bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Coronary Sinus Flow Quantification by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kanaji Yoshihisa , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Hoshino Masahiro , Yasui Yumi , Nogami Kai , Ueno Hiroki , Yun Teng , Nagamine Tatsuhiro , Misawa Toru , Hada Masahiro , Yamaguchi Masao , Hamaya Rikuta , Usui Eisuke , Murai Tadashi , Yonetsu Taishi , Sasano Tetsuo , Kakuta Tsunekazu
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of hyperemic coronary sinus flow (h‐CSF) and global coronary flow reserve (g‐CFR) obtained by phase‐contrast cine‐magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and Results

This retrospective study analyzed patients with acute MI (n=523) who underwent primary (ST‐segment–elevation MI) or urgent (non–ST‐segment–elevation MI) percutaneous coronary intervention. Absolute coronary sinus blood flow (CSF) at rest and during vasodilator stress hyperemia was quantified at 30 days (24–36 days) after the index infarct‐related lesion percutaneous coronary intervention and revascularization of functionally significant non–infarct‐related lesions. We used Cox proportional hazards regression modeling to examine the association between h‐CSF, g‐CFR, and major adverse cardiac events defined as all‐cause death, nonfatal MI, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, and stroke. Finally, 325 patients with ST‐segment–elevation MI (62.1%) and 198 patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation MI (37.9%) were studied over a median follow‐up of 2.5 years. The rest CSF, h‐CSF, and g‐CFR were 0.94 (0.68–1.26) mL/min per g, 2.05 (1.42–2.73) mL/min per g, and 2.17 (1.54–3.03), respectively. Major adverse cardiac events occurred in 62 patients, and Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that h‐CSF and g‐CFR were independent predictors of major adverse cardiac events (h‐CSF: hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47–0.88;
P
=0.005; g‐CFR: HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.47–0.82;
P
=0.001). When stratified by h‐CSF and g‐CFR, cardiac event‐free survival was the worst in patients with concordantly impaired h‐CSF (<1.6 mL/min per g) and g‐CFR (<1.7) (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Global coronary sinus flow quantification using phase‐contrast cine‐magnetic resonance imaging provided significant prognostic information independent of infarction size and conventional risk factors in patients with acute MI undergoing revascularization.
Grayscale Ultrasound Texture Features of Carotid and Brachial Arteries in People With HIV Infection Before and After Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Hughey Christina M. , Vuong Belinda W. , Ribaudo Heather B. , Mitchell Carol C. K. , Korcarz Claudia E. , Hodis Howard N. , Currier Judith S. , Stein James H.
Published: February 2022

Background

We aimed to investigate novel grayscale ultrasound characteristics of the carotid and brachial arteries in people with HIV infection before and after starting initial antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods and Results

We performed grayscale ultrasound image analyses of the common carotid artery (CCA) and brachial artery before and after receipt of 1 of 3 randomly allocated ART regimens. We measured arterial wall echogenicity (grayscale median), contrast (gray‐level difference statistic method), and entropy. These measures and their changes were compared with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors, measures of HIV disease severity, and inflammatory biomarkers before and after ART. Changes in the grayscale measures were evaluated within and between ART arms. Among 201 ART‐naïve people with HIV, higher systolic blood pressure, higher body mass index, lower CD4+ T cells, and non‐Hispanic White race and ethnicity were associated independently with lower CCA grayscale median. Changes in each CCA grayscale measure from baseline to 144 weeks correlated with changes in soluble CD163: grayscale median (ρ=−0.17;
P
=0.044), gray‐level difference statistic–contrast (ρ=−0.19;
P
=0.024), and entropy (ρ=−0.21;
P
=0.016). Within the atazanavir/ritonavir arm, CCA entropy increased (adjusted β=0.023 [95% CI, 0.001–0.045];
P
=0.04), but no other within‐arm changes in grayscale measures were seen. Correlations of brachial artery grayscale measures were weaker.

Conclusions

In ART‐naïve people with HIV, CCA grayscale ultrasound measures were associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors and lower grayscale median was associated with lower CD4+ T cells. Reductions in soluble CD163 with initial ART were associated with improvements in all 3 CCA grayscale measures, suggesting that reductions in macrophage activation with ART initiation may lead to less arterial injury.

Registration

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/
; Unique identifiers: NCT00811954; NCT00851799
Incipient insular differentiation of Carex firmula (Cyperaceae, former genus Uncinia) in the Juan Fernández archipelago (Chile)
Authors: RIDLEY RHONDA , JIMENEZ-MEJIAS PEDRO
Published: February 2022

A morphological and molecular study was carried out on two species of Carex from the former genus Uncinia from mainland South America and Juan Fernández Islands: C. firmula (Kük) J.R. Starr and C. subsacculata (G.A.Wheeler & Goetgh.) J.R.Starr. Both species share the particular character of having articulated pistillate scales that leave behind on the spike rachis a saccate stipe-like appendage after falling. We detected within C. firmula morphological differences between mainland South American specimens and Juan Fernández specimens, mainly regarding flower density and utricle size. On the contrary, the molecular analysis showed no molecular differentiation between the two groups of populations. Whereas, strong molecular and morphological support were found for C. subsacculata. As such, we recommend that the populations of C. firmula found on Juan Fernández and those found in the mainland should be recognised as different subspecies: island Carex firmula subsp. firmula and mainland C. firmula subsp. tenuis (Poepp. ex Kunth) R.Ridley & Jim.-Mejías. We discuss that the morphological differences may be a result of isolation in an oceanic island environment and have effect on seed dispersal. Taxonomic descriptions, images of diagnostic characters and a key are included.
Impact of Slip and the Entropy Generation in a Darcy-Forchhimer Nanofluid Past a Curved Stretching Sheet with Heterogeneous and Homogenous Chemical Reactions
Authors: Mishra S. R. , Sharma Ram Prakash , Tinker Seema , Panda G. K.
Published: February 2022

An exploration of the 2-D electrically conductive Darcy-Forchheimer nanofluid motion past a curved stretching sheet is presented in this literature. To enhance the flow behavior, the characteristics of partial slip, convective condition, and the role of both heterogeneous and homogenous
chemical reactions are also vital. The main focus of the investigation is to illustrate the minimization of entropy formation in the system as well as the influence of the Bejan number. Development of the complex nonlinear system is obtained employing suitable similarity variables. Because
of the intricacy of the issue, a numerical approach such as the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method is applied to solve transformed governing equations. Variations of contributing physical factors on the flow aspect are attained and displayed through graphs also the numerical validation of
the present outcome with the prior study is attained and deployed through tables. Finally, the interesting outcomes are described as; attenuation in entropy generation is marked with the enhanced values of the permeability and Brinkman number, whereas retardation in Bejan value is encountered
for greater Brinkman number and slip factor. Finally, a comparison with the earlier study shows good agreement in a particular case.
Graphene Oxide and Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Coated Copper Nanoparticles in Water-Based Nanofluids for Thermal Management in Electronics
Authors: Zehri Abdelhafid , Nylander Andreas , Nilsson Torbjörn M. J. , Ye Lilei , Fu Yifeng , Liu Johan
Published: February 2022

Graphene oxide (GO) and nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) coated copper nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed in this work and investigated as nanofiller for water as Heat Transfer Fluids (HTFs). The morphology and composition of the coating were characterized to confirm the presence of
functional groups and the nitrogendoping of the graphene coating. Different fractions of the two types of coated nanoparticles NPs between 0.1 and 10 wt.% were dispersed in water. The thermal conductivity of the dispersions was evaluated at temperatures between 20 and 50 °C. A positive
correlation between the thermal conductivity of the HTFs and the fraction and temperature are observed as a result of the increase of the solid phase contribution into the heat transfer. At a concentration of 0.5 wt.%, the thermal conductivity of the NG-CuNPs nanofluid reached its maximum
increase of 78%, compared to a 13% increase in the case of GO-CuNPs. However, due to the poor stability of the NG-CuNPs, further increase of the solid phase did not result in any additional improvement. In contrast, the thermal conductivity of the GO-based dispersion resulted in a 103% enhancement
at 10 wt.% at a temperature of 50 °C.
Experimental Investigation of Thermal Conductivity of Alumina (Al2O3)-Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) in Water-Ethylene Glycol Hybrid Nanofluid
Authors: Dunga Asirinaidu , Koona Ramji , Naidu S. V.
Published: February 2022

Thermal conductivity and stability of hybrid nanofluid containing Al2O3and MWCNT nanoparticles (90:10 weight% or 87:13 volume%) in the base fluid of Water and Ethylene Glycol (EG) mixture (80:20 volume%) had been experimentally investigated. Nanofluid was prepared using the two-step method, i.e., by dispersion the nanoparticles into base fluid using ultra-sonication. The stability of nanofluids was determined by UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy by measuring maximum absorbance (along with the corresponding wavelength) for all samples. CTAB surfactant of 1/10th weight of nanoparticle was used to prevent agglomeration. The nanofluid absorbance was observed after 1, 10, 20 and 30 days of storage. Nanofluid having a concentration of 0.028%, was found to be stable up to 20 days. Higher concentrations or longer duration made the nanofluid unstable within 20 days. Thermal conductivity measurements were conducted in the temperature range T = 25 °C–50 °C (6 levels) and volume concentrationφ= 0.004%–0.028% (8 levels). Scherrer’s equation was applied to XRD data to compute the average crystalline size of Al2O3nanoparticles as 43 nm. FESEM showed good morphology of nanoparticles. EDX stoichiometric analysis confirmed that the nanofluid contained only Al, O, C elements. Experimental results showed that thermal conductivity increases with an increase in volume concentration and temperature. Maximum thermal conductivity of 0.5416 W/mK (8.47% increase over base fluid) was observed at T = 50 °C andφ= 0.028%. Maxwell, Weber, Hashin-Shtrikman, Bruggeman’s theoretical models and their experimental data showed a significant deviation. Hence regression equations that are suitable for these data were developed for better prediction purposes.
Prospects for Seasonal Prediction of Summertime Trans-Arctic Sea Ice Path
Authors: Winton Michael , Bushuk Mitchell , Zhang Yongfei , Hurlin Bill , Jia Liwei , Johnson Nathaniel C. , Lu Feiyu
Published: February 2022

The continuing decline of the summertime sea ice cover has reduced the sea ice path that must be traversed to Arctic destinations and through the Arctic between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, stimulating interest in trans–Arctic Ocean routes. Seasonal prediction of the sea ice cover along these routes could support the increasing summertime ship traffic taking advantage of recent low ice conditions. We introduce the minimum Arctic sea ice path (MIP) between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as a shipping-relevant metric that is amenable to multidecadal hindcast evaluation. We show, using 1992–2017 retrospective predictions, that bias correction is necessary for the GFDL Seamless System for Prediction and Earth System Research (SPEAR) forecast system to improve upon damped persistence seasonal forecasts of summertime daily MIP between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans both east and west of Greenland, corresponding roughly to the Northeast and Northwest Passages. Without bias correction, only the Northwest Passage MIP forecasts have lower error than a damped persistence forecast. Using the forecast ensemble spread to estimate a lower bound on forecast error, we find large opportunities for forecast error reduction, especially at lead times of less than 2 months. Most of the potential improvement remains after linear removal of climatological and trend biases, suggesting that significant error reduction might come from improved initialization and simulation of subannual variability. Using a different passive microwave sea ice dataset for calculating error than was used for data assimilation increases the raw forecast errors but not the trend anomaly forecast errors.
Using Explainable Machine Learning Forecasts to Discover Subseasonal Drivers of High Summer Temperatures in Western and Central Europe
Authors: van Straaten Chiem , Whan Kirien , Coumou Dim , van den Hurk Bart , Schmeits Maurice
Published: February 2022

Reliable subseasonal forecasts of high summer temperatures would be very valuable for society. Although state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction (NWP) models have become much better in representing the relevant sources of predictability like land and sea surface states, the subseasonal potential is not fully realized. Complexities arise because drivers depend on the state of other drivers and on interactions over multiple time scales. This study applies statistical modeling to ERA5 data, and explores how nine potential drivers, interacting on eight time scales, contribute to the subseasonal predictability of high summer temperatures in western and central Europe. Features and target temperatures are extracted with two variations of hierarchical clustering, and are fitted with a machine learning (ML) model based on random forests. Explainable AI methods show that the ML model agrees with physical understanding. Verification of the forecasts reveals that a large part of predictability comes from climate change, but that reliable and valuable subseasonal forecasts are possible in certain windows, like forecasting monthly warm anomalies with a lead time of 15 days. Contributions of each driver confirm that there is a transfer of predictability from the land and sea surface state to the atmosphere. The involved time scales depend on lead time and the forecast target. The explainable AI methods also reveal surprising driving features in sea surface temperature and 850 hPa temperature, and rank the contribution of snow cover above that of sea ice. Overall, this study demonstrates that complex statistical models, when made explainable, can complement research with NWP models, by diagnosing drivers that need further understanding and a correct numerical representation, for better future forecasts.
Retropancreatic Nerve Plexus Hanging Maneuver for Pancreatoduodenectomy for Cancer of the Head of the Pancreas
Authors: Chiba Naokazu , Ochiai Shigeto , Gunji Takahiro , Kobayashi Toshimichi , Hikita Kosuke , Sano Toru , Tomita Koichi , Kawachi Shigeyuki
Published: February 2022

The efficacy of the hanging maneuver for the retropancreatic nerve plexus (RNP) to enhance the confirmation of the margin status and to facilitate en-bloc resection for pancreatoduodenectomy is studied. The exit of the hanging maneuver of the RNP is the left part of the superior mesenteric artery, and the entry is the cranial part of the celiac axis. The entry of the hanging maneuver was connected to the dissection line on the right side of the celiac axis. Thereafter, the tape of the hanging maneuver was pulled to the right side, and the RNP was deployed widely. Finally, the RNP was easily dissected using a sealing device other than inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery. With the correct implementation of the hanging maneuver, we believe that it would be possible to obtain reliable R0 resection as well as a reduction in blood loss and operation time.
Geographic Variation in Otolaryngologist Intranasal Steroid Prescribing Patterns Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Wu Franklin M. , Ulloa Ruben , Badash Ido , Hur Kevin
Published: February 2022

Background:

Intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) are a commonly prescribed medication to treat various rhinological conditions. However, no prior studies have looked at factors and patterns that influence the rates of INCS prescriptions among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States.

Objective:

This study aims to describe the patterns of INCS prescriptions by otolaryngologists for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States between 2013 and 2017.

Methods:

Data on the most common INCS prescriptions by otolaryngologists for Medicare beneficiaries were obtained from the 2013 to 2017 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Supplier Public Use File (PUF) and the Part D Public Use Files from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). INCS prescriptions were analyzed by cost, state, provider, and regional temperature. State temperature data was collected through the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Results:

From 2013 to 2017, the total claims per beneficiary for fluticasone, mometasone, and triamcinolone combined increased from 2.31 to 2.39. Combined cost/beneficiary was similar for mometasone and triamcinolone at 102.47 and 103.60 respectively, while it was much lower for fluticasone at 39.12. There was a strong correlation between otolaryngology providers per beneficiary in each state and total claims per state with a correlation coefficient of .79. Additionally, comparing the average state temperature to the claims/beneficiary yielded a moderately strong correlation coefficient of .44, suggesting that temperature was a possible factor for INCS prescription patterns.

Conclusions:

INCS prescriptions by otolaryngologists and the number of INCS beneficiaries have increased between 2013 and 2017. Over the same time period, the costs of fluticasone and triamcinolone have decreased while the cost of mometasone increased. Total providers by state correlated with claims per state. Additionally, average annual temperature was positively correlated with INCS claims per beneficiary in each state.
Emerging Technologies at Work: Policy Ideas to Address Negative Consequences for Work, Workers, and Society
Authors: Bailey Diane E.
Published: February 2022

Emerging technologies such as sensors, drones, robots, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality increasingly operate as interlinked components in large technological suites that carry out novel functions. In this article, the author outlines potential negative consequences for work, workers, and society that use of these emerging technologies pose and offers policy ideas for a proactive, strategic response. Resonating across these policy ideas is a call for government to hold corporations accountable. In addition, workers and others who tend to our social fabric, built environment, and governing institutions must participate in the process of technology development, selection, design, implementation, and use. Given the potential for the use of emerging technologies to transform work and society radically and quickly, it falls upon all of us, not just a powerful few, to make choices that support positive outcomes.
The intersection of damage evaluation of fiber-reinforced composite materials with machine learning: A review
Authors: Nelon Christopher , Myers Oliver , Hall Asha
Published: February 2022

Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a useful predictive tool based on mathematical and statistical relationships for various engineering problems. The pairing of structural health monitoring (SHM) and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods with ML algorithms has yielded beneficial results in addressing the damage state of a material or system. Damage state descriptions addressed with ML include detecting a damage mechanism, locating a mechanism, identifying the type of mechanism, assessing the extent of the damage mechanism, and estimating the useful remaining life of a material or system. Damage evaluation research of composite materials has progressed with the increased usage of composite structural elements in the aerospace industry. NDE methods are a viable candidate for pairing with ML algorithms to improve damage state monitoring of composite materials due to the complexity associated with the structure of composites. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), for example, contain at least two constituent materials a fiber and matrix material whose mechanical behavior and interactions contribute to the performance of an FRP. Unlike conventional composite analytical models that require explicit information about the constituents and microstructure of a laminate, an ML algorithm can construct damage evaluation predictions when employing exclusively past operational performance or data from an SHM or NDE method. A researcher determines the type of data selected when applying an ML model for trend analysis, anomaly detection, or prediction making. However, no one specific input feature is required for utilizing an ML model, and examples of possible data features include material properties, physical dimensions, and collected evaluation data. In the present review, applications of ML combined with the damage state evaluation of composite materials, particularly examining FRPs, are discussed to demonstrate the predictive capabilities of ML and its viability for future applications, especially in industrial environments, to minimize costs and improve damage detection rates.
Response of thin flexible compression columns with self-reacting lateral constraint
Authors: Vanarelli Alex , Gillespie John W
Published: February 2022

The study investigates the effects of self-reacting lateral constraint on the compression load capacity of thin composite columns. A dynamic finite element analysis model is developed to aid in the optimization of the column lateral constraint which leads to a 50-fold increase in load capacity over the first critical buckling load. First, the model is compared against known analytical solutions for a column buckling between bi-lateral constraints. Next, the constraints are made to float and self-react, and the model is developed to study the role of column geometry, material properties, and initial gap between the column and lateral constraint on post-buckling response. Experiments are conducted over a wide range of column lengths and gap thicknesses and the load-deformation response including snap-through buckling loads, and buckling modes are measured and compared to model predictions. It is shown that the load capacity of thin composite columns can be increased to an upper bound governed by the membrane compressive strength of the column by using optimal constraint conditions.
Damage tracking of notched composite plates by thermography—Experimental observations and analytical model for damage onset
Authors: Kenedi Paulo P , Vignoli Lucas L , Duarte Brenno T , de Souza e Silva Neto Jorge , Cardoso Bandeira Carlos F
Published: February 2022

The thermographic approach is a non-contact/full field technique that can be used to recognize surface damages that generates small sudden heatings. The load monitoring can be used, associated with thermography, to quantify the resistance loss synchronized with surface localized temperature changes. An experimental arrangement was set up to test notched composites specimens subjected to progressive axial load, up to the final failure. The results show that the utilization of the passive thermography, together with the resistance curves, as complementary procedure, can become a helpful tool to evaluate damage tolerance for design of composite applications. Additionally, an analytical model was proposed to estimate damage onset, resulting in good agreements with thermography first heating event.
New Estimates of Over 500 Years of Historic GDP and Population Data
Authors: Fariss Christopher J. , Anders Therese , Markowitz Jonathan N. , Barnum Miriam
Published: February 2022

Gross domestic product (GDP), GDP per capita, and population are central to the study of politics and economics broadly, and conflict processes in particular. Despite the prominence of these variables in empirical research, existing data lack historical coverage and are assumed to be measured without error. We develop a latent variable modeling framework that expands data coverage (1500 AD–2018 AD) and, by making use of multiple indicators for each variable, provides a principled framework to estimate uncertainty for values for all country-year variables relative to one another. Expanded temporal coverage of estimates provides new insights about the relationship between development and democracy, conflict, repression, and health. We also demonstrate how to incorporate uncertainty in observational models. Results show that the relationship between repression and development is weaker than models that do not incorporate uncertainty suggest. Future extensions of the latent variable model can address other forms of systematic measurement error with new data, new measurement theory, or both.
Reducing the Influence of Perceived Stress on Subjective Well-Being of Student Veterans With and Without Disabilities: The Protective Role of Positive Traits and Social Support
Authors: Umucu Emre , Lee Beatrice , Berwick Abigail , O’Neill Lauren Elizabeth , Chan Fong , Chen Xiangli
Published: February 2022

The transition from the regimented environment of military service to a less structured college lifestyle can be stressful for student veterans with and without disabilities, which highlights the importance of exploring protective person-environmental contextual factors that can help student veterans with and without disabilities manage their stress effectively, leading to enhanced well-being. The purpose of this cross-sectional correlational design study was to examine the role of positive person-environment contextual factors, including hope, resilience, core self-evaluations, and social support, to reduce the influence of perceived stress on the subjective well-being (SWB) of student veterans with and without disabilities. The sample consisted of 205 student veterans (71.7% males; 80.5% White; Mage = 29.32; 39% with service-connected disability). Findings suggested that core self-evaluations and social support partially mediated the relationship between perceived stress and SWB in student veterans with and without disabilities. Implications for clinicians, university counselors, and university staff are also discussed.
Online improvisation training, hybrid improvisation training and on-site improvisation training; are they the same?
Authors: Tsubota Miyako , Sumali Brian , Kai Mariko , Mitsukura Yasue
Published: February 2022

Background:

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan in December 2019, lifestyle has been changing to an online-based learning and working environment rather than on-site, and improvisation training is no exception. However, no research compares the efficacy of online versus on-site training. Although we believed that the most effective way to learn improvisation is an on-site format, it is important to explore how format differences can affect learners.

Method:

We offer three types of training such as on-site training (n = 6) (Consisting of 1 female with age ≥40 and <50, and 5 males with ages ≥20 and <50), hybrid training (Instructor participates from online and learners participate on-site) (n = 120) (Consisting of 55 female with age ≥15 and <20, and 65 males with ages ≥15 and <50), and online training (n = 20) (Consisting of 4 female with age ≥20 and <30, and 16 males with ages ≥20 and <50) We collected pretest, test, and posttest data by using the Kansei Analyzer, a simplified electroencephalograph (EEG) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire.

Results:

All formats of training displayed an increase in vigor and a decrease in depression, confusion, tension, anger, and fatigue. The online training displayed better results than the on-site training. Regardless of the format, all training displayed an increase in stress during the activities and a decrease in stress after the activity without changes in other indexes. Additionally, on-site training displayed an increase in sleepiness and stress during the activities. Some participants were tested twice but no significant differences were found between the initial results and the secondary results.

Conclusion:

In this study, we found evidence that online improvisation can lead to the prevention of depressive symptoms and can function as a method for the reduction of stress in conjunction with the increase of individual vigor. However, a future study is required due to the low number of participants and the absence of POMS data for the on-site training. Any future studies should account for these factors while examining other data such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and pulse.
The Supportive Role of International Government Funds on the Progress of Sepsis Research During the Past Decade (2010–2019): A Narrative Review
Authors: Leng Yuxin , Gao Chengjin , Li Fang , Li Enzhong , Zhang Fengzhu
Published: February 2022

This narrative review aimed to clarify the characteristics of international government support for sepsis research, trends in published literature on sepsis, and potential contributions of government-source grants to progress in sepsis research between fiscal years 2010 and 2019. The data in this study were collected from the National Institutes of Health (NIH, https://projectreporter.nih.gov/reporter.cfm/ ) of the United States of America (USA), National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC, https://isisn.nsfc.gov.cn/egrantweb/ ), and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS, https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/ ). All sepsis-related projects approved by the NIH, NSFC, and JSPS were retrieved by searching the project titles, abstracts, and key words for “sepsis,” “septic shock,” or “sepsis inflammatory response syndrome” between 2010 and 2019. Representative sepsis-related studies published between Jan 2010 and Aug 2020 by the first/corresponding authors from these countries were obtained by searching the PubMed database using Medical Subject Heading terms for “sepsis” in representative journals, including Nature, Cell, Science, The Lancet, New England Journal of medicine (New Engl J Med), The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), Critical Care Medicine (CCM), Intensive Care Medicine (ICM), Chest, Annals of Emergency Medicine (Ann Emerg Med), and American Thoracic Society journals (ATS). The total/annual institutional budgets, major funding mechanisms and schemes, superior institutions and individual principal investigators, and published original research articles in the field of sepsis in the USA, China, and Japan during the past decade were investigated. The national supporting schemes of the NIH, NSFC, and JSPS were similar. Support from these institutions is quite important for the development of the field of “sepsis” which was acknowledged in 57–64% of original research articles published in CCM. For the future development of precision medicine in sepsis, more government funding support is necessary.
Unpacking of a Legacy: Womanist Theology and Clinical Implications
Authors: Armstrong Tina R. , Wangugi Anne , Scott Seanita N.
Published: February 2022

Rev. Dr Renita Weems is a pioneering foremother of womanist theology whose work also poses significant implications for the practice of clinical psychology and integration. Although Dr Weems’ work describes several topics worthy of deeper exploration, this article will examine four distinct themes that speak to the core experience of Black womanhood, followed by the clinical implications of these themes and a case illustration. Dr Weems provides encouragement for the everyday Black women to see herself reflected in the Biblical text and demonstrates this practice as she weaves parallels between their stories and those of women in the scriptures. Dr Weems also offers an analysis of the social conditions that Black women find themselves in and addresses these injustices through a faith lens. She makes it clear that a key component of faith entails acting out justice, which serves to empower those on the margins. Her work offers up a vision for human flourishing for Black women that is fostered through interpersonal connectedness and community relationships. Finally, Dr Weems models creativity in her own work and urges others to be inspired to use their God-given artistic expressions as a source of restoration and healing. Although uncommon in APA style, the balance of this article will continue to use Dr Weems professional title when discussing her. Within the African American tradition, elders are commonly referred to with the inclusion of their titles as a sign of honor and respect; we will celebrate this practice by giving reverence to our esteemed foremother.
Desiring a Kingdom: The Clinical Implications of James K. A. Smith’s Theological Anthropology
Authors: Strawn Brad D.
Published: February 2022

This article will engage in theology-directed integration. It will do so by first examining the theological anthropology of philosopher theologian James K. A. Smith. Smith presents a philosophical/theological anthropology of humans as embodied creatures embedded within cultural practices/liturgies. These liturgies implicitly shape and form the telos of human desire and contain ethics of ultimacy (e.g., image of the good life). In other words, liturgies shape the telos of one’s desire/love and what one ultimately worships. Liturgies are not neutral but aim one toward desiring a particular kingdom. Finally, the import of this theology will be explored as it relates to the clinical integrative practice of psychotherapy.
Growth Mindset Intervention Improves Performance of Highly Nontraditional Introductory Psychology Students at a Community College
Authors: Fink Angela , Mattson Paul S. , Cahill Michael J. , Frey Regina F. , McDaniel Mark A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Research suggests growth mindset interventions can support student achievement, particularly among students at risk of academic struggle, but it remains underspecified which at-risk populations will benefit from such interventions.

Objectives

This study aimed to experimentally evaluate whether highly (vs. moderately or minimally) nontraditional community college students would benefit from a growth mindset intervention and whether their performance differed at baseline and after the intervention.

Method

A sample of 155 students in introductory psychology at a 2-year community college was randomly assigned to complete a growth mindset or control intervention, and all participants completed an extensive background survey.

Results

Results showed improved exam performance among highly nontraditional students in the mindset (vs. control) condition but no benefit among other students. Highly nontraditional students showed similar pre-intervention performance to peers, but their exam scores declined more over the semester than did control peers.

Conclusion

Growth mindset interventions may offer a low-cost strategy for supporting nontraditional community college students at risk of a downward performance trajectory.

Teaching Implications

Instructors can use easily administered mindset interventions to support at-risk students’ academic performance. They may also wish to evaluate the performance-related messages they convey to students and work to create a growth-oriented classroom environment.
Confidence in and Valuing of Psychological Findings Among Preservice Teachers
Authors: Seifried Eva , Menz Cordelia , Spinath Birgit
Published: February 2022

Background

Teachers’ perception of psychology is of importance because they get in contact with psychology as a scientific discipline and should apply (educational) psychological findings. This requires a generally positive attitude toward corresponding findings, which should be fostered during teacher education.

Objective

The goal of this study was to examine preservice teachers’ perception of findings from psychology in general and educational psychology in particular, thereby differentiating between confidence in and valuing of the same.

Method

Two subsamples of n = 937 German preservice teachers and n = 310 psychology majors participated in an online survey.

Results

Compared with natural science disciplines or another “harder” psychological subdiscipline, preservice teachers perceived psychology as less scientific, and judged findings from psychology and educational psychology to be less credible but more valuable. While both confidence in and valuing of findings from psychology were higher among psychology majors than among preservice teachers, the opposite was true for educational psychology. However, all differences were rather small.

Conclusion

We conclude that preservice teachers’ perception of (educational) psychology is not alarmingly poor.

Teaching Implications

The high valuing of scientific findings from (educational) psychology could be used to also foster a broader reliance on scientific findings (examples are discussed).
When Opportunity Knocks: College Students’ Cheating Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jenkins Baylee D. , Golding Jonathan M. , Le Grand Alexis M. , Levi Mary M. , Pals Andrea M.
Published: February 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant, unforeseen changes in classroom instructions, including the evaluation of students.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate college students’ cheating both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of (a) preponderance of cheating, (b) the factors that may have led to an increase in the amount of cheating, and (c) the underlying reasons for and affective response to cheating.

Method

A sample of primarily Psychology majors ( N = 214) attending a public land-grant university in the southeastern U.S. voluntarily completed a survey at the end of the Fall 2020 semester.

Results

The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic increased first time cheating, cheating in online classes was higher than that of in-person classes for most types of graded materials, and students are adept and adaptive at dealing with faculty attempts to combat cheating. Students’ primary reasons for cheating were “feeling pressure,” and “pandemic,” and students who had cheated reported feeling “relieved” most often.

Conclusion

With the onset of the pandemic and subsequent increase in online instruction, cheating behavior has also increased.

Teaching Implications

As online enrollment continues to grow, understanding students’ cheating behavior.
Implementing the Fast Friends Procedure to Build Camaraderie in a Remote Synchronous Teaching Setting
Authors: Chopik William J. , Oh Jeewon
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Improving students’ experiences in courses has always been important; one important method for facilitating discussions is an effective icebreaker activity.

Statement of the Problem

The move to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges for fostering connections among students. Given the constraints in remote learning, teachers need effective and feasible ways to improve student experiences.

Literature Review

We reviewed traditional icebreaker activities and highlighted the potential for implementing the Fast Friends procedure in a remotely delivered synchronous class. This procedure involves a discussion guided by a series of increasingly intimate questions meant to enhance connection between unacquainted people.

Teaching Implications

Undergraduate and graduate students reported having a positive experience and building connections from the procedure, including enhanced classroom motivation. We share materials so interested readers and teachers can easily implement this.

Conclusion

The Fast Friends procedure is a promising icebreaker activity to include at the start of the semester that can help students have a positive experience and build connection with classmates.
Belief in Meritocracy Reexamined: Scrutinizing the Role of Subjective Social Mobility
Authors: Mijs Jonathan J.B. , Daenekindt Stijn , de Koster Willem , van der Waal Jeroen
Published: February 2022

Despite decreasing intergenerational mobility, strengthening the ties between family background and children’s economic outcomes, Western citizens continue to believe in meritocracy. We study how meritocratic beliefs about success relate to individuals’ social mobility experiences: Is subjective upward mobility associated with meritocratic attributions of success and downward mobility with structuralist views? Whereas previous studies addressed the relevance of individuals’ current position or objective mobility, we leverage diagonal reference models to disentangle the role of subjective mobility, origin, and destination. Surveying a representative Dutch sample (n = 1,507), we find, echoing the Thomas theorem, that if people experience social mobility as real, it is real in its consequences: subjective upward mobility is associated with stronger meritocratic beliefs, and downward mobility is associated with stronger structuralist beliefs—but has no bearing on people’s meritocracy beliefs. This helps understand the muted political response to growing inequality: a small share of upwardly mobile individuals may suffice to uphold public faith in meritocracy.
Early and long-term outcomes of re-sternotomy for aortic valve replacement with patent coronary artery grafts
Authors: Luthra Suvitesh , Malvindi Pietro , Sarvananthan Sajiram , Okorocha Chiemezie , Ohri Sunil K
Published: February 2022

Objective

The aim was to evaluate early and long-term outcomes of re-sternotomy for aortic valve replacement (AVR) with previous patent coronary artery grafts.

Methods

Data for re-sternotomy for AVRs (group 1 isolated AVR, group 2 AVR with concomitant procedure) were collected (2000–2019). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality and postoperative composite outcome (in-hospital death, transient ischemic attack/stroke, renal failure requiring new hemofiltration, deep sternal wound infection, re-exploration for bleeding/tamponade and length of stay >30 days). Survival curves were compared using log-rank test Cox proportion hazards model was used for predictors of long-term survival.

Results

Total 178 patients were included (groups 1–90 patients, group 2–88 patients). Mean age was 75 ± 4 years and mean log EuroSCORE was 17 ± 12% (15 ± 8% – group 1 vs. 19 ± 14% – group 2, p = 0.06). Mean follow-up was 6.3 ± 4.4 years. Cardiovascular injury occurred in 12%. Left internal mammary artery was most commonly injured. In-hospital mortality was 7.8% (5% – group 1 vs. 10.2% – group 2, p = 0.247). NYHA class III–IV, perioperative intra-aortic balloon pump and cardiovascular injury were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio: 13.33, 95% confidence interval: 2.04–83.33, p = 0.007). Survival was significantly worse with cardiovascular injury at re-sternotomy up to 5 years (46% vs. 67%, p = 0.025) and postoperative complications ( p = 0.023). Survival was significantly lower than age-matched first-time AVR and UK population.

Conclusions

Long-term survival is significantly impaired by cardiovascular injury and perioperative complications of re-sternotomy.
How to Foster ‘New Approach Methodology’ Toxicologists
Authors: Doktorova Tatyana Y. , Azzi Pamela , Hofer Joelle , Messner Catherine J. , Gaiser Carine , Werner Sophie , Singh Pranika , Hardy Barry , Suter-Dick Laura , Chesne Christophe
Published: February 2022

The need to reduce, refine and replace animal experimentation has led to a boom in the establishment of new approach methodologies (NAMs). This promising trend brings the hope that the replacement of animals by using NAMs will become increasingly accepted by regulators, included in legislation, and consequently more-often implemented by industry. The majority of NAMs, however, are still not very well understood, either due to the complexity of the applied approach or the data analysis workflow. A potential solution to this problem is the provision of better educational resources to scientists new to the area — showcasing the added value of NAMs and outlining various ways of overcoming issues associated with knowledge gaps. In this paper, the educational exchange between four institutions — namely, two universities and two SMEs — via a series of video training sessions, is described. The goal of this exchange was to showcase an exemplary event to help introduce scientists to non-animal approaches, and to actively support the development of resources enabling the use of alternatives to laboratory animals.
Implementation of an acute palliative care unit for COVID-19 patients in a tertiary hospital: Qualitative data on clinician perspectives
Authors: Seibel Katharina , Couné Bettina , Mueller Michael , Boehlke Christopher , Simon Steffen T , Bausewein Claudia , Becker Gerhild
Published: February 2022

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become apparent that palliative care has dynamically adapted to the care of dying patients with and without COVID-19 and has developed new forms of collaboration. Evaluation is needed to assess which innovations should be integrated into future pandemic management.

Aim:

To explore the experiences of stakeholders and staff in implementing and operating an ad hoc unit delivering acute palliative care. What lessons were learned?

Design:

Qualitative interview study (German Clinical Trials Register; identifier 22,473) with qualitative content analysis.

Setting/participants:

During the first wave of the pandemic, the University Medical Center Freiburg (Germany) established an ad hoc unit delivering acute palliative care for COVID-19 patients likely to die. Nurses from non-palliative areas and the specialist palliative care team formed a new team working together there. Twenty-nine individuals from management and staff of this unit were interviewed.

Results:

Patient care and teamwork were rated positively. Joint familiarization, bedside teaching, and team/management support were evaluated as core elements for success. Challenges for the nurses from non-palliative settings included adapting to palliative care routines and culture of care. The palliative care team had to adjust the high standards of palliative care to pandemic conditions. Due to sufficient hospital-wide capacity, only three COVID-19 patients were treated, significantly fewer than anticipated at planning.

Conclusions:

Results show the feasibility of an ad hoc COVID-19 acute palliative care unit. In the event of capacity constraints, such a unit can be a viable part of future pandemic management.