bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Borderline Pulmonary Hypertension on Survival in Chronic Lung Disease
Authors: Piccari Lucilla , Wort Stephen John , Meloni Federica , Rizzo Monica , Price Laura C. , Martino Lavinia , Salvaterra Elena , Scelsi Laura , López Meseguer Manuel , Blanco Isabel , Callari Adriana , Pérez González Virginia , Tuzzolino Fabio , McCabe Colm , Rodríguez Chiaradía Diego Agustín , Vitulo Patrizio ,   on behalf of the REHAR Registry Investigators
Published: April 2022

Background: The impact of the new “borderline” hemodynamic class for pulmonary hypertension (PH) (mean pulmonary artery pressure [mPAP], 21–24 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance, [PVR], ≥3 wood units, [WU]) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) is unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of borderline PH (BLPH) on survival in COPD and ILD patients. Method: Survival was analyzed from retrospective data from 317 patients in 12 centers (Italy, Spain, UK) comparing four hemodynamic groups: the absence of PH (NoPH; mPAP <21 mm Hg or 21–24 mm Hg and PVR <3 WU), BLPH (mPAP 21–24 mm Hg and PVR ≥3 WU), mild-moderate PH (MPH; mPAP 25–35 mm Hg and cardiac index [CI] ≥2 L/min/m2), and severe PH (SPH; mPAP ≥35 mm Hg or mPAP ≥25 mm Hg and CI <2 L/min/m2). Results: BLPH affected 14% of patients; hemodynamic severity did not predict survival when COPD and ILD patients were analyzed together. However, survival in the ILD cohort for any PH level was worse than in NoPH (3-year survival: NoPH 58%, BLPH 32%, MPH 28%, SPH 33%, p = 0.002). In the COPD cohort, only SPH had reduced survival compared to the other groups (3-year survival: NoPH 82%, BLPH 86%, MPH 87%, SPH 57%, p = 0.005). The mortality risk correlated significantly with mPAP in ILD (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.776, 95% CI: 2.057–3.748, p < 0.001) and notably less in COPD patients (HR: 1.015, 95% CI: 1.003–1.027, p = 0.0146). Conclusions: In ILD, any level of PH portends worse survival, while in COPD, only SPH presents a worse outcome.
Space-Making Particle Therapy for Unresectable Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Hashimoto Yu , Komatsu Shohei , Terashima Kazuki , Tsugawa Daisuke , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Suga Masaki , Demizu Yusuke , Tokumaru Sunao , Okimoto Tomoaki , Sasaki Ryohei , Ajiki Tetsuo , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Although the primary treatment option for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) has been surgical resection, most patients present with unresectable advanced tumors at the time of diagnosis. Particle therapy (PT) holds great potential for HC, even though the anatomical proximity to the gastrointestinal tract prevents delivering a radical dose to the tumor. Space-making PT (SMPT), consisting of spacer placement surgery and subsequent PT, has been developed to minimize complications and maximize the therapeutic benefit of dose escalation for HC. This study aimed to conduct a dosimetric evaluation and examine the effectiveness of SMPT for the treatment of HC. Methods: Between 2007 and 2018, 12 patients with unresectable HC treated with SMPT were enrolled. The treatment outcomes and effectiveness of spacer placement surgery were evaluated through analyses of pre- and post-surgical parameters of dose-volume histograms. Results: All patients completed the planned SMPT protocol. The median survival time was 29.6 months, and the 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 82.5% and 45.8%, respectively. The mean V95% value (volume irradiated with 95% of the planned treatment dose) of the gross tumor volume and clinical target volume after spacer placement surgery improved to 98.5% and 96.6% from preoperative values of 85.6% and 78.1%, respectively (p = 0.0196 and p = 0.0053, respectively). Grade 3 or higher adverse events after SMPT were seen in 6 patients. Discussion/Conclusion: SMPT led to improvements in dosimetric parameters and showed good feasibility and excellent outcomes. SMPT can be a promising novel alternative for unresectable HC.
Outcomes of Patients with Left-Sided Obstructive Colorectal Cancer: Comparison between Self-Expandable Metallic Stent and Other Treatment Methods
Authors: Kondo Akihiro , Kumamoto Kensuke , Kobara Hideki , Nagahara Teruya , Wato Masaki , Shibatoge Mitsushige , Minato Takuya , Masaki Tsutomu , Okano Keiichi ,   on behalf of the Kagawa Gastroenterology Forum
Published: April 2022

Introduction: This multi-institutional retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement for patients with left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC). Methods: Overall, 520 consecutive patients who received treatment for OCRC were enrolled. Of these, the data of 253 patients who underwent primary tumour resection for left-sided OCRC were reviewed. The short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the SEMS group and other three groups: transanal decompression tube (TaDT), decompressing stoma (DS), and emergency resection (ER). Results: The SEMS group had a higher frequency of laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.001), lesser frequency of postoperative stoma (p < 0.001), and more dissected lymph nodes (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Moreover, the SEMS group had shorter postoperative hospital stays than the TaDT, DS, and ER groups (p = 0.005, p = 0.037, and p < 0.001, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves of recurrence-free survival and overall survival did not differ significantly between the SEMS group and the other three groups in patients with stage II and III diseases. Discussion/Conclusion: Elective surgery after SEMS placement may improve short-term outcomes compared to other treatment strategies, with similar long-term outcomes.
Overview of Controllers of User Interface for Virtual Reality
Authors: Novacek Tomas , Jirina Marcel
Published: April 2022

Virtual reality has been with us for several decades already, but we are still trying to find the right ways to control it. There are many controllers with various purposes and means of input, each with its advantages and disadvantages, but also with specific ways to be handled. Our hands were the primary means of input for human--computer interaction for a long time. However, now we can use movements of our eyes, our feet, or even our whole body to control the virtual environment, interact with it, or move from one place to another. We can achieve this with various controllers and wearable interfaces, like eye-tracking, haptic suits, or treadmills. There are numerous devices that we can choose from for every category, but sometimes it can be hard to pick the one that matches our intentions best. This article summarizes all types of user interface controllers for virtual reality, with their main pros and cons and their comparison. By combining controllers, the user's feeling of being immersed in a virtual world can be increased. We will cover positional tracking (optical and nonoptical), hand-based controllers, body tracking, wearable controllers, eye-tracking methods, and locomotion systems. New controllers are being invented by lab researchers and companies for gaming or business. We provide a look at numerous controllers, and we offer a reference guide. This guide lists sources for research papers, technical specs, user reviews, and thoughts from outside academia.
Two new Pseudopestalotiopsis species isolated from Celtis sinensis and Indocalamus tessellatus plants in southern China
Authors: YANG QI , HE YU-KE , YUAN JUN , WANG YONG
Published: April 2022

Two coelomycetous strains with appendage-bearing conidia were collected from diseased leaves of Celtis sinensis (Urticales, Ulmaceae) and Indocalamus tessellatus (Poales, Poaceae) in Yunnan and Hainan provinces, southern China. Both strains produced 4-septate conidia with concolourous median cells, which were similar to Pestalotiopsis and Pseudopestalotiopsis. Based on the comprehensive morphological comparison and multi-gene (ITS, tub2, tef1) phylogenetic analyses, the strains were found to belong to Pseudopestalotiopsis. They represent two novel taxa and are described as Pseudopestalotiopsis celtidis and P. indocalami.
Multimodal Approach to Acquired Bronchobiliary Fistula Secondary to Hepaticojejunostomy Stricture Following Yttruim-90 Therapy
Authors: A Chopra , M DeVries , KA Simo
Published: April 2022

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an abnormal connection between the bronchial system and the biliary tree. It pathognomonically presents with bilioptysis (production of bilious-tinged sputum) and is associated with mortality rates up to 12.7%. Here we present a 56-year-old male with stage IV neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer status post pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. The patient developed an acquired BBF secondary to repeated Yttrium-90 radioembolization therapy that resulted in complete stenosis of the hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) anastomosis. The diagnosis was confirmed using cholescintigraphy and bronchoscopy. Biliary decompression with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram was unsuccessful, necessitating resection of the HJ anastomosis with salvage bilioenteric reconstruction using Kasai-type anastomosis between the pancreaticobiliary limb and hepatic duct. Complete resolution was noted following surgery. Although a minimally invasive approach to treatment of BBF may be favorable, patients with previous biliary reconstruction may warrant multimodal treatments including percutaneous procedures and complex surgical reconstructions.
Outcome of Prophylactic Postoperative Negative Pressure Wound Treatment in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Yeganeh Zhobin , Rahimi Murwarid , Kopatsis Anthony P. , Kopatis Katherine , Kopatsis Anthony
Published: April 2022

Background

Wound infection is a common cause of morbidity in colorectal surgery. We speculated that a prophylactic Negative Pressure Wound Treatment (NPWT) is associated with less postoperative wound complications for colorectal cancer patients who undergo a colectomy.

Methods

Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the association between NPWT and wound complications for patients with colorectal cancer who underwent a colectomy using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database during the 2013 – 2019 period.

Results

We investigated 96 105 patients who underwent colectomy for colorectal cancer during 2013-2019 within the database. Negative Pressure Wound Treatment was utilized for 270 patients following the principal procedure (.3%). Patients who had NPWT had dirtier wounds, less bowel preparation, more extensive surgery (total colectomy vs partial colectomy), higher stoma creation, and more non-elective operations. Multiple factors were associated with postoperative wound complications such as smoking Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR:1.27, P < .01), chronic steroid use (AOR: 1.30, P < .01), obesity (AOR: 1.54, P < .01), and serum albumin level less than 3.5 g/dL (AOR: 1.29, P < .01). Overall, there was no significant decrease in wound complications using NPWT (AOR: .66, P = .14). However, a sub-group of patients who underwent emergent/urgent operation had a significant lower risk of wound complications using NPWT (AOR: .3, CI: .09-.99, P = .04).

Conclusion

Prophylactic NPWT is associated with a decrease in wound complications of patients who underwent an emergent/urgent colectomy for colorectal cancer. However, we could not find any significant decrease in wound complications for elective colorectal procedures for colorectal cancer. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these study results.
Assessment of a New Electrocardiographic Marker for the Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction With Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries
Authors: Demirelli Selami , MD Kemal Abid Tekin, , Taşolar Hakan , Çalapkorur Bekir , Ergün Gökhan , Demirci Erkan
Published: April 2022

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is clinically defined as myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive atherosclerosis on coronary angiography. Diagnosis may require multiple diagnostic tools in addition to standard coronary angiography, including cardiac imaging or provocative tests, according to clinical suspicion. We assessed the usefulness of the DETERMINE (Defibrillators to Reduce Risk by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation) score for distinguishing patients with MINOCA from those with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction with obstructive coronary artery disease (NSTEMI-CAD) in a single-center observational study. The patients were divided into two groups according to coronary angiography findings. The study included 277 patients: 227 with NSTEMI-CAD and 50 with MINOCA. The DETERMINE score (6.1 ± 3.7 vs 1.9 ± 2.1, P<.001) was significantly higher in the NSTEMI-CAD than MINOCA group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the DETERMINE score (OR=0.591, P<0.001) was an independent predictor of MINOCA. The incidence of diabetes mellitus and glucose levels were significantly higher in the NSTEMI-CAD group; however, ejection fraction was significantly higher in the MINOCA group (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that the DETERMINE score constitutes a simple and inexpensive tool for the assessment of MINOCA.
The Efficacy of Gabapentin + Dexamethasone for Postoperative Analgesia Following Septoplasty: A Prospective Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Kandemir Süheyla , Pamuk A.Erim , Özel Gökçe , Gençay Işın , Kılıç Rahmi
Published: April 2022

Aims:

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of gabapentin, dexamethasone, and gabapentin + dexamethasone for pain control after septoplasty.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective randomized trial included 120 patients that underwent septoplasty and were randomly divided into 4 groups: group G (preoperative gabapentin 600 mg p.o.); group D (intraoperative dexamethasone 8 mg i.v.); group GD (preoperative gabapentin 600 mg p.o. + intraoperative dexamethasone 8 mg i.v.); group C (placebo control).

Results:

The median VAS score was significantly lower in groups G and GD at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postsurgery than in group C ( P < .008 for all). The median VAS score was significantly lower in group D than in group C at 1, 2, and 4 hours postsurgery ( P < .008 for all). There weren’t any significant differences in the VAS score between groups D, G, and GD at any time point. Groups G, D, and GD had a significantly lower frequency of rescue analgesic use than group C; however, there were no differences between groups G, GD, and C ( P < .001 and P = .108, respectively).

Conclusion:

Gabapentin, dexamethasone, and gabapentin + dexamethasone are equally more effective analgesics during the first 4 hours postsurgery than placebo. The addition of dexamethasone to gabapentin does not provide extra analgesia. Both gabapentin and gabapentin + dexamethasone have a more prolonged analgesic effect than dexamethasone alone.
On the relationship between moisture uptake and mechanical property changes in a carbon fibre/epoxy composite
Authors: Bone J E , Sims G D , Maxwell A S , Frenz S , Ogin S L , Foreman C , Dorey R A
Published: April 2022

Polymer composite materials are widely used in marine applications where an understanding of the long-term performance is essential for economic, safety and durability requirements. Although moisture absorption in composites has been studied for many years, the relationship between the mechanisms of moisture absorption and consequent changes in material behaviour has received much less attention. Understanding degradation is necessary for developing lifetime assessments. In this work, long-term exposure of a unidirectional carbon fibre epoxy composite material in water has been investigated in relation to mechanical property changes and moisture uptake. Using diffusion modelling and microscopy of the fracture surfaces, it is possible to correlate water absorption to experimental data showing how the position of water in the material causes changes to flexural properties (modulus decreased by 14% and strength by 20%) and in the glass transition temperature, Tg reduced by 18%. Flexural modulus has been shown to be most affected by water interaction with the fibre interface; Tg by water interaction within the resin; and flexural strength equally by water interaction with both fibre interface and resin.
Impact behavior of long glass fibre reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite prepared by friction stir processing technique for automotive
Authors: Olhan Sandeep , Khatkar Vikas , Behera B. K.
Published: April 2022

This work dealt with the fabrication of novel long glass fibre reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite (LGFRAMMC) material for automotive applications. The composite specimens were prepared by incorporating long glass fibre with different fibre volume percentage (50, 66, 80, and 100 vol.%) as reinforcement in aluminium alloy (Al6061) using the friction stir processing (FSP) method. The mechanical behaviour of the composite materials was investigated for their primary loading conditions such as tensile and Izod impact stress. Microstructural characterization and fractured mechanism of the fabricated composites were carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The tensile strength and elongation of the developed composite specimens decreased with the incorporation of long glass fibre, whereas the Izod impact strength of the developed composite specimens was significantly improved as compared to the conventional base metal (Al6061) body panels used in automobiles. The low tensile strength of LGFRAMMC specimens compared to base metal was because of tunnel defect, brittle fracture and extreme plastic deformation (EPD) as characterized by fibre pull-out, pits, and micro cracks. The synergetic effects of EPD and reinforcing by long glass fibres lead to a remarkable improvement in the impact strength.
Providing Legal Assisted Dying and Euthanasia Services in a Global Pandemic: Lessons for Ensuring Service Continuity
Authors: Oliver Pam , Wilson Michael , McLaren Cameron , Jonquiere Rob
Published: April 2022

Background & objectives: Identifying the impacts of COVID-19 on patients’ and practitioners’ access to legal assisted dying and euthanasia (AD&E) services is vital to informing service continuity in an ongoing pandemic.

Methods: An anonymous online survey collected qualitative and quantitative data from health practitioners and agencies providing legal AD&E services ( n = 89), complemented by semi-structured interviews with 18 survey respondents who volunteered.

Results: Following governments’ responses to the dynamic pandemic context, rates of AD&E inquiries and requests fluctuated across and within jurisdictions, based on a complex interaction of factors affecting patient access to AD&E agencies and assessors as services were disrupted. Service flexibility and nimbleness became key elements in continuing service availability and included calculated ‘rule-breaking’ considered justifiable to adhere to established bioethics. Making innovative adjustments to usual practice led to reviewing the effectiveness of AD&E services and laws, resulting in providers now improving services and lobbying for legislative change.
Algorithmic photography: a case study of the Huawei Moon Mode controversy
Authors: Zhang Yuxing
Published: April 2022

Moon Mode, an algorithmic program pre-installed on Huawei’s flagship smartphone P30 Pro, intelligently detects and enhances images of the moon captured by the phone. A heated social media discussion was triggered after a Chinese tech critic interpreted Moon Mode as photoshopping/superimposing details onto the original shot. The controversy centered on the line between AI enhancement and superimposed alteration when black-boxed algorithms stand between the user/viewer and the world viewed. The controversy is analyzed, together with Huawei’s marketing materials. Drawing on MacKenzie and Munster’s idea of distributed invisuality, AI-enabled photography is examined as a multiplicative data-processing event that traverses hardware and software, eliding any singular, meta-observational position. The author argues that algorithmic photography can be understood as a dynamic event of algorithmic processuality, indicating a new form of human-nonhuman entanglement in meaning-making practices, which cannot be discussed under the rubric of indexical representation.
Realism in the ethics of immigration
Authors: Pearson James S.
Published: April 2022

The ethics of immigration is currently marked by a division between realists and idealists. The idealists generally focus on formulating morally ideal immigration policies. The realists, however, tend to dismiss these ideals as far-fetched and infeasible. In contrast to the idealists, the realists seek to resolve pressing practical issues relating to immigration, principally by advancing what they consider to be actionable policy recommendations. In this article, I take issue with this conception of realism. I begin by surveying the way in which it exemplifies what certain political theorists have recently called ‘problem-solving’ realism – a species of realism which they reject as incoherent. These theorists demonstrate that what counts as a ‘feasible’ solution is far harder to establish than most problem-solving realists would have us believe. Applying this general critique to the specific domain of immigration ethics turns out to radically undermine the notion of realism that prevails in this sphere of applied ethics. I conclude that we should therefore revise our conception of what constitutes a genuinely realist approach to the problem of immigration.
How gender role stereotypes affect attraction in an online dating scenario: A replication and extension
Authors: Chappetta Kelsey C. , Barth Joan M.
Published: April 2022

Two studies with racially diverse samples examined the effects of gender role congruence on romantic interest in online dating profiles. Study 1 ( N = 429, 55% male) was a replication and extension of Chappetta, K. C., & Barth, J. M. (2016). How gender role stereotypes affect attraction in an online dating scenario. Computers in Human Behavior, 63, 738–746 and examined the effects of profile gender role congruence, physical attractiveness, and a person’s own gender stereotypical characteristics on romantic interest in young adults. Participants viewed online dating profiles that varied in physical attractiveness and adherence to gender role norms. Attractive and gender role incongruent profiles were preferred over average-looking and gender role congruent profiles, but the latter effect was driven by women. The difference in preference for attractive and average-looking profiles was greater for women than for men. Women’s preferences for incongruent profiles were associated with self-reported feminine traits, but preference for congruent profiles was associated with self-reported masculine traits. Study 2 ( N = 958, 50.6% male) removed the profile photos to provide a better test of the influence of gender role congruence. Study 1 results replicated: Incongruent profiles were preferred over congruent profiles, primarily for women, and women’s masculine and feminine traits were associated with preferences for congruent and incongruent profiles, respectively, supporting the idea that attraction is based on perceived similarities. Men’s preference for both congruent and incongruent profiles was related to holding feminine communal traits and egalitarian gender role beliefs. Women’s preference for gender role incongruent profiles was robust across three studies. There was no support for predictions from social role theory that people prefer gender role congruence.
What Matters More in Explaining Drug Court Graduation and Rearrest: Program Features, Individual Characteristics, or Some Combination
Authors: Breno Alex , Ramezani Niloofar , Guastaferro Wendy , Cummings Andrew , Murphy Amy , Taxman Faye S.
Published: April 2022

This study examines the program- and individual-level factors that impact the success of drug court clients in terms of: (1) graduation; and (2) not being arrested while participating in the court program. The data consist of 848 individuals in nine drug courts. This paper discusses how different individual- and program-level factors impact the success of drug court participants. The findings suggest that individual- and program-level factors are both important in predicting program graduation and arrest during drug court participation, while controlling for participant demographics. Clients’ education, drug/alcohol usage, program staffing, and clinical standards impact program graduation while criminal history, drug/alcohol usage, number of program hours offered, program staffing, and use of rewards and sanctions predict in-program arrest. Models combining both program- and individual-level factors performed better than either alone, leading to recommendations that agencies should emphasize improving program quality while targeting clients’ needs to achieve greater success.
Critical Social Media Analysis: Problematising Online Policy Representations of the Impact of Imprisonment on Families
Authors: Ugwudike Pamela , Sánchez-Benitez Yadira
Published: April 2022

Drawing on the Foucauldian policy analysis framework developed by Bacchi (2009) and building on insights distilled from a study of discourses on the microblogging SNS, Twitter, this paper makes three novel contributions. It unravels how the impact of imprisonment on families is represented in or produced through policy discourses and other governance practices. It also demonstrates how SNS affordances enable affected families to resist and challenge the discourses and proffer alternatives strategies that can inform a transformational problematization model. The paper makes a third contribution by demonstrating how a methodologically innovative triangulation of computational and social science methods can be used to study the contributions of hard-to-reach populations such as the families of people in prison.
Futurelessness and Commitment to Institutional Rules Among People in Jail
Authors: Abderhalden Frances P. , Amalfi Marques Beatriz , Baker Thomas
Published: April 2022

The current study builds on prior work examining the association between futurelessness and commitment institutional rules among correctional populations. Using cross-sectional data from a sample of 413 people incarcerated in United States jails from 2018 to 2019, this study employs Ordinary Least Squares regression to examine the association between futurelessness and commitment to institutional rules controlling for various importation and deprivation factors previously linked with institutional misconduct. Results provide support for the importance of futurelessness for commitment to institutional rules, suggesting that this finding is consistent across correctional environments. In addition, findings suggest that an index measure of futurelessness is a stronger construct for testing futurelessness than single-item measures used in prior studies. Consistent with prior literature on futurelessness, our findings suggest that among people incarcerated in jail futurelessness is linked to a weaker commitment to institutional rules.
The development and psychometric properties of a measure to assess the written submission of an admissions application
Authors: Stier Jill , Cameron Jill , Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Brammer Chantel , Asher Sara , Lipszyc Deborah
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Health care programs evaluate prospective applicants using cognitive and non-cognitive criteria. The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a measure to evaluate the non-cognitive criteria of admissions applications.

Method

A Masters of Occupational Therapy Written Submission Measure (MOTWSM) was developed and evaluated over 3 phases, using applicants’ written statements, resumes, and reference letters. Participants included 50 students who completed an occupational therapy program for determination of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Additionally, 195 written submissions selected from the applicants who were admitted, waitlisted, and not admitted to the program were evaluated to determine inter-rater reliability using a two-way ANOVA. Analysis of 195 submissions using a one-way ANOVA determined the measure’s discriminative validity.

Findings

Results indicated test-retest reliability of 0.95 and internal consistency reliability of 0.76. Inter-rater reliability reported a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.86 using a horizontal scoring method. Good discriminative validity was established.

Conclusion

The MOTWSM is a reliable and valid measure that can be used to evaluate the non-cognitive criteria of admissions applications in health profession programs. Use of this measure can facilitate selection of the highest caliber of students.
Modeling the Impacts of Off-Peak Delivery in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
Authors: Chowdhury Tufayel , Vaughan James , Saleh Marc , Mousavi Kianoush , Hatzopoulou Marianne , Roorda Matthew J.
Published: April 2022

Off-peak-hour delivery (OPHD) has the potential to reduce congestion in busy urban areas and at the same time improve the efficiency of logistics providers, shippers, and receivers. There has been growing interest in OPHD in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), an important freight hub in Canada. The Government of Ontario is considering permanently relaxing noise by-laws to promote OPHD throughout the province. The purpose of this study is to provide quantitative assessments of the impacts of region-wide adoption of OPHD for the GTHA. A recently developed commercial vehicle (CV) model for the GTHA is presented in the paper. Various OPHD scenarios have been tested with the CV model. The impacts of induced passenger demand have also been demonstrated. Modeling outcomes indicate that OPHD could result in 5,530 vehicle-hours saved in a day after induced demand is accounted for. Light truck carriers would benefit the most by shifting to off-peak hours and prioritizing Toronto and Peel Region customers would yield the highest travel time savings during the off-peak hours.
Evaluation of Low-Dose Aspirin use among Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Al Harthi Abdullah F. , Aljuhani Ohoud , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Altebainawi Ali F. , Alenezi Raghdah S. , Al Harbi Shmeylan , Gramish Jawaher , Kensara Raed , Hafidh Awattif , Al Enazi Huda , Alawad Ahad , Alotaibi Rand , Alshehri Abdulaziz , Alhuthaili Omar , Vishwakarma Ramesh , bin Saleh Khalid , Alsulaiman Thamer , Alqahtani Rahaf Ali , Hussain Sajid , Almazrou Saja , Al Sulaiman Khalid
Published: April 2022

Background

Aspirin is widely used as a cardioprotective agent due to its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties. The literature has assessed and evaluated its role in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, no data are available regarding its role in COVID-19 critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate the use of low-dose aspirin (81-100 mg) and its impact on outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Method

A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all critically ill adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on aspirin use during ICU stay. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and other outcomes were considered secondary. Propensity score matching was used (1:1 ratio) based on the selected criteria.

Results

A total of 1033 patients were eligible, and 352 patients were included after propensity score matching. The in-hospital mortality (HR 0.73 [0.56, 0.97], p = 0.03) was lower in patients who received aspirin during stay. Conversely, patients who received aspirin had a higher odds of major bleeding than those in the control group (OR 2.92 [0.91, 9.36], p = 0.07); however, this was not statistically significant. Additionally, subgroup analysis showed a possible mortality benefit for patients who used aspirin therapy prior to hospitalization and continued during ICU stay (HR 0.72 [0.52, 1.01], p = 0.05), but not with the new initiation of aspirin (HR 1.22 [0.68, 2.20], p = 0.50).

Conclusion

Continuation of aspirin therapy during ICU stay in critically ill patients with COVID-19 who were receiving it prior to ICU admission may have a mortality benefit; nevertheless, it may be associated with an increased risk of significant bleeding. Appropriate evaluation for safety versus benefits of utilizing aspirin therapy during ICU stay in COVID19 critically ill patients is highly recommended.
“We’re Constantly Learning”: Identifying and Disrupting White Supremacy Within a Victim Services Organization
Authors: Kulkarni Shanti J. , Lawrence Michelle , Roberts Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Many victim service organizations are seeking to realign service delivery around principles of racial equity. Dismantling institutional racism is a complex, intensive, and long-term process. Therefore, despite this imperative from the field, our knowledge about how social service organizations can effectively advance anti-oppressive practice is limited. This study examined victim advocate perspectives on the role institutional racism played within their work and the supports needed to undo institutional racism within their organization. Six focus groups were conducted with a meaningful cross section of staff members ( n = 53) across the organization. Semi-structured interview guides included questions in four domains: (1) racism within client work, (2) challenges to addressing racism, (3) effective solutions, and (4) helpful organizational supports. Transcripts were thematically analyzed using modified constructivist grounded theory methods. Two overarching themes, Identifying Institutional Racism in the Workplace and Advancing Anti-racist Practice, and six subthemes emerged from the analysis . Advocates identified that naming and becoming comfortable talking about race was essential. Further, they believed it was important to acknowledge the ways in which that racism was implicitly built into helping systems at large. Advocates explored how internalized racial stereotypes influenced interactions between black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and white advocates and their clients in complex ways. Advocates highlighted organizational efforts that supported ongoing personal reflection, the creation of an accountable community, and staff empowerment within the organization as being critical to advancing anti-racist practice. Some advocates also wanted to see the organization move further in the direction of standing with BIPOC communities, particularly around criminal justice concerns. Findings provide important timely insights into how institutional racism manifests within victim service organizations and what organizational actions encourage anti-oppressive practices and culture.
An efficient technique in transfer matrix method for beam-like structures vibration analysis
Authors: Feyzollahzadeh Mahdi , Bamdad Mahdi
Published: April 2022

Rotating beam-like structures are widely used in various engineering fields, and the transfer matrix method is a classic analytical method for vibration analysis. Due to eliminating numerical difficulties, Riccati transfer matrix method has been applied. Since this method demands an inverse matrix procedure, a novel algorithm is presented to reduce the matrix order with less computation time. The proposed technique is performed for the vibration analysis of the rotary beam-like structures to characterize the frequencies without limitations from the rotational speed. Rather than numerical problems in the classical approach, this new technique exhibits an improved performance while the key factor for efficiency is the computation time. Comparing the results achieved through the finite element and Rayleigh–Ritz methods shows an acceptable agreement with high accuracy responses. In addition, the computation time for Riccati transformation adoption and the classical transfer matrix method is investigated. This evaluation demonstrates the priority of using this technique in terms of computation cost.
A forward modeling method of assembly interface contact characteristics based on user-defined elements
Authors: Zhang Chao , Sun Qingchao , Sun Wei , Yuan Bo , Mu Xiaokai
Published: April 2022

The forward construction of the assembly interface model plays a fundamental role in the high-performance digital assembly model building. Aiming at the problem that it is difficult to accurately solve the interface thin-layer element parameters with dynamic inverse calculation method, a thin-layer element parameter modeling method based on multiscale morphology simulation is proposed. First, the user-defined elements (UEL) are developed, and its attribute parameters are continuously distributed in space. Then, the combination of macroscopic interface contact pressure and microscopic morphology realizes the efficient and accurate characterization of interface contact stiffness. On the macro scale, the pressure distribution characteristics of the assembly surface are extracted based on finite element theory. On the micro scale, the mapping relationship between the material properties of the thin-layer and the surface morphology is established based on fractal and Hertzian contact theory. Furthermore, the mapping relationship between the elastic modulus of the thin-layer element and the contact stiffness is established, which realizes the forward characterization of the interface contact characteristics. The equivalent model of the assembly interface is built according to the UEL and thin-layer theory. Finally, the dynamic experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed modeling method. This study provides a basis for the forward modeling of assembly interface contact characteristics.
The effect of onboard passengers’ seating arrangement on the vertical ride comfort of a high-speed railway vehicle
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad Ali , Arcos Robert , Bokaeian Vahid
Published: April 2022

This research is concerned with the impact of onboard passengers’ seating arrangement on the carbody flexural vibrations of a high-speed railway vehicle. In this regard, the previously developed passenger body-seat models are used to consider the dynamic influence of the passengers. The carbody is modeled using the Euler–Bernoulli beam model to evaluate its flexural deformation. The frequency-domain analysis demonstrates that the carbody behaves almost like a rigid body when the vehicle is full of passengers. It is established that the passengers' presence causes a 31% enhancement of the ride quality determined based on EN 12299 standard for a fully occupied vehicle compared with an empty car. A scaled model of a ratio of 1:24.5 of the Shinkansen vehicle is constructed for validation purposes. The experimental results exhibit a similar trend as found by the simulations in terms of the impact of the passengers’ distribution on the carbody flexural vibrations.
Book review: C. Panduranga Bhatta and Pragyan Rath, The Art of Leading in a Borderless World
Authors: Chatterjee Samir Ranjan
Published: April 2022

C. Panduranga Bhatta and Pragyan Rath, The Art of Leading in a Borderless World. New Delhi: Bloomsbury, 2020, 323 pp., ₹435 (hardback). ISBN: 9389867193.
Disempowerment of Women: The Experience of Indian States
Authors: Mishra Tanusree , Banerjee Tanmoyee
Published: April 2022

The present study uses National Family Health Survey, 2015–2016 (NFHS-4) data to compute a multidimensional disempowerment index for women from India. A state-level analysis shows that disempowerment levels of women from the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Bihar are found to be higher, with that of Bihar being the highest. Next, using a multilevel logistic model, the study explores the determinants of the level of women disempowerment. The probability of disempowerment is high among rural unemployed young Muslim women from joint families with low asset and education endowment and who witnessed parental violence as a child. Further, we found that the level of disempowerment of women from the state of Haryana is much higher as compared to its neighbouring state Punjab, where Haryana was an integral part of Punjab till 1966. A non-linear decomposition analysis reveals a significant contribution of Sikh religion on women’s autonomy in Punjab vis-à-vis Haryana.
Exploring the Changes in Code Status During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Implications for Future Pandemic Care
Authors: Katamreddy Adarsh , Ye Alexander M. , Vorchheimer David A. , Hardoon Isaac , Faillace Robert T. , Taub Cynthia C.
Published: April 2022

Objective: We aim to explore patterns of inpatient code status during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with a similar timeframe the previous year, as well as utilization of palliative care services.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the Montefiore Health system of all inpatient admissions between March 15-May 31, 2019 and March 15-May 31, 2020. Univariate logistic regression was performed with full code status as the outcome. All statistically significant variables were included in the multivariable logistic regression.

Results: The total number of admissions declined during the pandemic (16844 vs 11637). A lower proportion of patients had full code status during the pandemic (85.1% vs 94%, P < .001) at the time of discharge/death. There was a 20% relative increase in the number of palliative care consultations during the pandemic (12.2% vs 10.5%, P < .001). Intubated patients were less often full code (66.5% vs 82.2%, P < .001) during the pandemic. Although a lower portion of COVID-19 positive patients had a full code status compared with non-COVID patients (77.6% vs 92.4%, P<.001), there was no statistically significant difference in code status at death (38.3% vs 38.3%, P = .96).

Conclusions: The proportion of full code patients was significantly lower during the pandemic. Age and COVID status were the key determinants of code status during the pandemic. There was a higher demand for palliative care services during the pandemic.
The Effect of Nursing Management of Patients Undergoing Interventional Therapy for Liver Cancer Compared with Standard Care on Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Wang Xiu-Bei , Sun Ling-Fang , Niu Mei-E , Cai Jian-Zheng , Wang Hai-Fang
Published: April 2022

Background:

To investigate the efficacy of individualized symptom management based on patients’ self-reports during interventional therapy (IT) for liver cancer.

Methods:

Patients with liver cancer who recieved IT from April to August 2019 were assigned to either the intervention ( n=70) or control group ( n=70). The control group received routine nursing care and the intervention group received a nursing management program. The severity of specific symptoms, as measured by the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), and satisfaction with nursing care, were analyzed.

Results:

Compared to the control group, patients given individualized management experienced significantly less severe pain, nausea, anxiety, and fatigue ( p < .05). The scores for KPS and satisfaction with care were both significantly improved in the intervention group than in the control group ( p < .05).

Conclusion:

This high-quality nursing management program predicated on patients’ self-reports is worthy of clinical application and popular adoption.
Toward a Common Jewish House in the Body of Christ: A Response to Mark Kinzer's Review of Jewish Church
Authors: Lévy Antoine
Published: April 2022

This article responds to Mark Kinzer's review of my book, Jewish Church: A Catholic Approach to Messianic Judaism. First, I discuss Kinzer on the “accurate reading” of Scripture. I highlight the preconceived opinion underlying Kinzer's exegesis of Acts 21:20–26, which ascribes to Luke the portrayal of Paul as a Torah-observant Jew. Second, I point to the fundamental ambiguity of attempts to present halakhic Torah observance as an ideal to be pursued by all Jewish disciples of Yeshua. Third, I argue that the death of Yeshua has a salvific meaning for the whole people of Israel, even as “the whole people” has a responsibility for Yeshua's death. Through repentance, this collective involvement becomes the doorway to collective salvation, thus justifying the establishment of a Jewish Church. In conclusion, I argue that the adoption of supersessionism by the whole Constantinian Church had to do with the absence of ecclesial dispositions that would have stymied an otherwise ineluctable process of gentilization in the course of the first centuries.
Analysis of vibration suppression performance of parallel nonlinear energy sink
Authors: Song Weizhi , Liu Zhien , Lu Chihua , Li Bin , Fuquan Nie
Published: April 2022

With the increase of excitation, the nonlinear energy sink (NES) will cause the controlled system to produce high branch response and lead to sudden failure. Increasing the mass of the NES can prevent the generation of high branch within a certain range, but high-precision instruments such as aerospace have strict requirements for additional mass. A parallel NES (PNES) is proposed to improve the robustness without increasing the mass. The slow flow equations of the system are derived by using complexification-averaging (CX-A) method, and the vibration suppression performance of the PNES is analyzed from the frequency domain. Compared with purely cubic stiffness NES (CNES), it is found that PNES has better performance near the main resonance. And it is not easy to produce high branch response under the same excitation intensity. Finally, the performance of PNES and CNES is compared by numerical method from time domain and energy spectrum. The results show that when PNES is attached, the attenuation time of the controlled system is shorter under impact excitation, much more, the controlled system has a smaller energy amplitude near the main resonance under harmonic excitation.
The efficacy and safety of alpelisib in breast cancer: A real-world analysis
Authors: Miller Jenn , Armgardt Emily , Svoboda Alison
Published: April 2022

Published trials of alpelisib + fulvestrant demonstrate efficacy and high rates of adverse effects as a first-line treatment option for metastatic breast cancer and as an option after cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i). The purpose of this analysis is to determine the real-world efficacy and safety of this regimen in heavily pretreated patients. This is a retrospective cohort analysis evaluating patients receiving alpelisib + fulvestrant for hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer who previously received ≤ 2 lines of therapy in the metastatic setting and those who previously received ≥ 3 lines of therapy in the metastatic setting. Adverse effects, specifically hyperglycemia, rash, and diarrhea, were reported for the entire population. Thirty-three patients were included in this analysis. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, time to change in therapy, and time to discontinuation were similar in the two groups. Forty-nine percent of patients discontinued alpelisib + fulvestrant due to progression of disease, and 27% of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse effects. Hyperglycemia, rash, and diarrhea occurred at high rates: 66.7%, 45.5%, and 72.7%, respectively. All three of these adverse effects required hospitalizations and pharmacological treatment. This analysis demonstrates that the outcomes of alpelisib + fulvestrant were worse in the real-world salvage setting in HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer as compared to the front-line setting. The real-world tolerability of this regimen is still of great concern.