bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Value of B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis Without Heart Failure: Insights From ILLUMINATE‐CS
Authors: Miyakuni Shota , Maeda Daichi , Matsue Yuya , Yoshioka Kenji , Dotare Taishi , Sunayama Tsutomu , Nabeta Takeru , Naruse Yoshihisa , Kitai Takeshi , Taniguchi Tatsunori , Tanaka Hidekazu , Okumura Takahiro , Baba Yuichi , Matsumura Akihiko , Minamino Tohru
Published: December 2022

Background

The prognostic role of BNP (B‐type natriuretic peptide) in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis without evident heart failure is unknown.

Methods and Results

This is a post hoc analysis of ILLUMINATE‐CS (Illustration of the Management and Prognosis of Japanese Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis), a multicenter, retrospective, and observational study that evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. We analyzed patients with cardiac sarcoidosis without evident heart failure at the time of diagnosis. The association between baseline BNP levels and prognosis was investigated. The primary end point was the combined end point of all‐cause death, heart failure hospitalization, and fatal ventricular arrhythmia. In total, 238 patients (61.0±11.1 years, 37% men) were analyzed, and 61 primary end points were observed during a median follow‐up period of 3.0 (interquartile range, 1.7–5.8) years. Patients with high BNP (BNP above the median value of BNP) were older and had a lower renal function and left ventricular ejection fraction than those with low BNP values. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis indicated that high BNP levels were significantly associated with a high incidence of primary end points (log‐rank
P
=0.004), and this association was retained even in multivariable Cox regression (hazard ratio, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.19–3.55];
P
=0.010). Log‐transformed BNP as a continuous variable was associated with the primary end point (hazard ratio, 2.12 [95% CI, 1.31–3.43];
P
=0.002).

Conclusions

High baseline BNP level was an independent predictor of future adverse events in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis without heart failure at the time of diagnosis.

Registration

URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/english/
; Unique Identifier: UMIN‐CTR: UMIN000034974.
Core Infrastructure and Manufacturing Activity in the Indian States: Does the Income Group Matter?
Authors: Arora Rochna , Kaur Baljit
Published: December 2022

Taking the data for 17 Indian states for the period running 1991–2017, the study investigates relationship between infrastructure and manufacturing value added at the overall as well as segregated levels to study the spatial differences. Preliminary tests of cross-section dependence point to the existence of dependence among the cross sections after which second-generation testing procedures are applied. Spatial differential impact of infrastructure on the performance of manufacturing activity is estimated using fixed/random effect modelling. The empirical results show that infrastructure index exerts positive and significant impact on the manufacturing performance with estimate of 0.20 for all states in India and 0.49 for high-income states. Similarly, individual components of infrastructure influence manufacturing activity differently. Road infrastructure is influencing manufacturing performance negatively in high-income states while it is positive for other states; teledensity exerts positive influence in case of middle-income states while the impact is negative in case of low-income states. Dumitrescu and Hurlin’s causality test shows bidirectional causality from infrastructure to manufacturing output.

JEL Codes: D02, E62, H54, L94, L96
“Who Keeps Your Flame? Who Tells Your Story?” Teaching Orchestra through Primary Sources
Authors: Davis Susan A.
Published: December 2022

Music educators often look for ways to deepen students’ understanding and artistic interpretations of repertoire. One way to engage students in discovery and dialogue about the music they perform is through connecting to the historical, cultural, and societal implications of primary sources. This article delves into resources from the Library of Congress that enable us to tell richer stories about the people and circumstances behind familiar orchestral repertoire, including works by Chaminade, Copland, and Miranda. The recommended materials include primary and secondary sources from the Library of Congress digital archives, best practices for using these resources, inquiry-based strategies to engage students in critical thinking, and connections to the 2014 Music Standards.
Surface Pre-Grouting Borehole Arrangement and Division of the Broken Roof of the Lower Seam of a Bifurcated Coal Seam
Authors: Zhai Xiaorong , Bi Yaoshan , Hu Ru , Jiwen Wu , Hao Hongjun
Published: December 2022

The coal roof of the lower seam of a bifurcated coal seam is always broken and is caused by the mining of the upper seam, which results in difficult support for the coal roof. This seriously affects the safe and efficient mining of the lower seam. Pre-grouting technology is often used to reinforce the regenerated roof in advance to improve its integrity of the roof. In this study, to provide a scientific basis for the layout of surface pre-grouting boreholes, the bifurcated coal seam at the Xutuan coal mine in the Huaibei mining area in China was analyzed. The height and depth of the damage in the coal roof and floor caused by upper seam mining were calculated using theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The porosity and permeability of the goaf in different positions were calculated by numerical simulation, and the spatial distribution of the porosity and permeability and the slurry diffusion radius of different porosities were determined. Finally, the grouting section and layout of the pre-grouting boreholes were determined. Based on the design scheme, the drilling of the surface boreholes and the addition of the grouting were carried out. The accuracy of the theoretical analysis was verified by field drilling and grouting activity. The research results can provide a basis for the layout of surface pre-grouting boreholes and the selection of the grouting zone in areas of close-distance coal seam mining.
Clinical characteristics and causes of vision impairment in a paediatric population in a university-based low vision clinic
Authors: Rampersad Nishanee , Mashige Khathutshelo Percy
Published: December 2022

Paediatric vision impairment is a significant public health issue because of the associated health and economic consequences. This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics and causes of vision impairment in paediatric patients who presented to a university-based low vision eye clinic in KwaZulu-Natal. The study used a retrospective design and included all paediatric patients with vision impairment who were younger than 18 years and presented to the university-based low vision eye clinic between January 2015 and December 2019. The sample consisted of 156 children with vision impairment with a similar proportion of males ( n = 82) and females ( n = 74). The mean age of the children was 13.5 ± 2.8 years, with a range of 5–17 years. Based on the best-corrected visual acuity (VA), most of the children ( n = 111) had moderate vision impairment (VA worse than 6/18 to 6/60). The most common causes of paediatric vision impairment included albinism ( n = 54), refractive error ( n = 11), cataract ( n = 10), and glaucoma ( n = 10). The retina ( n = 74) and normal globe ( n = 26) were the most affected anatomical sites. Spectacles were prescribed to almost half of the sample ( n = 76). A total of 126 optical and non-optical devices were recommended with telescopes ( n = 43) and sun-protective measures ( n = 20) being the most common. Paediatric vision impairment can have a negative impact on the quality of life. Local data related to the characteristics of children with vision impairment can be used to enhance the services provided in this university-based low vision clinic. This is important as efforts aimed at early identification, management, and rehabilitation will help minimise functional limitations and improve the quality of life of affected children.
Understanding the Effect of Built Environment on Travel Behavior at Multiple Geographic Scales
Authors: Jin Meihan , Guo Juanjuan , Xie Shuai , Lin Yaoyu , Gong Yongxi , Liu Yu
Published: December 2022

Understanding the effect of built environment on travel behavior has been an important research issue in transportation, geography, and urban planning. Geographic scales for travel behavior research have started attracting attentions in recent years. In this research, we proposed a method to extract suitable geographic scales of built environment influence on travel behavior with different travel purposes. We designed a modeling framework to examine different types of corresponding scales that affect the relationships between travel behavior and the built environment. The scale-correspondence covers the aspects of geography, model, and indicators. In a real travel data supported case study, the results show a stronger and more explainable influence from built environment on travel distance and travel mode choices at scale-corresponding models than that with the non-scale-corresponding models. We discovered that all three types of scale correspondence can reduce the geographic-contextual uncertainty in both travel and built environment contexts. The results of this study offer methodological insights that may facilitate further research investigating travel behaviors.
Prevalence and Correlates of Non-Dating Sexual Violence, Sexual Dating Violence, and Physical Dating Violence Victimization among U.S. High School Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, United States, 2021
Authors: Krause Kathleen H. , DeGue Sarah , Kilmer Greta , Niolon Phyllis Holditch
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic created an environment of disruption and adversity for many adolescents. We sought to establish the prevalence of non-dating sexual violence, sexual dating violence, and physical dating violence victimization among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate whether experiences of disruption and adversity placed adolescents at greater risk for these forms of interpersonal violence. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Adolescent Behavior and Experiences Survey, collected January to June 2021 from a nationally representative sample of U.S. high school students ( N = 7,705). Exposures included abuse by a parent; economic, housing, and food and nutrition insecurity; interpersonal connectedness; and personal well-being. Among female students, 8.0% experienced non-dating sexual violence; 12.5% experienced sexual dating violence; and 7.7% experienced physical dating violence. Among male students, 2.2% experienced non-dating sexual violence; 2.4% experienced sexual dating violence; and 4.9% experienced physical dating violence. Among female students, both emotional and physical abuse by a parent was related to non-dating sexual violence, emotional abuse was related to sexual dating violence, and physical abuse was related to physical dating violence. Among males, emotional abuse by a parent was related to physical dating violence and physical abuse by a parent was related to sexual dating violence. Hunger was associated with sexual and physical dating violence among female students and homeless was associated with physical dating violence among male students. Although there were differences by sex, abuse by a parent, hunger, and homelessness created precarity that may have increased the likelihood that adolescents would be exposed to risky peer or dating relationships. Adolescents need support that stops and prevents experiences of non-dating sexual and dating violence connected to interventions that address adversities experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preparing Doctoral Students in Special Education: What Do We Really Know?
Authors: McCorkle Laura S. , Vestal Amanda , Diamond Lindsay L.
Published: December 2022

This exploratory review was conducted to examine recent literature regarding the preparation of doctoral students in special education. Specifically, articles included in this search focused on doctoral preparation in special education between 2005 and 2020. A total of 15 articles were identified and coded for type of study design and themes were developed using qualitative research methods. Results of the qualitative analysis suggest three overarching themes related to special education doctoral preparation. Implications for developing and revising doctoral programs are discussed.
Computer-aided diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from EEG signals using deep learning with FAWT and multiscale permutation entropy features
Authors: Chawla Parikha , Rana Shashi B , Kaur Hardeep , Singh Kuldeep
Published: December 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopment disorder, is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and emerges as a major threat to children. Its computer-aided diagnosis used by neurologists improves the detection process and has a favorable impact on patients’ health. Currently, a biomarker termed electroencephalography (EEG) is considered as vital tool to detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In this context, the present paper brings forth a novel approach for automated diagnosis of ASD from multichannel EEG signals using flexible analytic wavelet transform (FAWT). Firstly, this approach processes the acquired EEG signals with filtering and segmentation into short-duration EEG segments in the range of 5–20 s. These segmented EEG signals are decomposed into five levels using FAWT technique to obtain various sub-bands. Further, multiscale permutation entropy values are extracted from decomposed sub-bands which are used as feature vectors in the present work. Afterwards, these feature vectors are evaluated by traditional machine learning algorithms viz., k-nearest neighbor, logistic regression, support vector machine, and random forest, as well as convolutional neural network (CNN) as deep learning algorithm with different segment durations. The analysis of results reveals that CNN provides maximum accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of 99.19%, 99.34%, 99.21%, and 0.9997, respectively, for 10 s duration EEG segment to identify ASD patients among healthy individuals. Thus, the proposed CNN architecture would be extremely helpful during diagnostic process of autism disease for neurologists.
Climate change contrarian think tanks in Europe: A network analysis
Authors: Almiron Núria , Moreno Jose A. , Farrell Justin
Published: December 2022

Drawing from network theory and previous findings from US-based analyses, we measure the structure and interconnectedness of climate contrarian think tanks in Europe. This exploratory analysis can illustrate European organizations’ capacity to promote or disrupt political discourse. To this end, we use social network analysis to conduct actor-focused research. We identify the individuals bridging European think tanks, as well as their ties with the US climate change contrarian network. Our analysis reveals a discernible network structure for European climate change contrarian think tanks, with a profile connected to neoliberal organizations, including a few, but highly relevant links, with the US countermovement. We also find that the European think tanks’ institutional structure is very much shaped by a strong predominance of men, which aligns with previous research on masculinity and climate contrarianism.
The Western Revival of Goddess Worship
Authors: Nicolae Téa
Published: December 2022

In a modern society arguably disenchanted with religion, numerous Western women are transfixing their reality by making God in their own image. This compelling phenomenon is known as ‘the Goddess Movement’: a non-centralised religious current of neo-pagan origin that reveres the Divine as feminine. The revival of Goddess worship in a vastly secular age which appears not to favour religious devotion is a peculiar occurrence and leads to the following question: Why are women returning to a previously defunct spiritual practice? Building on the research scholars Paul Reid-Bowen and Janet L. Jacobs conducted on Western Goddess worship, as well as drawing on testimonies of Goddess followers, this article aims to elucidate the appeal the Goddess Movement holds for women. It argues that it represents a notable turn in female spirituality which demonstrates that images of feminine divinity offer women the opportunity to find meaningfulness, empowerment, and sexual or psychological healing.
Disease versus disease: Paolo Zacchia on syphilis and epilepsy
Authors: Duffin Jacalyn , Lehoux Daryn
Published: December 2022

The lawyer and physician Paolo Zacchia (1584–1659) was the chief physician at the Vatican and an important advisor to the papal court. He is considered a founder of the field of forensic pathology, and the influence of his masterwork, Quaestiones medico-legales, spread throughout Europe. In this essay, we focus on one of Zacchia's consultations, first published posthumously in 1661. Emerging from a cause for beatification, the case features the intriguing medical notion of one disease curing another. Zacchia was to determine if a young man's recovery from epilepsy was miraculous or not. We will briefly review Zacchia's career, examine his argument and the sources on which he based his reasoning in this case, trace the status of the disease-versus-disease notion to the present, and demonstrate that this consultation represents a rare, if not the only example of syphilis being the curative agent – rather than the disease cured.
Navigating the micro-politics of major system change: The implementation of Sustainability Transformation Partnerships in the English health and care system
Authors: Waring Justin , Bishop Simon , Black Georgia , Clarke Jenelle M , Exworthy Mark , Fulop Naomi J , Hartley Jean , Ramsay Angus , Roe Bridget
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate how health and care leaders navigate the micro-politics of major system change (MSC) as manifest in the formulation and implementation of Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) in the English National Health Service (NHS).

Methods

A comparative qualitative case study of three STPs carried out between 2018–2021. Data collection comprised 72 semi-structured interviews with STP leaders and stakeholders; 49h of observations of STP executive meetings, management teams and thematic committees, and documentary sources. Interpretative analysis involved developing individual and cross case reports to understand the ‘disagreements, ‘people and interests’ and the ‘skills, behaviours and practice’.

Findings

Three linked political fault-lines underpinned the micro-politics of formulating and implementing STPs: differences in meaning and value, perceptions of winners and losers, and structural differences in power and influence. In managing these issues, STP leaders engaged in a range of complementary strategies to understand and reconcile meanings, appraise and manage risks and benefits, and to redress longstanding power imbalances, as well as those related to their own ambiguous position.

Conclusion

Given the lack of formal authority and breadth of system change, navigating the micro-politics of MSC requires political skills in listening and engagement, strategic appraisal of the political landscape and effective negotiation and consensus-building.
Development and design of a deep tank damper with submerged suspended plate
Authors: Konar Tanmoy , Ghosh Aparna (Dey)
Published: December 2022

An appendage, in the form of a submerged suspended plate (SSP) in a liquid-containing deep tank, is proposed for converting functional liquid storage tanks into passive tank dampers for structural vibration mitigation. The oscillating frequency of the SSP is designed to be tuned to the structural frequency so that the tank damper is independent of detuning effects that could be caused by liquid level fluctuations. Further, the impulsive, rather than the sloshing, liquid mass is utilized here. This alleviates the disadvantage of low energy dissipation associated with the relatively smaller proportion of sloshing liquid mass of a deep tank. The theoretical model and working mechanism of the deep tank damper with submerged suspended plate (DTD-SSP) are developed and the expression for the tuning frequency derived. A time-domain formulation for the structure-DTD-SSP system is presented and the design and effectiveness of the DTD-SSP for an example structure under base excitation examined. Further, the performance sensitivity to tuning ratio and comparison with the traditional tuned mass damper (TMD) are presented. Results indicate that with the proposed design, liquid storage tanks installed for other functional requirements can be converted into DTD-SSPs that can achieve significant response reductions comparable with that of TMDs.
Borderline knock adaptation based on online updated surrogate models
Authors: Tang Jian , Dai Wen , Archer Chad , Yi James , Zhu Guoming
Published: December 2022

Spark ignition engines are often desired to be operated close to its knock borderline limit, when MBT (maximum brake torque) cannot be achieved, to optimize engine efficiency. Traditionally, engine knock is closed-loop controlled using a dual-rate PID scheme with the help of feedforward control based on off-line calibrated borderline knock limit along with associated corrections. Note that the feedforward control is often not accurate and very conservative. This paper proposed a data-driven knock baseline control architecture consisting of two-key components: (a) offline training knock borderline Surrogate models under the worst and lightest knock conditions and (b) online updating the composite Surrogate model for adaptation. A Bayesian-based multi-objectives optimization algorithm is used to obtain optimal knock control parameters with significantly improved calibration efficiency, where the offline trained models are obtained using spark and intake valve timings as control parameters, and indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC) and knock intensity (KI) as two competing performance measures to be minimized. Based on our early results, two Kriging surrogate models with two corresponding Pareto fronts (most and least advanced timing) can be obtained, and the purpose of this paper is to generate a composite real-time Kriging model for compensating engine aging and operational environmental changes such as fuel type, temperature, humidity, etc. In order to reduce the number of control parameters used in online updating, principal component analysis is conducted to find dominated control parameter, and in this case, the spark timing is the most sensitive factor of Pareto front. During the online updating process, a likelihood ratio controller with short- and long-term buffers was proposed to update the surrogate model in real-time and to adapt to fast and slow environmental and engine variations so that the optimal borderline knock limit can be found based on the intersection of mean and variance of Pareto front from the real-time updated composite Kriging model; and accordingly, the optimal control parameters can be located in the design space using surrogate model. Both simulation and test results indicate that the proposed online updating scheme is able to update the machine-learned stochastic surrogate models and adjust the feedforward borderline knock control parameters adapted to engine aging and operational environment.
A novice inquiry into unique adequacy
Authors: Hofstetter Emily
Published: December 2022

In this paper, I question how a researcher might fulfil the unique adequacy requirement when studying novices in a setting in which the researcher is already a member. Since novices by definition lack the expected competencies in a setting, having unique adequacy for novice methods may appear oxymoronic. However, this paper suggests that unique adequacy requires enacting specific ways of ‘seeing’ as part of accomplishing local order; once one is competent, it becomes difficult to enact incompetent action in a locally adequate way, suggesting one can actually lose unique adequacy. Furthermore, as any given situated involves a multifaceted set of competencies, exactly which or whose competencies are relevant is both an analysts’ and members’ issue to solve. With reference to examples, I discuss how analysts and members delimit the ‘provinces of meaning’ in the process of finding what is locally adequate.
How the ghosts of past experience haunt problemistic search
Authors: Cabral Joseph J , Iyer Dinesh N , O’Brien Jonathan P
Published: December 2022

The behavioral theory of the firm suggests that when performance falls below aspirations, firms engage in problemistic search for solutions to the performance shortfall. In this article, we contend recent experience is a critical determinant of the search mode employed by the firm. With this foundation, we examine the boundary conditions of search and investigate whether central behavioral theory of the firm concepts of coalitions, routines, and slack resources exacerbate or alleviate the effect of recent experience. We focus our theorizing and empirical tests on R&D search, and results confirm that a firm will generally only engage in a specific search mode in response to performance shortfalls if it has had recent experience with that activity. Examination of boundary conditions indicates that the influence of recent experience is weaker for firms that have experience with other search modes, weaker for diversified firms, stronger for larger firms, and stronger for firms with more absorbed slack.
Physical Exercise Exerts Neuroprotective Effect on Memory Impairment by Mitigate the Decline of Striatum Catecholamine and Spine Density in a Vascular Dementia Rat Model
Authors: Ren Hangzhou , Zhang Zhongyuan , Zhang Jianwei
Published: December 2022

Objective

The present study aims to investigate the underlying neurochemical mechanism of physical exercise on striatum synapsis and memory function in vascular dementia model.

Methods

32 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (C group, n = 6), vascular dementia group (Vascular dementia group, n = 7), physical exercise and vascular dementia group (Exe-VD group, n = 6), physical exercise and black group (Exe group, n = 6). 4 weeks of voluntary wheel running were used as pre-exercise training. Vascular dementia model was established by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (BCCAo) for 1 week. Passive avoidance test (PAT) were used to test memory function. The level of striatum catecholamine in the microdialysate were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assy (ELISA). Golgi staining was used to analyze striatum neuronal spine density.

Results

Behavioral data indicated that 4 weeks of physical exercise ameliorated memory impairment in vascular dementia model. Striatum catecholamine level significantly decreased in VD group when compared with C group ( P < .001). But this phenomenon can be rescue by physical exercise ( P < .001). In addition, compared with C group, neuronal spine density significantly decreased in VD group ( P < .01), but 4 weeks of physical exercise can rescue this phenomenon ( P < .05).

Conclusion

4 weeks of physical exercise improves memory function by mitigate the decline of striatum catecholamine and spine density in VD model.
An isomorphism identification method of kinematic chain based on optimal arrangement and comparison of branch-chain matrix derived from dendrogram graph
Authors: Sun Liangbo , Liu Xin , Liu Xiaocui , Hong Xixi , Pei Houchang , Zhang Deping
Published: December 2022

Isomorphism identification is an essential step in the structure synthesis of Kinematic Chain (KC), and needs a large amount of analysis and calculation. To find an isomorphism identification method with simple rules, scientific feasibility and less analysis and calculation has always been a research hotspot of mechanism scholars. In this paper, the structure information of KC is described by dendrogram structure graph with multiple joints, and Branch-chain Matrix (BM) is separated from the dendrogram structure. The characteristics of BM are analyzed, and the concepts of intimacy between branch-chains and Repeatability Matrix (RM) corresponding to BM are proposed. Based on fact that both dendrogram graph and BM can uniquely determine the structural information of one KC, a new isomorphism identification method for KC, based on row optimal rearrangement and comparison of BM, is proposed. The operation steps are discussed in detail, and several cases are analyzed to show this method has advantages such as easy rules, small calculation of retrieval and comparison, and easy to be programmed.
HIV self-testing in the real world is acceptable for many: post-test participant feedback from the GetaKit study in Ottawa, Canada
Authors: O’Byrne Patrick , Musten Alexandra , Ho Nikki
Published: December 2022

Background:

HIV self-testing is the latest strategy to improve access to testing, diagnosis and treatment. Such strategies are beneficial due to the improved individual- and population-level health outcomes that emerge from early HIV diagnosis.

Aims:

While most research shows that HIV self-testing is acceptable and feasible, yielding higher numbers of first-time testers and positivity rates, compared to clinic-based testing, little evidence exists outside low- and middle-income countries about such testing.

Methods:

We implemented GetaKit.ca, a website through which eligible participants could register for and obtain an INSTI® HIV self-testing to their home, and then report the result back.

Results:

Those who returned to the website were asked to complete a post-test survey, which had a low response rate (42%), but identified satisfaction scores of 92%. Notably, 5% of testers sought in-person care after ordering the self-test, and only 80% of participants agreed that the INSTI® HIV self-test was easy to use.

Conclusions:

Participants provided tangible solutions to improve this test, which we feel are easy to incorporate and essential to maintain HIV self-testing efforts.
The relationship between the perception of surgical fear and nursing satisfaction
Authors: Soydaş Duygu , Makal Orğan Esra , Yıldız Fındık Ümmü , Gökce Işıklı Ayşe
Published: December 2022

Since patient satisfaction is considered a criterion in the evaluation of nursing care, it is important and necessary to know the factors associated with satisfaction. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between surgical fear and satisfaction with nursing care in surgical patients. This descriptive correlational study was conducted with 110 patients who underwent planned major surgical intervention in a university hospital in Turkey. A patient introduction form, the Surgical Fear Questionnaire and Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale were used to collect data, as well as a face to face interview with patients during the pre and postoperative periods. The results showed that the surgical fear levels of the patients were low, their satisfaction with nursing care was high, and a weak correlation existed between the fear and satisfaction levels. We recommend nursing care interventions aimed at keeping the surgical fear levels of patients low and their satisfaction high.
Using the NINDS Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome on 4 Cohorts of Retired Contact Sport Athletes
Authors: Casson Ira R. , Viano David C.
Published: December 2022

Background:

A 2021 National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) consensus panel proposed a set of clinical diagnostic criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) and determined provisional levels of certainty for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) pathology based on neuropathological evidence. The panel suggested the criteria needed to be validated by clinical studies of living populations exposed to repetitive head impacts (RHIs).

Hypothesis:

As the consensus criteria were developed solely from neuropathologically diagnosed cases of CTE, we hypothesized that they may not be readily applicable to the clinical impressions developed from the histories and examination findings of living patients whose neuropathology was unknown.

Study Design:

We applied the consensus criteria to 4 groups of living retired contact sports athletes collected from previously published articles in the medical literature.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Clinical evidence from 4 groups of living retired athletes (boxers and American football players) with extensive RHI exposure was available. We used the NINDS consensus criteria to determine for each athlete whether or not they met the criteria for TES. For those who met the criteria, we determined their provisional level of certainty for CTE pathology.

Results:

Among all 80 subjects, the prevalence of TES was 21.3% (17 of 80), the prevalence of possible CTE was 12.5% (10 of 80), and the prevalence of probable CTE was 2.5% (2 of 80). Among the 45 retired football players, the prevalence of TES was 24.4% (11 of 45) and the prevalence of possible CTE was 17.7% (8 of 45). None of the retired football players met the criteria for probable CTE. Among the 35 total retired boxers (from all 3 groups), the prevalence of TES was 17.1% (6 of 35), the prevalence of possible CTE was 5.7% (2 of 35), and the prevalence of probable CTE was 5.7% (2 of 35).

Conclusion:

Applying the NINDS consensus criteria to this historical cohort of living retired athletes with extensive RHI exposure resulted in a relatively low prevalence of TES and possible/probable certainties of CTE pathology, which might suggest limitations on the sensitivity of the NINDS criteria.

Clinical Relevance:

Physicians are often asked by retired contact sports athletes and their families to determine if their clinical picture is related to TES and/or CTE. Physicians may turn to the NINDS consensus criteria for guidance in making such determinations. The data presented here may assist physicians in evaluating the reliability and validity of using the consensus criteria in living subjects.
Resective surgery for patients with frontal lobe diffuse low-grade glioma-related epilepsy: predictors of seizure outcomes
Authors: Zhang Kai , Liu Dingyang , Yang Zhuanyi , Li Xuejun , Yang Zhiquan , He Xinghui
Published: December 2022

Background:

Diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs) are prone to invade the frontal lobes, with seizures being the most common symptom. However, limited attention has been paid to surgical outcomes and their predictors in patients with frontal DLGG-related epilepsy.

Objective:

This study aimed to analyze predictors of postoperative seizure outcomes in patients with frontal DLGG-related epilepsy.

Design:

This is a single-center retrospective study.

Methods:

This study retrospectively collected data of 115 patients with frontal DLGG-related epilepsy who underwent resective surgery between January 2014 and January 2021. Patients were categorized into favorable and unfavorable seizure outcome groups based on the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify potential predictors of seizure outcomes.

Results:

The mean follow-up was 4.11 ± 2.06 years, and 77.4% (89 of 115) of patients were seizure-free. Permanent neurological deficits were observed in 7.0% (8 of 115) of patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that total tumor removal [odds ratio (OR), 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12–0.82; p = 0.018] and older age at seizure onset (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93–0.99; p = 0.042) were independent predictors of favorable seizure outcomes.

Conclusion:

Surgical resection is an effective treatment for frontal DLGG-related epilepsy. Favorable seizure outcomes are more likely to be achieved in patients with complete tumor removal and those with older age at seizure onset.
A meta-analysis of polychronicity: Applying modern perspectives of multitasking and person-environment fit
Authors: Howard Matt C. , Cogswell Joshua E.
Published: December 2022

We apply modern theory on multitasking and person-environment fit to holistically explain the relations of polychronicity as well as provide justifications for disparate results found in prior studies, such as undetected differences regarding task-switching and dual-tasking. We then conduct a meta-analysis of polychronicity's relations. We show that the nomological net surrounding polychronicity matches our proposed fit perspective. We likewise demonstrate that differences in task-switching and dual-tasking indeed influence the observed results of polychronicity, and the growing complexity of businesses may have caused the association of polychronicity and job performance to strengthen over time. Our discussion highlights that polychronicity plays an important role in personal well-being and employee performance, which can be understood by our person-environment fit perspective.
Development of an innovative strategy to determine functioning attributed to health conditions in low-resource settings
Authors: Charumbira Maria Yvonne , Berner Karina , Blaauw Denric , Louw Quinette Abegail
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Rehabilitation is a health strategy that aims to reduce functioning problems. There is a lack of country-level data on the burden and type of functioning problems to inform service planning and management of patients’ rehabilitation needs, particularly at primary care level in low-resource settings. Health researchers need an application that automates synthesis of data extracted from several peer-reviewed publications to determine the most prevalent functioning problems compared across several health states. This article describes the journey leading to the conceptualization and development of the Rehab4all application and compares the application's performance to a standard desktop program.

Methods

A descriptive case study approach was used to report on the following steps involved in the development of the web-based Rehab4all application: (i) preliminary literature review to assess the evidence gap of country-level data on functioning problems comparable across several health states; (ii) an initial attempt to perform data extraction and synthesis in Excel; (iii) design and development of Rehab4all; (iv) piloting of the Rehab4all application; and (v) implementation of application with input data from South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Results

The Rehab4all application offers a feasible solution for synthesizing data from several peer-reviewed publications to provide information on context-specific, priority functioning problems at country level through the integrated global International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework (ICF).

Conclusion

This bespoke innovation provides impetus for further development, profile comparison and shared information between countries to co-develop strategies which can strengthen rehabilitation service delivery.
Investigating Individual Variation Using Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling: A Tutorial With Tinnitus
Authors: Rodebaugh Thomas L. , Piccirillo Marilyn L. , Frumkin Madelyn R. , Kallogjeri Dorina , Gerull Katherine M. , Piccirillo Jay F.
Published: December 2022

A growing body of research suggests that standard group-based models might provide little insight regarding individuals. In the current study, we sought to compare group-based and individual predictors of bothersome tinnitus, illustrating how researchers can use dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM) for intensive longitudinal data to examine whether findings from analyses of the group apply to individuals. A total of 43 subjects with bothersome tinnitus responded to up to 200 surveys each. In multilevel DSEM, survey items loaded on three factors (tinnitus bother, cognitive symptoms, and anxiety), and results indicated a reciprocal relationship between tinnitus bother and anxiety. In fully idiographic models, the three-factor model fit poorly for two individuals, and the multilevel model did not generalize to most individuals, possibly because of limited power. Research examining heterogeneous conditions, such as tinnitus bother, may benefit from methods such as DSEM that allow researchers to model dynamic relationships.
P&O Cruises: The Case of Pursuing Sustainability Goal
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Iqbal Rifat , Islam Quazi Tafsirul , Gazi Mohammad Asif , Ahmed Asma
Published: December 2022

Tourism is one of the major industries around the world, having a direct and indirect contribution to the global GDP. The cruise industry is among the vital components of the tourism industry that has an impact on the water-based transportation system. Among all the cruise companies, the oldest one that is still running successfully in the market is P&O Cruises. The main focus of this case is to explore how the oldest cruise company of the world follows sustainable tourism practices to achieve a competitive advantage in the developed country context. Theoretically, the economic, environmental and social components of sustainable tourism have been incorporated with the business practice of the company. The case finds that raising environmental awareness embedded with competition has led to the practices of reduced carbon and water waste, ethical procurement policy and increased use of renewable energy that can help companies to attain sustainability goals 2020 and beyond.
Meeting the Needs of Migrant Students
Authors: Liu Chiao-Wei
Published: December 2022

Over the past several months, public schools across the United States have experienced a surge of migrant students.1 This sudden influx of these students has caught many schools and teachers off-guard as they struggle to find and pull together available resources to meet the newcomers’ needs. Although the U.S. has a long history of receiving immigrants from all over the world, the educational response schools provide immigrant students remains a controversial topic. In this column, I would like to briefly introduce the historical context into which public school education is situated in addressing immigrant students. Then I’ll share some research-informed advice for teachers to consider as they receive migrant students into their classroom. While I do not intend to be overly theoretical, I do hope that these research-informed ideas will inspire and intrigue teachers to learn from the migrant students and create a welcoming environment that better meets the needs of migrant students.
Experimenting With Music: Soundscape Composition in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Authors: Norman Timothy David
Published: December 2022

In this column, I discuss how a student studying music in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme composed a soundscape for her experimentation report. When creating this composition, this student used GarageBand for Mac.
IL-3-zetakine combined with a CD33 costimulatory receptor as a dual CAR approach for safer and selective targeting of AML
Authors: Perriello Vincenzo Maria , Rotiroti Maria Caterina , Pisani Ilaria , Galimberti Stefania , Alberti Gaia , Pianigiani Giulia , Ciaurro Valerio , Marra Andrea , Sabino Marcella , Tini Valentina , Spinozzi Giulio , Mezzasoma Federica , Morena Francesco , Martino Sabata , Salerno Domenico , Ashby Julian François , Wingham Brittany , Serafini Marta , Martelli Maria Paola , Falini Brunangelo , Biondi Andrea , Tettamanti Sarah
Published: December 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) still represents an unmet clinical need for adult and pediatric patients. Adoptive cell therapy by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells demonstrated a high therapeutic potential, but further development is required to ensure a safe and durable disease remission in AML, especially in elderly patients. To date, translation of CAR T-cell therapy in AML is limited by the absence of an ideal tumor-specific antigen. CD123 and CD33 are the 2 most widely overexpressed leukemic stem cell biomarkers but their shared expression with endothelial and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells increases the risk of undesired vascular and hematologic toxicities. To counteract this issue, we established a balanced dual-CAR strategy aimed at reducing off-target toxicities while retaining full functionality against AML. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, coexpressing a first-generation low affinity anti-CD123 interleukin-3–zetakine (IL-3z) and an anti-CD33 as costimulatory receptor without activation signaling domains (CD33.CCR), demonstrated a powerful antitumor efficacy against AML targets without any relevant toxicity on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and endothelial cells. The proposed optimized dual-CAR cytokine-induced killer cell strategy could offer the opportunity to unleash the potential of specifically targeting CD123+/CD33+ leukemic cells while minimizing toxicity against healthy cells.
Adaptation of Serious Illness Care Program to be delivered via telehealth for older patients with hematologic malignancy
Authors: LoCastro Marissa , Sanapala Chandrika , Mendler Jason H. , Norton Sally , Bernacki Rachelle , Carroll Thomas , Klepin Heidi D. , Watson Erin , Liesveld Jane , Huselton Eric , O’Dwyer Kristen , Baran Andrea , Flannery Marie , Kluger Benzi , Loh Kah Poh
Published: December 2022

Older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) experience intense inpatient health care at the end-of-life stage. Early advance care planning may improve care at the end of life for patients with AML or MDS. The Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) is a multicomponent, communication intervention developed to improve conversations about values for patients with serious illnesses. The SICP has been shown to improve the quality and frequency of advance care planning discussions. We adapted the SICP for delivery via telehealth to older patients with AML or MDS. We conducted a single-center qualitative study of 45 participants (25 clinicians, 15 older patients with AML or MDS, and 5 caregivers). Participants, whether clinicians, patients, or caregivers, agreed that the SICP would help older patients with AML or MDS to share their personal values with their care team. Four qualitative themes emerged from our data: (1) serious illness conversations can be conducted via telehealth, (2) older patients have limited experience using technology but are willing and able to learn, (3) patients feel that serious illness conversations will help them understand their AML or MDS diagnosis and prognosis better, and (4) serious illness conversations should be common and routine, not extraordinary. The adapted SICP may provide older patients with AML or MDS an opportunity to share what matters most to them with their care team and may assist oncologists in aligning patient care with patient values. The adapted SICP is the subject of an ongoing single-arm pilot study at the Wilmot Cancer Institute (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04745676).