bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A computer model of the effect of venous-arterial-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation venous return of oxygenated blood on right atrial recirculation and tricuspid valve blood oxygen saturation
Authors: Kang Yizhou , Wang Weining , Ma Xinrui , Sun Yufeng , Huang Suqin , Liu Li , Chang Yu , Gao Bin , Li Shu , Zhiming Song , Ding Jinli
Published: September 2022

Objective

Venous-arterial venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-AV ECMO), as a new clinical application of ECMO, showed great clinical application potential in the treatment of patients with combined cardiopulmonary failure. Given the complicated cannulation strategy of V-AV ECMO, its influence on the hemodynamics of the human circulatory system remained unclear.

Methods

In this paper, a fluid–structure interaction was used to study the effect of V-AV ECMO oxygenated blood shunt ratio on right atrial recirculation and tricuspid valve (TV) blood oxygen saturation. In this study, the right atrium, superior vena cava supplying cannulae and inferior vena cava draining cannulae model of a specific patient was constructed. Seven cases with shunt ratio of 12.50%, 18.75%, 25.00%, 31.25%, 37.50%, 43.75% and 50.00% were designed.

Results

The streamline diagram and velocity contour of oxygenated blood, recirculation fraction (RF), correlation of three variables (shunt ratio, RF, and oxygen saturation), and the oxygen saturation of blood at the TV were extracted for the study. Study results showed that, first, as the shunt ratio increased, the RF of the seven cases was 14.64%, 29.87%, 33.85%, 40.12%, 40.40%, 40.02%, and 38.09%. Second, with the increase of the shunt ratio, oxygen saturation of blood at the TV in seven cases was 82.1%, 82.5%, 83.3%, 83.3%, 84.0%, 84.6%, and 85.3%.

Conclusions

In this study, the shunt ratio had a strong correlation with the RF and oxygen saturation of blood at the TV. As the shunt ratio increased, the RF initially increased and then stabilized. However, oxygen saturation of blood at the TV would increase with the increase of the shunt ratio, but the degree of increase was small. This research provided useful information for surgeons and operators using V-AV ECMO.
Expedited brain cooling: Persistent temperature management from first aid to interhospital treatment
Authors: Xu Shuaili , Ji Xunming , Li Ming , Wu Di
Published: September 2022

Selective brain cooling is a promising technique for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke in the area of reperfusion. A recent study described the efficacy of a new method of selective brain cooling via active conductive head cooling. This is a major step forward in the administration of hypothermic treatment during pre-hospital transfer. However, to enhance the benefits of selective therapeutic cooling, a more comprehensive strategy preventing delay in hypothermic induction and increasing the accuracy of selectivity in the brain should be considered to mitigate the side effects related to therapeutic hypothermia.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute pancreatitis following spinal surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Jayasinghe Ravindri , Ranasinghe Sonali , Kuruppu Chandrani , Jayarajah Umesh , Seneviratne Sanjeewa
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study reviewed the current evidence on the clinical characteristics and outcome of acute pancreatitis (AP) following spinal surgery.

Methods

A systematic search was performed to identify English articles published through May 2020 in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Latin American & Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, and Cochrane Library. Data on clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Eleven papers (including six case reports) were included, with 306 patients (incidence, 23.0%) developing AP after spinal surgery (mean age, 14.2 years). Of the studies that specified symptoms (55 patients), abdominal pain (43.6%), nausea and vomiting (32.7%), and abdominal distension (7.27%) were most prevalent. The mean duration from surgery to symptom onset was 6.15 days (range, 1–7). The most common complications of AP were glucose intolerance (25%), peritonitis (2%), pseudocyst formation (2%), and fluid collection (2%) were most prevalent. Prolonged fasting time (13.6%), intraoperative blood loss (9.09%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (9.1%), age >14 years (9.1%), and low BMI (9.1%) were most commonly associated with AP. Two deaths (0.6%) were reported.

Conclusion

AP remains an important complication of spinal surgery because of its morbidity and mortality. Avoiding major risk factors can reduce the incidence of AP following spinal surgery.
Edward Glover, John Bowlby, psychiatry, Bion, and the War Office Selection Boards—towards a context for the emergence of group analysis
Authors: Vickers Christine
Published: September 2022

This paper is a reflection on the context from which group analysis emerged in Britain during the Second World War. Edward Glover’s objections to the work of army psychiatry in a radio broadcast in November 1943, and the difficult collaboration between the War Office and psychiatrists as they sought to develop officer selection and training procedures, influenced developments in psychoanalysis, including the emergence of group analysis. It considers the response of the British Psychoanalytical Society whose members were engaged in army psychiatry work alongside colleagues from the Tavistock Clinic. Bion’s and Rickman’s collaboration and the experiments at Northfield were an outcome. The abrupt ending of the first Northfield experiment, and the development of psychiatry more broadly, prompted serious questioning within the Society about its isolationalist policies. The Society’s move to develop its training role, and to participate in post war health, mental health and welfare services was a result. Not only did it ensure the Society’s survival, but enhanced the emergence of group analysis as a discipline within the psychoanalytic project.
Food waste perceptions and reported behaviours during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Vaško Željko , Ostojić Aleksandar , Ben Hassen Tarek , Berjan Siniša , El Bilali Hamid , Durđić Igor , Marzban Soroush
Published: September 2022

An increasing corpus of data demonstrated the disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food consumption habits, particularly food waste, but the Balkan area is often overlooked. Accordingly, this study investigates the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer knowledge and reported behaviours linked to food waste in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research was based on an online survey with 2425 participants using the Google forms platform from 10 April to 10 May 2020. This period coincided with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Consumers’ behaviours regarding where and how often they buy food, their attitude towards food labels, food provision and particularly the amounts and values of food waste and how they handle it were investigated. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics methods, and the significance of the association between variables was determined using nonparametric and multivariate statistical tests. The study’s findings revealed that (i) Bosnia has a low rate of household food waste and a favourable attitude towards food waste prevention, (ii) the majority of the respondents are familiar with the most common expiry labels, notably ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ and (iii) consumers adjusted their buying and consumption patterns due to the pandemic. The findings of this research are essential for developing evidence-based policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the post-pandemic recovery period since they are unique to that country. Indeed, the crisis’ lessons and insights may be used to help move towards more sustainable consumption habits.
Challenges of selective collection of the household waste: A case study in a Brazilian metropolis
Authors: de Pinna Mendez Gabriel , Mahler Claudio Fernando , Taquette Stella Regina
Published: September 2022

This work sought to analyse the main difficulties in implementing and maintaining the selective waste collection in a Brazilian metropolis with more than one million inhabitants. Therefore, a qualitative method was used through in-depth interviews with 18 professionals working in the area of selective collection. The interviews were recorded and the data submitted to content analysis. The results showed the following difficulties: lack of management by the government, low efficiency and limited coverage; poor separation of waste at source; distortions in the selective collection logistics chain and in the distribution of waste by cooperatives; high informality, precarious work and low pay for waste collectors; the presence of middlemen and corruption in the system; and idle capacity of cooperatives and public organs. It was concluded that to overcome the difficulties in the selective collection and for it to be more effective, there is a need to improve the management of the process by the government with greater transparency and integration between the various actors involved, education of the population, better working conditions and remuneration for waste collectors.
Quantifying odour impacts from aged organic waste to be considered as a priority constraint in route optimization for waste collection trucks
Authors: Haddad Assal , Harb Ali , Abujeish Fahed , Manaseer Naizak , Shalash Osama
Published: September 2022

Route optimization has been used for years to plan the routes for municipal solid waste (MSW) collection trucks to achieve cost reductions. Historically, optimized routes had overlooked a number of aspects and parameters in their design. This study aims to consider MSW odour detection as a performance indicator and a priority constraint in the optimization process by quantifying the impact of objectionable odours from uncollected aged MSW that contains a high percentage of food waste (typically called wet garbage). Odours from 48 aged food waste samples were rated on a scale from 0 to 3 to mark the beginning of the critical time of objectionable odour detection. The critical time was found to take place approximately at the hour 13.6, which was then used, along with the estimated food waste weight in the bin, to define the beginning of a time window that puts the bin on a high priority status for collection over the other, less odoriferous bins. Three optimization scenarios for collection of 100 MSW bins in the city of Madaba, Jordan, were conducted under different constraints: least travelled distance, maximum collected volume and least odour impact. Without the application of the odour consideration, a total travelled distance of 143 km was the shortest travelled distance achieved, with 53 bins emitting odours and leaving 81 m3 of uncollected waste. However, when odour impact was the main routing constraint, a total travelled distance of 161 km was needed and 13 m3 of waste was left uncollected.
Prediction of e-waste generation: Application of modified adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (MANFIS)
Authors: Khoshand Afshin , Karami Ayeh , Rostami Ghodsiyeh , Emaminejad Newsha
Published: September 2022

An accurate estimation of generated electronic waste (e-waste) plays a pivotal role in the development of any appropriate e-waste management plan. The present study aimed to exploit modified adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (MANFIS) for the estimation of generated e-waste. There are different parameters affecting e-waste generation, the most important of which need to be identified to achieve the accurate estimation. The MANFIS used for parameter selection involves evaluating multiple choices between twelve initially specified parameters. The MANFIS models with five inputs have the highest mean R2(train) and R2(test) (0.978 and 0.952, respectively, in training and testing stages). According to the results, the best combination of parameters was related to legal imports of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), smuggling (illegal) imports of EEE, exports of EEE, accumulation of EEE in Tehran, and accumulation of EEE in Iran with RMSE(train) and RMSE(test) of 0.221 and 2.221, respectively. The findings showed that the model with three triangular membership functions had the best performance; R2(train) and RMSE(train) values were 0.981 and 1.371, as well as R2(test) and RMSE(test) values were 0.971 and 1.678, respectively. Finally, the developed model was successfully applied for prediction of monthly e-waste generation in Tehran for thirteen selected electronic items. The obtained consistent results emphasized that appropriate selection of the number of input parameters and their combination, along with identifying optimal structure of MANFIS, provides a proper, simple and accurate prediction of e-waste.
Self-sustaining smouldering combustion for the treatment of industrial oily waste
Authors: Sims Andrew W , Sabadell Gabriel P , Lam Carl W , Segal Daniel C , Bireta Paul , Thomas Dave
Published: September 2022

Significant onsite handling and offsite management costs are incurred by oilfield operators annually to properly manage hydrocarbon waste streams such as tank bottoms or other oily sludge or oil impacted soil generated during oil and gas production processes. The current study reports for the first-time technical results of a field trial on use of a smouldering combustion technology performed in an active oilfield. Two treatment batches with oily sludges, stabilized through blending with soil, resulted in permanent hydrocarbon removal (98–99.9% reduction) to create treated soil that met standards for reuse as clean backfill onsite. Emissions profile data collected pre- and post-thermal oxidizer indicated effective removal of volatile organic compounds, CO and SO2, but had increased NO and CO2 due to combustion of propane to affect the thermal oxidation. Regulatory, financial, environmental and safety considerations are discussed in context of future full-scale smouldering technology deployment. The technology has the potential to lower overall unit costs for management of hydrocarbon impacted waste and reduce waste sent to landfills, which can benefit more remote sites.
Distributed Pair Programming in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Satratzemi Maya , Stelios Xinogalos , Tsompanoudi Despina
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of fifty-seven studies on Distributed Pair Programming (DPP) in higher education, identifying which studies investigated factors on the effectiveness of DPP as a method for learning programming, factors related to mediating and stimulating interactions between students, the measures/instruments used for exploring these factors, as well as the tools and their features. As DPP effectiveness is very promising as regards code quality and academic performance, the findings can contribute to a better understanding of how communication, collaboration and coordination are investigated. It was found that there are very few studies concerning compatibility, pair formation, and role contribution, the majority of which did not use data derived from students’ actions. Only a small number of studies used DPP tools with logging capabilities. Even though several IDEs and Eclipse plugins have been designed for DPP and offer specialized features, there are still studies which use a combination that include video conferencing and remote sharing tools along with various IDEs and auxiliary tools. This SLR can be of interest to educators that aim to apply DPP in educational settings, researchers designing informed empirical studies, as well as designers of DPP tools.
The pandemic and the delivery of palliative care and MAiD: What was the impact?
Authors: MacDonald Susan
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 changed healthcare forever. But behind the headlines and news coverage of the emergency rooms and intensive care units, another quieter battle raged on. Within the field of palliative care, the ill and vulnerable were suffering greater distress and their clinicians were struggling to provide care.
Risk Factors and Imaging Biomarkers Associated With Perioperative Stroke in Pediatric Moyamoya Arteriopathy
Authors: Gardner Yelton Sarah E. , Gatti John , Adil Malik , Guryildirim Melike , Tekes Aylin , Sun Lisa R.
Published: September 2022

Patients with moyamoya arteriopathy are at high risk for developing ischemic stroke in the perioperative period. We sought to evaluate whether preoperative clinical and neuroimaging biomarkers are associated with postoperative stroke and transient ischemic attack in children with moyamoya following revascularization surgery. We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent revascularization surgery for moyamoya in the last 15 years. Fifty-three patients who underwent 69 surgeries met the inclusion criteria. We recorded clinical predictors of stroke or transient ischemic attack within 7 days following surgery. We used Suzuki stage and Composite Cerebrovascular Stenosis Score to analyze neuroimaging. Significant risk factors for developing postoperative stroke or transient ischemic attack were younger age at surgery ( P = .004) and transient ischemic attack less than 1 month prior to surgery ( P < .001). Children under 5 and those with recent preoperative ischemic events should be the focus of investigation to evaluate modifiable risk factors and targeted interventions.
Effect of black sand nanoparticles on physical-mechanical properties of butyl rubber compounds
Authors: El Mogy Soma A , Lawandy Samir N
Published: September 2022

A novel type of silica namely black sand (BS) with silane coupling agent was chosen as reinforcing filler in butyl rubber (IIR). BS was obtained from the beach area of Rosetta in Egypt. The filler was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The XRD analysis showed that BS is composed mainly of Albite (Sodium Aluminium Silicate) up to 64% approximately. Novel nanocomposites were prepared via a two-roll mill by incorporating different concentrations of BS nanoparticles (5,10, 15, 20,30 and 40 phr) in IIR. The effects of filler loading on shape factor, curing characteristics, and mechanical and dynamic properties of IIR vulcanizates were investigated. The modulus of IIR vulcanizates was used to predict the shape factor of BS aggregation in the polymer. The data indicated that cure time decreased with the increase in filler loading, and the change in scorch time is less. It was found that the shape factor is independent of the concentration. With an increase in the filler loading, tensile and elongation of the composites were significantly increased, especially at 30 phr. The bound rubber content increased with increasing BS content up to 30 phr exhibiting the rubber-filler interaction. The reinforcing factor, R (related to the difference in tan δ peak height at the glass transition temperature (Tg) for the filled and unfilled rubbers), also demonstrated that the BS-IIR interaction was stronger than for unfilled rubber. Since 30 phr black sand loaded IIR composite showed superior physical-mechanical properties. In general, the results indicated that the black sand filler was an effective reinforcement material for the butyl rubber.
The Third Sector and Climate Change: A Literature Review and Agenda for Future Research and Action
Authors: Kagan Jennifer A. , Dodge Jennifer
Published: September 2022

This article presents a summary review of the voluntary sector literature on third sector organizations (TSOs) and climate change. As governments around the world fail to respond adequately to the climate crisis, TSOs are called upon to work with governments, advocate for policy change, and support communities. However, the literature on TSOs and climate change remains limited. We reviewed 68 articles about TSOs and climate change and identified four mechanisms for voluntary action on climate change, which vary on two dimensions—focusing on advocacy or implementation and occurring within or outside government—and include policy advocacy, advocacy for behavior change, participation in governance, and direct interventions. We conclude with five key areas for future research: explaining the relationship between advocacy strategies and context, foregrounding the role of TSOs in climate governance, exploring direct interventions by TSOs, examining community-based TSOs, and linking TSO action and climate outcomes.
Synthesis, characterization and post-modification of aromatic (Co)polyesters possessing pendant maleimide groups
Authors: Jadhav Uday A , Nagane Samadhan S , Wadgaonkar Prakash P
Published: September 2022

A new series of (co)polyesters possessing pendent maleimide groups was synthesized by low temperature solution polycondensation of 4, 4’-(5-maleimidopentane-2, 2-diyl) diphenol (BPA-MA) with isophthalic acid chloride (IPC), terephthalic acid chloride (TPC) and a mixture of TPC and IPC (50:50 mol %). Copolyesters were also synthesized by polycondensation of varying compositions of BPA-MA and bisphenol-A (BPA) with IPC. The chemical structures and compositions of (co)polyesters were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Inherent viscosity values and number-average molecular weights of (co)polyesters were in the range 0.50–0.76 dL/g and 17,700-32,100 g/mol, respectively, indicating the formation of reasonably high molecular weight polymers. (Co)polyesters were readily soluble in common organic solvents and could be cast into tough, transparent and flexible films from chloroform solutions. (Co)polyesters exhibited 10% weight loss and glass transition temperatures in the range 464–468 and 142–178°C, respectively. A representative copolyester possessing pendant maleimide groups was chemically modified via metal-free azide-maleimide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition click reaction with two azido compounds, namely, (azidomethyl)benzene (Bz-N3) and 1-(azidomethyl)-pyrene (Py-N3) to yield corresponding modified copolyesters in a quantitative manner.
Stiffness performance analysis of a 3-PRPS kinematically redundant parallel mechanism
Authors: Xue Yuan , Qu Haibo , Li Xiao , Guo Sheng
Published: September 2022

The stiffness performance of a spatial kinematically redundant parallel mechanism (KRPM) with three relative degree-of-freedom (RDOF) is analyzed. Firstly, the composition principle of the KRPM is introduced, the RDOF is analyzed, the kinematics model is established, and the overall Jacobian matrix is established based on the screw theory. Secondly, the workspace of the KRPM is drawn, and the theoretical stiffness model is established considering the internal restraint force and the external load. The stiffness variation in the workspace is drawn, and the effectiveness of the theoretical stiffness model is verified through finite element analysis. Finally, according to the theoretical stiffness model, four task-based stiffness performance evaluation indexes are obtained, and they are optimized based on the NSGA-II multi-objective genetic algorithm. The results show that adding and adjusting redundant actuators in a parallel mechanism can effectively improve the stiffness performance of the mechanism. In the meantime, different stiffness optimization schemes can be proposed for different task paths based on the NSGA-II genetic algorithm.
Role of binder in controlling the noise and vibration performance of brake-pads
Authors: Kalel Navnath , Bhatt Bhaskaranand , Darpe Ashish , Bijwe Jayashree
Published: September 2022

Although extensive research has been carried out for predicting and mitigating brake noise problems over the past decades, it is still challenging to predict its occurrence due to the complex nature of the brake system. Friction-induced vibration between the tribo couple (i.e. brake disk-pads) is one of the key players for increasing the noise and vibration issues in the brake system. The composition of friction materials (FMs) (i.e. pads/shoes) controls both tribological and noise-vibration (NV) performance. Binder (i.e. resin) is the heart of FMs which binds all the ingredients firmly and provides strength. A lot is reported on the types and amount of resin on the tribological performance, but no study addresses the noise and vibration performance adequately. This work investigates the role of binder in controlling the NV performance of the Cu-free brake-pads. Four types of copper-free brake-pads were developed with varying content (viz., 6, 8, 10, and 12 wt.%) of phenolic resin as a theme ingredient keeping the parent composition fixed. The natural frequencies and damping ratios for the developed pads were evaluated through experimental modal analysis of the pads. The detailed NV performance was evaluated on the in-house developed brake NV test rig by partly following the SAE J 2521 test schedule. Additionally, friction performance was also studied for different braking conditions. Results revealed that the compressibility, porosity, and damping ratio decreased, whereas hardness and natural frequency increased with the increase in resin content in the brake-pads. Overall, among all the pads, the brake-pad with 6 wt.% resin content proved best for the NV performance.
Experimental and computational investigations of aerodynamic characteristics of a finite rectangular wing-in-ground effect
Authors: Shirsath Ravindra A , Mukherjee Rinku
Published: September 2022

Wind tunnel experiments are carried out on a 3D wing-in-ground effect at pre- and post-stall angles of attack at a relatively low Reynolds number, Re ≈ 8.8 × 104. The rectangular wing, aspect ratio, AR = 6.4 used in the present work has a symmetric airfoil section, NACA0012 and is studied at different ranges of ground proximity and also compared to a wing of cambered airfoil section, NACA4415 not in ground proximity. Unsteady and time-averaged six-component aerodynamic characteristics, coefficients of Lift, Drag, Side forces, Pitch, Roll, Yaw moments at several angles of attack in the range – 8° < α < 18° are reported. Aerodynamic efficiency and drag polars are studied in lieu of ground proximity at several angles of attack. Effect of ground proximity on the occurrence of stall and [Formula: see text] is studied. Numerical calculations using steady-state CFD are also made for quantitative comparison. The effect of ground proximity on span-wise pressure distribution and induced velocity in the vicinity of the wing is also discussed in detail.
Nonsingular terminal sliding mode control with sliding perturbation observer for a permanent-magnet spherical actuator
Authors: Guo Xiwen , Liao Xianda , Wang Qunjing , Liu Yakun
Published: September 2022

In order to deal with the modeling of uncertainty and external environment disturbance in the trajectory tracking system of 3 degrees of freedom permanent-magnet spherical actuator, a nonsingular terminal sliding mode control method with sliding perturbation observer is proposed in this article. First, a sliding perturbation observer, which can estimate compound disturbance only by feedback position signals, is proposed to reduce the uncertainty caused by angular velocity observation. Then, based on the sliding perturbation observer, a nonsingular terminal sliding mode control method is designed to satisfy the requirements of system nonsingularity, robustness, and control accuracy. The stability of the controller is proved by the Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulation and experimental results show that the proposed control method has excellent anti-disturbance performance, which provides an important reference for the future applications of permanent-magnet spherical actuators in aerospace and other industrial fields.
Bayesian analysis of longitudinal binary responses based on the multivariate probit model: A comparison of five methods
Authors: Lu Kaifeng , Chen Fang
Published: September 2022

Dichotomous response data observed over multiple time points, especially data that exhibit longitudinal structures, are important in many applied fields. The multivariate probit model has been an attractive tool in such situations for its ability to handle correlations among the outcomes, typically by modeling the covariance (correlation) structure of the latent variables. In addition, a multivariate probit model facilitates controlled imputations for nonignorable dropout, a phenomenon commonly observed in clinical trials of experimental drugs or biologic products. While the model is relatively simple to specify, estimation, particularly from a Bayesian perspective that relies on Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling, is not as straightforward. Here we compare five sampling algorithms for the correlation matrix and discuss their merits: a parameter-expanded Metropolis-Hastings algorithm (Zhang et al., 2006), a parameter-expanded Gibbs sampling algorithm (Talhouk et al., 2012), a parameter-expanded Gibbs sampling algorithm with unit constraints on conditional variances (Tang, 2018), a partial autocorrelation parameterization approach (Gaskins et al., 2014), and a semi-partial correlation parameterization approach (Ghosh et al., 2021). We describe each algorithm, use simulation studies to evaluate their performance, and focus on comparison criteria such as computational cost, convergence time, robustness, and ease of implementations. We find that the parameter-expanded Gibbs sampling algorithm by Talhouk et al. (2012) often has the most efficient convergence with relatively low computational complexity, while the partial autocorrelation parameterization approach is more flexible for estimating the correlation matrix of latent variables for typical late phase longitudinal studies.
Changes in patellar baja progress until 3 months after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Kudo Yuki , Maeyama Akira , Ishimatsu Tetsuro , Matsunaga Taiki , Hara Junya , Arima Hisatomi , Yamamoto Takuaki
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate sequential patellar height changes as well as the factors leading to these changes after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO).

Methods

The study cohort constituted 37 knees from 36 patients who underwent MOWHTO for varus knee. The Caton–Deschamps index (CDI) for patellar height was measured preoperatively and at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The factors related to sequential changes in patellar height were evaluated.

Results

Significant differences were observed between preoperative CDI and postoperative CDI at all time points ( p < .05). Two-week postoperative CDI and postoperative CDI at 3,6,12-months was also significantly different ( p < .05). The only significant factor for the change in patellar height between preoperative CDI and postoperative CDI at 2-weeks and 12-months was the change in the Δ medial proximal tibial angle (ΔMPTA) (postoperative MPTA–preoperative MPTA). We could not identify the factor that affected the change in patellar height change from 2-weeks postoperatively.

Conclusion

The change in patellar height continued sequentially until at least 3 months postoperatively. ΔMPTA was associated with the change in patellar height at 2 weeks postoperatively compared with preoperatively; however, no factors associated with the change in patellar height from 2 weeks postoperatively to 3, 6, and 12-months postoperatively were identified.
Taiwan's Medical Social Work Development and the Impact of Social Work Regulation
Authors: Hsieh Wen-Chung , Chuang Tung-Hsien , Wen Hsin-Hsieh
Published: September 2022

Purpose: This study explored medical social work development and the impact of social work regulation in Taiwan. Methods: From the perspective of historical institutionalism, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 9 senior medical social workers, the review of 49 articles on social work professionalization in Taiwan, and the content analysis of 42 historical files. Results: The findings indicate four critical junctures, namely the postwar–1982 period for charitable relief for the poor and American-style social work, the 1983–1996 period for establishment of the Taiwan Medical Social Work Association and promotion of the Social Worker Act, the 1997–2008 period for implementation of the social work certification and license, and the 2009–present period for approval of specialist social worker institutions. Conclusions: The development of medical social work in Taiwan, the characteristics of social work regulation, and the next step in the development of social work professionalization were discussed.
Shared Decision-Making: Process for Design and Implementation of a Decision Aid for Patients With Craniosynostosis
Authors: Said Abdullah M. , Zubovic Ema , Pfeifauf Kristin D. , Skolnick Gary B. , Agboada Jude , Acayo-Laker Penina , Naidoo Sybill D. , Politi Mary C. , Smyth Matthew , Patel Kamlesh B.
Published: September 2022

To describe the process of developing a craniosynostosis decision aid.

We conducted a mixed-methods exploratory study between August 2019 and March 2020 to develop a decision aid about surgical treatment for single suture craniosynostosis.

A single tertiary care academic children’s hospital.

The decision aid development team consisted of surgeons, research fellows, a clinical nurse practitioner, clinical researchers with expertise in decision science, and a university-affiliated design school. Qualitative interviews (N = 5) were performed with families, clinicians (N = 2), and a helmeting orthotist to provide feedback on decision aid content, format, and usability.

After cycles of revisions and iterations, 3 related decision aids were designed and approved by the marketing arm of our institution. Distinct booklets were created to enable focused discussion of treatment options for the 3 major types of single suture craniosynostosis (sagittal, metopic, unicoronal).

Three decision aids representing the 3 most common forms of single suture craniosynostosis were developed. Clinicians found the decision aids could help facilitate discussions about families’ treatment preferences, goals, and concerns.

We developed a customizable decision aid for single suture craniosynostosis treatment options. This tool lays the foundation for shared decision-making by assessing family preferences and providing clear, concise, and credible information regarding surgical treatment. Future research can evaluate this tool’s impact on patient–clinician discussions about families’ goals and preferences for treatment.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Pregnancy Outcomes of Fetuses With Orofacial Cleft: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Two Centres in Hong Kong
Authors: Li Yan Yu , Tse Wing Ting , Kong Choi Wah , Wong Natalie Kwun Long , Leung Tak Yeung , Choy Kwong Wai , To William Wing Kee , Cao Ye
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the local incidence of orofacial cleft (OFC) encountered in fetal morphology scan and prenatal diagnosis, genetic etiology of fetuses with or without other structural abnormalities, and their pregnancy outcomes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Two maternal fetal medicine units, tertiary hospitals, Hong Kong.

Participants

All pregnant women with antenatal diagnosis of fetal OFC between January 2016 and December 2020 (N = 66).

Results

OFC has an incidence of 0.13% among pregnancies in Hong Kong and 28.8% (19/66) were syndromic cleft that exhibited other fetal structural anomalies. There were 55 cases (84.6%) who opted for invasive prenatal diagnostic testing. Genetic defects were identified in 25.8% (17/66) of this cohort, including 14 pathogenic variants. The detection rate in the syndromic cases is 68.4% (13/19) which was significantly higher than 8.5% (4/47) among non-syndromic cases. Aneuploidies would be the most common cause, accounting for 9.1% (6/66). Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) provided an incremental diagnostic yield of 6.1% compared to conventional karyotyping. A total of 29 live births including 3 cases of a variant of uncertain significance and 26 cases without genetic abnormalities detected have continued pregnancy to birth. There were 87.5% (21/24) without detectable pathogenic genetic abnormality reported good long-term outcomes. The chance of OFC fetuses having a good long-term outcome was significantly higher if no genomic variant was detected ( P < .001).

Conclusions

Invasive prenatal tests with CMA should be offered to pregnancies with OFC regardless of the type. It has provided incremental diagnostic yield over conventional karyotyping and helped in prenatal and genetic counseling. A negative result in non-syndromic OFC favors couples to keep the pregnancy.
Welcome to the Jangle: Comparing the Empirical Profiles of the “Dark” Factor and Antagonism
Authors: Rose Leigha , Sleep Chelsea E. , Lynam Donald R. , Miller Joshua D.
Published: September 2022

This study examines the congruency between the recently introduced Dark Factor of Personality (D) and Antagonism (A; low Agreeableness) from the Five-Factor Model of personality. Using two samples ( Ns of 365 and 600), we examined simple zero-order correlations between D and A ( rs of .69 and .64). In addition, we used a range of relevant external criteria (e.g., antisocial behavior, aggression, domains and facets of personality, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [ DSM] personality disorders [PDs], impulsivity, and political skill) to examine the degree of absolute similarity in the relations that D and A bear to these criteria. These similarity coefficients were then compared with the similarities produced by measures of constructs different from D and A but similar among themselves (i.e., psychopathy and narcissism in both samples, plus depression in Sample 1). The degree of similarity between D and A (rICCs = .96 and .93) is consistent with what is observed between other measures of the same construct. We conclude that D and A yield largely identical empirical correlates and thus likely represents an instance of the jangle fallacy. We believe that future efforts would be better spent furthering the literature around the well-established Agreeableness versus Antagonism construct.
Association Between Novel Pro- and Anti- Inflammatory Adipocytokines in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Wei Chen , Liu Yixiang , Xing Enhong , Ding Zhenjiang , Tian Yanan , Zhao Zhuoyan , Fan Wenjun , Sun Lixian
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

Novel pro- and anti-inflammatory adipocytokines affect inflammation, energy metabolism, and insulin signaling. However, their role in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) development is unclear. We evaluated the diagnostic and risk predictive value of such adipocytokines for ACS.

Methods

We enrolled 168 consecutive inpatients with suspected ACS and detected serum PLIN1, PLIN2, PLIN5, CTRP6, CTRP7, CTRP11, WISP1, FAM19A5, TNF-α, and adiponectin levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and Spearman's test were used to assess risk factors for ACS and correlations between serum adipocytokines and continuous variables, respectively.

Results

Serum levels of the adipocytokines differed between ACS and Non-ACS groups ( p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, serum PLIN1, PLIN2, PLIN5, CTRP6, CTRP7, CTRP11, WISP1, and FAM19A5 levels were independently associated with ACS ( p < 0.05). Increasing tertiles of serum PLIN1, PLIN2, CTRP7, CTRP11, and WISP1 levels increased the ACS risk, which decreased gradually with increasing PLIN5 and CTRP6 tertiles ( p for trend <0.05). Serum PLIN1, PLIN5, CTRP6, CTRP7, CTRP11, WISP1, and FAM19A5 levels correlated with ACS severity.

Conclusions

PLIN1, PLIN2, CTRP7, CTRP11, and WISP1 were identified as independent ACS risk factors, whereas PLIN5, CTRP6, and FAM19A5 were independent protective factors for ACS. These serum adipocytokines are novel potential clinical biomarkers of ACS.
A temporal averaging–based approach to toughness homogenisation in heterogeneous material
Authors: Da Fies Gaspare , Peck Daniel , Dutko Martin , Mishuris Gennady
Published: September 2022

A new approach to defining the effective fracture toughness for heterogeneous materials is proposed. This temporal averaging approach is process dependent, incorporating the crack velocity and material toughness. The effectiveness of the new technique is investigated in the context of hydraulic fracture through heterogeneous rock with a periodic material toughness. The plane strain model is considered without fluid leak-off, to more easily investigate different regimes (toughness/viscosity). Numerical simulations are used to examine the effectiveness of the new homogenisation strategy, with comparison against the recently proposed maximum toughness strategy. Simulations are conducted using an extremely effective (in house-built) time–space adaptive solver. The regimes in which each strategy is effective are determined.
Sonication and thermal treatment of pineapple juice: Comparative assessment of the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and microbial inactivation
Authors: Hoque Mominul , Talukdar Suvro , Roy Keya Rani , Hossain Mohammad Afzal , Zzaman Wahidu
Published: September 2022

Sonication is a novel processing method that is perceived as a substitute for heat treatment to ensure the safety of juice while reducing the loss of nutrients during processing. The impacts of sonication and thermal processing on pineapple juice, including physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and microbial inactivation, were studied. Pineapple juice was sonicated at 100 W and 140 W (for 5, 10 and 15 min) and heat-treated at 70 °C, 80 °C and 90 °C (for 1 min). Results indicated minor alterations in physicochemical characteristics after sonication and thermal processing, while sonication treatment showed better retention of the color, clarity, and browning index of pineapple juice. Moreover, sonication significantly increased the bioactive compounds (total carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenolics, and flavonoids) and boosted the antioxidant activity of pineapple juice compared to the heat-processed juice. Although sonication reduced the microbial load significantly with the increasing exposure time, it could not thoroughly inactivate microorganisms like thermal treatment. Therefore, optimal sonication processing conditions are required to be determined. This study will help the food processors utilize sonication treatment in pineapple juice processing plants to inactivate microorganisms thoroughly while also boosting the nutritional value.
Program Value-Added: A Feasible Method for Providing Evidence on the Effectiveness of Multiple Programs Implemented Simultaneously in Schools
Authors: Shand Robert , M. Leach Stephen , M. Hollands Fiona , Chang Florence , Pan Yilin , Yan Bo , Dossett Dena , Nayyer-Qureshi Samreen , Wang Yixin , Head Laura
Published: September 2022

We assessed whether an adaptation of value-added analysis (VAA) can provide evidence on the relative effectiveness of interventions implemented in a large school district. We analyzed two datasets, one documenting interventions received by underperforming students, and one documenting interventions received by students in schools benefiting from discretionary funds to invest in specific programs. Results from the former dataset identified several interventions that appear to be more or less effective than the average intervention. Results from the second dataset were counterintuitive. We conclude that, under specific conditions, program VAA can provide evidence to help guide district decision-makers to identify outlier interventions and inform decisions about scaling up or disinvesting in such interventions, with the caveat that if those conditions are not met, the results could be misleading.
Hyper-reflective vitreous spots in central retinal artery occlusion: An unusual finding in two cases
Authors: Vujosevic Stela , Dellavalle Andrea , Romano Simona , Vitale Lucia , Moretti Giuseppe , Lizzio Rosario Alfio Umberto , Nucci Paolo
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To present two consecutive cases of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) with unusual Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) presentation of Hyperreflective Spots (HRS) in the posterior vitreous.

Case Report

The first patient was a 59 years-old male who developed CRAO in the post-operative period after aortic valve replacement. OCT scans revealed the presence of many HRS in the posterior vitreous, remarkably decreased in number at two months follow-up. The second patient was a 74-year-old male who developed CRAO after arterial chemoembolization for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. OCT scans showed again the presence of hyperreflective spots in the posterior vitreous and their reduction at two months follow-up with inner retinal atrophy as the final outcome in both cases.

Conclusions

HRS in the posterior vitreous have been described in inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis, diabetic macular edema, post cataract surgery, and considered a clinical sign of inflammation. To our knowledge, the combination of CRAO and HRS has not been previously reported. The number of HRS seems to decrease over time, suggesting a role for inflammatory response in the acute stage of CRAO. A similar pathogenic process is known to occur during cerebral ischemia, where the inflammatory response may exacerbate brain injury and post-ischemic damage.
The importance of informal support and a listening ear: A narrative analysis of emotional conflict and support needs of siblings of children with a psychiatric disorder
Authors: Veldhuizen Elien E , Franssen Gaston , Schothorst Patricia F , Scheepers Floortje E
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the self-reported impact of children’s psychiatric disorders on their siblings and assesses what forms of support such children most value. We used a qualitative research design with open interviews to stimulate children between 8 and 15 years old to talk about their experiences living with a brother or sister with a psychiatric disorder. Their stories were analysed within a hermeneutic phenomenological framework in order to identify narrative themes and interpret the meaning of shared experiences. From our analysis, nine shared narrative themes emerge. Overall, siblings report feeling conflicted about adapting their lives to their brother’s or sister’s disorder and signal a need for personalized attention from parents. They also indicate that being involved in the care for their brother or sister helps them to better understand their behaviour. Finally, siblings reveal that, in their experience, formal, protocolized forms of support foreground family problems and stress. Thus, we recommend to involve children in the care process; to acknowledge their personal needs and conflicts; and to be mindful of the style of support: help offered in an informal or playful way, instead of formal and protocolized, could be a more effective way of meeting siblings’ needs.
All-foreign prisons in the United States, England and Wales, and Norway: Related logics and local expressions
Authors: Tuck Robert Hallam , Damsa Dorina , Kullman Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Norway, England and Wales, and the USA are among a small number of affluent Western countries to establish ‘all-foreign’ prisons in response to public concerns about the growing threat of foreign-national prisoners. Drawing on collaborative analysis of empirical data collected at all-foreign prisons in these three countries, this article traces the conditions in which all-foreign prisons emerged, the position and function of all-foreign prisons in specific national systems of criminal justice and immigration control, and the operation of all-foreign prisons within each context. The article points to a shared logic, while drawing attention to the local expressions of bordered penality.