bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose-dependent interaction of two heavy metals with amiodarone toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Halloum Iman , Al-Attrache Houssein , El-Ghoz Katia , Hammoud Lara , Abdel-Razzak Ziad
Published: May 2022

Amiodarone (AMD) is an antiarrhythmic drug that induces idiosyncratic toxicity. Environmental pollutants, including heavy metals, could interact with its toxicity by affecting pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Other levels of interaction could exist in yeast, such as oxidative stress and the general stress response. In this study, we investigated the interaction of mercury chloride (HgCl2) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2) with AMD toxicity on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Interaction type - synergistic, additive, or antagonistic - was determined by median drug effect analysis using “CompuSyn”. HgCl2 potentiated AMD toxicity at high doses (≥ 71.4 μm, which yielded more than 60% inhibition). CdCl2 acted similarly at high doses (≥ 57.9 μm). An antagonistic effect appeared at lower doses with both heavy metals (≤ 49.4 μm for HgCl2 and AMD; ≤ 18.9 μm for CdCl2 and AMD). The threshold concentrations (HgCl2 or CdCl2 combined with AMD) that switched the interaction from antagonistic to additive, and then to synergistic, were decreased in the yeast strain mutant in catalase ( CTT1), suggesting an important role for this enzyme. Moreover, mutation of the nutrient sensing receptor gene GPR1 caused the synergistic interaction of CdCl2, but not HgCl2, with AMD to occur at the lowest tested concentrations (1.2 μm). The reverse was obtained with the mutant strain in calcium–manganese transporter gene PMR1, where the synergistic interaction of HgCl2 with AMD occurred at concentrations (20.7 μm) lower than that of the wild type (71.4 μm). These results demonstrated a dose-dependent interaction between the two heavy metals with AMD toxicity, and the involvement of oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis, and nutrient sensing in the observed interaction.
Evaluation of a 2-1-1 Telephone Navigation Program to Increase Cancer Control Behaviors: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fernandez Maria E. , Savas Lara S. , Atkinson John S. , Ricks Katherine Ball , Ibekwe Lynn N. , Jackson Inimfon , Castle Philip E. , Jobe David , Vernon Sally W.
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of a telephone navigation intervention for increasing use of cancer control services among underserved 2-1-1 callers.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

2-1-1 call centers in Houston and Weslaco, Texas (located in the Rio Grande Valley near the Mexican border).

Participants:

2-1-1 callers in need of Pap test, mammography, colorectal cancer screening, smoking cessation counseling, and/or HPV vaccination for a daughter (n = 1,554). A majority were low-income and described themselves as Black or Hispanic.

Intervention:

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a cancer control referral for the needed service(s) with telephone navigation from a trained cancer control navigator (n = 995) or a referral only (n = 559).

Measures:

Uptake of each individual service and any needed service.

Analysis:

Assessed uptake in both groups using bivariate chi-square analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusted for sociodemographic covariates. Both per-protocol and intent-to-treat approaches were used.

Results:

Both interventions increased cancer control behaviors. Referral with navigation intervention resulted in significantly greater completion of any needed service (OR = 1.38; p = .042), Pap test (OR = 1.56; p = .023), and smoking cessation counseling (OR = 2.66; p = .044), than referral-only condition. Other outcomes showed the same trend although the difference was not statistically significant: mammography (OR = 1.53; p = .106); colorectal cancer screening (OR = 1.80; p = .095); and HPV vaccination of a daughter (OR = 1.61; p = .331).

Conclusion:

Adding cancer control referrals and navigation to an informational service like the 2-1-1 program can increase overall participation in cancer control services.
The Life Course of Unemployment and Midlife Health
Authors: Frech Adrianne , Damaske Sarah , Ohler Adrienne
Published: May 2022

Objectives: We estimate associations between unemployment trajectories from ages 27-49 and physical and mental health at age 50. Methods: Data are from the U.S. National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 ( N=6434). Group-based trajectory models are used to identify unemployment trajectories. Generalized linear models with a modified Bolck, Croon, and Hagenaars (BCH) correction are used to regress health on unemployment trajectory groups. Results: We identified “Consistently Low (70%),” “Decreasing Mid-Career (18%),” and “Persistently High (12%)” unemployment trajectories. Experiencing Decreasing Mid-Career or Persistently High trajectories was associated with worse physical and mental health at age 50 than Consistently Low trajectories. Experiencing a Persistently High trajectory was associated with worse physical and mental health than a Decreasing Mid-Career trajectory. Discussion: Timing and likelihood of unemployment are associated with midlife health. Mid-Career unemployment is associated with worse physical and mental health at age 50, but not to the same degree as Persistently High unemployment.
Multi-segment trajectory tracking of the redundant space robot for smooth motion planning based on interpolation of linear polynomials with parabolic blend
Authors: Shrivastava Abhishek , Dalla Vijay Kumar
Published: May 2022

This work presents multi-segment trajectory tracking of the redundant space robot for smooth motion planning based on interpolation of linear polynomials with the parabolic blend. First, direct kinematics equation is inhibited with cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) to avoid orientation singularity. Second, the Bezier curve has been used to depict the shape of the joint trajectory by interpolating linear polynomials with the parabolic blend. Third, CSA is used to find the optimal solution of joint trajectories by satisfying the imposed constraints (joint velocity and acceleration).Fourth, various influencing variables, such as joint angles, joint rates, joint accelerations, end-effector attitude quaternion, end-effector position, and base attitude orientation are optimized so that the end-effector smoothly achieves the desired pose by stabilizing the base attitude. At last, the jerk minimized motion planning scheme is executed concerning imposed constraints such as (joint angles, angular velocities, angular accelerations, and torque). The proposed methodology of a redundant 7 Degree of Freedom (DOF) space robot has validated the efficacy of the proposed method. Using this method, a smooth trajectory path is achieved by controlling base attitude orientation while maintaining the end-effector pose during task completion. Additionally, with proposed jerk minimized motion planning, the manipulator vibration is reduced.
Finite Element Modeling of a stretched automotive conductor response under bending curvature
Authors: Amri Tasnim , Jemmali Mohamed , Maalej Yamen
Published: May 2022

The present contribution deals with a based FE model treating helically wrapped automotive conductor subjected to pretension force and bending curvature. It is shown that even with low pre-tension force generated by the fixing conditions of the automotive conductor, the bending stiffness varies between two bounds: maximum stiffness for small curvature then from a critical curvature it starts to decrease until reaching a minimum bound independently of friction coefficient and tension force. It can be also, underlined that in addition to the consideration of the inter-layer contact, this elaborated FE model takes into account the friction contact between the same layer wires allowing to the conductor more rigidity. As it can be noticed, this contact mode was neglected in previous literature models.
Artistic robotic pencil sketching using closed-loop force control
Authors: Wu Pan-Long , Hung Yi-Chin , Shaw Jin-Siang
Published: May 2022

This study introduces an artistic robotic painting system. The main purpose was to use a force sensor combined with a 6-axis robotic arm to create pencil sketches. Compared with other painting robots, our system has additional tactile sensing that can overcome the problem of pencil wear and can simulate the feeling of human sketches. To provide the robot with the capability to create paintings, our experiment used neural style transfer technology to extract the content and style image features and recomposed them into a new artwork. The newly generated image was processed for edge detection and further layered using methods, such as k-means clustering and image grayscale quantisation, resulting in a contour layer and multiple background layers. We carried out path planning of different layers according to the layering result, and we sorted the pixels by finding the shortest distance between them to plan a feasible path for the robotic arm at a higher speed. Finally, in the robotic arm painting experiment, we conducted two types of art creation: Chinese brush painting and pencil sketching. In the first type, we used position control to create a Chinese brush painting, and in the second type, we used a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for force control to create pencil sketching. The experimental results show the validity of the proposed techniques in artistic robotic painting, both in Chinese brush painting and pencil sketching, with painting times of less than 30 min.
The evolution of swearing in television catchphrases
Authors: Fägersten Kristy Beers , Bednarek Monika
Published: May 2022

Catchphrases have long been a hallmark of US-American sit-coms and dramas, as well as reality, game and variety show programming. Because the phenomenon of the television catchphrase developed throughout the era of network, commercial broadcasting under Federal Communications Commission guidelines regulating profanity in network television, catchphrases traditionally have not included swear words. Nevertheless, certain past television catchphrases can be regarded as euphemistic alternatives of swearing expressions (e.g. ‘Kiss my grits!’), while contemporary catchphrases from cable or streaming series do include explicit swearing (e.g. ‘Don’t fuck it up!’). We examine a database of 168 popular catchphrases from a 70-year period of US-American television programming according to categories for bad language and impoliteness formulae. We identify three categories of catchphrases based on structural-functional similarities to swearing expressions, and we trace the distribution of these categories over time and across networks. The data reveal a trend towards explicit swearing in catchphrases over time, not only in series on cable and streaming services, but across networks. We conclude that the expressive nature of catchphrases and their structural-functional properties render the inclusion of swear words both more palatable to a television audience and more compatible with television norms, thus propagating catchphrase swearing on cable and streaming television services, and mitigating the use of swear words on network television. Due to appropriation phenomena, swearing catchphrases may serve to blur the lines between actually swearing and simply invoking a swearing catchphrase, thereby potentially increasing tolerance for swearing both on television and off.
The properties of starch/cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol composite as hydrodegradable film
Authors: Chan Mieow-Kee , Tang Tung-Hao
Published: May 2022

Hydrodegradable material as the replacement for plastic could be a better option than biodegradable material due to its solubility in water, which could extend the landfill’s lifespan. On the other hand, biodegradable material requires tightly controlled waste management and proper facilities for degradation purposes. The starch film is highly soluble in water, exhibiting poor mechanical strength. This study aims to improve the strength of starch film by adding cellulose, which was isolated from rice husk and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Results showed that Type 1 – cellulose was extracted from rice husk. With the addition of PVA to the starch/cellulose film, the homogeneity of the mixture improved, as illustrated in FESEM images. The mechanical strength of film also greatly improved from 2 MPa to 4.2 MPa when 3 g of PVA was used. The film showed the sign of degradation after being immersed in water for 24 h due to its high-water uptake property (∼89%). This starch/cellulose/starch film could be used as an edible wrap and single-use material for varied applications such as disposable plates.
Generations, We Hardly Knew Ye: An Obituary
Authors: Rudolph Cort W. , Zacher Hannes
Published: May 2022

Although popular in the organizational sciences, in the media, and in practice, the concepts of “generations” and “generational differences” have been increasingly scrutinized based on theoretical, methodological, and statistical concerns. Here, we present a short obituary to bid adieu to these troubled concepts, with the hopes of memorializing and “putting to rest” these controversial ideas. We encourage researchers and practitioners to think beyond the narrow scope offered by the idea of generations, adopt a more critical perspective on our science and practice, and learn from the mistakes of the past.
Primary Alveolar Soft-Part Sarcoma of the Lung: A Case Report
Authors: Zhao Jiangying , Peng Jiao , Liu Jingtao , Deng Qiang , Pang Xiaojun
Published: May 2022

Alveolar soft-part sarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue malignant tumor. Although the tumor can occur in many parts of the body, primary alveolar soft-part sarcoma of the lung is extremely rare. According to previous literature, only 3 cases of primary alveolar soft-part sarcoma of the lung were reported, and no comprehensive analysis was conducted on these cases. Here, we describe another case of alveolar soft-part sarcoma in the lung, where the negative results of immunohistochemical staining cause extreme difficulty in distinguishing this lesion from other tumors. A 30-year-old Chinese male presented with chest pain and dyspnea. Computed tomography revealed a pulmonary mass, and biopsy results showed vacuolar tumor cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. A number of immunohistochemical markers were negative, but the tumor cells were positive for TFE3 and ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion gene. No other tumor masses were found in the patient after whole-body scanning. The final diagnosis was primary alveolar soft-part sarcoma of the lung. Pathologists should consider the possibility of alveolar soft-part sarcoma in lung tumors with typical "organ like" or "acinar like" cell nests, where the tumor cells are large, vacuolated, and the nucleolus is obvious. After excluding metastasis from other sites, TFE3 immunohistochemical staining and ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion gene detection are recommended for the diagnosis of primary alveolar soft-part sarcoma.
Experimental Support for the Possibility of Retrograde Genesis of Intraductal Carcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Kryvenko Oleksandr N. , Punnen Sanoj , Udayakumar Thirupandiyur S. , Gaston Sandra M. , Tao Wensi , Ma Wendi , Stoyanova Radka , Pollack Alan
Published: May 2022

Background. Historically, intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) was postulated to be a retrograde spread of high-grade invasive prostate cancer. There is evidence that IDC-P can primarily originate in the prostatic ducts. The retrograde genesis has never been experimentally or clinically confirmed before. Methods. Biopsy proven intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer was orthotopically grafted in the prostate of severe combined immunodeficiency gamma mice. Cancer growth was monitored by serum PSA levels. The animals were sacrificed and grafted areas were histological examined. Results. Twenty-one of 23 mice survived and demonstrated rising serum PSA. In 10 of 21 animals, human prostate cancer was identified orthotopically. Except for one case where the human biopsy showed a Grade Group 2 prostate cancer and mouse graft was Grade Group 5, other 9 specimens showed comparable grades. One of the specimens demonstrated a cribriform invasive prostate cancer and adjacent IDC-P. Conclusion. These experimental data offer some evidence that invasive prostate cancer can demonstrate a retrograde spread in the prostatic ducts as IDC-P. Its ability to primarily arise in the ducts has been demonstrated in other studies. However, the issue which remains unresolved is in its most common presentation of IDC-P intermixed with high-grade invasive cancer if it is the former or the latter which came first. Possibly resolving this dilemma will shed some light on the existing controversies if IDC-P should or should not be graded when invasive cancer is present.
Culture in the Seminar Room of Poetry: Poetic Insights for Cultural Psychology
Authors: Freiherr von Fircks Enno
Published: May 2022

Some relations between poetry and Cultural Psychology have been investigated in the past. Yet, the very nature of poetry and its fundamental links to Cultural Psychology remain uninvestigated. By outlining the essence of poetry – its rhythmic-melodic, linguistically pictorial character – I show how poetry is in deep accordance with Cultural Psychology of Semiotic Dynamics. Poetry is all about experiences and emotions; these emotive experiences explain the basic relatedness of a person towards an object and shed light onto the complex processes of sign construction. It is only while taking into account the genetic Gestalt, previous and subsequent elements within a specific rhythmic and pictorial form that we are able to unravel this specific relatedness. Different poetic texts might then treat the same object but the relatedness towards it might diverge drastically. Based on these poetic elements, I define culture as a poetic field. Referring to a fictitious example, I explain that researchers and practitioners need to take into account a person’s complex rhythmic actions, that are divided genetically into different forms to understand his/her complex experiences of the environment. Then this illuminative power of relatedness sheds light onto the dynamically complex structuring and re-structuring of culture.
Understanding the factors influencing implementation of a new national patient safety policy in England: Lessons from ‘learning from deaths’
Authors: Lalani Mirza , Morgan Sarah , Basu Anamika , Hogan Helen
Published: May 2022

Objective

A new patient safety policy, ‘Learning from Deaths’ (LfD), was implemented in 2017 in National Health Service (NHS) organisations in England. This study examined how contextual factors influenced the implementation of LfD policy and the ability of the programme to achieve its goals.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with key policymakers involved in the development of the policy, along with interviews with managers and senior clinicians in five NHS organisations responsible for implementing the policy at the local level. We also undertook non-participant observation of relevant meetings and documentary reviews of key organisation procedures and policies pertaining to LfD.

Results

The study findings suggest several factors that hinder or support patient safety policy implementation at a local level. These include: (a) an organisation’s capacity and capability to support data collation, analysis and synthesis, (b) the dissemination of the resulting information, (c) the learning culture and hence perceptions of the purpose of LfD within an organisation, and (d) the extent of engagement in cross-organisational approaches to learning.

Conclusions

Extra and intra-organisational contextual factors influence all stages of the policy implementation process from preparation and tracking to implementation support and review affecting its chances of success or failure. Successful adoption of a national patient safety policy within health care organisations can be informed by taking into consideration those factors.
“The queers hate me because I’m too butch”: Goldilocks masculinity among non-heterosexual men
Authors: Winer Canton
Published: May 2022

A growing body of scholarship finds that hegemonic masculinity is evolving to produce hybrid masculinities that contain elements of both dominant and marginalized masculinities. Hybrid masculinity theory argues that incorporating marginalized masculinities into the mainstream conceals inequality while continuing to reproduce it. Regarding sexuality, however, the bulk of this research has centered heterosexual men’s perspectives on non-heterosexual masculinities. Instead, I ask: How do non-heterosexual men experience masculinity? Based on interviews with 29 non-heterosexual men, I find pressures to fit within a “goldilocks zone” of masculinity, emphasizing a floor and a ceiling to idealized masculinity. The goldilocks masculinity produced by these bi-directional pressures mirrors and elaborates upon hegemonic masculinity and hybrid masculinity, including emphases on the dominant themes of race, class, and body. I situate goldilocks masculinity as a subtype of hybrid masculinity, while also focusing on how men from the margins simultaneously incorporate and distance themselves from hegemonic masculinity.
A modified space truss analogy model for ultimate torsional capacity of ultra-high-performance concrete solid and box beams
Authors: Mitobaba Josue G , Wu Xiangguo , Chen Baochun , Su Jiazhan , Dong Zhang
Published: May 2022

This paper presents an analytical model using a modified space truss analogy for predicting the ultimate torsional capacity of reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (R-UHPC) beams. Both solid and box beams are considered. The credibility of the proposed model is evaluated by comparing the theoretical predictions of the ultimate torsional capacity and its corresponding twist ( Tu- αu) to experimental results of several R-UHPC beams (solid and box beams) available in the literature. The results are also compared with the calculation of the existing models. The comparisons show that the proposed model gives acceptable predictions of the ultimate limit torsional capacity of R-UHPC beams and the corresponding twist angle and offers better accuracy than the existing analytical models. Additionally, a parametric study was carried out to determine factors that influence the ultimate torsional capacity. The result shows that the ultimate torsional capacity is not just improved by the increase of the tensile strength of UHPC but also increased by the increase of the reinforcements (transversal and longitudinal).
Mechanical and tribological characterisation of AlCoCuFeNi HEA reinforced magnesium composites prepared via spark plasma sintering
Authors: Chen Jiqin , Li Kewei , Dong Peng , Yang Xiao , Han Mingzhu , Hu Zhangyi , Yan Zhifeng , Zhang Hongxia
Published: May 2022

In this paper, high-entropy alloy (HEA) particle-reinforced magnesium matrix composites were successfully prepared by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology. The effect of the addition of HEA particles on the microstructural evolution, compressive properties and wear properties was investigated. Given its weak binding with other HEA elements, Cu was the element that separated in the initial HEA-reinforced material and combined with Mg to produce CuMg2 dispersed in the matrix. The microhardness of the SPSed composite was 45.9% higher than that of the magnesium matrix. The SPSed composite with HEA particle content of 15 vol.% had the best compressive strength, and the ultimate compressive strength reached 269 MPa. With increased AlCoCuFeNi particles, the matrix could avoid fatigue wear, and the abrasive wear mechanism dominated.
Insurgent multiplicities
Authors: Olson Kevin
Published: May 2022

My discussion of Massimiliano Tomba's Insurgent Universality focuses on intertwined themes of historicism, normativity, and revolution that I find particularly generative. By drawing them together I hope to trace out important parts of the book's conceptual infrastructure, especially the way it uses insurgent moments of the past to conceptualize alternative modernities. My particular focus is the sense in which Tomba hopes to “reactivate” important aspects of past insurgent moments. In the end, I argue that his arguments actually go much farther to displace universalism than he credits them. Agreeing with the spirit of Tomba's work rather than its letter, I believe that he provides us with good grounds to focus on insurgent multiplicities rather than insurgent “universality.”
Engineering deep learning methods on automatic detection of damage in infrastructure due to extreme events
Authors: Bai Yongsheng , Zha Bing , Sezen Halil , Yilmaz Alper
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a few comprehensive experimental studies for automated Structural Damage Detection (SDD) in extreme events using deep learning methods for processing 2D images. In the first study, a 152-layer Residual network (ResNet) is utilized to classify multiple classes in eight SDD tasks, which include identification of scene levels, damage levels, and material types. The proposed ResNet achieved high accuracy for each task while the positions of the damage are not identifiable. In the second study, the existing ResNet and a segmentation network (U-Net) are combined into a new pipeline, cascaded networks, for categorizing and locating structural damage. The results show that the accuracy of damage detection is significantly improved compared to only using a segmentation network. In the third and fourth studies, end-to-end networks are developed and tested as a new solution to directly detect cracks and spalling in the image collections of recent large earthquakes. One of the proposed networks can achieve an accuracy above 67 .6% for all tested images at various scales and resolutions, and shows its robustness for these human-free detection tasks. As a preliminary field study, we applied the proposed method to detect damage in a concrete structure that was tested to study its progressive collapse performance. The experiments indicate that these solutions for automatic detection of structural damage using deep learning methods are feasible and promising. The training datasets and codes will be made available for the public upon the publication of this paper.
A comprehensive review on branched nanofibers: Preparations, strategies, and applications
Authors: Zaarour Bilal , Alhinnawi Mohammed Firas
Published: May 2022

Engineering surface morphologies of nanofibers has been attracting significant consideration in numerous fields and applications. Among different methods of generating nanofibers, electrospinning is the most widely adopted technique owing to the ease of forming nanofibers with an extensive range of properties and its exceptional advantages, such as the variety of shapes and sizes, as well as the adaptable porosity of nanofiber webs. The branched structure is considered one of the most attractive structures for scientific researchers due to its outstanding properties (e.g., high-specific surface area and extremely tiny diameters of branched nanofibers). Therefore, this work is the first one that summarizes the strategies and methods, reported so far, of producing branched nanofibers of different materials. The material types, formation mechanisms, characterizations, and applications of the branched nanofibers generated through different techniques will be discussed in detail in this study. We believe this work can be served as an important reference for the preparations, strategies, and applications of the branched nanofibers.
Dual Leadership in the Matrix: Effects of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and Dual-Leader Exchange (DLX) on Role Conflict and Dual Leadership Effectiveness
Authors: Sahlmueller Ben , Van Quaquebeke Niels , Giessner Steffen R. , van Knippenberg Daan
Published: May 2022

While strategic management theories have heavily engaged with the reality of matrix organizations, leadership theories that actually focus on the people working within such arrangements are missing. We argue that (a) followers perceive dual leadership effectiveness to be more than the sum of each leader's effectiveness, (b) a core detriment to perceived dual leadership effectiveness is role conflict experienced by the follower, and (c) Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) needs to be theoretically extended to the triadic level to capture the influence of dual leadership. Specifically, followers’ role conflict and leadership effectiveness perceptions are driven not only by how they perceive their LMX relationships with both leaders, but also how they perceive the relationship quality between their leaders (dual leadership exchange, DLX). As such, even though higher LMX is still better than lower LMX, having a similar exchange relationship with both leaders reduces employees’ role conflict and, by extension, heightens dual leadership effectiveness. Additionally, we reason that when employees lack a good relationship with one of the leaders, higher DLX can act as a substitute. We find support for our hypotheses by applying polynomial regression analyses to a dataset of 111 managers from a matrix organization who report to both a regional and business unit leader.
Anatomical feasibility of the current endovascular solutions for Juxtarenal aortic abdominal aneurysm repair
Authors: Gallitto Enrico , Faggioli Gianluca , Logiacco Antonino , Mascoli Chiara , Spath Paolo , Palermo Sergio , Pini Rodolfo , Gargiulo Mauro
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Endovascular repair of juxta-renal aneurysms (JAAAs) can be achieved by fenestrated endografts (FEVAR), parallel-grafts (CHEVAR) and standard abdominal endografts + endoanchors (ESAR). Aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of their anatomical feasibility in JAAAs.

Materials and Methods

All patients submitted to JAAAs treatment from 2006 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, irrelevant of the procedure performed. Juxta-renal aneurysm was defined according with the current ESVS clinical practice guidelines. Preoperative computed tomography angiographies were analyzed to evaluate the anatomical feasibility of: FEVAR (Cook Zenith-platform; CE-marked or custom-made device), CHEVAR (Medtronic Endurant + Atrium Advanta - CE marked combination) and ESAR (Medtronic Endurant + Helifix - CE marked combination) according with the manufactures’ instruction for use. The anatomical feasibility of these three endovascular solutions was assessed according with the proximal neck, target visceral vessels (TVVS) and iliac access characteristics.

Results

Ninety-nine cases were considered. There were no cases of frank aortic rupture and in all patients at least one arterial access from above was available. Fenestrated endograft, CHEVAR, and ESAR were anatomically feasible in 93 (94%), 37 (37%), and 27 (27%) cases, respectively ( p <. 001). Fenestrated endograft requires design with <3, three and >3 fenestrations in 29 (31%), 33 (36%), and 31 (33%) cases, respectively. Parallel graft technique have required 1 or 2 parallel graft configurations in 12 (12%) and 25 (25%) cases, respectively. Among the 14 cases with aneurysm diameter >70 mm, the anatomical feasibility of FEVAR, CHEVAR, and ESAR was 13(93%), 4(29%), and 4 (29%) cases, respectively ( p < .001).

Conclusion

Fenestrated endograft is more frequently applicable than CHEVAR and ESAR as endovascular treatment of JAAAs. Since this difference is valid also in aneurysms with diameter >70 mm, the issue of a rapid availability is of paramount importance. The 6% of cases have not any endovascular solution and requires open surgery.
Proposals for the future of leadership scholarship: Suggestions in Phronesis
Authors: Allen Scott J , Rosch David M , Ciulla Joanne B , Dugan John P , Jackson Brad , Johnson Stefanie K , Pace Cindy , Kempster Steve , Guthey Eric , Murphy Susan E , Riggio Ron E , Schrier Karen “Kat” , Souba Wiley “Chip” , Spiller Chellie
Published: May 2022

“Phronesis” can be summarized as “wisdom in determining ends and the means of attaining them.” This unique article originated from comments made by scholars on a podcast hosted by Dr. Scott Allen titled “Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders.” Here, we propose 10 specific agendas focused on the future of scholarship in the field of leadership studies, authored by some of these scholars. Topics include how to think about effective leadership in “the age of emotion” where truth can seem up for debate; specific topical suggestions for expanded study—such as more comprehensively studying place and space, indigenous wisdom, equity issues, games that teach, and focusing more on lifespan perspectives; better integrating scholarship with professional settings where leading occurs; and more effectively framing what it even means to lead and follow.
How public media and governments co-construct the adult skills agenda. The OECD's Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies in Italian and Danish newspapers
Authors: Rasmussen Palle , Milana Marcella , Vatrella Sandra , Larson Anne
Published: May 2022

The ‘Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies’ (PIAAC), developed and managed by the OECD, is an important source of knowledge about adult skills as well as an intervention in the field of education policy. One level of the intervention is the presence of PIAAC results in public media and debate. This article presents a comparative analysis of the way major newspapers in Italy and Denmark presented and used PIAAC over the period 2013–2019. The press contributes to constructing knowledge and setting agendas for education by presenting information structured from criteria of news value and from ideological stances. The analysis, done as part of the ENLIVEN research project ( Milana et al., 2020 ), traces how PIAAC results were covered in Italian and Danish newspapers and used in the construction of themes, angles and ‘truths’ on skills and adult learning.
Predictors of patient delay among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Chaychoowong Kampanart , Watson Roger , Barrett David I.
Published: May 2022

Background

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a major health problem in Thailand. Delay in getting treatment is an important factor which may worsen the disease and increase TB transmission.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the duration and predictors of patient delay among PTB patients in Northeast Thailand.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a structured questionnaire in nine districts in Nakhon Ratchasima Province from July to September 2018. The duration between the first symptom onset and the first visit to a health facility was determined, with a period of greater than 30 days defined as patient delay. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of the delay.

Results

300 PTB patients participated in the survey, with patient delay identified in 39% of respondents. The median duration of the delay was 35 days among participants overall. Through multivariate analysis, primary education, upper secondary education, previous TB knowledge, TB recognition, TB stigmatisation, weight loss, self-treatment, the number of visits with health providers and using a motorcycle to travel to the hospital were significant predictors of patient delay.

Discussion

Knowledge needs to be provided to people to increase their recognition and minimise stigmatisation of TB. Education about TB screening needs to be revised and delivered to health providers to increase and improve TB detection processes.
Unnecessary Use of Corticosteroids for managing early mild symptoms of COVID-19 may lead to Rhino-ortibal-cerebral mucormycosis in Patients with Diabetes – a case series from Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Iqtadar Somia , Hashmat Masooma , Chaudhry Muhammad Nabeel Akbar , Mumtaz Sami Ullah , Abaidullah Sajid , Pascual-Figal Domingo A. , Khan Amjad
Published: May 2022

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM), a rare but fatal fungal infection, has recently emerged as a serious complication after corticosteroids therapy in COVID-19 patients, predominantly in diabetic and immunocompromised patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 current guidelines recommend corticosteroids administration in hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring supplementary oxygen or mechanical ventilation. Herein, we report a case series of seven patients with COVID-19; three mild, three moderate, and one severe, from Lahore, Pakistan; all were using corticosteroids for managing their early mild symptoms of COVID-19 at home for around 2–3 weeks without a physician’s advise, presented, and admitted with ROCM to Mayo hospital, Lahore, from March to June 2021. Out of the seven patients, five patients had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) as comorbidity. Eye pain, facial swelling and pain, nasal blockage, and black coloration around eyes, on palate, and oral mucosa were the presenting complaints at the time of admission. All the patients had radiographic imaging, including computed tomography (CT), paranasal sinuses (PNS), or brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) carried out at the hospital, which confirmed mucosal thickening and adjacent sinus bony erosions with intracranial extension. All the patients were treated with local debridement of the infected necrotic tissue along with intravenous liposomal Amphotericin B and Posaconazole or Amphotericin B depending on the case. Due to timely management, in six out of seven patients, prognosis was good due to early diagnosis and treatment, while one patient with severe COVID-19 illness deteriorated and died. The misuse of corticosteroids for managing early mild symptoms of COVID-19 in diabetic and other immunocompromised patients can lead to fatal ROCM, which can further increase their risk of developing severe COVID-19 and mortality. It is stressed that only physician’s recommended therapeutic advice should be followed for managing early mild symptoms of COVID-19 in self-isolation and avoid the unnecessary use of corticosteroids. This case series also emphasizes that COVID-19 diabetic patients treated with corticosteroids need more vigilant monitoring and high suspicion of early diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infection. Early diagnosis and management can reduce morbidity and mortality.
Rethinking regional politics: Beyond the 2021 West Bengal elections
Authors: Chirakkara Vipin Kumar
Published: May 2022

The question of region dominated the 2021 West Bengal elections in a way it did not in states where elections were held alongside. Subsequently, the victory of the Trinamool Congress has been hailed by commentators and scholars as a successful instance both in regional politics and in the defence of federal polity. However, this article contends, the implications of this mandate for the politics of region and federalism cannot be grasped with reference to its own details, but only in a comparative reading of a series of assembly elections held in the recent past and the general elections of 2019. Considering how regional politics gets constituted and elections produce results today, this paper makes an argument that the emergent pattern of mandates indicates rather a problem – that of neutralization of regional politics and federal structure into a devolution of power instead of their elaboration as domains of contestation of an expansionist regime.
The Short-Term Changes of the Sagittal Spinal Alignments After Acute Vertebral Compression Fracture Receiving Vertebroplasty and Their Relationship With the Change of Bathel Index in the Elderly
Authors: Su Wen-Chin , Wu Wen-Tien , Peng Cheng-Huan , Yu Tzai-Chiu , Lee Ru-Ping , Wang Jen-Hung , Yeh Kuang-Ting
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Fragility vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are of major concern due to aging populations worldwide, which may occur after a fall from standing or due to severe osteoporosis, impacting greatly the life quality of the elderly. This study thus determined the factors independently associated with poor functional recovery from a new VCF and changes in sagittal spinal alignment after vertebroplasty in elderly patients with osteoporosis.

Materials and Methods

The data were collected from patients older than 70 years and diagnosed with a new VCF. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with function and radiographic status.

Results

We enrolled 8 male and 34 female patients with a mean age of 80.74 ± 8.31 years between January and July 2020. Compared with preoperative data, post-vertebroplasty lumbar sagittal alignments and functional scores improved significantly, and function recovered gradually over 12 weeks. Climbing stairs was the most influential performance indicator at the beginning of the recovery process. At each postoperative follow-up, changes in the C7-sacrum sagittal vertical axis exhibited an influence on functional recovery. Male patients were better able to move from a chair to a bed at the 2-week postoperative follow-up, and positive changes in the spino-sacral angle led to improved function in terms of stair climbing at the 6-week postoperative follow-up.

Conclusions

Vertebroplasty seemed to be effective for functional recovery related to sagittal spinal alignment improvement of the elderly with VCFs during postoperative 12 weeks, which may be a critical stage for the recovery for their life activities. The recovery rate for stair climbing after vertebroplasty was slower than for the other functional performance indicators in our study. In addition, if a patient was unable to demonstrate a marked improvement in sagittal alignment, they were likely to have ongoing impaired function and a poor prognosis after surgery.
Readability of Patient Educational Materials in Sports Medicine
Authors: Ó Doinn Tiarnán , Broderick James M. , Clarke Rebecca , Hogan Niall
Published: May 2022

Background:

The internet has become an increasingly popular resource among sports medicine patients seeking injury-related information. Numerous organizations recommend that patient educational materials (PEMs) should not exceed sixth-grade reading level. Despite this, studies have consistently shown the reading grade level (RGL) of PEMs to be too demanding across a range of surgical specialties.

Purpose:

To determine the readability of online sports medicine PEMs.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The readability of 363 articles pertaining to sports medicine from 5 leading North American websites was assessed using 8 readability formulas: Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score, Raygor Estimate, Fry Readability Formula, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, Coleman-Liau Index, FORCAST Readability Formula, and Gunning Fog Index. The mean RGL of each article was compared with the sixth- and eighth-grade reading level in the United States. The cumulative mean website RGL was also compared among individual websites.

Results:

The overall cumulative mean RGL was 12.2 (range, 7.0-17.7). No article (0%) was written at a sixth-grade reading level, and only 3 articles (0.8%) were written at or below the eighth-grade reading level. The overall cumulative mean RGL was significantly higher than the sixth-grade [95% CI for the difference, 6.0-6.5; P < .001] and eighth-grade (95% CI, 4.0-4.5; P < .001) reading levels. There was a significant difference among the cumulative mean RGLs of the 5 websites assessed.

Conclusion:

Sports medicine PEMs produced by leading North American specialty websites have readability scores that are above the recommended levels. Given the increasing preference of patients for online health care materials, the imperative role of health literacy in patient outcomes, and the growing body of online resources, significant work needs to be undertaken to improve the readability of these materials.
Early communication development in infants and toddlers with Fragile X syndrome
Authors: Mattie Laura J , Hamrick Lisa R
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) characteristically struggle with language and communication throughout the life course, but there is limited research on the development of communication before 24 months. The purpose of this study is to describe the early communication of infants and toddlers with FXS using the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Caregiver Questionnaire (CSBS-CQ), a standardized communication screening measure, as compared to the reported normative data of the CSBS-CQ and identify the percentage of infants and toddlers who scored within the range of concern. Documenting how children with FXS perform on screening measures can provide a quick snapshot of skills to help clinicians determine the need for services.

Methods

Participants were 22 infants and toddlers with FXS between 6 and 29 months. Performance on the CSBS-CQ was compared to the measure's normative data. The CSBS-CQ was completed by mothers, and children were administered the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Because co-occurring autism is common in FXS, the presence of autism was determined using a clinical best estimate procedure.

Results

Overall and within the domains and subdomains of the CSBS-CQ, infants and toddlers with FXS had significantly lower scores than the normative data. Further, 68.2% of our sample was in the range of concern for their overall communication score. The presence of autism led to consistently lower scores, and more infants and toddlers with FXS + autism scored within the range of concern.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that delays in early communication are evident in comparison to typically developing norms before 24 months. These findings also emphasize that infants and toddlers with FXS would likely benefit from early language intervention given that 68.2% of our sample was in the range of concern for their overall communication score.

Implications

Early identification and developmental monitoring of children with FXS will help to determine concerns in communication and other domains of development. While early communication broadly may not be an early indicator of autism in FXS, some specific skills, such as eye gaze, may serve as such an indicator. Screening measures, like the CSBS-CQ, may help monitor both early communication impairments and autism symptoms. Infants and toddlers with FXS, regardless of autism status, will benefit from early language interventions.
Incidence of acquired pure red cell aplasia: a nationwide epidemiologic analysis with 2 registry databases in Japan
Authors: Nakazawa Hideyuki , Sakai Kaoko , Ohta Akiko , Fujishima Naohito , Matsuda Akira , Hosokawa Kohei , Nakamura Fumi , Nakao Shinji , Mitani Kinuko , Ishida Fumihiro
Published: May 2022

Acquired pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare syndrome characterized by anemia with reticulocytopenia and a marked reduction in erythroid precursors. Given its rarity, the true incidence is largely unknown, and epidemiological data representing the general population, with a description of the full spectrum of etiologies, are scarce. An epidemiological study on PRCA in Japan conducted 30 years ago estimated the annual incidence as 0.3 per million. To update the data and investigate the incidence and demographics of PRCA, we conducted a nationwide epidemiological study using the Japanese Society of Hematology (JSH) Hematologic Disease Registry, a hematologic disease registration database managed by the JSH and the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) study data available at a website of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan. A total of 1055 patients with newly diagnosed acquired PRCA were identified between 2012 and 2019, and the average annual incidence was calculated at 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-1.28) per million. The median age was 73 (range, 18-99) years. The female-to-male ratio was 1.5:1, and the female predominance was most prominent in the child-bearing age group. Sixty-nine percent of acquired PRCA was idiopathic. The incidence of PRCA was approximately 20% of that of aplastic anemia (AA) during the same period. Approximately 0.98 patients per million per year (95% CI, 0.89-1.07) required hospitalization for the treatment of PRCA. These results are expected to contribute to the discussion of resource allocation for PRCA in the aging population in many countries, including Japan.