bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamic Instability following Carotid Endarterectomy Does Not Affect Early Discharge
Authors: Scheinman M. , Ascher E. , Hingorani A. , Yorkovich W. , Gade P.
Published: September 2024

Over the last few years, there has been increased emphasis on early discharge of patients following carotid endarterectomy in the United States. Recent studies have shown that short-stay hospitalization for carotid endarterectomy may be safe and cost-effective. However, this is not always possible because of reasons that are not clearly delineated. In order to optimize the early discharge of patients following carotid endarterectomy, an analysis of the causes of delayed discharges was performed in the present series. Since hemodynamic instability has been shown to be the most frequent complication following carotid endarterectomy, the authors investigated whether it was an important factor preventing early postoperative discharge. This study reviewed the data of 100 consecutive patients admitted for elective carotid endarterectomy. The incidence of post-carotid endarterectomy hemodynamic instability was 37% ( n = 37), with hypertension occurring in 25 patients (68%) and hypotension occurring in 12 patients (32%). Hemodynamic instability tended to occur with the use of general anesthesia as compared with regional anesthesia. Hemodynamic instability did not correlate with pre-existent history of hypertension, nor with the type of drug used when general anesthesia was applied. All the patients were successfully treated either in the recovery room or in a monitored area. The average total length of stay was 1.65 days with 79% of the patients being discharged on the first postoperative day and 21% having delayed discharge ranging from 2 to 15 days (mean 4 days). The main reasons for delayed discharges were cardiac and urinary tract complications. Blood pressure instability accounted for only 2% of cases. Thus, these data show that hemodynamic instability does not significantly affect early discharge.
Changing Trends in the Use of Preoperative Carotid Arteriography: The Community Experience
Authors: Collier Paul E.
Published: September 2024

Between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1994, 215 carotid endarterectomies were performed at the authors' institution, which utilized a clinical pathway. Prior to May 1992, arteriography was performed routinely. A near perfect correlation was found between the arteriograms and duplex scans when they were compared as part of the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) vascular laboratory accreditation process. A policy of selective arteriography was instituted in May 1992. Only 11 arteriograms were performed on the next 148 patients (7%) who underwent carotid endarterectomies. Arteriography was performed on two patients with extremely high bifurcations, and five patients when an exact degree of stenosis could not be determined. Two patients with simultaneous mid common carotid and bifurcation stenoses had arteriography to confirm the duplex findings. Arteriography confirmed a long, high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis, which was felt to be operable by duplex, and a simultaneous bifurcation and suspected left common carotid orificial stenosis in one patient each. Arteriograms were performed on three non-operated patients felt to have occluded internal carotid artery on duplex scanning. Two had string-like internal carotid arteries that extended intracranially from the bifurcation, and one patient had an internal carotid artery dissection. Duplex results were grossly confirmed at operation and pathologically. There were no neurological complications in those patients undergoing carotid endarterectomies based on the results of duplex scanning alone. Carotid endarterectomies can be safely performed based on the results of a duplex scan performed in an accredited vascular laboratory. This approach eliminates the risk and cost of arteriography. Approximately 10% of patients will require arteriography if the duplex scan is equivocal or shows disease at other areas than the carotid bifurcation.
Monitoring the Effects of Heparin: Evaluation of a New Portable Device
Authors: Cavanagh S. P. , Haine L. , Ammori B. , Tate G. , Braithwaite P. , Gough M. J. , Homer-Vanniasinkam S.
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to measure the effects of heparin therapy in patients undergoing vascular surgery, and to monitor the effectiveness of continuous intravenous heparin therapy in ward-based patients. In addition, we compared results from a new portable device with those from the standard laboratory assay. A prospective comparison of the two methods in patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery, and in ward-based patients who were receiving intravenous heparin infusions was undertaken. Fifty patients who were undergoing vascular surgery and receiving a bolus dose of intravenous heparin, and 22 patients receiving a continuous heparin infusion, were recruited. Blood samples were taken 10 and 40 min following bolus heparin administration or after > 12 h of a continuous heparin infusion. Plasma activated partial thromboplastin times (APTTp) measured by the haematology laboratory were compared with whole blood (APTTB) ascertained with the CoaguChek Plus Device (Boehringer Mannheim UK Diagnostics and Biochemicals Limited) at each time point. The results from the two methods were compared using the method of Bland and Altman ( Lancet, 1986, 307–310). We found a good level of agreement between the two methods (at induction, mean bias was − 0.050, limits of agreement − 0.46–0.36: heparin infusions, mean bias was − 0.283, limits of agreement − 1.64–1.07). In addition we discovered that many of our patients appeared to be excessively anticoagulated during surgery (10 min following heparin bolus 47/50 patients had an APTTB > 150 s. 45/50 had an APTTp > 250s; at 40 min 45/50 had an APTTB > 150 s, 39/50 had an APTTp > 250 s). In conclusion, whole blood APTT measurement allows rapid and accurate assessment of the effects of heparin therapy when compared with laboratory APTT measurement and may prevent both excessive and suboptimal anticoagulation.
Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polypropylene Laminates
Authors: Ding W. , Kortschot M.T.
Published: September 2024

A complete set of experiments was carried out to investigate the fracture behaviour of continuous glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene composites and the corresponding polypropylene resin. Mode I and mode II interlaminar critical strain energy release rates are reported for this material for the first time. The test results show that both mode I and mode II critical strain energy release rates of the glass/polypropylene composites are much higher than those of traditional epoxy composites. However, the increase of fracture toughness from mode I to mode II is not as large as that reported for epoxy composites. The fibre volume fraction is also lower in the glass/polypropylene composite system studied. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) show extensive plastic deformation on both mode I and mode II delamination fracture surfaces, suggesting that the plastic deformation is probably the most important energy dissipation mechanism during the interlaminar fracture process in these materials.
Cytocompatibility and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Polyester Tapes, Surface Treated for Periodontal, Orthodontic and Prosthodontic Applications
Authors: Poddevin Nicolas , Marois Yves , King Martin W. , Laroche Gaétan , Pageau Jean-François , Guidoin Robert
Published: September 2024

Woven polyester tape has been suggested as a possible alternative biomaterial to metallic wires and braces used in periodontal, orthodontic and prosthodontic surgery.

Two innovative technologies, namely cleaning by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and surface modification using cold oxygen plasma, were performed on dental polyester tapes in order to improve their physico-chemical characteristics and biocompatibility. The physical, dimensional, and chemical properties of the tapes were measured before and after SFE and plasma treatments using various textile test methods, contact angle, ESCA, FTIR, DSC, and SEM techniques. The cytocompatibility of the tapes was evaluated before and after SFE and plasma treatments in terms of cell adhesion and proliferation in an in vitro direct contact assay with human gingival fibroblasts.

The SFE cleaning method was successful in removing most surface contaminants and bringing the residual amounts to levels similar to those observed on commercial polyester arterial prostheses. The oxygen plasma treatment induced chemical modifications, characterized by a 9% increase in surface oxygen in the form of C-0 and C=0 bonds. This modified surface was more hydrophilic, as indicated by contact angle measurements. Cell adhesion was surprisingly greater on the hydrophilic SFE treated tapes than on the hydrophilic plasma treated ones, and cell proliferation was improved significantly by both the SFE and plasma treatment processes.

In conclusion, the cytocompatibility of the tapes improved with both SFE and oxygen plasma treatments. The combination of both treatments, however, had no synergistic effect on cell growth and adhesion.
Theoretical Studies of Polymer Packaging Can Prolong Safe Storage Times of Food
Authors: Ouriemchi E.M. , Vergnaud J.M.
Published: September 2024

Food packages are able to protect food from the environment. Passive packages that control moisture or oxygen transfer are already known. Active packages, playing an active role in maintaining or even improving the quality of the enclosed food, by delivering selected chemical or antimicrobial agents, have recently been put on the market. Thus, some fundamental studies are necessary in order to improve their development in various ways. Some parameters of interest are considered here in mono-and multi-layer polymer systems:- the quality of the contact between the polymer and the liquid food, together with the coefficient of convection, the concentration of the agent in each layer, and the thickness of each layer in multi-layer systems. The process of agent transfer is controlled by diffusion through the multi-layer package and by convection into the liquid food with a finite coefficient of convective transfer. A numerical model is built, as no analytical solution exists for this problem. The results are expressed in terms of profiles of concentration of the agent developed through the package, and in terms of the kinetics of transfer into the liquid food.
Photograft Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers Initiated by Azo Groups Introduced onto Glass Fibre Surfaces
Authors: Fujiki Kazuhiro , Sakamoto Munenori
Published: September 2024

This paper deals with the photograft polymerization of vinyl monomers on glass fibre surfaces initiated by alkylazo groups introduced onto the fibre surface. The introduction of azo groups onto the glass fibre surface was achieved by the reaction of isocyanate groups previously attached to the surface with an azo initiator, 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid). The amount of surface azo groups introduced was determined to be 1.2 x 10-5 molg-1 by nitrogen analysis. The photograft polymerization of methyl methacrylate and styrene were initiated in the presence of the glass fibre having surface azo groups, and part of the resultant polymer effectively grafted onto the surface. Compared with radical graft polymerization using the thermal initiating system of the azo groups, the percentage grafting and the grafting efficiency were larger, and the molecular weight of the grafted polymer estimated by gel permeation chromatography was smaller in the photograft polymerization. The number of grafted polymer chains calculated from the percentage grafting value and the molecular weight, therefore, was much higher in the photoinitiating system than in the thermal initiating system.
Solid Modelling of a Woven Textile Reinforcement: A Prototype System for the Automatic Extraction of Geometric Data
Authors: Brown D. , Morgan M.
Published: September 2024

The benefits of a 3D solid model in the design and manufacture of woven textile reinforced composite materials are discussed. A prototype system to extract reference data automatically from a solid model of the constituent yarn paths is described. A procedure to output the relevant yarn parameters is demonstrated. The system that has been developed will provide the data necessary for existing down-stream analysis systems which predict the stiffness matrix for a textile reinforced composite.
Radiochemical Graft Copolymerization of 4-Vinyl Pyridine onto Isotactic Polypropylene Powder
Authors: Kaur Inderjeet , Misra B.N. , Barsola Raghuvir , Chauhan Ghanshyam S.
Published: September 2024

4-Vinyl pyridine (4-VP) has been grafted onto isotactic polypropylene (IPP) powder by a pre-irradiation method. The extent of grafting has been studied as a function of various reaction parameters. The optimum conditions leading to maximum grafting have been evaluated. The graft copolymers have been characterized by IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal behaviour of the IPP improved after grafting. On comparison of the results of grafting of 4-VP onto IPP fibres and onto IPP powder, it was observed that the physical form of the backbone affects the graft yield. Fibres provided better results than powder.
Three theses on informal housing in Europe
Authors: Chiodelli Francesco , Maslova Sabina , Vasudevan Alexander
Published: September 2024

This editorial introduction to the Special Issue ‘The rules, institutions and politics of housing informality in Europe’ argues for a more holistic interpretation to housing informality in Europe as a critical heuristic for re-thinking the dynamics of informality in the global North. In so doing, it offers three modest theses. First, housing informality is an endogenous phenomenon in the development of European cities, closely connected to the logics of capitalist modernity and currently located at the intersection of new patterns of forced migration and an ever-intensifying housing crisis. Second, housing informality is (also) a by-product of direct forms of public support, toleration and legitimation, as well as the consequence of deliberate (in)action by the State. This results in a clear public politics of informal space, in the framework of which informal housing is an instrument of governmentality in the hands of ruling elites. Third, housing informality is normatively ambiguous. In fact, informal dwelling practices create an archipelago of institutional micro-geographies at the city scale, that generate, in turn, heterogeneous spheres of urban citizenship rights. This selective spatial autonomy can be inhabited as much by processes of rights expansion, emancipation and solidarity as well as by practices of right-restriction, exploitation and precarization.
Exploring the Financial Sustainability of Indian Public Sector Banks: A Study on Revenue Diversification Patterns
Authors: Ansari Md Nasim , Jamaluddeen
Published: September 2024

This article delves into the intricate relationship between revenue diversification and the financial performance and sustainability of both public and private sector banks in India. Through a comprehensive analysis of nine years’ panel data from 2015 to 2023 and applying descriptive statistics, the Herfindahl–Hirschman index, panel data regression models and generalized method of moments, our findings reveal a concerning trend—Revenue diversification is exerting a negative influence on the financial well-being of the Indian public sector banks (PSBs) and positively impacts the private sector banks. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the pursuit of diversifying revenue streams has not yielded the anticipated benefits for Indian PSBs. Instead, it has emerged as a source of financial instability and vulnerability. Hence, our findings suggest that a focused approach to revenue sources may be more advantageous for the PSBs. This study underscores the importance of strategic revenue planning and resource allocation for Indian PSBs to enhance their financial performance and self-sufficiency. The results have practical implications for policymakers, bank executives and stakeholders in the Indian banking sector, offering guidance on optimizing revenue strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of PSBs in India.
Impact of Board Characteristics on Firm Performance: Evidence from Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Adem Mohammed , Dsouza Preethi Keerthi
Published: September 2024

The structure of the board of directors, as an integral part of a well-organized corporate governance mechanism, plays a crucial role in monitoring and controlling the firm’s executives, as well as improving firm performance. The study investigates whether certain board characteristics affect firm performance in a developing market context. The study uses a panel data set of 24 microfinance institutions determined by a purposive sampling technique. A fixed effects regression model was performed to explain the proposed relationships. Dynamic panel data using the generalized method of moments (GMM) model was subsequently used to address unobservable heterogeneity and endogeneity problems. The findings exhibit that a larger board size and the presence of independent directors on the board lead to enhanced firm performance. The findings also show that board meeting frequency has a significant negative relationship with firm performance. Again, the presence of females on the board of directors is not effective in the context of Ethiopian microfinance institutions, as we found board gender diversity does not significantly correlate with firm performance. Moreover, the results indicate that firm growth has a significant positive impact on firm performance, while firm age and leverage do not affect firm performance. Given the overall importance of corporate governance attributes, this study enables decision-makers and regulatory authorities to redefine the structure of the board of directors so that firms promote their board of directors’ effectiveness and, in turn, enhance firm performance.
ESG Disclosure and Cost of Equity: Do Big 4 Audit Firms Matter?
Authors: Mathath Nidhin , Kumar Vinod , Balasubramanian G.
Published: September 2024

Efficiency in the financial market helps firms and the economy through efficient capital allocation and improved capital productivity. ESG (environmental, social, and governance) disclosure provides nonfinancial information that reduces informational inefficiency in the financial market. India saw a major shift in ESG regulation in 2013–2014. This study examines the impact of ESG disclosure on the cost of equity after new regulation. Analyzing panel data from 586 firms (2015–2022), the key findings are: (a) superior ESG disclosure lowers the cost of equity mainly due to the governance component of ESG; (b) the presence of Big 4 auditors do not have a significant differential impact on the ESG-cost of equity relationship.

JEL Codes: G30, M14, Q56
A call for multi-agency collaboration in the Pacific Island countries’ mental health – The World Federation for Mental Health viewpoint
Authors: Gill Neeraj
Published: September 2024

Objective

To introduce the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) viewpoint on the Pacific Island countries’ mental health capacity building.

Conclusion

Multi-agency collaboration guided by a nuanced understanding of the local context can enable a public health model of mental health service delivery in the Pacific Island countries.
Integration of PZT thick films on additively manufactured substrates for vibrational energy harvesting applications
Authors: Alaid Nabil , Debeda Helene , He Shuo , Plano Bernard , Abdel-Rahman Eihab , Salehian Armaghan
Published: September 2024

This work aims to integrate screen-printed thick film (50–100 µm) Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) on additively manufactured stainless steel substrates for vibration energy harvesting. The manufacturing technologies advanced by this research opens new horizons for energy harvesting applications as it standardizes the development and manufacturing processes, thereby making vibration energy harvesters more feasible. Since the parts are built layer-by-layer, the thickness of the different layers of the substrate can be controlled. The substrates under study were manufactured using SLM (Selective Laser Melting) additive manufacturing technology from Stainless Steel 17-4 PH powder. Simple cantilever harvesters are chosen as an initial target to focus on the optimization of the screen-printing process. The sample is 15.6 mm long, 4.1 mm wide, and 0.35 mm thick cantilever beam with a 50 µm thick PZT screen-printed layer sandwiched between two gold electrodes. A dielectric layer printed on the stainless steel substrate was introduced to promote adhesion. Clamping 6.1 mm of the beam length, its resonant frequency was measured experimentally at ∼2 kHz. The maximum output power was 37 nW under a resonant base acceleration with an amplitude of 2.94 m/s2 and a load resistance of 90 kΩ. A good fit was found between the experiment and a Finite Element Model with a difference of 12%. Thermal stress analysis was carried out to study the impact of the difference of Coefficient of Thermal Expansion on the bending of the harvester and the adhesion between the layers. The result shows the importance of matching the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of the substrate with that of the PZT layer to avoid delamination between the layers and to improve adhesion. These initial results open routes for optimized designs of printed piezoelectric energy harvesters.
An improved generalized Prandtl–Ishlinskii model for the hysteresis modeling of pneumatic artificial muscles
Authors: Xie Shenglong , Zhong Haiming , Li Yuntang , Xu Su’an
Published: September 2024

Due to the merits of high flexibility, large driving force, and light weight, the pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) has been widely applied in robot. However, the inherent asymmetric hysteresis nonlinear characteristics affect the control performance of PAM seriously. This paper presents an improved generalized Prandtl–Ishlinskii (GPI-M) model for the asymmetric hysteresis characterization of PAM, which adopts the simplified Magic Formula (SMF) as the envelop function instead of hyperbolic tangent function (GPI) or arc tangent function (GPI-A). With regard to the effect of parameters identification, the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm, genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and differential evolution (DE) algorithm are studied, which shows the LM algorithm is far superior to the other three intelligent algorithms in terms of computational efficiency and identification accuracy. Furthermore, a crosswise comparative study on three models and two envelop functions investigating modeling accuracy reveals that the newly introduced GPI-M model exhibits better performance than the modified symmetric generalized Prandtl-Ishlinskii (MSGPI) model and the GPI-A model presented previously. Meanwhile, the influence of the operator numbers on the modeling accuracy of three models is discussed, which finds that the GPI-M model possess the best accuracy with the least operator numbers.
Outcomes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Cavovarus Surgical Reconstruction
Authors: Haupt Edward Thomas , Porter Giselle Moriah , Blough Christian , Michalski Max P. , Pfeffer Glenn B.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a progressive inherited neurologic disorder causing muscle weakness and lower extremity deformity. The goal of foot and ankle surgical treatment is to create a stable, plantigrade foot, with the potential elimination of brace-wear for ambulation. The aim of this study was to report baseline CMT patient function and subsequent outcome improvement from surgical treatment, as determined by PROMIS physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and mental health/depression (D) scores.

Methods:

Retrospective data were collected on consecutive CMT patients older than 18 years receiving surgical treatment by the senior surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from 2018 to 2022 with minimum 1-year follow-up. Each patient prospectively completed PROMIS preoperatively and postoperatively after all planned surgical treatment was completed. Prospective clinical and radiographic data were collected to describe complications and correlation to outcome.

Results:

Ninety-five feet in 64 patients older than 18 years were included for analysis. Mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 12-31) with 100% minimum 1-year follow-up. CMT patients had worse preoperative and baseline scores in all domains except PROMIS-D compared with population normal PROMIS scores. Significant improvements were identified in all PROMIS domains following surgical treatment. The mean PROMIS-PF score increased (40 to 45, delta = 4.9, P < .001), the mean PROMIS-PI score decreased (59 to 52, delta = 7.1, P < .001), and the mean PROMIS-D score decreased (50 to 47, delta = 3.0, P = .004). Subgroup analysis was performed for patients with severe radiographic deformity and those treated with arthrodesis in an attempt to demonstrate the impact of disease severity on outcome. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that arthrodesis led to worse overall PROMIS-PF outcome with the same change score.

Conclusion:

Surgical treatment for CMT patients provides significant clinical improvement in all measured outcome domains. CMT patients can be restored to normal population physical function and pain interference outcome scores. Patients with more severe deformity have similar improvement from surgical treatment, although their ultimate functional improvement is blunted due to a lower baseline.
Graphical Features & Perceptions of Reliability
Authors: Sullivan Virginia , Atchley Joseph A. , Vangsness Lisa , Tenhundfeld Nathan L.
Published: September 2024

This study examines the impact of graphical features on perceived reliability and user trust in automated systems. Participants viewed 60 static graphs showing system reliability over time, with variables such as maximum reliability, minimum reliability, average reliability, cumulative probability of success/failure, and slope. Each graph was presented with different success or failure rates. Participants rated the system’s reliability, predicted success rates, and willingness to rely on the system. Analysis revealed that perceived reliability was most influenced by minimum reliability when success was depicted and maximum reliability when failure was depicted. These findings suggest that user perceptions of reliability are complex and not solely dependent on the expected features of system performance, indicating a need for further research into the relationship between graphical representations and perceived reliability.
The efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin for peripheral T-cell lymphoma: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jiarun , Tang Shuhan , Liu Jinyi , Huang Ruihao , Rao Jun , Gao Li , Wang Xiaoqi , Zhang Xi
Published: September 2024

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is an extensive class of heterogeneous diseases with dismal outcomes. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) comprising a CD30-directed antibody. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BV for treating PTCL. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for studies evaluating the efficacy of BV alone or in combination with other drugs for treating PTCL. The primary outcome measures included objective response rate (ORR), complete remission (CR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes included 5-year OS, 5-year PFS, and adverse events. 22 studies involving 1137 patients were included. These studies reported the use patterns of BV, ORR, CR, PFS, OS, and adverse events. The pooled ORR and CR rates were 68% (95% CI: 59%–75%) and 43% (95% CI: 34%–53%). For survival outcomes, the longest median PFS was 8.3 months, and the longest median OS was 26.3 months. The most common adverse event was peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia. The analysis suggested that BV alone or in combination with other drugs improved the response and survival rates in PTCL patients and was associated with tolerable adverse effects.
Casamassima-Morton-Nance Syndrome and Limb-Body Wall Defect: Presentation of the Second Case and Phenotypic Assessment
Authors: Salinas-Torres Víctor M. , Salinas-Torres Rafael A.
Published: September 2024

Casamassima-Morton-Nance syndrome (CMNS) is a rare disorder characterized by spondylocostal dysostosis (SCD), anal atresia, and urogenital anomalies. We describe a fetus with CMNS associated with a limb-body wall defect (LBWD), the second such case in the literature. We compare the phenotypic differences with previously reported cases, including those with segmentation anomalies of the axial skeleton, body wall defects, or absent/abnormal genitalia, revealing the consistent presence of SCD in CMNS. However, as expected, a wide phenotypic spectrum emerges, providing useful observations for fetal/neonatal screening relevant to differential diagnoses. Advanced diagnostic methods using imaging and next-generation skeletal dysplasia multi-gene panels are advisable, as they enable timely, actionable, well-informed decisions for parental counseling, potential elective termination of pregnancy, and prenatal and/or postnatal care. Most reported cases do not mention the recurrence of these usually lethal anomalies.
Influencing Factors on Independent Walking in Children With Lumbosacral Lipomas: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on a 5-Year Untethering Series
Authors: Takeuchi Chiaki , Sugiura Shiro , Fujita Remi , Tatematsu Noriatsu , Sugiura Hideshi
Published: September 2024

Background:

Caregivers are deeply concerned about children achieving independent walking, and evidence-based rehabilitation support is beneficial. However, current research is confined to a single study on spina bifida aperta, leaving a gap in understanding the timing of independent walking for lumbosacral lipomas.

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine the factors influencing independent walking in children with lumbosacral lipomas.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 124 children who underwent untethering surgery for lumbosacral lipomas. The age (in months) at which the children walked independently was used as the primary endpoint, and potential influencing factors, including the type of spinal lipoma, extent of lipoma removal, magnetic resonance imaging features, congenital anomaly complications, urinary/defecation management requirements, foot/toe symptoms, and orthotic device fabrications were analyzed.

Results:

Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the most significant influencing factor for delayed independent walking was the presence of systemic combined anomalies (adjusted odds ratio = 15.5, P  <  .001), while non-systemic malformations, such as suburethral cleft, had limited effects. A subgroup analysis of 94 patients without systemic combined anomalies showed that the presence of a malformed conus medullaris was significantly associated with delayed independent walking ( P  =  .014). The median age of independent walking in children with Morota’s classification type 2 was 14 months, which is 1 month later compared to other types, although this difference was not significant ( P  =  .055).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that complications arising from systemic combined anomalies and the presence of malformed conus medullaris are influencing factors in delays in independent walking in children with untethered lumbosacral lipomas.
Getting help early: An online mental health self-assessment tool for young people
Authors: Fischer Afra , Smith Oliver J , Gómez Álvarez Paula , Wolstein Jörg , Schall Ulrich
Published: September 2024

Background

Online self-assessments are becoming more popular. They can serve as a screening tool for specific conditions or assess mental health more broadly but often lack in depth evaluation.

Methods

This study presents preliminary data from an online self-assessment tool for young people within the age range of 12–30 years (Link: redcap.hmri.org.au/surveys/?s = MK7RCELJ79 ). It covers key symptoms of mood and psychotic disorders and risk factors, such as eating issues, substance use, suicidality, and deliberate self-harming behaviours. Participants self-assessed their level of functioning, access to ongoing interventions, and satisfaction with the help received. Based on the severity of mental health problems and the level of risk, different recommendations of how to seek help were provided.

Results

Out of 303, 114 participants gave permission to analyse their data. A high-risk profile was defined by anxiety symptoms, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, and urges to self-harm. These individuals were more likely to report psychotic or depression symptoms, recreational substance use and low day-to-day functioning. Ongoing treatment and the satisfaction with it were not determined by the severity of symptoms.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that the online self-assessment tool reaches the intended young audience, particularly those with some degree of mental health problems.
L2 learners’ mindfulness in relation to their memorization/learning of L2 phrasal verbs
Authors: Kang Dae-Min
Published: September 2024

The present study examined the relationships between second language (L2) English learners’ mindfulness and their memorization/learning of figurative meaning senses of L2 phrasal verbs (PVs). One hundred and twenty Chinese university students participated in the study. The research instruments were the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), a receptive and productive PV tests, and focus group interviews. The results showed that there were strong and significant correlations between the FFMQ and the tests. In addition, mindfulness levels correlated almost equally to receptive and productive gains. Further, differences among three groups of the students formed according to scores on the PV tests were significant in terms of scores on the FFMQ. Among facets of the FFMQ, ‘Non-reactivity’ was revealed to be the strongest predictor for the students’ performance in the PV tests. Based on the findings of the study, research and pedagogical implications are discussed.
Positive psychology in action: Exploring the role of altruistic teaching in enhancing English reading comprehension among L2 learners
Authors: Zare Javad , Al-Issa Ahmad
Published: September 2024

The recent introduction of positive psychology (PP) to second language acquisition (SLA) has led to increased interest in researching the relationship between language learning and various positive emotions. Despite this, the concept of learner altruistic teaching has been relatively understudied, compared to other PP aspects. In particular, studies on learner altruistic teaching and English reading comprehension skill have been notably absent. To address this gap, this intervention study aimed to investigate whether learners’ altruistic teaching had a significant effect on their English reading comprehension skill. The study used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design with a comparison group pretest–posttest experimental design. It involved 116 Iranian learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). The study included three internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) reading sections, reflective frames, and semi-structured interviews. The results of independent-samples t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVAs suggested that altruistic teaching had an instructional effect on learners’ English reading comprehension skill. Additionally, the results of the qualitative data pointed to several themes, including enjoyment, responsibility for one another, intimacy, engagement, motivation, success, and self-appreciation in learners. Altogether, the study suggested that learners’ altruistic teaching can significantly enhance their English reading comprehension skill by creating a sense of enjoyment, responsibility, intimacy, engagement, motivation, success, and self-appreciation among learners. The article concludes by discussing the theoretical and pedagogical implications of the study. Finally, it offers suggestions for further research and highlights limitations.
Seismic behavior of I-steel reinforced concrete-filled GFRP tubular columns
Authors: Zhang Maoyu , Wang Yanru , Zheng Zezhong , Zhang Jicheng
Published: September 2024

To better understand the seismic performance of the steel reinforced concrete-filled GFRP tubular (SRCFGT) columns, this paper presents a low-cycle repeated loading test on twelve I-SRCFGT columns with different parameters including axial compression ratio, diameter-thickness ratio and fiber winding angle. The failure mode, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, ductility, stiffness degradation, strength degradation and energy dissipation capacity of each specimen are analyzed and discussed. The tests demonstrate the favorable seismic performance of the I-SRCFGT columns. The failure mode consists mainly of fiber fracture and matrix cracking. Besides, results show that an increase in the axial compression ratio from 0.7 to 0.9 leads to greater initial stiffness, but accelerates the stiffness degradation during the loading process, and the ductility index (DI) of the specimen decreases by 3.2 %. Specimens with larger wall thickness of the GFRP tube have higher ultimate bearing capacity, but excessively increasing the wall thickness of the GFRP tube can reduce the ductility of the specimen. The overall displacement ductility of the specimen with a wall thickness of the GFRP tube of 6 mm increased by 3.1 % compared to the specimen with a 4 mm wall thickness of the GFRP tube. However, when the wall thickness of the GFRP tube continued to increase, the DI decreased by 2.6 %. Furthermore, specimens with a fiber winding angle of ±45° perform better in terms of the ultimate bearing capacity and ductility as well as overall seismic performance.
Digital exorcism and morality
Authors: Possamai Adam , Gower Rhys
Published: September 2024

Recent works have highlighted that exorcism is not an atavistic ritual but that it has a renewed place in our contemporary Western world. As religious institutions have become more secularized and rationalized, a vacuum has been left for religious professionals to deal with demons. While exorcists claim that there is a higher demand for exorcism, they grow as a profession and warn people of the devil's presence in games, popular culture and family curses. The use of social media has not been left out from these developments as exorcism videos have spread, and remote online forms of exorcism are available. While questions of morality are malleable in this context, for example, giving a sense of security or providing extra insecurity in this world of anxiety, this article points to an attempt by an exorcist on his YouTube channel at re-sacralizing society. This article discovers as part of these practices the importance of passing on messages of morality more so than curing peoples of their demons. The digital world thus provides a greater reach for exorcists to spread their morality with a far wider reach than in a darkly romanticized gothic and secluded room where exorcism is often perceived to take place.
Children’s out-of-home placements: Associations with parental substance use and neighbourhood sociodemographics
Authors: Raitasalo Kirsimarja , Karjalainen Karoliina , Kärkkäinen Sanna , Kauppinen Timo M
Published: September 2024

Background: Studies have shown an association between parental problematic substance use (PSU) and children's out-of-home care (OHC). But there is little researech on the kind of urban neighbourhoods in which such associations typically show up. This study aims to shed light on the associations between neighbourhood characteristics, parental PSU and children's OHC. Using register data, we explore the spatial concentration of parental PSU and children's OHC in urban areas. Methods: Register data of all children born in Finland in 2002 and their biological parents living in 14 Finnish cities were used to follow the children from birth until their 18th birthday or first OHC episode. The study looks at parental PSU andother individual-level indicators as well-as the sociodemographic neighbourhood characteristics. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used as the analysis method. Results: Parental PSU increased the probability of children's OHC regardless of neighbourhood type. The probabilty was highest if both parents had PSU (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.05, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 6.38–10.16), but this outcome did not look the same for all neighbourhoods. The risk of children's OHC placements was higher in suburbs compared to city centres (HR = 1.76, 95% Cl 1.38–2.25). Conclusion: As parental substance use is a complex problem that is often intertwined with other life challenges, such as financial difficulties and mental health problems, it is insufficient to treat caregiver conditions, such as problematic substance use in isolation. Services that increase positive, pro-social connections may be lacking in the neighbourhoods with the most challenges.
Public interest and seasonal peaks for wisdom teeth related web inquiries – A google trends analysis
Authors: Remschmidt Bernhard , Muallah David , Rieder Marcus , Liu David T
Published: September 2024

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the public interest in wisdom teeth-related search terms as well as regional and seasonal trends based on information from the Google search engine. Methods: With the help of the online search query tool, Google Trends, the public interest in the primary search term “wisdom teeth” for the timeframe between January 1st, 2004 and September 31st, 2021 was analyzed. To do so, a country-specific search was conducted in English-speaking countries (the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia) in the northern and southern hemispheres. The extracted time series was examined for reliability, and a Cosinor analysis evaluated the statistical significance of seasonal interest peaks. Results: The reliability of averaged time series data on the search term “wisdom teeth” was excellent in all examined countries. In all countries analyzed, “wisdom teeth removal” was one of the most common related search terms. Significant interest peaks for wisdom teeth-related search terms were found in Canada and the USA during summer ( p < .001). In Canada and the USA, significant seasonal patterns with the highest interest during the summer months, could be displayed. Conclusion: This phenomenon could be caused by increased wisdom teeth-related complaints induced by seasonal climate changes.
A national survey of current practice in pre-alveolar bone graft orthodontics in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kane Georgina , Good Sarah
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To obtain an overview of current practice for pre-alveolar bone graft (pre-ABG) orthodontics at cleft centres across the United Kingdom.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Web-based.

Methods:

The survey was distributed online to UK orthodontic consultants undertaking cleft care and was piloted before use. The domains explored included level of experience, perceived benefits and concerns with undertaking pre-ABG orthodontics, types of appliances used and ABG outcomes.

Results:

A total of 38 consultant orthodontists responded, with a response rate of 56%. Pre-ABG orthodontics was performed most commonly (81.6%) in patients with a bilateral cleft lip and palate; however, 21.1% never performed it in any cleft phenotypes. The most common types of appliances used were fixed slow expanders and fixed appliances. No respondents reported poor ABG outcomes.

Conclusion:

There was no clear protocol for providing pre-ABG orthodontic treatment, with wide variation across the UK. A variety of orthodontic treatment approaches are being undertaken, and the outcomes of ABGs remain successful. Multidisciplinary teams should have a holistic approach to patient care when deciding to perform pre-ABG orthodontics and involve patients in decision making. Future UK research should focus on additional secondary outcomes and determining a standardised approach to ensure best possible care is delivered.
Economic Hardship and Support for Redistribution: Synthesising Five Themes in the Literature
Authors: Yeandle Alex , Green Jane , Corre Tiphaine Le
Published: September 2024

Does becoming poorer always cause people to shift their attitudes towards higher demand for redistribution? Through a systematic review of the literature on this question, we reveal five important themes in existing research: a person’s current income, their future expectations, their expectations about redistribution benefits, their income in early life and their attitudes towards beneficiaries. Identifying these themes helps explain why responses to economic hardship are variable and heterogeneous, and can very usefully guide future research.
Violence Against Parents by Adult Children: A Systematic Literature Review of Empirical Studies
Authors: Klun Monika , Bučar Ručman Aleš , Frangež Danijela
Published: September 2024

Violence against parents by adult children is the abuse of physical, psychological, social, or economic power committed by a grown-up child against his/her parent or foster parent with the intention of achieving a specific goal such as control, subordination, economic gains, or internal satisfaction. It encompasses physical, psychological, sexual, and financial violence, neglect, and property crime. This paper aims to systematically review the literature on violence against parents by adult children. With the use of a range of keywords, the databases Web of Science, SAGE, SpringerLink, Taylor and Francis online, PubMed, EBSCOhost, JSTOR, ProQuest Ebook Central, PsycInfo, Routledge, and Science Direct were reviewed according to the PRISMA Statement. A review of the literature by key authors and contributions using the snowball method followed. The inclusion criteria were empirical journal papers and books published in English between 1990 and 2023 that address violence against parents by adult children. Exclusion criteria included reviews, commentaries, abstracts, and any publications that address the subject topic in a language other than English. The searches returned 39 relevant contributions. Four common themes emerged across the field: the prevalence and characteristics of violence against parents by adult children, parents’ responses and experiences of violence by adult children, social perceptions of (older) parent abuse, and consequences and prevention of violence against parents by adult children. Findings of the literature review show that violence against parents is an under-researched phenomenon and points to the need for further research, including the prevention, detection, consequences, and treatment of such violence.