bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 17282: Ninety-Day Thrombotic Events in Patients With COVID-19, Association With Vaccination Status, and Changes Over Time: The Corona-VTE Network Study
Authors: Bikdeli Behnood , Krishnathasan Darsiya , Bejjani Antoine , Khairani Candrika D , Porio Nicole D , Davies Julia , Armero Andre , Tristani Anthony , Assi Ali , Nauffal Victor , Cambia Umberto , Almarzooq Zaid , Wei Eric , Achanta Aditya , Jesudasen Sirus , Tiu Bruce , Merli Geno J , Fanikos John , Vishnevsky Alec , Sharma Aditya , Nehler Mark , Hsia Judith A , Welker James , Carroll Brett , Bonaca Marc P , Lan ZHou , Goldhaber Samuel , Piazza Gregory ,   CORONA-VTE Network Investigators
Published: December 2023

Background:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thrombosis are among serious complications of COVID-19 in the early post-infection period. Data are less consistent about subsequent risk during convalescence, the association between vaccination status and COVID-19-assocaited thrombosis, or how the event rates may have changed over time.

Methods:
In this multicenter study, adult patients who received inpatient or outpatient care for confirmed COVID-19 at Mass General-Brigham health system, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Anne Arundel Medical Center, University of Virginia Medical Center, University of Colorado Health System, and Thomas Jefferson University Health System were included, with Brigham and Women’s Hospital serving as the coordinating center. Data were entered into a centralized database. Thrombotic events were adjudicated by independent physicians. Outcomes were assessed at 90-day follow-up. Findings were pre-specified to be assessed separately for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 vs outpatients.

Results:
The study included 9,932 patients (03/2020-06/2022, age: 54.8 ± 19.9 years; 55.7% female). In hospitalized patients, the 90-day cumulative incidence of VTE (n = 269) was 6.4% (95% CI: 5.6-7.2%). Respective 90-day event rates for arterial thrombosis (n = 98) were 2.3 % (95% CI: 1.8-2.9%). Event rates were lower for outpatients (Figure, Panel A). Ninety-day cumulative incidence of VTE and arterial thrombosis based on history of vaccination (restricted to cohort from 12/14/2020 onward) are presented in Panel B. The change in VTE and in arterial thrombotic events over time is represented in Figure, Panel C.

Conclusions:
In this multicenter study, 90-day adjudicated thrombotic events were important complications for hospitalized patients with COVID-19, while the event rates were very low among outpatients. Association between vaccination status and outcomes and trends over time require further investigation.
Precision Hypertension
Authors: Dzau Victor J. , Hodgkinson Conrad P.
Published: December 2023

Hypertension affects >1 billion people worldwide. Complications of hypertension include stroke, renal failure, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, and cardiac failure. Despite the development of various antihypertensive drugs, the number of people with uncontrolled hypertension continues to rise. While the lack of compliance associated with frequent side effects to medication is a contributory issue, there has been a failure to consider the diverse nature of hypertensive populations. Instead, we propose that hypertension can only be truly managed by precision. A precision medicine approach would consider each patient’s unique factors. In this review, we discuss the progress toward precision medicine for hypertension with more predictiveness and individualization of treatment. We will highlight the advances in data science, omics (genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, etc), artificial intelligence, gene therapy, and gene editing and their application to precision hypertension.
Review of the genus Diduga (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae) of Laos, with description of one new species
Authors: BAYARSAIKHAN ULZIIJARGAL , KWON HYUNG WOOK , KIM KIL WON , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: December 2023

The genus Diduga Moore, [1887] is reviewed with 11 species from Laos, including one new species, D. bantha sp. nov. Illustrations of adults and genitalia of all examined species from Laos are provided, with the checklist of Laotian species of the genus Diduga.
Diagnosing Flavors of Tropospheric Rossby Wave Breaking and Their Associated Dynamical and Sensible Weather Features
Authors: LaChat Grant , Bowley Kevin A. , Gervais Melissa
Published: December 2023

Rossby wave breaking (RWB) can be manifested by the irreversible overturning of isentropes on constant potential vorticity (PV) surfaces. Traditionally, the type of breaking is categorized as anticyclonic (AWB) or cyclonic (CWB) and can be identified using the orientation of streamers of high potential temperature (θ) and low θ air on a PV surface. However, an examination of the differences in RWB structure and their associated tropospheric impacts within these types remains unexplored. In this study, AWB and CWB are identified from overturning isentropes on the dynamic tropopause (DT), defined as the 2 potential vorticity unit (PVU; 1 PVU = 10−6 K kg−1 m2 s−1) surface, in the ERA5 dataset during December, January, and February 1979–2019. Self-organizing maps (SOM), a machine learning method, is used to cluster the identified RWB events into archetypal patterns, or “flavors,” for each type. AWB and CWB flavors capture variations in the θ minima/maxima of each streamer and the localized meridional θ gradient (∇θ) flanking the streamers. Variations in the magnitude and position of ∇θ between flavors correspond to a diversity of jet structures leading to differences in vertical motion patterns and troposphere-deep circulations. A subset of flavors of AWB (CWB) events are associated with the development of strong surface high (low) pressure systems and the generation of extreme poleward moisture transport. For CWB, many events occurred in similar geographical regions, but the precipitation and moisture patterns were vastly different between flavors. Our findings suggest that the location, type, and severity of the tropospheric impacts from RWB are strongly dictated by RWB flavor.

Significance Statement

Large-scale atmospheric waves ∼15 km above Earth’s surface are responsible for the daily weather patterns that we experience. These waves can undergo wave breaking, a process that is analogous to ocean waves breaking along the seashore. Wave breaking events have been linked to extreme weather impacts at the surface including cold and heat waves, strong low pressure systems, and extreme precipitation events. Machine learning is used to identify and analyze different flavors, or patterns, of wave breaking events that result in differing surface weather impacts. Some flavors are able to generate notable channels of moisture that result in extreme high precipitation events. This is a crucial insight as forecasting of extreme weather events could be improved from this work.
A rapid, sensitive method for clinical monitoring of ketamine and norketamine by ultra-high-performance reverse-phase liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Armfield Nicholas , Frank Bernhard , Chadwick Carrie
Published: December 2023

Background

Ketamine is an NMDAR antagonist with aggregating use across many areas of medicine. P450 enzymes heavily metabolise ketamine, where norketamine is a first pass formed metabolite following initial N-demethylation. Serum ketamine monitoring is becoming increasingly important, requiring a sensitive method with a robust lower limit of quantitation.

Methods

Samples were prepared using protein precipitation or solid phase extraction. Ion suppression was investigated to optimise sample preparation technique, followed by reverse-phase chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to analyse extractions using a Waters Xevo TQ-S Micro and associated Acquity chromatography systems. Performance characteristics were analysed to validate the assay.

Results

Ketamine and norketamine retention times were 1.28 and 1.23 min, respectively. Ketamine and norketamine precursor ions fragmented into 2 distinguishable product ions (238.14 > 207.18/125.06 and 224.1 > 178.96/124.86). Performance characteristics include an assay recovery of 103.7% (ketamine) and 96.3% (norketamine), lower limit of quantitation 36.2 µg/L (ketamine) and 38.9 µg/L (norketamine), and intra-assay imprecision ≤ 7.04% on average.

Conclusions

A robust and reproducible assay with limited sample preparation has been designed and validated. The linearity of the assay covers all ranges of interest reported in the literature. Ion suppression was clearly reduced via use of solid phase extraction. The method will form the basis of ketamine monitoring and providing valuable patient information on tolerance and metabolism.
Development of a plasma maltose assay method as a screening test for upper gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Komene Tetsuya , Kai Kotoko , Kinpara Kiyoko , Sato Tomoaki , Hokazono Eisaku , Shimosawa Tatsuo , Osawa Susumu , Seimiya Masanori
Published: December 2023

Background and objective

The disaccharide loading test is a method to assess gastric mucosal damage. Since Trelan-G75, which is used for the sugar tolerance test, contains disaccharide maltose, if maltose is detected at a high sensitivity in the sample blood used in the sugar tolerance test, screening for upper gastrointestinal mucosal damage can be made simultaneously with the sugar tolerance test for the diagnosis of diabetes.

Methods

Glucose-6-phosphate is generated by treating maltose with maltose phosphorylase, β-phosphoglucomutase, and glucose-1,6-bisphosphate. Then, change in the absorbance at 405 nm is measured by the enzymatic cycling method using Thio-NADP, β-NADPH, and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. After evaluating the optimal condition for this method, it is mounted on an automatic biochemical analyzer, and samples after the sugar tolerance test were assayed.

Results

Regarding the performance of this method, the repeatability was 10–50 μmol/L with a CV of ≤1.1%. Concerning the assay range, a curve passing the origin with a range of linearity up to 120 μmol/L was obtained. No effect of dyes or sugars in the blood was noted. As a result of application to patients with gastric mucosal disorders (those who had a health checkup), significant differences were observed depending on the stage of atrophic gastritis.

Discussion

This method has a high sensitivity and a high precision and can be used for high-speed analysis on an automatic analyzer. It has the potential to be used as a screening test for gastric mucosal damage.
Empowering AI Companions for Enhanced Relationship Marketing
Authors: Chaturvedi Rijul , Verma Sanjeev , Srivastava Vartika
Published: December 2023

Embedded with artificial empathy, artificial intelligence (AI) companions (ACs) can create, communicate, and deliver value to customers. This article analyzes current and emerging ACs in order to explore AI’s role in transforming customer journeys and establishing long-lasting customer relationships. It also identifies existing business challenges in developing user-AI companionship and offers a remedial strategy matrix. Purely functional or emotional capabilities lead to interest in the companion plummeting with time. The findings reveal the need to design holistic ACs with a hybrid of functional, emotional, and conversational capabilities to mitigate the uncanny valley problem.
Disparities in Rates of Death From HIV or Tuberculosis Before Age 65 Years, by Race, Ethnicity, and Sex, United States, 2011-2020
Authors: Adekoya Nelson , Chang Man-Huei , Wortham Jonathan , Truman Benedict I.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Death from tuberculosis or HIV among people from racial and ethnic minority groups who are aged <65 years is a public health concern. We describe age-adjusted, absolute, and relative death rates from HIV or tuberculosis from 2011 through 2020 by sex, race, and ethnicity among US residents.

Methods:

We used mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online data system on deaths from multiple causes from 2011 through 2020 to calculate age-adjusted death rates and absolute and relative disparities in rates of death by sex, race, and ethnicity. We calculated corresponding 95% CIs for all rates and determined significance at P < .05 by using z tests.

Results:

For tuberculosis, when compared with non-Hispanic White residents, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native residents had the highest level of disparity in rate of death (666.7%). Similarly, as compared with non-Hispanic White female residents, American Indian or Alaska Native female residents had a high relative disparity in death from tuberculosis (620.0%). For HIV, the age-adjusted death rate was more than 8 times higher among non-Hispanic Black residents than among non-Hispanic White residents, and the relative disparity was 735.1%. When compared with non-Hispanic White female residents, Black female residents had a high relative disparity in death from HIV (1529.2%).

Conclusion:

Large disparities in rates of death from tuberculosis or HIV among US residents aged <65 years based on sex, race, and ethnicity indicate an ongoing unmet need for effective interventions. Intervention strategies are needed to address disparities in rates of death and infection among racial and ethnic minority populations.
Acculturation and Disparities in Telemedicine Readiness: A National Study
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Jorge M. , Hoertel Nicolas , Saner Hugo , Raji Mukaila
Published: December 2023

Telemedicine provided older adults the ability to safely seek care during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the potential impact of acculturation factors in telemedicine uptake between ethnic groups. As part of the National Health and Aging Trends Study 2018 survey, 303 participants (≥65 years) were interviewed. We assessed the impact of acculturation on telemedicine readiness by race and ethnicity. Compared to the white non-Hispanic immigrant population, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) populations had significantly lower telemedicine readiness and uptake. Limited English proficiency or older age at the time of migration was associated with telemedicine unreadiness and uptake in the Hispanic and API populations. Our findings suggested that acculturation factors play a substantial role in telemedicine uptake among older adult immigrants in the United States. Therefore, acculturation factors should be considered when promoting and adopting telemedicine technologies in older adults.
Investigation of the fire hazard of underground space fire scenarios in urban metro tunnels under natural ventilation: Analysis of the impact of tunnel slope on smoke back-layering length
Authors: Su Zhihe , Li Yanfeng , Zhong Hua , Li Junmei , Yang Shi , Du Tianmei , Huang Youbo
Published: December 2023

The smoke back-layering length is a crucial parameter for evacuating people in both road and subway tunnel fires. This study investigates the fire hazard induced by carriage fire in inclined metro tunnels under natural ventilation. The parameter ‘transition slope’ is defined to measure the smoke flow from the carriage head in the upstream direction to the tunnel or not due to the stack effect of the tunnel slope. The aim of this paper is to analyse the effects of changes in cross-section, downstream length, tunnel slope, and carriage side-door coupling on smoke behaviour characteristics by experiment and simulation methods. A piecewise function expression between dimensionless smoke back-layering length, downstream length, and tunnel slope for carriage fires in an inclined tunnel under natural ventilation is proposed by theoretical analysis. At the same time, a 1:15 scale model experiment was conducted to initially analyse the characteristics of smoke movement. Following this, full-scale numerical simulations were employed to complement the model experiment and quantify the principles governing smoke movement. The experimental results show that the tunnel slope has a significant effect on the smoke back-layering length. In contrast, the influence of the heat release rate was found to be relatively minor. In addition, simulation results show that the tunnel slope has no significant effect on the smoke back-layering length when the fire location is approximately 20 m from the train head, and the tunnel slope is in the range of 2.29° ∼ 3.43° (4% ∼ 6%). For small tunnel slopes, smoke spreads in the tunnel, and the smoke back-layering length produced by the virtual fire source shows a different law from the previous study model. Finally, the correlation coefficient of the piecewise function in theoretical analysis is fitted by combining the experimental and numerical simulation results.

Practical application

This study provides valuable insights into the practical implications of controlling and mitigating the impact of fires in inclined metro tunnels. By understanding the critical role of tunnel slope and providing a quantitative tool for smoke spread law assessment, this study contributes to the enhancement of safety measures and the protection of lives in tunnel environments during fire incidents.
Time as a Research Lens: A Conceptual Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Blagoev Blagoy , Hernes Tor , Kunisch Sven , Schultz Majken
Published: December 2023

Time is gaining recognition as an important research perspective, yet the assumptions, concepts, and boundaries of this perspective vary greatly across different fields. This diversity suggests that time offers both significant depth and relevance as a lens for research. However, the diversity of approaches also harbors ambiguity and a lack of coherence, hindering scholars’ ability to integrate insights and harness the full potential of time as a research lens. To address this issue, we review the diverse time-based assumptions, domains, and concepts in extant research. Our review reveals three dominant manifestations of the temporal lens: time as resource, time as structure, and time as process. We analyze and synthesize insights of the three lenses to offer an integrative framework to support future research. The framework informs and reveals opportunities for time-based research by foregrounding connections and contrasts among the lenses. Building on this framework, we discuss two principal pathways for future research: connecting the three lenses through the study of tensions at their interfaces, and enhancing the three lenses through the study of more complex conceptions of time.
Family relationships and family predictors of psychological distress in emerging adult college students: A 3-year study
Authors: García-Mendoza María del Carmen , Parra Jiménez Águeda , Freijo Enrique Bernardino Arranz , Arnett Jeffrey , Sánchez Queija Inmaculada
Published: December 2023

During emerging adulthood, family relationships remain salient. This study examined, from a gender perspective, continuity/discontinuity and stability/instability in family relationships, in a two-time repeated-measures study with Spanish emerging adult college students. It also analyzed the implications of the quality of parent–child relationships for emerging adults’ psychological distress. A sample of 400 Spanish college students aged between 18 and 29 years was followed across two time points ( M = 20.31 and SD = 2.04 at Time 1; M = 23.66 and SD = 2.08 at Time 2), completing a self-report measure of parenting behaviors and psychological distress. Results indicated continuity in family social support, parental autonomy support, and psychological control; however, they also revealed discontinuity, with parental warmth, parental involvement, and behavioral control decreasing over time. Results also indicated high rank-order stability in family relationships, seen globally. Regression analyses showed that, only for men, parental involvement at T1 consistently predicted psychological distress at T2, as well as changes in psychological distress between T1 and T2. This study provides data supporting the idea that both change and continuity exist in family relationships. It also expands on the scarce research focused on this developmental context during emerging adulthood in Spain and provides support for designing preventive parenting interventions.
Maternal postpartum depression symptoms and early childhood hyperactive/aggressive behavior are independently associated with later attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms
Authors: Sasayama Daimei , Owa Tomonori , Kudo Tetsuya , Kaneko Wakako , Makita Mizuho , Kuge Rie , Shiraishi Ken , Nomiyama Tetsuo , Washizuka Shinsuke , Honda Hideo
Published: December 2023

Attention deficit/hyperactivity behaviors in children are often unnoticed until they reach school age; however, evidence suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tends to develop at an earlier age. Recent studies also indicate that perinatal maternal mental health is associated with ADHD symptoms in offspring. This study examines the association between maternal postpartum depression, early hyperactive/aggressive behavior, and later ADHD symptoms. This longitudinal cohort study used data from health checkups and surveys. Mothers with a postpartum Edinburgh postnatal depression scale score ⩾ 9 were considered as having postpartum depression symptoms. The presence of early hyperactive/aggressive behavior was determined based on 3-year-old children’s health checkup data. The ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS) answered by the caregivers of 182 sixth-grade children was used for the analysis. ADHD-RS scores were significantly higher in children with early hyperactive and/or aggressive behavior ( p = .002) and for children of mothers who had postpartum depression symptoms ( p < .001). Early hyperactive/aggressive behavior did not mediate the predictive association of maternal postpartum depression symptoms with ADHD symptoms in sixth grade. ADHD symptoms in the sixth grade were independently associated with childhood hyperactive/aggressive behavior at age 3 and maternal postpartum depression symptoms.
The Mediating Role of Psychological Well-Being in the Relationship Between Self-Management and Quality of Life in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Lee Mei-Chen , Tai Chun-Yi , Liu Chuan-Chieh , Wang Wen-Hug , Chang Ching-Fen , Chen Meng-Qi
Published: December 2023

This study applied a cross-sectional design to examine the relationship between self-management, psychological well-being, and quality of life in patients with hypertension and evaluated the mediation effect of psychological well-being on self-management and quality of life. Through purposive sampling, this study enrolled 255 patients with hypertension from the cardiology department of a teaching hospital in Taiwan. Mediation effects were estimated using linear regression and the Sobel test. Age, number of chronic diseases, waist circumference, self-management, and psychological well-being explained 18.7% of the total variance in quality of life. Psychological well-being partially mediated the effects of self-management on quality of life, with a total effect of 19.2%. Psychological well-being is an important factor correlated with self-management and quality of life in patients with hypertension.
Mediating Role of Employee Engagement: Job Involvement, Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment
Authors: Arulsenthilkumar S  , N Punitha
Published: December 2023

This study examines the mediating role of employee engagement on the relationship among job involvement and job satisfaction as independent variables and organizational commitment as the dependent variable in private life insurance companies in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Primarily, employee engagement plays a vital role in organizational performance. Therefore, this study was conducted to demonstrate how employee engagement mediates the relationship among job involvement and job satisfaction as independent variables and organizational commitment as the dependent variable. For this study, data was collected through a structured questionnaire, and 225 samples were taken. A simple random sampling method was used to collect the data, and the partial least square (PLS) method was used to analyze the data. In the study, job involvement and job satisfaction were considered to be antecedents, employee engagement was considered a mediating variable and organizational commitment was considered an outcome. It is suggested that job involvement and job satisfaction are significantly related to employee engagement. The study also revealed that job involvement and job satisfaction positively influence organizational commitment. Employee engagement was found to partially mediate the relationship between job involvement and organizational commitment, while it did not mediate the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Hence, this study proves that employee engagement plays a significant role in the organization. Therefore, organizations should concentrate on employee engagement strategies on the basis of which employees’ job involvement, job satisfaction and organizational commitment will increase.
Does early exposure to cardiothoracic surgery increase interest in the specialty?
Authors: Punjabi Karan , Almohtadi Ahmad , Singh Ayushi , Singh Ishan , Salha Ahmad , Seyedzenouzi Golnoush
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The number of applications for cardiothoracic surgery has been steadily dropping over the past decades. We aim to assess whether a 1-day cardiothoracic surgical skills conference could increase interest into the speciality.

Methods

Participants included in the study had to be medical students or junior doctors. Out of 57 delegates that attended the conference, 52 were enrolled in the study, and completed the pre-conference and post-conference questionnaires. Three introductory lectures were delivered by consultants in cardiothoracic surgery or cardiology in the morning, followed by three practical surgical workshops. We assessed demographics, confidence in and knowledge of procedures, and the change in participants’ interest in the speciality pre- and post-conference. This study was conducted at St George’s University of London.

Results

The interest to pursue a career in cardiothoracic surgery increased by 23% post-conference ( p = .035). Confidence and knowledge in all procedures taught improved significantly after the conference ( p < .05), with the highest increase seen in anastomosis of vessels ( p < .0001). Preclinical students made up 57.7% of participants, majority of whom had not seen more than three surgical procedures.

Conclusion

Our conference has shown to increase interest in cardiothoracic surgery and improve exposure to surgical skills, especially to those in early years of medical school. The surgical workshops improved student confidence and knowledge in procedures used within the field and the use of animal tissue improved participant experience. Further research is needed at other medical schools to assess whether a change in surgical skills teaching should be made to medical school curriculums.
Small animal PET with spontaneous inhalation of 15O-labelled oxygen gases: Longitudinal assessment of cerebral oxygen metabolism in a rat model of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy
Authors: Shimochi Saeka , Ihalainen Jukka , Parikka Vilhelmiina , Kudomi Nobuyuki , Tolvanen Tuula , Hietanen Ari , Kokkomäki Esa , Johansson Stefan , Tsuji Masahiro , Kanaya Shigehiko , Yatkin Emrah , Grönroos Tove J , Iida Hidehiro
Published: December 2023

Perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the leading cause of irreversible brain damage resulting in serious neurological dysfunction among neonates. We evaluated the feasibility of positron emission tomography (PET) methodology with 15O-labelled gases without intravenous or tracheal cannulation for assessing temporal changes in cerebral blood flow ( CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen ( CMRO2) in a neonatal HIE rat model. Sequential PET scans with spontaneous inhalation of 15O-gases mixed with isoflurane were performed over 14 days after the hypoxic-ischaemic insult in HIE pups and age-matched controls. CBF and CMRO2 in the injured hemispheres of HIE pups remarkably decreased 2 days after the insult, gradually recovering over 14 days in line with their increase found in healthy controls according to their natural maturation process. The magnitude of hemispheric tissue loss histologically measured after the last PET scan was significantly correlated with the decreases in CBF and CMRO2.This fully non-invasive imaging strategy may be useful for monitoring damage progression in neonatal HIE and for evaluating potential therapeutic outcomes.
Could emergency admission plasma D-dimer level predict first pass effect of stent retriever thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke?
Authors: Xie Ting , Tang Wen-wei
Published: December 2023

Background

Evidence on plasma biomarkers to identify first pass effect (FPE) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) treated with thrombectomy is limited.

Purpose

To evaluate whether plasma D-dimer could predict FPE.

Material and Methods

Consecutive patients with LVO who underwent first-line stent retriever thrombectomy at our center between January 2018 and August 2021 were enrolled. Patients were classified into the FPE (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] ≥2c) group or non-FPE (mTICI 0–2b) group based on angiographic outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of FPE. The overall ability of D-dimer levels in predicting FPE was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

In total, 313 patients were included; 88 (28.1%) patients achieved FPE. Compared to those with non-FPE, patients with FPE had more diabetes mellitus history, lower D-dimer levels, higher clot burden score, a higher proportion of M1 middle cerebral artery, and a higher proportion of main stem occlusion pattern ( P <0.05). After adjusting for potential variables, D-dimer levels (OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.52–0.96), clot burden score (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.38–2.87), and main stem occlusion pattern (OR=1.85, 95% CI=1.19–2.62) remained independently associated with FPE. Based on the ROC analysis, the D-dimer as a predictor for predicting FPE presented with a specificity of 79%, a negative predictive value of 87%, and an area under the curve of 0.761.

Conclusion

Low emergency admission plasma D-dimer level is an independent predictor of FPE in patients with AIS treated with stent retriever thrombectomy.
Adjuvant treatment in hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer: New approaches of endocrine therapy
Authors: Nardin Simone , Ruelle Tommaso , Giannubilo Irene , Del Mastro Lucia
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and luminal breast cancer is the predominant subtype, characterized by the presence of estrogen receptors and/or progesterone receptors in tumor cells. Adjuvant endocrine therapy is the pivotal approach in the management of luminal early breast cancer. Hence, new therapeutic approaches have been studied during the last few years, especially in patients with high risk of recurrence.

Here we provide a summary of the most recent clinical trials evaluating adjuvant treatment in hormone-receptors-positive early breast cancer. First, the main cornerstone is related to the role of extended endocrine treatment, which has been widely investigated to access a benefit in disease-free survival and overall survival (only the GIM4 trial has positive feedback about survival) and to tailor the treatment according to patient compliance. The results highlighted an advantage in extending the use of endocrine treatment for at least seven full years, considering aromatase inhibitors as principal drugs. Second, the shift of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) from advanced to early setting reported positive outcomes, with favorable results from MonarchE and NATALEE trials, using Abemaciclib and Ribociclib respectively, even if non-negligible toxicities have been reported. Last, the use of PARP inhibitors for BRCA1/2 mutated patients has been evaluated in the OlympiA trial (Olaparib), observing a comparable benefit between hormone-receptors-positive and triple-negative early breast cancer.

However, more data are still required to better select patients that could benefit more from CDK4/6i considering side effects too, and sequential treatments are still not codified.
Textures of Belonging: Feeling Muslim Publics Past and Present
Authors: Ingram Brannon
Published: December 2023

Shenila Khoja-Moolji’s Sovereign Attachments is a landmark monograph in the study of Islam in South Asia. This review approaches the book by way of three intersecting themes: the management of religious affect in the Indian subcontinent, past and present; the relationship between Muslim publics and what Khoja-Moolji calls ‘figurations’, or tropes (e.g. the ‘mourning mother’, the ‘brave soldier’, and so on) that are variously embodied and contested in contemporary Pakistani discourse; and the ways that Islamic normativities are constructed and mobilized by both the Taliban and the Pakistani state.
Active learning approach through integrative case studies and experimental activities applied in a postgrad course on structural dynamics
Authors: Ledezma-Ramírez Diego Francisco
Published: December 2023

Structural dynamics is an essential aspect of mechanical engineering and a key module in the master's program in automotive engineering at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Since this discipline requires a strong theoretical foundation coupled with significant practical application, it is essential to provide students with the necessary tools and content to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject through engaging and applied case studies. This article presents the teaching methodology of a structural dynamics course, incorporating practical real-world cases that cover the most crucial components of the syllabus. Simulation tools and numerical analysis are applied through the course as support. Additionally, experimental activities are designed to complement the theoretical knowledge, ranging from simple student-conducted experiments to more complex laboratory activities involving specialized equipment and real-life field measurements. The discussion highlights how this approach is more engaging and practical for students, aiding their comprehension and application of theoretical concepts.
Targeted poverty alleviation and corporate financial performance: The CSR strategy perspective
Authors: He Chang , Zhang Junzhi , Wang Liukai , Wang Weiqing , Li Fei
Published: December 2023

As an emerging way for firms to fulfil social responsibility in China, targeted poverty alleviation (TPA) helps the Chinese government to achieve its sustainable development goals. Although the effect of TPA on poor areas has been deeply explored, the influence of firms’ participation in TPA on themselves and its mechanism is unclear. We analyse the performance of listed firms which engaged in TPA from 2016 to 2021 by adopting a causal steps approach model, which indicate that firm engagement in TPA has a significant positive effect on corporate finance performance (CFP), and the mediating effect of financing constraints and media attention is verified. Our findings contribute to corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices from the new strategy perspective of TPA.

JEL Classification: G18, M14, M41
Microstructural differences in migraine: A diffusion-tensor imaging study
Authors: Dobos Dóra , Kökönyei Gyöngyi , Gyebnár Gyula , Szabó Edina , Kocsel Natália , Galambos Attila , Gecse Kinga , Baksa Dániel , Kozák Lajos R. , Juhász Gabriella
Published: December 2023

Background

Diffusion-tensor imaging can be applied to describe the microstructural integrity of the whole brain. As findings about microstructural alterations in migraine are inconsistent, we aimed to replicate the most frequent results and assess a relationship between migraine parameters and changes in microstructure.

Methods

Diffusion-weighted MRI data of 37 migraine patients and 40 controls were collected. Two indices of diffusion of water molecules, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were used in a voxel-wise analysis. Group comparisons were carried out in SPM12 using age and sex as covariates. Statistically significant results survived family-wise error correction (pFWE < 0.05). Migraine intensity, frequency, and duration were self-reported and correlated with mean fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity values across clusters.

Results

Migraine patients showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy in occipital regions, and significantly higher fractional anisotropy in thirteen clusters across the brain. Mean diffusivity of migraine patients was significantly decreased in the cerebellum and pons, but it was not increased in any area. Correlation between migraine duration and fractional anisotropy was significantly positive in the frontal cortex and significantly negative in the superior parietal lobule.

Conclusion

We suggest that microstructural integrity of the migraine brain is impaired in visual areas and shows duration-related alterations in regions of the default mode network.
Variation in Bus Transit Attribute Perceptions between Australian Cities
Authors: Weliwitiya Hesara , Rahman Mustafizur , Horvat Steven , Tivendale Knowles , Currie Graham
Published: December 2023

This paper explores user/nonuser perceptions of bus transit attributes in Melbourne, Sydney, and South East Queensland (SEQ). It aims to understand the relative importance and performance of various bus transit attributes and how the assessment varies according to city, socioeconomic cohort, and user/nonuser groups. Primary data were collected via a screening survey, enabling a very large sample ( n = 13,537) and a smaller, more representative subset collating more detailed survey data ( n = 2,420). Personal safety stood out as a key bus transit attribute of importance in all cities. Specifically, safety when traveling on the bus during the daytime and at night, and safety getting to and from the bus stop were ranked as very important bus transit attributes. Some findings differed by region: service levels, punctuality, frequency, and timetable adherence (reliability) were rated relatively high in importance but low in performance in Sydney and Melbourne compared with SEQ. This suggests that Melbourne and Sydney might require service-level improvements more immediately than SEQ. Implications for policy for each Australian metropolitan region (Sydney, Melbourne, and SEQ) are later discussed.
Reliability-Based Service III Evaluation for Prestressed Girder Bridges Under Platoon Loads
Authors: Yang Bowen , Steelman Joshua S. , Puckett Jay A. , Linzell Daniel G.
Published: December 2023

Platooning may benefit heavy truck transportation through fuel savings, reduced congestion, enhanced safety, and lower emissions. In the future, platoons may be able to act as mobile-WIM stations, and their permit process and allowable load limits may differ from unregulated trucks in a convoy. Previous reliability-based studies have focused on the Strength I limit state and have shown that trucks can operate at weights exceeding standard legal load limits even with short headways at operating-level reliability. However, the Service III limit state often governs prestressed concrete bridges. The AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation does not specify a target reliability index (β) nor reliability-based evaluation guidance for the Service III limit state. The work presented here performed reliability analyses to investigate implicit reliability indices (βImplicit) inferred from bridges designed according to current and past AASHTO criteria, as well as cracking probabilities. Design live loads were used to evaluate the Service III limit state for prestressed concrete NU I-girder bridges, optimally designed using LRFD and LFD/allowable stress design (ASD). Various span lengths, numbers, continuity conditions, prestress loss methods, and allowable tension stress levels were considered. Cracking probabilities ranged between 10% and 67%, which indicates that optimally designed bridges may crack during their service life. Although beyond the scope of the study, the present work suggests a reexamination of service behavior and performance is appropriate, using an alternate mechanistic approach to estimate potential cyclic damage and aid life-cycle assessment. Such assessments could provide a more rational framework for platoon operations while maintaining bridge health and safety.
PD-L1 assessment in lung cancer biopsies—pitfalls and limitations
Authors: Gompelmann Daniela , Sarova Pavla , Mosleh Berta , Papaporfyriou Anastasia , Oberndorfer Felicitas , Idzko Marco , Hoda Mir Alireza
Published: December 2023

The programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein expression on tumor cells predicts the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. However, the assessment of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells has limited power for selecting patients for immunotherapy due to intra-tumoral heterogeneity and inter-tumoral heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression, the inter-observer variability in scoring PD-L1 staining, and reproducibility. These difficulties and pitfalls in interpreting the PD-L1 assessment are discussed in detail in this review.
Non-pharmacological rehabilitation interventions for individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome: A scoping review
Authors: Harper Alexandra E , Chen Yen T , Tancer Stephanie , Rodgers Kyla R , Crumb Amber D , Townsend Whitney A , Knight Jason S , Murphy Susan L
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore what non-pharmacological interventions have been examined for individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search of the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1983–Feb. 2023. Our scoping review included studies that examined non-pharmacological interventions for individuals with APS using patient-reported outcome measures. We excluded studies that reported physiological outcomes only.

Results

The review yielded one case study on the safety and efficacy of an exercise program for a 15-year-old male with secondary APS using physiological and patient-reported outcome measures. Despite the lack of evidence of non-pharmacological interventions for individuals with APS, one excluded study reported that individuals with APS want guidance about physical activity and exercise. We also found several types of potentially relevant non-pharmacological interventions for individuals with lupus, a disease that often co-occurs with APS.

Conclusions

Non-pharmacological interventions may offer a solution for addressing some non-thrombotic or non-obstetric APS symptoms, such as neurological, physical, and cognitive symptoms that are not well-controlled by anticoagulation. Due to the unique risks associated with APS, research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions, particularly those involving exercise. Adopting a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to managing patients with APS and involving rehabilitation professionals, who are experts in the design and delivery of non-pharmacological interventions, may provide a foundation for developing and testing novel interventions that improve health outcomes while also fulfilling unmet needs reported by patients.
Moral learning through caring stories of nursing staff
Authors: van den Eijnde Charlotte , Dohmen Marleen DW , Groot Barbara C , Huijg Johanna M , Abma Tineke A
Published: December 2023

Background

Implementing person-centred care (PCC) in nursing homes is challenging due to a gap between theory and practice. Bridging this gap requires suitable education, which focuses on learning how to attune care to the values and preferences of residents and take moral, relational, and situational aspects into account. Staff’s stories about the care they provide (i.e. caring stories) may deliver valuable insights for learning about these aspects. However, there is limited research on using staff's narratives for moral learning.

Objective

This study aims to provide insight into the perspectives of nursing staff on using their caring stories to learn about PCC.

Research design

In this qualitative research, we conducted two rounds of interviews with 17 participants working in nursing homes. We wanted to obtain nursing staff’s perceptions of working with their caring stories and the impact on PCC.

Ethical considerations

Participation was voluntary, and participants provided written consent. The study protocol is approved by The Institutional Review Board of the Medical Ethical Committee Leiden-Den Haag-Delft.

Findings

Working with caring stories enables nursing staff to provide PCC and improves job satisfaction. It increases awareness of what matters to residents, fosters information rich in context and meaning, and enhances voice and vocabulary. Through in-depth team reflections, nursing staff discussed the significant moments for residents, which centralizes the discussions on the moral quality of care.

Discussion

Working with caring stories fosters dialogue on PCC and enhances reflection on ethical situations in daily encounters, contributing to the moral development of nursing staff. Putting nursing staff’s narratives at the centre of learning suits their daily practice and intrinsic motivation. Therefore, the outcomes of this study are an addition to the existing literature about using narratives in long-term care.

Conclusion

Using nursing staff's narratives contributes to PCC and positively impacts nursing staff. We recommend using staff's caring stories as a vehicle for moral learning in the transition to PCC.
Midwives’ experience of respectful maternity care (RMC) globally: A meta-synthesis
Authors: Haghdoost Simin , Iravani Mina , Rahmani Ali Hassan , Montazeri Simin
Published: December 2023

Background

Respectful maternity care (RMC) emphasizes the social and relational elements of maternity care and is a crucial part of initiatives to improve service accessibility and quality. Women's perceptions have influenced much of what we know about RMC and contempt in the labor ward. In order to understand midwives' perspectives of RMC, this meta-synthesis focused on them.

Method

For this inquiry, the databases PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to find studies on midwives' perceptions of RMC written between 2011 and April 20th 2023. The included articles were to English language restriction. The results of the included research were examined using thematic analysis. Using the inclusion criteria, 84 potentially relevant articles were carefully reviewed, and only 22 were ultimately selected for synthesis. The quality of the qualitative study was assessed using the CASP, a tool for quality evaluation and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Using the MAXQDA program, the cited quotes and the original authors' interpretations were combined.

Result

There were 22 studies total, thematic synthesis was determined to be appropriate for a total of 22 research studies. Following are the topics which we summarized our analysis: in six major themes: Midwives’ conceptualizations of RMC, Midwives commitment to woman’s rights, The value and impact of RMC to midwives, Midwife’s perception of disrespectful care, Challenges in providing respectful maternity care, and Midwives’ recommendations for optimal RMC practice.

Conclusion

In addition to specific focus on promoting cooperation, policies to enhance health systems and strategic consideration of the midwifery profession's future are required.