bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations for Improvement of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the CaRMs Selection Process
Authors: Taylor Jana , Sharma Sonali , Supersad Alanna , Miller Elka , Lebel Kiana , Zabihaylo Joanne , Glanc Phyllis , Doria Andrea S. , Cashin Paula , Hillier Tracey , Yong-Hing Charlotte J.
Published: May 2023

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the medical field is crucial for meeting the healthcare needs of a progressively diverse society. A diverse physician workforce enables culturally sensitive care, promotes health equity, and enhances the comprehension of the various needs and viewpoints of patients, ultimately resulting in more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes. However, despite the recognized benefits of diversity in the medical field, certain specialties, such as Radiology, have struggled to achieve adequate equity, diversity and inclusion, which results in a discrepancy in the demographics of Canadian radiologists and the patients we serve. In this review, we propose strategies from a committee within the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) EDI working group to improve EDI in the CaRMS selection process. By adopting these strategies, residency programs can foster a more diverse and inclusive environment that is better positioned to address the health needs of a progressively diverse patient population, leading to improved patient outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, and advancements in medical innovation.
Enteral Sedation in Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation During an Intravenous Analgesic and Sedative Shortage
Authors: Khatib Hassan , Edwin Stephanie B. , Paxton Renee , Hughes Christopher , Hartner Carrie , Al-Samman Samer , Giuliano Christopher
Published: May 2023

Background: There is a paucity of data evaluating the use of enteral sedation in mechanical ventilation. A sedative shortage resulted in the use of this approach. Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of using enteral sedatives to decrease intravenous (IV) analgesia and sedative requirements. Materials/Methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational study compared two groups of patients admitted to the ICU who were mechanically ventilated. One group received a combination of enteral and IV sedatives and the second group received IV monotherapy. Linear mixed model (LMM) analyses were performed to assess the impact of enteral sedatives on IV fentanyl equivalents, IV midazolam equivalents, and propofol. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed on percent of days at goal for Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) and critical care pain observation tool (CPOT) scores. Results: One hundred and four patients were included. The average cohort age was 62 years and 58.7% were male. The median length of mechanical ventilation was 7.1 days and the median length of stay was 11.9 days. The LMM estimated that enteral sedatives reduced IV fentanyl equivalents received per patient by an average of 305.6 mcg/day ( P = .04), although did not significantly decrease midazolam equivalents or propofol. There was no statistically significant difference in CPOT scores ( P = .57 and P = .46 respectively), however RASS scores in the enteral sedation group were more often at goal ( P = .03); oversedation occurred more in the non-enteral sedation group ( P = .018). Conclusion: Enteral sedation may be a possible way to decrease IV analgesia requirements during periods of shortage.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Non-conjugated hyperbranched polysiloxanes with AIE Effect
Authors: Song Ruijuan , Yan Dongbo , Xi Fan , Cao Junyou , Wang Yue , Yang Xiaomeng
Published: May 2023

To obtain unconjugated hyperbranched polysiloxane (HBPSi), the triethoxyvinylsilane (A-151) and simple polyol compounds were used as raw materials, and two kinds of unconjugated HBPSi which the terminal group is -OH group and C=C bond were synthesized via a simply transesterification condensation, and the factors that affecting their luminescence are also further discussed. The results showed that, both of these two HBPSi exhibits excellent aggregate induced emission effect. The structure rich in π electrons or lone pair electrons in the raw materials basically maintains its original state in the polymer, and the spatial conjugation of the two leads to the luminescence of non-conjugated polymers. A large number of -OH groups in the polymer can form hydrogen bonds, and the promotion of hydrogen bonds makes the target products further gather spontaneously, which further enhances the spatial conjugation and improves the rigidity of the molecules. It can be concluded that under certain conditions, the larger steric hindrance of the molecule itself will affect the polymerization degree of the final product and the aggregation degree of the polymer molecule, while low polymerization and aggregation degree will result in higher energy required for the material to fluoresce. This study provides some reference significance for the preparation of non-conjugated luminescent materials with higher fluorescence intensity.
Nonlinear optical materials based on fluorinated polyurethane-imides and their application in waveguide devices
Authors: Wang Long-De , Tong Ling , Rong Jie-Wei , Wu Jian-Wei
Published: May 2023

Two monomers, a second-order nonlinear optical azo chromophore C containing a tricyanofuran electron acceptor and a dihydroxyethyl nitrogen electron donor, and a bisphenol AF-type diether dianhydride (BPAFDA), were designed and synthesized. Fluorinated polyurethaneimide (PUI) electro-optic (EO) waveguide materials were prepared using the synthesized monomers polymerized with 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). The structures of the synthesized chromophore C, BPAFDA, and polymers of PUI were characterized by 1HNMR and FTIR, and the thermal properties of the polymers were characterized by DSC and TGA. The prepared PUI exhibited good film-forming properties with glass transition temperatures (Tg) between 160–169°C and over 300°C at 5% thermal weight loss in a nitrogen atmosphere. The experimental results showed that the fluorinated PUIs possessed an EO coefficient of 56–60 p.m./V at 1550 nm and the optical propagation loss of the polymer waveguide was between 1.3–1.4 dB/cm at 1550 nm. Using PUI as the core material of the waveguides, EO modulators with Mach-Zehnder (MZ) structure were designed and prepared, showing good EO modulation performance at 1550 nm.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Intensive Care Unit Communication Intervention (“Let’s Talk”) and Initial Assessment Using the Multiple Goals Theory of Communication
Authors: Van Scoy Lauren J. , Scott Allison M. , Higgins Jacob , Wasserman Emily , Heyland Daren , Chinchilli Vernon , Green Michael J.
Published: May 2023

Background: Family members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients often report poor communication, feeling unprepared for ICU family meetings, and poor psychological outcomes after decision-making. The objective of this study was to create a tool to prepare families for ICU family meetings and assess feasibility of using Communication Quality Analysis (CQA) to measure communication quality of family meetings. Methods: This observational study was conducted at an academic tertiary care center in Hershey, PA from March 2019 to 2020. Phase 1a involved conceptual design. Phase 1b entailed acceptability testing of 2 versions of the tool (text-only, comic) with 9 family members of non-capacitated ICU patients; thematic analysis of semi-strucutred interviews was conducted. Phase 1c assessed feasibility of applying CQA to audio-recorded ICU family meetings (n = 17); 3 analysts used CQA to assess 6 domains of communication quality. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used to interpret CQA scores. Results: Four themes emerged from Phase 1b interviews: participants 1) found the tool useful for meeting preparation and organizing thoughts, 2) appreciated emotional content, 3) preferred the comic form (67%), and 4) had indifferent or negative perceptions about specific elements. In Phase 1c, clinicians scored higher on the CQA content and engagement domains; family members scored higher on the emotion domain. CQA scores in the relationship and face domains had the lowest quality ratings. Conclusions: Let’s Talk may help families become better prepared for ICU family meetings. CQA provides a feasible approach to assessing communication quality that identifies specific areas of strengths and weaknesses in communication.
The impact response and failure mechanism of sandwich plates with M-type foldcore under low-velocity impact
Authors: Deng Yunfei , Yin Yuan , Wu Huapeng , Zhou Chunping , Zeng Xianzhi
Published: May 2023

Foldcore sandwich structure has promising applications for load-bearing, and in this study, M-type foldcore sandwiches are prepared through a molding and pressing process with fiberglass. To be specific, the sandwich structures are investigated for dynamic response and damage mechanism under low-velocity impacts with various impact positions and energy. The results show that impact position significantly affects the damage mode of the sandwich plate, the damage mode of crush fracture and collapse failure at node position can dissipate higher energy compared with tensile fracture at base position. Moreover, the impact energy shows a certain influence only when the sandwich panel is not penetrated. Besides, numerical prediction closely matches experimental results in terms of load-displacement and energy-displacement histories. Effects of geometric configuration are explored, and the results suggest that although increasing the thickness of panel and core can effectively improve the load-bearing capacity under low energy impacts, increasing the core thickness is a more effective method in lightweight design than increasing the thickness of plane. Furthermore, the impact resistance can be enhanced by selecting the appropriate platform length and narrowing the platform angle. Notably, M-type foldcore sandwich is superior to V-type foldcore sandwich and corrugated sandwich in terms of specific energy absorption.
The Association Between Age and Admission to an Inappropriate Ward: A Cross-Sectional Survey in France
Authors: Naouri Diane , Panjo Henri , Moïsi Laura , El Khoury Carlos , Serre Patrice , Schmidt Jeannot , Yordanov Youri , Pelletier-Fleury Nathalie
Published: May 2023

Half of elderly patient hospitalizations are preceded by an emergency department (ED) visit. Hospitalization in inappropriate wards (IWs), which is more frequent in case of ED overcrowding and high hospital occupancy, leads to increased morbidity. Elderly individuals are the most exposed to these negative health care outcomes. Based on a nationwide cross-sectional survey involving all EDs in France, the aim of this study was to explore whether age was associated with admission to an IW after visiting an ED. Among the 4384 patients admitted in a medical ward, 4065 were admitted in the same hospital where the ED was located, among which 17.7% were admitted to an IW. Older age was associated with an increased likelihood of being admitted to an IW (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.02-1.90 for patients aged 85 years and older and OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.02-1.91 for patients aged 75-84 years, compared with those under 45 years). ED visits during peak periods and cardio-pulmonary presenting complaint were also associated with an increased likelihood of admission to an IW. Despite their higher vulnerability, elderly patients are more likely to be admitted to an IW than younger patients. This result reinforces the need for special attention to be given to the hospitalization of this fragile population.
Shear capacity estimation of core steel tube reinforced PCCC column-beam interior joint under quasi-static load
Authors: Fang Yuan , Yu Feng , Feng Chaochao , Chen Xing , Tan Siyong
Published: May 2023

In this study, the quasi-static tests were conducted on 13 core steel tube (CST) reinforced PVC-CFRP confined concrete (PCCC) column-beam interior joints. Distinct shear failure occurred in all joint specimens. The load-displacement hysteresis curves appeared pinching phenomenon, and the shape of hysteresis loops gradually deformed from shuttle to arch and finally changed to reverse S shape. The overall shape of hysteresis curves were relatively full, demonstrating that the joints had favorable seismic performances and energy dissipation capacity. The strain development law of materials in the joint area in the process of stress was clarified. The increment of joint stirrup ratio ([Formula: see text]), axial compression ratio ([Formula: see text]), column reinforcement ratio ([Formula: see text]) or beam reinforcement ratio ([Formula: see text]) improved the calculated shear capacity of the joints. The calculated shear capacity increased first and then decreased slightly as the diameter-thickness ratio of CST ([Formula: see text]) increased. In comparison, spacing of CFRP strip had little impact on the calculated shear capacity. Additionally, the concrete strength enhancement coefficient ([Formula: see text]) and joint stirrup utilization coefficient ([Formula: see text]) were introduced respectively to modify the shear capacity of concrete and joint stirrups, and a simplified formula for predicting the shear capacity of CST reinforced PCCC column-beam interior joints under quasi-static load was proposed. The predicted results agreed well with the test data.
Effect of wearing a face mask on microclimate around the eyes and the tear film
Authors: Ito Kanoko , Takada Satoru
Published: May 2023

Eye discomfort is a major complaint reported in indoor spaces and has been suggested to be exacerbated by environmental conditions such as low humidity and high air velocity. Wearing face masks, which has become essential in our daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, can also cause eye discomfort by affecting the microclimate around the eyes. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effect of wearing masks on eye discomfort by measuring the physical environment around the eyes and short-term physiological and psychological responses and comparing them with and without surgical face masks. The results showed that when the participant wore a mask, exhaled air flowed out through the gap at the top edge of the mask, resulting in a higher air velocity and absolute humidity around the eyes than when the mask was not worn. No significant differences were found in subjective discomfort, tear-film stability, ocular surface temperature or blink frequency. However, the tear evaporation rate, estimated based on physical measurements, was greater when wearing a mask than when not wearing it. This study revealed that wearing face masks can negatively affect the environment around the eyes in terms of tear-film health.
Towards a Marketing Renaissance: Challenging Underlying Assumptions
Authors: Grönroos Christian
Published: May 2023

Marketing is commonly considered to be in crisis, losing credibility and in need of reform. Among the many attempts to solve its predicament, one question seems not to be asked: Could there be underlying foundational assumptions that are outdated, and which hinder marketing from being re-invented to fit emergent business and societal challenges? This article demonstrates that marketing is steered by several underlying foundational assumptions, all of which have remained implicit. A dominating focus on activities, as opposed to a discussion of what marketing should be as a phenomenon, constrains marketing in the steadfast grip of tradition. To enable a formulation of marketing as a phenomenon, this paper scrutinises these implicit assumptions and proposes an alternative set of foundational assumptions. Making firms or other institutions meaningful to their customers or other stakeholders with the aim of creating attraction is suggested as a marketing phenomenon. Finally, it is demonstrated that marketing as meaningfulness has important and far-reaching consequences, providing opportunities to develop and reform marketing to make it more relevant and inclusive in the emergent business and societal environment.
The impact of montessori-based programmes on individuals with dementia living in residential aged care: A systematic review
Authors: Yan Zhoumei , Traynor Victoria , Alananzeh Ibrahim , Drury Peta , Chang Hui-Chen (Rita)
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This systematic review examined the effectiveness of Montessori-based programmes for individuals with dementia living in residential aged care.

Methods

Nine databases were searched between January 2010 to October 2021, including Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, SocINDEX with Full Text, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane library and Cochrane Registry. Publications were included if they used Montessori-based programmes as interventions for individuals with dementia living in residential aged care and were qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, or pilot studies. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal instruments and the Mixed Method Critical Appraisal Tool. The findings were tabulated and narratively synthesised.

Results

Fifteen studies were included in this review. The quality scores of the 15 studies ranged from 62 to 100 out of 100. Four key categories of outcomes were observed: (1) significantly improved engagement; (2) significantly improved mental health outcomes, including affect, depression, agitation, excessive eating and psychotropic medication prescriptions; (3) significantly improved feeding difficulty but mixed results regarding nutritional status; and (4) no significant changes in the activities of daily living and quality of life of individuals with dementia.

Conclusion

Cognitive capacity, personal preferences, individual care needs and the design of Montessori-based activities are pivotal to tailoring personalised Montessori-based activities for individuals with dementia in residential aged care and to maximise intervention outcomes. The synergistic effect of integrating Spaced Retrieval with Montessori-based activities in improving the eating ability and nutritional status of individuals with dementia was also noticed. The study summarised evidence about the effectiveness of Montessori-based programmes for individuals with dementia and informed healthcare professionals about how to implement individualised Montessori-based programmes.
Understanding Muslims’ interactions with non-Muslims: Laying the foundation for culturally sensitive social work engagement
Authors: Braganza Morgan E , Hodge David R
Published: May 2023

The North American Muslim population is growing rapidly, but little research has been conducted to help social workers interact with members of this population in a culturally sensitive manner. To assist social workers engage with Muslims in an ethical and effective manner, this qualitative study sought to answer the following questions: how do Muslims experience interactions with non-Muslims and what have they learned from their encounters that might facilitate positive interactions? To answer these two questions, we used narrative inquiry with a sample of 10 Muslim social work students and recent alumni. The findings suggest that Muslims may be treated either positively or negatively by non-Muslims in interactions in various contexts, that they are frequently unable to voice their religious perspectives, and that their religious difference is often portrayed in single-sided or negative ways as well as prioritized against their wishes while ignoring other aspects of their social identities. As a result, many tend to avoid interactions with non-Muslims. The paper offers strategies to foster more respectful interactions with Muslims, such as attending to how much their religious difference is prioritized, and providing opportunities to share their perspectives.
A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies Measuring Training Effects on Biases Evidenced by Professionals toward Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Sereno Michelle , Catagnus Robyn , Griffith Annette , Eilers Heidi
Published: May 2023

A professional’s response to a client’s disclosure of intimate partner violence (IPV) is shown to significantly impact client outcomes. The quality of a professional’s response is largely influenced by that professional’s beliefs or biases surrounding IPV. This systematic review examined empirical studies conducted in North America and published between 2000 and 2020 evaluating training effects on biases held by professional groups toward victim-survivors of IPV. Search and extraction were conducted in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses standards across seven electronic databases. A total of 17 studies met inclusion criteria. Participant groups included professionals from medical, academic, and social/community service disciplines. All included studies reported significant gains on at least one measure of bias. Upon visual inspection, we found no correlations between characteristics of training interventions and reported outcomes on measures of bias. We discuss results in terms of challenges to measuring bias and functional relationships between training interventions, measures of bias, and professional behavior. Variation presented across studies within and between disciplines in regards to training methodology and measurement of bias. Experts in the field of IPV call for a more cohesive approach. We propose the behavior analytic conceptualization of bias as a framework through which interdisciplinary efforts might be unified toward addressing IPV-related biases. Through this lens, we discuss environmental cues within professional settings that might be influencing problematic IPV-related bias. We offer preliminary recommendations for curricular enhancements. We advocate for revision of terms commonly used in IPV-related research and intervention to better reflect and honor diversity across persons experiencing IPV.
Using Community-Based Participatory Research to Conduct a Collaborative Needs Assessment of Mental Health Service Users: Identifying Research Questions and Building Academic-Community Trust
Authors: Delman Jonathan , Arntz Diana , Whitman Anne , Skiest Hannah , Kritikos Katherine , Alves Paul , Chambers Valeria , Markley Ryan , Martinez Jacqueline , Piltch Cynthia , Whitney-Sarles Sandra , London Julia , Shtasel Derri , Cather Corinne
Published: May 2023

Attempts to meaningfully engage people with serious mental illnesses (SMI) as allies in conducting research have often failed because researchers tend to decide on the research topic without including community members. Academic researchers can avoid this pitfall by collaborating with community members to conduct a needs assessment to identify relevant research topics and build trust. Here, we report on the results of a psychosocial needs assessment for adult mental health service users in Massachusetts conducted by an academic-peer research team. The project was initiated as part of an academic mental health center’s efforts to conduct community-based participatory research (CBPR) with a group of people with SMI. People with SMI were hired and trained to co-lead research projects and the development of the listening group guide, and they conducted 18 listening groups with 159 adults with mental health conditions. The data were transcribed, and rapid analysis employing qualitative and matrix classification methods was used to identify service need themes. Six themes emerged from qualitative analysis: reduce community and provider stigma, improve access to services, focus on the whole person, include peers in recovery care, have respectful and understanding clinicians, and recruit diverse staff. The policy and practice implications of these findings include creating a stronger culture of innovation within provider organizations, developing specific plans for improving recruitment and retention of peer workers and a multicultural workforce, enhancing training and supervision in cultural humility, communicating respectfully with clients, and including peers in quality improvement activities.
Equity Lens Protocol: Reflecting on Harms From the COVID-19 Response and Mitigation Strategies Implemented in a Local Public Health System
Authors: Fawcett Stephen , Holt Christina , Solar-Hormazabal Orielle , Eijkemans Gerry , Partridge Dan , Jordan Sonia , Bryan Charlie , Zhu Aihua , Williams Alex Kimball , Hassaballa-Muhammad Ruaa , Hill Erica
Published: May 2023

This report describes an Equity Lens Protocol and its use to guide partners’ systematic reflection on harms and mitigation strategies of the COVID-19 response in a local public health system. This process evaluation tool is based on the Guidance document for assuring an equitable response to COVID-19 prepared by the Pan American Health Organization. We used a participatory approach to engage public health partners in systematically reflecting on harms, mitigation strategies, and lessons learned and implications for practice. Outputs from using this tool included identified: (a) specific harms (e.g., loss of income and challenges to learning) related to particular COVID-19 response measures (e.g., home confinement and school closure) and (b) mitigation strategies implemented to reduce harms. In response to the protocol’s guiding questions, partners also identified lessons learned and practice recommendations for strengthening equity work in public health responses (e.g., an equitable response requires an investment in people, structures, and relationships before a crisis). This report—and accompanying protocol—illustrates use of a practical method for systematic reflection on public health responses through an equity lens.
Diastolic Blood Pressure and Cognitive Functioning: Differences by Systolic Blood Pressure Among US Adults
Authors: Mathew A , Mesa RA , Nahodyl L , Tremblay J , Rundek T , Zeki Al Hazzouri A , Elfassy T
Published: May 2023

Background

The role of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with cognitive functioning is under-explored in relation to levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Methods

We studied 5466 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Blood pressure was measured 3 times manually with a standardized sphygmomanometer and averaged. Cognitive functioning was measured using the digit symbol substitution test (DSST).

Results

Participants were 60 years or older, 55% female, and 81% non-Hispanic White. Most participants had a DBP between 70 to <80 mmHg (33.7%), between 60 to <70 mmHg (29.3%), or <60 mmHg (18.8%). From multivariable linear regression analyses, each 5 mmHg increment of DBP was associated with significantly higher DSST scores among individuals with SBP <120 only (ß: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.09, 1.03).

Conclusions

Among older US adults, at non-elevated levels of SBP, higher DBP is associated with better cognitive performance.
Vehicle dynamics prediction via adaptive robust unscented particle filter
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Cui Dawei
Published: May 2023

Accurate knowledge of the vehicle dynamics response is a critical aspect to improve handling performance while ensuring safe driving at the same time. However, it poses a challenge since not all the quantities of interest can be directly measured due to cost and/or technological reasons. Therefore, combining the principle of robust filtering and unscented particle filtering algorithm, a filter estimation method of vehicle state is proposed to estimate driving state parameters of a vehicle. The adaptive robust unscented particle filter (ARUPF) is used to realize the longitudinal and lateral velocity as well as the side slip angle of the vehicle. The CarSim and Matlab/Simulink co-simulation platform is established to verify the estimation algorithm. The results show that based on the adaptive robust unscented particle filter algorithm, the vehicle driving states can be estimated, the measurement parameters can be effectively filtered, and the estimation accuracy is higher.
Inflammatory microenvironment and immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Liwei , Liu Bo
Published: May 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered a classic inflammation-associated tumor that usually originates from chronic hepatitis, where an intense and chronic inflammatory response leads to the accumulation of mutations and eventually carcinogenesis under conditions of persistent liver injury. In recent years, immunotherapy for HCC has continued to evolve, as the liver is naturally filled with a large variety of immune cells, making hepatocellular carcinoma a more complex inflammatory microenvironment unlike other tumors. With a better understanding of the specific inflammatory microenvironment of HCC, there is an opportunity to try new therapeutic strategies for HCC immunotherapy. In this paper, we review the immunotherapy of primary liver cancer in terms of the correlation between ICI drugs, ACT therapy and the inflammatory microenvironment of HCC, summarize and discuss the progress and difficulties of immunotherapy of liver cancer, and provide more scientific guidance for immunotherapy of primary liver cancer.
Continuous EEG Characteristics in Critically ill Patients Presenting With Seizures Prior to Death From Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Wang Tian , Raman Venkatesh K. , Motamedi Gholam K.
Published: May 2023

Background: There have been limited reports about brain activity during cardiac arrest. Here we report 4 patients presenting with seizure who had cardiac arrest leading to their deaths while being on continuous video-EEG (cVEEG) monitoring and one-lead cardiac telemetry. Purpose: We illustrate characteristic stepwise EEG and EKG changes in these critically ill patients prior to their death. Research Design/Study Sample: All patients showed progressive broad spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias at or before the beginning of EEG suppression while there were no such changes seen in a control group of 4 randomly selected patients without cardiac arrest who had seizure on presentation and underwent cVEEG monitoring. Data Collection and Results: There was a progressive decline in EEG potentials associated with decreasing heart rate starting from the posterior region, more pronounced on the left, progressing to complete unilateral deactivation of the left fronto-central head regions while the right-sided networks became hyperactive before bilateral deactivation by the time of asystole. Conclusions: This case series provides a rare opportunity to compare EEG and EKG changes in patients who died while being on continuous EEG and EKG monitoring from hours to minutes prior to cardiac arrest and death.
Rare diagnosis of intraosseous lipoma in the scapula of a 15-year-old domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Burkhardt Samuel J , Huck Jennifer L , Church Molly E
Published: May 2023

Case summary

A 15-year-old male castrated domestic shorthair cat originally presented to its primary care veterinarian with a chief complaint of a multi-month history of decreased appetite, weight loss and mild weight-bearing lameness. On physical examination, over the right scapula there was mild-to-moderate muscle wasting and a palpable firm, bony mass measuring approximately 3.5 cm × 3 cm. A complete blood count, chemistry panel, urinalysis, urine culture and baseline thyroxine were clinically unremarkable. Further diagnostics included CT, which revealed a large, expansile, irregularly mineralized mass centered over the caudoventral scapula at the site of attachment of the infraspinatus muscle. Following wide surgical excision by means of complete scapulectomy the patient regained function of the limb and has been free of disease since. The clinical institution’s pathology service examined the resected scapula with associated mass and diagnosed an intraosseous lipoma.

Relevance and novel information

Intraosseous lipoma is a rare form of bone neoplasia that has only been reported once in the small animal veterinary literature. Histopathology, clinical signs and radiographic changes were consistent with what is described in human literature. It is hypothesized that these tumors occur because of invasively growing adipose tissue within the medullary canal following trauma. Considering the rarity of primary bone tumors in cats, intraosseous lipomas should be considered as a differential diagnosis in future cases with similar signs and history.
Massive spontaneous nontraumatic subcapsular hepatic hematoma treated using arterial embolization: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tanaka Shota , Yoshida Rika , Maruyama Mitsunari , Ando Shinji , Nakamura Megumi , Nakamura Tomonori , Yoshizako Takeshi
Published: May 2023

A nontraumatic and idiopathic spontaneous subcapsular hepatic hematoma is a rare but often fatal condition. Herein, we report a case of nontraumatic progressive massive subcapsular hepatic hematoma that straddled both liver lobes and was successfully treated by repeated arterial embolization. Following treatment, the hematoma did not progress.
Technostress and Online Teaching During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Lebanon
Authors: Bou Reslan Fadi , El Hokayem Jihad
Published: May 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries have eliminated face-to-face classes in all schools, requiring all teachers to deliver classes remotely. In this regard, the wide spread of information and communication technology (ICT) products and services in the educational sector became a burden for several teachers. This article aims to study the impact of online teaching, and how technological stress might vary between male and female teachers and to what extent it alters their family lives and their way of living. The case of Lebanon has been examined and analyzed using 379 participants in various schools randomly distributed throughout the country, who participated in a survey on how COVID-19 affected their technostress levels. The findings showed that married women were more prone to technological stress and that their family life and lifestyle were strongly affected. In particular, young women with few years of experience were more likely to experience technostress problems. We also found no differences related to educational levels. In addition, the inclusion of different degrees of computer self-efficacy has shown an impact on the development of technostress among individuals.
Study on Comfort Characteristics of Moisture Management Finished Microdenier Polyester Knitted Fabrics
Authors: Sampath M.B. , Prakash C. , Hayavadana J. , Indu G.K. , Kapoor Vibha
Published: May 2023

The influence of stitch length and knit structure on comfort characteristics of moisture management finish microdenier polyester knitted fabrics was determined to identify the suitable stitch length and knit structure. In order to study this effect, microdenier polyester filament yarn of 150 denier containing 108 filaments was taken. The yarn was converted to three knit structures such as single jersey, single airtex, and honeycomb, each containing three different stitch lengths of 2.6, 2.9, and 3.2 mm. The effect of stitch length and knit structure on comfort characteristics of moisture management finish knitted fabrics was significant. It was observed that single jersey fabrics showed quicker sinking times for the wetting test. In the wicking test, the wicking length increased continuously with stitch length for treated fabrics. In transverse wicking test for one drop of water and to reach saturation point, single jersey fabric shows a larger water spreading area. The time taken to reach saturation point is also shorter. In the moisture vapor transfer test for reduction in height and weight of water, single airtex fabrics show higher values. In the air permeability test, the single jersey structure exhibited higher air permeability values. It was observed that the single jersey structure with 2.9-mm stitch length had a superior performance with respect to comfort characteristics.
Effectiveness of Postoperative Physiotherapy Compared to Postoperative Instructions by Treating Specialist Only in Patients With an Ankle Fracture: A Systematic Review
Authors: Van Vehmendahl Robyn , Nelen Stijn D. , El Hankouri Mouhcine , Edwards Michael J. R. , Pull ter Gunne Albert F. , Smeeing Diederik P. J.
Published: May 2023

Background:

In current literature, the benefit of postoperative physiotherapy versus postoperative instructions by treating specialist only remains unclear. The aim of this review is to systematically assess existing literature regarding the functional outcome of postoperative physiotherapy compared to postoperative instructions by treating specialist only in the rehabilitation of patients with an ankle fracture. The secondary aim is to determine if there is a difference in ankle range of motion, strength, pain, complications, quality of life, and patient’s satisfaction between these 2 rehabilitation methods.

Methods:

For this review, the PubMed/MEDLINE, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies that compared postoperative rehabilitation groups.

Results:

The electronic data search detected 20 579 articles. After exclusion, 5 studies with a total of 552 patients were included. Overall, no significant benefit in functional outcome of postoperative physiotherapy was seen compared to the instructions-only group. One study even found a significant benefit in favor of the instructions-only group. An exemption for beneficial effect of the use of physiotherapy could be made for younger patients, as 2 studies described younger age as a factor for better outcomes (functional outcome and ankle range of motion) in the postoperative physiotherapy group. Patients’ satisfaction, described by one study, was found to be significantly higher in the physiotherapy group ( P = .047). All other secondary aims showed no significant difference.

Conclusion:

Because of the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity among studies, a valid conclusion about the general effect of physiotherapy cannot be formed. However, we identified limited evidence suggesting a possible benefit of physiotherapy in younger patients with an ankle fracture in functional outcome and ankle range of motion.
Why invest in girls’ education? Evidence from the girl stipend programme in Pakistan
Authors: Tajammal Fariha , Arun Shoba , Pourmehdi Mansour
Published: May 2023

The right to education is crucial for solving gender inequalities in developing countries. Set against the backdrop of persistent gender disparities starting from primary education level in Pakistan, using capability approach, this article analyses gender inequalities in education in the Punjab province through the effectiveness of the Girls’ Stipend Programme (GSP) on girls’ educational opportunities using a mixed methods approach. The GSP, aims to increase female enrolment in public schools, and targets families from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The findings show that the GSP has led to short-term impact on girls’ increased enrolment in middle schools, although issues of access to education such as physical safety, transition to secondary schools and the quality of schooling needed attention. The parental aspirations for girls’ education is high particularly among mothers from lower economic backgrounds and main driver for female education but the larger question of the instrumental role of education in transforming gender inequalities is still pertinent.
Executive functioning in preschoolers with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and the impact of congenital heart defects
Authors: Everaert Emma , Vorstman Jacob A. S. , Selten Iris S. , Slieker Martijn G. , Wijnen Frank , Boerma Tessel D. , Houben Michiel L.
Published: May 2023

Background

Executive functioning (EF) is an umbrella term for various cognitive functions that play a role in monitoring and planning to effectuate goal-directed behavior. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), the most common microdeletion syndrome, is associated with a multitude of both somatic and cognitive symptoms, including EF impairments in school-age and adolescence. However, results vary across different EF domains and studies with preschool children are scarce. As EF is critically associated with later psychopathology and adaptive functioning, our first aim was to study EF in preschool children with 22q11DS. Our second aim was to explore the effect of a congenital heart defects (CHD) on EF abilities, as CHD are common in 22q11DS and have been implicated in EF impairment in individuals with CHD without a syndromic origin.

Methods

All children with 22q11DS (n = 44) and typically developing (TD) children (n = 81) were 3.0 to 6.5 years old and participated in a larger prospective study. We administered tasks measuring visual selective attention, visual working memory, and a task gauging broad EF abilities. The presence of CHD was determined by a pediatric cardiologist based on medical records.

Results

Analyses showed that children with 22q11DS were outperformed by TD peers on the selective attention task and the working memory task. As many children were unable to complete the broad EF task, we did not run statistical analyses, but provide a qualitative description of the results. There were no differences in EF abilities between children with 22q11DS with and without CHDs.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study measuring EF in a relatively large sample of young children with 22q11DS. Our results show that EF impairments are already present in early childhood in children with 22q11DS. In line with previous studies with older children with 22q11DS, CHDs do not appear to have an effect on EF performance. These findings might have important implications for early intervention and support the improvement of prognostic accuracy.
Differences and biocontrol potential of haustorial endophytic fungi from Taxillus Chinensis on different host plants
Authors: Song Li-sha , Huo Juan , Wan Lingyun , Pan Limei , Jiang Ni , Fu Jine , Wei Shugen , He Lili
Published: May 2023

Background

To explore the community composition and diversity of the endophytic fungi in Taxillus chinensis, samples of the parasites growing on seven different hosts, Morus alba, Prunus salicina, Phellodendron chinense, Bauhinia purpurea, Dalbergia odorifera, Diospyros kaki and Dimocarpus longan, were isolated. The strains were identified by their morphological characteristics and their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences.

Results

150 different endophytic fungi were isolated from the haustorial roots of the seven hosts with a total isolation rate of 61.24%. These endophytic fungi were found to belong to 1 phylum, 2 classes, 7 orders, 9 families, 11 genera and 8 species. Among of them, Pestalotiopsis, Neopestalotiopsis and Diaporthe were the dominant genera, accounting for 26.67, 17.33 and 31.33% of the total number of strains, respectively. Diversity and similarity analyses showed that the endophytic fungi isolated from D. longan (H’=1.60) had the highest diversity index. The highest richness indexes were found in M. alba and D. odorifera (both 2.23). The evenness index of D. longan was the highest (0.82). The similarity coefficient of D. odorifera was the most similar to D. longan and M. alba (33.33%), while the similarity coefficient of P. chinense was the lowest (7.69%) with M. alba and D. odorifera. Nine strains showed antimicrobial activities. Among them, Pestalotiopsis sp., N. parvum and H. investiens showed significant antifungal activity against three fungal phytopathogens of medicinal plants. At the same time, the crude extracts from the metabolites of the three endophytic fungi had strong inhibitory effects on the three pathogens. Pestalotiopsis sp., N. parvum and H. investiens had the strongest inhibitory effects of S. cucurbitacearum, with inhibitory rates of 100%, 100% and 81.51%, respectively. In addition, N. parvum had a strong inhibitory effect on D. glomerata and C. cassicola, with inhibitory rates of 82.35% and 72.80%, respectively.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the species composition and diversity of endophytic fungi in the branches of T. chinensis were varied in the different hosts and showed good antimicrobial potential in the control of plant pathogens.
Improvements in the biochemical responses and Pb and Ni phytoremediation of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) plants through Funneliformis mosseae inoculation
Authors: Rasouli Farzad , Hassanpouraghdam Mohammad Bagher , Pirsarandib Yaghoub , Aazami Mohammad Ali , Asadi Mohammad , Ercisli Sezai , Mehrabani Lamia Vojodi , Puglisi Ivana , Baglieri Andrea
Published: May 2023

Background

Heavy metals (HMs) phytoremediation is a well-recognized protocol to remove toxic elements from the soil. As known, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance the plants' growth responses. The idea of the present study was to assay the response of lavender plants to HMs stress under AMF inoculation. We hypothesized that mycorrhiza will enhance the phytoremediation and simultaneously reduce the harmful effects of heavy HMs. So, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) plants were inoculated with AMF (0 and 5 g Kg−1 soil) under Pb [150 and 225 mg kg−1 soil from Pb (NO3)2] and Ni [220 and 330 mg kg−1 soil from Ni (NO3)2] pollution, in the greenhouse conditions. The control treatment was plants not treated with AMF and HMs. Doing this, the root colonization, HMs uptake, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants pool, MDA, proline, total phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), anthocyanins, and essential oil (EO) components were evaluated.

Results

According to the findings, the AMF inoculation enhanced shoot and root Pb and Ni content, antioxidant enzymes activity, the total antioxidant activity by DPPH and FRAP methods, TPC, TFC, anthocyanins, and H2O2 content in the lavender plants subjected to Pb and Ni stress. Moreover, the highest (28.91%) and the least (15.81%) percentages of borneol were identified in the lavender plants subjected to AMF under 150 mg kg−1 of Pb and the control plants without AMF application, respectively. Furthermore, the top 1,8-cineole (12.75%) content was recorded in AMF-inoculated plants.

Conclusions

The overall results verify that AMF inoculation can be a reliable methodology to enhance the phytoremediation of Pb and Ni by lavender plants while maintaining reliable growth potential. The treatments improved the main EO constituents content, especially under moderate HMs stress conditions. With more detailed studies, the results will be advisable for the extension section for the phytoremediation of polluted soils.