bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of interactive dashboards for monitoring endemic animal pathogens in Ontario, Canada: Ontario interactive animal pathogen dashboards
Authors: Petukhova Tatiana , Spinato Maria , Rossi Tanya , Guerin Michele T. , Kelton David , Nelson-Smikle Pauline , Barham Melanie , Ojkic Davor , Poljak Zvonimir
Published: August 2023

The advancement of web-based technologies makes it possible to build user interfaces or web pages that present and summarize complex data in easy-to-read graphical formats that emphasize key information. Taking advantage of this technologic progress, we addressed the need for real-time visualizations of trends for major pathogens in the largest livestock industries in Ontario: poultry, swine, and cattle. These visualizations were built using test data from the laboratory information management system of the Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph, a large veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Ontario. The data were processed using R software and used to construct interactive and dynamic visualizations using Tableau Desktop v.2021.4 (Tableau Software). We designed 12 dashboards: in chickens—influenza A virus, fowl adenovirus, infectious bronchitis virus, and infectious laryngotracheitis virus; in turkeys—influenza A virus; in swine, influenza A virus, rotavirus, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus; in cattle—bovine viral diarrhea virus, Mycoplasma bovis, Salmonella Dublin in individual samples, and Salmonella Dublin in bulk tank milk samples. Data for each pathogen are presented in 2 dashboards. One shows the data of the last 10 y (general view) and the other the data of the last 3 y, but in more detail (comprehensive view). Information on gaining access to all dashboards is available at https://iapd.lsd.uoguelph.ca/ . The visualizations provide near-real-time access to aggregated assay results for selected pathogens for veterinarians, animal health regulatory agencies, researchers, and other users who are interested in livestock pathogen surveillance.
Characterization of nonencapsulated Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serovar K12:O3 isolates
Authors: To Ho , Tsutsumi Nobuyuki , Ito Soma , Gottschalk Marcelo , Nagai Shinya
Published: August 2023

Three Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates from clinical cases of porcine pleuropneumonia were positive by capsular serovar 12–specific PCR assay, but not reactive to antiserum prepared against serovar 12 using the rapid slide agglutination (RSA) test. The isolates were positive for apxIICA, apxIIICA, apxIBD, apxIIIBD, and apxIVA in the PCR toxin gene assay, which is the profile seen in serovars 2, 4, 6, 8, and 15, and reacted with antisera against serovars 3, 6, 8, 15, and 17. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that genes involved in the biosynthesis of capsular polysaccharide of the 3 isolates were identical or nearly identical to those of serovar 12. However, genes involved in the biosynthesis of O-polysaccharide of the 3 isolates were highly similar to those of reference strains of serovars 3, 6, 8, 15, 17, and 19. In agreement with results from the RSA test, transmission electron microscopic analysis confirmed the absence of detectable capsular material in the 3 isolates. The existence of nonencapsulated A. pleuropneumoniae serovar K12:O3 would hamper precise serodetection.
Modeling and design of magnetorheological elastomer isolator system for an active control solution to reduce the vibration transmission in elevator context
Authors: Erenchun Aitor , Kari Leif , Blanco Blas , Wang Bochao , Irazu Leire , Gil-Negrete Nere
Published: August 2023

The attenuation of the structure-borne sound caused by elevator systems in residential buildings is a priority for manufacturers. This work develops a model of an active control isolation system for the vibrations produced by the elevator drive machine. This solution proposes the substitution of conventional passive isolators by new ones made of a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), a smart material whose modulus can be modified by applying a magnetic field. To guide the design process, MRE isolators are fabricated and experimentally tested statically and dynamically in compression mode. Subsequently, the parameters of the MRE are fitted to build a nonlinear material sub-model that accounts for the frequency, amplitude, and magnetic field dependency. Afterward, a global model of the elevator drive machine vibration isolation system is developed, which incorporates the drive machine, structure, and MRE-based isolator. To enhance vibration isolation, two active control strategies are designed and assessed. Simulation results predict that active control systems based on MRE isolators improve vibration isolation as compared to traditional passive systems. The excitation amplitude and frequency, along with the control strategy and magnetization of the MRE isolators are shown to be critical parameters when designing an active control solution.
The Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Starr Jessica A. , Pinner Nathan A.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate the role of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Data sources

A literature search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases (January 2015 to June 20, 2023) was performed with keywords: sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors OR SGLT2 inhibitors OR bexagliflozin OR canagliflozin OR dapagliflozin OR empagliflozin OR ertugliflozin OR sotagliflozin AND heart failure OR heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and terms related to CV outcomes including cardiovascular death, hospitalization, hospitalization for heart failure, mortality, death, and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE).

Study selection and data extraction

The reference list from retrieved articles as well as relevant review articles was considered. Pivotal randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses with a primary or secondary end point of CV death or heart failure hospitalization were included. Studies conducted solely in a diabetic patient population were excluded.

Data synthesis

Dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, in a broad population of heart failure patients including, HFrEF, HFmrEF, HFpEF, and without diabetes, have shown consistent improvement in the combined outcome of CV death and hospitalization for heart failure (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.73-0.87) and in the reduction of heart failure hospitalizations (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.67-0.83). In patients with HFpEF, cardiovascular mortality was not demonstrated (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77-1.00). Rates of adverse events were low.

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice

Patients with HFpEF and NYHA class II-III with frequent symptoms or hospitalizations for heart failure derive the most benefit from SGLT2 inhibitors with an overall goal of a reduction in heart failure hospitalizations.

Conclusions

The treatment of HFpEF has made progress, but there is still work to be done. Now, SGLT2 inhibitor therapy can be used to further help with symptom control and reduce overall hospitalizations for heart failure.
Daptomycin Plus Oxacillin for Persistent Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Kufel Wesley D. , Zagoria Zoey , Blaine Bruce E. , Steele Jeffrey M. , Mahapatra Rahul , Paolino Kristopher M. , Thomas Stephen J.
Published: August 2023

Background:

The preferred antibiotic salvage regimen for persistent methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (MSSAB) is unclear. Ertapenem with cefazolin or an antistaphylococcal penicillin has been primarily described, but identifying alternative carbapenem-sparing options may support antibiotic stewardship efforts and decrease the risk of antibiotic-associated Clostridioides difficile infection.

Objective:

We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of daptomycin plus oxacillin (D/O) for persistent MSSAB.

Methods:

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort of patients with persistent MSSAB who received D/O between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2023. Adult patients were included if they had blood cultures positive for MSSA ≥72 hours and received D/O combination for ≥48 hours. Patients were excluded if they were pregnant, incarcerated, or received another antibiotic considered to have excellent activity against MSSA. The primary outcome was time to MSSA bacteremia clearance post-daptomycin initiation. Secondary outcomes included microbiological cure, hospital length of stay, 90-day all-cause mortality, MSSA bacteremia-related mortality, 90-day readmission for MSSAB, and incidence of antibiotic-associated adverse effects. Time to MSSAB clearance post-D/O initiation was plotted using Kaplan-Meier estimation.

Results:

Seven unique patient encounters were identified including 4 with endocarditis. Despite a median MSSA bacteremia duration of 7.8 days, median clearance was 2 days post-daptomycin initiation. All achieved microbiological cure, and no adverse effects were reported. Ninety-day all-cause mortality, MSSAB-related mortality, and 90-day readmission for MSSAB occurred in 28.6%, 14.3%, and 14.3% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance:

D/O was an effective, well-tolerated salvage regimen in this cohort and may represent a carbapenem-sparing option for persistent MSSAB.
Comparison of Early Versus Late Adjunctive Vasopressin and Corticosteroids in Patients With Septic Shock
Authors: Alshehri Abdulmajeed M. , Kovacevic Mary P. , Dube Kevin M. , Lupi Kenneth E. , DeGrado Jeremy R.
Published: August 2023

Background

Vasopressin (VP) and hydrocortisone (HC) have been shown to improve outcomes in patients with septic shock. However, there is very little literature addressing the impact of the timing of the combination.

Objective

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of early versus late initiation of both VP and HC on time to shock reversal in septic shock patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary academic medical center. Data were collected from system-generated reports, which were used to identify patients with septic shock who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and received both VP and HC. The primary endpoint was time to shock reversal. Patients were divided into the “early” group if both VP and HC were initiated within 12 hours of vasopressor initiation or into the “late” group if either VP or HC (or both agents) were initiated after 12 hours of vasopressor initiation.

Results

A total of 122 patients were included in the analysis. Early initiation was associated with a shorter time to shock reversal (34 hours vs 65 hours; P = 0.012) compared to late initiation. There were no differences in ICU length of stay, mortality, the number patients requiring renal replacement therapy, or the duration of mechanical ventilation in either group.

Conclusion and relevance

Our study addressed a major gap in the literature and suggests that adding the combination of VP and HC within 12 hours of septic shock may be associated with improved patient outcomes.
A Longitudinal Examination of Four Processual Mechanisms in Career Decision Making
Authors: Xu Hui
Published: August 2023

The dual-process theory of career decision making (DTC) proposes four processual mechanisms that explain the career decision-making process and outcomes. Although research has examined the validity of the four processual mechanisms using a cross-sectional dataset in China, the roles of the four mechanisms in career decision making cannot be fully established without longitudinal and cross-cultural analyses. Using a sample of U.S. college students ( n = 206), the current study examined the validity of the four processual mechanisms in explaining the joint operation of five major decision-making difficulties with subsequent career decidedness as the criterion. The results supported not only the standalone mechanisms of managing state and persistent decision uncertainty but also the joint mechanisms from managing state (persistent) uncertainty to managing persistent (state) uncertainty. Therefore, the current study adds evidence to the DTC, particularly regarding the scientific and practical necessity of differentiating between state and persistent decision uncertainty and between reducing uncertainty and reducing the threat of uncertainty. Additionally, the current study offers interesting implications for the interplay of major decision difficulties across different sociocultural contexts of China and the U.S.
Systematic Review of GIS and Remote Sensing Applications for Assessing the Socioeconomic Impacts of Mining
Authors: Ang Michelle Li Ern , Owen John R. , Gibbins Christopher N. , Lèbre Éléonore , Kemp Deanna , Saputra Muhamad Risqi U. , Everingham Jo-Anne , Lechner Alex M.
Published: August 2023

As the mining industry expands, a comprehensive understanding of its socioeconomic risks and benefits is urgently needed. This paper systematically reviews 71 studies (1996–2021) that utilized spatially integrated approaches to evaluate socioeconomic mining impacts. The number of studies that utilize geographic information systems and remote sensing to study mining impacts increased from 2014 onwards. A framework was used to classify the mining impacts studied in the literature and all eight framework categories – Environment, Land, People, Community, Culture, Livelihoods, Infrastructure and Housing – were captured by the literature though Culture was least studied. Coal mining, active mining phase, Landsat data and classic remote sensing algorithms were most highlighted. Future research should focus on advancing geospatial technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to better capture intangible socioeconomic impacts, under-researched minerals and long-term mine lifecycle components. Spatially referenced social data can improve stakeholder involvement and support spatially explicit planning to ensure sustainability.
Recurrent syncope due to central venous occlusion in a patient undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Fu Huiling , Tang Na , Wang Yin , Xie Yuanliang , Guo Aili , Huang Xiaomei
Published: August 2023

A 66-year-old male patient receiving maintenance hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula of the right upper limb was admitted to the hospital because of intermittent syncope, dizziness, and distension. Central venography indicated occlusion of the right brachiocephalic vein (RBV), and the contrast agent flowed from the right internal jugular vein into the intracranial vein, then into the contralateral internal jugular vein, and finally returned into the superior vena cava. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed to dilate the RBV. Postoperatively, the contrast agent flowed smoothly into the right atrium through the RBV and the superior vena cava. Craniocerebral magnetic resonance angiography and magnetic resonance venography indicated that the intracranial venous reflux disappeared. The patient did not experience syncope again; moreover, dizziness and distention improved, as well as right facial swelling and right eye congestion, and he was discharged 2 days later. Two months later, the patient complained of dizziness. Venography under digital subtraction angiography showed severe stenosis at the RBV and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed; moreover, stent placement was performed. The contrast agent flowed smoothly into the right atrium through the RBV and the superior vena cava again. Ultimately, the headaches and dizziness improved significantly postoperatively. Hence, if hemodialysis patients present with neurological symptoms, intracranial venous congestion should be monitored; nonetheless, most patients have a good prognosis when treated appropriately.
#MeToo, Cisheteropatriarchy and LGBTQ+ Sexual Violence on Campus
Authors: McCann Hannah , Sharp Megan
Published: August 2023

This article examines two case studies related to LGBTQ disclosures of sexual violence on university campuses, in the US and Australia. We argue that in a landscape of mediated #MeToo discourse, LGBTQ testimonies are often mapped onto a cisheteropatriarchal framework which limits adequate institutional responses to LGBTQ experiences of sexual violence. We illustrate how resolutions are often imagined via individualised empowerment narratives, and how this works in concert with the cisheteropatriarchal framing to delimit responses to sexual violence. We consider alternative possibilities for accounting for LGBTQ experiences going forward, and how institutions like universities might better respond to these issues.
Reparations for people living with dementia: Recognition, accountability, change, now!
Authors: Steele Linda , Swaffer Kate , Siciliano Hope , Rose Evelyn , Mitchell William John , Kobier Karen , Bailey Brenda
Published: August 2023

There is a significant and longstanding problem of harm to people living with dementia in long term care institutions (‘LTC institutions’, referred to by others as ‘care homes’, ‘nursing homes’, ‘long term care’, ‘residential aged care facilities’), along with a failure to redress the harm or hold people accountable for this harm. This article reports on an Australian project that found reparations must be a response to harm to people living with dementia in residential aged care. Using a disability human rights methodology, focus groups were conducted with people living with dementia, care partners and family members, advocates and lawyers to explore perspectives on why and how to redress harm to people living with dementia in Australian LTC institutions. Researchers found four key themes provide the basis for the necessity and design of a reparative approach to redress – recognition, accountability, change, now. The article calls for further attention to reparations in dementia scholarship, with a particular focus on the role that can be played in the delivery of reparations by the LTC industry, dementia practitioners, and dementia scholars. Ultimately, this article provides a new understanding of responses to violence, abuse, neglect and other harms experienced by people living with dementia in LTC institutions, which centres justice, rights, and transformative change.
Interpreting International Mindedness in Dutch State-funded International Schools: an educational leadership perspective
Authors: Scott Andrew
Published: August 2023

This article focuses on the challenges faced by educational leaders of international schools in conceptualising international mindedness. Further articles are planned which will focus on how the wider social and school context influence educational leaders’ promotion of international mindedness, and on why educational leaders are drawn to values-leadership models in its promotion. The use of the term international mindedness has grown significantly over the last thirty years. It is now in common usage in many international schools (Hayden et al, 2015), and is used specifically by both the International Baccalaureate and the International Primary Curriculum to describe the core values that underpin the educational programmes they offer. It is a broad concept whose advocates claim it encapsulates the values and ideals of international education that seek to promote greater global understanding and awareness (Hill, 2014). However, the value and appropriateness of the term remain contested (Haywood, 2015; Savva and Stanfield, 2018).

There is also a growing body of literature that has highlighted the importance of educational leaders in promoting school-wide values (Hallinger and Huber, 2012; Day et al, 2016). If we are to better understand the significance of international mindedness to the wider field of international schools, we need to develop a greater awareness of what shapes educational leaders’ understanding of a core value such as international mindedness, and what it is they hope to achieve within the wider social and school context within which they are operating. The first section of this article explores how international mindedness is conceptualised and the current debates surrounding it, presenting a conceptual framework for international mindedness that draws on academic literature from the wider field of international education. The second section is based on empirical research carried out into educational leadership in a group of international schools.
Reading and creating books: Bridging the distance from stories to e-stories
Authors: Vretudaki Hellen , Angeli Athina , Alexiou Panagiota , Diamantaki Evaggelia
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a two-phase intervention programme meant to reinforce comprehension of the structural framework of stories among 92 preschool children (aged 4–6 years) over 4 months. During the first phase, the children were called upon to produce their own original stories following the Story Grammar pattern, while in the second phase, based on their previous training on the structural framework of stories, they were trained to produce digital stories using the web 2 tool StoryJumper. Both phases of the intervention programme included a combination of verbal and visual aids. The quantitative analysis of the data showed that the intervention programme significantly improved children’s ability to comprehend the structural elements of stories and to create organized, comprehensible stories. Following our expectations, the children’s new knowledge on the structure of stories was transferred to their digital creations. The implementation of the intervention programme helped substantive questions emerge about the formation of a multi-level strategy which would effectively support the transfer of knowledge and skills from a traditional to a digital environment through processes that are meaningful for children.
The Learning Experience Designer Skillset: Employer Expectations
Authors: Waight Consuelo L. , Edwards Malaika T. , Waight Judy E.
Published: August 2023

The Problem

Learning designers are central to employee capability transformations, and their contributions became invaluable during Covid-19. Resultantly, jobs for learning experience (LX) designers became more noticeable. Yet not much is known about LX designer skills. While there are assumptions that a LX designer may be similar to an instructional designer or technologist, there is no empirical evidence.

The Solution

In defining the skills of an LX designer, the employer’s voice is essential. In this study, we applied a case study design and examined 25 LX designer job announcements (JAs) across eight industries.

The Stakeholders

Through this study, employers can introspect on the development of their JAs and their expectations of LX designers. Professors who teach learning and instructional design courses can strengthen their course content alignment with the LX designer skillset. Researchers can use the suggested studies to further the LX designer discourse.
Resounding/Resonating Sounds of Home, Heritage, and Heart: A Collaborative Autoethnography of Re/Membering the Self Through Storying Family
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith , Whalen Michael , Solomon Brett , Bravo Marco , Lodhia Sharmila
Published: August 2023

Initially, this collaborative autoethnography brought together five authors to explore the trope of sound through re/membering the self and storying family. But it very quickly became an exploration of the inter-reliability and inner relatability of sounds of home, heritage, and the heart across diverse human lived experiences of grief, mourning, recovery, and intergenerational legacies of hope. The essay explores the relational practice between self in relation to culture that always informs autoethnography as qualitative inquiry, which is intentionally exploited and magnified in this collaborative autoethnography.
Examining the Psychometrics and Characteristics of the Assessing School Settings: Interactions of Students and Teachers
Authors: Bradshaw Catherine P. , McDaniel Heather L. , Kaihoi Chelsea A. , Braun Summer S. , Pas Elise T. , Bottiani Jessika H. , Cash Anne H. , Debnam Katrina J.
Published: August 2023

This article focuses on the psychometric properties and characteristics of the Assessing School Settings: Interactions of Students and Teachers (ASSIST), an observational assessment administered by trained external observers of teacher practices, classroom context, and student behaviors at the classroom level. Study 1 examines variability, reliability, and convergence between ASSIST scores with data from 3,298 classrooms nested within 185 elementary, middle, and high schools. We report school-level intraclass correlations (ICCs), standard deviations, means, and reliability estimates of ASSIST scales; investigate the correspondence among ASSIST-measured constructs with multilevel correlations; and explore school-level predictors of ASSIST global scale scores. Study 2 further examines reliability over time and convergent validity using repeated ASSIST and Classroom Assessment Scoring System–Secondary (CLASS-S) observations in classrooms of 335 teachers in 41 middle schools. The ASSIST global measures exhibited moderate to good reliability across three same-teacher observations (ICCs ranged from .69 to .82). Associations between all ASSIST and CLASS-S scales suggested close correspondence of the measures, especially at the teacher level and school level. Together, these findings highlight the utility of the ASSIST observational measure, both as a research and practice tool, across multiple school types and classroom contexts, and with potential to inform coaching to improve teachers’ classroom management.
Pedagogies of generosity: Towards a multidimensional understanding that nurtures ‘critical generosity’
Authors: Zembylas Michalinos
Published: August 2023

This paper builds on discussions about what sort of generosity might be nurtured in pedagogy when perspectives of affectivity, corporeality, and politics are foregrounded. The paper focuses on highlighting a multidimensional understanding of generosity with specific emphasis on the ways in which affective/embodied/corporeal and political dimensions reframe the dominant discourse of generosity as a personal moral conduct. In particular, the paper takes up the challenge of theorizing generosity beyond dualisms of active giving and passive receiving, by thinking through how affectivity and corporeality motivate political action. In bringing together different thinkers and concepts around generosity to theorize ‘pedagogies of generosity’, the reader is invited to reconsider how ‘critical generosity’ as an ethical, affective and political practice invokes insights about the role of the teacher in nurturing modalities of ‘generous’ actions that can be socially and politically transformative.
Genetic liability to frailty in relation to functional outcome after ischemic stroke
Authors: Cai Huan , Zhang Hao , Liang Jialin , Liu Zhonghua , Huang Guozhi
Published: August 2023

Background:

Frailty appears to be associated with unfavorable prognosis after stroke in observational studies, but the causality remains largely unknown.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential causal effect of frailty on functional outcome at 3 months after ischemic stroke using the Mendelian randomization (MR) framework.

Methods:

Genetic instruments for frailty index were identified in a genome-wide association study meta-analysis including 175,226 individuals of European descent. Corresponding genetic association estimates for functional outcome after ischemic stroke at 90 days were taken from the Genetic of Ischemic Stroke Functional Outcome (GISCOME) network of 6021 patients. We performed inverse-variance weighted MR as the main analyses, followed by several alternate methods and sensitivity analyses.

Results:

In univariable MR, we found evidence that genetically predicted higher frailty index (odds ratio (OR) = 5.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31–20.09; p = 0.019) was associated with worse functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ⩾3) after ischemic stroke. In further multivariable MR adjusting for potential confounding traits including body mass index, C-reactive protein, inflammatory bowel disease, and smoking initiation, the overall patterns between genetic liability to frailty and poor functional outcome status remained. Sensitivity analyses with complementary methods and with model unadjusted for baseline stroke severity (OR = 4.19; 95% CI = 1.26–13.90; p = 0.019) yielded broadly concordant results.

Conclusions:

The present MR study suggested a possible causal effect of frailty on poor functional outcome after ischemic stroke. Frailty might represent a potential target for intervention to improve recovery after ischemic stroke.
Aerodynamic drag study of speed skaters using CFD simulations
Authors: Wei Yuju , Wang Yanqing , Nie You , Weng Ding , Chen Lei , Ma Yuan , Pang Zuobo , Wang Jiadao
Published: August 2023

The aerodynamic drag of speed skaters was analyzed numerically at different posture angles of head, back and arm as well as team formation. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method was used to investigate the optimized posture of the skater and the drag law of the team formation. Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) was used as the numerical technique. CFD results showed that the drag area of the skater increased with the increasing angle of the head, back, and arms due to the increased high-pressure areas on the windward side and the increased low-pressure areas on the leeward side of the skater. CFD results also showed that all three skaters had lower drag area in the team pursuit competition compared with an isolated skater. The drag area of the latter two skaters was significantly smaller than that of the first skater, and the drag area of the foremost skater increased sharply when the axial spacing was more than 0.6 m. The drag area for all three skaters increased as the lateral offset increased. Moreover, the research in this paper presented an important reference for the drag reducing optimization of speed suits and helmets, and the method could be expanded to other sports.
Assessing housing exposures and interventions that impact healthy cities: a systematic overview of reviews
Authors: Richards GC , Carpenter J , Okpalugo E , Howard DJ , Heneghan C
Published: August 2023

Aim:

There are direct links between housing and health. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews that bring together the evidence to outline the health impacts of exposures in housing and housing interventions. This article aims to address this gap by synthesising systematic reviews on the themes of housing exposures and interventions.

Methods:

We searched four databases: Scopus (Elsevier), PsycINFO (OvidSP), Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Index (Web of Science Core Collection), and the Sociology Collection (Proquest). We used keywords related to ‘health’ and ‘city*’ and included all types of reviews. We extracted data into a predesigned extraction form and synthesised information narratively.

Results:

745 articles were identified and screened, of which 256 reviews were included and 16 (6%) related to housing. All reviews related to housing exposures found that poor housing, including crowding, coldness, dampness, mould, and indoor air pollution had a negative impact on health. Most reviews found that housing interventions such as housing refurbishment, heating, and energy efficiency interventions positively impacted health outcomes. An online toolkit was developed to disseminate and communicate this research: https://www.healthycitiescommission.org/toolkit/ .

Conclusion:

Governments have a pivotal role in addressing health issues related to housing interventions and exposures in housing. This includes interventions through building regulations following international guidance and financial assistance to encourage housing modifications that will improve health.
Assessing the Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy on Painful Diabetic Distal Symmetric Peripheral Neuropathy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tassone Erica E. , Page Jeffrey C. , Slepian Marvin J.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Significant complications of diabetes include pain and the loss of sensation in peripheral limbs. Pain management of diabetic symmetric peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) remains challenging. This study reports on utilizing pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) to reduce pain and improve skin perfusion pressure (SPP) in subjects with DSPN.

Methods:

A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial was conducted on subjects afflicted with foot pain associated with DSPN. Following informed consent, 182 subjects with diabetes and confirmed DSPN were entered into the trial for a period of 18 weeks. Subjects were randomized into active PEMF treatment or nonactive sham and instructed to treat to their feet for 30 minutes, twice daily and report daily pain scores. Some patients in the active arm experienced a transient low field strength notification (LFSN) due to improper pad placement during treatment. Skin perfusion pressure measurements were also collected at two and seven weeks to assess peripheral arterial disease effects via measurement of local microcirculatory flow and blood pressure.

Results:

Patients in the active arm who did not receive an LFSN experienced a clinically significant 30% reduction in pain from baseline compared to sham ( P < .05). Though not statistically significant, SPP in the active group trended toward improvement compared to sham.

Conclusions:

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy appears effective as a nonpharmacological means for reduction of pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and holds promise for improvement of vascular physiology in microcirculatory dysfunction associated with diabetic peripheral arterial disease.
Comparing Current Practice Habits for Treatment of Subcondylar Fracture Among Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons
Authors: Schopper Heather K. , Dunn Brandyn , Davila Richard , Sykes Kevin J. , Flynn John P. , Kriet J. David , Humphrey Clinton D.
Published: August 2023

Study Design

Survey.

Objective

Subcondylar fractures stand out as a particular challenge when treating maxillofacial trauma. The fracture site is often difficult to access and adjacent to critical structures like the facial nerve. Current treatment paradigms vary widely and we endeavored to elucidate these approaches from surgeons across the full breadth of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery.

Methods

A survey was designed to gather general background training and experience information, perceived indications for ORIF of subcondylar fractures, options for treating subcondylar fractures, and reasoning for choosing or not choosing a given treatment approach. The survey was sent to members of AO CMF and the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery. Responses were collected for 4 weeks.

Results

514 total responses to the survey were obtained (response rate 17%). Of these, 43 (8.4%) identified as Otolaryngology trained, 417 (81.1%) as OMFS trained, and 54 (10.5%) as Plastic Surgery trained. While there was broad agreement in the indications for open repair, surgical approaches differed by specialty background as well as AO faculty member status. Those with less experience were less likely to perform open approaches due to lack of comfort with this skill set.

Conclusions

There are some key differences in approaches to treatment of subcondylar fractures based upon specialty background and experience level. This provides an opportunity for further education to ensure optimal treatment for patients.
Self-Control and Belief in Conspiracy Theories
Authors: Heitkamp Amanda , Mowen Thomas J.
Published: August 2023

Belief in conspiracy theories—such as belief that the earth is flat or that 5G networks cause cancer—is relatively prominent in the United States. While emerging research has tied self-control to some patterns of deviant beliefs, such as belief in the paranormal, the extent to which self-control theory explains belief in conspiracy theories remains elusive. Given the breadth of belief in conspiracy theories, as well as the explanatory power of self-control theory for deviant behaviors more generally, this limitation is surprising. Using a sample of 1,231 college students, we examine the link between self-control and conspiracy beliefs. Results show that self-control is a significant indicator of belief in conspiracy theories, even after controlling for key correlates of belief. Overall, findings suggest that characteristics of low self-control promote higher endorsement of conspiracy beliefs.
Analyzing jogging activity patterns and adaptation to public health regulation
Authors: Liu Yifeng , Lai Yuan
Published: August 2023

Outdoor running is one of the most popular physical activities, with numerous health benefits and minimal cost. Despite such importance, limited scientific understanding of collective behavioral patterns of running activity constraints more evidence-based spatial planning and urban design for promoting an active lifestyle. This study investigates the underlying spatial, temporal, and typological patterns of running activities within a university campus by analyzing a large number of running trajectory data ( n = 11088) at high spatial-temporal resolution. Based on classification and pattern identification, the results reveal three major running activity types on streets, tracks, and mixed spatial conditions. This study further investigates data during a specific period when the campus experienced public space regulation as a part of the COVID-19 prevention protocol. Results reveal the disruption, change, and recovery of running activity, revealing local behavioral adaptation and resilience towards spatial intervention. Overall, our findings resonate with classic urban design theory and existing literature, and the proposed analytical workflow can further support more evidence-based and data-informed planning decisions and design actions for promoting physical activity and active living.
Sensitivity and specificity of prostate-specific antigen and its surrogates towards the detection of prostate cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Okwor Chika Juliet , Nnakenyi Ifeyinwa Dorothy , Agbo Ezra Ogbonnaya , Nweke Martins
Published: August 2023

Background

Racial disparities associated with pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer makes a global diagnostic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) cut-off value inappropriate. Our review aimed to evaluate the pooled sensitivity and specificity of PSA and its surrogates, and to systematically synthesize the optimum thresholds for the detection of prostate cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

This was a systematic review of 6861 peer-reviewed literature from five databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, African Journal Online and Academic Search Complete, last search was in September 2022. Studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of PSA and/or its surrogates towards the detection of prostate cancer in patients, using histology of prostate biopsy as the reference test for cancer diagnosis, were included. Studies that did not report sensitivity and/or specificity, or histology diagnosis of prostate cancer were excluded. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS) by two independent investigators. Random effect model of meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.

Results

Thirteen (13) studies of males diagnosed with prostate cancer were included—10 studies reported PSA sensitivity/specificity/both; 4 reported on PSA surrogates (3 reported %freePSA, and 1 reported PSA density). We conducted 2 meta-analyses to pool the diagnostic accuracy of PSA and %freePSA. The sensitivity of PSA (n = 10) at the cut-off values of < 4 ng/ml, 4–10 ng/ml, > 10 ng/ml were 86.8%, 93.1%, and 76.0% respectively; while specificity (n = 8) were 42.3%, 29.3%, and 28.8% respectively. The PSA cut-off of 4–10 ng/ml possessed the highest diagnostic accuracy (55.7%). The specificity (91.5%) and diagnostic accuracy (84%) of %freePSA (n = 3) was best at cut-off value ≤ 10%.

Conclusion

Having the highest diagnostic accuracy individually, a combination of PSA 4–10 ng/ml and %freePSA ≤ 10% may be a more appropriate criteria for deciding eligibility for prostate biopsy among males in sub-Saharan Africa.
Demand and supply effects on native-immigrant wage differentials: the case of Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Borhan , Zangelidis Alexandros , Theodossiou Ioannis
Published: August 2023

This paper uses a matched employee-employer dataset using the Productivity and Investment Climate Survey 2007 to assess the relative effect of demand and supply-side characteristics on the wages of native and immigrant workers in Malaysia. In doing so, the study demonstrates noteworthy differences in the wage determination process. Individual supply-side characteristics are found to be a key determinant of wages for native workers, and are relatively more important in explaining the wage variation than demand-side effects. In contrast, individual supply-side characteristics are found to explain noticeably less of the wage variation for immigrant workers. Therefore, this study reveals that native and immigrant wages do not solely reflect the workers’ productivity, although this effect is far more pronounced for the migrant workers.
Factors to consider during anesthesia in patients undergoing preemptive kidney transplantation: a propensity-score matched analysis
Authors: Kim Jeayoun , Lee Kyo Won , Kim Keoungah , Kang Hyeryung , Yang Jaehun , Park Jae Berm , Kim Gaabsoo
Published: August 2023

Background

International guidelines have recommended preemptive kidney transplantation (KT) as the preferred approach, advocating for transplantation before the initiation of dialysis. This approach is advantageous for graft and patient survival by avoiding dialysis-related complications. However, recipients of preemptive KT may undergo anesthesia without the opportunity to optimize volume status or correct metabolic disturbances associated with end-stage renal disease. In these regard, we aimed to investigate the anesthetic events that occur more frequently during preemptive KT compared to nonpreemptive KT.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective study. Of the 672 patients who underwent Living donor KT (LDKT), 388 of 519 who underwent nonpreemptive KT were matched with 153 of 153 who underwent preemptive KT using propensity score based on preoperative covariates. The primary outcome was intraoperative hypotension defined as area under the threshold (AUT), with a threshold set at a mean arterial blood pressure below 70 mmHg. The secondary outcomes were intraoperative metabolic acidosis estimated by base excess and serum bicarbonate, electrolyte imbalance, the use of inotropes or vasopressors, intraoperative transfusion, immediate graft function evaluated by the nadir creatinine, and re-operation due to bleeding.

Results

After propensity score matching, we analyzed 388 and 153 patients in non-preemptive and preemptive groups. The multivariable analysis revealed the AUT of the preemptive group to be significantly greater than that of the nonpreemptive group (mean ± standard deviation, 29.7 ± 61.5 and 14.5 ± 37.7, respectively, P = 0.007). Metabolic acidosis was more severe in the preemptive group compared to the nonpreemptive group. The differences in the nadir creatinine value and times to nadir creatinine were statistically significant, but clinically insignificant.

Conclusion

Intraoperative hypotension and metabolic acidosis occurred more frequently in the preemptive group during LDKT. These findings highlight the need for anesthesiologists to be prepared and vigilant in managing these events during surgery.
Dexmedetomidine as an anesthetic adjunct is associated with reduced complications and cardiac intensive care unit length of stay after heart valve surgery
Authors: Fan Zhi-Wei , Tang Yu-Xian , Pan Tuo , Zhang Hai-Tao , Zhang He , Yan Da-Liang , Wang Dong-Jin , Li Kai
Published: August 2023

Background

We sought to explore the relationship between dexmedetomidine as an anesthetic adjuvant in cardiac surgery and postoperative complications and length of stay (LOS) in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients aged 18 years and older who underwent heart valve surgery between October 2020 and June 2022. The primary endpoint of the study was major postoperative complications (cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, myocardial injury/infarction, heart failure) and the secondary endpoint was prolonged CICU LOS (defined as LOS > 90th percentile). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for variables that were significant in the univariate analysis.

Results

A total of 856 patients entered our study. The 283 patients who experienced the primary and secondary endpoints were included in the adverse outcomes group, and the remaining 573 were included in the prognostic control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age > 60 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–2.31; p < 0.01), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) > 180 min (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.03–2.55; p = 0.04) and postoperative mechanical ventilation time > 10 h (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.35–2.52; p < 0.01) were independent risk factors for major postoperative complications; Age > 60 years (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.65–6.20; p < 0.01), preoperative NYHA class 4 (OR, 4.03; 95% CI, 1.74–9.33; p < 0.01), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.22–5.41; p = 0.01), Intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion > 650 ml (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.13–3.66; p = 0.02), Intraoperative bleeding > 1200 ml (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.42–5.12; p < 0.01) were independent risk factors for prolonged CICU length of stay. Intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine as an anesthetic adjunct was a protective factor for major complications (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.74; p < 0.01) and prolonged CICU stay. (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.19–0.73; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing heart valve surgery, age, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, and duration of mechanical ventilation are associated with major postoperative complication. Age, preoperative NYHA classification 4, diabetes mellitus, intraoperative bleeding, and RBC transfusion are associated with increased CICU length of stay. Intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine may improve such clinical outcomes.