bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood-CNS barrier dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Proposed mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Steinruecke Moritz , Lonergan Rebecca Murphy , Selvaraj Bhuvaneish T , Chandran Siddharthan , Diaz-Castro Blanca , Stavrou Maria
Published: January 2023

There is strong evidence for blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barrier dysfunction at the early stages of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since impairment of the blood-central nervous system barrier (BCNSB) occurs during the pre-symptomatic stages of ALS, the mechanisms underlying this pathology are likely also involved in the ALS disease process. In this review, we explore how drivers of ALS disease, particularly mitochondrial dysfunction, astrocyte pathology and neuroinflammation, may contribute to BCNSB impairment. Mitochondria are highly abundant in BCNSB tissue and mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS contributes to motor neuron death. Likewise, astrocytes adopt key physical, transport and metabolic functions at the barrier, many of which are impaired in ALS. Astrocytes also show raised expression of inflammatory markers in ALS and ablating ALS-causing transgenes in astrocytes slows disease progression. In addition, key drivers of neuroinflammation, including TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology, matrix metalloproteinase activation and systemic inflammation, affect BCNSB integrity in ALS. Finally, we discuss the translational implications of BCNSB dysfunction in ALS, including the development of biomarkers for disease onset and progression, approaches aimed at restoring BCNSB integrity and in vitro modelling of the neurogliovascular system.
Who is Indigenous in Africa? The Concept of Indigeneity, its Impacts, and Progression
Authors: Werner Karolina
Published: January 2023

The notion of indigeneity has risen to political prominence as Indigenous peoples have fought for recognition of their rights. When the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was passed in 2007, it represented a transformative moment, despite its flaws. The meaning of the term Indigenous has been transformed by these international events and identifying as Indigenous is increasingly seen as positive. However, Indigenous peoples in certain regions of the world, specifically Africa and Asia, were late to the conversation. As a result, how the term Indigenous is understood and utilised in these regions remains a work in progress. This article explores the progression and impact of the term in Africa specifically, highlighting its unique effects, importance, and the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples on the continent.

Qui est autochtone en Afrique ? Le concept d’autochtonie, ses impacts et sa progression
Effect of Geological Uncertainty on the Shaft Resistance Prediction and Reliability of Piles Driven in Multi-Layered Geomaterials
Authors: Oluwatuyi Opeyemi E. , Ng Kam W. , Wulff Shaun S. , Masud Nafis Bin
Published: January 2023

This study proposes a method to quantify the effect of geological uncertainty on the predicted shaft resistance and the reliability of piles driven into multi-layered geomaterials. Several geological predicted surfaces with different levels of geological uncertainties are simulated through multiple sets of boreholes using the multinomial categorical prediction approach for the spatial Markov chain. As the number of strategically placed boreholes increases, the geological uncertainties decrease. Respective ground predicted surfaces are also simulated from these geological predicted surfaces using universal kriging and conditional simulation. The shaft resistances of the piles driven at the site are estimated for the multiple geomaterials layers using geotechnical prediction equations specified for the geomaterial type. The design reliability for the shaft resistance obtained from the various geological, ground, and geotechnical predictions is thereafter accessed through its probability of failure evaluated using the Monte Carlo simulation. This methodology is applied to the Lemhi River bridge project site in Idaho. The results illustrate the influence of geological uncertainty on the design of piles driven into multi-layered geomaterials and further help in determining an optimal site investigation plan that will improve pile design.
An alternative technique by using digital photography and UV printing for fabricating a custom made ocular prosthesis
Authors: Kocacikli Mustafa
Published: January 2023

A person becomes disabled when they lose any of their sensory organs, the eye being one of the most delicate. Loss of an eye can happen due to different reasons and can be restored using different materials and strategies. Ocular defects and congenital deformations show up as a result of tumors or injury. For the most part, fabricated eyes are accessible as ocular prostheses. This method describes how to create a custom ocular prosthesis using a digital photo and UV printing. The greatest esthetically pleasing results are also achieved using this production method, which does not necessitate painting or color-selecting expertise. Both psychologically and esthetically, the patient was satisfied.
Explaining the conflicting behavior of inexperienced and experienced political elites
Authors: Carlson Lisa J. , Dacey Raymond
Published: January 2023

The empirical results on the influence of inexperience and experience in decision making are inconclusive. This paper offers a resolution to the puzzle of how empirical studies that advance contradictory risk-related claims can all command empirical support. The paper employs a paradigmatic model of decision making that examines two variables: (1) the decision maker's personality, of which inexperience and experience is one component; and (2) the particulars of the decision problem. These two variables permit us to resolve the puzzle of inconclusive empirical results by identifying the separating conditions under which each risk-related claim holds.
Tracing the Influences of Praxis on the Development of an Open Corequisite Writing Textbook
Authors: Atkinson Dawn , Corbitt Stacey
Published: January 2023

Although retrospective project reports are common in the materials development literature, accounts of textbook writing sessions are rare; so too are accounts of open textbook production. Open textbooks are learning resources that are free to use and oftentimes adapt by virtue of their copyright permissions. The authors used concurrent verbalization and interviews to document writing episodes while preparing their first book, an open textbook devised for corequisite technical writing courses. Corequisite designs pair content courses with explicit skill-building modules as a means to support underprepared learners in higher education in the United States. Qualitative content analysis of the data revealed how teaching and other praxis influenced the open textbook’s composition: in the authors’ applications of technical writing principles, pedagogical reasoning skills, and nonteaching work. The findings may encourage open textbook writers to exploit their established composing practices and knowledge bases to proceed with textbook production. In addition, the article highlights the usefulness of concurrent verbalization to textbook research and identifies the various materials development opportunities open textbook projects provide. It also contributes to the underresearched area of textbook production by exposing the complexities of open textbook development and how two novice authors negotiated them during writing episodes.
Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunct to Phenobarbital for Alcohol Withdrawal in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Ware Lydia R , Schuler Brian R , Goodberlet Melanie Z , Marino Kaylee K , Lupi Kenneth E , DeGrado Jeremy R
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is commonly used with benzodiazepines for the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), but limited data exist regarding its use with phenobarbital (PHB). This analysis evaluated the utility of DEX in addition to PHB for AWS in adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort analysis of critically ill adult patients who received PHB plus either DEX or different adjunctive therapies (NO-DEX) for AWS between 2018 and 2021. Patients were excluded if they had underlying altered mental status or seizure disorder unrelated to AWS or received PHB at outside hospitals. Coarsened exact matching (CEM) was performed to match patients on baseline characteristics in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was ICU length of stay (LOS). A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of DEX on ICU LOS when accounting for confounders. Secondary outcomes included days with delirium and incidence of mechanical ventilation after PHB administration.

Results

Of the 606 encounters evaluated, 197 met criteria for inclusion. After CEM, 56 encounters remained in each group for analysis. The median ICU LOS was 97.2 [50.1:139.5] hours for the DEX group and 47.5 [28.8:88.1] hours for the NO-DEX group ( P = .002). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed the use of DEX ( P = .008) was independently associated with an increased ICU LOS by 49.8 h. The DEX group had higher rates of total delirium days (208 vs 143 days, P < .001) and a higher incidence of mechanical ventilation after PHB administration (32% vs 9%, P < .001).

Conclusion

This analysis suggests the use of adjunctive DEX with PHB for AWS was associated with a prolonged ICU LOS. Additional studies are needed to further understand the role of adjunctive DEX in the treatment of AWS in critically ill patients.
Intimate Partner Violence During COVID-19 Restrictions: A Study of 30 Countries From the I-SHARE Consortium
Authors: Campbell Linda , Tan Rayner K. J. , Uhlich Maximiliane , Francis Joel M. , Mark Kristen , Miall Naomi , Eleuteri Stefano , Gabster Amanda , Shamu Simukai , Plášilová Leona , Kemigisha Elizabeth , Olumide Adesola , Kosana Priya , Hurtado-Murillo Felipe , Larsson Elin C. , Cleeve Amanda , Calvo González Soraya , Perrotta Gabriela , Fernández Albamonte Victoria , Blanco Lucía , Schröder Johanna , Adebayo Adedamola , Hendriks Jacqueline , Saltis Hanna , Marks Michael , Wu Dan , Morroni Chelsea , Esho Tammary , Briken Peer , Hlatshwako Takhona Grace , Ryan Rebecca , Farid Nik Daliana Nik , Gomez Bravo Raquel , Van de Velde Sarah , Tucker Joseph D ,   and the I-SHARE research consortium
Published: January 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) causes substantial physical and psychological trauma. Restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdowns and movement restrictions, may exacerbate IPV risk and reduce access to IPV support services. This cross-sectional study examines IPV during COVID-19 restrictions in 30 countries from the International Sexual HeAlth and REproductive Health (I-SHARE) study conducted from July 20th, 2020, to February, 15th, 2021. IPV was a primary outcome measure adapted from a World Health Organization multicountry survey. Mixed-effects modeling was used to determine IPV correlates among participants stratified by cohabitation status. The sample included 23,067 participants from 30 countries. A total of 1,070/15,336 (7.0%) participants stated that they experienced IPV during COVID-19 restrictions. A total of 1,486/15,336 (9.2%) participants stated that they had experienced either physical or sexual partner violence before the restrictions, which then decreased to 1,070 (7.0%) after the restrictions. In general, identifying as a sexual minority and experiencing greater economic vulnerability were associated with higher odds of experiencing IPV during COVID-19 restrictions, which were accentuated among participants who were living with their partners. Greater stringency of COVID-19 restrictions and living in urban or semi-urban areas were associated with lower odds of experiencing IPV in some settings. The I-SHARE data suggest a substantial burden of IPV during COVID-19 restrictions. However, the restrictions were correlated with reduced IPV in some settings. There is a need for investing in specific support systems for survivors of IPV during the implementation of restrictions designed to contain infectious disease outbreaks.
A Review of Levodopa Formulations for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease Available in the United States
Authors: Livingston Clare , Monroe-Duprey Laura
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The safety and efficacy of levodopa formulations are evaluated to inform clinical decision making for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Summary: Levodopa is a cornerstone of treatment for Parkinson’s disease due to its proven efficacy. Although many patients can initially be managed using immediate release tablets, as their disease progresses they often require escalating doses as well as more frequent dosing to prevent wearing off effects. Additionally, patients who experience time in the off state may struggle with the delay between medication administration and onset of action. Therefore, to increase patient convenience as well as to enhance the pharmacokinetic profile of the levodopa, several other formulations have been developed. Levodopa coformulated with carbidopa is supplied as immediate release tablets, oral disintegrating tablets, controlled release tablets, extended release capsules, and a continuous enteral solution. Additionally, there is a levodopa inhalation powder available. As a result of their different absorption profiles, each formulation has unique safety and efficacy attributes. Consequently, while this expansion of levodopa formulations has substantially increased treatment options for patients, it has also increased the complexity of medical decision making for patients, providers, and health systems alike. Conclusion: Knowledge of the different pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy profiles of the available levodopa formulations is critical for the effective management of Parkinson’s disease on both the individual patient and population levels.
Consensus Formation in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies: Networks, Reputation, and Gender
Authors: Ma Ji , Bekkers René
Published: January 2023

The research field of nonprofits and philanthropy has grown exponentially. To what extent do nonprofit scholars share a common language? Answering this question is crucial to assessing the field’s intellectual cohesiveness. We studied how coauthor networks, scholarly reputation, and the prevalence of female authors influence consensus formation. We found that the degree of consensus for all major research topics in the field has increased over time—For every 10% growth in the volume of literature, shared language increased by 1.4%. A cohesive research community on nonprofits and philanthropy has been forming since the early 2000s. Female scholars are fewer in number and less cited than males; their presence did not exceed 40% for most topics. The citation counts of scholars and small-world property of networks are positively associated with consensus, suggesting that star researchers and knowledge brokers bridging different intellectual communities are key to sharing research interests and language.
Experimental investigation into flexural and impact behaviour of 3D printed PETG short carbon fibre composite under solar light irradiation
Authors: Mishra Pradeep Kumar , kumar D Shashi , Jagadesh T , Shukla Kartikeya
Published: January 2023

Polymeric materials exposed to sunlight radiation and environmental conditions experience severe surface degradation, affecting the material physical and mechanical properties. The interaction of sunlight with material results in photolytic, photooxidative, and thermo oxidative reactions, all of which are considered major degradation processes. In this study, a 3D printed PETG carbon fibre composite was exposed to sunlight for 10, 20 and 30 days, and the resulting degradations of impact and flexural properties were studied and analysed. The experiment revealed that the flexural and impact properties of the specimens deteriorated as the specimen exposure time increased, with the impact properties deteriorating more sharply than the flexural properties. To determine and comprehend the cause of the degradation, irradiated specimens were subjected to a Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test, and the evolved peaks in the FTIR plot of degraded specimens were compared to untreated specimens. Furthermore, the effect of irradiation on the bulk domain of the printed specimens is investigated using scanning electron micrography on fractured specimens. It is observed that irradiation had little effect on the geometrical properties of the bulk zone (mesostructure), and the formation of the mesostructure was largely influenced by infill density and layer thickness. An in-depth scanning electron microscopy study is carried out to investigate the reasons for the influence of mesostructure on fracture initiation to termination in the specimens caused by impact load.
Magnetically steerable catheters: State of the art review
Authors: Limpabandhu Chayabhan , Hu Yihua , Ren Hongliang , Song Wenzhan , Ho Tse Zion Tsz
Published: January 2023

Magnetically steerable catheters (MSCs) have caught the interest of researchers due to their various potential uses in clinical applications, for example, minimally invasive surgery. Many significant advances in the design, implementation and analysis of MSCs have been accomplished in the last decade. This review concentrates on the configurations of current MSCs with an in depth look at control of the device and the specific workspace. This review also evaluates MSCs and references possible future system designs and difficulties. The concept of magnetic manipulation is briefly presented. Then, by category, the MSC is introduced. Following that, a discussion of future works and challenges of the review systems is provided. The conclusions are finally addressed.
Parental anxiety/incompliance and patients’ complications during COVID-19 pandemic regarding nasoalveolar molding treatment of infants with cleft lip/palate
Authors: Sarmadi Sarvin , Shahroudi Atefe Saffar , Mohammadi Farnoush , Shamshiri Ahmad Reza , Safari Fatemeh
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The ideal time for nasoalveolar molding (NAM) of infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is the first weeks after birth. The burden and responsibility that this method of treatment imposes on parents may result in incompliance. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the redirection of health resources can make the situation worse. Therefore, this study evaluated the anxiety, complications, and incompliance of parents undergoing NAM during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

Demographic data of 35 infants with CLP treated during the COVID-19 pandemic, compliance and level of anxiety of both parents in addition to their complications were reported. The association between different variables and incompliance was evaluated by simple and multiple logistic regressions. The level of significance was considered at P value less than 0.05.

Results

The highest level of parental anxiety related to the NAM process was the delay in ending the treatment. Meanwhile, the reason for the highest level of anxiety related to attending the treatment sessions was the probability of the infant's COVID-19 infection. Fathers expressed lower levels of anxiety than mothers, significantly. The most prevalent NAM complication was skin irritation. Parents of younger infants (≤28 days) and those with a history of COVID-19 infection were more compliant.

Conclusions

COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in the level of anxiety in both parents, mainly due to the delay in treatment ending and the possibility of infant's infection. Moreover, considering the importance of treatment time, parents of younger infants were more compliant with the NAM process.
Robust controller design of a semi-active quasi-zero stiffness air suspension based on polynomial chaos expansion
Authors: Jiang Xinwei , Xu Xing , Liang Cong , Liu Huan , Atindana Akolbire Vincent
Published: January 2023

Air suspension is one of the heart of electrified chassis, which plays a key role in vehicle ride comfort, driving stability and safety. In order to further improve the suspension performance to meet the demand of complex and changing road conditions, various new suspension structures have emerged. This paper inherits the advantages of electronically controlled air suspension and proposes a quasi-zero stiffness air suspension system combined with pneumatic negative stiffness mechanism. Aiming at the random uncertainty of the structural parameters of the suspension system due to manufacturing, use environment and wear, a robust controller for a semi-active quasi-zero stiffness air suspension based on polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) is designed. The quasi-zero stiffness air suspension alternative model is established by the coefficient state equation of PCE, and the state feedback control law considering the random parameter uncertainty is obtained based on the H2 control theory solution. Simulations and HiL tests are conducted to verify the effectiveness and real-time performance of proposed PCE-H2 controller. Simulation results show that the performance of PCE-H2 control law is better than that of the conventional H2. The HiL results also show that the PCE-H2 control law considering uncertainty is 3.2% less effective than the conventional H2 control law in overall performance of the suspension. Besides, the control effect of the PCE-H2 control law is 38.7% better in the performance maintenance of the semi-active suspension.
Caregiver burden in cat owners: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Spitznagel Mary Beth , Gober Margaret W , Patrick Karlee
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Caregiver burden has been found in owners of seriously ill pets; however, research to date has been heavily represented by dog owners. Prior caregiver burden work has neither intentionally focused on cat owners nor been appropriately powered to examine differences in owners of cats relative to owners of dogs. We expected that owners of an ill cat would exhibit greater caregiver burden than owners of a healthy cat but lower burden than owners of an ill dog.

Methods

A cross-sectional online assessment of caregiver burden was completed by 1085 pet owners through a pet demographic audience platform, including 333 owners reporting on a cat with current illness, 492 owners of a healthy cat and 260 owners of dogs with a current illness.

Results

Owners of an ill cat, examined across all illnesses represented, had greater burden ( P <0.001) than the owners of a healthy cat and somewhat lower burden ( P = 0.013) than owners of an ill dog.

Conclusions and relevance

Caregiver burden is present in owners of an ill cat and may differ from that of dog owners. Future work is needed to determine the reasons underlying this difference between species. Given that restricted sample sizes precluded examination across specific conditions, it will also be important to determine whether particular diseases yield greater burden in cat owners relative to dog owners.
Patient and technical contributors to periprosthetic fracture around the CPT stem
Authors: Khan Balaaj , McLauchlan George J
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

The incidence of postoperative periprosthetic fracture has been reported to be higher in polished tapered femoral stems with the CPT stem possibly of greatest concern. We report on the patient and surgical factors in a consecutive cohort of 2892 CPT stems implanted as part of a total hip construct, either electively or for the treatment of a fractured neck of femur (NOF) over a 15-year period.

Methods:

The Bluespier departmental database was used to identify any patients who been treated for a Vancouver B periprosthetic fracture around a CPT stem from 2008 to 2021. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury and fracture type were recorded. X-rays were reviewed to identify technical issues that may have contributed to the fracture.

Results:

A total of 70 fractures were treated. For elective cases the fracture rate was 1.52% while for stems implanted for treatment of a neck of femur fracture (NOF) it was 2.86%. There was a male preponderance and almost all fractures were low energy. The majority (52.9%) were B1 fractures. Only 8 (11.4%) involved a truly loose construct (B2L). The presence of an undersized and varus stem increased the risk of fracture particularly in the NOF population.

Discussion:

The results in this series are consistent with the registry data regarding the rate of failure of the CPT stem related to periprosthetic fracture. The patient population is typical of those who sustain a proximal femoral fracture in terms of age although we report a male preponderance. The importance of surgical technique in the placement of a correctly sized and aligned stem, particularly in those patients undergoing hip replacement for a neck of femur fracture is highlighted.
30-day to 10-year mortality rates following total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of the last decade (2011–2021)
Authors: Turan Oguz , Pan Xuankang , Kunze Kyle N , Rullan Pedro J , Emara Ahmed K , Molloy Robert M , Piuzzi Nicolas S
Published: January 2023

Background:

Mortality after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a rare but devastating complication. This meta-analysis aimed to: (1) determine the mortality rates at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, 5 years and 10 years after THA; (2) identify risk factors and causes of mortality after THA.

Methods:

Pubmed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, and Google Scholar databases were queried for studies reporting mortality rates after primary elective, unilateral THA. Inverse-proportion models were constructed to quantify the incidence of all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, 5 years and 10 years after THA. Random-effects multiple regression was performed to investigate the potential effect modifiers of age (at time of THA), body mass index, and gender.

Results:

A total of 53 studies (3,297,363 patients) were included. The overall mortality rate was 3.9%. The 30-day mortality was 0.49% (95% CI; 0.23–0.84). Mortality at 90 days was 0.47% (95% CI, 0.38–0.57). Mortality increased exponentially between 90 days and 5 years, with a 1-year mortality rate of 1.90% (95% CI, 1.22–2.73) and a 5-year mortality rate of 9.85% (95% CI, 5.53–15.22). At 10-year follow-up, the mortality rate was 16.43% (95% CI, 1.17–22.48). Increasing comorbidity indices, socioeconomic disadvantage, age, anaemia, and smoking were found to be risk factors for mortality. The most commonly reported causes of death were ischaemic heart disease, malignancy, and pulmonary disease.

Conclusions:

All-cause mortality remains low after contemporary THA. However, 1 out of 10 patients and 1 out of 6 patients were deceased after 5 years and 10 years of THA, respectively. As expected, age, but not BMI or gender, was significantly associated with mortality.
Bedside visualisation tool for prediction of deviation from intended dosage in multi-infusion therapy
Authors: Gevers Robin JF , Konings Maurits K , van den Hoogen Agnes , Timmerman Annemoon MDE
Published: January 2023

Background:

In multi-infusion therapy, multiple infusion pumps are connected to one single vascular access point. Interaction between pressure changes from different pumps may result in temporary dosing errors, which can be very harmful to the patient. It is known that these dosing errors occur. However, clinicians tend to find it hard to estimate the order of magnitude of these errors.

Methods:

This research uses an existing mathematical model to create a bedside prediction tool that is able to provide clinicians with the dosing errors that will occur after flow rate changes in multi-infusion therapy. A panel of clinicians, consisting of both nurses and doctors, was formed, and, in order to assess the level of knowledge about dosing errors in multi-infusion, the panel was presented with four medication schedules in which a syringe exchange or change in flow rate took place. The panel was asked to predict the resulting dosing errors.

Results:

A prediction tool was developed that describes a two pump multi-infusion system and predicts dosing errors resulting from changing the flow rate at one pump. 44% of the panel members wrongly predicted the impact of changing the set flow of liquid A on the flow of liquid B that reaches the patient. Nobody was able to correctly predict the dosing deviation if a very small catheter was used. After the prediction tool was shown, the clinicians indicated they had a improved understanding of what deviations to expect and that the tool would be useful in understanding multi-infusion dosing errors.

Conclusions:

Using the predictive tool to visualise the deviations from the set flow rate is an effective method to allow clinicians to gain insight in dosing errors in multi-infusion therapy. This knowledge can be used to better anticipate future dosing errors in clinical situations.
Diazoxide-Induced Hypertrichosis in a Neonate With Transient Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Boskabadi Seyyed Javad , Ramezaninejad Sima , Sohrab Masoumeh , Farhadi Roya
Published: January 2023

Diazoxide is one of the FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, however, its adverse effects in infants are not well described. We reported a 37-week-old boy with the diagnosis of hypoglycemia. We started a dextrose infusion, but we used oral diazoxide, due to hypoglycemia episodes despite the increase in dextrose intake. The newborn had a normoglycemic condition after gradually increasing the diazoxide dose to 15 mg/kg/day. He was fully breastfed and discharged at 14 days of age with ongoing diazoxide. In weekly serial clinical follow-ups, the parents noticed an increase in the growth of forehead and facial hair that was diagnosed as diazoxide-induced hypertrichosis. Diazoxide was gradually tapered, and hypertrichosis continued until 1 month after dioxide discontinuation. Diazoxide use in NICU settings has increased over time. Diazoxide has many side effects, one of which is hypertrichosis. Many diazoxide side effects have been reported in adults or children and few studies have reported the prevalence of these adverse effects of diazoxide in neonates and infants.
Socio-cultural drivers of Saudi tourists’ outbound destination decisions
Authors: Madkhali Huthayfah , Lugosi Peter , Hawkins Rebecca
Published: January 2023

This study examines key socio-cultural factors that influence Saudi tourists’ decisions to travel abroad. The paper utilises qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with males and females, whose views remain under-researched. It explores how Saudi Arabia's deeply embedded religious and tribal value systems and structures shape tourists’ destination choices and travel behaviours. The findings show that social norms and cultures of surveillance, alongside social obligations, act as push factors, decreasing the appeal of domestic tourism. Moreover, data suggest that seeking personal space and freedom, and the ability to engage in norm-breaking practices, are pull factors that make international destinations, especially those with fewer co-nationals, appealing. Practically, the study helps to identify marketing strategies that domestic and international destinations can adopt to target and accommodate Saudi tourists more effectively. Theoretically, the findings help to conceptualise a middle ground between what we call ‘extensionist’ and ‘rejectionist’ views of cultural influence and to appreciate the cumulative, intersecting impacts of socio-cultural imperatives.
Overarmed or underdressed? whistleblowers between anti-discrimination law and freedom of expression
Authors: Leclerc Olivier
Published: January 2023

Does retaliation against a whistleblower qualify as discrimination or an infringement of freedom of expression? In France, whistleblowing legislation has built whistleblower protection on the model of discrimination. The transposition of the European Directive 2019/1937 of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of EU law, reinforced by domestic case law, shifts the balance towards freedom of expression. Standing at the crossroads of discrimination and freedom of expression, the protection of whistleblowers is in urgent need of conceptual clarification, which this article seeks to provide. To this end, the article proposes to consider the status of whistleblower as a layered legal regime, in addition to an underlying legal status such as employee, civil servant, journalist or other. The articulation between discrimination and freedom of expression thereby gains a strategic dimension that is essential to it. This understanding helps to clarify how discrimination law and freedom of expression can benefit whistleblowers and thus strengthen rather than weaken their protection.
Usage of a workplace health promotion app: an evaluation of app usage data and medical check-up results
Authors: Junker Maren , Dünnebeil Sebastian , Böhm Markus , Krcmar Helmut
Published: January 2023

Smartphone applications (apps) have been used and evaluated in the context of workplace health promotion (WHP) programs. However, there is a lack of studies analyzing actual app usage data and measuring changes in medical markers to evaluate the effectiveness of WHP apps in terms of health improvements in practice. In this study, we evaluated data from 555 employees of an IT company who participated in a WHP program over the course of one year. Participants of the program received a medical check-up as well as a health app to understand their medical results and receive advice for a healthier lifestyle. In addition, 99 of these employees underwent a follow-up medical check-up. It was found that the smartphone app for healthy lifestyle promotion in combination with onsite medical check-ups was effective in improving various health indicators, for example, BMI, body fat, blood pressure and triglycerides. The study further identified influence factors for sustained app usage, and analyzed different usage behaviors among gender and age groups.
Abundant explicit solutions for the M-fractional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger–KdV equations
Authors: Hong Baojian
Published: January 2023

In this study, the famous fractional generalized coupled cubic nonlinear Schrödinger–KdV equations arising in many domains of physics and engineering such as depicting the propagation of long waves in dispersive media and the dynamics of short dispersive waves for narrow-bandwidth packet have been investigated. We propose two significant methods named the modified (Gʹ/G, 1/G)-expansion method and the Gʹ/(bGʹ + G + a)-expansion method. After utilizing these two efficient techniques, many types of explicit soliton pulse solutions including the well-known bell-shape bright soliton pulse, the kink and anti-kink dark solitons pulse, the mixed bright-dark soliton pulse, the W-shaped soliton pulse, the periodic waves pulse, and the blow-up soliton pattern solutions are obtained. If we select different values of the frequency, coefficients and orders, the dynamic properties and physical structures of these solutions are discussed, these important results can help us to further understand the inner characteristic of the model.
Online maximization of extracted energy in sea wave energy converters using temporal-difference learning
Authors: Khaleghi Sadegh , Moghaddam Reihaneh Kardehi , Sistani Mohammadbagher Naghibi
Published: January 2023

This article presents temporal-difference (TD) learning which is a combination of Monte Carlo and dynamic programing (DP) as a Method for controlling single-body wave energy converters (WECs). Since TD methods are designed to solve the prediction problems, we use this feature to maximize the energy captured from the sea waves. The entered force to the buoy system is addressed implicitly in the state matrix to design the problem into a TD framework. In order to enhance the captured power by the WEC, the control method is built to have an online active control. This will help the device to predict the best controller based on its previous experiences in the same situations. Two methods of TD, Q-Learning and SARSA, are used and the features are analyzed and several testing functions are carried out in simulation part. To perform on-line optimal control, a force control has acted as a controller and TD coefficients are tuned at a proper rate significantly after specific number of episodes. The power of suggested TD methods is compared to PGM, IPOPT and with other learning control strategies. Several computer simulations were carried out to evaluate the controller effectiveness by applying different sea-states and analyzing the resultant WEC dynamics.
COVID-19 induced mesenteric ischemia in a patient with ulcerative colitis and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria despite thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Choudhury Arup , Sundaram Mohan , Luwang Thiyam Tozo , Singh Harjeet , Sharma Vishal
Published: January 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) are both well-known prothrombotic states. However, ongoing thromboprophylaxis is usually effective in such conditions. We report an imbalance that was triggered by COVID-19 infection. There is evidence that COVID-19 infection leads to thrombosis of vessels. The thrombosis of mesenteric vessels can be multifocal and without respiratory symptoms and leads to devastating consequences like resection of large segments of the bowel and lifelong requirement of parenteral nutritional support. We report about a case of ulcerative colitis (in remission) and PNH where COVID-19 resulted in mesenteric ischemia.
Endovascular Bailout Repair After Intraprocedural Thrombosis of a Bifurcated Unimodular Stent-graft During Aorto-iliac Revascularization in a Patient with Sars CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Zacà Sergio , Ramundo Roberto Maria , Desantis Claudio , Di Stefano Lucia , Pulli Raffaele , Angiletta Domenico
Published: January 2023

To describe a case of endovascular bailout strategy during stent-graft thrombotic complication in an endovascular procedure for complex TASC II D aortoiliac lesion. A 77-year-old patient was admitted at our institution with bilateral lower limb rest pain due to aortoiliac obstructive disease in a previous aortobifemoral bypass grafting with an asymptomatic Sars-CoV-2 infection. We planned an anatomic reconstruction of the aortoiliac segment with an unimodular bifurcated stent-graft. During the procedure, we observed a preocclusive thrombosis of the aortic portion requiring endovascular thrombectomy with vacuum assisted system followed by a successfully kissing-stent endolining. The post-operative period was uneventful and patient was discharged on the 14th post-operative day. Endovascular thrombectomy may be a helpful strategy during thrombotic complication of complex reconstructions of obstructive aortoiliac disease avoiding surgical conversion to laparotomy.
A Systematic Review on the Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Neurophysiological, Molecular, and Behavioral Measures in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Anjali , Subramanian Sandeep K.
Published: January 2023

Background

A single bout of aerobic exercise (AE) can produce changes in neurophysiological and behavioral measures in healthy individuals and those with stroke. However, the effects of AE-priming effects on neuroplasticity markers and behavioral measures are unclear.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of AE on neuroplasticity measures, such as corticomotor excitability (CME), molecular markers, cortical activation, motor learning, and performance in stroke.

Methods

A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. Randomized and non-randomized studies incorporating acute AE in stroke were selected. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and methodological rigor of the studies and extracted data on participant characteristics, exercise interventions, and neuroplasticity related outcomes. The quality of transcranial magnetic stimulation reported methods was assessed using a standardized checklist.

Results

A total of 16 studies were found suitable for inclusion. Our findings suggest mixed evidence for the effects of AE on CME, limited to no effects on intracortical inhibition and facilitation and some evidence for modulating brain derived neurotrophic factor levels, motor learning, and cortical activation. Exercise intensities in the moderate to vigorous range showed a trend towards better effects on neuroplasticity measures.

Conclusion

It appears that choosing a moderate to vigorous exercise paradigm for at least 20 to 30 minutes may induce changes in some neuroplasticity parameters in stroke. However, these findings necessitate prudent consideration as the studies were diverse and had moderate methodological quality. There is a need for a consensus on an exercise priming paradigm and for good-quality, larger controlled studies.
Magnetically Detachable Pipe Joints: A Possible Ideal Way to Prevent Unplanned Extubation
Authors: Luo Xiaoping , Pei Kexi , Huang Qian , Li Binfei
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Many indwelling drainage tubes after surgery. Due to the characteristics of the implanted end in the body and the tube fixed in the body, once the force is pulled, it is easy to cause extubation events, and the incidence of unplanned extubation is at a high level. And considerable distress to patients.

Methods

We designed a magnetically controlled separable pipe joint device, which can realize the pipe’s automatic separation and protection function in a critical state, and protect the patient’s pipe from being pulled out when the pipe is affected by an external force. And realize the automatic closing function and automatic alarm function of the broken end after the pipeline is separated, to minimize the occurrence of unplanned extubation.

Results

The magnetically-controlled separable pipe joint was initially applied to the clinic. Compared with the traditional drainage tube, the incidence of unplanned extubation time can be effectively reduced, and the safety, portability, and maneuverability have been greatly guaranteed.

Conclusion

The magnetron detachable pipe joint device provides a new idea for selecting clinical drainage tubes by improving the defects of traditional drainage tubes. It can effectively prevent the occurrence of unplanned extubation.
Preoperative Cannabis Use Did Not Increase Opioid Utilization After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Propensity Score–Matched Model
Authors: Puri Simarjeet , Ong Christian , Chiu Yu-fen , Lebowitz Juliana , Sideris Alexandra , Gonzalez Della Valle Alejandro , Chalmers Brian P.
Published: January 2023

Background: Recreational and medicinal cannabis use is becoming increasingly popular, but there are little data on its effect on postoperative pain and opioid consumption after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Purpose: We sought to evaluate the relationship between self-reported preoperative cannabis use and postoperative opioid consumption and post-discharge opioid prescriptions following elective primary TKA. Methods: We identified all patients who underwent unilateral, primary TKA for a diagnosis of osteoarthritis at a single institution between February 1, 2019, and April 30, 2021, and subdivided them into current cannabis users and non-users based on self-reported data. Regular users were propensity score-matched 1:6 with non-users using logistic regression on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), history of chronic pain, smoking status, history of anxiety/depression, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, and type of anesthesia. Outcomes of interest included median inpatient (total, daily, and hourly) morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), discharge MMEs, and outpatient MMEs within 90 days after surgery. Results: A cohort of 70 current cannabis users was matched with 420 non-users. There were no significant differences in opioid use in inpatient MMEs (hourly, daily, or total), discharge MMEs, or outpatient MMEs between cohorts. Also, there was no significant difference in hospital stay between cohorts. Conclusion: In this retrospective propensity score–matched model, preoperative cannabis use did not independently increase opioid use post-TKA in the inpatient or outpatient setting when compared with non-use. More rigorous, prospective study is warranted.
Patient experience of imaging reports: A systematic literature review
Authors: Rogers Charlie , Willis Sophie , Gillard Steven , Chudleigh Jane
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Written reports are often the sole form of communication from diagnostic imaging. Reports are increasingly being accessed by patients through electronic records. Experiencing medical terminology can be confusing and lead to miscommunication, a decrease in involvement and increased anxiety for patients.

Methods:

This systematic review was designed to include predefined study selection criteria and was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42020221734). MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost), EMBASE, Scopus and EThOS were searched to identify articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies were assessed against the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool version 2018 for quality. A segregated approach was used to synthesise data. A thematic synthesis of the qualitative data and a narrative review of the quantitative data were performed, and findings of both syntheses were then integrated.

Findings:

Twelve articles reporting 13 studies were included. This review found that patients’ experiences of imaging reports included positive and negative aspects. The study identified two main themes encompassing both qualitative and quantitative findings. Patients reported their experiences regarding their understanding of reports and self-management.

Discussion:

Patient understanding of imaging reports is multi factorial including medical terminology, communication aids and errors. Self-management through direct access is important to patients. While receiving bad news is a concern, responsibility for accessing this is accepted.

Conclusion:

A patient-centred approach to writing imaging reports may help to improve the quality of service, patient experience and wider health outcomes.
Mundo China: The media partnership reframing China's image in Brazil
Authors: Morales Pablo Sebastian , Menechelli Paulo
Published: January 2023

This paper explores China's increasing media engagement with Latin American partners. It examines the case of Mundo China (MC), a China-news segment broadcast by the Brazilian news channel BandNews TV and co-produced in partnership with CCTV. By conducting content analysis, we assess how China is presented, contrast the framing of China before and since the partnership agreement, and compare the televised image of China between BandNews TV and other news channels in Brazil. The findings show that MC has assisted in diversifying and balancing the ratio of positive frames in relation to the overall China-related reporting across the broadcasters sampled.
Assessing China's news coverage and soft power in Latin America in the wake of the Belt and Road Initiative (2013–2021)
Authors: Morante Andrea , Wu H. Denis
Published: January 2023

This study assesses the impact of China's mediated communication strategies implemented in Latin America from 2013 to 2021. We content-analyzed the press coverage about China in nine countries and unveiled tones, topics, and frames which were then examined further across different sources. Public sentiments toward China were gauged to infer a potential link to China's communication efforts. Overall, China's program to influence Latin American media outlets and public opinion has not resulted in substantial gains; the region's sentiment toward China actually deteriorated. There is a communication gap between Chinese and Latin American publics, which is inimical to public diplomacy.