bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relation Between Per Capita Public Expenditure on Health and Income in India at Sub-National Level
Authors: Taylor Frazer , Dessai Sanjay P. Sawant
Published: January 2023

Health is considered as both a source of human welfare and a detriment to overall economic growth. The relationship between public health expenditure and economic growth is an important subject of analysis that has been in debate for years. The major concern is whether income of a nation plays a significant role in the changes happening in government health spending. In order to answer this particular question, the present study investigates the relationships between public health expenditure and income in selected 23 Indian states based on the availability of data. Variables used for the study were per capita public health expenditure, per capita state gross domestic product, per capita state’s own revenue and infant mortality rate for a period of 30 years from 1990 to 2020. For the purpose of analysis, the states were divided into economically less developed and economically developed based on the revenue earned by the selected Indian states. The analysis begins with summary statistics and pair-wise correlation followed by ordinary least squares regression. The findings of the study suggest that there was a significant positive impact of per capita gross state domestic product, fiscal capacity on per capita public health expenditure, and a negative impact of infant mortality rate on per capita public health expenditure in all the 23 Indian states. And the impact of per capita state gross domestic product on per capita public health expenditure is higher in richer Indian states than poorer Indian states.
Does Children’s Education Improve Parental Health and Longevity? Causal Evidence from Great Britain
Authors: Potente Cecilia , Präg Patrick , Monden Christiaan W. S.
Published: January 2023

Parents with better-educated children are healthier and live longer, but whether there is a causal effect of children’s education on their parents’ health and longevity is unclear. First, we demonstrate an association between adults’ offspring education and parental mortality in the 1958 British birth cohort study, which remains substantial—about two additional years of life—even when comparing parents with similar socioeconomic status. Second, we use the 1972 educational reform in England and Wales, which increased the minimum school leaving age from 15 to 16 years, to identify the presence of a causal effect of children’s education on parental health and longevity using census-linked data from the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study. Results reveal that children’s education has no causal effects on a wide range of parental mortality and health outcomes. We interpret these findings discussing the role of universal health care and education for socioeconomic inequality in Great Britain.
Crisis Response and Suicidal Behaviors of Essential Workers and Children of Essential Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sugg Margaret M. , Runkle Jennifer D. , Ryan Sophia C. , Singh Devyani , Green Shannon , Thompson Martie
Published: January 2023

Objective:

The COVID-19 pandemic has put unprecedented stress on essential workers and their children. Limited cross-sectional research has found increases in mental health conditions from workload, reduced income, and isolation among essential workers. Less research has been conducted on children of essential workers. We examined trends in the crisis response of essential workers and their children from April 2020 through August 2021.

Methods:

We investigated the impact during 3 periods of the pandemic on workers and their children using anonymized data from the Crisis Text Line on crisis help-seeking texts for thoughts of suicide or active suicidal ideation (desire, intent, capability, time frame), abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, unspecified), anxiety/stress, grief, depression, isolation, bullying, eating or body image, gender/sexual identity, self-harm, and substance use. We used generalized estimating equations to study the longitudinal change in crisis response across the later stages of the pandemic using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for worker status and crisis outcomes.

Results:

Results demonstrated higher odds of crisis outcomes for thoughts of suicide (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00-1.12) and suicide capability (aOR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.27) among essential workers than among nonessential workers. Children of essential workers had higher odds of substance use than children of nonessential workers (aOR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.08-1.65), particularly for Indigenous American children (aOR = 2.76; 95% CI, 1.35-5.36). Essential workers (aOR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.27) and their children (aOR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.30) had higher odds of grief than nonessential workers and their children.

Conclusion:

Essential workers and their children had elevated crisis outcomes. Immediate and low-cost psychologically supportive interventions are needed to mitigate the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on these populations.
CACFNet: Fabric defect detection via context-aware attention cascaded feedback network
Authors: Liu Zhoufeng , Tian Bo , Li Chunlei , Ding Shumin , Xi Jiangtao
Published: January 2023

Fabric defect detection plays an irreplaceable role in the quality control of the textile manufacturing industry, but it is still a challenging task due to the diversity and complexity of defects and environmental factors. Visual saliency models imitating the human vision system can quickly determine the defect regions from the complex texture background. However, most visual saliency-based methods still suffer from incomplete predictions owing to the variability of fabric defects and low contrast with the background. In this paper, we develop a context-aware attention cascaded feedback network for fabric defect detection to achieve more accurate predictions, in which a parallel context extractor is designed to characterize the multi-scale contextual information. Moreover, a top-down attention cascaded feedback module was devised adaptively to select the important multi-scale complementary information and then transmit it to an adjacent shallower layer to compensate for the inconsistency of information among layers for accurate location. Finally, a multi-level loss function is applied to guide our model for generating more accurate prediction results via optimizing multiple side-output predictions. Experimental results on the two fabric datasets built under six widely used evaluation metrics demonstrate that our proposed framework outperforms state-of-the-art models remarkably.
The Perils of Premature Judgment: Reading Matthew 21.18–22.14 with the Fig Tree
Authors: Copeland Rebecca L.
Published: January 2023

Because fig trees were agriculturally important, residents of Palestine during Jesus’s and Matthew’s times would be much more familiar with figs than are most academic biblical interpreters. This article engages the cultural, economic, and ecological significance of fig trees in first-century Syrio-Palestine in conversation with the cursing of the fig tree in Mt 21.18–22. This engagement reveals parallels between this passage and the parable of the wedding banquet (Mt 22.1–14), rendering all of Mt 21.12–22:14 as one literary unit centered on the theme of judgment and its timing. Specifically, these two pericopae portray those who render swift judgment as both unreasonable and self-defeating. In contrast, the parables of the two sons (Mt 21.28–31) and the wicked tenants (Mt 21.33–41) show that deferring judgment creates room for repentance, making the literary unit a nuanced explanation of the deferral of divine judgment and an invitation to repentance.
Efficient reconstruction scheme with deep neural network for highly compressive sensing of fiber Bragg grating spectrum
Authors: Ee Yen-Jie , Lim Kok-Sing , Tey Kok Soon , Yang Hangting , Ooi Cheong-Weng , Yang Hangzhou , Ahmad Harith
Published: January 2023

In this work, we propose an efficient reconstruction scheme for compressive sensing (CS) of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) spectrum. Taking advantage of the sparse reflection spectrum of the FBG array network, we have demonstrated the use of CS for compressing the spectrum at an excessively high compression factor up to 64. In addition to that, the spectral difference (SD) of the spectra is used to further enhance their sparsity for the CS model. In this investigation, four different configurations have been devised and tested to compare their performance and effectiveness. Configuration IV that is based on SD and deep neural network offers the best recovery performance. The proposed method is a potential tool for efficient data storage and transmission for FBG sensor network.
Syllable position effects in the perception of L2 Portuguese /l/ and /ɾ/ by L1-Mandarin learners
Authors: Zhou Chao , Rato Anabela
Published: January 2023

This study reports syllable position effects on second language (L2) Portuguese speech perception, revealing that L2 segmental learning may be prone to an influence from the suprasegmental level. The results show that first language (L1) Mandarin learners had diminished performance on the discrimination between the target Portuguese liquids (/l/ and /ɾ/) and their position-dependent deviant productions, suggesting that the cause of their perceptual confusability differs across syllable positions. Another syllabic position effect was attested in the acquisition order (/l/onset > /l/coda, /ɾ/coda > /ɾ/onset), demonstrating that an L2 sound is not mastered equally in all positions. Furthermore, we also observed that an increase in L2 experience affected only the perceptual identification accuracy of [l], but not of [ɾ]. This seems to suggest that L2 experience may exert different degrees of impact, depending on the L2 segments. Both theoretical and methodological implications of these results are discussed.
Toward a taxonomy of corporate data protection malpractices and their causal mechanisms: A regulatory view
Authors: Zhao Haiping , Jiang Na , Cai Zhao , Lim Eric T. K. , Tan Chee-Wee
Published: January 2023

Corporate data protection malpractices are not uncommon, especially in contemporary technological environments. Embracing a regulatory view, this study attempts to advance a taxonomy of prevailing corporate data protection practices and their causal mechanisms by analyzing cases where organizations were fined for violating data protection legislation. Selecting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enacted by the European Union (EU) as our benchmark, this study employs an iterative taxonomy development technique as guidance and conducts a thematic analysis on 875 cases of GDPR enforcement. In so doing, we derive a conceptual model comprising 6 focal categories and 28 subcategories of prevailing corporate data protection malpractices existing within organizations as well as 4 main categories and 22 subcategories of causal mechanisms underlying these identified malpractices. Empirical findings from this study not only reinforce corporate data protection malpractices established in prior research but also yield novel malpractices that have been neglected in previous work. From a pragmatic standpoint, this study yields invaluable insights into the prevention and resolution of corporate data protection malpractices for practitioners.
Co-medication with disulfiram markedly increased serum clozapine levels: Two case reports
Authors: Hahl-Häkkinen Lydia , Rask Susanna Maria , Solismaa Anssi , Ruuhonen Sanna , Leinonen Esa
Published: January 2023

Background:

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant co-morbidity in patients with schizophrenia. Clozapine offers some benefits in treating patients with refractory schizophrenia and AUD, but co-medicating with disulfiram is also common.

Procedures:

We report two cases where co-medicating with disulfiram led to a significant increase in clozapine serum levels.

Findings:

Clozapine serum levels decreased to one-third in Patient 1 when disulfiram was discontinued and started to increase again when disulfiram was reintroduced. Patient 2 developed toxic serum levels of clozapine during disulfiram treatment combined with heavy coffee drinking and symptoms reminiscent of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Conclusions:

Clozapine and disulfiram are both metabolized by cytochrome P450 CYP1A2 and clinically relevant interaction through this shared pathway is possible.
Point/counterpoint: Arterial blood pressure response to exercise does relate to exercise-induced improvement in cognitive function
Authors: Washio Takuro , Ogoh Shigehiko
Published: January 2023

Exercise is a beneficial intervention to prevent cognitive dysfunction. However, an optimal exercise prescription for preventing dementia has not been established because the physiological mechanism(s) of exercise-induced improvements in cognitive function remains unclear. Interestingly, our recent study demonstrated that individuals with a higher exercise pressor response exhibit less exercise-induced cognitive improvement, suggesting that individual differences in cardiovascular responses to exercise or its associated physiological factors, may be related to exercise-induced alterations in cognitive function. Therefore, consideration of individual cardiovascular responses is warranted to develop appropriate exercise prescriptions for a given individual to prevent cognitive dysfunction.
Spreading depolarization causes reperfusion failure after cerebral ischemia
Authors: Törteli Anna , Tóth Réka , Berger Sarah , Samardzic Sarah , Bari Ferenc , Menyhárt Ákos , Farkas Eszter
Published: January 2023

Despite successful recanalization, reperfusion failure associated with poor neurological outcomes develops in half of treated stroke patients. We explore here whether spreading depolarization (SD) is a predictor of reperfusion failure. Global forebrain ischemia/reperfusion was induced in male and female C57BL/6 mice (n = 57). SD and cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes were visualized with transcranial intrinsic optical signal and laser speckle contrast imaging. To block SD, MK801 was applied (n = 26). Neurological deficit, circle of Willis (CoW) anatomy and neuronal injury were evaluated 24 hours later. SD emerged after ischemia onset in one or both hemispheres under a perfusion threshold (CBF drop to 21.1 ± 4.6 vs. 33.6 ± 4.4%, SD vs. no SD). The failure of later reperfusion (44.4 ± 12.5%) was invariably linked to previous SD. In contrast, reperfusion was adequate (98.9 ± 7.4%) in hemispheres devoid of SD. Absence of the P1 segment of the posterior cerebral artery in the CoW favored SD occurrence and reperfusion failure. SD occurrence and reperfusion failure were associated with poor neurologic function, and neuronal necrosis 24 hours after ischemia. The inhibition of SD significantly improved reperfusion. SD occurrence during ischemia impairs later reperfusion, prognosticating poor neurological outcomes. The increased likelihood of SD occurrence is predicted by inadequate collaterals.
Endothelial cell CD36 mediates stroke-induced brain injury via BBB dysfunction and monocyte infiltration in normal and obese conditions
Authors: Kim Il-doo , Ju Hyunwoo , Minkler Joseph , Jiang Roselyn , Singh Abhilasha , Sharma Roopa , Febbraio Maria , Cho Sunghee
Published: January 2023

CD36 expressed in multiple cell types regulates inflammation, vascular function, and innate immunity. Specifically, CD36 in microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) signals to elicit inflammation and causes EC death. This study investigated roles for EC-CD36 on acute stroke pathology in normal and obese conditions. Obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HD) selectively increased CD36 expression in ECs, not in monocytes/macrophages, in the post-ischemic brain. Mice deficient CD36 in ECs (ECCD36−/−) showed reduced injury size and vascular permeability in normal conditions. While control mice fed a HD developed obesity and aggravated stroke injury, ECCD36−/− mice were resistant to develop an obesity phenotype. Subjecting ECCD36−/− mice to stroke resulted in reduced injury size and BBB disruption. Moreover, the mice had reduced MCP-1 and CCR2 gene expression, resulting in reduced monocyte trafficking with improved survival and acute motor function. Reduced MCP-1 and CCR2 expression was still evident in ECCD36−/− mice subjected to severe stroke, suggesting that monocyte trafficking is an infarct-independent metabolic effect associated with specific EC-CD36 deletion. Our findings demonstrate the importance of EC-CD36 in developing vascular comorbidities and suggest that targeting EC-CD36 is a potential preventative strategy to normalize vascular risk factors, leading to improved acute stroke outcomes.
Appropriateness and complications of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: Can we do better? A retrospective observational analysis from a referral center
Authors: Oderda Marco , Bertetto Oscar , Barbera Giulia , Calleris Giorgio , Falcone Marco , Filippini Claudia , Marquis Alessandro , Marra Giancarlo , Montefusco Gabriele , Peretti Federica , Gontero Paolo
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the key of medical treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PCa), especially in elderly patients. However, the adherence of ADT prescription to current guidelines is not optimal and must be balanced against possible side effects. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prescriptive appropriateness of ADT and ADT-related adverse events in a referral center for PCa.

Methods:

Five hundred fifty six patients who received an outpatient prescription for ADT from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively identified from an administrative database. Only standard ADT was considered, including GnRH agonists, GnRH antagonists, and antiandrogens. Prescriptive appropriateness was defined according to the last European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. Our cohort was stratified according to age categories and patient follow-up was updated.

Results:

Four hundred twenty five patients were available for analysis. Mean age was 80 years; 96.3% of our patients fell in the “elderly” category. There was a predominance of GnRH agonists over the antagonists (84.9% vs 13%). 15.5% of ADTs did not have an appropriate indication according to guidelines. Patient compliance to ADT was evaluated as good in 372 (87.5%) cases. ADT-related complications were detected in 166 (39%) patients: bone, cardiovascular, and other complications were reported in 7.3%, 8.9%, and 19% of patients. Progression of disease was noted in 165 (38.8%) cases during ADT. At last follow-up, 124 (30.1%) patients were deceased.

Conclusions:

In a referral center, most ADT prescriptions followed EAU guidelines, but a non-negligible proportion still did not fall within these indications, exposing patients to unnecessary side effects. Compliance to ADT was generally good with a predominant use of GnRH agonists. Tolerance to ADT was fair, even if standardized reports were lacking.
Seroconversion, seroreversion, and serowaffling among participants initiating antiretroviral therapy in Project DETECT
Authors: Stekler Joanne D , Violette Lauren R , Niemann Lisa A , McMahan Vanessa M , Katz David A , Chavez Pollyanna R , Clark Hollie A , Cornelius-Hudson Andy , McDougal Sarah J , Delaney Kevin P
Published: January 2023

Background

Incomplete HIV seroconversion and seroreversion are increasingly documented by testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis programs more than previously recognized. This analysis reports on incomplete seroconversion and seroreversion by specimen and test type among Project DETECT participants.

Methods

Project DETECT included a longitudinal study of point-of-care tests. Participants were categorized as having “incomplete seroconversion” if all timepoints had ≥1 nonreactive test at study censoring. Among participants with incomplete seroconversion, we defined “seroreversion” as sustained regression to nonreactive for any test following a reactive result. We define “serowaffling” as any reactive result followed by a nonreactive and then reactive result. We used Fisher’s exact tests to explore relationships between Fiebig stage at ART initiation and incomplete seroconversion, seroreversion, and serowaffling.

Results

Twenty of 1940 Project DETECT participants met criteria for this subset. Ten participants had complete seroconversion after a median of 23 (IQR 16–47) days following initial positive tests. Ten participants had incomplete seroconversion, eight of whom had seroreversion. Incomplete seroconversion with persistent nonreactive tests was seen only with oral fluid (OF). Of eight participants with seroreversion, all experienced seroreversion of OF tests if the test was ever reactive ( n = 6); seroreversion occurred in fingerstick and venipuncture tests in two participants. Serowaffling occurred in nine (45%) participants. No associations were seen between Fiebig stage at ART start and complete seroconversion, seroregression, or serowaffling in our sample.

Conclusions

OF tests may be particularly susceptible to providing false-negative results. Seroreversion and incomplete seroconversion among individuals on antiretroviral treatment may represent a growing problem for HIV testing and treatment programs.
“What I Would Do to Take Away Your Pain”: A Photovoice Project Conducted by Mothers of Children With Medical Complexity
Authors: Sonsteng-Person Melanie , García-Pérez Javier , Copeland Victoria , Liévano-Karim Laura , Abrams Darlene , Jarman Brittany , Marquardt Rachel , Taitingfong Sara , Van Leeuwen Jesse , Valdez Riahannon
Published: January 2023

Research identifies that families of children with medical complexities in the United States have diverse and complex needs. Despite research emphasizing that families demonstrate higher needs that are not being met, limited research focuses solely on mothers of children with medical complexities. Specifically, how mothers understand and identify themselves, understand and define their role in coordinating care, and how they view their own mental and physical health. As such, this study provides a better understanding of how mothers in San Diego, CA, navigate the day-to-day psychological, social, and physical realities of having a child with medical complexities. Through the use of the participatory action research method photovoice, mothers conducted a critical analysis of their daily lives. Findings identify mothers’ main concerns about the conditions of their lives as well as the strengths they employ to care for themselves and their children successfully. Implications provide recommendations for hospitals working with mothers of children with medical complexities.
Comparison of outcome among type 2 vs type 1 myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jaiswal Vikash , Ang Song Peng , Ishak Angela , Nasir Yusra Minahil , Chia Jia Ee , Naz Sidra , Jaiswal Akash
Published: January 2023

To date, there were limited studies available on myocardial infarction (MI), and consequently, the outcomes of patients with type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI) compared to type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) remained inconclusive. We aimed to compare the outcomes of T1MI and T2MI patients in terms of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for relevant articles from inception until March 20, 2022. 341,049 patients had T1MI, while the remaining 67,537 patients had T2MI. Mean age was similar between both groups (T1MI: 67.3 years, T2MI: 71.03 years), while the proportion of females was lower in T1MI (37.81% vs 47.15%). Our analysis revealed that patients with T1MI had significantly lower odds of all-cause mortality (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.36–0.56, p < 0.001), in-hospital mortality (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.86, p < 0.001), 1-year mortality (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.25–0.47, p < 0.001), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39–0.91, p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in terms of 30-day mortality (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.25–1.36, p = 0.21), cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.68–1.32, p = 0.74), all-cause readmission (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.62–1.14, p = 0.26), and readmission due to MI (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.66–2.27, p = 0.53) between both groups. Patients with T1MI had favorable outcomes in terms of mortality and MACE compared to that of T2MI patients. Further studies should aim at determining the optimal management strategy for these high-risk patients for better patient outcomes.
Topical glycerine for corneal clouding during retinal laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Lambat Sarang , Gupta Samyak , Nagar Rashmi , Nangia Prabhat , Dogra Mangat , Nangia Vinay
Published: January 2023

Aim

To document the use of topical glycerine to reduce corneal edema in cases of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) undergoing laser photocoagulation (PHC)

Methods

Thirty-two eyes of 16 babies (9 males) with a mean gestational age of 30 weeks, mean gestational weight of 1242 grams underwent PHC for Type 1 (zone 1 disease) retinopathy of prematurity. All babies received a single PHC session. Twenty eyes of 10 babies received intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, 1–3 weeks before PHC session. All patients received a single drop of glycerine during the PHC session to clear the corneal clouding. All patients underwent PHC to the avascular area right up to the ora serrata. Patients were seen at one week and one month to assess the adequacy of laser PHC.

Results

We were able to complete the PHC for all babies in a single session without any ocular or systemic adverse events. We did not find any skip lesions at follow-up, and the second session of laser PHC was not required in any eyes.

Conclusion

Topical glycerine is safe and effective to clear corneal clouding in eyes undergoing laser PHC for retinopathy of prematurity.
A systematic literature review on travel planning through user-generated video
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Minh Binh , Pham Lan Xuan , Tran Dang Khoa , Truong Giang Nu To
Published: January 2023

This study is conducted to provide a systematic review of the existing publications regarding the usage of user-generated video (UGV) for travel planning to present insights, highlight the state-of-art context and suggest potential future research trends in the field. A systematic review process is carried out, including synthesis, classification, and analysis to explore the development, characteristics, theoretical and conceptual models, as well as measurements associated with the use of UGV for travel planning. A total of 52 articles published between 2009 and 2022 are collected and categorised into five categories, including the role of platforms that contain user-generated content (UGC), the characteristic related to UGV/the source characteristic, the characteristic of users (travellers), users (travellers) response, research framework development. Thematic analysis of research categories/themes provides theoretical discourse and insights to address backlog research problems in this field. This study can be viewed as the first systematic review regarding the use of UGV for travel planning. In addition, the methods are used to describe how the research topic is formulated. Furthermore, the usefulness of the qualitative methodology allows the authors to thoroughly analyse the theoretical context of research using UGV for travel planning.
Thermal behaviors of bridges — A literature review
Authors: Li Lingfang , Chen Bo , Zhou Linren , Xia Qi , Zhou Yi , Zhou Xiaoqing , Xia Yong
Published: January 2023

This work provides a comprehensive review of previous studies concerning the static thermal behaviors of various types of bridges, including beam bridges, arch bridges, cable-stayed, and suspension bridges. Given that thermal behaviors are closely associated with the temperature distribution of bridges, the basis of the heat transfer analysis is briefly introduced first. The studies of the temperature distribution and the temperature actions of each type of bridge are then reviewed from the perspective of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, experimental tests, and field monitoring. Finally, some existing problems are discussed, and future research topics are recommended.
Adaptive generalized predictive control for dynamic positioning system of ships with model unknown parameters
Authors: Hu Xin , Sun Zhongyu , Wang Rui , Feng Shuwen
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes an adaptive generalized predictive control for dynamic positioning of ships with unknown model parameters and unknown time-varying environmental disturbances. The controlled auto-regressive integrated moving average (CARIMA) model is employed to describe the movements of ships with model parameter and disturbance uncertainties. The recursive least square method with forgetting factor is utilized to design adaptive laws to estimate the CARIMA model parameters online. Considering both the positioning accuracy and the change intensity of control increments, a cost function is constructed. The optimal control increments that minimize the cost function are obtained by using Lagrange multiplier method. Then, the adaptive control law is designed to maintain ship’s position and heading at desired values. Finally, simulation studies in different cases are carried out and simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
A report of two cases of sepsis in patients with spinal cord injuries
Authors: Todd Jennifer , Murden Matthew , Brooks Emma
Published: January 2023

Sepsis is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED) with the main aim of treatment being prompt antibiotics, source identification and control, all preferably within the initial golden hour. In the majority of patients, a good history and examination is adequate to elicit the most likely source of infection and thus target therapy appropriately. However it is well known that this can be difficult in some patient groups. In this report we present two patients with sepsis with spinal cord injury (SCI) where both the history and examination were unhelpful in identifying the source of infection and demonstrate why the unique physiology and risk factors in SCI patients must be considered early in their work up. Both patients were admitted with vague, nonspecific constitutional symptoms. Both had no evidence of abdominal or flank pain or any objective tenderness. One of the patients had a long-term suprapubic catheter and one intermittently self catheterised meaning that urine dip stick results were unreliable. In both instances, the patients were found to have obstructed renal stones with associated infection and both had good outcomes after surgical intervention.
Introduction to the thematic issue: Recognition of women leaders in Science
Authors: Conran Nicola , Lambert Muriel , Turner Nancy D
Published: January 2023

This thematic issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine is dedicated to the incredibly important contributions made by women leaders in the biomedical sciences throughout recent history. Scientists from many disciplines have contributed papers, both original research and state of the art reviews, to demonstrate the type of work being performed every day by women leaders committed to advancing scientific knowledge in their respective fields of specialization. In this introduction, we provide readers with a brief highlight of the information to be found in the invited papers.
Safety and Efficacy of the Double Microcatheter Technique for Splenic Artery Aneurysms: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Mei-De , Tian Wei , Zhou Chun-Gao , Liu Sheng
Published: January 2023

Purpose

We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the double microcatheter technique in the treatment of saccular splenic artery aneurysms.

Methods

From November 2013 to October 2020, 56 patients with saccular splenic artery aneurysms underwent endovascular treatment with the double microcatheter technique at our institution. Technical success was defined as embolization of the aneurysmal cavity with no obstruction of the parent artery. Clinical success was defined as no deaths due to splenic artery aneurysms, and no reintervention, recrudescence or organ dysfunction at 1, 6, and 12 months.

Results

The technical success rate was 100%. No major complications related to angiography or embolization were observed. Minor complications included fever, pain, and nausea, and 13 patients developed minor complications. At 1 month, the rate of clinical success was 96.4%. At 6 and 12 months, the clinical success rate was 92.9%. There were no aneurysmal recurrences or necessities of reintervention.

Conclusions

Coil embolization with the double microcatheter technique is a safe and effective modality for treating saccular splenic artery aneurysms and offers a reasonable choice for patients who want to retain their original hemodynamics.
Effectiveness and safety of the Trevo® Retriever for mechanical thrombectomy in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke: Trevo Retriever China Registry
Authors: Zhang Xuelei , Liu Jinchao , Han Hongxing , Zhang Pinyuan , Chen Xianglin , Yuan Haicheng , Chen Maohua , Zhu Qiyi , Liebeskind David S , Miao Zhongrong ,   for the Trevo® Retriever Registry China Investigators
Published: January 2023

Background

To quantify the effectiveness and safety of the Trevo® Retriever for endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients in China.

Methods

Trevo Retriever Registry (China) was a prospective, multicenter, non-comparative, open-label study of patients with AIS treated with the Trevo Retriever. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving an expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) score ≥2b at the end of endovascular treatment. Secondary outcomes included first-pass eTICI score ≥2b and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2.

Results

The Trevo Retriever Registry (China) enrolled and followed 201 patients (62.1 ± 12.5 years-old; 70.6% male) at 11 centers. The pre-procedure NIHSS score and ASPECTS were 16 (interquartile range (IQR), 13–21) and 7 (IQR, 6–9), respectively, and 188 (93.5%) patients had an mRS score of 0 prior to the stroke. The main stroke etiology was large artery atherosclerosis, accounting for 71.6% (144/201) of patients. Post-procedure eTICI ≥2b was 98.4% (187/190). First-pass eTICI ≥2b was 74.7% (136/182). The 90-day good outcome (mRS ≤2) rate was 73.6% (148/201). The 90-day all-cause mortality was 5.5% (11/201). Neurological deterioration at 24 h post-procedure was observed in 7.7% (15/195) patients. Embolism in a new territory was seen in one patient (0.5%). Two (1.0%) procedure-related adverse events (AEs) occurred, which were intra-procedure cerebral artery embolism. No Trevo related AEs occurred.

Conclusions

This real-world study of the Trevo Retriever in China demonstrated a high rate of revascularization and first-pass success that resulted in an overall high good function outcome rate and low mortality.
Biomechanical comparison of pectoralis major repair techniques: A systematic review and meta-regression
Authors: Saito Rex R , Panwar Kunal S , Huish Eric G
Published: January 2023

Background

There are many surgical techniques when repairing pectoralis major tears. However, there is no clear consensus on which repair technique is biomechanically superior. Our purpose was to perform a systematic review and meta-regression to evaluate the most biomechanically superior pectoralis major repair technique.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-regression of six human cadaveric biomechanical studies evaluating fixation techniques for pectoralis major repairs. The primary outcome was the ultimate failure load. Covariates included cadaveric age, bone mineral density, implants, suture, and stitch method. Meta-regression accounted for differences in variables.

Results

Compared with Krackow/Bunnell stitch method, the modified Mason–Allen stitch demonstrated a decrease in ultimate failure load by 220.6 N (95% CI, −273.0 to −168.2; p = <0.001). No differences were found between Krackow/Bunnell and whipstitch. There was an increase in ultimate failure load when utilizing suture tape by 206.6 N (95% CI, 139.5–273.7, p < 0.001). Suture anchors had a decrease in ultimate failure load by 88.1 N (95% CI, −153.4 to −22.8, p = 0.008) when compared to transosseous sutures. No differences were found between transosseous sutures and unicortical buttons.

Discussion

We found the combination of suture tape in a whipstitch or Krackow/Bunnell stitch utilizing transosseous sutures or unicortical buttons is the most biomechanically superior construct for pectoralis major repairs.
Developing Misinformation Immunity: How to Reason-Check Fallacious News in a Human–Computer Interaction Environment
Authors: Musi Elena , Carmi Elinor , Reed Chris , Yates Simeon , O’Halloran Kay
Published: January 2023

To counter the fake news phenomenon, the scholarly community has attempted to debunk and prebunk disinformation. However, misinformation still constitutes a major challenge due to the variety of misleading techniques and their continuous updates which call for the exercise of critical thinking to build resilience. In this study we present two open access chatbots, the Fake News Immunity Chatbot and the Vaccinating News Chatbot, which combine Fallacy Theory and Human–Computer Interaction to inoculate citizens and communication gatekeepers against misinformation. These chatbots differ from existing tools both in function and form. First, they target misinformation and enhance the identification of fallacious arguments; and second, they are multiagent and leverage discourse theories of persuasion in their conversational design. After having described both their backend and their frontend design, we report on the evaluation of the user interface and impact on users’ critical thinking skills through a questionnaire, a crowdsourced survey, and a pilot qualitative experiment. The results shed light on the best practices to design user-friendly active inoculation tools and reveal that the two chatbots are perceived as increasing critical thinking skills in the current misinformation ecosystem.
Effect of Increased Time to Surgery on the Ability of MRI to Rule Out Medial Meniscal Tears in Young Athletes With ACL Injury
Authors: Sliepka Joseph M. , Saper Michael G. , Sorey Woody , Mand Simran , Battan Shamele , Kweon Christopher Y. , Gee Albert O. , Schmale Gregory A. , Hagen Mia S.
Published: January 2023

Background:

The prevalence of meniscal tears in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury increases with extended time between injury and ACL reconstruction.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between time from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to ACL reconstruction and the predictive value of MRI to diagnose meniscal tears in the young active population. It was hypothesized that increased time between MRI and ACL reconstruction would lead to a decrease in the negative predictive value of MRI in diagnosing meniscal tears, as more injuries may accrue over time in the ACL-deficient knee.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Included were patients aged 13 to 25 years at the authors’ institution who underwent primary ACL reconstruction from January 2017 to June 2020. Time from MRI to surgery as well as descriptions of medial and lateral meniscal tears on both MRI and operative reports were documented. Time from MRI to surgery was divided into 4 intervals: 0 to 6 weeks, >6 weeks to 3 months, >3 to 6 months, and beyond 6 months. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the positive and negative predictive values of MRI in diagnosing a meniscal tear as compared with arthroscopic findings.

Results:

A total of 432 patients were included with a mean age of 17.9 ± 3.4 years. The mean time from MRI to surgery was 70.5 ± 98 days. There was a significant decrease in the negative predictive value of MRI to identify a medial meniscal tear in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction >6 months after imaging (odds ratio, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.05-0.53]; P = .003). This same relationship was not shown for lateral meniscal tears, nor was any other predictor significant.

Conclusion:

The utility of MRI to rule out a medial meniscal tear significantly diminished in the young athletic population when >6 months passed between MRI and ACL reconstruction. These data suggest these tears occur between the time of the MRI and surgery and that the medial meniscus is more susceptible than the lateral meniscus to new injury once the ACL has torn.
Risk Negotiation With People With Dementia: From Co-designed Paper Version to Implementation Preparation of an Electronic Conversation Tool
Authors: Meyer Claudia , Dickins Marissa , O’Keefe Fleur , Hall Kylie , Lowthian Judy
Published: January 2023

The home care workforce provides essential support for older people with dementia to live a life of fulfillment. “ Enabling Choices,” an evidence-informed conversation tool, aims to negotiate risk around everyday activities between home care workers, people with dementia and their informal carers. This paper describes tool conversion into electronic format and preparation for implementation throughout a large Australian health and aged care service provider, utilizing the Implementation Framework for Aged Care (IFAC). Using codesign principles, the tool was converted from paper-based to electronic format involving frontline, operational and Information Management Services staff, and people with dementia/carers. Focus groups and interviews identified tool acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness. For implementation preparation, the wider socio-cultural-political context was mapped, and key questions of the IFAC addressed. Environment, workflow, and training requirements were determined, and strategies for behavior change ascertained. Numerous opportunities and challenges exist for the widespread upscale of an evidence-informed tool into practice.
Identification of Novel Quantitative Trait Loci for Culm Thickness of Rice Derived from Strong-Culm Landrace in Japan, Omachi
Authors: Chigira Koki , Yamasaki Masanori , Adachi Shunsuke , Nagano Atsushi J. , Ookawa Taiichiro
Published: January 2023

Increasing the lodging resistance of rice through genetic improvement has been an important target in breeding. To further enhance the lodging resistance of high-yielding rice varieties amidst climate change, it is necessary to not only shorten culms but strengthen them as well. A landrace rice variety, Omachi, which was established more than 100 years ago, has the largest culm diameter and bending moment at breaking in the basal internodes among 135 temperate japonica accessions. Using unused alleles in such a landrace is an effective way to strengthen the culm. In this study, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to identify the genetic factors of culm strength of Omachi using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Omachi and Koshihikari, a standard variety in Japan. We identified three QTLs for the culm diameter of the 5th internode on chromosomes 3 (qCD3) and 7 (qCD7-1, qCD7-2). Among them, qCD7-2 was verified by QTL analysis using the F2 population derived from a cross between one of the RILs and Koshihikari. RNA-seq analysis of shoot apex raised 10 candidate genes underlying the region of qCD7-2. The increase in culm strength by accumulating Omachi alleles of qCD3, qCD7-1 and qCD7-2 was 25.0% in 2020. These QTLs for culm diameter pleiotropically increased spikelet number per panicle but did not affect days to heading or culm length. These results suggest that the Omachi alleles of qCD3, qCD7-1 and qCD7-2 are useful for breeding to increase lodging resistance and yield.
Is it time to re-think FAST? A systematic review and meta-analysis of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) and conventional ultrasound for initial assessment of abdominal trauma
Authors: Sutarjono Bayu , Kessel Matthew , Alexander Dorian , Grewal Ekjot
Published: January 2023

Background

The Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) examination using conventional ultrasound has limited utility for detecting solid organ injury. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis compares the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to conventional ultrasound when used as the initial assessment for abdominal trauma prior to computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Methods

A systematic literature search of major databases was conducted of human studies investigating the diagnostic accuracy of conventional ultrasound and CEUS occurring prior to CT imaging for abdominal trauma. The study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. The quality of studies was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2) tool. Paired pooled sensitivity and specificity between conventional ultrasound and CEUS were compared using data extracted from the eligible studies. Diagnostic odds ratio, number needed to diagnose values, and likelihood ratios were also determined.

Results

Ten studies were included. More than half of the included studies demonstrated low risk of bias. Using McNemar’s test to assess for paired binary observations, we found that CEUS had statistically higher sensitivity (0.933 vs. 0.559; two-tailed, P < 0.001) and specificity (0.995 vs. 0.979; two-tailed, P < 0.001) than conventional ultrasound in the setting of abdominal trauma, respectively. When divided into particular findings of clinical interest, CEUS had statistically higher sensitivity than conventional ultrasound in screening for active bleeding and injuries to all abdominal solid organs. CEUS also had superior diagnostic odds ratios, number needed to diagnose values, and likelihood ratios than conventional ultrasound.

Conclusion

The diagnostic value of CEUS was higher than that of conventional ultrasound for differentiating traumatic abdominal injuries when used as the initial assessment in the emergency department.
Cultural adaptation of the mental health first aid guidelines for depression in Brazil: a Delphi expert consensus study
Authors: Scotti Requena Simone , Alves Assumpção Thais , Mesquita Peres Carlos Henrique , Vidotto Cerqueira Amanda , Loch Alexandre Andrade , Li Wenjing , Reavley Nicola J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Depression is a significant contributor to disability in Brazil, with most Brazilians affected by depression receiving no treatment. As the community, including family and friends, plays a crucial role in providing support for someone with depression, it is important that evidence-based resources are available to support people who wish to help. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the English-language mental health first aid guidelines for assisting a person with depression for the Brazilian culture.

Methods

A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted, with two expert panels; health professionals (n = 29) and people with lived experience of depression (n = 28). One hundred and seventy-four statements from the English-language guidelines were translated into Brazilian Portuguese and administered as a survey. Participants were asked to rate statements based on how appropriate those statements were for the Brazilian culture and to suggest new statements if appropriate.

Results

Data were collected over two survey rounds. Consensus was achieved on 143 statements. A total of 133 statements were adopted from the English-language guidelines, whereas 10 new endorsed statements were generated from suggestions of the two expert panels.

Conclusions

There were similarities between the English-language and Brazilian guidelines, mainly related to family involvement and the value of empathy. More research on dissemination and incorporation of the guidelines into the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course for Brazil is required.