bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and measurement of the shape of spinning balloons
Authors: Shu Yongping , Tang Yu
Published: October 2022

The development of superconducting magnetic bearings as the twisting element in ring spinning renews the study of the dynamic model of the ring spinning process. In this paper, the variational equation describing the steady motion of the yarn is developed using Hamilton’s principle, the balloon shape is represented by the Bezier polynomial, the undetermined coefficient is solved by Galerkin method, and the semi-analytical solution of the steady-state balloon shape is obtained. Digital images of the balloon yarn are collected by binocular cameras and a stroboscope, and the balloon curve is reconstructed by stereo vision technology. The calculated balloon curve is in good agreement with the measured balloon curve. The balloon shapes and the radial forces acting on the permanent magnetic ring at different radii of the wind-point on the bobbin are investigated by the semi-analytical model when the spindle is spinning at different speeds. The solution procedures developed can be used to explore the vibration and stability of the system, consisting of the magnetic stiffness, permanent magnetic ring, and balloon yarn in the superconducting magnetic bearing twisting mechanism.
Cultural dimensions of nonsuicidal self-injury: A Malaysian perspective
Authors: Fernandez Janet Ann , Aga Mohd Jaladin Rafidah , Lau Poh Li
Published: October 2022

Self-injury is a perilous and increasingly common behavior that is particularly prevalent among youth. Nonetheless, there is a deep-rooted public stigma towards people who self-injure. Consequently, people who engage in self-injury are reluctant to seek professional help or disclose their experiences to others. This article aims to combat stigma and promote help-seeking behavior by debunking the common myths surrounding self-injury in the Malaysian context. Specifically, this article aims to serve as an eye-opener for Malaysian counselors and other mental health professionals to improve their multicultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes when working with those who self-injure.
Coupling model of stress-damage and its application to static blasting technology
Authors: Liu Jun , su Min , Zhang Lu-wei , Liu Zhi-kuan
Published: October 2022

To improve the gas drainage effect of low-permeability coal seams, the influence of the hole arrangement on the static blasting effect was studied through single-hole, double-hole, and guiding-hole blasting tests. A stress-damage coupling model was established to reveal the evolution of the stress field and the distribution of the damage zone under different construction parameters, and the evolution law of the damage zone under a multi-hole arrangement was investigated. The following can be inferred from the research results. (1) The crack initiation of double holes depends on the stress superposition between blasting holes, whereas that of guiding holes depends on the free surface inside the coal body. The increase in borehole diameter and spacing reduction between boreholes could improve the static superposition breaking effect. (2) The relationship between the guiding hole, borehole diameter, and borehole spacing was revealed from the two aspects of the stress field and damage zone. The purpose is to strengthen the blasting effect. The drilling diameter and spacing are measured, and the guiding hole strengthens the blasting effect. At the measurement level, it should be analyzed from the two dimensions of time and stress. The time dimension accelerates the migration of the stress turning point, whereas the stress dimension realizes stress superposition and finally strengthens the static cracking effect. (3) The damage zone evolution of static blasting technology is influenced by expansion pressure, construction parameters, and elastic modulus. The increase in the expansion pressure caused the damage zone of the coal body and a decrease in the elastic modulus. Under the combined action of the expansion pressure and elastic modulus, the damage zone expanded and penetrated. The guiding borehole would not only have a guiding function but could also enhance the breaking effect. (4) In the simulation test scheme, the reasonable ratio of borehole spacing to borehole diameter is approximately 13 to 14, and the reasonable construction parameters are 113 mm of borehole diameter, 1.4 m of borehole spacing, and the layout of multi-hole-guiding hole. Static blasting technology can increase the distribution of the damaged areas of coal seams, realize pressure relief and permeability enhancement of coal seams, and improve the safe construction of coal mining.
Clinical value of deep vein thrombosis density on pre-contrast and post-contrast lower-extremity CT for prediction of pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Kim Dong Kyu , Jung Jae Hyeop , Kim Jin Kyem , Kim Taeho
Published: October 2022

Background

There was a lack of studies assessing the relationship between deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Hounsfield unit (HU) density and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical value of DVT density measured on pre- and post-contrast lower-extremity computed tomography (CT) for the prediction of PTE.

Material and Methods

From 2017 to 2021, patients who underwent pulmonary CT angiography within one week after diagnosis of DVT on lower-extremity CT were included in this retrospective study. Then, the patients without PTE were included in “DVT group” and those with both DVT and PTE were included in the “DVT-PTE group.” The DVT HU density was measured by drawing free-hand region of interests (ROIs) within the thrombus at the most proximal filling defect level. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of DVT density for the risk of PTE.

Results

This study included a total of 94 patients (DVT group: n=56; DVT-PTE group: m=38). DVT density was significantly higher in the DVT-PTE group than the DVT group in both pre-contrast (53.5 ± 6.2 HU vs. 44.1 ± 7.9 HU; P < 0.001) and post-contrast CT (67.0 ± 8.6 HU vs. 57.1 ± 10.6 HU; P < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that the area under curve, sensitivity, and specificity for predicting the risk of PTE were 0.739, 71.1%, and 64.2%, respectively, at a DVT density cutoff of 48.2 HU on pre-contrast CT and were 0.779, 73.7%, and 69.6% at a DVT density cutoff of 61.8 HU on post-contrast CT.

Conclusion

The DVT density on both pre- and post-contrast CT could be a predictive factor of PTE.
Does drainage affect development of heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Wei Congcong , Yang Meng , Chu Kun , Huo Jia , Chen Xiao , Li Huijie
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate the effect of drainage on heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to evaluate other postoperative complications and joint dysfunction between patients with and without drainage.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the medical records of patients who underwent THA from 2017 to 2019 were reviewed. The patients were divided into a drainage group and non-drainage group. Standard preoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were assessed by senior radiologists for HO analysis. Clinical indicators included the hemoglobin concentration, superficial infection, blood transfusion, hematoma formation, hip range of motion (ROM), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein concentration, dressing changes, visual analogue scale score, and Harris Hip Score (HHS).

Results

The incidence of HO was significantly higher in the drainage than non-drainage group (32.0% vs. 16.3%). The presence of severe HO (Brooker grade III or IV) was also different between the groups. Patients in the non-drainage group had smaller ROM early after surgery, but the final ROM and HHS did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusions

The rate and degree of HO after THA were significantly different between patients with and without drainage. There is no added advantage of closed suction drainage over no drainage in primary THA.
Does the Pandemic Affect Inequality Within Families?: The Case of Dual-Earner Couples in Israel
Authors: Herzberg-Druker Efrat , Kristal Tali , Yaish Meir
Published: October 2022

This article exploits the unique consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak to examine whether time constraints drive the unequal division of unpaid labor between dual-earner couples in Israel. Using the first wave of longitudinal household data that was collected in Israel since the outbreak of the pandemic, we focused on 325 dual-earner couples who stayed employed during the first lockdown. By employing OLS regressions, we examined the association between changes in employment hours and changes in unpaid labor for partnered men and women. Strong evidence was found for a gendered translation of the time constraints mechanism: A decrease in hours of paid work is related to an increase in hours of care for children among men and women, but time devoted to housework increased only among women. We conclude that time constraints that resulted from the dramatic effect of the first lockdown on paid and unpaid work in Israel did not significantly change the gender division of unpaid housework but did change the distribution of childcare. The theoretical implications of this conclusion for future research are discussed.
Acetaminophen alleviates ferroptosis in mice with sepsis-associated encephalopathy via the GPX4 pathway
Authors: Chu Jing , Jiang Yi , Zhou Wenyu , Zhang Jialei , Li Hong , Yu Yang , Yu Yonghao
Published: October 2022

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a cognitive impairment caused by sepsis, associated with increased morbidity and death. And acetaminophen (APAP) is a promising therapeutic medicine for SAE treatment. This research was designed to determine whether APAP alleviates SAE by attenuating ferroptosis and mediating the glutathione peroxidase (GPX4) pathway. The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) approach was used to establish septic mouse models. The survival rates for 7 days were determined. The Morris water maze (MWM) was utilized to assess cognitive function. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining identified histopathologic alterations in hippocampal tissue. Mitochondrial damage was discovered in hippocampal tissue using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The reactive oxygen (ROS) levels in hippocampal tissue were measured using commercial assays. Septic cell models were produced using HT22 cells grown with 1 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ROS were quantified using immunofluorescence. Ferroptosis-related protein expression levels in hippocampal tissue and HT22 cells were measured using western blotting. To evaluate the iron content of hippocampal tissue and HT22 cells, commercial kits were employed. According to the findings, APAP improved survival rates, lowered hippocampal and mitochondrial damage, and improve cognitive impairment. In both animal and cell studies, APAP reduced iron content, ROS, glutamate antiporter (xCT), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) levels but increased GPX4 expression. However, RSL3, a GPX4 inhibitor that acts as a ferroptosis activator, decreased the protective properties of APAP in vitro. Our findings suggest that APAP reduces sepsis-induced cognitive impairment by reducing ferroptosis, which is mediated by the GPX4 signaling pathway.
From passive owners to planet savers? Asset managers, carbon majors and the limits of sustainable finance
Authors: Baines Joseph , Hager Sandy Brian
Published: October 2022

This article examines the role of the Big Three asset management firms – BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street – in corporate environmental governance. Specifically, it investigates the Big Three’s relationships with the publicly listed Carbon Majors: a small group of fossil fuels, cement and mining companies responsible for the bulk of industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Engaging with the corporate governance concepts of ownership and control, and exit and voice, it charts the rise to prominence of the Big Three, including their environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds, in the ownership of the Carbon Majors. Having established their status as key sources of permanent capital that are unlikely to exit from their investment positions in the world’s most polluting publicly listed corporations, the article examines how control may be exercised through voice by analysing the Big Three’s proxy voting record at Carbon Major annual general meetings. It finds that they more frequently oppose rather than support shareholder resolutions aimed at improving environmental governance and that their voting is more likely to lead to the failure than to the success of these resolutions. Remarkably, there is little to distinguish the proxy voting of the Big Three’s ESG funds from their non-ESG funds. Regardless of whether these resolutions succeeded or failed, they also tend to be narrow in scope and piecemeal in nature. Overall, the article raises serious doubts about the Big Three’s credentials as environmental stewards and argues instead that they are little more than stewards of the status quo of shareholder value maximization.
The fall of Roe v Wade, the US anti-abortion movement and its influence in Australia
Authors: Penovic Tania
Published: October 2022

This article examines the overturning of the landmark US Supreme Court decision of Roe v Wade, the precedent which conferred federal constitutional protection on the right to abortion. It looks at the US anti-abortion movement which worked for decades to overturn Roe v Wade and the degree to which Australian law is vulnerable to its influence.
Legal education, wellness and Buddhism: A student’s response to Crowe
Authors: Kawamata Oscar H
Published: October 2022

In an article published in this journal in 2020, Professor Jonathan Crowe proposed that ‘well-being’ in legal education should be defined according to one’s participation in objectively good human values. In this article and drawing on my experience as a current law student, I propose an alternative definition of well-being. In particular, I seek to explain why Crowe’s approach does not appeal to me as a student with mental health issues, and to put forward the Buddhist conception of wellness as a better alternative.
An Adaptation of the COPE Intervention for Adolescent Bullying Victimization Improved Mental and Physical Health Symptoms
Authors: Hutson Elizabeth , Mazurek Melnyk Bernadette
Published: October 2022

Objective:

One in five children report experiencing bullying. Bullying in childhood affects the physical and emotional health and functioning of youth with immediate consequences, including depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, and suicidal ideation. Schools overwhelmingly are tasked with addressing bullying; however, school-based programs are often focused on preventing bullying from occurring. There is a paucity of evidence-based interventions for adolescents who have directly experienced bullying and suffer from adverse health outcomes, especially when they present to the mental health setting.

Methods:

This pre-experimental study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the MINDSTRONG to Combat Bullying Program for adolescents who have experienced bullying with concurrent mental health symptoms.

Results:

Twenty adolescents and their parent dyads enrolled in the MINDSTRONG to Combat Bullying program. Significant reductions were found over time in adolescent self-reported depressive, anxiety and somatic symptoms as well as bullying victimization frequency, with large positive effect sizes for the intervention. Significant increases in adolescent personal beliefs also were found.

Conclusions:

Although several of the intervention sessions needed to be rescheduled and many of the adolescents did not complete their weekly skills building homework, MINDSTRONG to Combat Bullying was found to be a highly acceptable intervention for adolescents that was effective in reducing physical and mental health symptoms as well as perceptions of bullying victimization.
Implementation of a Treatment Program for Individuals Imprisoned for Sex Offenses in Uruguay: Achievements, Problems and Challenges
Authors: Sánchez de Ribera Olga , Trajtenberg Nicolás , Martínez-Catena Ana , Redondo-Illescas Santiago
Published: October 2022

Treatment for individuals convicted of sex offenses has substantially improved in developed countries in recent decades, providing practitioners with an extensive literature to guide the implementation of effective programs to reduce sexual reoffending. Nevertheless, sexual offending rehabilitation is still in its infancy in Latin American countries such as Uruguay, so little is known about the transference and implementation of evidence-based programs. The current study examines the strengths, barriers, and challenges of implementing a sex offenses treatment program in Uruguay. The findings suggest some achievements of the program, but also several problems with implementation. Some problems are universal among different countries (e.g., scarce resources and facilities, insufficiently trained staff, and unexpected changes in the organization), but others were particularly relevant in the Uruguayan context (e.g., government policy alien to a rehabilitation approach, lack of appropriate prison facilities, lack of training for therapists from a cognitive-behavioral perspective). All these difficulties must be anticipated and solved for successful generalizability of rehabilitation programs to different correctional systems.
Bilateral papilledema associated with retinal hemorrhagic appearance as earliest sign of spinal cord tumor
Authors: Giannuzzi Federico , Carlà Matteo Mario , Boselli Francesco , Caputo Carmela Grazia , Fossataro Claudia , Gambini Gloria , Caporossi Tomaso , Vico Umberto De , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: October 2022

Introduction

To report a case of a 57-years-old female patient who presented with prominent bilateral proptosis and swollen disks.

Case description

A 57-year-old obese patient admitted to our ophthalmic department complaining of bilateral sense of eye swelling and mild blurring vision. The anterior segment and pupillary reflex were normal on ophthalmological testing. Likewise, eye movements were preserved and she did not report diplopia in any position of gaze. Dilated fundus examination revealed bilateral hemorrhagic papilledema, pre-retinal hemorrhages in both eyes, dot and blot hemorrhages in the peripheral retina. Visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Routine hematological investigations revealed increased both Von Willebrand factor and ristocetin factor and LAC positivity. The lumbar puncture (LP) showed elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast of brain and spinal cord showed signs of intracranial hypertension and the presence of two lesions in continuity with each other respectively located at T12-L1 and L1-L2. Radiologic features were compatible with the diagnosis of ependymoma. A surgical procedure was conducted and confirmed the diagnosis after anatomical pathology analysis.

Conclusion

Although rare, bilateral hemorrhagic swollen disks could be an early sign of spinal cord tumors, in particular ependymomas.
Introduction to geomedia histories
Authors: Fast Karin , Abend Pablo
Published: October 2022

The maturation of mobile, convergent, and place-contingent technologies has inspired researchers from different fields to re-imagine the relationship between geography and media. Recently, the linking of site-specific media and mediatized places culminated in the overarching concept that sits at the midpoint of this special issue: geomedia. While the majority of work within geomedia studies focuses on contemporary developments, thereby offering snapshots of geomediatization processes as these currently manifest themselves, this volume wants to address the nexus of geography and media from a decidedly historical perspective. Doing so, we hope to inspire a historical turn in geomedia studies as well as contribute to the ongoing discussion about how to define geomedia (studies) beyond (the study of) particular technologies or media genres. By boldly uprooting the geomedia concept from its contemporary, predominantly digital, framework, the contributions gathered here encourage us to map the trajectories of geomedia, to challenge “geomediatization realism,” to remedy epistemological biases, and to further articulate the postdigital.
A qualitative analysis of virtues and strengths in persons living with early stage dementia informed by the values in action framework
Authors: McGee Jocelyn S , McElroy Michaela , Meraz Rebecca , Myers Dennis R
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite evidence that individuals’ virtues and character strengths can contribute to a sense of fulfillment, the majority of dementia research focuses on losses and decline. To date, virtues and character strengths in persons living with dementia is an understudied phenomena. This study begins to addresses this gap in the literature.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the expression of virtues and character strengths in persons living with dementia in the early stages; and (2) share implications and recommendations for strengths-based clinical practice and future research.

Methods

Qualitative data was utilized to examine virtues and character strengths among persons living with dementia. This data was derived from semi-structured interviews with 25 persons living with dementia age 65 or older (average age of 77.88). The interviews were audio recorded with consent, professionally transcribed, audit checked, and subjected to Interpretive Phenomenological analysis which was informed by the Values in Action (VIA) framework.

Findings

Each of the virtues and 24 corresponding character strengths from the VIA framework were observed in this sample. The most frequently observed character strengths were love, spirituality, perseverance, and gratitude.

Implications

Persons with dementia continue to express virtues and character strengths in the context of cognitive and functional changes. Positive strengths-based research and clinical practice should highlight and build upon these individual virtues and character strengths.
Who knows what about you? Managing topic shifts during ‘conversational’ social care assessments in England
Authors: Williams Val , Symonds Jon
Published: October 2022

Social care assessments in England are envisaged as conversations, implying an informal and congenial encounter, in which both parties have equal roles. However, a fundamental task during an assessment is to gauge eligibility for resources. This article uses conversation analysis to consider audio recorded data of seven social care assessments in England. The article focuses on topic shifts, where the assessor introduces an ‘assessment relevant’ topic, and we examine how these shifts are managed. Sometimes assessors used what was said by the client or by the carer as a ‘pivot’, which could produce a feeling of friendly conversation, but simultaneously lead to an intrusion into the client’s personal knowledge domain. Assessors also had other strategies for framing a ‘next question’, such as noticing something in the environment, referring to previous notes or to previous conversations. The conversation might feel ‘friendly’, but these tactics could lead to the personal life domain of the client being inadvertently revealed and used as relevant for their assessment.
Exploring First-Generation Students’ Collegiate Outcomes: Longitudinal Comparison of Dropout and Transfer Behaviors
Authors: Ishitani Terry T. , Kamer Jacob A.
Published: October 2022

Many existing student persistence and retention studies overlooked the different types of departure (e.g., dropout, transfer) and aggregate them into a single departure variable, as a result, the estimates from these studies are spurious when one is interested in what student characteristics prompt dropout but not transfer. This can be especially relevant when studying the departure behavior of specific student subgroups, such as first-generation students. In response to this shortcoming in previous studies, this study longitudinally analyzed first-generation students’ dropout and transfer behaviors. Paired with nationally represented data, this study uncovered how various student characteristics impact dropout and transfer behaviors differently over time. First-generation students were more likely than students with college-educated parents to leave the system than to transfer. A higher sense of belonging was found to reduce the likelihood of students transferring to other institutions academic years one through four.
Emergent In Situ Fenestration in the Ascending Aorta for the Endovascular Repair of a Large Pseudoaneurysm: A Technical Note
Authors: Antonello Michele , Spertino Andrea , Rodinò Giulio , Tarantini Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to describe an emergent in situ fenestration (ISF) technique in the ascending aorta for the endovascular repair of a large pseudoaneurysm using a trans-septal needle device through direct right common carotid artery access, in a patient with left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Technique:

We performed, in a multidisciplinary team-work approach, an emergent ISF to correct the displacement of a physician-modified thoracic endograft released in the ascending aorta to correct a large anastomotic pseudoaneurysm in a patient who underwent ascending aorta replacement and subsequent LVAD implantation. We used a trans-septal needle device inserted through a direct access to the right carotid artery and performed an ISF to restore the patency of the outflow ostium of the LVAD. Window was then completed and stabilized with a nitinol balloon expandable covered stent graft obtaining an effective exclusion of the anastomotic aortic aneurism and the regular patency of the LVAD outflow graft with no signs of leaks.

Conclusions:

Multidisciplinary teamwork approach can be crucial in challenging procedures where an alternative approach may lead to problem solving. The ISF technique may be a valid option to adopt in emergency cases in which no other technical solutions are suitable.

Clinical Impact

The endovascular approach has become more and more frequent for the treatment of vascular pathologies, getting increasingly refined and complex. Thereby the chance of incurring intraprocedural troubles has grown and bailout strategies should always be present. In situ fenestration is a technique to be aware of and that could help you recover from difficult situations. We report a possible rescue maneuver that can be applied also in arduous anatomies such as the ascending aorta. Moreover, we would like to highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary working environment that can enrich our everyday practice accomplishing effective and unexpected solutions.
Survey on authentication and security protocols and schemes over 5G networks
Authors: Tashtoush Yahya , Darweesh Dirar , Karajeh Ola , Darwish Omar , Maabreh Majdi , Swedat Safa’ , Koraysh Rawan , Almousa Omar , Alsaedi Nasser
Published: October 2022

The emergence of fifth generation networks opens the doors for Internet of Things environment to spread widely. The number of connected devices to fifth generation networks is expected to increase to more than 1.7 billion users by 2025. Each year, millions of modern devices go online at the beginning of the school year and after the holidays, and you can even notice the publicity of Internet of Things devices swinging with the seasons. Nowadays, these devices are considered to be very important to our daily life. That is because they provide power to our homes, organize our work operations and let communications more suitable. As a result of the increasing number of connected devices to fifth generation networks, the necessity to protect these Internet of Things devices against different types of cyber-attacks is also increased. For this reason, many researchers proposed different protocols and schemes to achieve the security of the Internet of Things devices. In this article, we introduce a survey of some protocols proposed by researchers in different domains and make a comparative study between them in terms of their category, authentication process, evaluation methodology, advantages, target, development year and applications within Internet of Things environment. The objective of this survey is to provide researchers with rich information about these protocols and their uses within Internet of Things systems, whether they can be used for cloud radio access networks, Internet of Things general purposes, telecommunications systems, e-healthcare systems or drone delivery service systems. It can also assist them in choosing the proper protocol to be used according to the type of their Internet of Things system.
Bleomycin-Induced Damage in Rat Lung: Protective Effect of Grape Seed and Skin Extract
Authors: Khazri Olfa , Mezni Ali , Limam Ferid , Ezzeddine Aouani
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Bleomycin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent with main side effects including lung fibrosis which limited its clinical use. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) against bleomycin-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in rat lung, by assessing respiratory index (RI), oxidative and nitrosative stress (SOD and XO activity, NO), fibrotic mediators (hydroxyproline and collagen), apoptosis (cytochrome C and LDH), inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β1), and histological disturbances.

Methods

Rats were pre-treated during three weeks with vehicle [ethanol 10% control] or GSSE (4 g/kg) and then administered with a single dose of bleo (15 mg/kg bw) at the 7th day. Results: Bleo disturbed lung function through the accumulation of hydroxyproline and collagen, decreased SOD activity but increased XO activity as well as GSH and NO levels. Bleo also increased the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1, and pro-apoptotic cytochrome C factor and induced severe histological alterations of lung parenchyma. Interestingly GSSE pre-treatment efficiently counteracted most of the bleo-induced lung tissue damages.

Conclusion

Data suggest that GSSE exerts anti-oxidant, ant-inflammatory, and anti-fibrosis properties that could find potential application in the protection against bleo-induced lung fibrosis.
Drug-Induced Microbiome Changes: Considerations in Pregnancy
Authors: White Nicole D.
Published: October 2022

During pregnancy, the maternal microbiome is associated with both the health of the mother as well as the developing fetus. Several classes of drugs are known to influence the microbiome and their use in pregnancy may impact maternal/fetal outcomes and long-term health of offspring. The drug-microbiome interactions of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, laxatives, metformin, and probiotics will be described, along with considerations for use of these agents in pregnancy.
The dual role of interleukin-17 in the growth of human papillomavirus-negative cervical cancer cells
Authors: Pan Yifan , Luo Xishao , Ma Jinghang , Feng Zhen , Hu Yan , Xue Jisen
Published: October 2022

To explore the relationship between IL-17 mediated immune response and HPV-negative cervical cancer, we established the co-culture system of cervical cancer C-33A cells and PBMC, and treated with different concentrations of rhIL-17. PBMC were extracted from 10ml anticoagulant blood provided by healthy female volunteers and colleagues in our hospital, which were co-cultured with cervical cancer C-33A cells. After treatment with different concentrations of rhIL-17, the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion behavior and VEGF expression level of cancer cells in each group, were determined by CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell invasion assay and ELISA, respectively. The proliferation rate of C-33A cells slightly increased with the ascending of IL-17 concentration, but no statistical significance was found among each group ( P > 0.05). When at low concentration of IL-17, the cell apoptosis rate seems to slightly decline. With the increase of concentration, the decrease of apoptosis rate became more obvious ( P < 0.05). However, differing from those shown above, we found that IL-17 slightly inhibited the cancer cell invasion at high concentration, while it was more obvious at low concentration ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that there was no significant correlation between IL-17 and VEGF ( P > 0.05). In summary, there is a close correlation between IL-17 mediated immune response and HPV-negative cervical cancer. Also, we think that IL-17 may play a dual role in tumor progression and could be a possible significant influence on tumor proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis, which provides a basic theoretical basis for the further study of immunotherapy measures for cervical cancer.
The effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with concurrent hand and psychological disorders
Authors: Lucas Vicky J. , Burke Sarah , Selby Anna , Johnson Nick A.
Published: October 2022

We investigated the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with psychological disorders thought to be influencing recovery from elective and traumatic hand conditions. Demographic data and psychological assessment scores (Primary Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9), General Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD7), Impact of Event Scale (IES)) were prospectively collected before and after CBT treatment. One hundred and fourteen patients underwent CBT with 81 completing treatment. Full data was available for 78 (68%) patients. Mean age was 43 (range 13–84) and 63% were women. Sixty-one per cent had sustained a traumatic hand injury. PHQ9, GAD7 and IES scores decreased significantly following treatment. Many patients with hand conditions have associated psychological problems that may influence outcome. CBT in a hand unit setting appears to be an effective treatment. Further research with a control group should investigate whether CBT improves psychological health or if this may occur as patients recover from their physical hand disorder regardless of CBT.

Level of evidence: IV
Bite injuries to the hand and forearm: analysis of hospital stay, treatment and costs
Authors: Schär Lukas , Haug Luzian , Vögelin Esther , Meierb Rahel
Published: October 2022

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients treated for bite injuries in our clinic from 2014 to 2019. The time from the bite event to surgery, duration of hospital stay, duration of antibiotic treatment, complications, incapacity for work and costs were analysed. Cat bites were compared with the other bite injuries and were found to be more problematic. The results of early (within 24 hours) and delayed treatment in cat bite injuries were compared. Treated early they were associated with a shorter hospital stay (1.4 versus 2.4 days), shorter duration of antibiotic treatment (9.7 versus 12.6 days), lower complication rate (10% versus 18%), lower cost (CHF4606 versus 8072) (£4061 versus £7116; US$4771 versus US$8361; €4788 versus €8390) and a shorter incapacity for work (15 versus 43 days). Surgical treatment must be carried out as early as possible. The public and physicians require education to reduce the frequency of these injuries and the associated costs.

Level of evidence: IV.
After Bachelard
Authors: Gloviczki Peter Joseph
Published: October 2022

In this essay, I use autoethnographic exploration to grapple with the critical/cultural studies approach in the work of Gaston Bachelard. I look to anchor past, present, and future with a Bachelardian conceptualization of time in mind.
End-Of-Life Care in the Potential Donor after Circulatory Death: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cappucci Stefanie P , Smith Wade S , Schwartzstein Richard , White Douglas B , Mitchell Susan L , Fehnel Corey R
Published: October 2022

Background

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is becoming increasingly common, yet little is known about the way potential donors receive end-of-life care.

Purpose

The aims of this systematic review are to describe the current practice in end-of-life care for potential donors and identify metrics that are being used to assess discomfort among these patients.

Research design and Study Sample

This review encompasses published literature between June 1, 2000 and June 31, 2020 of end-of-life care received by potential DCD patients. The population of interest was defined as patients eligible for Maastracht classification III donation after circulatory death for a solid organ transplantation. Outcomes examined included: analgesic or palliative protocols, and surrogates of discomfort (eg dyspnea, agitation).

Results

Among 141 unique articles, 27 studies were included for full review. The primary reason for exclusion was lack of protocol description, or lack of reporting on analgesic medications. No primary research studies specifically examined distress in the DCD eligible population. Numerous professional guidelines were identified. Surveys of critical care practitioners identified concerns regarding the impact of symptom management on hastening the dying process in the DCD population as a potential barrier to end-of-life palliative treatment.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of empirical evidence for end-of-life symptom assessment and management for DCD patients. Key evidence gaps identified for DCD include the need for: i) a multidisciplinary structure of treatment teams and preferred environment for DCD, ii) objective tools for monitoring of distress in this patient population, and iii) evidence guiding the administration of analgesic medications following withdrawal of life sustaining therapy.
Rate and Predictors of Intractable Status Migrainosus among Patients Aged 13-18 Years
Authors: Goenka Ajay , Fonseca Laura D
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To assess associations for intractable status migrainosus in the pediatric inpatient setting.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 1,805 patients presenting to the pediatric hospital in Dayton, Ohio with status migrainosus from 2017 to 2022, was performed. Among 1,805 patients, 159 received 3 lines of sequentially more aggressive abortive migraine treatment and were included in this analysis. Responders and non-responders were categorized based on a visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain scores from time of admission to discharge with responders having a reduction of 50% or greater in VAS. Patient demographic information, migraine history, headache type, medication history, self-reported pain, anxiety level and co-morbidities were assessed.

Results

Out of 159 patients, 125 (78.6%) achieved the target pain control with decrease in VAS pain score by ≥ 50% from the baseline. The remaining 34/159 (21.4%) patients remained refractory to treatment. Non-responder patients had a longer hospital stay (6.1 days) and greater readmission rate within 7 days (17.6%) compared to responders (4.7 days and .8% respectively). Among the non-responder patients, 14/34 (41.2%) had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to the responder group in which 17/125 (13.6%) had ADHD. Among patients who had comorbidity of anxiety, non-responders had greater severe generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7 ≥15) (6/14, 42.9%) than responders (2/39, 5.1%).

Conclusion

ADHD and severe GAD are associated with poorer response to treatment in pediatric patients with refractory migraine admitted for inpatient therapy. This study highlights the prolonged hospital stay and modest clinical outcomes seen with intractable migraine in 13-18-year-old pediatric patients.
Case Report and Clinical Reasoning: Fulminant Liver Failure and Invasive Aspergillosis Following Ocrelizumab Treatment in a 21 Year-Old Woman
Authors: McEntire Caleb R. S. , Lesser Cammie F. , Venna Nagagopal
Published: October 2022

We present the case of a 21 year-old woman with newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who is given a single dose of ocrelizumab and placed on moderate-dose steroids with subsequent development of hepatic failure who goes on to develop highly fulminant systemic and central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis. Ocrelizumab has no documented association with aspergillus infection, and moderate-dose steroids less often lead to such fulminant disease, but liver failure is associated with often-fatal aspergillus infection. We emphasize that liver failure is an underrecognized immune dysregulated state that predisposes to bacterial and fungal infections and suggest changes in diagnostic reasoning that could be considered in patients with multiple modalities of immunosuppression.
Virtual care post-pandemic: Why user engagement is critical to create and optimise future models of care
Authors: Harrison Reema , Prokopy Melissa , Perreira Tyrone
Published: October 2022

Health systems are shifting from the use of virtual models of care reactively in response to the conditions of the pandemic, to deliberate planning for the integration of virtual models to enhance and extend current service provision. Use of virtual care in recent years has highlighted the critical role of clinician and consumer behaviour and mindsets in realising the opportunities of virtual care for improved health care and outcomes. Yet, the rapid and changing circumstances of the pandemic period provided limited opportunities for effective involvement of both clinicians and consumers in health system decision-making about when, how and which virtual services and associated technologies should be deployed. We explore the opportunity for enhanced engagement with these primary stakeholder groups to create quality healthcare as we emerge from the pandemic and enter a new phase of integrated virtual services.
Presidential discourse, the public and recurring themes: A political communication analysis of the 2019 State of the Nation Address in Ghana
Authors: Sikanku Godwin Etse
Published: October 2022

The State of the Nation Address is one of the most important public speeches of a president because it sets the tone, framework and plans of the administration in any given year. This research contributes to contemporary scholarly studies by systematically studying presidential discourse within a growing African democracy – from a communication perspective – rather than the routine generic policy analysis. Since communication is a vital aspect of governance, the present study helps to unearth the policy priorities and framework that characterized a major administration under Ghana’s democracy. From a broader perspective, the textual analysis of this speech offers a modest attempt to examine some elements of political communication within Africa’s democratization process. The major objectives of the study were twofold: (a) first, to analyse the major topics or subject areas embedded in the speech and (b) to ascertain the recurring essential thematic elements of the State of the Nation Address as postulated by Shogan. The results indicate that the social agenda (including sanitation, housing and social amenities) was the central focus of the President’s address, followed by politics, while economic affairs featured as the third predominant issue in the address. Three thematic elements – bipartisanship, past and future, and optimism – are discursively analysed. This study contributes to the study of political communication and Presidential agendas in one of Africa’s fledgling democracies.
A U.S. Medal Agenda? Clock-Time and Salience Analyses of Biological Sex Representation in the 2020 and 2022 NBC Olympic Telecasts
Authors: Angelini James R. , Arth Zachary W.
Published: October 2022

This report examines how the National Broadcasting Company’s (NBC’s) primetime telecasts of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games presented male and female athletes. Clock-time analyses (of how much time each sporting event was featured in primetime) and salience analyses (of the most mentioned athletes by NBC employees) are reported. Results show that women received the majority of clock-time and name mentions during both Olympiads, a further continuation of NBC’s most recent Olympic broadcast practices, which appears to continue to be driven by American women winning the majority of the United States’ medals during both the Summer and Winter Games.
Continuum of care in maternal, newborn and child health in Indonesia: Evidence from the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Andriani Helen , Rachmadani Salma Dhiya , Natasha Valencia , Saptari Adila
Published: October 2022

Background:

Maternal and child health improved considerably due to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. However, the rate of preventable death worldwide remains high. Nevertheless, implementation was insufficient in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia. The study aims to assess the relationships between continuum of care (CoC) in maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) services and levels of care in Indonesia, examine the distribution of utilisation and investigate the associations between CoC in MNCH.

Design and methods:

Data were derived from the recent 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey. Fieldwork took place from July 24 to September 30, 2017. The sample included ever-married women aged 15–49 years who had given birth in the last 5 years prior to the survey. The total sample size is 15,288.

Results:

Only 52.6% ( n = 8038) continued to receive the three levels of MNCH services. Multivariate analysis revealed that variables, such as socioeconomic status, parity and distance from health facilities were statistically significantly associated with the continuum from antenatal to postnatal care (PNC). The use of each level of MNCH care is correlated with the next level of care. Antenatal care is associated with delivery care which is subsequently associated with postnatal care.

Conclusions:

Identifying populations that contribute significantly to overall health inequalities and a well-established follow-up system from pregnancy to PNC may enhance maternal and child health and equity outcomes.
Adverse Events in Maternal Care: Investigating Racial/Ethnic Disparities at the System Level
Authors: Alfred Myrtede C. , Wilson Dulaney
Published: October 2022

Pregnancy related deaths are elevated among women of color, and Black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Women of color also experience higher rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Half of all maternal deaths and SMM cases are considered preventable with timely and appropriate care. Poor maternal health outcomes and racial/ethnic disparities are the result of multilevel variables including poor quality of care. Few studies have investigated the underlying mechanisms within clinical systems that undermine safety for women of color. This research investigates systems issues contributing to adverse outcomes in maternal care and disparities based on the examination of patient safety incidents (PSIs) reported in the obstetric care units in a large, academic health system in 2019 and 2020. Trends in event type and harm score were examined and the data was disaggregated by race/ethnicity and cross tabulated with unit, event type, and harm score to examine disparities in adverse events. Of the 693 reported incidents, non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients accounted for 43.8% each. Hispanic patients accounted for 7.9% of reported incidents and patients categorized as “Other” accounted for 4.3% of the reported incidents. In both 2019 and 2020, the odds ratio demonstrated a higher likelihood of a reported event for non-Hispanic Black patients (1.99, 95%CI, 1.56 -2.52 and 1.70, 95% CI 1.28-2.25, respectively) and patients categorized as “Other” (15.34, 95% CI 7.25-32.44 and 4.43, 95%CI 1.85-10.58). These findings can facilitate the identification of mechanisms within the clinical system contributing to variation in adverse outcomes for women of color and support the design of more precise interventions and sustained, effective delivery.