bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green traineeship programme grows diversity
Authors: Józwiak Gabriella
Published: July 2024

Paid placements help young people from under-represented groups gain skills in conservation and green education across the capital's nature reserves
Bolton Council
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: July 2024

Despite budget squeezes and high child poverty rates, North West council's children's services is achieving high standards
Six reasons Care Review reforms need strengthening to succeed
Authors: Simpson Fiona
Published: July 2024

Evidence from key sector organisations to education committee inquiry on the government's social care strategy calls for profit-making to be removed from the care sector and more rights for care leavers
Paramedic administration of blood products to improve outcomes for trauma patients
Authors: Lawson Amber , Carroll Mark
Published: July 2024

Early blood transfusion for a trauma patient experiencing a major haemorrhage significantly improves their chance of survival before they reach hospital. While providing out-of-hospital blood transfusions can delay the arrival of the patient to hospital, starting the transfusion earlier outweighs this risks in most cases. There is therefore an argument that paramedics should be able to administer blood products to severely injured patients as this would improve outcomes and survival. While minimal extra equipment would be needed, the cost, storage and waste of blood need to be considered. Through the findings of a review, this paper discusses the feasibility and practicalities of paramedics providing out-of-hospital blood transfusion and the implications for training and policies to mitigate cost and blood waste.
Insilico structural modeling of normal and mutated subunits of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylasefrom Triticum aestivum to study protein-protein interactions
Authors: Rani Saroj , Gupta Aanchal , Kaushik Deepshikha , Rustagi Sarvesh , Malik Sumira , Yogi Rajesh , Singh Nitesh
Published: July 2024

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is a heterotetrameric enzyme with pairs of large subunits (LS) and small subunits (SS) involved in starch biosynthesis. The increase in grain yield and plant biomass is brought about by the deregulation of endosperm. Thus, AGPase has attracted widespread interest in improving starch content in crop improvement. The data herein conclusively shows that mutation insertion involved in conformational changes is responsible for the decrease in a pocket in the mutated subunit. This type of conformational change might be beneficial for better protein-protein interaction. The present study is aimed to model and compare the structure of normal and mutatedlarge subunits of wheat AGPase to studytheir structural differences. Mutations by insertion are involved in conformational changes that are responsible for the decrease in the pocket in the mutated subunit. Such conformational changes are often beneficial to study PPI (protein-protein interactions). Further investigations were carried out using docking studies to gain insight into interaction. Based on these studies, it may be suggested that such type of mutationsare usually beneficial for starch production in wheat which is considered one of the significant Indian food crops.
Blunted brachial blood flow velocity response to acute mental stress in PTSD females
Authors: Tahmin Chowdhury Ibtida , Tahsin Chowdhury Tasnova , Wattero Redeat , Ahmed Zynab , Corbin Chasity , Carter Jason R. , Park Jeanie , Racette Susan B. , Sullivan Samaah S. , Herr Michael D. , Fonkoue Ida T.
Published: July 2024

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Compared with males, females are twice as likely to develop PTSD after trauma exposure, and cardiovascular reactivity to stress is a known risk factor for CVD. We aimed to examine hemodynamic responses to acute mental stress in trauma‐exposed females with and without a clinical diagnosis of PTSD. We hypothesized that females with PTSD would have higher heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and lower blood flow velocity (BFV) responsiveness compared with controls. We enrolled 21 females with PTSD and 21 trauma‐exposed controls. We continuously measured HR using a three‐lead electrocardiogram, BP using finger plethysmography, and brachial BFV using Doppler ultrasound. All variables were recorded during 10 min of supine rest, 5 min of mental arithmetic, and 5 min of recovery. Females with PTSD were older, and had higher BMI and higher resting diastolic BP. Accordingly, age, BMI, and diastolic BP were covariates for all repeated measures analyses. Females with PTSD had a blunted brachial BFV response to mental stress (time × group, p = 0.005) compared with controls, suggesting greater vasoconstriction. HR and BP responses were comparable. In conclusion, our results suggest early impairment of vascular function in premenopausal females with PTSD.
Generative AI for professional communication training in intercultural contexts: where are we now and where are we heading?
Authors: Dai David Wei , Suzuki Shungo , Chen Guanliang
Published: July 2024

It is a common feature of the 21st century workplace to be multicultural. Working professionals need to possess strong Interactional Competence to handle professional communication in various intercultural encounters in their workplace. This has however posed challenges to professional communication education since educators need to incorporate different cultural practices and interlocutor profiles in their teaching and assessment materials. In this paper we reflect on the practical challenges of professional communication education in intercultural contexts and envisage what AI can offer in this place. We start with some practical, on-the-ground dilemmas in integrating diverse cultural representation in professional communication education. We then use an operational AI-mediated assessment tool to elaborate the possibilities, affordances and caveats in using AI to develop teaching and assessment materials for professional communication education. We conclude with directions for future research and practice in the emerging space of AI for professional communication in intercultural contexts (AI-for-PCIC).
Technologies for high-temperature batch annealing of grain-oriented electrical steel: An overview
Authors: Fatla Oula M. H. , Robinson Fiona C. J. , Jweeg Muhsin Jaber , Beynon Nathan , Valera-Medina Agustin , Aljibori H. S. S. , Mohammed M. N. , Abdullah Oday I.
Published: July 2024

The production of grain-oriented, electrical steel consists of a series of processes that lead to a product with superior magnetic properties used in transformers due to the low core loss. The unique properties are gained during the process of secondary recrystallization and abnormal grain growth. The abnormal grain growth occurs during a process of special thermal treatment with careful control over the heating rate, pressure, and type of gas used as atmospheric pressure during the process. The process of thermal treatment is known as high-temperature annealing. Investigating of developing the process hardware is crucially important to sustain energy-efficient processes and to maintain excellent final product properties. This research presents an overview of the technology of high-temperature coil annealing (HTCA) furnaces used at Cogent Power Orb, UK. The research focuses on some specific details of running, managing, and controlling the operation of the HTCA furnaces during the annealing process. The research provides energy analysis of the annealing process at Cogent Power Orb. Different factors were examined to identify the main factors that contribute to the high energy consumption. Actual data were collected from the annealing furnace control system. The raw data were processed and analyzed carefully to examine different factors, namely, steel charge weight, furnace on-time, and furnace heating elements. The study focused then on one specific factor, namely, annealing cycle time, and investigated further the way that this factor affects the process energy consumption. It was found that one of the main reasons for the long cycle duration and the high energy consumption is the failure of the heating elements during the cycle. The research discussed the area of improvements in the process hardware with a particular focus on the furnace design and the potential of introducing convection currents to overcome failure in the heating elements and thus reduce the process on time.
A poetics of “Wind in a Box”
Authors: Robinson John
Published: July 2024

This essay is a re-application of the language codes of Roland Barthes and Jonathan Culler’s concept for Structuralist Poetics. The approach I use explores the codes demonstrated in Barthes’ well-known text, S/Z with slight modifications for their application to poetry. The concepts borrowed from Mr. Culler are from his book of the same title: Structuralist Poetics: Structuralism, Linguistics and the Study of Literature (Cornell University Press, 1975). Culler’s main argument is that there must be other, un-attempted strategies combined with conventional approaches in literature of that time period. His answer to this problem was to develop a set of linguistic-based concepts to compensate for the reader in the analysis of literary works. I have applied in this essay my approach based on Culler’s methodology and the language codes of Roland Barthes: semantic, symbolic, cultural-referential, actional and hermeneutic. I apply Culler’s concepts to a reading of poetry followed by an application of the language codes as a further development of my work in revitalizing this never-before applied method.
Do all patients that undergo a ‘complete’ secondary cytoreductive surgery for platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, benefit from it?
Authors: Bhatt Aditi , Mehta Sanket , Glehen Olivier
Published: July 2024

Following the results of three randomized trials (GOG-213, DESKTOP-III, and SOC-1), secondary cytoreductive surgery (sCRS) is recommended as a therapeutic option for all patients with platinum-sensitive recurrence by the NCCN guidelines and for oligometastatic recurrence by the ESMO-ESGO guidelines. Criteria for predicting a complete gross resection (CGR) were used to select patients for sCRS in all three trials. No trial used surgical prognostic factors like disease sites or disease extent for stratification. The outcomes of sCRS varied in preplanned/post-hoc subgroup analyses. The survival following an incomplete CRS was worse than with systemic chemotherapy alone. Not all patients will benefit similarly from sCRS, even if a CGR is obtained. No trial evaluated the benefit of sCRS in patients receiving poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. While GOG-213 showed no benefit of sCRS when bevacizumab was used, the role of bevacizumab in patients having a CGR was not evaluated. The use of targeted therapies during first-line therapy is increasing, affecting treatment decisions and future clinical trial designs. New trials on sCRS should stratify patients according to surgical prognostic factors; sub-group analyses should be performed only in patients with CGR.
The Disavowal of Decisionism: Politically Motivated Exits from the U.S. Courts of Appeals
Authors: Chen Daniel L. , Reinhart Eric
Published: July 2024

The impartiality and apolitical nature of the American judiciary are key to its legitimacy and the liberal constitutional legal system it supports. Though less than 1 % of U.S. Federal judges admit to political motivations for retirement or resignation, our research suggests these influences are more widespread. Examining data from 1802 to 2019, we found 11 % of retirements and 23 % of resignations from the U.S. Courts of Appeals may be linked to political cycles. Judges are less likely to retire before a Presidential election when the President is from a different party than their appointing party, and more likely to resign after the election if the President is from their appointing party. These politically motivated exits have grown, accounting for 14 % of retirements since 1975, which points to a more politically charged and polarized judiciary. Previous studies relying on self-reports or annual analyses have missed these political dynamics in judges’ departure timing. Our quarter-to-election level analysis reveals that significant decisions by Federal judges may often be influenced by unconscious bias or conscious partisan loyalty, both of which challenge the idea of judicial neutrality and the common law precedents judges must uphold. Our findings support growing concerns about undemocratic political power being exercised through the courts, giving rise to juristocracy – the practice of engaging in politics under the guise of legal proceedings.
Enhancing Target Accuracy: Insights into the Cash Social Assistance Program
Authors: Anward Aliy Arivin , Adi Isbandi Rukminto
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this article is to describe the target accuracy concept in the Cash Social Assistance Program in the South Banjarmasin District. This article was arranged using a literature review method based on previous research. The literature review stage begins with identifying, evaluating, and interpreting all literature related to the research topic. Identification was carried out by searching online databases and the Internet, including Google Scholar and the UI Library, on research published between 2014 and 2023 using the keywords Target Accuracy and Cash Social Assistance Program. The evaluation was done by sorting the published search results in English or Indonesian so that 38 (thirty-eight) studies regarding targeting accuracy were completed. Based on a literature review of 38 (thirty-eight) previous research results, there are two conclusions based on literature review. In policy implementation, it is necessary to consider the factors that influence it. These namely factors influence the Implementation of the Cash Social Assistance Program, such as the apparatus quality, competence of the apparatus, availability of infrastructure, supervision of distribution, the use of old data, communication, resources, disposition, bureaucratic structure, facilities & Infrastructure, lack of awareness of bureaucrats in carrying out their duties, internet access, community identity that is not updated, form and content of policies, implementing organizations and policy environment, and the existence of gender issues. Meanwhile, in the context of policy evaluation, the performance, impact, and effectiveness of the Cash Social Assistance program need to be considered.
How Does Psychological Contract Mediate the Effect of Transformational Leadership on Job Satisfaction? Moderating Variable of Tenure
Authors: Muhajiroh Nailatul , Noermijati Noermijati
Published: July 2024

This research investigates how the role of the mediating variable of psychological contract and the moderating variable of tenure on the influence of the independent variable of transformational leadership on job satisfaction in Indonesian government organizations. This research is in line with Decker, (2018) the results of the study show that transformational leadership significantly affects job satisfaction, this is also expressed in research. Masal, (2015) with the title "Shared and transformational leadership in the police" shows that transformational leadership exerts a significant influence on shared leadership and has a significant influence on organizational goals and creates job satisfaction for followers. Quantitative was used for data analysis and questionnaires as a data collection technique distributed online using Google Forms to all employees of civil servants in the Indonesian government with a simple random sampling technique. Data analysis using SEM-PLS with the help of applications, namely SmartPLS. This study shows the results that the independent variable of transformational leadership has a significant influence on the dependent variable of job satisfaction. Directly, the psychological contract promotes increased job satisfaction. The psychological contract acts as a partial mediation on the influence of transformational leadership on job satisfaction. The moderating variable of tenure also plays a role in strengthening the influence of the independent variable of transformational leadership on job satisfaction.
The Influence of Human Capital Adaptive Capacity Strategies on Organizational Performance Achievements Mediated by Adaptive E-Procurement Systems
Authors: Permana Tatiek Ekawati , Ahman Eeng , Yuniarsih Tjutju , Rofaida Rofi , Wiyono Darul
Published: July 2024

Tourism is an important aspect of economic activity, especially in Indonesia which has superior natural resource potential. However, there is a gap between tourism potential and the quality of human resources in driving the tourism economy, resulting in low tourism competitiveness compared to other countries. This research aims to find the best formula for building a model for improving organizational performance and competitiveness in the hotel industry through a strategic human resource management approach. How much organizational performance is achieved depends on the performance of its people, regardless of the shape, size, goals and characteristics of the organization. In the context of research, some research results also still contain disagreements regarding the understanding of Human Capital Management, which is generally widely understood as performance measurement, as well as the Adaptive E-Procurement system. This research uses quantitative methods with partial least squares (PLS) analysis tools. In this case, the researchers took samples based on the total population of 19 five-star hotels and 94 4-star hotels, according to the Slovin formula, namely 88 samples. The results showed that HCACS-X2 had a significant positive effect on OPC-Y. The HCACS-X2 variable against OPC-Y has an original sample of 0.382 in a positive direction, meaning that the better the HCACS-X2, the OPC-Y will also increase by 0.382. HCACS-X2 has a significant positive effect on OPC-Y through AE-PS-X3. The HCACS-X2 variable against OPC-Y via EPSA has an original sample of 0.352 in a positive direction, meaning that the better the HCACS-X2 via AE-PS-X3, the OPC-Y will also increase by 0.352.
Beyond Coexixtence: Intersecting Realms of Faith and Policy in Mentawai, Indonesia
Authors: Wahyuni Dwi , Pratama Fadhiil Novriadi , Lestari Julita , Sabna Anjali , Martalia Martalia
Published: July 2024

This study explores the relationship between the indigenous religion of the Mentawai people, Arat Sabulungan, world religions (Christianity, Catholicism, and Islam), and the state, focusing on intersubjective recognition among these entities. The research employs a qualitative ethnographic approach, conducted in Matotonan village, South Siberut subdistrict, West Sumatra. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with key informants and observations, while secondary data included literature reviews of relevant journal articles, books, research reports, and news. The findings reveal the complexity and nuances of religious conversion, the socio-cultural dynamics influencing the negotiation process of Arat Sabulungan and world religions, and the role of state policy in shaping the religious landscape and identity of the Mentawai people. This article demonstrates that the socio-cultural life of the Mentawai people, especially in Matotonan village, shows that recognition of Arat Sabulungan extends beyond intercultural relations into the anthropological realm. Followers of Arat Sabulungan (Sikerei), world religions, and government employees have constructed themselves as subjects through intersubjective recognition. This research contributes to understanding the complex dynamics between indigenous religions, world religions, and state policies. It applies Axel Honneth's theory of intersubjective recognition, highlighting the need for inclusive policies, cultural education, and legal recognition to support and preserve indigenous religions like Arat Sabulungan.
Forest Fire Disaster Mitigation Through Social Policy Implementation in Peat Ecosystem Management
Authors: Dharma Anton Budi , Sujianto Sujianto , Yustina Yustina , Yuliani Febri
Published: July 2024

Forest fires are a problem that often hit Riau Province. Therefore, there is a need for mitigation efforts to deal with this forest fire disaster. One of the steps that can be taken is by implementing peat ecosystems. This research then aims to see how the implementation of peat ecosystems can mitigate forest fires, especially in Riau Province. This research will be conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach. The data used in this research comes from various previous research results that are still relevant to this research. The results of this study found that in implementing peat ecosystems, there are still challenges that need to be faced, such as climate change and land use. To overcome this, various opportunities such as technological developments and stakeholder collaboration can be implemented. In mitigating forest fires, conservation and restoration of peat ecosystems are important steps to strengthen the resilience of the ecosystem.
Language Interpreters as Cultural Brokers in Music Therapy
Authors: Davenport Victoria
Published: July 2024

In an increasingly linguistically diverse society, music therapists in the United States are working with individuals who may not speak the dominant English language (Davenport, 2024). It is important that music therapists collaborate with language interpreters when language discordance occurs, that is, when the music therapist and patient do not have a shared proficiency of the same language. There are many ways of working with interpreters, but the topic is not widely researched in the music therapy profession. In this reflection paper, I discuss the ways in which music therapists and language interpreters can collaborate, highlighting the importance of the cultural broker stance and inviting interpreters into the therapeutic space.
Consumers’ Opinion Orientations and Their Credit Risk: An Econometric Analysis Enhanced by Multimodal Analytics
Authors: Wang Qiping ,   East China Normal University, Lau Raymond Yiu Keung , Ngai Wai Ting Eric , Thatcher Jason Bennett , Xu Wei ,   City University of Hong Kong,   Hong Kong Polytechnic University,   University of Colorado Boulder,   Renmin University of China
Published: July 2024

The rise of financial technology (fintech) has motivated practitioners and researchers to explore alternative data sources and enhanced credit scoring methods for better assessment of consumers’ credit risk. In this study, we examine whether deep-level diversity derived from consumers’ multimodal social media posts (i.e., alternative data) can enhance credit risk assessment or not. First, we propose novel lifestyle-based risk constructs (e.g., opinion risk) to capture consumers’ deep-level diversity. Second, we incorporate these lifestyle-based risk constructs into econometric models to empirically evaluate the relationship between consumers’ deep-level diversity and their credit risk. Using a credit scoring dataset provided by a fintech firm listed on Nasdaq, our econometric analysis reveals that consumers’ opinion risk constructs extracted from their multimodal social media posts are positively associated with their credit risk. Furthermore, our results show that the proposed opinion risk constructs can significantly improve the effectiveness of predicting consumers’ credit risk. Interestingly, our empirical results also show that combining the opinion risk constructs derived from images and text can significantly improve the effectiveness in credit risk prediction. This work contributes to the fintech domain by proposing novel lifestyle-based risk constructs for decision support in the credit scoring context.
The Influence of Political Skill and Community Capabilities on Microtask Worker Hourly Wage: A Mixed Methods Study of Mechanical Turk
Authors: Gangi Paul M. Di ,   University of Alabama at Birmingham, Howard Jack L. , McAllister Charn P. , Thatcher Jason Bennett ,   University of Alabama at Birmingham,   Northern Arizona University,   University of Colorado Boulder
Published: July 2024

Microlabor markets engage workers in temporary employment contracts to complete short-duration tasks for micropayments. Because microlabor platforms often preclude worker interaction, independent microtasking communities have emerged to allow workers to exchange ideas and interact to improve their work performance. Research has yet to take an in-depth look at how workers utilize microtasking communities to mitigate unpaid coordination costs to improve their financial productivity. The present study uses political skill as a theorizing lens to investigate how microtask workers utilize the capabilities of these communities that influence their ability to avoid financial marginalization. Using pseudo-ethnography and thematic analysis, we employed a sequential mixed methods design to identify how community capabilities and ideological beliefs influence worker performance. These insights then informed the design of an empirical study using survey data from 253 Amazon Mechanical Turk workers who use microtasking communities to test our research model. We found that politically skilled individuals use community capabilities, subsequently influencing their hourly wage. We also found that microtasking ideology weakens the effects of political skill on community capabilities and their influence on hourly wages. We discuss several contributions to the political skill and microtask literature.
Understanding the Role of Lead Organizational Donor Types in Civic Crowdfunding
Authors: Hassna Ghazwan ,   Hawaii Pacific University, Burtch Gordon , Zhao J. Leon ,   Boston University,   Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen)
Published: July 2024

Civic crowdfunding is a subgenre of crowdfunding wherein the crowd finances civic projects of value to communities. A unique aspect of civic crowdfunding is that projects regularly attract a mix of individuals and organizations, spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. This diversity of stakeholders raises novel questions and challenges for platform operators and fundraisers. Here, we focus on such challenges as they relate to third-party endorsements. A lengthy literature has examined the signaling value of endorsements and prominent lead contributions, typically treating their sources as homogeneous. However, the varied backgrounds, motivations, and objectives of stakeholders in civic crowdfunding suggest that endorsers’ signaling value is likely to vary. We theorize how onlookers’ (potential backers’ or donors’) perception of lead organizational donors’ motivations and fit with the project’s objectives will influence the latter’s signaling value, hypothesizing differences across lead donor types (i.e., businesses, governments, nongovernmental organizations [NGOs]). Leveraging data on 303 projects from a leading civic crowdfunding platform, Spacehive, we show that lead donations are significantly more beneficial when supplied by NGOs rather than businesses or government entities. Further, based on perceptual measures reported by human coders about the more than 500 organizational lead donations in our sample, we confirm our theorized mechanisms, finding that lead donor involvement is more likely to be perceived as credible, and to lead to support for a project, when the lead’s involvement is believed to be a result of value motives (rather than strategic motives), and when the lead is a natural fit with the project (i.e., congruence). We discuss the implications of our work for both theory and practice.
An Empirical Investigation of The Unintended Consequences of Vulnerability Assessments Leading to Betrayal
Authors: Pienta Daniel ,   University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Thatcher Jason Bennett , Wright Ryan T. , Roth Philip L. ,   University of Colorado Boulder,   University of Virginia,   Clemson University
Published: July 2024

When cybersecurity units conduct vulnerability assessments to evaluate the security of organizations, they can have unintended consequences for employees. Although cybersecurity personnel may view tactics such as fake phishing attacks and email scanning as protective measures, employees may view them as threats because being singled out as a security risk can harm their standing in the organization. To understand the implications of vulnerability assessments, we examine how organizations’ use of different tactics to identify user vulnerabilities can lead employees to feel betrayed by the cybersecurity unit, resulting in negative cybersecurity outcomes. Drawing on the theory of betrayal aversion, we develop a model that shows that when employees perceive these tactics as harmful, they can lead to an affective state of cybersecurity betrayal, resulting in a damaged relationship with the cybersecurity unit. In collaboration with an organization’s cybersecurity unit, we evaluated our model using an experimental vignette survey, post hoc interviews, and a crosssectional survey with two samples (i.e., employees in the organization and employees from a panel). We found that when organizations conduct vulnerability assessments to enhance cybersecurity, they often induce an affective state of betrayal and increase employees’ active resistance to cybersecurity (i.e., abandonment, avoidance, and sabotage of cybersecurity policies, technologies, and units). The paper concludes with implications for research and practice that explain the unintended consequences of vulnerability assessment and betrayal.
Effective Intervention in User Adaptation: A 2×2 Coping Framework Entailing Implementation and Contextual Factors
Authors: Feng Yue (Katherine) ,   Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Yu Nadia Yin , Tam Kar Yan , Lai Michael C. ,   NEOMA Business School,   Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,   Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Published: July 2024

Despite the proliferation of information technology applications worldwide, successful technology implementation in organizations remains a formidable challenge. Whether organizations can actualize the benefits of new technology depends critically on how end users evaluate and cope with it. Various intervention practices have been proven to be effective in facilitating user adaptation in the existing literature. However, research that systematically examines the impacts of intervention practices across implementation stages and usage contexts is still rare. Leveraging coping theory, we propose a 2×2 framework under the conditions of pre-/post-implementation stages and mandatory/voluntary usage contexts to investigate how various intervention practices adjust user appraisals of new technology via different coping mechanisms. We then extend the investigation into the downstream job outcomes and make comparisons of relevant relationships across usage contexts. Our empirical findings from two unique organizational settings, featured opposite degrees of usage voluntariness, support consistently significant effects of intervention practices, beliefs updating, and effects of usage behavior on job outcomes in both contexts while suggesting nuanced differences between the two contexts. Our research sheds light on how to manage technology implementations and help users cope with the change effectively in different contexts via various intervention practices in the technology implementation process.
CORONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION: INTRACORONARY IMAGING, CONTEMPORARY TECHNOLOGIES OF TREATMENT
Authors: Tsydenova Aryuna Yu. , Baranov Aleksey A. , Naydenov Roman A. , Ibragimov Ruslan U. , Grankin Denis S. , Krestyaninov Oleg V.
Published: July 2024

Highlights

This review presents current state-of-the-art of diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery calcification.

 

Abstract

Coronary artery calcification occurs in about one third of all coronary artery lesions in patients with coronary artery diseases and is a problem in interventional cardiology due to technical difficulties. Percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery calcification is associated with a high risk of perioperative complications, adverse cardiovascular events in early and long-term follow-up compared with the results of treatment of patients without arterial calcification. One of the most important predictors of a favorable outcome after implantation of a drug-eluting stent is the optimal cross-sectional area of coronary stent. Intravascular imaging plays an important role in lesion assessment, selection of instruments and optimization of stent implantation, contemporary technologies modification of severe coronary artery calcification, as well as their combination, will probably lead to better procedural success and long-term results.
STEREOTACTIC RADIOABLATION AS A NON-INVASIVE APPROACH IN THE TREATMENT OF PERSISTENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Authors: Strebkova Elizaveta D. , Artyukhina Elena A. , Revishvili Amiran S.
Published: July 2024

Highlights

The feasibility and safety of stereotactic radioablation of arrhythmias have been actively investigated over the last few years. Stereotactic radioablation is an innovative approach for the noninvasive treatment of sustained arrhythmias in high-risk patients. A comprehensive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of this STAR in relation to AF will allow us to assess the future prospects for the development of this area. 

 

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common tachyarrhythmia. The prevalence of this arrhythmia continues to increase steadily due to the rapid demographic ageing of the population. In addition, patients with concomitant cancer are often affected by AF.

Despite the relatively benign course of AF, this arrhythmia is a risk factor for the development of a number of life-threatening and disabling complications, which significantly reduces the quality of life and increases the costs to the health care system.

For a long time, non-invasive methods of AF treatment were represented exclusively by antiarrhythmic therapy. It is important to note that in elderly and oncological patients, even paroxysmal AF is difficult to treat with medication, and catheter ablation and surgery are associated with high risks of procedural and early postoperative complications.

All this served to search for noninvasive methods of ablation of arrhythmogenic substrates of AF. For the first time, stereotactic radioablation was used in clinical practice to eliminate sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Having accumulated sufficient experience, the scientists decided to consider the application of this non-invasive therapy in patients with AF. Currently, there are sporadic papers and clinical case series highlighting the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radioablation in the treatment of AF.

The main aim of the presented literature review was to highlight recent data on the capabilities and limitations of non-invasive radiotoxic stereoablation in patients with AF.
PREDICTORS OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN PATIENTS WITH SINUS RHYTHM AFTER MITRAL VALVE SURGERY
Authors: Komarov Roman N. , Matsuganov Denis A. , Bystrov Dmitry O.
Published: July 2024

Highlights

AF recurrence is a common complication of AF surgical treatment. This complication is influenced by a large number of factors. In this article, we propose a model that allows specialists to predict this complication in patients at high risk.

 

 

Abstract

Aim. To identify predictors associated with a high risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with sinus rhythm following mitral valve surgery.

Methods. The surgical treatment outcomes of 36 patients with mitral valve disease and sinus rhythm who underwent mitral valve surgery from 2013 to 2018 were analyzed.

Results. We have developed a prognostic model describing the risk of atrial fibrillation depending on the impact of risk factors. The presence atrial flutter before surgery increases the risk of developing AF by 9.06 times, an increase in left ventricle end-systolic size by 1 centimeter increases the risk by 20.12 times, an increase in the right atrium size by 1 centimeter increases the risk by 14.99 times, and the need for temporary cardiac pacing in the early postoperative period increases the risk by 14.47 times.

Conclusion. The proposed prognostic model can be used to select patients at high risk of developing AF after mitral valve surgery with sinus rhythm for prophylactic ablation.
TIMELINE OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN THE FIELD OF CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY FOCUSING IN THE GENDER AND SEX PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Lilothia Sophia H.
Published: July 2024

Highlights

Coronary artery bypass grafting outcomes in women remain worse compar to men.

The review covers key studies addressing the results of coronary revascularization in women.

 

Abstract

Over the past 60 years, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has evolved into a well-refined, safe, and effective procedure that has demonstrated a steady decline in postoperative complications. However, historically, women have experienced worse postoperative outcomes compared to men. Female sex is an independent factor for intraoperative, short-term, and long-term mortality following CABG. This article presents an overview of studies comparing the outcomes of CABG between men and women, touches on the reasons for unfavorable outcomes in women, as well as the future scientific perspectives of this problem.
HISTORICAL ASPECTS OF MITRAL VALVE PROSTHETICS WITH AUTOPERICARDIUM
Authors: Iaitskaia Darya A. , Komarov Roman N. , Tkachev Maxim I. , Chernyavskij Stanislav V. , Drakina Olga V. , Vasalatii Ilya M. , Tsaregorodtsev Anton V. , Panchenko Maxim O.
Published: July 2024

Highlights

This article describes not only the contribution of surgeons from different countries and the evolution of the method, but also the contribution of domestic specialists. The article makes us wonder whether mitral valve reconstruction with autopericardium is really a promising technique. Further study of the long-term results and improvement of the technique are necessary.

 

Abstract

Mitral valve replacement with autologous pericardium is a new perspective method of treatment, which can be used for a wide range of mitral valve diseases when its reconstruction is not possible. Thanks to this method, there is no need for lifelong administration of anticoagulants, and optimal coaptation of the leaflets is provided. This review describes historical aspects of mitral valve replacement with autopericardium, mentions the first interventions, reflects the evolution of autopericardium mitral valve replacement technique.
ANOMALOUS ORIGIN OF THE CIRCUMFLEX CORONARY ARTERY FROM THE RIGHT CORONARY SINUS OF VALSALVA: DIAGNOSIS AND COURSE
Authors: Kurako Mariya M. , Abramyan, Mikhail A. , Bedin Aleksey V.
Published: July 2024

Highlights

Anomalous origin of the circumflex coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva is the most common anomaly of the coronary arteries.

In children, this anomaly still remains an unrecognized, unnoticed and misinterpreted pathology.

 

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in case of anomalous origin of the circumflex coronary artery from the right coronary right sinus of Valsalva in children.

Methods. During a routine examination at the Department of Emergency Cardiac Surgery and Interventional Cardiology of the Morozov Children's City Clinical Hospital of Moscow from January 2022 to August 2023, anomalous origin of the circumflex coronary artery from the right coronary sinus was detected in 10 children. The criterion for the diagnosis of anomalous origin of the circumflex coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva were RAC and bleb signs on TTE.

Results. According to TTE, all 10 children have crossed aorta signs in apical five- and four-chamber projection in the form of a tubular image above the plane of the mitral valve. Only 2 patients undergoing TTE presented with the bleb sign. 7 children underwent coronary computed tomography angiography, and 5 of these patients presented with an anomalous origin of the circumflex coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva and 2 patients with an anomalous origin of the circumflex coronary artery from the proximal segment of the RCA. According to CT data, all 7 patients had a retroaortic course of the circumflex artery without signs of narrowing or compression, the angle of divergence in all cases was less than 45°. 3 patients underwent coronarography before the RFA, the data of the study confirmed the diagnosis as well. All 10 patients (100%) had negative bicycle stress echocardiogram results.

TTE in experienced hands can provide valuable information about anomalies of the coronary arteries in children and thereby save time and reduce the cost of expensive diagnostic methods. Children with congenital heart defects and concomitant CA anomalies are at risk for coronary complications, since many of these patients are potential candidates for surgical intervention on the aortic valve/root throughout life. Therefore, timely diagnosis of CA anomaly before surgery is crucial for understanding the spatial interaction between the retroaortic coarse of the CA and the valve/root of the aorta.

Conclusions. TTE is a cost-effective and non-invasive tool for screening patients that has a vital role in the diagnosis of anomalous origin of coronary arteries in children. Patients with an enlarged aortic root and a divergence of the circumflex artery from the right coronary sinus at an acute angle should be under the supervision of a cardiologist for timely prevention of cardiovascular complications.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF XENO-PERICARDIAL PATCH IN REVASCULARIZATION OF AN ISCHEMIC LIMB USING THE DEEP FEMORAL ARTERY
Authors: Sukovatykh Boris S. , Sukovatykh Mikhail B. , Gordov Maksim Yu. , Grigoryan Arsen Yu.
Published: July 2024

Highlights

The choice of method for revascularization of the ischemic lower limb remains an important issue in cardiovascular surgery. Of the available methods, the most effective, in our opinion, is revascularization of the limb using the deep femoral artery. In this case, it is necessary to carefully select the material for the expanding patch, which prevents the development of restenosis.

 

Abstract

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of autovenous and xeno-pericardial patches in revascularization of an ischemic limb using a deep femoral artery.

Methods. An analysis of the comprehensive examination and treatment of 30 patients with critical ischemia, who were divided into 2 statistically homogeneous groups of 15 people each, was carried out.  In the first group, an autovenous patch was used to repair the deep femoral artery, and in the second group, a xeno-pericardial patch was used. The short-term results of treatment were assessed by the number of postoperative complications, ankle brachial index and the clinical picture of the disease 1 month after surgery, whereas the long-term results were assessed by the deep femoral artery patency and the quality of life of patients.

Results. 6 complications of the same type were registered in 4 (13.3%) patients, two in each group. After 1 month, the ankle brachial index in the first group was 0.58±0.12, and in the second 0.61±0.13. All patients in both groups had relief of pain at rest, an increase in pain-free walking distance, and trophic disorders healed. After 5 years, the deep femoral artery in the first group remained passable in 11 (73,3%) patients, and in the second – in 15 (100%) patients. The physical component of the health of patients in the first group scored 41.7±3.4, in the second group – 48.6±3.4, and the psychological component of health scored 52.1±3.9 and 56.9±3.6, respectively.

Conclusion. Xeno-pericardial patches proved to be more effective in revascularization of an ischemic limb using a deep femoral artery compared with autovenous patches in the long-term postoperative period.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MITRAL VALVE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT USING BIOLOGICAL PROSTHESIS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS (PSM method)
Authors: Kuzmina Olga K. , Stasev Alexander N. , Dvadtsatov Ivan V. , Blinova Anna V. , Osintsev Eugenii S. , Evtushenko Aleksey V. , Barbarash Olga L. , Barbarash Leonid S.
Published: July 2024

Highlights

As evidenced in literature, mitral valve (MV) repair for mitral regurgitation has many advantages, however, elderly patients have an extremely low risk of valve tissue degeneration, thus making the use of this type of surgery in this patient population controversial.

 

Aim. To analyze the role of bioprostheses in the older age group of patients undergoing mitral valve replacement and compare the results to mitral valve repair outcomes.

Methods. The study included elderly patients (over 65 years old) with mitral regurgitation who underwent mitral valve repair and annuloplasty using the biological annuloplasty ring NeoRing (Neokor CJSC, Kemerovo) or the annuloplasty ring RIGID (NPP MedInj CJSC, Penza) (n = 19) at the Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases (Kemerovo, Russian Federation). To select pairs from a larger group of UniLine recipients for a sample of patients with annuloplasty rings, pseudorandomization (propensity score matching) was performed using the STATA 13.0 software package (StataCorp, USA) by identifying nearest neighbors.

Results. Patients of both groups did not experience thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications during in-hospital period or 1-year follow-up period. At the same time, in the MV repair group, there was one case of new-onset atrial fibrillation, as well as two in-hospital cardiac deaths (due to myocardial infarction, and during surgery for recurrence of mitral regurgitation grade ≥ 2). One nonvalvular death (covid pneumonia) was recorded in the groups of UniLine recipients during the 1-year follow-up period.

Conclusions. Taking into account that in the vast majority of Russian clinics MV replacements prevail over MV repairs, elderly patients undergoing mostly MV replacement and receiving bioprostheses can be justified because the outcome is comparable to results of MV repair, primarily due to the lack of need for long-term anticoagulant therapy and comparable stable hemodynamic results in both groups.