depth, and feature promotion frequency). This study documents the changes to marketing conduct elements and their effectiveness due to the introduction of soda tax across more than 200 retail stores in five markets. Findings related to price changes are consistent with prior literature; in addition, the study reveals a substantial, hitherto overlooked decrease in promotional frequency (−2%), promotional depth (−12%), and feature promotion frequency (−14%) compared with matched control markets, exacerbating the tax's negative sales effect. Introducing a soda tax also considerably influences the marketing conduct's effectiveness, such that consumers become less sensitive to changes in regular price, feature promotions, and the depth of the promotional discount but respond more to the presence of promotions. Importantly, marketing conduct and effectiveness changes do not align (e.g., while consumers become more sensitive to promotion frequency, managers often reduce them), a relevant insight for policy making.
Is agroecology a solution or an agenda?
Authors: Zaruk David
Published: August 2023

Agroecology is beginning to dominate agricultural policy debates with advocates arguing from within international organisations like the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization and the European Commission that its holistic approach provides the necessary solutions to the challenges facing agriculture today. This paper will analyse agroecology as a concept, a science, a series of farming practices and as a social movement relying on a recent Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy document as a theoretical benchmark. It will ask whether agroecology is a much needed global solution for our food system crisis or a political agenda being imposed on the most vulnerable farming communities. It will conclude with ten points that will argue in favour of the latter.
Association of clozapine treatment and rate of methamphetamine or amphetamine relapses and abstinence among individuals with concurrent schizophrenia spectrum and amphetamine use disorder: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rafizadeh Reza , Frankow Laura , Mahmood Hajer , Poonia Sukhpreet , Mathew Nickie , Danilewitz Marlon , Bousman Chad A , Honer William G , Schütz Christian G
Published: August 2023

Background:

Preliminary evidence suggest clozapine is associated with more favorable impact on concurrent substance use disorder related outcomes in patients with concurrent schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). At the same time, there is a dearth of evidence with regards to clozapine outcomes in the context of concurrent methamphetamine or amphetamine use disorder (MAUD).

Aims:

To examine whether clozapine use decreases rate of methamphetamine or amphetamine (MA) relapses and increases the likelihood of maintaining abstinence from any MA use.

Methods:

A descriptive-analytic retrospective cohort study was conducted on individuals with SSD-MAUD in an inpatient provincial treatment and rehabilitation center for concurrent disorders. Antipsychotic exposure was categorized as “on clozapine” or “on other antipsychotic(s).” Data were collected using electronic health records. Logistic regression was used to examine association of clozapine treatment with likelihood of complete abstinence from MA use for the duration of antipsychotic exposure. Negative binomial regression was used to examine association of clozapine treatment with rate of MA relapses for the duration of antipsychotic exposure.

Results:

The majority of the 87 included patients were male. Ethnicity was diverse, with the largest groups self-identifying as Indigenous and European. Clozapine use was both associated with increased likelihood of maintaining abstinence from MA use (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.05, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.15–8.1, p = 0.025), and decreased rate of MA relapses (aRR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.25–0.82, p = 0.009) for the duration of antipsychotic exposure. Co-prescription of psychostimulants was associated with increased rate of MA relapses (aRR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.16–5.10, p = 0.019).

Conclusion(s):

In this study, clozapine use compared with other antipsychotics in SSD was associated with improved outcomes related to severe concurrent MAUD. Co-prescription of psychostimulant medications was associated with a poor outcome.
Comparative Analysis of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement and Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement
Authors: Selvam M. , Kumar Major Nitesh , Singh Surender
Published: August 2023

Jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) is the widely preferred conventional concrete pavement for highways; however, the higher initial construction cost and extended time for traffic opening limit its applicability. Recent advancements like roller-compacted concrete pavement (RCCP) could address the above concerns of JPCP. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge and comparative studies on the performance assessment, sustainability, and economic analysis of RCCP and JPCP. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the engineering properties (density, compressive and flexural strength, and fluid flow properties), cost analysis (materials and initial construction cost), and sustainability (carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption) of both pavements. The fresh density and mechanical properties of RCCP were 8%–9% and 13%–35% higher than JPCP; thus, 44%–89% and 24%–57% reductions in water absorption and porosity were observed in the considered RCCP mixes against JPCP. The higher strength properties of RCCP significantly reduced the pavement thickness by 10%–25%, thereby lowering the materials and initial construction costs by 52%–78%. Further, sustainability assessment through the cradle-to-gate (from raw material extraction to transportation phase) and gate-to-gate (only concrete production in a ready-mix plant) approaches revealed that employment of RCCP could significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions (9%–30%) and energy consumption (10%–32%) compared with JPCP mixes. The findings show that RCCP can be considered sustainable, economical, and higher-performance pavement than JPCP.
Sinus Arrest Related to Dexmedetomidine Infusion in an Infant; a Case Report and Review of Current Literature
Authors: Dennee Alexandra , Fogarty Thomas P. , Howard Taylor S. , Hunter Ryan Brandon
Published: August 2023

Background: Dexmedetomidine, an alpha 2 agonist, has emerged as a desirable sedative agent in the pediatric intensive care unit due to its minimal effect on respiratory status and reduction in delirium. Bradycardia and hypotension are common side effects, however there are emerging reports of more serious cardiovascular events, including sinus arrest and asystole. These case reports have been attributed to high vagal tone or underlying cardiac conduction dysfunction. Objectives: To describe the development of sinus arrest during sedation with dexmedetomidine in a patient without clinical features of high vagal tone, underlying cardiac conduction dysfunction, or intervening episodes of bradycardia. Case Presentation: An 11 month-old patient requiring sedation during mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure secondary to Adenovirus. To facilitate sedation, a dexmedetomidine infusion was initiated at .5 mcg/kg/hr and increased to maximum 1 mcg/kg/hr. Within 8 hours of initiating therapy, the patient had three episodes of sinus arrest. There was no intervening bradycardia between episodes and no further episodes occurred following discontinuation of dexmedetomidine. The patient did not have any clinical features associated with high vagal tone or underlying cardiac conduction dysfunction. Conclusions: As result of these findings, understanding risk factors for bradycardia, or more serious hemodynamic instability with dexmedetomidine infusions, is important to help identify high risk patients and weigh the associated risks and benefits of its administration.
Credibility Standards: A new social credit mode of regulation?
Authors: von Blomberg Marianne
Published: August 2023

Under the social credit system project, China’s government promotes credibility-based regulation (信用监管), a mode of discretionary decision-making informed by quantified assessments of regulatory subjects’ credibility. Credibility-based regulation is intended to combat China’s law enforcement problem by activating non-state actors to participate in regulatory work through conducting and sharing credibility assessments. However, little is known about its implementation. This article argues that a yet unexplored series of voluntary national standards provides the technical link between central-level rhetoric on credibility-based regulation and its implementation. Specifically, these standards lay down assessment methods and quantitative indicators for assessing credibility, and are drafted for the use of regulatory agencies, platform companies, industry associations and other state and non-state stakeholders. National standards provide a suitable link for implementing credibility-based regulation because, unlike top–down laws and policies, their creation involves a range of non-state affiliated actors, producing negotiated solutions that co-regulators may be more likely to adopt.
Higher education institutions and stakeholder analysis: Theoretical roots, development of themes and future research directions
Authors: Syed Raihan Taqui , Singh Dharmendra , Agrawal Reena , Spicer David
Published: August 2023

Theoretical roots of higher education institutions (HEIs) and Stakeholder Analysis date back to mid-1990s and research was focussed on the role of HEIs in society and sustainable development. While various studies have been published about ‘triple-helix model’ - bringing government, academia, and industry closer, the concept of HEIs and Stakeholder Analysis needs a comprehensive review of the work carried out till date. Bibliometric and content analyses were performed, incorporating citations from Scopus’ database during last 25 years. Thematic mapping was carried out and evolving trends were identified. Findings and analysis of this research disclosed that during the last 25 years there has been a growing interest among scholars towards Stakeholder Analysis and HEIs. It was also noted that majority of research pursuits concentrated in western countries such as USA and UK, while Africa, Asia and South America were under-represented. This work will not only lay a foundation for academics to carry out further research, but it will also give new insights to the policymakers which would enable them to device strategies aiming at enhanced participation of universities/HEIs in the local, regional, and national development.
Lay metrology and metroscoping: Towards the study of lay units
Authors: Michael Mike
Published: August 2023

This exploratory article provides groundwork towards a tentative framework for exploring how lay measures and units – what is here called ‘lay metrology’ – intersect with formal metrology, and its various mediations. This article concerns itself with the role that everyday ‘units’ – grounded in part in the material culture of bodies and experience – play in relation to a metrological landscape, or ‘metroscape’ that is also inhabited by standardised units routinely popularised through various media. After a brief overview of the relevant literature on metrology, examples of lay metrology are provided that examine the relation of everyday units of, for example, length and area, to particular forms of bodily experience, social identity and sensorial capacities. This article draws on elements from science communication and affect theory to develop the notion of ‘metroscoping’ and to articulate a series of orienting questions for engaging with lay metrological processes.
Parental Mental Health and Challenges in Parenting of Pre-schoolers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ganie Aasim Ur Rehman , Krishna Jayanthi P.M.  , Nambiar Priyanka P. , Jangam Kavita V.
Published: August 2023

Background:

This study aimed to understand the parental stress, psychological distress, and parenting practices of parents of pre-schoolers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and Materials:

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with the parents of preschool children aged 3–6 years. Researchers used the Parental Stress Scale, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, and Parent Practice Interview to collect data from parents in the Southern Indian city of Bengaluru.

Results:

A total of 60 responses were obtained from the online survey. Moderate to a high level of parental stress and mild to moderate levels of psychological distress were found among the parents. Around 21 (35%) of parents were found in need of mental health consultation. The study found no group differences in parental stress and psychological distress among various socio-demographic variables. The study found a significant association between parental stress and the parenting practices of participants. Higher mean scores were observed on mothers in setting clear expectations of pre-schoolers.

Conclusion:

Parenting young pre-schoolers is a difficult task. COVID-19 pandemic has made the parenting process challenging for parents. Parents must engage the children at home, and helping them cope with the new environment is a tightrope walk. Such uncertainties are supposed cause distress and lead to poor parenting parents among the parents, especially with pre-schoolers who are more demanding. There is a need to address parents’ concerns and train them to deal with the situations effectively.
Burden of Paediatric Kidney Diseases in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Makanda-Charambira PD , Mujuru HA , Ticklay I , Muchemwa L
Published: August 2023

Background:

The pattern of paediatric kidney diseases across different regions is influenced by genetic, racial, and environmental differences.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to review the current spectrum and outcome of childhood kidney diseases at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and highlight the challenges of care.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Methods:

Data on all children below 16 years of age hospitalised for any kidney disease over an 8-month period (1 January-31 August 2022) were retrieved and retrospectively analysed. Kidney diseases were categorised as per standard definitions.

Results:

Kidney disease accounted for 2.2% (n = 50) of all 2264 admissions in the paediatric unit, with males constituting 60% (n = 30). Age ranged from 2 weeks to 13 years (mean 5.5 ± 3.5 years) with 58.0% being under 5 years. The commonest diagnoses in the unit were acute kidney injury (AKI) (n = 16, 32%) nephrotic syndrome (n = 16, 32%), hypertension (n = 12, 24%) and end stage kidney disease (ESKD) (n = 11, 22%) with some children presenting with more than 1 diagnosis. Only 3 out of 11 children with ESKD and 3 out of 8 children with AKI who required dialysis could be offered dialysis due to limited resources. Overall mortality rate was 32% (16/50): 5 children with AKI, 2 with nephrotic syndrome and normal kidney function, 8 with ESKD and 1 with Fanconi syndrome.

Conclusion:

Childhood kidney disease contributes significantly to hospitalisations at our institution with highest mortality among children with ESKD. The study highlighted the need for provision of essential drugs and kidney replacement therapy for children with kidney disease at our institution.
Gram-negative Late Onset Neonatal Sepsis in a Tertiary Care Center From Central India: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Pataskar Akangksha , Chandel Anuragsingh , Chauhan Varsha , Jain Manish
Published: August 2023

Background:

Neonatal sepsis has been a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity globally. Late onset sepsis is on the rise mostly due to better health care services and improved survival of premature neonates. Gram-negative sepsis has emerged as a major public health problem constituting significant morbidity and mortality. There is limited data on gram-negative late onset sepsis from the central part of India, therefore this study was conducted at a tertiary care center from rural part of India.

Objectives:

To determine the clinical profile and outcome among neonates with gram-negative late onset sepsis.

Design:

It is a retrospective analysis conducted among neonates with gram-negative late onset sepsis at a tertiary care center from central India.

Methods:

All neonates below 28 days of age suspected to have late onset sepsis were enrolled in the study. The data for the period of January 2019 to December 2021 was collected and analyzed using software SPSS version 29. The outcome variables studied were discharge (good outcome) and death (poor outcome).

Results:

In the present study, overall prevalence of gram-negative late onset sepsis was 4.8%. Respiratory distress (52.2%), seizure (18.9%), jaundice (15.6%), and lethargy (15.6%) were common clinical symptoms among neonates with sepsis. The most common organism isolated was Klebsiella spp. (36.7%) followed by Acinetobacter spp. (31.1%) and E. coli (17.8%). Low gestational age (n = 20 vs n = 7, P = .002) and low birth weight (n = 33 vs n = 4, P = .02) were associated with poor outcomes in neonates with gram negative LOS. The overall mortality rate was found to be 30% among neonates with gram negative sepsis.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of gram-negative sepsis was found to be 4.8%. Factors associated with poor outcome in gram-negative sepsis were low birth weight, and prematurity. Klebsiella spp. was found to be a common cause of gram-negative LOS, therefore, the empiric antibiotic policy must provide coverage against these micro-organisms.
Pediatric and psychiatric models of autism care in Mexico: Differences in diagnostic tools and prescribed interventions
Authors: Zavaleta-Ramírez Patricia , Rosetti Marcos , Albores-Gallo Lilia , López Omar Nafate , González Paula Padierna
Published: August 2023

Low- and middle-income countries face heterogeneity in the way clinicians’ approach Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and treatment. The current study analyzes the diagnostic tools, laboratory tests, pharmacological and psychosocial interventions received by patients during the steps to diagnosis and treatment of two specialized care centers. Researchers interviewed families with a child with ASD receiving services at either a child psychiatric or a pediatric hospital. Of the total sample, 47% reported clinicians not using a diagnostic tool, 20% reported not receiving any psychosocial intervention, and 88% reported receiving a pharmacological prescription. Patients at the pediatric hospital were more likely to receive interventions with some components of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Early Start Denver Model, Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children, and Sensory integration therapy; while patients at the psychiatric hospital were more likely to undergo learning, daily living skills, and socialization therapies. Patients at the psychiatric hospital received significantly more requests to obtain auditory and vision tests whilst genetic testing and imaging were more common in the pediatric hospital. The range and variability in terms of diagnostic tools, laboratory tests, and treatment options observed for both sites reflect a lack of consensus. Recommendations to improve ASD diagnostic and treatment in Mexico are given.
Conflictual behaviour in legislatures: Exploring and explaining adversarial remarks in oral questions to prime ministers
Authors: Serban Ruxandra
Published: August 2023

Questioning mechanisms such as Prime Minister’s Questions in the United Kingdom and Question Time in Australia are notoriously adversarial. Much less is known about whether and how questioning facilitates conflict in other legislatures. This question is particularly important given the criticism that excessive adversarialism may hinder the performance of accountability, and hence may be detrimental to the work of legislatures. Building on legislative studies literature, this article presents the first comparative study of conflict in oral parliamentary questions; in so doing, it explores patterns of conflictual remarks in questions addressed to prime ministers in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland. It posits that institutional culture, party discipline, government and opposition status and the authority of the Speaker are key factors in explaining the performance of conflict, and that rules of procedure alone are not enough to curb the manifestation of conflict in legislatures where questioning is a known opportunity for criticism.
Effect of MWCNT on CFRP impregnated with shear thickening fluids under high strain rate impact
Authors: Huang Zhiping , Wei Minghai , Zhu Fang , Gu Wanjin , Chen Junyu
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the high strain rate properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) fabric impregnated with shear thickening fluids (STF). Three GFRP-STF and twelve GFRP-MWCNT/STF composite specimens were conducted using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Spherical silica nanoparticles (20.0 wt%) and polyethylene glycol were used to prepare silicon-based-STF (SiO2/STF). On this basis, MWCNT with 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 wt% were further used to synthesize the MWCNT/STF, respectively. The SHPB test showed that MWCNT/STF has a more significant strain rate effect, with stress increases of 71.1%, 57.5%, and 26.0% under 3800 s−1, 5100 s−1, and 6100 s−1, respectively. The results also showed that MWCNT significantly improved the yield stress and strain energy absorption of SiO2/STF under a high strain rate. The maximum yield stress increase was 71.1%, and the maximum increase in strain energy absorption was 229.1%. The results of CFRP-MWCNT/STF revealed that MWCNT/STF treatment enhanced the high strain rate impact properties of CFRP-SiO2/STF. The improved effect is up to 27.9%, 133.6%, and 165.7% in yield stress, impact toughness, and energy absorption efficiency, respectively. The mass fraction of MWCNT significantly affects the impact properties of CFRP-MWCNT/STF under high strain rate loading, but this effect decreases with the increase of strain rate. Thus, CFRP-MWCNT/STF is more suitable for application in a high strain rate impact environment than CFRP-SiO2/STF.
Role of intravascular ultrasound in endovascular management of nutcracker syndrome: A case report
Authors: Satchell Emma K , Senapathi Sri H , Ballehaninna Umashankar K
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Here, we describe nutcracker syndrome management using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during endovascular stent placement of the renal vein.

Case Report

A 60-year-old woman with a known Factor V Leiden mutation, long-standing smoking history, and family history of pancreatic cancer presented with 2 years of intermittent left upper quadrant pain (LUQ) and a 15 lb unintentional weight loss. Work-up included abdominal ultrasound (US) and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan. Abdominal US and Chest CT scan were negative while the abdominal CT scan revealed severe compression of the left renal vein by the superior mesenteric artery, consistent with nutcracker syndrome. Renal venogram and endovascular stent placement performed under IVUS guidance. IVUS was used to determine stent size and measure flow and assess patency after stent placement.

Conclusions

Post-renal vein stent placement, the patient had resolution of her symptoms with follow-up duplex renal ultrasound exam demonstrating restored blood flow in the left renal vein with improved patency.