bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of language barriers on perceived quality of care in physical therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Neipert Avery , Russo Kallista , Ortt Sarah , Scott Graycen , Mierzwicki Justin
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Language barriers are prevalent across growing societies and are likely to become a larger issue with further population growth. Language barriers impair communication between patients and physical therapists. This systematic review addresses how language barriers between patients and physical therapists impact clinicians’ perceived quality of care.

Methods

A stepwise search of databases based on key terms was conducted, followed by abstract and full-text screenings with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight articles were included in the final review.

Results

Screening processes resulted in the inclusion of eight articles from which abstracted information was sorted into six different categories. In total, six articles addressed overall clinical perception, four articles spoke of interpretive services, seven articles detailed methods of communication in practice, five articles on tests and measures, four articles on establishing rapport, and two articles factored cultural components.

Discussion

Collected information was analyzed within topics of patient interactions, interpretive services, visit mechanics, and clinician’s perception of self. These themes demonstrated that language barriers can negatively impact clinician-perceived care quality. Examples include limiting the collection of patient history, usage of standardized tests, and other aspects of best practice, ultimately hindering clinician autonomy.

Conclusion

There are benefits and disadvantages to communication methods used within clinical settings for therapists when negotiating language barriers. Legislation often states that interpretive services must be provided to patients but does not delineate specific guidelines. Governing bodies in physical therapy could provide more formalized guidelines and education to address language barriers in practice.
The Incidence of Cancers in Patients With Nonfunctional Adrenal Tumors: A Swedish Population-Based National Cohort Study
Authors: Patrova Jekaterina , Mannheimer Buster , Larsson Martin , Lindh Jonatan D , Falhammar Henrik
Published: September 2024

Context

It is unclear if nonfunctional adrenal tumors (NFAT) are associated with higher cancer incidence.

Objective

To analyze the cancer incidence in patients with NFAT.

Methods

In this national register-based retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients with NFAT identified in Sweden 2005-2019 and matched control individuals without adrenal tumors were followed up to 15 years. Outcome data were collected from national registers and adjusted for confounders. Both cases and controls were followed until newly diagnosed malignancy, death, or until 2019. Individuals with adrenal hormonal excess or prior malignancy were excluded.

Results

Among 17 726 cases, 10 777 (60.8%) were women, and the median age was 65 (IQR, 57-73) years. Among 124 366 controls, 69 514 (55.9%) were women, and the median age was 66 (IQR, 58-73) years. The incidence of any cancer was higher in patients with NFAT compared to controls (hazard ratio [HR] 1.35 95% CI 1.29-1.40; adjusted HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.26-1.37). NFAT was associated with a higher incidence of adrenal, thyroid, lung, stomach and small intestine, kidney, pancreatic, breast, and colorectal cancer. Sensitivity analyses did not change the overall results, but associations were not significantly increased after adjustment in patients with NFAT and appendicitis or gallbladder/biliary tract/pancreas disorders. Cancer incidence may have been underestimated by adjusting for unclear and benign tumors.

Conclusion

The incidence of cancer was increased in patients with NFAT. Long-term follow-up may be indicated.
Preoperative Multidisciplinary Team Huddle Improves Communication and Safety for Unscheduled Cesarean Deliveries: A System Redesign Using Improvement Science
Authors: Girnius Andrea , Snyder Candice , Czarny Heather , Minges Thomas , Stacey Michael , Supinski Tamara , Crowe John , Strong Judith , Josephs Sean A. , Zafar Muhammad A.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Optimal communication between care teams is a critical component in providing safe, timely, and appropriate patient care. Labor and delivery (L&D) units experience rapidly changing clinical scenarios often requiring escalation in care and unplanned cesarean deliveries (CDs). The University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC) is a 550-bed academic level 4 maternal care center with a 13-bed L&D unit in Cincinnati, OH. There are approximately 2500 deliveries/y with a CD rate of 33%. The L&D unit is staffed with dedicated anesthesia personnel 24 hours a day. In our L&D unit, there was widespread dissatisfaction with multidisciplinary communication surrounding unscheduled CD. Near-miss safety events in our obstetric unit were attributed to preoperative communication failures. Initial surveys identified challenges in preoperative communication among nursing, anesthesiology, and obstetric teams leading to potential risk for compromised care.

METHOD:

Using the UC Health Performance Improvement Way, we first sought to understand the process leading up to unscheduled CD. Change ideas were developed based on observed failures in communication. Interventions were tested and refined through iterative plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. One key intervention was the introduction of a bedside, multidisciplinary, patient-centered, pre-CD huddle attended by nursing, anesthesia, and obstetrics representatives using a standard checklist for critical information. Qualitative patient feedback was elicited to inform change efforts. We compared patient and procedure characteristics from the baseline and huddle implementation phases.

MEASURES:

Our primary outcome measure was the satisfaction of care team members with communication around unscheduled CD. A secondary outcome was the general anesthesia (GA) rate for unscheduled CD. Our key process measure was adherence to the preoperative huddle. We tracked decision-to-incision interval (DTI) as a balancing measure.

RESULTS:

Huddle adherence reached 96% for unscheduled CD within 6 months of testing and implementation. A combined survey of anesthesia, nursing, and obstetrics showed that satisfaction scores related to unscheduled CD communication improved from 3.3/5 to 4.7/5 after huddle implementation. The rate of GA use and the median DTI remained unchanged. Patients felt more engaged and reported positive experiences by being a part of the huddle discussion.

CONCLUSIONS:

In an academic obstetric unit, communication failures surrounding unscheduled CD were identified as a contributor to staff dissatisfaction and perception of safety risk. Implementation of a bedside multidisciplinary pre-CD huddle improved communication between teams and contributed to creating a culture of safety without causing significant delays in care.
Association Between Glycemic Variability and Persistent Acute Kidney Injury After Noncardiac Major Surgery: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kong Siyu , Ding Ke , Jiang Huili , Yang Fan , Zhang Chen , Han Liu , Ge Yali , Chen Lihai , Shi Hongwei , Zhou Jifang
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

While the relationship between glycemic variability (GV) and acute kidney injury (AKI) has been a subject of interest, the specific association of GV with persistent AKI beyond 48 hours postoperative after noncardiac surgery is not well-established.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study aimed to describe the patterns of different GV metrics in the immediate 48 hours after noncardiac surgery, evaluate the association between GV indices and persistent AKI within the 7-day postoperative window, and compare the risk identification capabilities of various GV for persistent AKI. A total of 10,937 patients who underwent major noncardiac surgery across 3 medical centers in eastern China between January 2015 and September 2023 were enrolled. GV was characterized using the coefficient of variations (CV), mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), and the blood glucose risk index (BGRI). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between GV and AKI. Optimal cutoff values for GV metrics were calculated through the risk identification models, and an independent cohort from the INformative Surgical Patient dataset for Innovative Research Environment (INSPIRE) database with 7714 eligible cases served to externally validate the risk identification capability.

RESULTS:

Overall, 274 (2.5%) of the 10,937 patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery met the criteria of persistent AKI. Higher GV was associated with an increased risk of persistent AKI (CV: odds ratio [OR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.46; MAGE: OR = 1.31, 95% CI, 1.15–1.49; BGRI: OR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.08–1.29). Compared to models that did not consider glycemic factors, MAGE and BGRI independently contributed to predicting persistent AKI (MAGE: areas under the curve [AUC] = 0.768, P = .011; BGRI: AUC = 0.764, P = .014), with cutoff points of 3.78 for MAGE, and 3.02 for BGRI. The classification of both the internal and external validation cohorts using cutoffs demonstrated good performance, achieving the best AUC values of 0.768 for MAGE in the internal cohort and 0.777 for MAGE in the external cohort.

CONCLUSIONS:

GV measured within 48 hours postoperative period is an independent risk factor for persistent AKI in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Specific cutoff points can be used to stratify at-risk patients. These findings indicate that stabilizing GV may potentially mitigate adverse kidney outcomes after noncardiac surgery, highlighting the importance of glycemic control in the perioperative period.
Functional cardiac consequences of β-adrenergic stress-induced injury in a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Earl Conner C. , Javier Areli J. , Richards Alyssa M. , Markham Larry W. , Goergen Craig J. , Welc Steven S.
Published: September 2024

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); however, in the mdx mouse model of DMD, the cardiac phenotype differs from that seen in DMD-associated cardiomyopathy. Although some have used pharmacologic stress to stimulate injury and enhance cardiac pathology in the mdx model, many methods lead to high mortality with variable cardiac outcomes, and do not recapitulate the structural and functional cardiac changes seen in human disease. Here, we describe a simple and effective method to enhance the cardiac phenotype model in mdx mice using advanced 2D and 4D high-frequency ultrasound to monitor cardiac dysfunction progression in vivo. mdx and wild-type mice received daily low-dose (2 mg/kg/day) isoproterenol injections for 10 days. Histopathological assessment showed that isoproterenol treatment increased myocyte injury, elevated serum cardiac troponin I levels and enhanced fibrosis in mdx mice. Ultrasound revealed reduced ventricular function, decreased wall thickness, increased volumes and diminished cardiac reserve in mdx compared to wild-type mice. Our findings highlight the utility of challenging mdx mice with low-dose isoproterenol as a valuable model for exploring therapies targeting DMD-associated cardiac pathologies.
Impact of PIPAC-Oxaliplatin on Functional Recovery, Good Days, and Survival in a Refractory Colorectal and Appendiceal Carcinomatosis: Secondary Analysis of the US PIPAC Collaborative Phase 1 Trial
Authors: Waheed Muhammad Talha , Ruel Nora , Whelan Richard L. , Fakih Marwan , Fong Yuman , Deperalta Danielle , Merchea Amit , Sun Virginia , Krouse Robert , Dellinger Thanh H. , Raoof Mustafa
Published: September 2024

Background

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a novel, minimally invasive, safe, and repeatable method to treat carcinomatosis. Evidence regarding the clinical benefit (quality of life and survival) of PIPAC compared with that of conventional standard therapy (ST) is lacking.

Methods

This is the secondary analysis of the phase 1 US-PIPAC trial for refractory colorectal and appendiceal carcinomatosis. A PIPAC cohort was compared with a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients receiving ST. The primary outcome was number of good days (number of days alive and out of the hospital). The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and objective functional recovery (daily step count).

Results

The study included 32 patients (PIPAC, 12; ST, 20) with similar baseline characteristics. Compared with the ST cohort, the PIPAC cohort had lower median inpatient hospital stays (> 24 h) within 6 months (0 vs 1; p = 0.015) and 1 year (1 vs 2; p = 0.052) and higher median good days at 6 months (181 vs 131 days; p = 0.042) and 1 year (323 vs 131 days; p = 0.032). There was no worsening of HRQoL after repeated PIPACs. Step counts diminished immediately after PIPAC but returned to baseline within 2–4 weeks. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a favorable association between receipt of PIPAC and OS (median, 11.3 vs 5.1 months; p = 0.036).

Conclusion

Compared with ST, PIPAC was associated with higher number of good days, reduced hospitalization burden, and longer OS without a negative impact on HRQoL with repeated PIPACs. These findings are foundational for evaluation of PIPAC in a randomized clinical trial.
Frege: Οι Νόμοι της Αριθμητικής, το παράδοξο του Russell και η γεωμετρία
Authors: Τριανταφύλλου Βαγγέλης
Published: September 2024

Το παρόν άρθρο αφορά την ιστορία των αντικειμένων της Λογικής, της Φιλοσοφίας, και των Μαθηματικών. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, θα επικεντρωθούμε στον ύστερο Frege. Κατά κύριο λόγο, στο σύστημα που αναπτύσσει στο έργο του ‘Νόμοι της Αριθμητικής’ (Grundgesetze der Arithmetik), στην ανάδυση, εντός αυτού, του παραδόξου του Russell, και στις προσπάθειες του να συμβιβαστεί με το πώς ήρθαν τα πράγματα. Μερικά από τα ερωτήματα που θα προσπαθήσουμε να εξετάσουμε είναι: ποιοι οι παράγοντες που καθοδηγούν τη στάση του ως προς το παράδοξο, στο γνωστό παράρτημα των Νόμων; Ποιες οι φιλοσοφικές και μεθοδολογικές παραδοχές που βρίσκονται από πίσω; Ποια η στάση που υιοθέτησε προς το τέλος της ζωής του, και γιατί;
Ψηφιακή τεχνολογία και πολυτροπική επεξεργασία ιατρικής εικόνας σε ερευνητικό εργαστήριο
Authors: Κανδαράκη Ασπασία
Published: September 2024

Ένα σύγχρονο ερευνητικό εργαστήριο καθορίζεται από τη διαθεσιμότητα ψηφιακής τεχνολογίας. Το άρθρο εστιάζει στην περίπτωση ενός εργαστηρίου επεξεργασίας ιατρικής εικόνας. Ειδικότερα, παρουσιάζει τη συνεργασία ενός Επίκουρου καθηγητή Βιοϊατρικής Μηχανικής και μιας Υποψήφιας Διδάκτορα πάνω στη λήψη ψηφιακών εικόνων ιστοπαθολογίας και στη δημιουργία περιοχών ενδιαφέροντος (Regions Of Interest-ROI), με σκοπό τη δημιουργία αλγόριθμου υποβοηθούμενης διάγνωσης. Στο άρθρο εξετάζω τους τρόπους με τους οποίους οι ερευνήτριες/ερευνητές κατανοούν, διαμορφώνουν και ταξινομούν τα πειραματικά τους δεδομένα στη διάρκεια της εργασίας τους, μέσα από την εμπλοκή των σωμάτων τους με την ψηφιακή τεχνολογία. Για την ανάλυσή μου βασίζομαι σε μια πολυτροπική προσέγγιση που συνδυάζει αναλυτικά εργαλεία της Ανάλυσης Συνομιλίας (Conversation Analysis-CA), της προσέγγισης του ανθρωπολόγου Charles Goodwin. Επίσης, αντλώ στοιχεία από μελέτες του πεδίου Σπουδές Επιστήμης και Τεχνολογίας (Science and Technology Studies-STS), οι οποίες δίνουν έμφαση στον πολυτροπικό χαρακτήρα της ερευνητικής πρακτικής. Υποστηρίζω ότι δεν είναι η ψηφιακή τεχνολογία που παράγει την επεξεργασία εικόνας αλλά ο τρόπος με τον οποίον εργάζονται με την ψηφιακή τεχνολογία οι ερευνήτριες/τές του εργαστηρίου, προσαρμόζοντας ταυτόχρονα την τεχνολογία στη χρήση. Δείχνω, επίσης, ότι η εργασία των ερευνητών/τριών είναι ενσώματη, με την ανάλυση της ιατρικής εικόνας να παράγεται, μέσα από ενδείκτες (indexically), ακόμη και μέσω του συγκεκριμένου τρόπου τοποθέτησης των σωμάτων των ερευνητριών και των ερευνητών.
Βιβλιοκριτική. The Palgrave Handbook of Women and Science since 1660
Authors: Γκότσης Γεώργιος
Published: September 2024

Ο παρών συλλογικός τόμος αποτελεί μια καθοριστική συμβολή στην επισκόπηση ενός ευρέως φάσματος προβλημάτων που αναδεικνύουν την παραπάνω προβληματική, εστιάζοντας σε συγκεκριμένα ιστορικά επεισόδια, από την εποχή της Επιστημονικής Επανάστασης μέχρι τα τέλη του 20ου αιώνα. Πρόκειται για ένα συλλογικό τόμο που συμβάλλει στην ορθολογική ανασύσταση επίμαχων φάσεων στην ιστορία και ιστοριογραφία της επιστήμης από την οπτική του κοινωνικού φύλου.
Βιβλιοκριτική: W. R. Knorr, Η αρχαία παράδοση των γεωμετρικών προβλημάτων
Authors: Τουλιάτου Ντόρα
Published: September 2024

Βιβλιοκριτική: W. R. Knorr, Η αρχαία παράδοση των γεωμετρικών προβλημάτων
Case Report: A pyramidal lobe coexisting with a left-sided thyroid goiter displacing trachea and esophagus: A cadaveric finding with clinical implications
Authors: George Triantafyllou , George Tsakotos , Olewnik Łukasz , Fiska Aliki , Koutserimpas Christos , Zielinska Nicol , Maria Piagkou
Published: September 2024

Background The current report describes a unimodular thyroid goiter (TGo), identified unilaterally in a female cadaver, causing displacement or compression effects in the adjacent neck structures (common carotid artery (CCA) and internal jugular vein (IJV),). Methods Routine dissection of the neck of an 86-year-old female donated a Greek cadaver. Results A thyroid gland variant was identified coexisting with a TGo originating from the left thyroid lobe. The variant is a pyramidal lobe located on the left side of the isthmus. Owing to the presence of the TGo, the left CCA, along with the left IJV, deviated 50.6 mm ipsilaterally from the midline of the neck. The right CCA had a minor deviation of 30.8 mm, from the midline to the right side due to the proximity of the shifted trachea and esophagus with the CCA origin. The trachea and esophagus deviated contralaterally to the TGo, 24.4 mm from the midline. Conclusions CCA compression, stenosis, and angulation may cause dizziness, weakness, and hypomnesia. The potential outcomes were worse with IJV compression. Atherosclerosis tends to occur more often in arteries with inclined (angulated) parts.
Sustainable Digital Transformation: Its Impact on Perceived Value and Adoption Intention of Industry 4.0 in Moderating Effects of Uncertainty Avoidance
Authors: Sartono Yuli , Siti Astuti Endang , Wilopo Wilopo , Noerman Teuku
Published: September 2024

Background Industry 4.0 is a significant technical revolution that combines big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cyber-physical systems to improve manufacturing productivity. This study investigates the impact of digital trust and sustainable attitude on perceived value and the intention to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. It also examines the moderating role of uncertainty avoidance in these relationships. Methods Data were collected from 189 employees of leading manufacturing companies in Indonesia that are recognized for their Industry 4.0 practices. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) methodology with SmartPLS software to test the proposed hypotheses and explore the moderating effects. Results The findings reveal that both digital trust and sustainable attitude significantly influence perceived value. However, these factors do not directly affect the intention to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. Uncertainty avoidance moderates the relationship between digital trust and adoption intention. Specifically, in environments with high uncertainty avoidance, digital trust becomes a critical factor influencing the decision to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. Conclusions The study provides valuable insights for organizations aiming to implement Industry 4.0 initiatives. It highlights the importance of fostering digital trust and considering cultural dimensions, such as uncertainty avoidance, in their technology adoption strategies.
Estimating the impact of vaccination: lessons learned in the first phase of the Vaccine Impact Modelling Consortium
Authors: Gaythorpe Katy A M , Li Xiang , Clapham Hannah , Dansereau Emily , Fitzjohn Rich , Hinsley Wes , Hogan Daniel , Jit Mark , Mengistu Tewodaj , Perkins T Alex , Portnoy Allison , Vynnycky Emilia , Woodruff Kim , Ferguson Neil M , Trotter Caroline L
Published: September 2024

Estimates of the global health impact of immunisation are important for quantifying historical benefits as well as planning future investments and strategy. The Vaccine Impact Modelling Consortium (VIMC) was established in 2016 to provide reliable estimates of the health impact of immunisation. In this article we examine the consortium in its first five-year phase. We detail how vaccine impact was defined and the methods used to estimate it as well as the technical infrastructure required to underpin robust reproducibility of the outputs. We highlight some of the applications of estimates to date, how these were communicated and what their effect were. Finally, we explore some of the lessons learnt and remaining challenges for estimating the impact of vaccines and forming effective modelling consortia then discuss how this may be addressed in the second phase of VIMC. Modelled estimates are not a replacement for surveillance; however, they can examine theoretical counterfactuals and highlight data gaps to complement other activities. VIMC has implemented strategies to produce robust, standardised estimates of immunisation impact. But through the first phase of the consortium, critical lessons have been learnt both on the technical infrastructure and the effective engagement with modellers and stakeholders. To be successful, a productive dialogue with estimate consumers, producers and stakeholders needs to be underpinned by a rigorous and transparent analytical framework as well as an approach for building expertise in the short and long term.
Research on The Development Process and Enlightenment of Red Sports of The Communist Party of China (1921-1949)
Authors: Jiang Bo , Wang Shaojie , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to inherit the great achievements of red sports, absorb the rich spiritual nutrition and belief strength of red sports, strengthen the original mission of the Communist Party of China, and provide theoretical basis and historical reference for drawing a grand blueprint for the development of sports in the new era, opening up a new situation in the construction of a sports power, and realizing the glorious mission of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Methods: Taking the cause of red sports led by the Communist Party of China as the research object, through the research methods of literature, history and logical analysis. Results: Taking the practice of red sports carried out by the Communist Party of China as the historical main line, this paper interprets and combs the glorious course of red sports led by the Communist Party of China in different periods, and summarizes the basic experience: Including the fundamental experience of "the party leads everything"; Competitive experience of "revolutionary battle"; Educational experience of "highlighting specialty"; The popularization experience of "taking the people as the heart". Conclusion: Inheriting the great achievements of red sports and absorbing the rich spiritual nutrition and belief of red sports, New China will surely realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Is One Plus One Always Two? Insuring Longevity Risk While Having Multiple Savings Accounts
Authors: Hurwitz Abigail , Sade Orly
Published: September 2024

We investigate the consequences of holding multiple accounts for payout decisions at retirement. Using proprietary data of retirees’ annuitization decisions, we find that small accounts are more likely to be cashed out. We use occupation information as a proxy for wealth to disentangle income from the multiple-accounts effect. We show that individuals with high expected wages are more likely to annuitize overall but less likely to annuitize their small accounts (comparing to individuals with low wages). A laboratory experiment and an online experimental survey (with a large representative sample) suggest that the composition of multiple accounts affects the annuitization rates via the decisions regarding small versus large accounts.

This paper was accepted by Camelia Kuhnen, finance.

Funding: This work was supported by the Albertson-Waltuch Chair in Business Administration, the Kruger Center at the Hebrew University, the Think Forward Initiative, and the German-Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development and by funding from the Center for Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resource.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02489 .
Efficient Algorithms for a Class of Stochastic Hidden Convex Optimization and Its Applications in Network Revenue Management
Authors: Chen Xin , He Niao , Hu Yifan , Ye Zikun
Published: September 2024

Stochastic Hidden Convex Optimization and Its Applications

How to solve nonconvex optimization to global optimality is challenging and important for various applications. In “Efficient Algorithms for a Class of Stochastic Hidden Convex Optimization and Its Applications in Network Revenue Management,” Chen, He, Hu, and Ye designed three algorithms that converge to global optimality efficiently for a class of stochastic nonconvex optimization that admits implicit hidden convexity (there exists an inaccessible convex reformulation). In particular, the complexity of the proposed mirror stochastic gradient (MSG) method matches the optimal complexity of black-box first-order methods for stochastic convex optimization. The authors applied the proposed MSG algorithm to solve both passenger and air-cargo network revenue management problems considering the booking limit control policy. The extensive numerical experiments demonstrate the superior performance of MSG algorithm for booking limit control with higher revenue and lower computation cost than state-of-the-art bid-price-based control policies, especially when the variance of random capacity is large.
On (Random-Order) Online Contention Resolution Schemes for the Matching Polytope of (Bipartite) Graphs
Authors: MacRury Calum , Ma Will , Grammel Nathaniel
Published: September 2024

Online Contention Resolution Schemes for the Matching Polytope of Graphs

Online contention resolution schemes (OCRSs) are used to select a subset of elements, subject to feasibility constraints. Originally developed as a randomized rounding tool for constrained submodular optimization, OCRSs have found numerous applications in online resource allocation and stochastic optimization. This includes problems such as prophet inequalities, stochastic probing, auction design, and matching in a gig economy. In “On (Random-Order) Online Contention Resolution Schemes for the Matching Polytope of (Bipartite) Graphs,” Calum MacRury, Will Ma, and Nathaniel Grammel study OCRSs when the feasibility constraints are defined by graph matchings. The authors consider when the elements are sequentially presented in adversarial or random order, as well as when the graph is bipartite or general. In each combination of variants, the authors improve the state of the art, both in terms of algorithmic guarantees and impossibility results.
Reattachment of a Fractured Central Incisor Segment: A Case Report
Authors: Vulugundam Srikar , Upadhyaya Aparnaa
Published: September 2024

Fractured anterior teeth from accidental falls and sports injuries are very common amongst teenagers and young adults. Management of such critical emergencies is time sensitive for preserving the health of traumatized teeth. Timely management also helps in reassuring the patient and instilling confidence in regards to ideal esthetic outcome and patient satisfaction. However, there is no standard treatment that can be applied to all clinical case scenarios and the treatment has to be innovative and adaptive to the specific case. This case report, specifically aims to highlight a clinical case that was managed by re-attaching the fractured segment on a permanent central incisor. A 24-year-old young man, visiting the town for a wedding, walked in with a piece of broken front tooth in his hand. After a clinical and radiographic exam, though presented with advanced treatment options of a crown or a veneer for long term success, patient insisted on keeping the broken piece and "gluing" it back. Would a direct composite restoration be successful as an interim procedure until the patient returns to his primary dentist? And even if it does, would the patient be happy disposing off his broken piece of tooth? This presents a paradox between clinician’s judgement for best outcome and patient satisfaction. The success of direct composite restorations is never disappointing in a skilled clinician's hands. Let's delve into some literature review, step by step management and conclusion of this clinical situation with a WIN-WIN outcome.
Association of Angina, Myocardial Infarction and Atrial Fibrillation-A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Lu , He Yan , Wang Ying , Liu Shijing , Li Qing , Chen Jiyu , Peng Zhiyun , Zhang Qian , Zeng Chen , Li Na , Zeng Yan , Xiong Yun , Li Wei , Zhou Haiyan
Published: September 2024

Aims/Background Coronary heart disease (CHD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) exhibit a close relationship, yet the existing body of research predominantly relies on observational study methodologies, posing challenges in establishing causal relationships. The objective of our study is to investigate the causal linkages between coronary atherosclerosis (CAAs), angina pectoris, myocardial infarction (MI), and AF.

Methods This study utilizes a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) methodology, leveraging genetic variation as a means of evaluating causality. Mendelian randomization is grounded in three primary assumptions: (1) the genetic variant is linked to the exposure, (2) the genetic variant is independent of confounding factors, and (3) the genetic variant influences the outcome solely through the exposure.

Results The results of our study suggest a genetic predisposition in which CAAs, angina, and MI may enhance susceptibility to AF, while AF may reciprocally elevate the risk of CAAs.

Conclusion In light of these findings, it is recommended that patients with CHD undergo regular cardiac rhythm monitoring, and that patients with AF receive anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy whenever feasible. This study posits a practical implication for clinical practice.
Analysis of Human Y Chromosome Haplogroup E-M81 Sublineages in Portuguese Samples
Authors: Bouabdallah Selsabil , Alves Diana , Manco Licínio
Published: September 2024

abstract: The human Y-chromosome haplogroup E-M81 is predominant in northwestern Africa and almost absent elsewhere, except for the Iberian Peninsula. In the present study, we investigated the internal branches of E-M81 (E1b1b1b1a) in 29 unrelated men from mainland Portugal. All individuals sampled carried the derived allele for the marker M183 (E1b1b1b1a1), and all but two had the derived allele for the marker SM001. Eleven individuals carried the derived allele for the marker Z5009 (E1b1b1b1a1c), and 16 were assigned to the paragroup E-SM001*(xZ5009, PF6794, CTS12227, M165, M5043). Median-joining networks based on seven Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393) showed 14 different haplotypes, revealing a clear star-like structure, with the common central haplotype distributed by the three different subclades identified (M183*, SM001*, and Z5009) encompassing the typical Maghrebin core haplotype in northern African populations. The relatively high frequency of the E-M81 lineage in mainland Portugal supports a North African Y-chromosomal contribution that may have occurred during the Islamic period in the country.
Identity, Gender, and Empire: A Japanese American Woman’s Tourist Gaze in Prewar Japan / アイデンティティ、ジェンダー、帝国：戦前期日本における日系アメリカ人女性の観光のまなざし
Authors: Yamamoto Katsura
Published: September 2024

Abstract: This article explores representations of Japan found in the travel journal of a Japanese American woman, Yoshiko Higuchi, who participated in a Nisei study tour in 1933. Organized by Hokubei Butokukai, an association on the U.S. West Coast that taught kendo , it was one of several educational tours of Japan for Nisei, or second-generation Japanese Americans. In organizing such tours, Issei leaders among the Japanese immigrant community expected the Nisei to serve as representatives of Japan in the United States and to foster good relations between the two countries. To that end, the Issei believed it necessary for the Nisei to have first-hand experience of the Japanese empire and an education in Japanese culture. Although historians have examined these educational tours as part of the history of Japanese American education, the accounts of the Nisei who traveled to Japan, and the subjective experiences they describe, remain unexplored. Through an examination of Higuchi’s travel account, this paper illuminates the interplay between gender and national identity, the generational gap between Japanese Americans and the Issei, and the ways in which Higuchi’s transcultural reflections contributed to presenting US imperial supremacy and legitimization of Japanese imperialism in the early twentieth century.
The Entangled History of Ale-Quillén: Imagining the Indigenous Woman in Nineteenth-Century Chile
Authors: Prain-Brice Michelle , Hayward Jennifer
Published: September 2024

Abstract: This essay examines the cultural transfer of the Ale-Quillén myth through nineteenth-century Chilean and Anglo-Chilean print culture, illuminating the shifting narratives surrounding Chile's Indigenous Mapuche people. Originating as a tragic romance justifying Chilean military expansion, the myth was reimagined by the Anglo-Chilean newspaper the Star of Chile as a New Woman bildungsroman that omitted the original tale's settler-colonial context. These variant accounts expose Chile's internal conflicts over Indigenous representation, as well as broader Anglo-Chilean perspectives on settler colonialism. Through the lens of entangled history, the essay argues that these narratives ultimately erase Mapuche Indigeneity by appropriating and romanticizing Indigenous voices.
Mid-infrared optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier at 50 W and 38 fs pumped by a high-power Yb-InnoSlab platform
Authors: Buss Jan Heye , Starosielec Sebastian , Schulz Michael , Riedel Robert , Campi Filippo , Lehmann Carl Stefan , Witte Stefan , Kraus Peter M.
Published: September 2024

High-power Yb:InnoSlab lasers are proliferating into multiple modern application areas of laser physics ranging from plasma physics and nanolithography to driving optical parametric amplifiers for high-harmonic generation and attosecond science. Here, we present, the layout, design and first results of an optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifier system pumped by a kW-level average power Yb-InnoSlab laser. We describe the layout and concepts of the pump lasers, with particular attention to the specific design principles required for our application. In the current configuration, the pump laser delivers up to 933 W, 18.7 mJ, 1.2 ps pulses at 50 kHz repetition rate. In a first attempt this has generated above 70 W average power at 2 μm via parametric amplification. Chirped-mirror compression resulted in mJ-level pulses at 50 W and 38-fs pulse duration (5.7 cycles at 2 μm).
Caregiver mental health and school-aged children’s academic and socioemotional outcomes: Examining associations and mediators in Northern Ghana
Authors: Ahun Marilyn N. , Appiah Richard , Aurino Elisabetta , Wolf Sharon
Published: September 2024

While there is a strong link between caregiver mental health, caregiver engagement, and child development, limited research has examined the underlying mechanisms of these associations in Africa. We examined the mediating role of dimensions of caregiver engagement in the association of caregiver psychological distress with children’s academic and socioemotional outcomes in Ghana. Data came from 4,714 children (aged 5–17 years) and their caregivers in five regions of northern Ghana. Caregiver psychological distress and engagement (i.e., engagement in education, emotional supportiveness, and parenting self-efficacy) were self-reported by children’s primary caregiver. Children’s academic (literacy and numeracy) and socioemotional (prosocial skills and socioemotional difficulties) outcomes were directly assessed using validated measures. Structural equation modelling was used to estimate mediation models. We tested moderation by caregiver exposure to formal education, child’s age, and child’s sex. Fourteen percent of caregivers experienced elevated psychological distress. Higher levels of psychological distress were associated with children’s poorer literacy and numeracy skills, and higher socioemotional difficulties, but not prosocial skills. The mediating role of caregiver engagement varied by caregiver exposure to formal education but not child’s age or sex. Caregiver engagement in education explained the association between psychological distress and children’s literacy skills (but not numeracy or socioemotional) in families where the caregiver had no formal education (indirect effect: β = 0.007 [95% CI: 0.000, 0.016]), explaining 23% of the association. No mediator explained the association of psychological distress with child outcomes among families where the caregiver had some formal education. The mechanisms through which caregiver psychological distress is associated with child outcomes in rural Ghana differ as a function of caregivers’ exposure to formal education. These results highlight the importance of developing multi-component and culturally-sensitive programs to improve child outcomes. Further research in similar contexts is needed to advance scientific understanding on how to effectively promote child and family wellbeing.
CL-Informer: Long time series prediction model based on continuous wavelet transform
Authors: Liu Baijin , Li Zimei , Li Zhanlin , Chen Cheng
Published: September 2024

Time series, a type of data that measures how things change over time, remains challenging to predict. In order to improve the accuracy of time series prediction, a deep learning model CL-Informer is proposed. In the Informer model, an embedding layer based on continuous wavelet transform is added so that the model can capture the characteristics of multi-scale data, and the LSTM layer is used to capture the data dependency further and process the redundant information in continuous wavelet transform. To demonstrate the reliability of the proposed CL-Informer model, it is compared with mainstream forecasting models such as Informer, Informer+, and Reformer on five datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that the CL-Informer model achieves an average reduction of 30.64% in MSE across various univariate prediction horizons and a reduction of 10.70% in MSE across different multivariate prediction horizons, thereby improving the accuracy of Informer in long sequence prediction and enhancing the model’s precision.
Immunogenicity and real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in Lebanon: Insights from primary and booster schemes, variants, infections, and hospitalization
Authors: Moghnieh Rima , Haddad Wajdi , Jbeily Nayla , El-Hassan Salam , Eid Shadi , Baba Hicham , Sily Marilyne , Saber Yara , Abdallah Dania , Bizri Abdul Rahman , Sayegh Mohamed H.
Published: September 2024

In this study, we conducted a case-control investigation to assess the immunogenicity and effectiveness of primary and first booster homologous and heterologous COVID-19 vaccination regimens against infection and hospitalization, targeting variants circulating in Lebanon during 2021–2022. The study population comprised active Lebanese military personnel between February 2021 and September 2022. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) against laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated hospitalization was retrospectively determined during different variant-predominant periods using a case-control study design. Vaccines developed by Sinopharm, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca as well as Sputnik V were analyzed. Prospective assessment of humoral immune response, which was measured based on the SARS-CoV-2 antispike receptor binding domain IgG titer, was performed post vaccination at various time points, focusing on Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccines. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS and GraphPad Prism. COVID-19 VE remained consistently high before the emergence of the Omicron variant, with lower estimates during the Delta wave than those during the Alpha wave for primary vaccination schemes. However, vaccines continued to offer significant protection against infection. VE estimates consistently decreased for the Omicron variant across post-vaccination timeframes and schemes. VE against hospitalization declined over time and was influenced by the variant. No breakthrough infections progressed to critical or fatal COVID-19. Immunogenicity analysis revealed that the homologous Pfizer regimen elicited a stronger humoral response than Sinopharm, while a heterologous Sinopharm/Pfizer regimen yielded comparable results to the Pfizer regimen. Over time, both Sinopharm’s and Pfizer’s primary vaccination schemes exhibited decreased humoral immunity titers, with Pfizer being a more effective booster than Sinopharm. This study, focusing on healthy young adults, provides insights into VE during different pandemic waves. Continuous research and monitoring are essential for understanding vaccine-mediated immune responses under evolving circumstances.
Assessing the cost barrier for small and medium food processing businesses to meet Preventive Controls for Human Foods standards
Authors: Fitzsimmons Jill Ann , Kinchla Amanda J. , Allingham Christina
Published: September 2024

The Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule regulation under the Food Safety Modernization Act sets new food safety standards. Both food safety educators and small and medium sized food processing businesses that manufacture certain value-added or processed foods lack knowledge regarding costs to prepare, implement, and manage ongoing food safety practices under the new standards. Current food safety training materials do not acknowledge costs or provide content addressing potential costs, and food safety educators do not have information needed to guide development of relevant materials that address costs. We combine economics and food science principles and use mixed methods to identify and estimate cost barriers for food processing businesses through an interdisciplinary research and extension project in the Northeast U.S. We first modify Preventive Controls extension programming to acknowledge costs and test how modified programming improves self-reported knowledge about costs. Materials that acknowledge that costs are associated with meeting standards significantly increases participants’ self-reported perceived knowledge of costs by 1.3 points on a 1-to-5-point Likert scale. Compared with programming areas in which detailed content is provided, however, improvements in knowledge of costs lags behind overall knowledge gains (3.2 for costs versus 4.1 for food safety content). To fill this content gap, we next conduct semi-structured group interviews with a subset of participants (N = 10), develop a costs analysis framework, and measure actual costs associated with Preventive Controls. We find that initial costs average $20,000 per business to plan, implement, and manage standards, and almost $8,000 in every subsequent year to manage. We demonstrate that even modest interventions can reduce cost barriers for businesses seeking to meet compliance standards. We provide food safety educators with concrete cost information to support businesses to pursue Preventive Controls standards. Study results imply that low-cost methods could improve food safety in mid-scale supply chains.
Longitudinal trajectories of blood glucose and 30-day mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus combined with acute myocardial infarction: A retrospective cohort analysis of the MIMIC database
Authors: Deng Bowen , Liu Qingcheng , Qiao Liang , Lv Shun
Published: September 2024

Background

Although blood glucose changes have been suggested to be a potential better target for clinical control than baseline blood glucose levels, the association of blood glucose changes with the prognosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is unclear. Herein, this study aimed to investigate association of short-term longitudinal trajectory of blood glucose with 30-day mortality in this population.

Methods

Data of AMI patients with DM were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) database in 2003–2019 in this retrospective cohort study. The latent growth mixture modeling (LGMM) model was utilized to classify the 24-hour longitudinal trajectory of blood glucose of the patients. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve was drawn to show 30-day mortality risk in patients with different trajectory classes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to explore the association of longitudinal trajectory of blood glucose within 24 hours after the ICU admission with 30-day mortality. Also, subgroups analysis of age, gender, and AMI types was performed. The evaluation indexes were hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Among 1,523 eligible patients, 227 (14.9%) died within 30 days. We identified 4 longitudinal trajectories of blood glucose, including class 1 (a low initial average blood glucose level with steady trend within 24 hours), class 2 (a high initial average blood glucose with gently decreased trend), class 3 (the highest initial average blood glucose with rapidly decreased trend) and class 4 (a high initial average blood glucose level with the trend that increased at first and then decreased). After adjusting for covariates, an average blood glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL was linked to higher risk of 30-day mortality, comparing to that of <140 mg/dL (HR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.23–2.63). Comparing to patients whose longitudinal trajectory of blood glucose conformed to class 1, those with class 2 (HR = 2.52, 95%CI: 1.79–3.53) or class 4 (HR = 3.53, 95%CI: 2.07–6.03) seemed to have higher risk of 30-day mortality. Additionally, these associations were also significant in aged ≥60 years old, female, male, NSTEMI, and STEMI subgroups (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

A low level of average blood glucose at the ICU admission or reducing blood glucose to a normal level quickly with adequate measures in 24 hours after ICU admission may be beneficial for AMI patients with DM to reduce the risk of 30-day mortality. These findings may provide some information for further exploration on appropriate range of blood glucose changes in clinical practice.