bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudo eletrocardiomiográfico da hipertrofia ventricular esquerda
Authors: Carvalho Flavio G. de , Rozenbojm Jaime , Espósito Ivanhoé
Published: May 2022

São relatadas as modificações eletrocardiográficas observadas em 141 casos de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda. Os achados são distribuídos em 2 grupos: 1) casos com sinais eletrocardiográficos sugestivos de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda; 2) casos com sinais de certezade hipertrofia ventricular esquerda. Os autores classificam as modificações eletrocardiográficas encontradas nos casos acima mencionados em duas séries: alterações fundamentais e alterações secundárias. As modificações eletrocardiográficas fundamentais são: 1) onda R em V5 com mais de 15 mm de amplitude; 2) onda T em V5 achatada, negativa ou difásica; 3) atraso no aparecimento da deflexão intrínseca; 4) onda T em D1 achatada, negativa ou difásica; 5) complexo QRS alargadonas derivações clássicas (com mais de 0,10s). As alterações eletrocardiográficas secundárias são: 1) desnivelamento do segmento RS-T em V5; 2) desnivelamento do segmento RS-T em V3;3) onda T e V3 achatada, negativa ou difásica; 4) complexo QRS de alta voltagem nas derivações clássicas; 5) desvio do eixo elétrico para a esquerda.O diagnóstico de certeza de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda deve ser estabelecido quando forem encontradas todas as 5 modificações fundamentais ou 4 fundamentais e 1 secundária ou 3 fundamentais e 3 ou mais secundárias. O diagnóstico de suspeição de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda deve ser estabelecido quando fôrem encontradas uma das alterações secundárias.Em, 68 (48,22%) dos 141 casos, foi feito diagnóstico de certeza de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, sendo o diagnóstico de suspeição feito em 73 casos(51,78%). A posição elétrica do coração foi determinada em todos os casos.Nota: Trabalho apresentado e premiado no IV Congresso Médico-Acadêmico Interestadual, São Paulo, em 1948. Neste número especial com artigos publicados na Revista de Medicina em 1948, traz um comentário dos Drs. Alfredo José Mansur e Paulo Jorge Moffa (Departamento de Cardiologia da FMUSP).
The Callitriche (Plantaginaceae: Callitricheae) names published under the genus Stellaria, and notes on C. aquatica and the Linnéan name C. palustris var. bifida
Authors: HASSEMER GUSTAVO , LANSDOWN RICHARD V.
Published: May 2022

Unequivocal communication of knowledge about organisms requires unequivocal names by which to refer to them. When the same name is used to refer to very distinct groups of organisms, misunderstanding and problems are certain to follow. In this work we discuss the complicated issues linked to the use of the name Stellaria to refer to species of Callitriche and make the necessary clarifications and amendments. Furthermore, the Linnéan name C. palustris var. bifida is lectotypified and its identity is discussed, and nomenclatural aspects pertaining to the name C. aquatica are also discussed.
A new species related to Ypthima praenubila Leech, 1891 in Vietnam and China (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)
Authors: MONASTYRSKII ALEXANDER L. , LANG SONG-YUN , UÉMURA YOSHINOBU , VAN LIEN VU
Published: May 2022

We describe a new species of satyrine butterfly, Ypthima thao Monastyrskii & Lang sp. nov., recently discovered in northern Vietnam and southwestern China. This species is similar to Y. praenubila, which is distributed in the same region, and we speculate on their biogeographic origins.
A Study of Evaluation Influence in Two Child Protection Programs
Authors: Herbert James Leslie
Published: May 2022

Evaluation influence is a reconceptualization of evaluation use that reflects the broad and diffuse impacts an evaluation can have on social programs and policies. This way of thinking about impact provides an opportunity to investigate how and why evaluations influence social programs and policy. Twenty participants (practitioners and managers) from two child protection programs evaluated in the previous 24 months were interviewed about the influence of these evaluations, which was complemented with the collection of internal documents about changes to the programs. A qualitative case study analysis of evaluation influence was conducted using the interviews and documents to investigate the influence of two evaluations at different stages in the dissemination process. The participants identified that the evaluations appeared to have significant high-level policy level influence; however, limited examples of influence on practices in the programs were identified. There was some suggestion that the evaluations had increased practitioner interest in working with and participating in program evaluations. The findings suggest the importance of developmental evaluation approaches and practitioner engagement in evaluation to improve the influence and adoption of new knowledge from the evaluation of social programs.
Prospective clinical study testing the efficacy and safety of a new formula to increase the precision of oxygen therapy in the initiation phase of cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Turra Jan , Riesterer David , Eisner Christoph , Wenzel Folker , Möbius Andreas , Karck Matthias , Arif Rawa , Lichtenstern Christoph , Fischer Dania
Published: May 2022

Introduction

During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), supranormal concentrations of oxygen are routinely administered with the intention to prevent cellular hypoxia. However, hyperoxemia may have adverse effects on patient outcome. Oxygen settings are based on the perfusionist’s individual work experience rather than profound recommendations and studies analyzing the effect of oxygen levels are in need of methodological improvement. We aimed to advance perfusion technique by developing and clinically applying a formula for tailored oxygen therapy in CPB.

Methods

A formula to precalculate the oxygenator setting before CPB was developed. The newly-derived formula was then evaluated in a prospective, single-center pilot study to test whether a predefined arterial partial oxygen pressure (PaO2) of 150–250 mmHg could be reached. 80 patients were enrolled in the study between April and September 2021.

Results

The mean oxygen fraction calculated for the setting of the gas blender was 52% ±0,12. The mean PaO2 after initiation of the CPB was 193 ± 99 mmHg (min-max: 61-484, median 163 mmHg). 38.75% of the values were in the desired PaO2 corridor of 150 to 250 mmHg. 8.75% of all PaO2 values were below <79.9 mmHg, 31.25% between 80 and 149.9 mmHg, 38.75% between 150 and 249.9 mmHg and 21.25%>250 mmHg.

Conclusions

Conceptually, perfusion technique should be goal-directed, guided by objective parameters and formulas. Although the optimal CPB oxygenation target remains unknown, it is nevertheless important to develop strategies to tailor oxygen therapy to aid in creating evidence as to what level of oxygen is best for patients during CPB. The formula we derived needs further adjustments to increase results in the target range.
Procurement Benchmarks for Major Transportation Projects
Authors: Zhang Kunqi , Erfani Abdolmajid , Beydoun Ousama , Cui Qingbin
Published: May 2022

The U.S. transportation industry has long called for a schedule and cost benchmark tool to assist project sponsors with developing project delivery plans benchmarked in reference to similar past projects across the nation. Such a benchmark tool has recently been developed in response to the industry demand and a mandate of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. The tool capitalized on the Information Source for Major Projects database, which adopted standard processes and uniform terminology for documenting critical milestones throughout the project lifecycle. Based on 137 major transportation projects, the benchmark model produces schedule benchmarks on environmental study, procurement, and implementation processes. Also, the benchmark tool recommends a cost benchmark based on the Federal Highway Administration’s standard. Users have the flexibility to define a benchmark level and a suite of project features including type, size, class of action required under the National Environmental Policy Act, and delivery method such as design-bid-build, design-build or public–private partnerships. Benchmark level is the percentage of projects that outperform the other projects with the same selected features. The tool promises immense potential for milestone planning and can provide insightful expectation of project milestones in support of delivery method selection. Included in the tool are benchmark charts, a handy reference from which schedule benchmarks can be read. This paper demonstrates the use of the tool in a case example.
Procollagen C-protease enhancer protein is a prognostic factor for glioma and promotes glioma development by regulating multiple tumor-related pathways and immune microenvironment
Authors: Zhao Zijun , Zhao Jiahui , Wang Zairan , Wu Yue , Zhang Zhanzhan , Song Zihan , Miao Jihao , Liu Boheng , Zhang Shiyang , Sun Boyu , Zhao Zongmao
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Glioma is a common type of brain tumor with high incidence and mortality rates. Procollagen C-protease enhancer protein (PCOLCE) has been shown to regulate tumor growth and metastasis in several cancers. However, the role of PCOLCE in glioma is unknown. This study aims to assess the association between PCOLCE and prognosis of glioma, and investigated the potential mechanisms.

Methods

The prognostic value of PCOLCE was determined using data from nine publicly available glioma cohorts. We also investigated the relationship between PCOLCE and glioma immune microenvironment and predicted response to immunotherapy based on the expression levels of PCOLCE. The potential roles of PCOLCE in glioma were also explored and validated in cell experiment.

Results

Survival analysis suggested that high-PCOLCE expression was associated with poor prognosis in glioma. Upregulation of PCOLCE enhanced an immune suppressive microenvironment in glioma by regulating immunocyte infiltration and Cancer-Immunity Cycle. Cox and ROC analysis revealed that PCOLCE was a prognostic factor for glioma and could be used to predict survival of the patients. Patients with low-PCOLCE expression were more likely to respond to Immunotherapy with ICI (immune checkpoint inhibitor) and survive longer. Enrichment analysis showed that PCOLCE was associated with multiple tumor-related pathways. Finally, we demonstrated that the knockdown of PCOLCE inhibited glioma development by regulating cell cycle and promoting apoptosis in in vitro experiments.

Conclusion

PCOLCE promotes glioma progression by regulating multiple tumor-related pathways and immune microenvironment and can be used as a prognostic factor for glioma.
Factors of Functional Disability in the Social Participation of Older Adults Living Alone With Fall Experience
Authors: Jung SuJung , Tak Sunghee H.
Published: May 2022

The fall experiences of older adults living alone lead to restrictions in their social participation. This study aimed to examine the factors that influence functional disability in social participation (FSP) among older adults who live alone and have experienced falls. This study used secondary data of 493 older adults living alone who experienced a fall, which were collected from the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Factors, such as old age, sex, economic status, frequency of drinking, and number of acquaintances, significantly related to functional disability in terms of social participation. In addition, poor muscle strength, depression, and cognitive decline comprised predictors of FSP. The findings of this study revealed that it is important to comprehensively evaluate the social participation of older adults who live alone and have experienced falls.
An Integrative Model for the Development of Anti-Racist Behavior in White Adolescents
Authors: Woolverton Genevieve Alice , Marks Amy K.
Published: May 2022

We propose an integrative model for the development of anti-racism in white adolescents that unpacks and combines critical consciousness, color consciousness, anti-racism, and Critical Race Theory frameworks. Black and Brown youth in the U.S. face increasing rates of peer-directed racism, which contribute to long-term negative physical, psychological, academic, and behavioral outcomes. Despite increased focus on how critical consciousness and anti-racism develop uniquely in adolescence, there are no existing theories that provide an integrated, comprehensive model of anti-racist development in white adolescents. Our model unpacks and reorganizes the core features of four prominent theories into cognitive, psychological, and behavioral components of anti-racism development in white adolescents based on existing research to support a next-generation of hypotheses for future research. In doing so, we aim to provide a contemporary theoretical foundation for research that will elucidate anti-racism development among white youth, and help to dismantle structural racism against Black and Brown people in the U.S.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prognosis of Bloodstream Infections in COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care: A Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Kurt Ahmet Furkan , Mete Bilgul , Urkmez Seval , Demirkiran Oktay , Dumanli Guleren Yartas , Bozbay Suha , Dilken Olcay , Karaali Ridvan , Balkan Ilker Inanç , Saltoğlu Nese , Dikmen Yalim , Tabak Fehmi , Aygun Gokhan
Published: May 2022

Background

Critically ill COVID-19 patients are prone to bloodstream infections (BSIs).

Aim

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of BSIs developing in COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Patients staying at least 48 h in ICU from 22 March 2020 to 25 May 2021 were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed.

Results

The median age of the sample (n  =  470) was 66 years (IQR 56.0-76.0), and 64% were male. The three most common comorbidities were hypertension (49.8%), diabetes mellitus (32.8%), and coronary artery disease (25.7%). Further, 252 BSI episodes developed in 179 patients, and the BSI incidence rate was 50.2 (95% CI 44.3-56.7) per 1000 patient-days. The source of BSI is central venous catheter in 42.5% and lower respiratory tract in 38.9% of the episodes. Acinetobacter baumannii (40%) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (21%) were the most common pathogens. CRP levels were lower in patients receiving tocilizumab. Multivariable analysis revealed that continuous renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and treatment with a combination of methylprednisolone and tocilizumab were independent risk factors for BSI. The estimated cumulative risk of developing first BSI episode was 50% after 6 days and 100% after 25 days. Of the 179 patients, 149 (83.2%) died, and a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.001) was found in the survival distribution in favor of the group without BSI.

Conclusion

BSI is a common complication in COVID-19 patients followed in the ICU, and it can lead to mortality. Failure in infection control measures, intensive immunosuppressive treatments, and invasive interventions are among the main factors leading to BSIs.
Plugging the Leaky Pipeline:A Qualitative Investigation of Untenured Female Faculty in STEM
Authors: Gregor Margo , Dunn Marianne , Campbell-Halfaker Devynn , Martin-Fernandez Javier , Ferrer Anthony , Robinson Simone
Published: May 2022

The current study set out to highlight the voices and stories of 129 female-identifying assistant professors in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) who responded to open-ended questions regarding their perceived barriers, supports, and experiences on their journey toward tenure. The current study utilized Consensual Qualitative Research-Modified (CQR-M; Spangler et al., 2012 ) for the methodology and data analysis, as the current study included a relatively large number of women and brief qualitative data. Responses fell into four domains: barriers, supports, needed resources, and miscellaneous responses. Additionally, responses were compared between women in STEM fields with higher percentages of female faculty versus STEM fields with lower percentages of female faculty, with results indicating that women in STEM fields with lower gender equality reported more gender discrimination, more difficult colleagues, and less institutional or administrative supports and policies. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.
Cognitive Limitations Among Middle Eastern and North African Immigrants
Authors: Kindratt Tiffany B. , Dallo Florence J. , Zahodne Laura B. , Ajrouch Kristine J.
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

To estimate and compare the prevalence of cognitive limitations among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrants compared to US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic Whites from Europe (including Russia/former USSR) and examine differences after controlling for risk factors.

Methods:

Cross-sectional data using linked 2000-2017 National Health Interview Survey and 2001–2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (ages >=65 years, n = 24,827) were analyzed.

Results:

The prevalence of cognitive limitations was 17.3% among MENA immigrants compared to 9.6% and 13.6% among US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic Whites from Europe. MENA immigrants had higher odds (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.06–3.34) of reporting a cognitive limitation than US-born non-Hispanic Whites after controlling for age, sex, education, hearing loss, hypertension, depression, social isolation, and diabetes.

Discussion:

To further examine cognitive health among the MENA aging population, policy changes are needed to identify this group that is often absent from research because of their federal classification as non-Hispanic Whites.
Intelligent controller for robust orientation control of smart actuator based parallel manipulator
Authors: R Ranjith Pillai , Ganesan Murali
Published: May 2022

Flexible parallel manipulators can be used as an orienting device due to its precise positioning ability. The flexibility demands the use of non-conventional actuators and noncontact type/flexible sensors for feedback measurement. This study proposes a novel 2 Degree of Freedom (DoF) parallel manipulator actuated by shape memory alloy springs (SMA) which could be used as an orienting device for a table top Cartesian robot. To mitigate the use of contact type sensor, model based feedback is proposed to obtain SMA length for the feedback control. The inclusion of SMA actuators to parallel mechanism imposes control challenges due to nonlinearities, coupling effects, and disturbances. This work also proposes a novel control scheme based on concept of partition control law to control the SMA spring position without the use of any complex mathematical model. The proposed controller is a combination of two parts Fuzzy PID servo control and the time delay estimation (TDE) based auxiliary control. The fuzzy PID control handles the error tracking and the auxiliary control tries to cancel the nonlinearities and disturbances, thus enhancing the robustness. The performance of the proposed controller is tested for a complex trajectory under disturbances and the results are compared with existing nonlinear controllers which proves superior nature of the proposed controller.
Event-triggered H∞ coordinated control based mode transition system of DM-PHEV
Authors: Liang Cong , Xu Xing , Wang Feng , Wang Shaohua , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: May 2022

The increasing burden of Controller Area Network (CAN) in PHEVs may induce time-varying delays into the mode transition process (MTP) system and damage the performance of MTP. This paper proposes an event-triggered [Formula: see text] coordinated controller (EHCC) for the MTP of dual motor plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (DM-PHEVs). Firstly, a 13-degree of freedom (13-DOF) model of the transmission system of DM-PHEV is built to simulate the dynamic characteristic of DM-PHEV. Furthermore, according to the results of sensitivity analysis, the stiffness which has great influence on the vehicle dynamics is selected. A simplified 4-DOF mathematical model is built for controller design by ignoring other less important stiffness. Then, an event generator is developed as the threshold condition to check which measurements should be transmitted to the controller. Combing the event generator with [Formula: see text] control strategy, EHCC is presented to improve the performance of MTP from electric mode to hybrid driving mode under external disturbance. Finally, simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) test demonstrate that the proposed EHCC can achieve similar performance to time-triggered [Formula: see text] coordinated controller (THCC) while only utilizing 54% communication resources.
Central Nervous System Demyelination Following COVID-19 mRNA-Based Vaccination: Two Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Lee Shirley , Hor Jyh Yung , Koh Kee Leong , Chia Yuen Kang
Published: May 2022

As the world embarks on mass vaccination against SARS-CoV2 to alleviate the spread of this highly contagious novel coronavirus, there are growing anecdotal reports on immune-related neurological complications following immunisation. Similarly, we encountered 2 cases of central nervous system demyelination at our centre with Comirnaty (BNT162b2), a mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. Our first patient had typical clinical-radiological manifestations of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) after his COVID-19 vaccination. This was the sixth reported case to date. Our second patient presented with an unusual complaint of trigeminal neuralgia, with an identifiable demyelinating lesion observed in the pons on neuroimaging. Both cases responded well to immunotherapy. However, larger prospective controlled studies and formal registries are much needed to ascertain a possible relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and acute central nervous system demyelination.
Writing themselves in: Indigenous gender and sexuality diverse Australians online
Authors: Coe Georgia
Published: May 2022

There has been limited exploration into the online engagements of people who are Indigenous and gender and sexuality diverse. There are, however, two separate bodies of literature that provide substantial insights into the digital involvement of Indigenous Australians, and gender and sexuality diverse people. Each has identified a myriad of complex negotiations, interactions and resistances that take place through the affordances of digital spaces, along with identifying impacts on well-being. This scoping review discusses dominant themes within existing research on these topics, and documents research that discusses an online blog entitled Archiving the Aboriginal Rainbow that is designed to foreground representations of Indigenous gender and sexuality diverse people. To contextualise this discussion, the paper begins with a review of scholarly literature that articulates and challenges the ongoing colonisation of Indigenous peoples’ gender and sexuality. The literature reviewed exposes new research directions. Namely, the importance of exploration into Indigenous gender and sexuality diverses peoples’ online engagements, and their interrelationship with well-being.
Authority-led conspiracy theories in China during the COVID-19 pandemic – Exploring the thematic features and rhetoric strategies
Authors: Cheng Calvin Yixiang , Zhang Wanjiang Jacob , Zhang Qiyue
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed the flourish of various conspiracy theories globally, where governmental authorities have often played an essential role in spreading and promoting such misleading information. This study examines the authority-led conspiracy theories in China by analysing 44,068 conspiracy theory relevant Weibo posts. The sample was collected by 46 sets of keywords representing popular conspiracy theories circulating online in the pandemic. Through structural topic modelling and textual analysis, we revealed the thematic features and rhetorical strategies of authority-led conspiracy posts. Authorities were found to employ conspiratorial narrative as a regular tactic in the political discourse, and often phrased them in a connotative manner with specific rhetorical strategies. And non-authority users would often elaborate relevant topics endorsed by authorities to apparent conspiracy theories. This study enriches our understanding of authority’s role in spreading conspiracy theories during uncertain times in authoritarian countries.
Numerical investigation on the nonlinear flutter behaviors of a π-shaped sectional bridge deck
Authors: Wang Zhixiong , Zhang Zhitian , Wu Changqing
Published: May 2022

Nonlinear flutter behaviors of a π-shaped sectional bridge deck are investigated numerically, focusing on the effects on the post-flutter limit cycle oscillation (LCO) amplitudes caused by various nonlinearities, including aeroelastic, structural damping, and geometric nonlinearity. The Multi-stage indicial functions (IFs) are adapted to describe the nonlinear aeroelastic effects in time-domain, which necessitate amplitude-dependent aeroelastic model parameters. The motion amplitude-dependent parameters are mainly extracted numerically with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and partially examined by experimentally extracted results. The CFD-based parameters turn out to be satisfactory compared with experimental results. Finally, the flutter thresholds and post-flutter limit cycle oscillations are simulated using the present time-domain multi-stage indicial functions model. The numerical results show that introduction of any one kind of nonlinearity (aeroelastic, structural damping, or geometric) in the numerical procedure can lead to LCO. These three kinds of nonlinearity are compared in detail in terms of the effects they have on the post-flutter LCO amplitude. It turns out that the damping nonlinearity, for the case concerned in this work, is the most important factor that determines the post-flutter LCO amplitude and the flutter onset wind speed as well. The time-domain multi-stage indicial functions procedure adopted in this work can serve as an efficient solving strategy to obtain nonlinear post-flutter performances of long-span bridges.
Distributed detection of internal cavities in concrete-filled steel tube arch bridge elements
Authors: Gong Shilin , Feng Xin , Zhang Guanhua , Ansari Farhad
Published: May 2022

Internal cavities in structural elements, such as in concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs) of arch ribs reduce confinement, bearing capacity, and the durability of the arch bridges. Formation of internal cavities may be either materials related, which affects proper consolidation, or construction related, especially in terms of proper timing and delivery of concrete slurry to horizontal and inclined structural members. Nondestructive test methods such as ultrasonics have been employed for detection of internal cavities. Despite their success, point-by-point inspection of structural members becomes time-consuming and inefficient, especially when entire structures need to be inspected. Infrared thermography (IR) provides a more reasonable global approach for detection of anomalies. The accuracy and resolution of IR depend on the local ambient conditions affecting convection and external thermal flux prior to detection by IR. The research described herein pertains to the development of a hybrid thermographic approach by using Brillouin fiber optic sensors (BFOSs) for direct detection of thermal convection at the surfaces of steel tubes. Accurate quantitative detection of internal cavity locations and their dimensions required development of a specific machine learning-based approach through which the distributed thermographic data was converted to a series of grayscale images. A Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (Faster R-CNN) based on the improved VGG-16 (IVGG-16) network architecture was utilized for this purpose. The experimental work involved design and fabrication of a distributed temperature sensing sheet (DTSS) for simultaneous transmission of thermal energy into CFST specimens and acquisition of distributed thermographic data by the BFOS. By using the proposed approach, it was possible to detect the embedded internal cavities during the experiments.
Synthesis of healthy-structure model responses for damage quantification
Authors: Garrido Hernán , Domizio Martín , Curadelli Oscar , Ambrosini Daniel
Published: May 2022

Structural Health Monitoring faces several challenges. Among them, especially for the quantification of damage, are (1) the uncertainty in the boundary conditions, (2) the need for a calibrated numerical model, or measurements, of the structure in its healthy state, (3) the variability in the structure properties and boundary conditions due to environmental and operational conditions and (4) the possibility of damage in the virgin structure due to construction defects. Based on the sparsity condition of structural damage, this work presents a method that tackles these challenges simultaneously. The method consists in synthesising the response of a healthy-structure model, which is valid in the current environmental and operational conditions, only inside a region of interest (ROI) that excludes the boundaries and the rest of the full structure. This is accomplished by means of a robust regression of the solution of an analytical model of the healthy structure, and its loading, only using testing data of the (possibly) damaged structure in that ROI. Under ideal conditions, the method showed to be exact in detecting, locating and quantifying damage, in some cases much better than using measurements of the virgin structure. Finally, the method was tested by numerical simulations and using experimental data, under realistic conditions, which evidences its practical applicability.
I Didn’t Ask for Any of This: (White) Privilege, the American (Dream) Family, and Health Care
Authors: King-White Ryan
Published: May 2022

As a cisgendered White male who emerged from a decidedly working-class family, the national fantasy of achieving the prototypical “American Dream” (i.e., working a white-collar job, getting married and raising children in “good” neighborhoods, and an opportunity at a better quality of life for our offspring) has long been socialized into my life. However, as I have reached the supposed mountaintop both personally and professionally to become part of what Stewart terms the “New American Aristocracy”—that is, the so-called 9.9%—so too have I become increasingly discomfited by that which it represents. In this autoethnographic narrative accounting, I offer a critical yet necessarily confessional look back at the concessions, complications, and privileges my family’s subjective performances of Whiteness have revealed about the ever-growing toxic class divide in the United States. The results of our exchange will and cannot be perfect, but, hopefully, a step in a better direction.
A Community Policing Project in Taiwan: The Developments, Challenges, and Prospects of Neighborhood Watch
Authors: Chen Fei-Lin
Published: May 2022

Neighborhood Watch is a community crime prevention program organized mainly by local residents to maintain order and deter crime. Neighborhood Watch is an important element of community policing in Taiwan. Relying on previous research, this study illustrates the implementation process of Neighborhood Watch in Taiwan. Starting in the 1970s, Neighborhood Watch in Taiwan evolved through several stages, shifting from a focus on moral alignment to community building and crime prevention. The central pillar of Neighborhood Watch is civilian patrol groups commonly organized by either the government at all levels as part of their civilian defense scheme or neighborhood patrol squads staffed by local volunteers. The organization and resources associated with Neighborhood Watch elucidate the government's intention to integrate the program into community policing as an effective tool for building community safety and strengthening crime prevention. It is reasonable to predict that the Taiwan government and police are likely to continue their support for the operation of Neighborhood Watch as part of collective efforts to build healthy and safe communities.
State Capacity in Response to COVID-19: A Case Study of China
Authors: Wu Shaolong , Wang Chunxiao , Zhang Luwen
Published: May 2022

Countries across the world responded very differently in their prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and state capacity is likely driving these differences. In this study, we define state capacity in preventing and controlling COVID-19 as the extent to which a state takes rapid intervention measures based on scientific evidence to prevent and control infectious diseases. This case study explores China's experience in terms of pandemic prevention and control, showing that the goal of pandemic prevention and control in the country is a concrete combination of outcome goals and multidimensional process objectives. This research also demonstrates the important role of state capacity in pandemic prevention and control in China by analyzing different ways to quickly achieve accessibility and full coverage of intervention measures for the target population. Finally, we argue that a country's political system is not a decisive factor in pandemic prevention and control. Rather, the historical experience of a country in dealing with similar outbreaks and current state capacity play important roles.
Healthy From the Start—Lifestyle Interventions in Early Childhood
Authors: Dalal Michelle , Cazorla-Lancaster Yamileth , Chu Cherie G. , Agarwal Neeta
Published: May 2022

Lifestyle interventions are effective from the earliest years of childhood. To best promote health, lifestyle factors should be implemented for children and their families from birth. This includes introducing families to the benefits of a whole-food plant-based (WFPB) or plant-predominant diet, daily physical activity, positive family and peer social connections, avoidance of risky substances for caregivers, optimal sleep habits, and stress management and mindfulness for all family members. Through attention to these six pillars of lifestyle medicine, children and their families can succeed in initiating and maintaining optimal lifelong physical and mental health.
The influence of compression tights on running economy varies by relative intensity
Authors: McManus Chris , Cooper Chris E , Sandercock Gavin
Published: May 2022

The effect of compression tights on running economy is unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the influence of compression tights on economy. Following an incremental test to exhaustion to determine aerobic capacity (V̇O2max) and peak running speed (vV̇O2max), twenty-six moderately endurance-trained males (28 ± 7 years; 76.1 ± 8.4 kg; V̇O2max = 54.7 ± 4.8 mL·kg−1·min−1) were allocated to either a 60% (n = 8), 62.5% (n = 9) or 65% vV̇O2max group (n = 9) using block randomisation. Participants ran for 15 min at the allocated vV̇O2max with compression tights and a non-compression control condition in a randomised, counter-balanced order, separated by seven days. Oxygen consumption (V̇O2) and expired carbon dioxide (V̇CO2) was measured to determine economy as caloric unit cost. No difference was observed between conditions for the 60% and 62.5% vV̇O2max groups, however economy was improved with compression at 65% vV̇O2max ( P < 0.01). Combined analysis of all participants revealed ΔRE (Δ = control − compression) correlated with relative aerobic capacity (%V̇O2max) ( r = 0.50, P < 0.01) but not running speed ( r = 0.04, P < 0.84). These data suggest that compression tights influence economy at 65% vV̇O2max or at relative exercise intensities of approximately 75–85%V̇O2max.
Upper limb functional testing in athletes: A Delphi study
Authors: Tooth Camille , Schwartz Cédric , Ann Cools , Croisier Jean-Louis , Gofflot Amandine , Stephen Bornheim , Forthomme Bénédicte
Published: May 2022

Background

Functional testing has recently become more and more popular to assess athletes, both for injury prevention, as well as in an objective of performance. However, the relationship between the results of these tests and performances (or injuries) or their interpretation remains unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the usefulness, the characteristics, and the interpretation of the most frequently used upper-limb functional test.

Methods

Twenty-two experts with an excellent knowledge of upper limb functional tests and an expertise in sports medicine and/or sports training of at least 5 years were recruited. They answered to qualitative and quantitative questions about functional testing trough structured questionnaires (online).

Results

Four rounds were needed to reach a consensus about the usefulness as well as the characteristics of each test. Different sports-specific batteries of tests were also suggested by the experts and reached consensus. However, concerning the interpretation of the test, a consensus was only found for half of the tests considered.

Conclusion

The current study summarizes the characteristics and the usefulness of the most popular upper-limb functional tests. However, the interpretation of some tests will have to be further explored since no consensus was found for them.
A systematic review of outpatient billing practices
Authors: Burks Kristie , Shields Jessie , Evans Joseph , Plumley Jodi , Gerlach Jarrett , Flesher Susan
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

Healthcare coding and billing are an important aspect of practice management that directly impacts the financial stability of a health care practice. To financially sustain or grow a medical practice, it is imperative that resident and faculty physicians have knowledge and skills for accurate billing in every patient encounter.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted to identify recently published studies that report on improvements in medical coding and billing accuracy, clinical documentation, and reimbursement rate. A search of three databases yielded a total of 5754 records. After screening, 41 records were sought for retrieval and a total of 18 records were obtained for review.

Results:

Following a thorough review of literature, the most common reasons for inaccurate or inappropriate billing were a lack of formal education within residency curriculum, inadequate clinical documentation supporting level of billing, and lack of a feedback system aimed to correct billing errors.

Conclusion:

A formal education curriculum implemented in training could enhance knowledge and application of accurate billing and coding and further benefit practice longevity. The purpose of this systematic review is to apply knowledge gained to the development and implementation of a quality improvement study intended to improve accuracy of coding and billing within an academic pediatric outpatient center.
Relationship Between Big-Five Personality Traits, Financial Literacy and Risk Propensity: Evidence from India
Authors: Shanmugam Karthikeyan , Chidambaram Vijayabanu , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the present study is to empirically examine the effect of Big-Five personality traits on financial literacy and risk propensity. Data were collected from 285 respondents from four cosmopolitan cities in the southern part of India (Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli and Madurai) using a structured instrument. The structural equation modelling results reveal that the following: (a) Big-Five personality traits have a significant and positive influence on financial literacy financial attitude, financial behaviour, financial knowledge and financial decision influences; (b) financial attitude is positively related to risk propensity; and (c) financial decision influences are positively related to risk propensity. The implications for behavioural finance and practicing managers are discussed.
A unifying hypothesis for PNMZL and PTFL: morphological variants with a common molecular profile
Authors: Salmeron-Villalobos Julia , Egan Caoimhe , Borgmann Vanessa , Müller Inga , Gonzalez-Farre Blanca , Ramis-Zaldivar Joan Enric , Nann Dominik , Balagué Olga , López-Guerra Mónica , Colomer Dolors , Oschlies Ilske , Klapper Wolfram , Glaser Selina , Ko Young Hyeh , Bonzheim Irina , Siebert Reiner , Fend Falko , Pittaluga Stefania , Campo Elias , Salaverria Itziar , Jaffe Elaine S. , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia
Published: May 2022

Pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphoma (PNMZL) is an uncommon B-cell neoplasm affecting mainly male children and young adults. This indolent lymphoma has distinct characteristics that differ from those of conventional nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL). Clinically, it exhibits overlapping features with pediatric-type follicular lymphoma (PTFL). To explore the differences between PNMZL and adult NMZL and its relationship to PTFL, a series of 45 PNMZL cases were characterized morphologically and genetically by using an integrated approach; this approach included whole-exome sequencing in a subset of cases, targeted next-generation sequencing, and copy number and DNA methylation arrays. Fourteen cases (31%) were diagnosed as PNMZL, and 31 cases (69%) showed overlapping histologic features between PNMZL and PTFL, including a minor component of residual serpiginous germinal centers reminiscent of PTFL and a dominant interfollicular B-cell component characteristic of PNMZL. All cases displayed low genomic complexity (1.2 alterations per case) with recurrent 1p36/TNFRSF14 copy number–neutral loss of heterozygosity alterations and copy number loss (11%). Similar to PTFL, the most frequently mutated genes in PNMZL were MAP2K1 (42%), TNFRSF14 (36%), and IRF8 (34%). DNA methylation analysis revealed no major differences between PTFL and PNMZL. Genetic alterations typically seen in conventional NMZL were absent in PNMZL. In summary, overlapping clinical, morphologic, and molecular findings (including low genetic complexity; recurrent alterations in MAP2K1, TNFRSF14, and IRF8; and similar methylation profiles) indicate that PNMZL and PTFL are likely part of a single disease with variation in the histologic spectrum. The term “pediatric-type follicular lymphoma with and without marginal zone differentiation” is suggested.
Serum proteomics unveil characteristic protein diagnostic biomarkers and signaling pathways in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Wenhu , Wang Qiang , Chang Jinxia , Bhetuwal Anup , Bhattarai Nisha , Zhang Fan , Tang Jiancai
Published: May 2022

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common digestive tract malignant tumor with high incidence and dismal prognosis worldwide. However, the reliable biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and the underlying signaling pathways insights of ESCC are not unequivocally understood yet. The serum proteome may provide valuable clues for the early diagnosis of ESCC and the discovery of novel molecular insights.

Methods

In the current study, an optimized proteomics approach was employed to discover novel serum-based biomarkers for ESCC, and unveil abnormal signal pathways. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was done by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Metascape database, respectively. Pathway analysis was accomplished by GeneCards database. The correlation coefficient was assessed using Pearson and distance correlation analyses. Prioritized candidates were further verified in two independent validation sets by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.

Results

A total of 633 non-redundant proteins were identified in the serum of patients with ESCC, of which 59 and 10 proteins displayed a more than 1.5-fold increase or decrease compared with healthy controls. Verification was performed for six candidate biomarkers, including S100A8/A9, SAA1, ENO1, TPI1 and PGAM1. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve plotting showed the high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of these six protein molecules as a biomarker panel: the area under characteristic curve (AUC) is up to 0.945. Differentially expressed proteins were subjected to functional enrichment analysis, which revealed the dysregulation of signaling pathways mainly involved in glycolysis, TLR4, HIF-1α, Cori cycle, TCA cycle, folate metabolism, and platelet degranulation. The latter finding was all the more noteworthy as a strong positive correlation was discovered between activated glycolysis and TLR4 pathways and unfavorable clinicopathological TNM stages in ESCC.

Conclusions

Our findings propose a potential serum biomarker panel for the early detection and diagnosis of ESCC, which could potentially broaden insights into the characteristics of ESCC from the proteomic perspective.
Biological variation in the serum and urine kidney injury markers of a healthy population measured within 24 hours
Authors: Kong Li-Rui , Wei Fei , He Da-Hai , Zhou Chao-Qiong , Li Hong-chuan , Wu Feng , Luo Yu , Luo Jian-wei , Xie Qian-rong , Peng Hai , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2022

Background and aims

To explore the biological variation (BV) of kidney injury markers in serum and urine of healthy subjects within 24 hours to assist with interpretation of future studies using these biomarkers in the context of known BV.

Materials and methods

Serum and urine samples were collected every 4 hours (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 hours) from 31 healthy subjects within 24 hours and serum creatinine (s-Crea), serum β2-microglobin (s-β2MG), serum cystatin C (s-CYSC), serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipoprotein (s-NGAL), urine creatinine (u-Crea), urine β2-microglobin (u-β2MG), urine cystatin C (u-CYSC), urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipoprotein (u-NGAL) were measured. Outlier and variance homogeneity analyses were performed, followed by CV-ANOVA analysis on trend-corrected data (if relevant), and analytical (CVA), within-subject (CVI), and between-subject (CVG) biological variation were calculated.

Results

The concentration of kidney injury markers in male was higher than that in female, except for u-CYSC and u-NGAL. There were no significant difference in serum and urine kidney injury markers concentration at different time points. Serum CVI was lower than urine CVI, serum CVG was higher than CVI, and urine CVG was lower than CVI. The individual index (II) of serum kidney injury markers was less than 0.6, while the II of urinary kidney injury markers was more than 1.0.

Conclusions

This study provides new short-term BV data for kidney injury markers in healthy subjects within 24 hours, which are of great significance in explaining other AKI / CKD studies.
“It’s a lot of pain you’ve got to hide”: a qualitative study of the journey of fathers facing traumatic pregnancy and childbirth
Authors: Kothari A. , Bruxner G. , Callaway L. , Dulhunty J. M.
Published: May 2022

Background

This study aims to explore the emotional and behavioural responses and coping strategies of fathers or expectant fathers who faced a significant traumatic event during a partner's pregnancy, labour, or the postpartum period.

Methods

This prospective qualitative study of 24 fathers was conducted at a public teaching hospital in Brisbane, Australia. ‘Traumatic pregnancy’ was defined as a pregnancy complicated by life-threatening or severe risk to the mother and the fetus, termination of pregnancy, intrauterine fetal death or stillbirth. Semi-structured interviews of participants were conducted 3-4 months after the traumatic event. An initial qualitative analysis with automatic coding was performed using Leximancer and later followed by a six-phase manual thematic analysis.

Results

A pregnancy-related traumatic event had significant mental and physical impacts on fathers. Participants' reactions and coping strategies were varied and influenced by their background history, pre-existing vulnerabilities, and the gap between expectation and reality. Most fathers described a fluctuating state between their needs 'not being met' and 'being met'. These needs were conceptualised using Maslow’s hierarchy and Calman’s gap theory to construct a composite thematic model to depict the universal requirements of men facing a traumatic pregnancy or childbirth.

Conclusions

A greater understanding of the needs of men and gaps in their care is urgently needed. A targeted effort is required to make maternity services father-inclusive. This approach may assist in preventing long term consequences on fathers, partners, and their children.