bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Flesh of Negation: Adorno and Merleau-Ponty contra Heidegger
Authors: Neofetou Daniel
Published: January 2022

Theodor Adorno’s 1960–1961 lecture course Ontology and Dialectics, recently translated into English, provides the most systematic articulation of his critique of Martin Heidegger. When Adorno delivered three of the lectures at the Collège de France, Maurice Merleau-Ponty was reportedly scandalised as he was at that time developing his own ontology, informed by Heidegger. However, this article problematises the assumption that Adorno’s negative dialectic and Merleau-Ponty’s late ontology are incompatible. First, Adorno’s criticism of Heidegger’s ontology is delineated, with particular focus on how Adorno argues that Heidegger’s subordination of the human being to being is homologous with the logic of capitalism. Then, we turn to Merleau-Ponty’s own engagement with Heidegger, with particular focus on how Merleau-Ponty cannot be accused of denigrating ontic beings. Finally, it is argued that Merleau-Ponty’s indirect ontology has the same implications as those which allow Adorno to position his dialectical method as politically opposed to Heidegger’s ontology.
Roles of working memory, syllogistic inferencing ability, and linguistic knowledge on second language listening comprehension for passages of different lengths
Authors: Kim Minkyung , Nam Yunjung , Crossley Scott A.
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the effects of working memory capacity (WMC), first language (L1) syllogistic inferencing ability, and second-language (L2) linguistic knowledge on L2 listening comprehension for passages of different lengths. Participants were 193 Korean ninth-grade learners of English. A path analysis was used to examine multivariate relationships among variables. Findings indicated that L2 linguistic knowledge was pivotal in explaining L2 listening comprehension for passages of different lengths. Findings also indicated that over and above L2 linguistic knowledge, greater WMC facilitated comprehending longer L2 listening passages, while better L1 syllogistic inferencing ability facilitated comprehending shorter L2 listening passages. WMC may help form more information-dense representations of longer passages, while L1 syllogistic inferencing ability may help build integrated propositional representations of shorter passages. In addition, greater WMC had indirect impacts on L2 listening comprehension through L1 syllogistic inferencing ability and L2 linguistic knowledge, which suggests that WMC may lead to better L2 listening comprehension when learners have greater L2 knowledge or better L1 syllogistic inferencing ability. Overall, first, this study suggests a pivotal role for L2 linguistic knowledge in L2 listening comprehension and, second, roles for WMC and L1 syllogistic inferencing, which function differently depending on passage length.
Correlation between surgical site infection and time-dependent blood platelet count in immunocompromised patients after femoral neck fracture
Authors: Liu Jianlin , Xu XiaoPei , Lv Xin , Shen Gufeng
Published: January 2022

Objective

The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after femoral neck fracture is significantly higher in immunocompromised patients. This study was performed to explore the temporal changes of blood-related parameters in immunocompromised patients after femoral neck fracture repair and to determine the correlation between the platelet (PLT) count and SSI.

Methods

This study involved 101 immunocompromised patients who underwent repair of a femoral neck fracture from April 2018 to August 2019. SSI was confirmed by postoperative observation of the incision and B-mode ultrasound imaging examination. Blood parameter measurements and dynamic observation were performed 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days postoperatively.

Results

The procalcitonin concentration, D-dimer concentration, and PLT count were strongly correlated with temporal changes. The PLT count changes crossed between patients with and without SSI 3 to 5 days after surgery, and the PLT count increased in patients with SSI 3 to 5 days after surgery. The PLT count had high specificity and sensitivity for predicting SSI with a cut-off value of 167.5 × 109/L.

Conclusion

The temporal changes of the PLT count in immunocompromised patients who have undergone femoral neck fracture repair can serve as an early warning of SSI.
Impacts of Daily Travel by Distances on the Spread of COVID-19: An Artificial Neural Network Model
Authors: Truong Dothang , Truong My D.
Published: January 2022

The continued spread of COVID-19 poses significant threats to the safety of the community. Since it is still uncertain when the pandemic will end, it is vital to understand the factors contributing to new cases of COVID-19, especially from the transportation perspective. This paper examines the effect of the United States residents’ daily trips by distances on the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The artificial neural network method is used to construct and test the predictive model using data collected from two sources: Bureau of Transportation Statistics and the COVID-19 Tracking Project. The dataset uses ten daily travel variables by distances and new tests from March to September 2020, with a sample size of 10,914. The results indicate the importance of daily trips at different distances in predicting the spread of COVID-19. More specifically, trips shorter than 3 mi and trips between 250 and 500 mi contribute most to predicting daily new cases of COVID-19. Additionally, daily new tests and trips between 10 and 25 mi are among the variables with the lowest effects. This study’s findings can help governmental authorities evaluate the risk of COVID-19 infection based on residents’ daily travel behaviors and form necessary strategies to mitigate the risks. The developed neural network can be used to predict the infection rate and construct various scenarios for risk assessment and control.
Context Matters: Assessing the Association Between Area Deprivation and the Severity of Injury and Types of Domestic Violence Victimization Among Women
Authors: Shour Abdul R. , Hamberger L. Kevin , Meurer John , Kostelac Constance , Cassidy Laura
Published: January 2022

Objectives: To analyze the association between social determinants of health (SDOH), as measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and the severity of injury and types of domestic violence (DV) victimization among women (≥18 years of age) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Methods: Neighborhood ADI data from the American Community Survey (2014–2018) were merged with Milwaukee Police Department DV data (2013–2017). ADI included multiple SDOH domains (education, employment, income/poverty, and housing quality). Types of DV were classified using an adaptation of the FBI-Uniform Crime Reporting-Hierarchy Rule, including Crimes Against Persons (homicide/negligent manslaughter, sexual assault/rape, and aggravated battery/assault). Chi-square, Anova tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed using Stata v.14.2; p-values ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant. Findings: Except for aggravated battery/assault (OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001–1.010), there was no statistically significant relationship between neighborhood disadvantage and DV victimization in 21,095 DV incidents between 2013 and 2017. Adjusted model results indicate that with each increase in neighborhood disadvantage (by ADI), there was a 1.003 increase in the likelihood for aggravated battery/assault (OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001–1.005). Severity of DV injury was not significantly associated with ADI (OR: 1.002, 95% CI: 0.999–1.004). However, non-Hispanic Black women were 1.3 times more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to be victims of aggravated battery/assault (OR: 1.321, 95% CI: 1.189–1.469). Hispanic women were more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to sustain a more severe injury (OR: 0.841, 95% CI: 0.732–0.970]). Conclusion: The likelihood of DV-aggravated battery/assault increased with neighborhood deprivation, and significant associations (and highly lopsided prevalence) were found in types of DV victimization by race/ethnicity, with non-Hispanic Black women experiencing higher prevalence than others. This study adds to the body of knowledge by looking at how macro-level neighborhood-SDOH characteristics influence women’s exposure to various forms of DV victimization and demonstrated the feasibility of linking law enforcement DV data to SDOH metrics, providing context for law enforcement DV victimizations.
Connections Between Internet, Social Media News Use, and Political Participation in Kenya
Authors: Kipkoech Gilbert
Published: January 2022

Competing theories have been put forward about the effect of Internet and social media use for news on political engagement. Some argue that Internet use for news reduces political engagement while others suggest that it increases political participation. Similar arguments have been advanced for the effects of social media use. This study tests both claims using representative data of over 2000 Kenyans. Bivariate results show that Internet and social media use for news has a positive relationship with political participation in Kenya. After controlling for demographic variables, political orientation variables, and traditional news use, digital media use (i.e., Internet and social media use for news) shows no significant associations with political participation in Kenya.
Can Twitter be a Reliable Proxy to Characterize Nation-wide Human Mobility? A Case Study of Spain
Authors: Terroso-Saenz Fernando , Muñoz Andrés , Arcas Francisco , Curado Manuel
Published: January 2022

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the exploitation of geo-tagged documents posted on Online Social Networks (OSN) for human-mobility pattern mining. These patterns can ease the development of effective and intelligent location-based systems of different scenarios. However, the validation of OSN geo-data as a reliable source for human mobility has not been fully studied in literature. Therefore, this study proposes a comprehensive comparison of a nation-scale Twitter (TWT) dataset with an official mobility study published by the Spanish Ministry of Development. Both feeds have been compared considering different variables, such as population density and spatial granularity, among others. Results show that TWT can be a reliable source for human-mobility mining but only when certain socioeconomic, temporal, and spatial factors co-occur.
Conspiracy Theories and the Manufacture of Dissent: QAnon, the ‘Big Lie’, Covid-19, and the Rise of Rightwing Propaganda
Authors: DiMaggio Anthony R.
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the impact of partisanship, rightwing media, and social media on attitudes about contemporary conspiracy theories. Mainstream scholarly views that ‘both sides’ of the political aisle indulge routinely in such theories are challenged. I adopt a Gramscian hegemonic framework that examines rising rightwing conspiracy theories as a manifestation of mass false consciousness in service of a political-economic system that serves upper-class interests. Issues examined include the QAnon movement, ‘big lie’ voter fraud conspiracism, and Covid-19 conspiracy theories, and the way they related to partisanship, rightwing media, and social media. I provide evidence that Republican partisanship, rightwing media consumption, and social media consumption are all significant statistical predictors of acceptance of modern conspiracy theories.
Polyimide composites containing core shell particles with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss
Authors: Peng Mingyun , Li Ke , Huang Bingliang , Cheng Jie
Published: January 2022

Flake graphite @polyimide (FG@PI) particles with core @shell like structure were successfully synthesized and subsequently incorporated into PI matrix to prepare pI/FG@PI composite films. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that flake graphite (FG) was covered by PI coating and showed a fluffy structure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FT-IR, and XRD were also used to characterize FG@PI particles. The PI intermediate layer increases interaction between particles and films, which is very beneficial for increasing dielectric constant and inhibiting dielectric loss of pI/FG@PI composite. The experimental result shows that the pI/FG@PI composite film with 50wt% filler loading exhibits a high dielectric constant of 83.5 (about 24 times that of pure PI) and low dielectric loss of 0.11 at 1 MHz. Furthermore, its tensile strength is maintained at 78 MPa. This shows that the structure of PI intermediate layer is very beneficial for preparation of high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss composite.
Mechanical and tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene reinforced by nano-ZrO2: Molecular dynamic simulation
Authors: Xu Mingkun , Wang Tingmei , Wang Qihua , Zhang Xinrui , Tao Liming , Li Song
Published: January 2022

The mechanism of enhancing the mechanical and tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) via the addition of nano-ZrO2 was investigated by virtue of molecular dynamic (MD) simulation from an atomic level. The MD was used to explore stretch and break of molecular chains for understanding the inherent mechanism of nanocomposites. The results found that elastic modulus of PTFE and PTFE/ZrO2 were 1.42 GPa and 6.43 GPa, respectively. The average friction coefficients of PTFE and PTFE/ZrO2 were 0.168 and 0.113, respectively. Compared to PTFE, the friction coefficient of PTFE/ZrO2 decreased by 32.7%. To explore the microscopic friction mechanism, the radial distribution function, atomic concentration, and atomic velocity were simulated and interpreted accordingly during the tribological process.
From Melancholia to Depression: Disordered Mood in Nineteenth-Century Psychiatry
Authors: Jansson Åsa
Published: January 2022

My book From Melancholia to Depression: Disordered Mood in Nineteenth-Century Psychiatry charts how melancholia was reconceptualized in the nineteenth century as a modern mood disorder and a precursor to clinical depression. The book shows how this occurred chiefly in two ways. First, the idea of disordered mood as a medical concept was created through the appropriation of language from experimental physiology into the realm of psychopathology. Second, the interplay of statistical and diagnostic practices formed the basis for modern psychiatric classification and facilitated the standardization of melancholia as a psychiatric diagnosis. These developments were key to the reconceptualization of melancholia and the subsequent emergence of clinical depression, and were foundational to modern psychiatric theory and practice.
Science and behavioral intentions among Israeli Jewish ultra-Orthodox males: Death from COVID-19 or from the COVID-19 vaccine? A thematic study
Authors: Gabay Gillie , Tarabieh Mahdi
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 vaccine is a scientific breakthrough to end the pandemic. We explore perceptions underlying behavioral intentions toward the COVID-19 vaccine among ultra-Orthodox Jewish males in Israel upon rollout of the vaccine. Forty-two men aged 36–56 years participated in in-depth interviews. The theoretical anchor is Miller’s theory of scientific literacy. The research questions are “What perceptions shape rejection of the COVID-19 vaccine?” “What perceptions shape hesitancy and deterrence toward the COVID-19 vaccine?” and “What social forces shape behavioral intentions toward the COVID-19 vaccine?” Thematic data analysis demonstrated six themes of vaccine rejection and four themes of hesitation toward vaccination. The social forces shaping behavioral intentions are the local community’s leader and the national religious authority. We highlight the need to enhance scientific literacy and reduce suspicion through collaborative community-based work among health professionals from the community, religious leaders, and lay leaders to increase acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.
An Empirical Study on Key Entrepreneur Motivations and Their Influence on Enterprise Success
Authors: Pattanayak Sthitaprajnya , Kakati Munindra
Published: January 2022

MSMEs play vital role in the economy by way of their robust contributions to GDP, National Income and Employment. Therefore, they get special focus from Government and witness larger public participation. However, in spite of their systematic importance and large scale presence, they face several hurdles for their existence. While many succumb to quick failures, some of them also proceed to attain phenomenal success. Most of the research curiosity in MSMEs comes from this fragility and uncertainty.

Researchers believe that, reason of success or failure can be better diagnosed by finding out the genesis—what at all motivated the entrepreneur to initiate the venture. With this objective, 396 samples comprising both successful and not-so-successful enterprises are studied together to understand role of entrepreneurial motivations in enterprise success. The study finds significant co-relation between motivation and enterprise success. Independent t-Test established significant difference between successful and unsuccessful ones in terms of entrepreneurial motivation. Through Principal Component Analysis, three underlying constructs were identified explaining cumulative variance of 62.37%. They measured Need Oriented Motivation, Inspiration Oriented Motivation and Ambition Oriented Motivation. Need Oriented Motivation is found to be basic and universal to both successful and not-so-successful ones. Need served as the necessary condition but not sufficient condition for success. Combining this with Inspiration and Ambition oriented motivation seemed to lead to better probability of success.
Solitary pedunculated multicystic viral plaque associated with canine papillomavirus 18 in a British Bulldog
Authors: Munday John S. , Howell Nick , Fairley Rob A.
Published: January 2022

A pedunculated exophytic mass developed on the rump of a dog. Fine-needle aspiration revealed keratin debris suggestive of a follicular tumor. However, histology revealed a pigmented viral plaque that contained numerous keratin-filled cystic cavities. Canine papillomavirus 18 DNA sequences were detected in the lesion. Viral plaques are typically multiple sessile lesions of dogs. A viral plaque appearing as a solitary exophytic keratin-filled mass has not been reported previously, to our knowledge. The novel clinical findings in this case expand the ways that viral plaques may appear in dogs. In addition, the histologic findings represent a novel pathologic entity of dogs. Given that canine viral plaques can be progressive, and dogs typically develop numerous plaques, it is important to differentiate between a viral plaque and a hair follicle tumor.
Novel papillomavirus in a mallard duck with mesenchymal chondroid dermal tumors
Authors: Rosenbaum Claire S. , Wünschmann Arno , Armién Aníbal G. , Schott Renee , Singh Vikash K. , Mor Sunil K.
Published: January 2022

Papillomaviruses, which are epitheliotropic and may induce epithelial tumors, have been identified in several avian species, including ducks. An adult female mallard duck ( Anas platyrhynchos) was admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center with 2 beige, well-demarcated, firm masses: one in the subcutis under a wing, and the other on a digit of the right foot. After euthanasia, the masses were fixed in formalin for histologic examination. Both tumors had a lobular organization with cartilage cores surrounded by densely cellular interlacing bundles of spindle cells. Neoplastic chondroblasts in both masses, particularly the digital mass, contained basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies, which consisted of assembly complexes of icosahedral virions of 44-nm diameter. Next-generation sequencing allowed whole genome assembly of a novel papillomavirus ( Anas platyrhynchos papillomavirus 2) related most closely to Fulmarus glacialis papillomavirus 1 (59.49% nucleotide identity). Our case supports the observation that certain papillomaviruses can productively infect mesenchymal cells and induce neoplasia.
Learning Through Disruptions: Equipping Students to Cope With Challenging Contexts Through a Field-Based Course in Africa
Authors: Blasco Maribel , Langevang Thilde , Jeppesen Søren
Published: January 2022

Students wishing to pursue careers in international business, notably in the developing world, must be prepared for complex, unpredictable, uncomfortable, and messy realities, and to collaborate with others very different from themselves. Mainstream business school learning environments are generally highly structured, cognitively oriented, predictable and hence not particularly conducive to orchestrating the disruptive experiences that can develop such abilities. In this article, we show how a field-based course in an East African country can support such learning. Based on data gathered from students over several iterations of the field course, we draw on experiential learning theory (ELT) in showing how the top-down orchestration of the course constituted a learning space that produced three main types of disruption to students’ taken-for-granted habits and assumptions, namely: intense sensory impressions and sensations, loss of predictability and control, and learning interdependency on others. Students had to “bottom-up” manage these disruptions while conducting a group assignment with local students, to a tight deadline, producing “dissonances”—feelings of discomfort—that triggered the ELT cycle. Our findings show that such disruptions can foster learning of the abovementioned abilities; and we suggest ways in which such learning spaces might be created closer to home than East Africa.
A Multidisciplinary Educational Approach to Anticoagulation Management for a Percutaneous Endovascular Mechanical Circulatory Support Device
Authors: Lee Patrick H. , Schwaner Lauren , Taglieri Gillian , Mullins Caitlin F. , Sylvia Lynne M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Anticoagulation (AC) management of the Impella varies considerably among treatment centers. Published data regarding the management of complications including heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, bleeding and thrombosis are limited.

Objective

A multidisciplinary team was assembled to 1) identify baseline knowledge of nurses and pharmacists involved in Impella anticoagulation management; 2) develop an educational tool specific to Impella anticoagulation; 3) reassess knowledge following implementation of the tool.

Methods

A team consisting of pharmacists, nurses and a physician developed surveys that were subsequently distributed to 28 nurses and 17 pharmacists. Survey questions measured knowledge in 4 areas of anticoagulation management: product selection, administration, monitoring and therapeutic recommendation. A pocket card containing flow diagrams for Impella anticoagulation management was developed. Following distribution of the card and education on its application, surveys were redistributed to measure the change in knowledge.

Results

The frequency (%) of correct answers for all survey questions for both pharmacists and nurses significantly increased from 38% to 84% (p < 0.00001) and 63% to 93% (p < 0.00001), respectively. Substantial increases in the frequency of correct answers in the majority of question categories were observed for both pharmacists and nurses postintervention.

Conclusion and Relevance

Using a multidisciplinary approach, an institution-specific pocket card addressing the complexities of Impella anticoagulation was developed. Following dissemination of the card and education on its application, improved knowledge across the scope of Impella anticoagulation management was observed in both pharmacists and nurses.
Endovascular treatment of the stuck hemodialysis catheter: A report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Gameiro Joana , Outerelo Cristina , Fortes Alice
Published: January 2022

A considerable number of patients present with stuck CVC after long-use of CVC, which is thought to result from the adhesion of the fibrous sheath, formed over the CVC, to the vessel or atrial wall. The removal of these catheters is a difficult and risky procedure. Hong reported a minimally invasive technique through endoluminal balloon dilation, which successfully breaks the adhesions and expands the vein, thus allowing for an easy removal of the CVC. The authors present two cases of a variant method of Hong’s technique, and provide a literature review on stuck catheters. Our experience is that balloon angioplasty dilation is a safe and practical option. We highlight the role of experienced interventional nephrologists or radiologists in the management of this complication as endovascular treatment is the first line treatment.
Differential diagnoses of irritability and temper loss in a 6-year-old
Authors: Fredrick Joseph W , Rodriguez Beatriz , Lynch James D , Loren Richard EA , Tamm Leanne
Published: January 2022

Irritability and temper loss are common concerns among young children seen for mental health diagnostic evaluations and represent features of nearly a dozen childhood mental health conditions. Thus, careful assessment of irritability and temper loss is essential for informing case conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. The current case study provides a clinical description of a 6-year-old Black male (“Tyler”) seen in a tertiary pediatric medical center for concerns related to significant inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, oppositional behaviors, irritability, and severe temper loss displayed at home and school. The clinical description summarizes findings from rating scales and diagnostic evaluations, case conceptualization, as well as treatment recommendations. Detailed suggestions for clinicians regarding strategies for assessing irritability and temper loss and questions to consider when seeking clarification to inform differential diagnoses are provided.
Examining the mediating effect of psychosocial resources on the relationship between ambivalent feelings and depression among Israeli Arab family caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: AboJabel Hanan , Werner Perla
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Providing care for family members of individuals with dementia can be accompanied by a myriad of emotions, usually involving negative as well as positive feelings, or “ambivalent feelings.” Recent studies conducted among family caregivers of people with dementia have shown ambivalent feelings to be associated with serious psychological consequences, such as increased depression. However, little is known about the path leading from ambivalent feelings to depression. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the interplay of ambivalent feelings and depression with family caregivers’ psychosocial resources—that is, their coping strategies and social support.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using face-to-face interviews (via structured questionnaire) was conducted with 175 Israeli Arab family caregivers (adult children and spouses) of elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease (87.4% female; 72% adult children; mean age = 54.28).

Results

Overall, the participants reported a mild level of depression (mean = 7.93; SD = 4.30; range 0–15) and a moderate level of ambivalent feelings (mean = 1.63; SD = 1.04; range 0–3). Additionally, as expected, ambivalent feelings made a unique—although modest—contribution, adding an additional 6% ( p < 0.001) to the explanation of depression ( R2 = 0.56, p<0.001). Whereas, neither problem-focused coping nor emotion-focused coping played a significant role in mediating the relationship between ambivalent feelings and depression, social support did mediate the relationship between these variables.

Conclusions

Our findings show that strengthening and expanding social networks among Israeli caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease can minimize the impact of experiences of emotional feelings on depression.
Eden’s Garden: A cultivator’s chronicle
Authors: Etopio Elisabeth , Winkelsas Amanda , Jo SeungJung , Karalis Noel Tiffany , Kearney Erin , Gorlewski Julie
Published: January 2022

This narrative imagines the future of education through three vignettes, each of which describes a community of learners exploring artifacts from the past even as they learn together in the present. Scenarios trace the experiences of Eden, who was born in 2012, and her involvement with learning and educational institutions. Threaded through vignettes are clues about what is valued and how what is valued is created and measured—all of which relate directly to the influence of policy in shaping society. By focusing on the experiences of participants at three points in time, narratives explore how society might evolve toward the preferable, toward ecologies that nourish and sustain life—and lifelong learning.
PISA, global reference societies, and policy borrowing: The promises and pitfalls of ‘academic resilience’
Authors: Volante Louis , Klinger Don A
Published: January 2022

The Programme in International Student Assessment (PISA) has become the prominent method of international comparison of the achievement of 15-year-old children in reading, mathematics, and science. Recently, the OECD, which administers PISA, has devoted a great deal of energy promoting the notion of “academic resilience”—which refers to the capacity of individuals to prosper despite encountering adverse circumstances. Countries are compared and contrasted in relation to the relative share of disadvantaged students that are able to achieve at higher achievement levels on PISA, with associations drawn from school-level factors and resulting implications drawn for policy reform. This paper offers a number of cautions with the growing influence of cross-national comparisons of academic resilience. Our discussion underscores how the OECD’s notion of “academic resilience,” which has come to dominate transnational policy debates, is quite narrow and limited by the measures it uses to assess student competencies.
Double Fenestrated Physician-Modified Stent Graft for Endovascular Treatment of Traumatic Aortic Isthmus Rupture With an Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery
Authors: Freycon-Tardy Leonore , Ozdemir Baris Ata , Hireche Kheira , Alric Pierre , Canaud Ludovic
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the feasibility of urgent endovascular treatment of a traumatic aortic isthmus rupture in a patient with an aberrant right subclavian artery.

Case report:

A 23-year-old man was admitted to a regional trauma center after a motor vehicle collision and found to have cerebral trauma and a large pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch. Trauma computed tomography (CT) identified a blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury with an aortic false aneurysm in the context of an aberrant right subclavian artery. A hybrid repair was performed with bilateral subclavian carotid bypasses and a double fenestrated physician-modified stent graft. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. Postoperative CT scan showed sealing of the aortic arch rupture and patency of all the supra-aortic trunks.

Conclusion:

Endovascular repair of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury is considered first-line therapy. Aortic arch anomalies add complexity to treatment. This report demonstrates that a hybrid strategy with bilateral carotid-axillary bypasses and homemade double fenestrated endograft of the aortic arch is a valuable approach for this challenging emergency in the context of an aberrant right subclavian artery.
Breast cancer detection across dense and non-dense breasts: Markers of diagnostic confidence and efficacy
Authors: Hadadi Ibrahim , Rae William , Clarke Jillian , McEntee Mark , Ekpo Ernest
Published: January 2022

Background

The impact of radiologists’ characteristics has become a major focus of recent research. However, the markers of diagnostic efficacy and confidence in dense and non-dense breasts are poorly understood.

Purpose

This study aims to assess the relationship between radiologists’ characteristics and diagnostic performance across dense and non-dense breasts.

Materials and methods

Radiologists specialising in breast imaging ( n = 128) who had 0.5–40 (13±10.6) years of experience reading mammograms were recruited. Participants independently interpreted a test set containing 60 digital mammograms (40 normal and 20 abnormal) with similarly distributed breast densities. Diagnostic performance measures were analysed via Jamovi software (version 1.6.22).

Results

In dense breasts, breast-imaging fellowship completion significantly improved specificity ( p = 0.004), location sensitivity ( p = 0.01) and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic ( p = 0.03). Only participation in BreastScreen reading significantly improved all performance metrics: specificity ( p = 0.04), sensitivity ( p = 0.005), location sensitivity ( p < 0.001) and AUC ( p < 0.001). Reading > 100 mammograms weekly significantly improved sensitivity ( p = 0.03), location sensitivity ( p = 0.001), and AUC ( p = 0.03).In non-dense breasts, breast fellowship completion significantly improved sensitivity ( p = 0.02), location sensitivity ( p = 0.04) and AUC ( p = 0.002). Participation in BreastScreen reading and reading > 100 mammograms weekly significantly improved only sensitivity ( p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively) and location sensitivity ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Participating in screening programs, breast fellowships and reading > 100 mammograms weekly are important indicators of the diagnostic performance of radiologists across dense and non-dense breasts. In dense breasts, optimal performance resulted from participation in a breast screening program.
Identifying Target Values of Body Composition for Preventing Frailty: A Descriptive Study in Older Adults
Authors: Tanaka Shigeharu , Jung Hungu , Tanaka Ryo
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the relationship between frailty and body composition and the target values for preventing frailty in body composition. Frailty status and body composition such as the percent body fat and skeletal mass index was measured. Logistic regression analysis was performed by sex. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to extract the cutoff values for body composition. The participants were 259 in females and 84 in males for 343 of which 75.5% females. Among the females, age was a significant independent variable. Percent body fat was significantly associated with frailty status in males, with a cutoff value of 27.6%. The area under the curve was significant (0.689, p < 0.01, sensitivity = 0.574, specificity = 0.784). New target value of percent body fat in males for preventing frailty is identified. Findings of this study could contribute to the establishment of preventive intervention for frailty in clinical practice.
A Preliminary Investigation on the “Swinging Kidney”: A Sonographic Sign Useful for Diagnosing Renal Colic
Authors: Castelletto Silvia , Amore Giulia , Giudice Caterina Anna , Orso Daniele , Copetti Roberto
Published: January 2022

Objective:

During acute renal colic due to nephrolithiasis, a new sonographic diagnostic sign was noted, called “a swinging kidney.” This term was given due to a characteristic anteroposterior “rolling” movement of the kidney. A preliminary investigation was conducted to evaluate the correlation between this new diagnostic sign and nephrolithiasis.

Materials and Methods:

An exploratory observational investigation was conducted on adult patients who accessed an emergency medicine department, with acute renal colic, between June 1, 2019, and October 31, 2019.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients were enrolled. The “swinging kidney” was present in 26 cases (70%). This sign was correlated with a stone’s diameter of less than 10 mm (χ2: 4.68; P = .031), and with a stone localization in the juxtavesical ureter tract site (χ2: 10.83; P = .029). Spontaneously stone expulsion was correlated with the presence of the “swinging kidney” (χ2: 4.66; P = .031); with the minor degree of hydronephrosis (χ2: 16.82; P = .0008), and with a distal localization of the stone (χ2: 25.11; P = 1:47 × 10−5).

Conclusion:

The “swinging kidney” may be a promising diagnostic sign that could be useful in diagnosing nephrolithiasis besides the other indirect sonographic signs. This new diagnostic sign could have a prognostic role.
Mendelian randomization analysis of vitamin D in the secondary prevention of hypertensive-diabetic subjects: role of facilitating blood pressure control
Authors: Chan Yap-Hang , Schooling C. Mary , Zhao Jie V. , Yeung Shiu-Lun Au , Hai Jo Jo , Thomas G. Neil , Cheng Kar-Keung , Jiang Chao-Qiang , Wong Yuen-Kwun , Au Ka-Wing , Tang Clara S. , Cheung Chloe Y. Y. , Xu Aimin , Sham Pak-Chung , Lam Tai-Hing , Lam Karen Siu-Ling , Tse Hung-Fat
Published: January 2022

Background

Vitamin D (Vit-D) promotes vascular repair and its deficiency is closely linked to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension. Whether genetially predicted vitamin D status (serological 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) confers secondary protection against cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among high-risk hypertensive-diabetic subjects was unknown.

Methods

This is a prospective, individual-data, two-sample Mendelian randomization study. We interrogated 12 prior GWAS-detected SNPs of comprehensive Vit-D mechanistic pathways using high-throughput exome chip analyses in a derivation subcohort (n = 1460) and constructed a genetic risk score (GRS) (rs2060793, rs4588, rs7041; F-statistic = 32, P < 0.001) for causal inference of comprehensive CVD hard clinical endpoints in an independent sample of hypertensive subjects (n = 3746) with prevailing co-morbid T2DM (79%) and serological 25(OH)D deficiency [< 20 ng/mL] 45%.

Results

After 55.6 ± 28.9 months, 561 (15%) combined CVD events including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ischemic stroke, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and cardiovascular death had occurred. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that genetically predicted reduced vitamin D status was associated with reduced event-free survival from combined CVD events (log-rank = 13.5, P = 0.001). Multivariate-adjusted per-allele increase in GRS predicted reduced combined CVD events (HR = 0.90 [0.84 to 0.96], P = 0.002). Mendelian randomization indicates that increased Vit-D exposure, leveraged through each 1 ng/mL genetically instrumented rise of serum Vit-D, protects against combined CVD events (Wald’s estimate: OR = 0.86 [95%CI 0.75 to 0.95]), and myocardial infarction (OR = 0.76 [95%CI 0.60 to 0.90]). Furthermore, genetically predicted increase in Vit-D status ameliorates risk of deviation from achieving guideline-directed hypertension control (JNC-8: systolic target < 150 mmHg) (OR = 0.89 [95%CI 0.80 to 0.96]).

Conclusions

Genetically predicted increase in Vit-D status [25(OH)D] may confer secondary protection against incident combined CVD events and myocardial infarction in a hypertensive-diabetic population where serological 25(OH)D deficiency is common, through facilitating blood pressure control.
Construction of pH-responsive nanocarriers in combination with ferroptosis and chemotherapy for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yue Huan , Gou Luxia , Tang Zhenrong , Liu Yuyang , Liu Shengchun , Tang Hua
Published: January 2022

Background

Chemotherapy is widely used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although sorafenib (SO) is the only chemotherapy drug approved by FDA for treatment of HCC, it is associated with several disadvantages including low water solubility, low bioavailability, lack of targeting and easily causes systemic toxicity. In recent years, nanocarriers have shown promise in drug delivery to effectively solve these problems. Herein, we used SO-loaded nanocarriers to overcome the defects of chemotherapy during treatment of HCC. Specifically, we encapsulated pH-sensitive hollow mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticles (HMPB) with SO (an inhibitor of multi-kinase and accelerant of ferroptosis) to act as carriers and facilitate drug release. We also coated its surface with a layer of pH-responsive chitosan (CS) to block the drug and increase biocompatibility. Finally, we successfully constructed HP/SO/CS nanocomposites for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs, with the aim of initiating chemotherapy and ferroptosis for dual treatment of tumors. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed for evaluation of the nanocomposites’ anti-tumor efficacy by using liver cancer cells and mice, respectively.

Results

The nanocomposites specifically targeted tumor cells through enhancing permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Results from in vitro experiments showed that the nanocarriers not only promoted cell apoptosis and reduced the number of cells for chemotherapy, but also promoted accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). In vivo experiments showed that mice in the nanocomposite-treated group exhibited the smallest tumor sizes and body weights, with no obvious damage to normal tissues and organs.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings indicated that nanocarriers had an effective inhibitory effect on HCC cells. This safe and multifunctional treatment model was a valuable option for the treatment of HCC, as well as other cancers.

Graphical Abstract
The inhibitory role of si-UBB delivered by degradable dendrimers-based lipid nanoparticles in ovarian cancer
Authors: Shu Shanrong , Liu Xiaoping , Xu Ming , Lin Yaduan , Li Ruiman
Published: January 2022

Objective

RNA interference holds tremendous potential in the treatment of malignant tumors. However, efficient and biocompatible delivery methods are needed for systemic delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA). In this study, we explored the delivery efficiency and therapy effect of si-UBB-5A2SC8 in ovarian cancer.

Methods and materials

Si-UBB-5A2SC8 nanoparticles were successfully prepared according to the established procedure and the characteristic of nanoparticles was determined by digital laser scanning. Flow cytometry and confocal analysis demonstrated si-UBB was efficiently transfected to cell by the delivery of 5A2SC8 complexes. The in vitro gene knockdown efficiency of ubiquitin B was demonstrated by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, which was further verified by the inhibition of proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells. Accumulative efficiency of si-UBB-5A2SC8 nanoparticles was investigated in BALB/c mice bearing SKOV3-GFP tumor xenograft. In vivo imaging was adopted to test the accurate location of the nanoparticle in the tumor. The feature of the tumor and pivotal organ was determined. TUNEL and caspase-3 expression was used to analyze the underling mechanism of the inhibition effect.

Results

The average size and the zeta potential of the si-UBB-5A2SC8 was (150 ± 11) nm and − (20 ± 4) mV, respectively. Transmission electronic microscopy showed the nanoparticle was near-spherical with the mean size of (100 ± 15) nm. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopic images demonstrated 5A2SC8 complex could successfully deliver Cy5.5-siRNA to the cytoplasm of ovarian cancer cells. qRT-PCR and western blot demonstrated the mRNA and protein expression of ubiquitin B was decreased to 62.5% and 36.5% of the control group, which was accompanied with the decreased proliferation and migration ability in si-UBB-5A2SC8-transfected cells. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging demonstrated 5A2SC8 complex could successfully carry siRNA to the tumor lesion and exert the inhibition effect, which was verified by the decreased tumor weight and increased apoptosis and caspase-3 expression in mice treated with si-UBB-5A2SC8.

Conclusions

5A2SC8 complex was a safe and efficient gene delivery vehicle and ubiquitin B was a potential target for the ovarian cancer targeted therapy.
The impact of face shields on the quality of gastrointestinal endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lee Jong Yoon , Kang Yeo Wool , Koh Myeongseok , Kim Dong Kyun , Jang Jin Seok , Lee Jong Hoon
Published: January 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic, with healthcare workers at a high risk of exposure. During this pandemic, endoscopists must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including face shields, to prevent COVID-19 transmission; however, few studies have reported the impact of face shields on the quality of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. We aimed to determine whether the use of PPE, including face shields, affected the quality of GI endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The medical records of patients who had undergone screening or surveillance colonoscopy and gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) at Dong-A University Hospital between June 2020 and March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Endoscopists wore isolation gowns, disposable gloves, and KF94 masks from June 2020 to October 2020. From November 2020, endoscopists also wore face shields. We compared GI endoscopy quality indicators between the first five months (no face shields) and the second five months (with face shields). In the non-face shield and face shield groups, we calculated the overall adenoma detection rates (ADRs), polyp detection rate (PDR), sessile serrated lesion detection rate (SSLDR), advanced neoplasia detection rate (ANDR), complete resection rate (CRR), number of polyps and/or adenomas per colonoscopy, and gastric ESD procedure time.

Results

In total, 1359 study patients had undergone screening or surveillance colonoscopy (face shield group, n = 679; non-face shield group, n = 680). No statistically significant between-group differences were observed (PDR, 49.04 vs. 52.50%, p = 0.202; ADR, 38.59 vs. 38.97%, p = 0.884; SSPDR, 1.91 vs. 1.32%, p = 0.388; ANDR, 3.98 vs. 3.97%, p = 0.991, respectively). No difference was found in colonoscopy quality indicators between patients examined by experienced and trainee endoscopists with and without face shields. Of 144 study patients who had undergone gastric ESD for gastric neoplasms, there were 72 patients in each group. No statistically significant differences were found in the CRR (94.44 vs 93.05%, p = 1.000) and procedure times (19.22 ± 9.33 vs. 19.03 ± 11.49, p = 0.911).

Conclusions

Wearing face shields during the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the quality indicators for GI endoscopy.
Sensitivity of contact-tracing for COVID-19 in Thailand: a capture-recapture application
Authors: Lerdsuwansri R. , Sangnawakij P. , Böhning D. , Sansilapin C. , Chaifoo W. , Polonsky Jonathan A. , Del Rio Vilas Victor J.
Published: January 2022

Background

We investigate the completeness of contact tracing for COVID-19 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand, from early January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

Methods

Uni-list capture-recapture models were applied to the frequency distributions of index cases to inform two questions: (1) the unobserved number of index cases with contacts, and (2) the unobserved number of index cases with secondary cases among their contacts.

Results

Generalized linear models (using Poisson and logistic families) did not return any significant predictor (age, sex, nationality, number of contacts per case) on the risk of transmission and hence capture-recapture models did not adjust for observed heterogeneity. Best fitting models, a zero truncated negative binomial for question 1 and zero-truncated Poisson for question 2, returned sensitivity estimates for contact tracing performance of 77.6% (95% CI = 73.75–81.54%) and 67.6% (95% CI = 53.84–81.38%), respectively. A zero-inflated negative binomial model on the distribution of index cases with secondary cases allowed the estimation of the effective reproduction number at 0.14 (95% CI = 0.09–0.22), and the overdispersion parameter at 0.1.

Conclusion

Completeness of COVID-19 contact tracing in Thailand during the first wave appeared moderate, with around 67% of infectious transmission chains detected. Overdispersion was present suggesting that most of the index cases did not result in infectious transmission chains and the majority of transmission events stemmed from a small proportion of index cases.