bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical thrombectomy for middle cerebral artery M2 occlusions
Authors: Ramazanoglu Leyla , Aslan Kalyoncu Isil , Onal Yilmaz , Velioglu Murat , Topcuoglu Osman Melih
Published: April 2024

Background

The safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for proximal large vessel occlusion after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have been demonstrated. Clinical investigations of endovascular approaches for treating AIS due to M2 occlusions have been ongoing.

Purpose

To assess the outcomes of M2 occlusions according to treatment modality and anatomical division.

Methods

A total of 113 consecutive M2 occlusions treated with endovascular treatment (EVT) at our tertiary stroke center between January 2019 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: mechanical thrombectomy (MT); intravenous thrombolysis plus MT (IVT + MT); and IVT alone. The primary outcomes were good prognosis (mRS = 0–2) and mortality (mRS = 6) on day 90. The secondary outcome was to determine the differences in outcomes between lesions in the superior and inferior branches of M2.

Results

In total, 55 (48.7%) patients underwent MT. In 42 (37.2%) patients, bridging IVT was performed with MT, and IVT alone was applied in 16 (14.2%) patients. Neither the prognosis at 90 days nor the mortality rate significantly differed among the groups. The outcomes did not significantly differ between occlusions in the superior and inferior branches of M2.

Conclusion

MT was found to be safe and effective for treating M2 occlusions in this series.
To Evaluate the Relationship between Maxillary and Mandibular Base Lengths with Dental Crowding in Different Skeletal Malocclusions
Authors: Nadda Parishrut , Pathania Dimple , Mahajan Vivek
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Exploring the relationship between arch dimensions and crowding has long been a topic of interest. Many studies have found significant relationship between the two, while others have suggested that crowding is a multifactorial condition and is not dependent on arch dimensions only.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship as well as sexual dimorphism between maxillary and mandibular skeletal base lengths with dental crowding in different skeletal malocclusions.

Materials and Methods

The sample comprised 100 orthodontic patients (49 males, 51 females), which were divided into three groups based on the anteroposterior relationship of maxilla with the mandible. Each group was subdivided based on the severity of mandibular and maxillary arch crowding into two subgroups, and each subgroup was further divided into male and female subjects. Measurements of maxillary and mandibular base lengths (Co-A and Co-Gn) and tooth size arch length discrepancies were obtained through lateral cephalograms and dental casts, respectively, and measurements obtained were analyzed statistically.

Results

Patients with class IB, IIB, and IIIB had significantly smaller maxillary and mandibular base lengths than subjects with class IA, IIA, and IIIA. A weak negative correlation was found between maxillary base length and maxillary crowding with r = –0.451 and p = .000, while a strong positive correlation was observed between maxillary and mandibular crowding with r = 0.742 and p = .000.

Conclusion

An inverse correlation exists between dental crowding and the lengths of maxillary and mandibular bases, regardless of skeletal malocclusion.
Canadian Youth Correctional Officers’ Views on Their Work and Relationships With Youth in Their Care
Authors: Bickle Korri , Cesaroni Carla
Published: April 2024

This study explored the personal perspectives of youth correctional officers within secure and open custody facilities in Ontario. A multi-methods design allowed for quantitative data collection to assess demographics and scores on a relationship scale and qualitative open-ended survey responses to explore areas of interest regarding officer work. Despite a small sample size ( N = 26), results indicated trends in officers’ views of their work and relationships with youth. Youth officers report various job duties ranging from supervision/security to cleaning and preparing meals. Results indicate differences in endorsement for relationship development with youth for those who see treatment as part of their role in rehabilitation and those who do not. This exploratory study provides a starting point for understanding the unique experiences and duties of youth correctional officers in Ontario, Canada, and their views on relationship development with youth. Future research will include in-person interviews, facilitating more rich data collection.
A comparative study of gelatin-based nanofiber and sponge wound dressings
Authors: Uzuner-Demir Aysegul , Ahi Zehra Betul , Polat Oguzhan , Arican Fatih , Sancakli Aykut
Published: April 2024

Gelatin is a collagen-derived biopolymer with high biocompatibility, commonly used in the production of wound dressing materials. Gelatin-based wound dressings, obtained through different processing methods, come with their own advantages and disadvantages depending on their physical structure. In this study, the effects of gelatin wound dressing materials with two different morphologies on wound healing are investigated in detail. The study investigated that the preparation of gelatin-based wound dressing materials using two different methods, followed by their chemical characterization and examination of their effects on biocompatibility and wound healing. To comprehend the impact of nanofiber structure and porous sponge structure on the wound healing process, the chemical structure of the prepared wound dressings was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR). The morphological structure was visualized through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), the thermal properties were determined using Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Additionally, the in vivo wound healing effects of gelatin-based wound dressings with different structures were evaluated through macroscopic observation and histological analysis in a dorsal region wound-healing rat model, monitored for 21 days. It was observed that wound healing materials with desired nanofiber and porous sponge structures were successfully obtained based on the SEM analysis. The gelatin nanofiber dressing showed a randomly oriented, bead-free, and smooth morphology with an average fiber diameter of approximately 1250 ± 0.35 nm, while the crosslinked gelatin sponge dressing had pore sizes ranging from 20 to 160 μm, and interconnected pore structures. The chemical structure remained unaltered according to FTIR graphs and these results were further supported by DSC and TGA graphs. Results from in vitro biocompatibility studies indicated that the wound dressing materials were biologically compatible, non-toxic, and did not cause irritation or sensitivity to the skin. Regarding in vivo analysis, it was determined that gelatin dressing materials were functional in the wound healing process, without the use of any auxiliary materials.
Process Evaluations of Diabetes Self-Management Programs: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Nsobundu Chinelo , Nmadu Yeka W. , Wagle Nikita Sandeep , Foster Margaret J. , McKyer Ellisa Lisako Jones , Sherman Ledric , Ory Marcia G. , Burdine James (Jim) N.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of process evaluations (PEs) of diabetes self-management programs (DSMPs).

Data Source

An electronic search using Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (Ensco), Academic Search (Ebsco), and APA PsycInfo (Ebsco).

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Peer-reviewed, empirical quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method studies were included if they (1) were a traditional, group-based DSMP, (2) involved adults at least 18 years with T1DM or T2DM, (3) were a stand-alone or embedded PE, and (4) published in English.

Data Extraction

The following process evaluation outcomes were extracted: fidelity, dose delivered, dose received, reach, recruitment, retention, and context. Additional items were extracted, (eg, process evaluation type, data collection methods; theories; frameworks or conceptual models used to guide the process evaluation, and etc).

Data Synthesis

Due to heterogeneity across studies, studies were synthesized qualitatively (narratively).

Results

Sixty-eight studies (k) in 78 articles (n) (k = 68; n = 78) were included. Most were mixed methods of low quality. Studies were typically integrated into outcome evaluations vs being stand-alone, lacked theoretical approaches to guide them, and incorporated limited outcomes such as dose received, reach, and retention.

Conclusion

Future research should 1) implement stand-alone theoretically grounded PE studies and 2) provide a shared understanding of standardized guidelines to conduct PEs. This will allow public health practitioners and researchers to assess and compare the quality of different programs to be implemented.
Research on AGV scheduling and potential conflict resolution in port scenarios: based on improved genetic algorithm
Authors: Feng Maoquan , Wang Pengyu , Wang Weihua , Li Kaixuan , Chen Qiyao , Lu Xinyu
Published: April 2024

In the research of Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) scheduling, the most critical issues are the optimization of task allocation to AGVs and the handling of conflict scenarios. To address these challenges, we propose a scheme for AGV scheduling optimization and conflict resolution. To begin with, we introduce a novel improved genetic algorithm grounded on a combination strategy that re-encodes tasks into compound groupings, effectively simplifying large-scale integer programing problems into smaller, more manageable ones. Subsequently, the simplified problem is solved using an improved genetic algorithm. Test results validate that this method not only quickens the pace of finding solutions but also significantly improves the quality of those solutions. This is particularly evident when it comes to managing larger-scale optimization challenges. Furthermore, within AGV system conflict scenarios, this paper divides them into two primary categories: navigational conflicts and task quantity changes. For navigational conflicts, three resolution approaches are designed to address four different types of conflict situations: head-on, crossing, occupation, and chasing conflicts. Considering the fluctuations in task quantity, we developed strategies for rescheduling, non-rescheduling, and insertion rescheduling. Their performances were experimentally compared across various scales of scheduling problems, providing data support and theoretical basis for the selection of scheduling strategies in practical applications.
Design of steering wheel torque with human-machine interaction for uncoupled shared steering
Authors: Chen Chaoning , Zheng Hongyu , Zong Changfu , Kaku Chuyo
Published: April 2024

In the uncoupled shared steering architecture based on the steering-by-wire (SBW) system, direct access to road feel and automation-related information is unavailable to the driver. To address this problem, this paper proposes a steering wheel torque feedback model that considers human-machine interaction information. First, the model predictive control (MPC) is adopted in lateral vehicle control by automation. Then a fuzzy control-based control authority allocation model is applied to assign the control authority weight between the human driver and automation according to the value of the Path Lateral Hazard (PLH) Factor and the Driver’s Intent Evaluation (DIE) Factor. These two factors reflect the probability of lateral vehicle collision and the intensity of the driver’s driving intention, respectively. Next, the road feel feedback torque and the human-machine interface (HMI) feedback torque is incorporated in the steering wheel feedback torque model to enhance the driver’s experience in SBW vehicles and trust in the automation. The HMI feedback torque is designed to provide human drivers with information on control authority weight variation and desired angle deviation between the human driver and automation. Simulation and experiment results suggest that the proposed uncouple shared control method can accelerate driver acceptance of automation and provide the driver with a more intuitive steering experience.
A novel design of hip-stem with reduced strain-shielding
Authors: Loha Tanmoy , Bhattacharya Rounak , Pal Bidyut , Amis Andrew A
Published: April 2024

The use of uncemented stems in hip arthroplasty has been increasing, even in osteoporotic patients. The major concerns of uncemented hip-stems, however, are peri-prosthetic fracture, thigh pain, and proximal femoral stress-/strain-shielding. In this study, a novel design of uncemented hip-stem is proposed that will reduce such concerns, improve osseointegration, and benefit both osteoporotic and arthritic patients. The stem has a central titanium alloy core surrounded by a set of radial buttresses that are partly porous titanium, as is the stem tip. The aim of the study was to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the proposed partly-porous design, examining load transfer in the short-term, and comparing its strain-shielding behaviour with a solid metal implant. The long-term effect of implant-induced bone remodelling was also simulated. Computed tomography based three-dimensional finite element models of an intact proximal femur, and the same femur implanted with the proposed design, were developed. Peak hip contact and major muscle forces corresponding to level-walking and stair climbing were applied. The proposed partly-porous design had approximately 50% lower strain-shielding than the solid-metal counterpart. Results of bone remodelling simulation indicated that only 16% of the total bone volume is subjected to reduction of bone density. Strain concentrations were observed in the bone around the stem-tip for both solid and porous implants; however, it was less prominent for the porous design. Lower strain-shielding and reduced bone resorption are advantageous for long-term fixation, and the reduced strain concentration around the stem-tip indicates a lower risk of peri-prosthetic fracture.
How Do Female Directors Moderate the Effect of Family Control on Firm Value and Leverage? Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Anita Rizqa , Suseno Giri , Abdillah Muhammad Rasyid , Zakaria Nor Balkish
Published: April 2024

Corporate governance is enriched by the existence of female directors. Their presence adds value to corporate governance by incorporating different perspectives and experiences. Female directors play an important role in preventing corporate harm, daring to ask critical questions and controlling conflict among various stakeholders. This study aimed to explore the effect of family control (FC) in stimulating leverage and firm value and assess the moderating role of female directors between FC on leverage and firm value. The sample was collected from the Indonesian Stock Exchange of 1,171 data observations-years (2019–2021 period) of companies listed. This research also used a linear regression model to analyse the purpose of hypotheses. The findings of this study indicate that female directors do not moderate the relationship between FC on leverage and firm value. The results prove the opposite of the assumption that the presence of female directors can harmonise and balance the interests of majority and minority shareholders. Finally, this article also contributes to the literature by developing the moderating role of female directors.
The framed and contested meanings of sport mega-event ‘legacies’: A case study of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Authors: Mckenzie Jamal A. , Lee Ludvigsen Jan A. , Scott-Bell Andrea , Hayton John W.
Published: April 2024

This article examines the ways in which envisioned sport mega-event legacies are publicly framed, communicated and contested. By employing Bourdieusian field theory, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG) as a case, and drawing upon documentary and media analysis, this article questions how CWG 2022 legacies were framed in a pre-event context. The article makes two key arguments. First, dominant actors within the mega-event field framed a considerable part of their pre-event legacies in terms of intangible inclusivity legacies relating to the host city's local communities, workforce and volunteering practices. Second, alongside these framed legacies, counterclaims emerged from actors on a civil society level, illustrative of a wider scepticism toward mega-events’ effects in the present day. Whilst limited scholarship has examined CWG 2022 to date, this paper also advances scholarship on sport mega-events’ socio-political legacies whilst it, theoretically, unpacks Bourdieu's tools of ‘field’ and ‘doxa’ in a new context.
Group Level Assessment Methodology as a Liberating Structure Within Qualitative and Participatory Research
Authors: Vaughn Lisa M.
Published: April 2024

Group level assessment (GLA) is a qualitative and participatory research-to-action methodology designed to engage a large group of relevant participants throughout the research process. As originally conceived, a single GLA session is led by a trained facilitator who guides the participants through seven structured steps: climate setting, generating, appreciating, reflecting, understanding, selecting, and action. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the 25-year trajectory and uses, contributions as a liberating structure, and adaptations of GLA.
3-Dimensional Evaluation of Two PNAM Techniques (Modified Grayson & AlignerNAM) on Facial Soft Tissue Morphology: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: H. Alisha K. , Batra Puneet , Juneja Achint , Talwar Aditya , Mohan Stuti , Sood S. C.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Evaluate facial changes after Presurgical Naso-Alveolar Molding (PNAM) in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients treated with Modified Grayson Technique and AlignerNAM (with DynaCleft nasal elevator) using a 3D facial scan.

Design

Randomised clinical trial.

Setting

Institutional study. Participants: 20 UCLP patients allocated to two groups (10 patients each).

Interventions

Group A patients underwent PNAM with Modified Grayson Technique and Group B patients underwent AlignerNAM (with DynaCleft nasal elevator). Their 3D facial scans were obtained by using an iOSbased application (Bellus3D FaceApp) mounted on a novel frame. These .stl files were analysed using 3D software (GOM INSPECT) at three-time intervals; before intervention (T0), after intervention (T1) and one month after lip repair surgery (T2).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Changes in facial and nasolabial morphology.

Results

Both techniques brought significant improvement in the columellar length, nasal tip projection, columella angle, nasal tip angle and a significant reduction in cleft width. At T1, a statistically significant difference in angular and linear measurements was present in both groups. At T2, no statistically significant difference in linear parameters was observed between the two groups except for the outer lateral height of the non-cleft side, basal lateral height of the non-cleft side, and philtrum width. Similar pattern was observed in angular measurements with no statistically significant difference between the two groups except in nasolabial angle, anterior nasal base triangle III, and anterior nasal root triangle.

Conclusions

Aligner NAM and Modified Grayson technique are equally effective PNAM methods with similar clinical results in nasolabial morphology after lip repair surgery.
Scar Outcome in Unilateral Complete Cleft Lip Repair: A Comparative Analysis of Vertical Lip Lengthening Strategies Using the Rotation-Advancement Concept
Authors: Denadai Rafael , Araujo Karin Milleni , Campos Raphael Lelis , Lo Chi-Chin , Seo Hyung Joon , Sato Nobuhiro , Tu Junior Chun-Yu , Chou Pang-Yung , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: April 2024

Objective

To assess the differences in scar outcomes between modified rotation-advancement techniques proposed by Drs. Mohler and Noordhoff, designed to address issues such as inadequate vertical lip length and scarring on the upper third of the lip in the original rotation-advancement technique.

Design

Retrospective single-surgeon (RD) study.

Patients

Consecutive non-syndromic children ( n = 68) with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

Interventions

Modified Mohler (columellar backcut reconstructed with C flap; n = 34) and modified Noordhoff (lower, medially-created backcut reconstructed with laterally-based triangular skin flap; n = 34) repairs.

Mean outcome measures

Using 12-month postoperative frontal photographs, scar evaluations (overall and superior, middle, and inferior portions of the lip) were appraised by an assessment panel composed by independent professional and nonprofessional raters employing four validated qualitative scar assessment scales: Manchester Scar Scale, modified Scar-Rating Scale, Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale, and Visual Analog Scale. Quantitative computerized photogrammetric scar widths of the superior, middle, and inferior portions of the upper lip were also measured.

Results

The modified Noordhoff method showed significantly (all P < .001) better scar quality for the overall scar and superior portion of the scar in all four scales compared to the modified Mohler method, with no significant (all P > .05) difference for the middle and lower portions. No significant difference (all P > .05) was observed for photogrammetric scar width measurements.

Conclusion

The modified Noordhoff technique provided better qualitative results for unilateral complete cleft lip-related scars compared to the modified Mohler technique.
Newsvendor Competition with Endogenous Biases
Authors: Long Xiaoyang , Wu Yaozhong
Published: April 2024

Extensive studies have revealed that newsvendor decisions by human decision-makers are often biased by cognitive limitations, and, therefore, fail to achieve optimal profits prescribed by normative models. These biases are typically considered as liabilities in individual inventory decision-making, and much research has focused on developing methods to debias the decision-maker—for example, by providing decision support tools. However, in competitive settings biases can provide a competitive advantage, such that a biased newsvendor may earn a higher profit than an unbiased one. This raises the question of whether and when firms should debias their decision-makers. In this paper, we analyze decision biases that are endogenous rather than exogenous in competing newsvendor games. Specifically, we develop a two-stage game-theoretic model in which competing firms first select their decision-makers typefied by their bias levels, and then engage in a classic inventory competition game. Our analysis confirms the positive effect of the decision-maker’s bias on a firm’s economic outcome. However, this effect only appears in competitions in which decision biases are exogenously given. When biases are endogenously selected, firms are always (weakly) worse off than if they all had rational decision-makers. Our results suggest that debiasing at the industry level (e.g., adopting advanced inventory planning software) could benefit all players; however, individual firms do not have the incentive to do so in the absence of coordination mechanisms.
Magnify Cascades of Electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) on Social Networks: The Roles of User, Product, and Relationship Characteristics
Authors: Ke Zhihong , Liu De , Brass Daniel J
Published: April 2024

Firms are increasingly relying on electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), in the form of online reviews and social media posts, to sell their products or services. A pivotal component of managing eWOM is to understand and, potentially influence, how one consumer's eWOM can lead to another's—a process called behavioral cascading. While prior eWOM research has established the importance of behavioral cascading between connected users, there is little understanding of what factors could impact the likelihood of such cascades. To address this gap, we draw on the theory of competitive altruism to identify several moderators of behavioral cascading in eWOM. Our empirical tests using an online review dataset from Yelp show that eWOM cascading between a followee and a follower is less likely when the followee is a high-status member, a female, or has a strong connection with the follower; and more likely when the product in consideration is inexpensive. These findings provide valuable insights about the behavioral cascading process in eWOM and hold implications for social media platforms and sellers to facilitate the cascades of eWOM between connected consumers.
Trusted Urban Places
Authors: Habets David , Rietveld Erik , Kiverstein Julian , Denys Damiaan
Published: April 2024

We draw on insights from ecological psychology, explorative architecture, and psychiatry to provide an analysis of basic trust in relation to urban places. We use the term basic trust to refer to the attitude of certainty we express when we act in skilled, often unreflective, habitual ways in the living environment. We will argue that the basic trust of people living in cities should be understood in relation to what we will call trusted urban places. Trusted urban places can be understood similarly as what Giovanna Colombetti and Joel Krueger have called “affective niches” that provide affordances for amplifying, dampening, and sustaining affective states. The basic trust of people living in cities, we will argue, depends upon people moving through and engaging with trusted urban places. In urbanism and architecture, it is barely recognized how the city affords places of affective significance that the person incorporates into their bodily way of existing. Persistent exposure to urban stressors can disturb basic trust in one’s living environment, resulting in a person no longer being at home in the world. We provide examples in which people, as a consequence of the repeated exposure to stressors, no longer move through and engage with trusted urban places, and the impact this has on their basic trust. Our aim is to understand how the urban environment can contribute to the path from stress to anxiety and mood disorders, and how a person can regain their openness to possibilities for regulating their emotions skilfully.
A Rare Case of a Malignant Epithelioid Neoplasm With an Underlying Novel EWSR1::ZBT44 Fusion, Identified on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Authors: Rekhi Bharat , Santosh Akhil , Rastogi Sameer
Published: April 2024

The clinicopathological spectrum of undifferentiated round cell sarcomas of bone and soft tissues is expanding after the 5th edition of the WHO classification. A 23-year-old male patient presented with a lump in his left thigh of 3 months’ duration. Radiological examination revealed a well-defined, solid-cystic lobulated, soft tissue lesion in the proximal medial region of his left thigh, measuring 7.7 cm in the largest dimension. The referring diagnosis was an epithelioid sarcoma. Histopathological review of the tumor sections revealed a cellular tumor composed of malignant epithelioid to focally “rhabdoid-like” cells in a variable hyalinized and myxoid stroma with geographic areas of necrosis. In addition, there were areas reminiscent of hemangiopericytomatous vasculature. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for CD34, focally and distinctly for pan keratin (AE1/AE3). INI1/SMARCB1 and SMARCA4 (BRG1) were diffusely positive (normal). Next-generation sequencing with a wide sarcoma panel revealed EWSR1exon8::ZBT44exon4 fusion. The present example constitutes the first malignant epithelioid tumor with a hemangiopericytomatous growth pattern, exhibiting this rare fusion. The differential diagnoses of this tumor and their corresponding immunohistochemical profile are discussed. This example highlights the value of NGS in unraveling rare fusions and in differentiating these tumors from their several mimics.
Beyond the Surface: Intimate Partner Violence Typology and Recent Depression
Authors: Hernández Wilson , Ortega Jhon
Published: April 2024

Depression and intimate partner violence (IPV) are highly related. However, it is unclear what drives this relationship: the form of violence (psychological, physical, or sexual) or its severity. In this study, we first identify patterns of combined forms and severity of violence and then estimate the effects of IPV on depression. We use the DHS and focus on Peru, a country with high IPV rates. Five classes of IPV were identified. The more intense the IPV class, the higher the effect on recent depression. However, the effect on depression tends to be smaller when levels of depression are higher.
Can weight-adjusted waist circumference index become a single anthropometric predictor of prostate-specific antigen concentration? A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey analysis (2003–2010)
Authors: Yang Guodong , Cui Te , Cao Yu , Wang Shuowen , Yang Xinyi , Enikeev Mikhail , He Mingze
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have introduced the weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI) as a viable obesity indicator that may better reflect centripetal obesity and its associated risks. In examining the connection between WWI and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), this study leveraged data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2010, including 5732 participants. Our initial analysis indicated a significant positive association between WWI and PSA levels. However, subsequent models that adjusted for covariates such as age, race, and a range of metabolic and cardiovascular health-related factors revealed that the strength and significance of this relationship were attenuated. Model 1 showed a highly significant correlation (p < 0.0001). Yet, in Model 2, which accounted for age and race, the association softened (p = 0.0520). Moreover, when a full spectrum of health covariates was included in Model 3, the association was no longer significant (p = 0.9775). These findings suggest that while an unadjusted correlation exists, its potential use as a diagnostic predictor is limited without considering the broader health context. Therefore, it is crucial to review such data with multiple considerations in mind, and extensive attention should be paid to the evaluation of covariates.
An investigation on the effect of ultrasonication and microfiltration processing on the quality of king coconut (Cocos nucifera var. aurantiaca) water compared to minimal and thermal processing
Authors: Bandara Ranahansi Rangadharee , Sasmini Thirani , Hewa Pathirana Dilani Thilanka , Yalegama Chandi , Arachchige Melani , Sivaji Maathumai
Published: April 2024

The study aimed to investigate the effect of thermal and non-thermal processing on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics of king coconut water. King coconut water samples were subjected to ultrasonication (50 kHz, 30 min at 35 °C), microfiltration (0.5 µm), and thermal treatments (at 90 °C for 10 min) with sodium metabisulfite (0.1 g/L) except the fresh sample (control). Samples were tested for physiochemical, microbial, and sensory parameters. Storage studies were conducted at 4 °C for 28 days. pH, titratable acidity, and total sugar of all treated samples were within the Sri Lankan Standard (SLS) limit (4.6–5.5, 0.07–0.1%, 4.1–6.5%, respectively) during the 28 days of storage. Sodium metabisulfite addition was significant in lowering the browning index. Antioxidant and phenolic contents of microfiltered and ultrasonicated samples varied between 49%–65% and 2.5−2.8 GAE mg/100 mL, respectively, during 4 weeks of storage, which was significantly higher compared to the heat-treated samples. Sensory evaluation scored the lowest attribute values for thermally treated samples. Microbial analyses indicated that microfiltered and ultrasonicated king coconut water remained safe for consumption for up to 4 weeks. Ultrasound and microfiltration, with the integration of sodium metabisulfite, were identified as effective methods for processing king coconut water while preserving its wholesome properties.
Development and Validation of a Stroke Literacy Assessment Test for Community Health Workers
Authors: Mallaiah Janhavi , Williams Olajide , Allegrante John P.
Published: April 2024

Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly being required to perform complex health care activities, especially in community cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention. However, currently, there are no psychometrically validated instruments for assessing CHW competencies in these roles. This article describes the development and validation of the stroke literacy assessment test (SLAT)—pertaining to the Life’s Simple Seven (LS7) risk factors for stroke—for evaluating CHWs’ competencies in the context of education and training programs. The SLAT was developed using an iterative instrument design protocol, followed by empirically testing the instrument in 68 CHWs from the Columbia University Institute for Training Outreach and Community Health (InTOuCH) in New York. Data collection began in March 2021 and continued through May 2021. The evaluation was based on four types of validity evidence: (a) content validation with expert reviews of items and overall domain, (b) validation on examinee response processes with cognitive interviews, (c) item validation and diagnostic analysis, and (d) validity evidence based on expected directional group differences. In addition, the internal consistency reliability of the total test scores, with the best functioning items, were evaluated. Two such iterative cycles yielded a 34-item, written structured response test that assesses the factual knowledge and application levels of cognition, and demonstrates sufficient validity and reliability (Cronbach’s α = .69) for use with CHWs specializing in stroke prevention efforts. The SLAT is a novel, valid, and reliable instrument that contributes to filling a critical gap in rigorous competency assessments for CHWs deployed in chronic disease prevention.
Design of a new 3D printed all-in-one magnetic smartphone adapter for fundus and anterior segment imaging
Authors: Rubegni Giovanni , Cartocci Alessandra , Tognetti Linda , Tosi Gianmarco , Salfi Massimiliano , Caruso Andrea , Castellino Niccolò , Orione Matteo , Cappellani Francesco , Fallico Matteo , D’Esposito Fabiana , Russo Andrea , Gagliano Caterina , Avitabile Teresio
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To describe and validate a 3D-printed adapter tool which could be used with either a slit lamp or a condensing lens, interchangeable between devices through magnetic fastening, in order to provide physicians a quick, easy and effective method of obtaining clinical photos.

Materials and Methods

Three specialists, with at least 4-year experience in ophthalmology, gave a rate of image quality obtained by our device and the diagnostic confidence grade. The 3 specialists conducted each 13 or 14 examinations with the smartphone and magnetic adapter. At the end of evaluation, they rated with the Likert scale the ease of use of the device in obtaining clinical images of the anterior segment and ocular fundus respectively.

Results

Data of quality perception and confidence demonstrated high values not dissimilar to the “de visu” eye examination. Moreover the instrument we designed turned out to be very user friendly.

Conclusion

Our adapter coupled with a modern smartphone was able to obtain 4k images and videos of anterior segment, central and peripheral fundus, in an easy and inexpensive way.
Retinal vascular abnormalities in myotonic dystrophy assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography – Cross-sectional study
Authors: Vasilijevic Jelena , Peric Stojan , Basta Ivana , Kovacevic Igor , Maric Gorica , Avram Nada , Gunjic Ilija , Bozic Marija
Published: April 2024

Background

The aim of the study was to detect the changes in retinal and choroidal vasculature via optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) by comparing the quantitative OCTA parameters in patients with and without myotonic dystrophies (DM).

Material

The cross-sectional study. Forty-one consecutive patients affected by DMs were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were molecular diagnosis of DM types 1 and 2. To avoid the age effect on microvascular changes and to justify a comparison between DM1 and DM2 patients, two control groups matched for sex and age were established.

Results

The vascular density was found to be significantly decreased in the DM groups compared to the controls in the macular, parafoveal and perifoveal zone of superficial capillary plexus ( p < 0.001 for the DM1 group, and p = 0.001, p = 0.005 and p = 0.026, respectively, for the DM2 group), as well as in the macular zone in the deep capillary plexus for DM1 ( p = 0.002) and deep macular and perifoveal zone for DM2 ( p = 0.007, p = 0.001, respectively). The foveal avascular zone showed no significant differences between DM1 and DM2 compared to their control groups ( p = 0.320 and p = 0.945, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results show that DM is associated not only with the classic pigmentary changes but also with superficial and deep retinal microvasculature abnormalities, suggesting that these changes may be related to local hypoperfusion. Optical coherence tomography angiography is a useful tool for the diagnosis and characterization of retinal changes in DM and should be part of the standard evaluation of these patients.
Utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Treatment Strategies for Patients With Cancer of Unknown Primary: A Single-Center, Retrospective Change-in-Management Study
Authors: Huang Rong , Hu Yuxiao , Zhang Yun
Published: April 2024

Background:

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is difficult to diagnose and classify clinically, and the disease develops rapidly. Therefore, the primary tumor detected in patients with CUP plays a profound role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The search for the primary tumor of CUP is also one of the indications for 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT). Our objective was to evaluate the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in primary tumor detection and treatment formulation in patients with CUP.

Methods:

Sixty-two patients with CUP were selected from a database consisting of 18 802 cases in the Jiangsu Cancer Hospital PET/CT center from May 18, 2016 to November 18, 2022. Clinical data and changes in treatment strategies before and after PET/CT were collected.

Results:

A total of 42 primary tumors (42/62, 67.7%) were identified by PET/CT examination. The tumor staging of patients before conventional PET/CT imaging (such as CT/magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]/US) and after PET/CT did not change in 28 patients (28/62, 45.2%), whereas for 34 patients (34/62, 54.8%), tumor staging changed. Forty-five patients (45/62, 72.6%) had not developed treatment plans before PET/CT examination, but treatment plans were clarified after PET/CT examination. Thirteen patients (13/62, 21.0%) underwent changes in treatments before and after PET/CT examination. Among the 20 patients (20/62, 32.3%) whose primary tumors were not detected, 16 patients (16/20, 80.0%) had no treatment plans before PET/CT and the treatment plans were defined after PET/CT, 3 patients (3/20, 15.0%) changed the treatment plans before and after PET/CT, and 1 patient (1/20, 5.0%) did not change the treatment plan.

Conclusions:

The 18F-FDG PET/CT plays an important role in the detection and staging of primary tumors in patients with CUP. The PET/CT findings can not only help clinicians develop appropriate treatment plans for patients with CUP but also serve as an effective approach to improve real-life treatment strategies for these patients.
High-order iterative rearrangement transform for time–frequency characterization of bearing fault impact
Authors: Zhao Dezun , Huang Xiaofan , Cui Lingli
Published: April 2024

Time–frequency analysis (TFA) can effectively characterize features of non-stationary signals. Traditional TFA algorithms construct signal models in the time domain and make the assumption that the instantaneous characteristics of each component are continuous. However, the instantaneous frequency (IF) of the transient signal is discontinuous in the time domain and exhibits a multifaceted relationship with time, such as shock, vibration wave, damped sound wave, etc. Additionally, in most existing TFA methods, low-order group delay (GD) is used to describe transient signals, which leads to unsatisfactory energy concentration and calculation accuracy. To address about issues, a novel TFA technique, termed high-order iterative rearrangement transform (HOIRT), is developed in this research. First, the signal model is defined within the frequency domain, and the frequency ridge of the transient signal is described by a high-order GD (HOGD), which is similar to the IF. Second, a HOGD-based iterative synchrosqueezing operator is defined to reassign time–frequency coefficients into the GD trajectories along the time direction. Finally, the HOGD-based frequency extraction operator is constructed to only retain the target time–frequency information of the transient signal from the rearranged results, such that the noise interference is eliminated and the energy-concentrated TFR is obtained. A simulation signal with nonlinear GDs is employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the HOIRT. Compared with the other seven typical TFA algorithms, the developed technique has the smallest calculation error and Rényi entropy, showing that the HOIRT has the highest accuracy and energy concentration. Analysis result of the bearing fault impact signal shows that the proposed HOIRT can display the time when pulses occur while ensuring high time–frequency resolution, making it suitable for detecting bearing faults.
The Influence of Servant Leadership on Internal Career Success: An Examination of Psychological Climates and Career Progression Expectations
Authors: Ghahremani Hamed , James Lemoine G. , Hartnell Chad A.
Published: April 2024

Servant leadership's positive effects on employee attitudes and motivations are well-documented. However, it remains unclear how and whether the employee beneficiaries of servant leadership choose to remain and thrive with their current employer. Would employees remain with employers and advance within their organizations after exposure to servant leadership, or is it possible that the advantages gained make them more inclined to explore better opportunities elsewhere? We examine this question from a social learning perspective by investigating the process through which an employee's experience of servant leadership behaviors influences their voluntary turnover and promotion attainment. We propose a serially mediated model in which an employee's perception of servant leadership increases promotion attainment while reducing voluntary turnover via perceptions of two psychological climates (caring and instrumental) and subsequent changes in employee career progression expectations. These predictions were tested in a 4-wave field study in which objective measures of turnover and employee promotions were tracked throughout a 12-month period. The results reveal support for the hypothesized serial mediation model. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of this research and outline directions for future research.
Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray Prevent High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Female Mice via Gut Microbiota-Related Bile Acids Metabolism
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Meng , Tan Tingting , Li Shiying , Mi Jia , Lu Lu , Yan Yamei , Ran Linwu
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Female obesity may be improved by the consumption of a high-polyphenolic-rich diet. Lycium ruthenicum Murray is a renowned edible plant, the fruit of which is abundant in anthocyanins and exhibits many biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of anthocyanins derived from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ACN) intervention on improving obesity by regulating the gut microbiota and bile acids (BAs) metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced female mice.

Methods

A total of 32 C57BL/6J female mice were divided into four distinct groups: the Ctrl group (fed a normal diet), Ctrl + ACN group (fed a normal diet plus 8 mg/mL extract of ACN), HFD group (fed a high-fat diet), and HFD + ACN group (fed a HFD plus 8 mg/mL extract of ACN).

Results

The findings showed that ACN significantly reduced the body weight, periovarian adipose mass, and adipocyte diameter, ameliorated lipid accumulation in the liver, and lowered the serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels in HFD-induced female mice. In addition, ACN exhibited a reversal of gut microbial dysbiosis in HFD-fed female mice, such as by enhancing the quantity of Lactobacillus and Allobaculum and reducing the abundance of Blautia and Faecalibaculum. Moreover, the results of fecal BAs showed that ACN led to a decrease in the ratio of primary to secondary BAs, mainly attributed to decreased levels of primary BAs, including CA, CDCA, αMCA, and HCA in HFD-induced female mice. Further analysis revealed that ACN may exert its anti-obesity effect by increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus_ jonsonii and Lactobacillus_reuteri within the gut and subsequently affecting the metabolism of fecal HDCA and GUDCA.

Conclusion

These results indicated that ACN effectively inhibits HFD-induced obesity in female mice by regulating gut microbiota-related BA metabolism.
Employee Engagement With Corporate-Based Health and Wellness Programs: A Multiple Regression Analysis
Authors: Duffy Clayton , Jennings J’Aime , Shuck Brad , Immekus Jason
Published: April 2024

Organizations for decades have offered a myriad of health benefit options designed to engage employees in their own personal health. These programs have been aimed at supporting a healthier workforce in hopes that, a healthy workforce would also equate to a more productive and engaged workforce. As a result, organizations have developed a myriad of choices that employees can choose from to enhance their personal health (i.e., wellness programs, assistance counseling, health risk assessments, etc.). From a workplace perspective, research in the Human Resource Development (HRD) field, as well as related disciplines, have started to explore connections between work and health. Despite emerging research on work and the working experience, organizationally focused health and wellness offerings have been historically absent from most models of work in HRD. The purpose of this research was to examine how work and the working experience influenced employee decision points around personal levels of health engagement. Using two multiple regression models with data from 206 participants working at a Fortune 500 global logistics company, we explored the linkage between work, health, and employee agency in participating in corporate wellness programs. Through our work, we contribute to traditional engagement theory as well as an emerging framework in HRD— Work Determinants of Health (WDOH)—and provide practical suggestions for how leaders could prioritize employee wellness and health engagement within their organization.