bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Completely distributed collision-free cooperative control for underactuated unmanned surface vessels with edge weighted interaction
Authors: Song Yuzhou , Huang Bing , Miao Jianming , Zhu Cheng , Zhuang Jiayuan
Published: August 2024

This paper develops a completely distributed cooperative tracking control scheme for underactuated unmanned surface vessels (USVs), which is potential to perform formation tracking or transformation with local position information and partial parameter adjustment. In light of the designed edge weights and the underlying topology, each USV is capable of asymptotically tracking the reference signals generated by the virtual leader while ensuring collision-free performance throughout the entire formation process. Specifically, for each follower, a completely distributed extended state observer (ESO) is constructed to estimate the leader states, only using the self-velocity and relative position of neighbors, regardless of the velocity of neighbors and the global information of topology. Then, the energy factor is designed according to the relative displacement of neighbors, and we assign the energy factor to the edges of the local digraph of each follower to form the local weight net. The weight force generated by the local weight net enables the follower to track the leaders with preset formation configuration and avoid collisions as well. Thus, the formation security can be enhanced. Finally, theoretical analysis and numerous simulation examples are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Parametric-margin projection twin support matrix machine and its application in fault diagnosis of roller bearing
Authors: Wang Meng , Tang Anbo , Xie Nenggang , Pan Haiyang
Published: August 2024

Support matrix machine (SMM) is an innovative classifier that accepts matrix as inputs to make full use of the structure information between matrices. However, SMM aims at constructing two parallel hyperplanes to segment different types of samples, which makes the model inflexible and sensitive to the impact of noise, resulting in poor performance on complex data classification. Given this consideration, a novel parametric-margin projection twin support matrix machine (PPTSMM) is proposed in this paper. PPTSMM introduces the additional regularization term, which is the parametric-margin between the projected centers of the two classes, and the separability of projected classes based on the parametric-margin rather than unit distance. Meanwhile, the slack vector is employed for reformulating the within-class least square loss in PPTSMM, which address the time-consuming matrix inverse operation to reduce the complexity of calculations. Two kinds of roller bearing fault signals are used to analysis the performance of PPTSMM, and the analysis results indicate that PPTSMM is effective to reduce the impact of noise and computation time in fault diagnosis of roller bearing.
Short-term efficacy of moderate-intensity rosuvastatin in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rafsanjani Katayoun , Ghaseminejad-Raeini Amirhossein , Azarboo Alireza , Parsa Samaneh
Published: August 2024

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic persists, the exploration of adjunct therapies to mitigate disease severity remains a priority. Statins, known for their pleiotropic effects, have been under investigation for their potential role in managing COVID-19 complications. The study was conducted in a single referral hospital and adhered to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. Eligible participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into either the rosuvastatin group or the control group. Outcome measures included vital signs, laboratory data, clinical outcomes, and patient symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). A total of 100 patients were enrolled. No significant differences were observed between the rosuvastatin and control groups in terms of baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters, except for the fact that rosuvastatin-treated patients showed lower levels of C-reactive protein in comparison with the controls on both the 1st and 5th days (38.1 ± 16.3 vs 50.5 ± 25.3) compared to the control group. Clinical outcomes, including hospital length of stay, intensive care unit admission, need for intubation, and 1-month mortality, did not differ significantly between the two groups. Symptom scales, as assessed by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion and Leicester Cough Questionnaire, showed significant improvement in the rosuvastatin group compared to controls. Our study provides insights into the short-term efficacy of moderate-intensity rosuvastatin in COVID-19 patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term effects and optimal dosing of statins in COVID-19 management.
Hydrogen sulfide inhibits early development of atherosclerosis by modulating macrophage uptake of oxidized lipoproteins
Authors: Dong Nan , Yang Gang , Liu Yanmei , Wu Kaiyun
Published: August 2024

Atherosclerosis, a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, is characterized by the accumulation of oxidized lipoproteins (ox-LDL) within arterial walls, leading to inflammation and plaque formation. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and vascular protective properties, but its role in modulating macrophage endocytosis of ox-LDL and its impact on early atherosclerosis development remains unclear. Macrophage cultures were utilized for ox-LDL uptake experiments. Macrophages were pretreated with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (50 μmol/L) or propargylglycine (PPG, 3 mmol/L) for 1 h, followed by incubation with DiI-ox-LDL (10 μg/mL) for an additional 2 h. DiI-ox-LDL uptake was visualized using live-cell imaging. The expression of scavenger receptors CD36 and SR-A was assessed through immunofluorescent staining and western blot analysis. To determine the intracellular signal transduction pathways involved, macrophages were pretreated with NF-κB pathway blocker pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or MAPK inhibitor PD98059 before the addition of NaHS. NaHS significantly inhibited ox-LDL uptake by macrophages, while PPG treatment markedly increased this process. Immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis revealed that the expressions of CD36 and SR-A were induced by ox-LDL but inhibited by NaHS in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, H2S down-regulated ox-LDL receptors CD36 and SR-A through the NF-κB signal pathway. H2S inhibits early atherosclerosis development by modulating macrophage uptake of ox-LDL through the down-regulation of CD36 and SR-A receptors via the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings provide new evidence for the role of H2S in atherosclerosis and its potential therapeutic value.
Association between magnesium deficiency score and anemia in older Americans: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Xue , Fan Yonggang
Published: August 2024

Some studies have indicated an association between serum magnesium and anemia, but these are primarily limited to research on serum magnesium. Few studies have explored the relationship between the bioavailability of magnesium and anemia. This study explores the association between the Magnesium Deficiency Score (MDS) and anemia among elderly Americans using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2018. Anemia was defined based on World Health Organization criteria, and MDS was calculated considering factors such as the use of diuretics, proton-pump inhibitors, alcohol consumption, and renal function status. A total of 3383 individuals were included in our study. Results showed a positive correlation between MDS and anemia, with higher MDS levels associated with increased anemia prevalence. Subgroup analyses revealed that this association was consistent across different genders, poverty income ratio, and smoking populations, with a notably strong correlation in the non-Hispanic White group. The study suggests that improving the bioavailability of magnesium to reduce MDS may be a factor in preventing anemia in the elderly. This is the first study to explore the relationship between MDS and anemia in this population, highlighting the potential role of magnesium bioavailability in anemia prevention. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Trends and Disparities in Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Among US Adolescents and Adults: PATH Study 2013-2021
Authors: Ebrahimi Kalan Mohammad , Li Wei , Osibogun Olatokunbo , Jebai Rime , Gautam Prem , Erinoso Olufemi , Alemohammad Seyede Yasaman , Khosravaniardakani Sheida , Dargahi Abbasabad Ghader , Behaleh Raed , Ward Kenneth D. , Bursac Zoran , Ben Taleb Ziyad
Published: August 2024

Background

Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is a popular mode of nicotine delivery among young people. We examined the trends and disparities in WTS from 2013 to 2021 among US adolescents and adults.

Methods

Data were from Wave 1 (initially conducted among 32 320 adults and 13 651 adolescents) to Wave 6 (2013-2021) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. We assessed the weighted prevalence of ever and current (past 30-day) WTS for adults and adolescents across waves stratified by demographics.

Results

From 2013-2021 among adolescents, the prevalence of ever and current WTS decreased by 86.5% (7.4% to 1.00%; p = 0.0364) and 97.1% (1.65% to 0.05%; p = 0.0012), respectively. Despite the decreasing trends among adolescents across all waves, females had a higher prevalence of ever and current WTS compared to males ( p ’s < 0.001 for all trends). Hispanics had the highest prevalence of ever WTS compared to other races/ethnicities ( p ’s < 0.001). Adolescents aged 15-17 had a higher (except Wave 6) prevalence of ever and current WTS than 12-14 years old ( p ’s < 0.001). For adults, the prevalence of ever WTS increased by 27.4% (16.39% to 20.92%; p = 0.0006), and current WTS decreased by 45.5% (2.19% to 1.24%; p = 0.0012). Young adults aged 18-24 experienced increasing trends in WTS and had the highest prevalence of ever and current WTS compared to other age groups ( p ’s < 0.001) across all waves.

Conclusions

Our study indicates a notable decrease in adolescent WTS prevalence from 2013 to 2021 but an increase of ever WTS among adults. Demographic differences underscore disparities in WTS, calling for tailored interventions.
Svenska narkotikapolisföreningens tidskrift – polisens bild av ett problem?
Authors: Tham Henrik
Published: August 2024

Aim: To analyze how the Police in Sweden perceives the drug problem and how it relates to changes in drug politics in the direction of liberalization. Method: The material analyzed consists of a content-analysis of the magazine of the Swedish Narcotic Police Association, covering 145 issues since the start in 1988, concentrating on lead articles, editorials and other articles on principles and politics. Results: The magazine demonstrate an alarmistic view of the drug problem, criticize government agencies and the media for liberal views, question the motives of proponents of decriminalization and legalization, leaves the costs of control of drug interventions aside, and sees the Police as guardian of status quo and as the defender of the goal of Swedish drug policy: “a drug-free society”.
Magnesium based implants: Alloying and coating strategies for improvement in its biomechanical and biocorrosion properties
Authors: Mishra Triloki Nath , Kumar Amaresh , Prasad Shashi Bhushan
Published: August 2024

Magnesium (Mg) based materials show great promise as temporary implant applications owing to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. These characteristics remove the risk of subsequent surgery to extract the implant once the process of bone tissue healing is finished. Additionally, its density and elastic modulus are near to those of natural bone, thereby reducing the stress-shielding effect. Mg is mostly recognized for its osteoconductive abilities, which implies that it encourages the generation of fresh bone tissue. It also has antimicrobial properties, which lower the possibility of infections leading to implant failure. Moreover, the rapid bio-corrosion of pure Mg in the presence of physiological fluids is a serious concern. The implant's mechanical integrity deteriorates as a result of this corrosion before the surrounding tissue has completely recovered. To address these issues, this review focused on approaches, including alloying, the creation of composites, and surface coating, which can increase their biomechanical and bio-corrosion properties. In vitro analysis of biomechanical and bio-corrosion characteristics of newly manufactured Mg-based implant material is presented in this article. In addition to this application, a list of approved devices made from Mg-based material is highlighted. Furthermore, the present challenges and prospects for future research are also discussed.
The cultural capital you need to work with automated news: Not only “your beautiful piece of work”, but also “patterns that emerge”
Authors: Danzon-Chambaud Samuel , Cornia Alessio
Published: August 2024

This article sheds light on the emerging forms of cultural capital that media practitioners need to acquire to work with automated news, as in Bourdieu’s understanding of unique abilities that include, among others, journalistic expertise and technical know-how. To uncover these new skills, we carried out 30 interviews with editorial staff, executives and technologists working at 23 media organisations based in Europe, North America and Australia. We show that these new forms of cultural capital are essentially two-fold: on the one hand, they involve taking a “structured journalism” approach so as to think of what an ideal story may look like, and then by breaking it down into smaller predictable elements that can be reusable across many versions of that same story; on the other hand, they also call for knowing how to embed a media organisation’s standards and practices into code for automated news. Overall this study argues that a new type of cultural capital emerges, as it is associated with the production of automated news. We call it the distinct-abstract capital, whereby journalism is thought of both as a one-off endeavour and as a process that can be deconstructed in an abstract way close to computer programming.
Tourism industrial convergence development: Residents’ attitude of Macau
Authors: Zhou Jinquan , Ho Hong-Wai , Zuo Zhigang , He Wenjing
Published: August 2024

This article explores the increasing convergence of the tourism industry with other sectors, emphasizing an evaluation of the convergence path and its effects on residents. 392 residents in Macau were analyzed. The results presented that the convergence path positively impacts convergence effects but negatively affects residents’ environmental perceptions. Environmental perception negatively impacts tourism effects and resident attitudes, while the industry convergence path has not significantly impacted resident attitudes. The tourism industry convergence path impacts resident attitudes by the full mediator convergence effects and environmental perceptions, where environmental perceptions have a negative impact and convergence effects have a positive influence. The demographic characteristics of residents appeared to have various environmental perceptions and attitudes to the tourism industry convergence. This research builds on current theoretical perspectives of tourism industry convergence, incorporating stakeholder theory to emphasize the important role of environmental perceptions and resident attitudes in tourism development.
Experimental and numerical investigations of heat transfer characteristics of a piston cooling bore impinged by SAE 30 oil
Authors: Xia Yu , Wang Zixin , Zhao Huazhi , Tang Yuanyuan , Lu Yao , Feng Liyan
Published: August 2024

The jet impingement technique is currently one of the most efficient cooling solutions for highly reinforced pistons of large two-stroke engines. To study the heat transfer characteristics of piston, experimental and numerical investigations with a piston cooling bore impinged by SAE 30 oil were carried out. To investigate the heat transfer coefficient distributions over the target bore, the wall temperatures of the cooling bore were measured by thermocouples, which will also be used in the numerical calculation. The jet Reynolds number (Re) ranges from 220 to 330, and the jet-to-plate spacing ratios (H/D) range from 10 to 30. Results show that jet-to-plate spacing ratios have a slight effect on the heat transfer coefficient for this low Reynolds numbers impingement which is quite different from high Reynolds numbers flow. There are both three peaks of the local heat transfer coefficient for Re = 330 and 280 along the x-axis direction. However, only two peaks occur when Re = 280. The heat transfer coefficient increases with the increase of Reynolds number when x/D < 0.22 or x/D > 1.77 while the variation is contrary when 0.22 < x/D < 1.77. The average heat transfer coefficient of the top surface region is far larger than other regions and decreases significantly in the upper chamfered region. While it is almost identical in the cylindrical region for different Reynolds numbers. This study provides the heat transfer characteristics of piston cooling with SAE30 oil and can be used for the piston optimization of large two-stroke engines with high cooling performance requirements.
Aeroacoustic assessment of porous blade treatment applied to centrifugal fans
Authors: Biedermann Till M , Scholz Max , Chong Tze Pei
Published: August 2024

Heavy-duty centrifugal fans account for a significant share of energy consumption in the process and manufacturing industries. As a result, these machines are under increasing pressure to operate at maximum efficiency to reduce costs, pollutants and noise: only combined optimization is considered competitive for future generations of fans. Preliminary studies have shown that applying structured porosity to aerofoil rear parts can lead to a reduction in self noise and trailing edge shedding noise in the mid-to-high frequency range. With this in mind, a porous surface cover is applied to a prototype centrifugal fan to evaluate the aeroacoustic potential in a complex rotating machinery. The optimal geometric characteristics of the perforation are derived from experiments with single aerofoils, while the perimeter of the covered area is varied in eight steps. The centrifugal fan specimen is rapid-prototyped and tested at different fan speeds along the complete characteristic curves, while both aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performances are simultaneously recorded. The results obtained show a significant reduction in overall noise level while aerodynamic performance is maintained. Spectral analysis shows that the noise reduction is due to a broadband effect, where the upper and lower cut-off frequencies are determined by the rotational speed and the location of the applied porosity along the blade chord. However, the maximum noise reduction is obtained as a clear function of the minimum distance between the perforation and the trailing edge of the blade, indicating that the underlying working mechanisms are a combination of broadband dissipation effects due to porosity and destructive interference.
Temporally Differentiated Patterns of Gun Violence Across Urban Space
Authors: Byron Reginald A.
Published: August 2024

Reginald A. Byron on the daily rhythms of urban shootings.
Maximizing Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery With Enhanced Recovery (ERAS)
Authors: Salenger Rawn , Ad Niv , Grant Michael C. , Bakaeen Faisal , Balkhy Husam H. , Mick Stephanie L. , Sardari Nia Peyman , Kempfert Jörg , Bonaros Nikolaos , Bapat Vinayak , Wyler von Ballmoos Moritz C. , Gerdisch Marc , Johnston Douglas R. , Engelman Daniel T.
Published: August 2024

We convened a group of cardiac surgeons, intensivists, and anesthesiologists with extensive experience in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and perioperative care to identify the essential elements of a MICS program and the relationship with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). The MICS incision should minimize tissue invasion without compromising surgical goals. MICS also requires safe management of hemodynamics and preservation of cardiac function, which we have termed myocardial management. Finally, comprehensive perioperative care through an ERAS program should be provided to allow patients to achieve optimal recovery. Therefore, we propose that MICS requires 3 elements: (1) a less invasive surgical incision (non–full sternotomy), (2) optimized myocardial management, and (3) ERAS. We contend that the full benefit of MICS can be achieved only by also utilizing an ERAS platform.
Religion and Spirituality in Lifestyle Medicine
Authors: Faries Mark D. , Corrêa Fernandes Clara , Phillips Edward , West Tobias , Stout Ron
Published: August 2024

Decades of research now support the positive relationship of religion/spirituality (R/S) with physical health, mental health, morbidity, and mortality. While lifestyle medicine (LM) practitioners often recognize R/S as important, they can face common challenges of how to integrate R/S into their holistic, patient-centered care. To help, this article presents a faith-practice framework, as a starting point for considering incorporating R/S into LM practice—in light of common concerns and challenges, as a guide for patient-centered care through adjusting lifestyle prescriptions to accommodate individualized R/S beliefs and practices for improved health behavior and outcomes, and as an encouragement to stimulate openness for positive, thoughtful discussion into the future of R/S in LM practice and research.
Design of a personalized knee rehabilitation exoskeleton with high motion compliance
Authors: Zeng Yong , Peng Xiaobo , Dai Zhenfeng , Huang Ying , Chen Fang , Peng Yingxi
Published: August 2024

During the motion of a knee joint, the instantaneous center of rotation (ICR) of the tibia relative to the femur is not fixed but moves along a curve decided by the joint structure. Adapting to wearer’s personalized knee joint structure is important to improve the wearing comfort and rehabilitation effect of the exoskeleton. The paper proposes a design method of a personalized knee rehabilitation exoskeleton with high human-machine compliance. Firstly, an instantaneous center curve (ICC) generation algorithm is proposed, which extracts feature points of the tibia from the medical images of the wearer’s knee joint, generates ICRs of the tibia at different knee joint angles, and then fits the ICRs into the ICC of the knee joint. Secondly, a four-bar linkage model for the knee joint is applied, and the structure parameters of the linkage are optimized by minimizing the deviations between the ICRs of the linkage and the wearer. Finally, a lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton is implemented, adopting a lightweight transmission scheme using conjugate cams combined with Bowden cables. The experimental results show that the designed exoskeleton is lightweight and has small relative movement and small interaction forces with the wearer, realizing good wearing comfort and motion compliance.
Nutrition knowledge among pregnant women in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Rizk Jessy , Andreou Eleni , Hileti Dona , Ghaddar Ali , Zampelas Antonis
Published: August 2024

Background:

Women’s knowledge of the nutritional guidelines during pregnancy can affect the health and nutritional status of both mother and child. Having good nutritional information related to maternal dietary intake and healthy lifestyles is therefore of great importance. However, there is limited published research that demonstrates pregnant women’s knowledge of the nutritional guidelines during pregnancy in Lebanon.

Objective:

To assess the knowledge on food sources and energy recommendations as well as food safety practices and diet–health relationship among women during pregnancy in Lebanon.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The study was conducted at prenatal care clinics in Lebanon, and all pregnant women present, regardless of nationality, were invited to complete the self-administered nutrition knowledge questionnaire. The study assessed five different nutrition knowledge domains (food sources of nutrients, dietary behaviors, food safety knowledge, micronutrients for fetal development, and energy requirements and weight gain) and the demographic characteristics of pregnant women who completed a multidimensional online survey based on validated and existing measures.

Results:

Four-hundred and ten responses were obtained. Approximately half of respondents (47%) held a university degree, for 42% of women this was their first pregnancy, and 71% had a planned pregnancy. Among the different nutrition knowledge domains, the highest levels of knowledge were for the behaviors that can minimize the effect of nausea/vomiting, heartburn, and constipation during pregnancy (63.9%) and the lowest levels of knowledge was for the importance of iodine and omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy (28.4%). Most of females knew about food safety practices during pregnancy (72.9%) but less than half were knowledgeable about listeriosis contamination (45.9%), and the types of fish that are the safest to select during pregnancy (47.8%).

Conclusion:

Despite the fact that pregnant women had an adequate level of knowledge in different nutrition-related areas, there was inadequate level of awareness related to critical nutrients and behaviors that can have adverse effects on mother and/or baby. Therefore, there is a need to focus on specific maternal nutrition aspects such as iron-rich foods, listeriosis food contamination, and nutrients that aid in fetal brain and retina development.
Nitric oxide production inhibitors from Vietnamese Scutellaria indica: An in vitro and in silico study
Authors: To Dao Cuong , Nguyen Phi-Hung , Hoang Le Minh , Nguyen Hoa Thi , Hoa Truong Thi Viet , Nhung Truong Thi Thuy , Nguyen Phuong Dai Nguyen , Nhan Ngu Truong , Pham Hong Khuyen Thi , Truong Phu Chi Hieu
Published: August 2024

Seven metabolites (1–7) were isolated from the Vietnamese Scutellaria indica, guided by anti-inflammatory activity. The identified compounds comprise scrocaffeside A (1), naringenin-7-O-glucoside (2), darendoside B (3), decaffeoylverbascoside (4), plantainoside C (5), acteoside (6), and isoacteoside (7). This is the first time the compounds 1–3 and 5 were isolated from the entire Scutellaria indica. Compounds 1–7 tested for their anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production. Compound 1 showed the most activity (IC50 = 31.4 μM), followed by compounds 2, 4, 6, and 7 exhibited IC50 values of 41.2, 87.4, 52.2, and 44.6 μM, respectively. However, compounds 3 and 5 were inactive (IC50 > 100 μM). Molecular docking was applied to study the affinity and interactions between compound 1 and inflammatory-caused proteins based on the in vitro results. Compound 1 generated the lowest binding free energy with the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) target, which was −9.8 kcal/mol, followed by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, –8.4 kcal/mol), and interleukin-8 (IL-8, –7.6 kcal/mol). The results indicate that compound 1 derived from S. indica has the potential to be further explored and developed as an inflammatory inhibitor.
Exploring the relationship between coach-initiated motivational climate and athlete well-being, resilience, and psychological safety in competitive sport teams
Authors: Shanmugaratnam Achuthan , McLaren Colin D , Schertzinger Meredith , Bruner Mark W
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate coach-initiated motivational climate and its relationship with athlete well-being, resilience, and psychological safety in competitive sport. In addition to independent relationships between task- and ego-related climates and the study outcomes, this research also explored the potential additive effects of task and ego climate together to understand if a task climate can buffer against the negative impacts of an ego climate. Self-report survey data were collected from competitive soccer players across Ontario, Canada ( N = 298; Mage = 20.38; 58.72% male). Using multiple linear regression, a perceived task-related climate was a significant positive predictor of well-being ( ß = .33), resilience ( ß = .31), and psychological safety ( ß = .54, all ps < .001). A higher perceived ego-related climate was a significant negative predictor of psychological safety ( ß = −.23, p < .001), and not significantly related to well-being and resilience. Partial support for the additive effect of task- and ego-related climate together was found for psychological safety, but not well-being or resilience. Specifically, athletes in the latent profile characterized by average task and higher ego scored higher on psychological safety compared with lower task and higher ego climate perceptions. The increase in psychological safety between these two profiles was observed despite both having higher ego-related climates. Although future research is required, the findings offer meaningful contributions to theory and practice in the context of competitive soccer teams.
Exploring Campus Configuration and Patient Arrival Behaviors at Large Hospitals: An Integrated Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) Protocol
Authors: Cai Hui , Daneshvar Zahra , Miller Kirsten , Dash Monalipa , Jiang Shan
Published: August 2024

Background

This study addresses the challenges in hospital navigation, particularly focusing on the sequence of arrival experiences through foot traffic or driving within a medical campus. While previous research has emphasized wayfinding in interiors, this study recognizes the importance of transition from outdoor to indoor spaces in the hospital arrival zone.

Objectives

Twofold research efforts include: (1) Exploring vehicular and pedestrian behaviors in a hospital arrival zone using Space Syntax Analyses (SSA), and (2) Validating the SSA results using empirical data collected from onsite observations and behavior mapping.

Methods

A series of axial map analyses were conducted on the hospital campus and building arrival zone regarding spatial connectivity and integration, depth of spaces, and wayfinding intelligibility based on vehicular and pedestrian movement paths. Systematic behavioral data collection includes vehicle shadowing (10 h) and pedestrian mapping (20 h) in the building arrival zone.

Results

Space Syntax Analyses indicates high intelligibility scores for vehicles (R = .91) and pedestrian (R = .78) circulation patterns; traffic situations were visualized via axial maps. A dataset of 219 vehicles and 2,096 pedestrian behaviors was analyzed and visualized using diagrams and heatmaps, identifying different occupancy patterns within the space. Correlational analyses indicated strong correlations between the results: connectivity and integration scores are significantly correlated with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic volumes.

Conclusion

Preliminary findings of the study validated an integrated protocol to evaluate the impacts of campus configuration and building approach design on patient arrival and spatial navigation at large hospitals, serving as a POE protocol involving SSA.
CNS and Thorax Injury and Associated Risks Factors in Equestrian Sports
Authors: Crawford Anna E. , Picken Lauren K. , Gabriel Fernanda D. , Quade Jonathan , Gould Sara
Published: August 2024

Context:

Equestrian sports continue to gain popularity in the United States and are associated with a high injury rate, especially involving the central nervous system and thorax. Due to this high rate of injury and the potential for long-term consequences associated with participation, an understanding of the unique risks of this sport is needed.

Objective:

To describe severe injury in equestrian sports and review the role that protective gear plays in injury mitigation.

Data Sources:

The PubMed Database was searched using the search terms “equestrian” and “horse” combined with “spinal cord injury,” “head injury,” “traumatic brain injury,” “experience levels,” and “demographics.”

Study Selection:

A total of 53 papers were selected based on their relevance of epidemiology, risk factors, and management of injuries sustained during equestrian activities. Case studies, randomized controlled trials, prospective studies, and retrospective studies were all included for further review.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Data Extraction:

None.

Results:

Injuries to the thorax, including fractures, pneumothoraces, internal organ contusions, and crush injuries, have been cited in multiple national and international trauma registries as the most prevalent injury location in equestrians; however, head and neck injuries, high cervical spine fractures, and closed head injuries are reported to be associated with the highest rates of mortality. Helmets provide protection against skull fracture and traumatic brain injury. Vests were not associated with diminished rates of spinal cord injuries; however, they may provide protection to the thorax. Riding experience also plays a role in reducing the prevalence of injury.

Conclusion:

Equestrian-related activities are associated with a high risk of injury despite protective measures. Protective gear can mitigate some injury risk but does not protect against spinal injury. Continued investigation into improving protective equipment, rider education, and preventative strategies to mitigate this risk is needed.
Outcomes Following Neonatal Cardiac Surgery in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: du Toit Derrik , Swanson Lenise C. , Salie Shamiel , Perkins Susan , Basera Wisdom , Lawrenson John B. , Aldersley Thomas , Brooks Andre , Zühlke Liesl J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Neonatal Cardiac Surgery has developed significantly since its advent, with improved outcomes, survival, and physiological repair. Limited programs offer neonatal cardiac surgery in emerging economies. We report our experience with neonates undergoing cardiac surgery in our cardiac surgery program.

Methods

We performed a secondary data analysis on all neonates aged ≤ 30 days undergoing congenital cardiac surgery from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020, including outcomes up to 30-days post-surgery.

Results

A total of 859 patients underwent cardiac surgery at our center, of these 81 (9.4%) were neonates. The proportion of neonates increased annually (8.7%, 9.6%, and 10.2%). There were 49 (60%) male patients, and 32 (40%) had surgery in the second week of life. Fourteen (17%) were premature, four (5%) had a major chromosomal abnormality, five (6%) a major medical illness, and eight (10%) a major noncardiac structural anomaly. The Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS) categorization of surgery was predominantly RACHS 3; n = 28 (35%) and 4; n = 23 (29%). Hours in the intensive care unit (ICU) were extensive; median 189 [interquartile range (IQR): 114-286] as were hours of ventilation; median 95 [IQR 45-163]. Almost 60% (n = 48) of procedures were complicated by sepsis, as defined in our database. The in-hospital mortality rate was 16% (n = 13); the 30-day mortality rate was 19.8% (n = 16).

Conclusion

The proportion of neonates in our service increased over the period. Focused strategies to shorten prolonged ICU stay and decrease rates of bacterial sepsis in neonates are needed. A multidisciplinary, collaborative heart-team approach is crucial for best outcomes.
Unpacking Ethnic-Racial Messages and Coping Socialization Profiles: Family Relationship Quality and Demographic Differences
Authors: Glover Ciara S. , Jiménez Asha , Overton Dyamond , Ricketts Jordan
Published: August 2024

The current study aimed to 1) identify patterns of ethnic-racial and coping socialization among Black emerging adults, and 2) investigate profile differences in demographics and family relationship quality (e.g., communication and closeness). Six-hundred and three Black emerging adults (Mage = 18.63, 78% Female) at a Minority Serving Institution completed an online survey. We used latent profile analysis (LPA) with three ethnic-racial socialization and two coping socialization indicators. Four profiles emerged: High Socialization, Awareness without Response, Colorblind Coping, and Low Socialization. African American emerging adults were more likely to be in the High Socialization group than other profiles. Those in the High Socialization profile (high ethnic-racial socialization and racial coping socialization) were likely to report parental closeness more than others. Differences in family communication are discussed. The findings reveal that coping support and race-related socialization messages matter throughout emerging adulthood.
The Magnitude of Care Burden and Associated Factors in Caregivers of Children with Cancer at the Country’s Largest Tertiary Referral Hospital, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Arega Gashaw , Said Abdulkadir M. , Workineh Sosina , Hussien Kedir , Ketema Kassahun
Published: August 2024

Objectives. Many caregivers who care for their children with cancer are affected by the care burden due to the chronic nature of the disease. This study aimed to determine the burden of care level and its related factors in the caregivers of children with cancer.  Methods. A facility-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Children diagnosed with cancer and treated at the hospital between July 1 and August 1, 2023, and their caregivers were included. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were used to summarize the data and to determine the association with the dependent variable. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.  Results. A total of 208 children with cancer and their caregivers were included in the study. Most children (81, 38.9%) were below 5 years of age, and 80.3% (n = 167) of the patients came from out of Addis Ababa. The most common type of childhood cancer was haemato-lymphoid cancer (n = 117, 56.3%). The mean duration of cancer care after diagnosis was 289.55 days. The median age of caregivers was 35 ± 8.7 years, most of the caregivers were parents of the child (n = 185, 88.9%), married (n = 186, 87%), had a primary level education (n = 66, 31.7), and 87.5% (n = 182) had insufficient income for the cancer treatment cost. The average caring time was 19 to 24 hours for 76.4% (n = 159) of caregivers, and more than one-fourth of caregivers (n = 57, 27.4%) intended to abandon treatment if they couldn’t get support to continue the care. The mean care burden in caregivers was 65.76 ± 14 and about, 53.4% (n = 111) and 35.1% (n = 73) of caregivers had moderate and severe care burden. Binary logistic analysis showed the factors associated with an increased care burden were the caregiver’s occupational status ( P = .034, 95 % CI; AOR (0.064, 0.890)), lack of support from NGOs ( P = .037, 95 % CI; AOR (1.053, 5.254), and insufficient monthly income for the treatment ( P = .034; 95% CI; AOR (0.064, 0.896)).  Conclusion. Most of the caregivers of children with cancer were parents and had insufficient income for the treatment. More than one-fourth had an intention to abandon the cancer treatment. Most caregivers had moderate to severe care burdens.
Shifting Towards a Critical Racial Health Equity Lens in Research with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Lewis Jioni A. , Cerezo Alison
Published: August 2024

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) experience disproportionate health disparities due to health inequities—systematic disparities that are considered unjust, unfair, or avoidable and are a direct result of historical and contemporary social injustices. For BIPOC communities, health inequities stem from systemic racism that intersects with other systems of oppression that drive synergistic stress experiences that further restrict access to critical resources tied to health outcomes. While social determinants of health have long been part of the broader scope of health disparities research, calls to center health equity have increased. We call on health disparities researchers to strive to disrupt systemic racism through a focus on health equity. We believe that health disparities research should incorporate a more critical, social justice, and equity-minded lens to center the sociocultural contexts and lived experiences of BIPOC communities, uplift culturally informed and strengths-based interventions, and develop preventative methods to ameliorate and disrupt racial health inequities in the United States and globally. In this introduction, we briefly highlight the set of articles included in this special issue that showcase a diverse range of cutting-edge and innovative research centering on BIPOC communities. In addition, we offer nine recommendations to shift toward a more critical, intersectional, and social justice-oriented lens in health disparities research.
Exploring the patient perspective in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ford H. James , Brunetti Colleen , Ferrari Pisana , Meszaros Gergely , Moles Victor M. , Skaara Hall , Torbicki Adam , Gibbs J. Simon R.
Published: August 2024

The global impacts of pulmonary hypertension (PH) were formally recognised in 1973 at the 1st World Health Organization meeting dedicated to primary pulmonary hypertension, held in Geneva. Investigations into disease pathogenesis and classification led to the development of numerous therapies over the ensuing decades. While the impacts of the disease have been lessened due to treatments, the symptoms and adverse effects of PH and its therapies on patients’ wellbeing and mental health remain significant. As such, there is a critical need to enhance understanding of the challenges patients face on a global scale with respect to care access, multidimensional patient support and advocacy. In addition, thoughtful analysis of the potential benefits and utilisation of mechanisms for the incorporation of patient-reported outcomes into diagnosis and treatment plans is needed. A summary of these areas is included here. We present a report of global surveys of patient and provider experiences and challenges regarding care access and discuss possible solutions. Also addressed is the current state of PH patient associations around the world. Potential ways to enhance patient associations and enable them to provide the utmost support are discussed. A summary of relevant patient-reported outcome measures to assess health-related quality of life in PH is presented, with suggestions regarding incorporation of these tools in patient care and research. Finally, information on how current global threats such as pandemics, climate change and armed conflict may impact PH patients is offered, along with insights as to how they may be mitigated with advanced contingency planning.
Pathophysiology of the right ventricle and its pulmonary vascular interaction
Authors: Hemnes Anna R. , Celermajer David S. , D'Alto Michele , Haddad Francois , Hassoun Paul M. , Prins Kurt W. , Naeije Robert , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton
Published: August 2024

The right ventricle and its stress response is perhaps the most important arbiter of survival in patients with pulmonary hypertension of many causes. The physiology of the cardiopulmonary unit and definition of right heart failure proposed in the 2018 World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension have proven useful constructs in subsequent years. Here, we review updated knowledge of basic mechanisms that drive right ventricular function in health and disease, and which may be useful for therapeutic intervention in the future. We further contextualise new knowledge on assessment of right ventricular function with a focus on metrics readily available to clinicians and updated understanding of the roles of the right atrium and tricuspid regurgitation. Typical right ventricular phenotypes in relevant forms of pulmonary vascular disease are reviewed and recent studies of pharmacological interventions on chronic right ventricular failure are discussed. Finally, unanswered questions and future directions are proposed.
Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis of the CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE gene family in Triticum aestivum
Authors: Peracchi Luigi M. , Brew-Appiah Rhoda A.T. , Garland-Campbell Kimberly , Roalson Eric H. , Sanguinet Karen A.
Published: August 2024

Background

CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE (CAD) catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of cinnamaldehydes into cinnamyl alcohols and is a key enzyme found at the final step of the monolignol pathway. Cinnamyl alcohols and their conjugates are subsequently polymerized in the secondary cell wall to form lignin. CAD genes are typically encoded by multi-gene families and thus traditionally organized into general classifications of functional relevance.

Results

In silico analysis of the hexaploid Triticum aestivum genome revealed 47 high confidence TaCAD copies, of which three were determined to be the most significant isoforms (class I) considered bone fide CADs. Class I CADs were expressed throughout development both in RNAseq data sets as well as via qRT-PCR analysis. Of the 37 class II TaCADs identified, two groups were observed to be significantly co-expressed with class I TaCADs in developing tissue and under chitin elicitation in RNAseq data sets. These co-expressed class II TaCADs were also found to be phylogenetically unrelated to a separate clade of class II TaCADs previously reported to be an influential resistance factor to pathogenic fungal infection. Lastly, two groups were phylogenetically identified as class III TaCADs, which possess distinct conserved gene structures. However, the lack of data supporting their catalytic activity for cinnamaldehydes and their bereft transcriptional presence in lignifying tissues challenges their designation and function as CADs.

Conclusions

Taken together, our comprehensive transcriptomic analyses suggest that TaCAD genes contribute to overlapping but nonredundant functions during T. aestivum growth and development across a wide variety of agroecosystems and provide tolerance to various stressors.
A comparative analysis of ENCODE and Cistrome in the context of TF binding signal
Authors: Perna Stefano , Pinoli Pietro , Ceri Stefano , Wong Limsoon
Published: August 2024

Background

With the rise of publicly available genomic data repositories, it is now common for scientists to rely on computational models and preprocessed data, either as control or to discover new knowledge. However, different repositories adhere to the different principles and guidelines, and data processing plays a significant role in the quality of the resulting datasets. Two popular repositories for transcription factor binding sites data - ENCODE and Cistrome - process the same biological samples in alternative ways, and their results are not always consistent. Moreover, the output format of the processing (BED narrowPeak) exposes a feature, the signalValue, which is seldom used in consistency checks, but can offer valuable insight on the quality of the data.

Results

We provide evidence that data points with high signalValue(s) (top 25% of values) are more likely to be consistent between ENCODE and Cistrome in human cell lines K562, GM12878, and HepG2. In addition, we show that filtering according to said high values improves the quality of predictions for a machine learning algorithm that detects transcription factor interactions based only on positional information. Finally, we provide a set of practices and guidelines, based on the signalValue feature, for scientists who wish to compare and merge narrowPeaks from ENCODE and Cistrome.

Conclusions

The signalValue feature is an informative feature that can be effectively used to highlight consistent areas of overlap between different sources of TF binding sites that expose it. Its applicability extends to downstream to positional machine learning algorithms, making it a powerful tool for performance tweaking and data aggregation.