bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neighborhood characteristics and arterial stiffness among Black adults – Results from the Jackson Heart Study and Morehouse-Emory Cardiovascular Center for Health Equity
Authors: Islam Shabatun J , Kim Jeong Hwan , Li Xiaona , Ko Yi-An , Baltrus Peter , Mitchell Gary F , Fox Ervin R , Mujahid Mahasin S , Vaccarino Viola , Lewis Tené T , Taylor Herman A , Sims Mario , Quyyumi Arshed A
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Poor quality neighborhood environments are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) but are understudied in Black adults, who face large CVD health disparities. Arterial stiffness, a marker of early vascular aging, precedes development of hypertension and adverse CVD events but the effect of neighborhood on arterial stiffness among Black adults remains unknown.

Objective:

We compared the association between neighborhood environment and arterial stiffness among Black adults in Jackson, MS and Atlanta, GA.

Methods:

We studied 1582 Black adults (mean age 53 ± 10, 35% male) living in Jackson, MS from the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) and 451 Black adults (mean age 53 ± 10, 39% male) living in Atlanta, GA from the Morehouse-Emory Cardiovascular Center for Health Equity (MECA) study, without known CVD. Neighborhood problems (includes measures of aesthetic quality, walking environment, food access), social cohesion (includes activity with neighbors), and violence/safety were assessed using validated questionnaires. Arterial stiffness was measured as pulse wave velocity (PWV) using magnetic resonance imaging in JHS and as PWV and augmentation index (AIx) using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor, Inc.) in MECA. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between neighborhood characteristics and arterial stiffness, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results:

Improved social characteristics, measured as social cohesion in JHS (β = −0.32 [−0.63, −0.02], p = 0.04) and activity with neighbors (β = −0.23 [−0.40, −0.05], p = 0.01) in MECA, were associated with lower PWV in both cohorts and lower AIx (β = −1.74 [−2.92, − 0.56], p = 0.004) in MECA, after adjustment for CVD risk factors and income. Additionally, in MECA, better food access (β = −1.18 [−2.35, − 0.01], p = 0.05) was associated with lower AIx and, in JHS, lower neighborhood problems (β = −0.33 [−0.64, − 0.02], p = 0.04) and lower violence (β = −0.30 [−0.61, 0.002], p = 0.05) were associated with lower PWV.

Conclusion:

Neighborhood social characteristics show an independent association with the vascular health of Black adults, findings that were reproducible in two distinct American cities.
Development of stigma-related support for autistic adults: Insights from the autism community
Authors: Han Emeline , Scior Katrina , Heath Eric , Umagami Kana , Crane Laura
Published: January 2023

Many autistic adults experience public stigma and some internalise this stigma with negative effects on their mental health. While efforts to reduce public stigma are paramount, change can be slow, and interventions to prevent internalised stigma may also be needed. Using a mixed methods online survey, we gathered the views of 144 autistic adults and parents/caregivers of autistic people in the United Kingdom on whether a stigma-related support programme for autistic adults is needed and, if so, what it should ‘look’ like. Quantitative data (summarised descriptively) showed that most participants felt it was important for autistic adults to have support in managing stigma and revealed diverse preferences in terms of programme delivery, underscoring the need for flexibility. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four main themes were identified from the qualitative data: (1) ‘We need to change society not autistic people’, (2) ‘Stigma is difficult to manage alone’, (3) ‘Focus on positive, practical support’, and (4) ‘There is no one size fits all approach’. We discuss the important implications our findings have for how future interventions in this area are framed and delivered.

Lay Abstract

Many autistic adults experience public stigma, which refers to negative attitudes and treatment from others. Because of that, some autistic adults may also apply unhelpful beliefs to themselves, which is known as internalised stigma. There is some evidence that both public stigma and internalised stigma are linked to poorer mental health in autistic adults. Clearly, it is crucial to change how society thinks and acts towards autistic people. There are several programmes that are trying to do this. But as change can be slow, support may also be needed to help autistic people cope with and challenge stigma. Using an online survey, we gathered the views of 144 autistic adults and parents/caregivers of autistic people in the United Kingdom on whether a stigma support programme for autistic adults is needed and, if so, what it should ‘look’ like. Most participants felt it was important for autistic adults to have support in managing stigma because of the harmful effects that stigma has on mental health and the challenges that autistic adults face in disclosing their diagnosis. However, participants were also concerned that such a programme could convey the message that autistic people, rather than society, need to change. Participants suggested that the programme should be positive and practical, helping autistic adults to understand and accept themselves, as well as learn context-specific strategies for responding to stigma and/or disclosing their diagnosis. They also stressed that the programme should be flexible and inclusive, recognising that autistic adults have very different needs and preferences.
Mental health–related hospitalizations among adolescents and emerging adults with autism in the United States: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of national hospital discharge data
Authors: McMaughan Darcy Jones (DJ) , Imanpour Sara , Mulcahy Abigail , Jones Jennifer , Criss Michael M
Published: January 2023

Autistic adolescents and emerging adults experience high rates of mental health conditions—a risk factor for hospitalization. Using nationally representative data from the 2016 HCUP KID, we estimated the prevalence and costs of mental health–related hospitalizations for autistic adolescents and emerging adults in the United States. Hospital discharges for ages 10–20 years ( n = 1,346,849) were analyzed using survey-adjusted logistic regression and general linear modeling. Mental health–related hospitalizations among autistic young people ( n = 14,368) were mostly for neurodevelopmental, disruptive, depressive, and bipolar disorders. Mental health–related hospitalizations were almost 11 times more likely (OR = 10.98, 95% CI = 10.00–12.00) for autistic youth compared youth with complex and chronic conditions, and two times (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.88–2.19) more likely compared to population controls. Predicted mean service delivery costs of mental health–related hospitalizations for autistic adolescents and emerging adults were US$7,401.23 per stay, resulting in US$106 million in estimated total service delivery costs in 2016. Mental health–related hospitalizations can indicate poor quality care, be traumatic, and increase suicide risk. Community mental health care for autistic young people is needed.

Lay abstract

Autistic young people are more likely to have mental health conditions, like depression and bipolar disorder, than people without autism. These mental health issues sometimes lead to hospitalizations, which can be expensive and traumatic. Because of this, we wanted to understand mental health–related hospitalizations among autistic young people aged 10–20. We found that the main mental health reasons for the hospitalization of autistic young people were neurodevelopmental, disruptive, depressive, and bipolar disorders. These hospitalizations cost an average of US$7401.23 per stay, for a total of US$106 million in service delivery costs in 2016. Mental health–related hospitalizations were compared between young people with autism, young people with complex and chronic conditions, and young people with no chronic conditions. Autistic young people were almost 11 times more likely to be hospitalized for mental health reasons than young people with complex and chronic conditions, and two times more likely than young people with no complex and chronic conditions. We believe the United States needs better community-based mental health care for young people with autism.
Flexural capacity prediction of steel fiber reinforced concrete beam with recycled fine and coarse aggregate
Authors: Gao Danying , Zhu Weiwei , Gu Zhiqiang , Yang Lin
Published: January 2023

In this study, the flexural performance of the steel fiber reinforced concrete beams with recycled fine and coarse aggregates was investigated through the experiments. The effects of steel fiber volume fraction, recycled fine and coarse aggregate replacement ratio, and concrete compressive strength grade on the flexural performance of steel fiber reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (SFRAC) beams were systematically studied in terms of failure mode, flexural capacity, cracking patterns, load-deflection response, and load-tensile reinforcement strain response. The results showed that the flexural capacity and deflection of beams increased and decreased with the increase of steel fiber volume fraction, respectively. The beam with 100% replacement ratio of recycled fine aggregate and 0.5% volume fraction of steel fiber presented the similar or even better flexural performance than that of the ordinary concrete beam. By adding 1.0% volume fraction of steel fiber, the flexural capacity of beam with both 100% replacement ratio of recycled fine and coarse aggregates was higher than that of the ordinary concrete beam. Based on the experimental results of SFRAC beams in this study and other literature, the effects of steel fiber volume fraction and recycled aggregate replacement ratio on the flexural capacity of beams were quantitatively analyzed. Lastly, a model for the prediction of SFRAC beam flexural capacity was proposed and verified.
What do 5G networks, Bill Gates, Agenda 21, and QAnon have in common? Sources, distribution, and characteristics
Authors: Himelboim Itai , Borah Porismita , Lee Danielle Ka Lai , Lee Jeonghyun (Janice) , Su Yan , Vishnevskaya Anastasia , Xiao Xizhu
Published: January 2023

Mounting uncertainties regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the popularity of social media created fertile grounds for conspiracy theories to flourish, leading to a global “infodemic.” We examine information sources used to support five popular COVID-19-related conspiracy theories on Twitter to identify (1) their primary building blocks, (2) similarities and dissimilarities across COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and (3) the relationship between type of message content and content distribution. Findings show that statements of belief and of malicious purpose were most popular, followed by conspirators, authentication, and secretive actions. However, only malicious purposes and secretive actions messages successfully predicted higher distribution of content, while, for instance, content authentication showed a negative relation. Furthermore, the type of conspiracy theories matters. Mega-theories, such as Agenda 21 and QAnon, incorporated less statements of Belief. COVID-19 vaccine–related theories focused more on authentication, while QAnon highlighted the conspirators behind the pandemic. Conceptual and practical implications are discussed.
Reconceptualizing protective factors in response to risk with vulnerable children
Authors: Heron Gavin , Lightowler Claire
Published: January 2023

The quality and robustness of childcare professionals’ thinking about protective factors is crucial to interventions with vulnerable children. Yet, protective factors in childcare are under-conceptualized in policy and practice and have been overshadowed by the concept of risk. This study uses discourse analysis to examine how childcare professionals discuss protective factors in response to risk and in a way that demonstrates critical thinking. Findings Data was collected from 30 consultation meetings, which involve a total of 109 professionals. The consultation meetings focus on the assessment of a child who presents a serious risk of harm to others and who are themselves at risk. The findings suggest that professionals do discuss protective factors in response to risk, however, it occurs on a ratio of approximately one to nine, which suggests a level of separation in the way these terms are conceptualized in practice. Application It is suggested that a professional construct of “protective factors versus risk,” which is applied with critical thinking, will offer a more robust way of conceptualizing the support provided to vulnerable children. While professionals have to analyze risk in terms of what is wrong, it is equally crucial to include protective factors in a strategy for it to work. A starting point is for professionals to re-construct protective factors and risk and apply it with critical thinking to core elements of social work practice, such as assessments, multi-disciplinary meetings and the verbal communications with service users.
Examining the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on social work in health care
Authors: Nicholas David B. , Samson Patricia , Hilsen Leeann , McFarlane Janet
Published: January 2023

This qualitative study examined the COVID-19 pandemic as experienced by healthcare-based social workers in relation to practice, and personal and professional impacts of providing care in this context, with recommendations for pandemic preparedness and response. A total of 12 focus groups were convened between June 2020 and March 2021, comprising 67 hospital social workers across multiple hospitals and other care facilities in western Canada.

Findings

Based on an Interpretive Description approach, themes emerged reflecting practice shifts; increased work and changing roles; imposed restrictions; problems in communication and decision-making; distress, fear, and demoralization; and co-existing silver linings amid challenges.

Applications

The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted social workers and their delivery of service. Addressing concerns through proactive responsiveness, both during and beyond the pandemic, are important in nurturing patient-centered care and a supported workforce. Along with that of interdisciplinary colleagues in health care, social workers’ practice has been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the experiences of social workers in healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
André Gorz and contemporary Frankfurt School Critical Theory: Alienation, eco-socialism and post-productivism
Authors: Harris Neal , Garcia Javier Zamora , Ford Lucy
Published: January 2023

We argue that Gorz’s work offers a nuanced engagement with alienation that is instructive for contemporary social theory. In keeping with Gorz’s broader politics, we contend that the utility of his framing of alienation derives from his insistence that progressive critique must challenge the ideal of productivism. We start the paper by presenting a sympathetic reconstruction of Gorz’s understanding of alienation. Next, we explicitly detail the strengths his approach carries for furthering sociological research today. We then reinforce this point by arguing that Gorz’s work offers particularly valuable theoretical resources for contemporary Frankfurt School Critical Theory, in which the study of alienation has been somehow hampered by the ascent of ‘recognition theory’. While not sharing all the methodological commitments of first-generation Critical Theorists, Gorz was well versed in Frankfurt School scholarship and is therefore an apposite interlocutor to engage ‘third-generation’ Critical Theory. Gorz’s insights are thus shown to be important for furthering contemporary social theory, and in particular, for helping to combat the unsustainable productivism of neoliberal capitalism.
Prediction of the maneuvering behavior of a containership in a seaway
Authors: Darvish Bachari Ahmad , Hajivand Ahmad , Hasani Mehdi
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the turning maneuver performance of a containership in regular waves using a two-time scale formulation. This article also presents a ship motion program, coupled with a 3-degree of freedom (3-DOF) maneuvering solver, whereby the seakeeping problem is solved with the forward speed considered in the computations. Captive tests were simulated in a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) environment to obtain the maneuvering derivatives. A near-field analysis was performed to obtain the effective wave force, which was the second-order mean drift force in this analysis. The proposed method was used to estimate the turning circle maneuver performance of the S-175 containership in both calm water and waves of different wavelengths. Ultimately, the simulation results showed high consistency with experimental data.
Application of swarm intelligence for dynamic properties of moored floating structures using two-dimensional fluid dynamic program
Authors: Abdullah Sheikh Fakhruradzi , Mamat Rabiei
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a numerical investigation into interactions between oscillatory waves and moored floating structures by through applying Swarm Intelligence (SI). The effects of small and large incident waves placing a force on the obstacles were studied using two floating structures composed of a rectangle and a cage kind with taut-moored and slack-moored situations. The aforementioned problem was reduced to solve systems of sparse-nonlinear equations for surge, heave, and pitch responses, as well as mooring forces considering that there is a distorted wave motion due to the presence of the movable obstacle boundary. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed here to provide insight into computational intelligence factors affecting calculation results and efficiency. Besides that, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) program is based on a full Navier-Stokes solver. A series of numerical examinations for selected wave heights and wavelengths including a set of optimization procedures have been taken into account in the evaluation of formulated objective function, F, where the best potential solution is computed at each computational step. Meanwhile, a collection of empirical benchmarks were also developed based on reported measurements in the literature to provide sound empirical support for the theoretical findings. The results show that the optimization method exhibits a favorable convergent behavior (F≈0), where the computed results agree well with the measurements in terms of mean amplitudes of the surge, heave, and pitch responses and peak values of mooring-line tensions. The approach would firmly converge on benchmarks with improved computational steps of 18,321 running for 20.1 wave cycles in the case of the taut-moored rectangular structure. For the slack-moored cage, a satisfactory convergence was achieved using a series of data calibrations into an algorithm that took 27,976 iterations and 24.5 s to complete. Furthermore, CFD captures of wave deformations, dynamic forces, and streamlines were able to qualitatively corroborate the results.
Response nonuniformity modelling for colour imaging systems
Authors: Xie X , Sun Q , Gong J , Shang Y , Zhang Z , Liao N
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a theoretical analysis reveals that system radiation transmission nonuniformity and system radiation conversion nonuniformity have different forms. A colour imaging system response nonuniformity model is then proposed according to the two kind of nonuniformity of three channels. The model includes two models, one for brightness and one for chromaticity. The brightness model is built according to the nonuniformity of single channel. The chromaticity model is built as an error ellipse in the chromaticity diagram. The error ellipse can be also used as a representation parameter of the radiation conversion nonuniformity. The proposed models were verified using three commercial digital cameras. The experimental results show that the proposed nonuniformity model is correct. Moreover, the proposed representation parameter is an effective way to evaluate and characterize the nonuniformity of a colour imaging system. This research has value as a reference for the correction and evaluation of response nonuniformity in colour imaging systems.
Cellulose acetate-TiO2 and activated carbon electrospun composite fibre membranes for toluene removal
Authors: Orlando Roberta , Afshari Alireza , Fojan Peter
Published: January 2023

The VOCs removal from polluted air has been achieved using several different methods but primarily through the use of adsorbent materials or through degradation with photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). Fibres produced by electrospinning have the possibility to easily incorporate additives into the fibres and onto their surface. This can functionalise them for efficient VOCs removal. Cellulose acetate (CA)-based electrospun fibre membranes have been fabricated and doped with activated charcoal (AC) and titanium dioxide (TiO2), either separately or in combination to investigate their toluene removal capacity of the single additive and the synergic effects of adsorption and PCO. Two different methods of functionalisation of the fibres with AC and TiO2 have been used. These methods are air spraying and electro-spraying. Several configurations of the final membranes have been investigated. SEM images indicate that the additives have been successfully distributed on the fibre surface and they affect their morphology by increasing the overall roughness and the thickness of the final membranes. Adsorption with AC achieved 45.5% removal of toluene with a starting concentration of 22.5 ppm. PCO was probably initiated using a blacklight blue UV lamp with a peak wavelength of 365 nm as formation of formaldehyde was recorded. The findings suggest that PCO is affected by the residence time and UV light intensity.
An Integrated Systemic and Local Wound Management in Recalcitrant Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Authors: Salvia Giorgia , Michelucci Alessandra , Granieri Giammarco , Manzo Margiotta Flavia , Bevilacqua Matteo , Fidanzi Cristian , Panduri Salvatore , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina
Published: January 2023

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic inflammatory dermatosis, whose management still represents a clinical challenge due to frequent unresponsive cases. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel, combined approach including local wound management, based on the principle of PG-TIME and a systemic therapy with an anti interleukin (IL)-17A monoclonal antibody (mAb). We presented a case of a 37-year-old female patient, affected by multi-refractory PG. The patient was treated with a combined approach of both local and systemic therapy. Wound clinical improvement was assessed by Wound Bed Score (WBS), wound size was evaluated through 3D camera laser scanner, and pain was evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS). After 52 weeks of therapy, the association of local wound management with ixekizumab 80 mg [160 mg at time (T) 0; 80 mg every 2 weeks until week 12; 80 mg every 4 weeks] allowed us to perform skin grafting and obtain complete wound healing. Our clinical case demonstrated the efficacy of a novel combination therapy for the treatment of recalcitrant PG based on IL-17 mAbs and local wound management built on the main features of PG-TIME.
Phenethyl isothiocyanate protects against cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity via nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 pathway in rats
Authors: Uyumlu Ayşe Burçin , Satılmış Basri , Atıcı Buğrahan , Taşlıdere Aslı
Published: January 2023

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a secondary metabolite in Cruciferous plants, exerts chemopreventive and antioxidant effects. However, its therapeutic potential in cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity is not clear. So, we focused to research on the effect of PEITC against renal toxicity caused by CP and its relationship to the Nrf2 signaling mechanism. Thirty female Wistar albino rats were allocated to three groups: control ( n = 10), CP ( n = 10), and PEITC-pretreated group (150 µmol/kg b.w. orally; n = 10). The antioxidant enzyme activities and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), serum urea, and creatinine (Cr) were measured. In the CP group, serum urea and Cr, MDA, and NF-κB levels have risen, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and SIRT1, Nrf2, and GST levels have reduced significantly ( P < 0.05). PEITC diminished levels of Cr, urea, MDA, and NF-κB while it enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and GST, Nrf2, and SIRT1 levels significantly ( P < 0.05). Pretreatment with PEITC ameliorated kidney tissue injury. The renal protective effect of the PEITC was supported by the histological analysis of the kidney. PEITC prevented CP-induced nephrotoxicity by decreasing oxidative damage through Nrf2 and SIRT1 activation and NF-κB inhibition. Therefore, we have suggested that PEITC may be a useful agent for protection against CP-induced renal injury.
Exiting Patients’ Rooms and Ending Relationships: Questions and Challenges Faced by Hospital Chaplains
Authors: Klitzman Robert , Di Sapia Natarelli Gabrielle , Sinnappan Stephanie , Garbuzova Elizaveta , Al-Hashimi Jay
Published: January 2023

These data, the first to explore chaplains' challenges in ending visits/relationships with patients/families, has critical implications for practice, education, and research. Questions arise about the scope/boundaries of chaplains' relationships with patients/families. Interviews were conducted with 23 chaplains who face questions/challenges regarding how to end visits and interactions, including individual conversations and ongoing relationships with patients/families. Chaplains confront uncertainties and rely on verbal- and non-verbal cues to gauge how long to stay with each patient/family, and they are sometimes unsure. These data have critical implications for practice, education, and research.
Towards Truly “Bespoke” Robotic Surgery: Vessel-Sparing Sigmoidectomy
Authors: Huscher Cristiano G. S. , Lazzarin Gianni
Published: January 2023

The proposed video-vignette represents a later step towards a truly robotically surgical approach, that combines oncological radicality and preservation of optimal blood flow during a sigmoidectomy for cancer. This totally robotic vessel-sparing approach doesn’t result in longer operative times, higher blood loss or extended length of hospitalization.
New Insights Into the Anticancer Effects of p-Coumaric Acid: Focus on Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tehami Wafâa , Nani Abdelhafid , Khan Naim A. , Hichami Aziz
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer is considered the second most deadly cancer in the world. Studies have indicated that diet can prevent the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in polyphenols due to their plausible effect on cancer prevention and treatment. p-Coumaric acid ( p-CouA), a phenolic compound, is a cinnamic acid derivative found in several fruits, vegetables, and herbs. A growing body of evidence suggests that p-CouA may be an effective agent for preventing and managing colorectal cancer. In this current review, we briefly highlight the bioavailability of p-CouA. We also provide an up-to-date overview of molecular mechanisms underlying its anticancer effects, focusing on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials, apoptosis induction, and cell cycle blockade. Finally, we discuss the impact of p-CouA on clonogenicity and multidrug resistance of colorectal cancer cells.
A systematic review and case presentation: Giant abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Buksh Md Mahfooz , Nuzhath Samira , Heslop Joshua , Moawad Magdy
Published: January 2023

Objective

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is considered giant when its transverse diameter is greater than 10–13 cm in diameter. A giant abdominal aortic aneurysm is rare but with a significant risk of rupture if it is not diagnosed or left untreated.

Method

The authors have performed a systematic review of the evidence that has looked into the clinical presentations, and management methods employed and have presented a 14 cm giant abdominal aortic aneurysm patient.

Results

The systematic review has been based on level-IV evidence due to the rarity of the condition. The final analysis included 61 relevant reported cases. The mean age was 72.4 years, the male to female ratio was 52: 8, and the average size of a giant abdominal aortic aneurysm was 14.7 cm. These were mostly infra renal (72.58%). Rupture of these aneurysms was found in 23 (37.1%) patients, and was treated by laparotomy in 51 (82.25%) cases. There were 11 (17.74%) mortalities.

Conclusion

The size of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is known to be the biggest factor in the rupture of an aneurysm. The reason abdominal aortic aneurysms can reach such size without rupturing is unclear but needs further exploring. Early diagnosis with effective screening programmes is essential to diagnose in a timely manner to avoid life-threatening consequences.
An evaluation of systematic and random errors in ultrasound estimated fetal weight during serial ultrasound
Authors: Dudley Nicholas John , Jindal Sucheta , Varley Helen
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Ultrasound estimated fetal weight is increasingly being used in the monitoring of fetal growth. Large systematic and random errors in estimated fetal weight have been reported; these may have an impact on the accuracy of fetal growth monitoring. The aim of this study was to attempt to evaluate these systematic and random errors by analysis of serial ultrasound data.

Methods:

Ultrasound measurements and birthweights were retrospectively collected for 100 unselected patients who had undergone serial ultrasound. Birthweights were used to calculate expected fetal growth trajectories using a method for generating growth charts based on customised birthweights. Estimated fetal weight results were then compared with the expected growth trajectories to evaluate systematic and random differences.

Results:

Incomplete measurement sets were excluded, reducing the number of scans to less than three for 13 subjects. A further 17 subjects with suspected pathological growth trajectories were excluded. The final analysis included 70 subjects with a total of 246 scans. The mean difference between estimated fetal weight and expected weight over three to six scans ranged from −17.5% to 38.3% with a mean of 8.4%, representing the systematic difference. The standard deviation of these differences ranged from 0.4% to 21% with a mean of 4.3%, representing random difference.

Conclusion:

Systematic and random differences between estimated fetal weight and expected fetal weight are significant and make interpretation of fetal growth difficult. Further improvements to formulae and growth curves are required and audit of fetal measurements is essential to service improvement.
Dynamic water vapor sorption in wood-based fibrous materials and material parameter estimation
Authors: Huttunen Petteri , Vinha Juha
Published: January 2023

Building physical simulation software rely on assumptions regarding the local equilibria in materials’ pore systems, which may be unjustified for certain materials. While local hygrothermal non-equilibrium has still been in focus in some previous studies, it has been unclear how significant factor it may be when modeling real structures. In case of wood, the non-equilibrium is related to the slowness of intrusion of water molecules into the hygroscopic cell walls. Including local non-equilibrium in macroscopic model requires separate variables for pore air vapor and adsorbed moisture, and modeling the local mass transfer between pore air and adsorbed moisture requires effective material parameters, whose experimental determination is not straightforward. Commercially available sorption balances can be used to record data, which can be used in the parameter estimation. In this type of problem of parameter estimation from time-dependent data the mathematical challenge is to find global optimum from different solutions, which yield similar values for objective function. This difficulty can be overcome by using statistical inversion approach, which we applied in studying low-density woodfibre material (LDF). Dynamic sorption parameters were finally applied in numerical analysis of a laboratory test assembly. Based on the results, our conclusion is that the slowness of sorption is obvious in small LDF sample, which is exposed to changing humidity, but with the studied material the sorption seem to happen fast enough so that local non-equilibrium may have only slight effects in modeling of real structures.
Role of magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating intrasellar cavernous hemangioma and pituitary adenoma: A case report—Decipit frons prima multos
Authors: Bertolini Giacomo , Romano Antonio , Fusella Claudio , Froio Elisabetta , Serra Silvia , La Corte Emanuele , Mazzatenta Diego , Ghadirpour Reza
Published: January 2023

Background

Cavernous hemangioma represents a rare vascular malformation usually located in the cavernous sinus that could be exceptionally found purely in the intrasellar region. The clinical presentation of intrasellar cavernous hemangioma (ICH), frequently variable and unspecific, poses the patient at risk for misdiagnosis and the clinical consequences of suboptimal treatment. We present a case of ICH and describe the advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that should direct toward the clinical suspicion of ICH.

Case presentation

An illustrative case of a 61-year-old man complaining of recurrent headaches and diagnosed with a sellar and parasellar lesion was reported and used as a cue to discuss MRI imaging sequences that may aid in the distinction of ICH from pituitary adenoma and other skull base lesions. Heterogeneous enhancement followed by intense homogeneous enhancement at the dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences (“fill-in” phenomenon), absence of blooming signs at the gradient recalled echo (GRE) T2*-weighted and/or susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) MRI sequences, and elevated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values usually characterize ICH instead of pituitary adenoma.

Conclusion

Advanced MRI imaging plays an invaluable role in the pre-operative characterization of skull base lesions. Although rare, skull base surgeons should be aware of the ICH in the differential diagnosis process in case of the intrasellar lesion, and a tailored MRI examination should be performed to direct the patient toward the safest and optimal treatment.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with sepsis who had cortisol level measurements or received hydrocortisone during their intensive care unit management: A retrospective single center study
Authors: Rivas Marcella , Motes Arunee , Ismail Amr , Yang Shengping , Sotello David , Arevalo Meily , Vutthikraivit Wasawat , Suchartlikitwong Sakolwan , Carrasco Cynthia , Iwuji Kenneth , Pachariyanon Pavida , Jaroudi Sarah , Thavaraputta Subhanudh , Nugent Kenneth
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

The current guidelines for managing patients with sepsis include the early cultures, administration of antibiotics, and fluid resuscitation. Several clinical trials have tried to determine whether or not the administration of corticosteroids improves outcomes in these patients. This study analyzed the characteristics of a large group of critically ill patients who either had cortisol levels drawn during their intensive care unit management or had hydrocortisone administered during their management.

Methods:

A list of patients who had cortisol levels measured or who had hydrocortisone administered empirically for the treatment of sepsis was identified by the medical record department at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included the need for mechanical ventilation, the need for renal replacement therapy, the need for vasopressors, length of stay, and the development of nosocomial infections.

Results:

This study included 351 patients, including 194 women (55.3%). The mean age was 62.9 ± 16.1 years. The mean admission SOFA score was 9.3 ± 3.63, the mean APACHE 2 score was 18.15 ± 7.7, and the mean lactic acid level was 3.8 ± 4.0 mmol/L. One hundred sixty-two patients required intubation, 262 required vasopressors, 215 developed acute kidney injury, and 319 had cortisol levels measured. The mean length of stay was 11.5 ± 13.7 days; the mortality rate was 32.2%. Multiple variable analysis demonstrated that higher cortisol levels were associated with increased mortality (44.1% if cortisol ⩾20 µg/dL versus 17.5% if cortisol <20 µg/dL). One hundred forty-five patients received corticosteroids, and multivariable analysis demonstrated that these patients had increased mortality (40.0% versus 26.7%).

Conclusion:

In this study, higher cortisol levels were associated with increased mortality. The administration of hydrocortisone was associated with increased mortality possibly reflecting the use of this medication in patients who had a higher likelihood of poor outcomes.
Relationship Between Preoperative Shoulder Osteoarthritis Severity Score and Postoperative PROMIS-UE Score After Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Davies Michael R. , Kucirek Natalie , Motamedi Daria , Ma C. Benjamin , Feeley Brian T. , Lansdown Drew
Published: January 2023

Background:

Mild to moderate glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is a common finding among patients who are evaluated for rotator cuff tears. However, the impact of preoperative shoulder joint degeneration on patient-reported outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is not well-established.

Purpose:

To apply the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based Shoulder Osteoarthritis Severity (SOAS) score to the evaluation of patients undergoing RCR and determine the relationship between preoperative shoulder pathology present on MRI and postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–Upper Extremity (PROMIS-UE) scores.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Seventy-one MRI scans corresponding to 71 patients were analyzed by 2 independent reviewers and scored using the SOAS criteria. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for total SOAS score as well as for each subscore. Spearman correlations were calculated between averaged SOAS scores, patient characteristics, and PROMIS-UE scores. Linear regression analysis was performed between the independent variables of patient age, sex, body mass index, and significant SOAS score components determined by univariate analysis with the dependent variable of PROMIS-UE score. Significance was defined as P < .05 for univariate analyses and < .0125 for multivariate analyses using the Bonferroni correction.

Results:

The mean PROMIS-UE score of this cohort was 51.5 ± 7.4, while the mean total SOAS score was 21.5 ± 8.4. There was a negative correlation between total SOAS score and postoperative PROMIS-UE score ( r = –0.24; P = .040). Both cartilage wear ( r = –0.33; P = .0045) and acromioclavicular joint degeneration ( r = –0.24; P = .048) individually demonstrated negative correlations with PROMIS-UE score. When a multivariate linear regression with Bonferroni correction was applied to the significant variables identified in univariate analysis along with patient characteristics, none were independently correlated with PROMIS-UE score.

Conclusion:

In this cohort of patients undergoing RCR, increasing preoperative total SOAS score was predictive of lower postoperative PROMIS-UE scores. SOAS subscores with the strongest negative correlations with PROMIS-UE scores included cartilage wear and acromioclavicular joint degeneration. The cartilage subscore was negatively correlated with PROMIS-UE scores independent of patient factors in multivariate analysis.
A Thesis Requirement of the Integrated Learning Experience: Time-to-Graduation and Student Satisfaction in an Online Master of Public Health Program
Authors: Leon Juan S. , Gaydos Laura M. , Kamat Neha , Donoho Nastassia , Shepherd Justin C. , Rubin Rimma , Alperin Melissa
Published: January 2023

The online Executive MPH (EMPH) Program at Emory University offers three majors, and prior to 2015, all integrated learning experiences (ILE) required theses. In 2015, the Program adjusted the ILE requirement based on each major’s intended career outcomes: Applied Epidemiology (Epidemiology: research thesis); Applied Public Health Informatics (Informatics: program-focused capstone courses instead of thesis); Prevention Science (Prevention: choice of research or program-focused thesis or program-focused capstone courses). Our goal was to describe major-specific curricular changes of the ILE requirement aimed to reduce time-to-graduation. We compared three cohort years before (2012–2014) and after (2015–2017) the 2015 curricular change using registrar data of time-to-graduation (339 students) and students’ self-reported satisfaction with their thesis experience (152 students). Informatics and Prevention majors had significantly more students (34%–35%) graduate on time in the 2015–2017, compared to the 2012–2015, cohorts. There was no significant difference by cohorts in perceived student thesis satisfaction in Informatics and Prevention majors and a decrease in satisfaction in Epidemiology majors. Before 2015, the main theme reported as a detractor to thesis satisfaction was lack of Program thesis support. After 2015, this detractor theme was not mentioned and instead a motivator theme was continuous thesis support. After 2015, the main detractor theme was difficulty with time management. Consistent motivator themes across 2012–2015 included thesis committee support and students’ self-fulfillment due to their thesis learning experience. The curricular strategies described can inform other online and residential programs that have a thesis requirement for the ILE.
Would people prefer city-center living in the post-COVID era?: Experience, status, and attitudes to social disasters
Authors: Jeong Kiseong , Lim Jaebin
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant social disaster that radically affected the paradigm of current urbanization and city-center living. Responses to the disaster varied depending on related experiences, individual status, and attitudes. Thus, this research extends the previous literature by examining the effects of experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic status, and how perceptions and attitudes affect preferences for city-center living in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, South Korea. We use data from PSSRAC (Perception Survey of Seoul metropolitan area Residential Awareness during COVID-19) of 2021. A binary logistic regression method is used to examine significant characteristics that affected the residential preference change due to “Experience,” “Status,” and “Attitude” in the COVID-19 era. The findings showed that respondents’ experience, status, and attitude related to the pandemic could have a complex effect on predictions of preference, for central or suburban living tendencies in the post-COVID-19 era. In terms of “Experience,” people who had bad experiences during the pandemic, for example, poor economic conditions were associated with suburban area living trends. For “Status,” socially and economically vulnerable groups preferred suburban residence due to the steep rise in housing prices in the city center after the pandemic. Finally, for “Attitude,” ‘value of housing for investment” was positively associated with a preference for city-center living in the post-COVID-19 era; respondents with a higher priority for maintaining remote work tended not to change their current residence. This study may provide planners, housing developers, and policymakers with meaningful implications for addressing urban changes in the post-COVID-19 era. Additionally, it is expected that this research’s ESA analysis and results can be used as a valid reference for other global cities.
Transcriptomics reveals the molecular mechanisms of flesh colour differences in eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Authors: Tao Tao , Hu Wei , Yang Yang , Zou Min , Zhou Shanshan , Tian Shibing , Wang Yongqing
Published: January 2023

Background

Fruit flesh colour is not only an important commodity attribute of eggplant but is also closely related to maturity. However, very little is known about its formation mechanism in eggplant.

Results

Two inbred lines of eggplant, green 'NC7' and white 'BL', were used in this study to explain the differences in flesh colour. Transcriptome sequencing results revealed a total of 3304 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in NC7 vs. BL. Of the DEGs obtained, 2050 were higher and 1254 were lower in BL. These DEGs were annotated to 126 pathways, where porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, and photosynthesis-antenna proteins play vital roles in the colour formation of eggplant flesh. At the same time, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment significance analysis showed that a large number of unigenes involved in the formation of chloroplast structure were lower in BL, which indicated that the formation of chloroplasts in white-fleshed eggplant was blocked. This was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which found only leucoplasts but no chloroplasts in the flesh cells of white-fleshed eggplant. Several genes encoding ERF and bHLH transcription factors were predicted to participate in the regulation of chlorophyll biosynthetic genes.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that differences in the gene expression of the chlorophyll metabolic pathway were the main cause of the different flesh colour formations. These findings will increase our understanding of the genetic basis in eggplant flesh colors formation mechanism.
Genome wide association analysis of root hair traits in rice reveals novel genomic regions controlling epidermal cell differentiation
Authors: Hanlon Meredith T. , Vejchasarn Phanchita , Fonta Jenna E. , Schneider Hannah M. , McCouch Susan R. , Brown Kathleen M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Genome wide association (GWA) studies demonstrate linkages between genetic variants and traits of interest. Here, we tested associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in rice (Oryza sativa) and two root hair traits, root hair length (RHL) and root hair density (RHD). Root hairs are outgrowths of single cells on the root epidermis that aid in nutrient and water acquisition and have also served as a model system to study cell differentiation and tip growth. Using lines from the Rice Diversity Panel-1, we explored the diversity of root hair length and density across four subpopulations of rice (aus, indica, temperate japonica, and tropical japonica). GWA analysis was completed using the high-density rice array (HDRA) and the rice reference panel (RICE-RP) SNP sets.

Results

We identified 18 genomic regions related to root hair traits, 14 of which related to RHD and four to RHL. No genomic regions were significantly associated with both traits. Two regions overlapped with previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with root hair density in rice. We identified candidate genes in these regions and present those with previously published expression data relevant to root hair development. We re-phenotyped a subset of lines with extreme RHD phenotypes and found that the variation in RHD was due to differences in cell differentiation, not cell size, indicating genes in an associated genomic region may influence root hair cell fate. The candidate genes that we identified showed little overlap with previously characterized genes in rice and Arabidopsis.

Conclusions

Root hair length and density are quantitative traits with complex and independent genetic control in rice. The genomic regions described here could be used as the basis for QTL development and further analysis of the genetic control of root hair length and density. We present a list of candidate genes involved in root hair formation and growth in rice, many of which have not been previously identified as having a relation to root hair growth. Since little is known about root hair growth in grasses, these provide a guide for further research and crop improvement.