bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Implementation of the Conversation Starter Kit in Long Term Care
Authors: Kaasalainen Sharon , Sussman Tamara , Nicula Maria , Lawrence Jack , Thompson Genevieve , McCleary Lynn , Wickson-Griffiths Abigail , You John J. ,   the SPA-LTC team
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Advance care planning can improve the quality of life for residents in long-term care homes and reduce stress for families. However, care home staff and families often lack knowledge about advance care planning, making it especially difficult for residents with dementia to communicate their care plan wishes. A Conversation Starter Kit may increase advance care planning awareness among staff and families.

Objectives

This study evaluated an advance care planning intervention, the Conversation Starter Kit booklet, for use in long term care homes.

Methods

Data were collected at three long-term care homes in southern Ontario. We collected data from 55 residents who were able to make decisions on their own paired with 11 family members of these residents. We also collected data from 24 family members of residents who were unable to make decisions on their own. This study used a quasi-experimental, one group pre/post design. Quantitative surveys were administered before and after a three-month advance care planning intervention. An additional structured interview was completed at the end of the intervention period, which included both closed and open-ended questions to assess perceptions about the booklet's use or non-use.

Results

Residents reported more engagement in advance care planning after completing the Conversation Starter Kit booklet, particularly related to asking questions to health care providers about health care decisions. Family members reported feeling very certain that they would be able to make decisions on behalf of the resident but felt less certain after completing the booklet, implying the booklet raised their awareness of the types of decisions they might need to make, hopefully prompting them to be more prepared for decisions in the future.

Conclusions

An advance care planning intervention – The Conversation Starter Kit booklet - appears acceptable and easy to use for residents and family members/friends in long-term care and can improve resident engagement in advance care planning. Although using the booklet may decrease efficacy for decision making among family members of long-term care residents, it may highlight the importance of more actionable engagement in advance care planning among residents, their families/friends, and staff.
Practice patterns and real-life outcomes for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia in the United States
Authors: Bewersdorf Jan Philipp , Prozora Stephanie , Podoltsev Nikolai A. , Shallis Rory M. , Huntington Scott F. , Neparidze Natalia , Wang Rong , Zeidan Amer M. , Davidoff Amy J.
Published: November 2021

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is associated with a favorable long-term prognosis if appropriate treatment is initiated promptly. Outcomes in clinical trials and population-based registries vary; potential explanations include a delay in treatment and lower adherence to guideline-recommended therapy in real-world practice. We used the Vizient Clinical Data Base to describe demographic characteristics, baseline clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns in patients newly diagnosed with APL during the study period of April 2017 to March 2020. Baseline white blood cell count was used to assign risk status and assess treatment concordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Logistic regression models examined adjusted associations between patient, hospital, disease characteristics, and adverse outcomes (in-hospital death or discharge to hospice). Among 1464 patients with APL, 205 (14.0%) experienced an adverse outcome. A substantial subset (20.6%) of patients did not receive guideline-concordant regimens. Odds of adverse outcomes increased with failure to receive guideline-concordant treatment (odds ratio [OR], 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-3.75; P = .001), high-risk disease (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.53-4.00; P < .001), and increasing age (≥60 years: OR, 11.13; 95% CI, 4.55-27.22; P < .001). Higher hospital acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient volume was associated with lower odds of adverse outcome (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.20-0.99 [for ≤50 vs >200 AML patients per year]; P = .046). In conclusion, in this large database analysis, 14.0% of patients newly diagnosed with APL died or were discharged to hospice. A substantial proportion of patients did not receive guideline-concordant therapy, potentially contributing to adverse outcomes.
Correlation of MKI67 with prognosis, immune infiltration, and T cell exhaustion in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Shi-yi , Liao Pan , Yan Lu-yu , Zhao Qian-yi , Xie Zhao-yu , Dong Jie , Sun Hong-tao
Published: November 2021

Background

MKI67 plays a vital role in the tumour microenvironment (TME) and congenital immunity. The present work focuses on exploring the prognosis prediction performance of MKI67 and its associations with T cell activity and immune infiltration within numerous cancers, especially hepatocellular liver carcinoma (LIHC).

Methods

Oncomine, GEPIA2, and HPA were adopted to analyse MKI67 levels in different types of cancers. The prognostic prediction performance of MKI67 was evaluated through the TCGA portal, GEPIA2, LOGpc, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter databases. The associations of MKI67 with related gene marker sets and immune infiltration were inspected through TISIDB, GEPIA2, and TIMER. We chose MKI67 to analyse biological processes (BPs) and KEGG pathways related to the coexpressed genes. Furthermore, the gene–miRNA interaction network for MKI67 in liver cancer was also examined based on the miRWalk database.

Results

MKI67 expression decreased in many cancers related to the dismal prognostic outcome of LIHC. We found that MKI67 significantly affected the prognosis of LIHC in terms of histology and grade. Increased MKI67 levels were directly proportional to the increased immune infiltration degrees of numerous immune cells and functional T cells, such as exhausted T cells. In addition, several critical genes related to exhausted T cells, including TIM-3, TIGIT, PD-1, LAG3, and CXCL13, were strongly related to MKI67. Further analyses showed that MKI67 was associated with adaptive immunity, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and chemokine/immune response signal transduction pathways.

Conclusion

MKI67 acts as a prognostic prediction biomarker in several cancers, particularly LIHC. Upregulation of MKI67 elevates the degree of immune infiltration of many immune cell subtypes, including functional T cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, MKI67 shows a close correlation with T cell exhaustion, which plays a vital role in promoting T cell exhaustion within LIHC. Detection of the MKI67 level contributes to prognosis prediction and MKI67 modulation within exhausted T cells, thus providing a new method to optimize the efficacy of anti-LIHC immunotherapy.
Population based cohort study of fetal deaths, and neonatal and perinatal mortality at term within a Somali diaspora
Authors: Contag Stephen , Nardos Rahel , Buhimschi Irina A. , Almanza Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Background

Somali women deliver at greater gestational age with limited information on the associated perinatal mortality. Our objective is to compare perinatal mortality among Somali women with the population rates.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study from all births that occurred in Minnesota between 2011 and 2017. Information was obtained from certificates of birth, and neonatal and fetal death. Data was abstracted from 470,550 non-anomalous births ≥37 and ≤ 42 weeks of gestation. The study population included U.S. born White, U.S. born Black, women born in Somalia or self-identified as Somali, and women who identified as Hispanic regardless of place of birth (377,426). We excluded births < 37 weeks and > 42 weeks, > 1 fetus, age < 18 or > 45 years, or women of other ethnicities. The exposure was documented ethnicity or place of birth, and the outcomes were live birth, fetal death, neonatal death prior to 28 days, and perinatal mortality rates. These were calculated using binomial proportions with 95% confidence intervals and compared using odds ratios adjusted (aOR) for diabetes, hypertension and maternal body mass index.

Results

The aOR [95%CI] for stillbirth rate in the Somali cohort was greater than for U.S. born White (2.05 [1.49–2.83]) and Hispanic women (1.90 [1.30–2.79]), but similar to U.S. born Black women (0.88 [0.57–1.34]). Neonatal death rates were greater than for U.S. born White (1.84 [1.36–2.48], U.S. born Black women (1.47 [1.04–2.06]) and Hispanic women (1.47 [1.05–2.06]). This did not change after analysis was restricted to those with spontaneous onset of labor. When analyzed by week, at 42 weeks Somali aOR for neonatal death was the same as for U.S. born White women, but compared against U.S. born Black and Hispanic women, was significantly lower.

Conclusions

The later mean gestational age at delivery among women of Somali ethnicity is associated with greater overall risk for stillbirth and neonatal death rates at term, except compared against U.S. born Black women with whom stillbirth rates were not different. At 42 weeks, Somali neonatal mortality decreased and was comparable to that of the U.S. born White population and was lower than that of the other minorities.
Influence on attitudes and lifestyle due to lockdown amidst COVID-19 pandemic: a perception-based analysis among Bangladeshi residents
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Ullah Md. Asad , Islam Ummay Soumayia , Hossain Sahadat , Araf Yusha , Das Anindya , Khan Asir Newaz , Islam Nafisa Nawal , Sarkar Bishajit , Shohael Abdullah Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Background

Countrywide lockdown or stay-at-home order has been implemented to slow down the transmission of emergent coronavirus. However, the influence on attitudes and lifestyle due to lockdown amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the influence on attitudes and lifestyle due to lockdown amidst the COVID-19 pandemic among Bangladeshi residents.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey carried out involving 1635 community dwellers across eight divisions in Bangladesh conducted from April 15, 2020 to May 10, 2020. A structured questionnaire incorporating socio-demographic, attitudes towards lockdown and adverse lifestyle amidst lockdown measures was employed to collect data using the Google Forms. Multiple regression analyses were executed to determine the associated factors of positive attitudes towards lockdown and adverse lifestyle.

Results

The mean scores of attitudes towards lockdown were 67.9 (SD = 8.4) out of 85 with an overall correct rate (positive attitudes) of 79.9%; whereas the mean scores of adverse lifestyle amidst lockdown were 16.1 (SD = 4.8) out of 34 with an overall rate of 47.4%. The factors associated with more positive attitudes towards lockdown included being female, divorced, higher educated, and students. Conversely, being male, having no formal education, and rural residence were associated factors of adverse lifestyle amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

The findings reflect how the COVID-19 lockdown has preciously impacted the attitudes, and lifestyle of Bangladeshi citizens, which will contribute to promoting appropriate measures during a subsequent zonal or complete lockdown.
Posterior-only debridement, internal fixation, and interbody fusion using titanium mesh in the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis with spinal epidural abscess: a minimum 5-year follow-up
Authors: Gao Qile , Han Chaofei , Romani Manini Daudi , Guo Chaofeng , Tang Mingxing , Wang Yuxiang , Deng Ang , Liu Shaohua , Zhang Hongqi
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of posterior-only debridement, internal fixation, and interbody fusion using titanium mesh in the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis (TB) with spinal epidural abscess.

Methods

From January 2008 to January 2014, a total of 45 patients (27 male and 18 female) were reviewed. The patients were diagnosed with thoracolumbar TB with spinal epidural abscess. The patients underwent posterior-only debridement, internal fixation, and interbody fusion using titanium mesh. Hence, we assessed the intraoperative and postoperative complications, disease recurrences, kyphosis deformity correction, and neurological improvement following the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). We used SPSS 22.0 for the statistical analyses. An independent Student’s t-test was used for the analysis of preoperative and postoperative continuous variables. The value of P (P < 0.05) was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age of patients was 37.76 ± 10.94 years (17–59 years). The mean follow-up time was 82.76 ± 12.56 months (60–128 months). The mean kyphosis Cobb angle preoperative was 29.36 ± 13.29° (5–55°) and postoperative was 3.58 ± 5.44° (− 6–13°), given the value of P (P < 0.001). According to the neurological score by the ASIA scale, there were 3 cases of grade B, 11 cases of grade C, 16 cases of grade D, and 15 cases of grade E preoperatively. The neurological score improved by 1 ~ 2 grades. All patients achieved pain relief and the VAS score significantly reduced at the last follow-up (P<0.05). While 1 patient had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 had a neurological complication, 1 had delayed surgical wound healing, and 1 had a disease recurrence. No pseudoarthrosis or implant failure occurred in our patients. All patients achieved solid bone graft fusion.

Conclusion

For thoracolumbar TB patients with spinal epidural abscess, posterior-only debridement, internal fixation, and interbody fusion using titanium mesh are safe and effective surgical treatments.
The study of distance changes between lumbar bi-cortical pedicle screws and anterior large vessels in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: Zhao Li , Wan Chenguang , Han Shuhong , Li Baofeng , Zheng Shaoyi
Published: November 2021

Objective

This paper was a anatomical radiographic study of distance between lumbar bi-cortical pedicle screws (BPSs) and anterior large vessels (ALVs) in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis, and to provide clinical basis for evaluating the safety of bi-cortical pedicle screw implantation during lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Methods

Complete Computed tomography (CT) data of 104 patients with grade I lumbar spondylolisthesis (L4 52 and L5 52) and 107 non-spondylolisthesis patients (control group) were collected in this study. The distances between lumbar 4,5(L4,5) and sacrum 1(S1) BPSs and ALVs (abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, left and right common iliac artery, internal and external iliac artery) were respectively measured at different transverse screw angles (TSAs) (L4:5°,10°; L5:10°,15°; S1:0°,5°,10°) and analyzed by SPSS (v25.0). There were three types of distances from the anterior vertebral cortex (AVC) to the ALVs (DAVC-ALV): DAVC-ALV N, DAVC-ALV ≥ 0.50 cm, and DAVC-ALV < 0.50 cm; these different distances represented non-contact, distant and close ALV respectively.

Results

We calculated the incidences of screw tip contacting large vessels at different TSAs and provided the appropriate angle of screw implantation. In non-spondylolisthesis group, in L4, the appropriate left TSA was 5°, and the incidence of the close ALV was 4.62%. In S1, the appropriate left TSA was 0° and the incidence of the close ALV was 22.4%, while the appropriate right TSA was 10° and the incidence of the close ALV was 17.8%. In L4 spondylolisthesis group, in L4, the appropriate left TSA was 5°, and the incidence of the close ALV was 3.8%. In L5 spondylolisthesis group, in S1, the appropriate left TSA was 0° and the incidence of the close ALV was 19.2%, while the appropriate right TSA was 10° and the incidence of the close ALV was 21.2%. The use of BPS was not appropriate on the right side of L4 or on the either side of L5 both in spondylolisthesis and control group. In patients with lumbar 4 spondylolisthesis, the incidences of screw tip contacting large vessels were less than the control group in both L4 and 5. In patients with lumbar 5 spondylolisthesis, the incidences of screw tip contacting large vessels were less than the control group in L5, while there were no significant difference in S1.

Conclusion

It is very important that considering the anatomical relationship between the AVC and the ALVs while planning BPSs. The use of BPS does not apply to every lumbar vertebra. In patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and non-spondylolisthesis patients, the incidences of screw tip contacting large vessels are different.
Exploring education preferences of Australian women regarding long-term health after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a qualitative perspective
Authors: Roth Heike , Henry Amanda , Roberts Lynne , Hanley Lisa , Homer Caroline S. E.
Published: November 2021

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect 5–10% of pregnant women. Long-term health issues for these women include 2–3 times the risk of heart attacks, stroke and diabetes, starting within 10 years after pregnancy, making long-term health after HDP of major public health importance. Recent studies suggest this knowledge is not being transferred sufficiently to women and how best to transmit this information is not known. This study explored women’s preferred content, format and access to education regarding long-term health after HDP.

Methods

This was a qualitative study and framework analysis was undertaken. Women with a history of HDP who had participated in a survey on long-term health after HDP were invited to participate in this study. During telephone interviews women were asked about preferences and priorities concerning knowledge acquisition around long-term health after HDP.

Results

Thirteen women were interviewed. They indicated that they wanted more detailed information about long-term and modifiable risk factors. Their preference was to receive risk counselling from their healthcare provider (HCP) early after giving birth along with evidence-based, print or web-based information to take home. All women suggested more structured postnatal follow-up, with automated reminders for key appointments. Automated reminders should detail rationale for follow-up, recommended tests and discussion topics to be addressed at the appointment.

Conclusion

Our findings show that most participants wanted information soon after birth with all women wanting information within 12 months post birth, complemented with detailed take-home evidence. Participants indicated preference for structured follow-up via their HCP with automated alerts about the appointment and recommended tests. This evidence can be used to guide the development of education programs for women on health after HDP which may enhance knowledge, preventive health management and more generally improve women’s health trajectories.
Vitamin D deficiency and associated factors in south Korean childbearing women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pang Yanghee , Kim Oksoo , Choi Jung-Ah , Jung Heeja , Kim Jui , Lee Haeok , Lee Hyangkyu
Published: November 2021

Background

Adequate levels of vitamin D are important for women of childbearing age as vitamin D helps maintain the pregnancy and ensures proper maternal and fetal bone metabolism and fetal skeletal development. However, vitamin D deficiency is a health problem prevalent in women of all ages, worldwide. This study aimed to determine the current status of serum vitamin D levels and the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency among South Korean nurses of childbearing age.

Methods

Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) were measured in 1594 registered nurses aged 20 to 45 years who are participants in an ongoing prospective cohort study of the Korean Nurses’ Health Study initiated in 2013. The participants completed surveys about demographic and occupational characteristics and physical and psychological health. We examined associations with vitamin D deficiency through multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

The average blood 25(OH) D concentration of the participants was 12.92 ng/mL (4.0–63.4 ng/mL), while the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was 89% (1419/1594). Multivariable logistic regression showed that significant risk factors for vitamin D deficiency included month of sampling (there was a lower level of vitamin D deficiency in winter than in spring, summer, or fall), age (women in their 20s had a lower vitamin D level than those in their 30s and 40s), and stress symptoms. Vitamin D levels were not associated with body mass index, physical activity, and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

This study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Korean female nurses. Serum levels of vitamin D were associated with age and season. Vitamin D deficiency should be recognized as one of the primary health concerns among young women. More proactive actions, such as vitamin D supplements and food fortification, are needed to improve vitamin D deficiency in high-risk groups.
Effect of tranexamic acid on thrombotic events and seizures in bleeding patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Murao Shuhei , Nakata Hidekazu , Roberts Ian , Yamakawa Kazuma
Published: November 2021

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces surgical bleeding and reduces death from bleeding after trauma and childbirth. However, its effects on thrombotic events and seizures are less clear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the safety of TXA in bleeding patients.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials from inception until June 1, 2020. We included randomized trials comparing intravenous tranexamic acid and placebo or no intervention in bleeding patients. The primary outcomes were thrombotic events, venous thromboembolism, acute coronary syndrome, stroke and seizures. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model and meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate how effects vary by dose. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations (GRADE) approach.

Results

A total of 234 studies with 102,681 patients were included in the meta-analysis. In bleeding patients, there was no evidence that TXA increased the risk of thrombotic events (RR = 1.00 [95% CI 0.93–1.08]), seizures (1.18 [0.91–1.53]), venous thromboembolism (1.04 [0.92–1.17]), acute coronary syndrome (0.88 [0.78–1.00]) or stroke (1.12 [0.98–1.27]). In a dose-by-dose sensitivity analysis, seizures were increased in patients receiving more than 2 g/day of TXA (3.05 [1.01–9.20]). Meta-regression showed an increased risk of seizures with increased dose of TXA (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Tranexamic acid did not appear to increase the risk of thrombotic events in bleeding patients. However, because there may be dose-dependent increase in the risk of seizures, very high doses should be avoided.
Intracycle power and ventilation mode as potential contributors to ventilator-induced lung injury
Authors: Marini John J. , Crooke Philip S. , Tawfik Pierre , Chatburn Robert L. , Dries David J. , Gattinoni Luciano
Published: November 2021

Background

High rates of inflation energy delivery coupled with transpulmonary tidal pressures of sufficient magnitude may augment the risk of damage to vulnerable, stress-focused units within a mechanically heterogeneous lung. Apart from flow amplitude, the clinician-selected flow waveform, a relatively neglected dimension of inflation power, may distribute inflation energy of each inflation cycle non-uniformly among alveoli with different mechanical properties over the domains of time and space. In this initial step in modeling intracycle power distribution, our primary objective was to develop a mathematical model of global intracycle inflation power that uses clinician-measurable inputs to allow comparisons of instantaneous ICP profiles among the flow modes commonly encountered in clinical practice: constant, linearly decelerating, exponentially decelerating (pressure control), and spontaneous (sinusoidal).

Methods

We first tested the predictions of our mathematical model of passive inflation with the actual physical performance of a mechanical ventilator–lung system that simulated ventilation to three types of patients: normal, severe ARDS, and severe airflow obstruction. After verification, model predictions were then generated for 5000 ‘virtual ARDS patients’. Holding constant the tidal volume and inflation time between modes, the validated model then varied the flow profile and quantitated the resulting intensity and timing of potentially damaging ‘elastic’ energy and intracycle power (pressure–flow product) developed in response to random combinations of machine settings and severity levels for ARDS.

Results

Our modeling indicates that while the varied flow patterns ultimately deliver similar total amounts of alveolar energy during each breath, they differ profoundly regarding the potentially damaging pattern with which that energy distributes over time during inflation. Pressure control imposed relatively high maximal intracycle power.

Conclusions

Flow amplitude and waveform may be relatively neglected and modifiable determinants of VILI risk when ventilating ARDS.
The effect of 4-hexylresorinol administration on NAD+ level and SIRT activity in Saos-2 cells
Authors: Lee In-Song , Chang Jun-Ho , Kim Dae-Won , Kim Seong-Gon , Kim Tae-Woo
Published: November 2021

Background

4-hexylresorcinol (4HR) has been shown to have anti-oxidant activity similar to that of resveratrol. As resveratrol increases sirtuin (SIRT) activity, 4HR might behave similarly to resveratrol.

Method

In this study, the expression levels of SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6 were evaluated after 4HR administration (1–100 μM). As NAD+ is a substrate for SIRTs, its levels with SIRT activity were also studied.

Results

In the results, SIRT3 (100 μM at 24 h) and SIRT6 (1–100 μM at 24 h and 10 μM at 8 h) were shown to have significantly higher expression levels compared to untreated control (p < 0.05). Pan-SIRT activity and the NAD+ level was significantly increased compared to that of the untreated control (p < 0.05; 10 and 100 μM at 24 h).

Conclusion

4HR administration increased SIRT activity and the NAD+ level in Saos-2 cells.
The impact of corporate governance measures on firm performance: the influences of managerial overconfidence
Authors: Guluma Tolossa Fufa
Published: November 2021

The paper aims to investigate the impact of corporate governance (CG) measures on firm performance and the role of managerial behavior on the relationship of corporate governance mechanisms and firm performance using a Chinese listed firm. This study used CG mechanisms measures internal and external corporate governance, which is represented by independent board, dual board leadership, ownership concentration as measure of internal CG and debt financing and product market competition as an external CG measures. Managerial overconfidence was measured by the corporate earnings forecasts. Firm performance is measured by ROA and TQ. To address the study objective, the researcher used panel data of 11,634 samples of Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2018. To analyze the proposed hypotheses, the study employed system Generalized Method of Moments estimation model. The study findings showed that ownership concentration and product market competition have a positive significant relationship with firm performance measured by ROA and TQ. Dual leadership has negative relationship with TQ, and debt financing also has a negative significant association’s with both measures of firm performance ROA and TQ. Moreover, the empirical results also showed managerial overconfidence negatively influences the relationship of board independence, dual leadership, and ownership concentration with firm performance. However, managerial overconfidence positively moderates the impact of debt financing on firm performance measured by Tobin’s Q and negative influence on debt financing and operational firm performance relationship. These findings have several contributions: first, the study extends the literature on the relationship between CG and a firm’s performance by using the Chinese CG structure. Second, this study provides evidence that how managerial behavioral bias interacts with CG mechanisms to affect firm performance, which has not been studied in previous literature. Therefore, the results of this study contribute to the theoretical perspective by providing an insight into the influencing role of managerial behavior in the relationship between CG practices and firm performance in an emerging markets economy. Hence, the empirical result of the study provides important managerial implications for the practice and is important for policy-makers seeking to improve corporate governance in the emerging market economy.
President's Page: SEG embraces the JEDI way
Authors: Shaughnessy Anna
Published: November 2021

SEG has been a global society for many years. We have members from around the world and offices in Houston, Tulsa, Beijing, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. We have student members as well as seasoned professionals and geophysicists in academia and industry in many different fields of applied geophysics.
Geomechanical analysis of horizontal wells in terms of stability for drilling — A case study from the Peri-Baltic Syneclise
Authors: Kępiński Michał , Basu Pramit , Wiprut David , Koprianiuk Marek
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a shale gas field geomechanics case study in the Peri-Baltic Syneclise (northern Poland). Polish Oil and Gas Company drilled a vertical well, W-1, and stimulated the Silurian target. Next, a horizontal well, W-2H, drilled the Ordovician target and partially collapsed. The remaining interval was stimulated, and microseismic monitoring was performed. A second horizontal well, W-3H, was drilled at the same azimuth as W-2H, but the well collapsed in the upper horizontal section (Silurian). A geomechanical earth model was constructed that matches the drilling experiences and well failure observations found in wells W-1, W-2H, and W-3H. The field was found to be in a strike-slip faulting stress regime, heavily fractured, with weak bedding contributing to the observed drilling problems. An analysis of safe mud weights, optimal casing setting depths, and optimal drilling directions was carried out for a planned well, W-4H. Specific recommendations are made to further enhance the model in any future studies. These recommendations include data acquisition and best practices for the planned well.
Geomechanical aspects of induced microseismicity during CO2injection in Illinois Basin
Authors: Bondarenko Nikita , Williams-Stroud Sherilyn , Freiburg Jared , Makhnenko Roman
Published: November 2021

Carbon sequestration activities are increasing in a global effort to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the climate. Injection of wastewater and oil-field fluids is known to induce seismic activity. This makes it important to understand how that risk relates to CO2injection. Injection of supercritical CO2into the Cambrian Mt. Simon sandstone in Illinois Basin induced microseismicity that was observed below the reservoir, primarily in the Precambrian crystalline basement. Geomechanical and flow properties of rock samples from the involved formations were measured in the laboratory and compared with geophysical log data and petrographic analysis. The controlling factors for induced microseismicity in the basement seem to be the hydraulic connection between the reservoir and basement rock and reactivation of pre-existing faults or fractures in the basement. Additionally, the presence of a laterally continuous low-permeability layer between reservoir and basement may have prevented downward migration of pore pressure and reactivation of critically stressed planes of weakness in the basement. Results of the geomechanical characterization of this intermediate layer indicate that it may act as an effective barrier for fluid penetration into the basement and that induced microseismicity is likely to be controlled by the pre-existing system of faults. This is because the intact material is not expected to fail under the reservoir stress conditions.
Workshop Review: Recent workshop explored seismic processing advances for reservoir characterization
Authors: Ernst Fabian , McCarthy David
Published: November 2021

The first Seismic Processing Advances for Reservoir Characterization Workshop was held 29 to 31 March 2021. Maximizing the value of existing fields has become more important than ever, and proper reservoir characterization is essential to make sound business decisions. While well and production data are valuable sources of information, seismic is the key tool that can help us understand what is happening between wells.
Reviews
Authors: Green William
Published: November 2021

The Gulf of Mexico Sedimentary Basin: Depositional Evolution and Petroleum Applications, by John W. Snedden and William E. Galloway, ISBN 978-1-108-41902-4, 2019, Cambridge University Press, 318 p. 100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for Everything, by Mark Z. Jacobson, ISBN 978-1-108-47980-6, 2020, Cambridge University Press, 442 p.
Anesthesia and World War II: When the Battlefield Becomes a Research Field—A Bibliometric Analysis of the Influence of World War II on the Development of Anesthesiology
Authors: Jakus Lien , Docquier Pierre-Louis , Veyckemans Francis , Reding Raymond
Published: November 2021

At the outbreak of World War II (WWII), anesthesiology was struggling to establish itself as a medical specialty. The battlefield abruptly exposed this young specialty to the formidable challenge of mass casualties, with an urgent need to provide proper fluid resuscitation, airway management, mechanical ventilation, and analgesia to thousands. But while Europe was suffering under the Nazi boot, anesthesia was preparing to rise to the challenge posed by the impending war. While war brings death and destruction, it also opens the way to medical advances. The aim of this study is to measure the evolution of anesthesia owing to WWII. We conducted a retrospective observational bibliometric study involving a quantitative and statistical analysis of publications. The following 7 journals were selected to cover European and North American anesthesia-related publications: Anesthesia & Analgesia, the British Journal of Anaesthesia, Anesthesiology, Schmerz-Narkose-Anaesthesie, Surgery, La Presse Médicale, and The Military Surgeon (later Military Medicine). Attention was focused on journal volumes published between 1920 and 1965. After reviewing the literature, we selected 12 keywords representing important advances in anesthesiology since 1920: “anesthesia,” “balanced anesthesia,” “barbiturates,” “d-tubocurarine,” “endotracheal intubation,” “ether,” “lidocaine,” “morphine,” “spinal anesthesia,” “thiopental,” “transfusion,” and “trichloroethylene.” Titles of original articles from all selected journals editions between 1920 and 1965 were screened for the occurrence of 1 of the 12 keywords. A total of 26,132 original article titles were screened for the occurrence of the keywords. A total of 1815 keywords were found. Whereas Anesthesia & Analgesia had the highest keyword occurrence (493 citations), Schmerz-Narkose-Anaesthesie had the lowest (38 citations). The number of publications of the 12 keywords was significantly higher in the postwar than in the prewar period (65% and 35%, respectively; P < .001). Not surprisingly, the anesthesiology journals have a higher occurrence of keywords than those journals covering other specialties. The overall occurrence of keywords also showed peaks during other major conflicts, namely the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), the Korean War (1950–1953), and the Vietnam War (1955–1975). For the first time, this study demonstrates statistically the impact of WWII on the progress of anesthesiology. It also offers an objective record of the chronology of the major advances in anesthesiology before and after the conflict. While the war arguably helped to enhance anesthesiology as a specialty, in return anesthesiology helped to heal the wounds of war.
Utilization and Outcomes of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Obstetric Patients in the United States, 1999–2014: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Taha Bushra , Guglielminotti Jean , Li Guohua , Landau Ruth
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND:

Utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for adult critically ill patients is increasing, but data in obstetric cohorts are scant. This study analyzed ECMO utilization and maternal outcomes in obstetric patients in the United States.

METHODS:

Data were abstracted from the 1999–2014 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), a 20% US national representative sample. ECMO hospitalizations (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 39.65) in patients ≥15 years of age were categorized into obstetric ECMO and nonobstetric ECMO. Obstetric patients included 4 categories: (1) loss or termination of pregnancy, (2) delivery (term or preterm), (3) postdelivery hospitalization, and (4) pregnancy without an obstetrical outcome. Possible underlying causes for obstetric ECMO were identified by analysis of ICD-9-CM codes in individual records. In-hospital death was abstracted from the NIS, and ECMO complications were identified using ICD-9-CM algorithms. Statistical significance in time-effect was assessed using weighted regression models.

RESULTS:

During the 16-year study period, 20,454 adult ECMO cases were identified, of which 331 occurred in obstetric patients (1.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–1.8). Obstetric ECMO utilization rate was 4.7 per million obstetric discharges (95% CI, 4.2–5.2). The top 3 possible indications were sepsis (22.1%), cardiomyopathy (16.6%), and aspiration pneumonia (9.7%). Obstetric ECMO utilization rate increased significantly during the study period from 1.1 per million obstetric discharges in 1999–2002 (95% CI, 0.6–1.7) to 11.2 in 2011–2014 (95% CI, 9.6–12.9), corresponding to a 144.7% increase per 4-year period (95% CI, 115.3–178.1). Compared with nonobstetric ECMO, obstetric ECMO was associated with decreased in-hospital all-cause mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66–0.93). In-hospital all-cause mortality for obstetric ECMO decreased from 73.7% in 1999–2002 (95% CI, 48.8–90.8) to 31.9% in 2011–2014 (95% CI, 25.2–39.1), corresponding to a 26.1% decrease per 4-year period (95% CI, 10.1–39.3). Compared with nonobstetric ECMO, obstetric ECMO was associated with significantly increased risk of both venous thromboembolism without associated pulmonary embolism (aOR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06–3.15) and of nontraumatic hemoperitoneum (aOR 4.32; 95% CI, 2.41–7.74).

CONCLUSIONS:

During the study period, obstetric ECMO utilization has increased significantly and maternal prognosis improved.
A Study on Evaluation of Slope Stability and Range of Rockfall Hazard of Daljeon-ri Columnar Joint in Pohang, Korea
Authors: Kim Jae Hwan , Kang Mu Hwan , Kong Dal-Yong , Jwa Yong-Joo
Published: November 2021

In this study, we evaluated the slope stability of the Pohang Daljeon-ri columnar joint (Natural Monuments # 415) and calculated the maximum energy, jumping height and moving distance of rockfalls using a simulation. Based on the results, we established the range of rockfall risk. The slopes of the Pohang Daljeon-ri columnar joint have dip directions of 93.79°, 131.99°, 165.54° and 259.84° from left (SW) to right (NE). Furthermore, they have a fan-like shape. The Pohang Daljeon-ri columnar joints are divided into four sections depending on the dip direction. The measurement results of the discontinuous face show that zone 1 is 125, zone 2 is 261, zone 3 is 262, zone 4 is 43. The results of slope stability analyses for each section using a stereographic projection method correspond to the range of planar and toppling failure. Although it is difficult to diagnose the type of failure, risk evaluation of currently falling rocks requires further focus. The maximum movement distance of a rockfall in the simulation was approximately 66 m and the rockfall risk range was the entire area under slope. In addition, it is difficult to forecast where a rock will fall as it rolls in various directions due to topographic factors. Thus, the installation of measures to prevent falling is suggested to secure the stability based on the results of the rockfall simulations and its probabilistic analysis.
Η επίδραση της καρδιοαναπνευστικής αποκατάστασης στη διαστολική καρδιακή ανεπάρκεια
Authors: Χαβελές Ιωάννης
Published: November 2021

Εισαγωγή: Η χρόνια καρδιακή ανεπάρκεια (ΧΚΑ) είναι ένα σύνθετο σύνδρομο που χαρακτηρίζεται από προοδευτική μείωση ικανότητας της αριστερής κοιλίας (ΑΚ) να προωθεί αίμα στην περιφέρεια, χαμηλή ανοχή στην άσκηση και αυξημένη νοσηρότητα και θνησιμότητα. Η διαστολική δυσλειτουργία (ΔΔ) της ΑΚ είναι ένας ακρογωνιαίος λίθος στην παθοφυσιολογία της ΧΚΑ και διαδραματίζει σημαντικό ρόλο στην εξέλιξη των περισσότερων καρδιακών παθήσεων. Επίσης, έχει αποδειχθεί επαρκώς ότι η άσκηση επάγει πολλαπλές ευεργετικές επιδράσεις σε ασθενείς με ΧΚΑ. Ο προσδιορισμός επίδρασης της άσκησης σε παθοφυσιολογικά μονοπάτια της ΧΚΑ, όπως η ΔΔ, είναι αντικείμενο υπό διερεύνηση.Στόχος: Στόχος της παρούσας μελέτης ήταν η αξιολόγηση της επίδρασης ενός προγράμματος καρδιακής αποκατάστασης στη ΔΔ και στο κλάσμα εξώθησης (ΚΕ) της ΑΚ, σε ασθενείς με ΧΚΑ και ΚΕ < 50%. Συγχρόνως, αξιολογήθηκε η συστολική πίεση της δεξιάς κοιλίας (ΣΠΔΚ), o δείκτης του μεγέθους του αριστερού κόλπου (LAVi) και δείκτες από την καρδιοαναπνευστική δοκιμασία κόπωσης (μέγιστη πρόσληψη οξυγόνου και μέγιστο έργο).Μέθοδοι: Τριάντα δύο σταθεροί ασθενείς με ΧΚΑ (ηλικίας: 56 ± 10 ετών, ΚΕ: 32 ± 8%, 88% άνδρες) συμμετείχαν σε ένα πρόγραμμα αποκατάστασης μέσω της άσκησης. Τυχαιοποιήθηκαν σε δύο ομάδες και συγκεκριμένα σε αυτούς που ακολούθησαν ένα αερόβιο πρόγραμμα (n = 17) και αυτούς που ακολούθησαν ένα συνδυασμένο πρόγραμμα αερόβιας και άσκησης ενδυνάμωσης (n = 15) και συγκρίθηκαν τα επιμέρους στοιχεία. Οι ασθενείς υπεβλήθηκαν σε καρδιοαναπνευστική δοκιμασία κόπωσης (ΚΑΔΚ) όπου προσδιορίστηκε η μέγιστη πρόσληψη οξυγόνου (VO2peak) και το μέγιστο έργο (Wpeak) πριν και μετά την αποκατάσταση. Επίσης, ενδελεχής υπερηχογραφική μελέτη καθόρισε τη διαστολική λειτουργία, τη ΣΠΔΚ και το μέγεθος του ΑΚο.Αποτελέσματα: Ολόκληρη η σειρά βελτίωσε τη μέγιστη πρόσληψη οξυγόνου και το μέγιστο έργο (p < 0.05). Ολόκληρη η ομάδα επίσης βελτίωσε τη ΔΔ, όπως αξιολογήθηκε με βαθμούς. Συνολικά, 9 ασθενείς (28,1%) βελτίωσαν το βαθμό, ενώ 23 (71,1%) 9%) παρέμειναν στην ίδια βαθμίδα. Παρατηρήθηκε σημαντική διαφορά μεταξύ αυτών των ομάδων ασθενών, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη το βαθμό κατά την έναρξη (p < 0.05). Επιπλέον, ολόκληρη η σειρά βελτίωσε τη συστολική πίεση της δεξιάς κοιλίας και το ΚΕ της ΑΚ (p < 0.05). Τέλος, δεν υπήρχε στατιστικά σημαντική βελτίωση στο μέγεθος του αριστερού κόλπου (LAVi). Είναι αξιοσημείωτο ότι δεν παρατηρήθηκαν διαφορές μεταξύ των ομάδων στις μεταβλητές που αξιολογήθηκαν (p > 0.05). Συμπεράσματα: Η άσκηση βελτίωσε συνολικά τους δείκτες διαστολικής και συστολικής δυσλειτουργίας. Το πρωτόκολλο άσκησης δεν παρατηρήθηκε να επηρεάζει τα αποτελέσματα τα οποία όμως πρέπει να διερευνηθούν περαιτέρω σε μεγαλύτερα δείγματα.
Intranest mutualisms between the forest fire ant Solenopsis virulens (Fr. Smith) (Hymenoptera; Formicidae) and two families of Hemiptera (Membracidae, Monophlebidae) in Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Pereira Thalles Platiny Lavinscky , Bravo Freddy , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles
Published: November 2021

Hemipterans and ants are frequently recorded in trophobiotic associations, generally mutualism. Nests of the fire-ant Solenopsis virulens (Smith) found at the base of trees in the Atlantic Forest biome, Brazil, were investigated for their commensal fauna. The present study provides new information about the mutualism between the fire-ant with hemipterans Membracidae and Monophlebidae found in their nests, this report is the first mention of this kind of relationships in South America. Such associations are very common between ants and treehoppers but have seldom been reported with the family Monophlebidae.
Adenomatoid Hyperplasia: Case Report of a Rare Lesion in Uncommon Location
Authors: Aminzadeh Atousa , Shirneshan Keivan , Sabour Nooshnaz , Korang Beheshti Mohammadreza
Published: November 2021

Adenomatoid hyperplasia is a rare lesion of the minor salivary glands recognized by localized swelling that mimics a neoplasm. This so called pseudotumor usually occurring in adults 4th to 6th decade of life mostly, in 80 percent, occurs as a unilateral swelling without ulcer on the hard and soft palate. The pathogenesis of this condition is not well known but local trauma might have a role. In this case report three cases of adenomatoid hyperplasia have been reported to bring attention to this lesion as it is clinically similar to many soft tissue lesions of oral mucosa so should be considered while making a clinical diagnosis. Also, Pathologists should investigate a proper sample size under a microscope not to confuse a normal salivary gland adjacent to salivary gland tumours with Adenomatoid hyperplasia.
The Development of Life and Career Skills in 21st Century Test for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Chaiyama Nuanphan , Kaewpila Nimnoul
Published: November 2021

The purposes of this study were to explore factors and indicators of life and career skills and to develop a life and career skills in the 21st century test for undergraduate students. This research employed a mixed-method study adopting an exploratory design: instrument development model to generate research tools. This study was divided into two phases; Phase 1 was to explore factors and indicators of life and career skills in 21st century, by using a qualitative method to analyze relevant documents; Phase 2 was the development of a life and career skills in 21st century test by adopting a quantitative method to collect data from students studying in 12 universities of the north-eastern region of Thailand via the test. In the second phase, the data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) Results revealed that the skills consisted of 6 factors and 35 indicators, and the test comprised 105 items. The quality of the test has been examined by five expertise, the reliability of all test items is acceptable, and all 6 factors demonstrated good construct validity. Factor loadings of six factors were 0.7940 -1.7816. This study can be implemented to measure the life and career skills of undergraduate students in any university to obtain data for establishing a policy and plans for maximizing students’ potential to achieve their careers and a happy living in 21st century after their graduation.
Copper Nanoparticle(CuNP’s)Synthesis: A review of the various ways with Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Tito Israfil Alam , Uddin Sahab , Islam Shafiul , Bhowmik Snahasish
Published: November 2021

Over the last few decades, several studies have been undertaken to determine the benefits and drawbacks of various copper nanoparticle synthesis processes. Copper nanoparticles have garnered considerable attention because of their remarkable optical and electrical properties. CuNPs' optical, electrical and chemical characteristics are substantially depending on their synthesis procedures. Copper is less expensive than precious metals such as gold and silver, and it also possesses strong photocatalytic and antimicrobial competencies.In this review, synthesis of copper nanoparticles by various methods such as physical, chemical and biological is elaborately illustrated and in the meantime it's also explained how different reaction variables like temperature, pressure, reaction time, and reactor properties affect the size, shape, and surface area of produced copper nanoparticles. Moreover, photocatalysis and antibacterial mechanism for copper nanoparticles are also illustrated with proper illustration.