bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care Fragmentation Following Bariatric Operations: A National Analysis
Authors: Ali Konmal , Coaston Troy , Ng Ayesha P. , Micalo Lavender , Sakowitz Sara , Vadlakonda Amulya , Badiee Barzin , Ali Syed Shaheer , Benharash Peyman
Published: January 2025

Background

Although existing work has evaluated outcomes associated with care fragmentation (CF), these adverse consequences may be accentuated in patients undergoing bariatric operations. This retrospective study examined the association of CF with clinical and financial outcomes among patients receiving bariatric surgery.

Methods

All adult (≥18 years) records for bariatric operations were tabulated from the 2016-2021 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients with nonelective rehospitalization at a non-index facility within 30 days of index discharge comprised the CF cohort (others: No-CF). Multivariable linear and logistic models were developed to assess the association of care fragmentation with outcomes of interest.

Results

Of an estimated 38,842 patients, 5591 (17.0%) comprised the CF cohort. Compared to No-CF, CF was older, less likely to be female, and more frequently insured by Medicare. Following comprehensive risk adjustment, CF demonstrated increased odds of respiratory (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.61, 95% CI 1.37-1.90), renal (AOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.38-1.76), and thromboembolic (AOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.71-2.41) complications. Additionally, those who experienced CF demonstrated increased odds of non-home discharge (AOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.70-2.42).

Conclusions

Care fragmentation is associated with increased mortality, complications, non-home discharge, and hospitalization costs. Initiatives such as patient education, harmonizing postoperative care, and facilitating returns to the index hospitals may minimize the adverse effects of CF to improve the continuation of care following bariatric operations.
Drug Extravasation in a Tertiary Referral Children Hospital: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Amini Niloufar , Shirvani Neda , Babaei Sharareh , Rahimi Hamid , Riahi Roya , Mehraein Kimia , Abtahi-Naeini Bahareh
Published: January 2025

Extravasation injuries are prevalent in pediatric hospitals and often result in tissue damage and extended hospital stays. However, limited data exist regarding risk factors for extravasation in children. This study aimed to identify these risk factors in pediatric patients receiving intravenous (IV) therapy. This prospective cohort study included 500 children aged 1 month to 18 years who had undergone either central or peripheral catheterization and were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Imam Hossein Children’s Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, between July 2020 and July 2021. Data were collected on age, gender, length of hospitalization, catheter type, instances of extravasation, drugs administered, and treatment protocols. The median age was 36 months, and approximately 56% of participants were male. Among the cohort, the prevalence of extravasation was 9.8% (49 patients). Female gender ( P = .002), central venous catheterization ( P = .002), prolonged hospitalization (P < .001), reduced consciousness ( P = .012), and the use of taping for vein fixation ( P = .004) were all significantly associated with a higher risk of extravasation. This study underscores the need for health care providers to carefully assess risk factors for extravasation to mitigate injury risk, particularly in vulnerable pediatric populations.
Self-care education in primary schools and related settings in England: An ethnographic study
Authors: Osman Samira , Hirsch Christine , Jalal Zahraa , Paudyal Vibhu
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Health and self-care education to 5- to 11-year olds is key to disease prevention and health promotion. This study aimed to evaluate how self-care education is delivered to primary school-aged children in England.

Design:

Non-participant ethnographic observation.

Setting:

A sample of primary schools, extracurricular clubs and religious schools in England.

Methods:

In-class observations were undertaken in primary school settings and textual narrative synthesis was used for analysis.

Results:

A total of 11 teaching sessions were observed. Self-care topics were covered in subject areas including science, physical education and personal, social and health education lessons. Healthy eating and nutrition, physical exercise, mental health and hygiene were key areas covered. While the sessions emphasised the importance of healthy behaviours, the link between healthy behaviours and health promotion was not always apparent. Methods of delivery varied considerably across educational settings.

Conclusion:

Strategic policy adjustments are recommended to establish a standardised curriculum for the delivery of self-care education, thereby fostering equitable opportunity for learning. Further emphasis on self-care in the context of disease prevention, health promotion and management of minor ailments is needed.
Response surface methodology to optimize the thermal stability, young modulus and flexural strength of PP/SEBS/clay nanocomposite produced by FFF method
Authors: AbdulAmeer S , MA Altalbawy Farag , Adhab Ali H , Rachchh Nikunj , Abu Bakar Hamidah , Kumar Raman , Kulshreshta Ankur , Chandra Subhash , Mahdi Morug S , Mansoor Aseel S , Kadem Radi Usama , Saadoun Abd Nasr
Published: January 2025

The fused filament fabrication (FFF) method was used in this study to fabricate PP/SEBS/Clay nanocomposite and the response surface methodology was used to optimize the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite. The effect of the parameters of nozzle temperature, print speed and nano-clay content was also investigated on the thermal stability, Young modulus and flexural strength of the PP/SEBS/Clay nanocomposite. Moreover, SEM images were used to analyze the microstructure of the printed samples. It was observed that an increase in the amount of nano-clay improved the crystallization temperature of the nanocomposite by 9%, while increasing the nozzle temperature and print speed improved the crystallization temperature by 1.5% and 0.9%, respectively. Moreover, the increase of clay content up to 3 wt% improved Young modulus by 31% and decreased the flexural strength by 8%. Optimization results indicated that crystallization temperature, Young modulus and flexural strength of the PP/SEBS/Clay nanocomposite can be enhanced simultaneously by print speed of 40 mm/s, nozzle temperature of 250°C and nano-clay content of 4.5 wt%.
The Road to the Hoop: Relative Age Effects and Game-Related Performance in Youth Basketball
Authors: Bilgiç Mert , Brustio Paolo Riccardo , Uğurlu Alkan , Işın Ali
Published: January 2025

Relative Age Effects (RAEs) have been widely reported trends in basketball participation, but research on the relationship between RAEs and competitive performance has been contradictory. We aimed to determine the magnitude of RAEs in elite youth basketball players and to analyze RAEs on key performance indicators (KPIs). We recorded and analyzed the incidence of early birthdates and the KPIs of 2487 youth basketball players (aged 16–19 years). We evaluated RAEs by means of the incidence of early birthdates using (i) Chi-square (χ2) goodness-of-fit tests to compare player differences in birthdate quartiles and (ii) Poisson regression analysis to evaluate birthdates as a continuous variable. We conducted Kruskal-Wallis tests separately for each age group to assess possible relationships between birthdate quartile differences and KPIs. We observed consistent moderate RAEs across all ages. The Poisson regression analysis showed that athletes born near the beginning of the year were 4.6–8.4 times more likely to have been included on the squad than athletes born towards the end of the year. We observed no significant differences between KPIs for differently aged athletes. However, 16-year-old athletes with first quartile birthdates showed higher KPIs than those with fourth quartile birthdates of the same calendar year. The potential bases for RAEs are complex and include the characteristic demands of sports competition at various competition levels and athletes’ ages, individual factors and social factors. We discuss these and other potential bases. Basketball coaches and managers should keep RAEs in mind when selecting youth players to avoid a selection bias towards players born at the beginning of the year which may close out training opportunities and cause drop outs for talented but slightly younger players.
The swelling experiment and molecular simulation of polyethylene terephthalate(PET) in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Sun Fayu , Li Fei , Hu Dedong , Wang Weiqiang
Published: January 2025

The present study aimed to employ a synergistic approach integrating experiments and molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the swelling of PET films caused by SC-CO2 and sorption of CO2 within the PET films. The rate of volume change (Δ V/V) of PET films increased with temperature elevation (50–140°C) and pressure elevation (10–27.5 MPa) which were often used in dyeing process. The sorption concentration decreased with rising temperature at the lower pressure, while at high pressure, it increased concomitantly with temperature elevation. The values of glass transition temperature ( Tg) predicted by Δ V/V were 75.5, 69.7, and 60°C , and fitted by fractional free volume ( FFV) were 75.8, 67.0, and 56.7°C , respectively. In addition, it was found that the swellability of PET was dependent upon the interaction between CO2 and the carboxyl group of PET chains. Eventually, the model based on backpropagation neural network optimized by Sparrow search algorithm (SSA-BPNN) exhibited robust predictive capabilities, yielding results consistent with experimental data for training set and testing set. Therefore, it can be concluded that the SSA-BPNN model is verified to be an efficient quantitative tool to predict the Δ V/V caused by SC-CO2 and sorption concentration within PET films in this work.
Patient Interpretations of Heart Failure Symptom Recognition and Self-Management Using Vignettes: A Pilot Study
Authors: da Costa Ferreira Oberfrank Natany , Watkinson Erica , Buck Harleah , Dunn Lopez Karen
Published: January 2025

Background:

Heart failure is a condition with significant symptom burden and high hospitalization rates. Effective self-management, including recognizing symptoms and making behavior changes, is crucial but often inadequately addressed by current educational methods. To improve this, heart failure self-care vignettes were developed to measure knowledge of managing physical and psychological symptoms. However, the vignettes’ face validity and reliability have not been thoroughly evaluated.

Objective:

To ensure the understandability of a novel instrument to measure knowledge of heart failure symptom recognition and self-management and to examine its inter-rater reliability with individuals diagnosed with heart failure.

Methods:

Cognitive interviews were conducted with heart failure patients admitted to an academic hospital in the Midwest U.S. Vignette segments and interview questions were analyzed, totaling 74 items. Five patients aged 65 and older, participated without cognitive, visual, or hearing impairments. The interviews were coded by two independent raters using a cognitive interview coding book. Vignettes were evaluated qualitatively with a 3-point Likert scale (1 = misunderstanding, 2 = partial understanding, and 3 = full understanding). Inter-rater reliability was assessed using percent agreement and Cohen’s kappa.

Results:

Patients understood an average of 76% of the psychological and 83% of the physical vignette items, indicating acceptable preliminary understandability. Inter-rater reliability was moderate, with Cohen’s kappa values of 0.39 (psychological) and 0.43 (physical).

Conclusions:

This pilot study suggests that vignettes could be a useful tool for assessing knowledge of symptom recognition and self-management. Cognitive interviewing helped evaluate how vignette segments were interpreted before using them in future data collection.
Spaceport Cornwall: Scaling environmentally responsible space futures in South West England
Authors: Taylor ARE
Published: January 2025

This article explores conflicting environmental imaginaries that have surfaced around the development of Spaceport Cornwall, a satellite launch site in South West England. Spaceport Cornwall is significant for foregrounding environmental responsibility as a key promise of its development. In press releases they highlight that they are the first spaceport to carry out a full carbon impact assessment of their operations. They also present satellite data as an essential tool for monitoring climate change. Through the development of this ‘climate conscious’ space infrastructure, the spaceport promises to open a new economic future for Cornwall, grounded not in the extractive industries that shaped the region’s industrial past, but in visions of the region as an environmentally responsible space hub. However, the eco-friendly futures promoted by the spaceport have attracted criticism from local climate activists concerned with the environmental impact of the infrastructure. Drawing on fieldwork conducted with Spaceport Cornwall and local environmental groups, as well as the analysis of government documents and marketing materials, this article examines imaginaries of climate promise and peril that were articulated across multiple spatial and temporal scales in relation to this infrastructure during its pre-launch phase, as space became a key place-making tool for South West England.
Factors associated with activated clotting time following heparin administration in pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass: A retrospective study
Authors: Hida Mizuho , Kashiwa Koichi , Kurosawa Hideo , Takahashi Mai , Fujiya Saori , Fujishiro Kazuki , Shimoda Junpei , Kubo Hitoshi , Inokuchi Ryota , Doi Kent , Hirata Yasutaka
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The recently recommended activated clotting time (ACT) to be maintained at the initiation of and during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is ≥480 s. However, the post-unfractionated heparin (UFH) administration ACT occasionally does not exceed 480 s. Therefore, in this study, we retrospectively evaluated the factors influencing post-heparin administration ACT before initiating CPB.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients aged <7 years who had undergone open-heart surgery with CPB between August 2021 and June 2023 were investigated. Those who lacked preoperative data or received antithrombin or fresh frozen plasma preparations prior to undergoing CPB were excluded. Multiple regression analysis was performed using the initial ACT as the dependent variable and preoperative covariates as independent variables.

Results

This retrospective study included 91 patients. The median age of the patients was 265 (interquartile range [IQR]: 127–750) days. The median initial ACT was 589 (IQR: 506–713) s. In 17 (19%) patients, the initial ACT was <480 s. Multiple regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the platelet count and initial ACT, with a regression coefficient of −5.26 (95% confidence interval [−8.56 to −1.95]) and standard regression coefficient of −0.39 ( p = .002).

Conclusion

A high preoperative platelet count was associated with a reduced heparin response. Nevertheless, the platelet count cannot solely elucidate the heparin response, and further investigations are required to determine the predictive factors affecting this response.
Chromosomal gain and mutations of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α gene in canine high-grade oligodendroglioma
Authors: Yoshida Kio , Chambers James K. , Uchida Kazuyuki
Published: January 2025

Canine high-grade oligodendrogliomas (HGOGs) exhibit a high expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRA). We examined PDGFRA mutations and gain of PDGFRA and their association with the PDGFRA expression and proliferation of tumor cells in canine HGOG cases and cell lines. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis revealed expected pathogenic mutations in PDGFRA exons 7 and 8 in 16/34 (47%) cases. However, these mutations were not associated with PDGFRA expression, as examined by mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry, or proliferation activity, as examined by the Ki-67 labeling index (LI). Chromosomal ISH performed in 16 cases revealed PDGFRA and endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex subunit 2 ( EMC2) gains in 15 cases (94%). PDGFRA gain was moderately correlated with PDGFRA mRNA expression (ρ = 0.54, P = .04) and were moderately correlated with PDGFRA H-score, which is the score based on immunolabeling intensity (ρ = 0.44, P = .09). However, PDGFRA gain was not correlated with the Ki-67 LI (ρ = 0.23, P = .38). The canine HGOG cell line with PDGFRA gain showed higher PDGFRA mRNA expression ( P < .01), H-score ( P < .01), and Ki-67 LI ( P < .01) than the cell line without PDGFRA gain in vitro. The gain of PDGFRA and EMC2 suggests polysomy of canine chromosome 13, where both genes are located. The in vitro analysis results suggested that chromosome 13 polysomy is associated with increased PDGFRA expression and cell proliferation in canine HGOG. Chromosome 13 polysomy may be involved in canine gliomagenesis by increasing PDGFRA expression and inducing tumor cell proliferation.
Digital transformation and green innovation: The mediating role of green management disclosure and the moderating role of institutional pressure
Authors: Jiang Feng
Published: January 2025

As environmental problems continue to intensify, firms can consider using green innovation as an effective strategy to mitigate these problems. Although the effect of digital transformation on companies has been comprehensively evaluated, whether it is a positive factor for green innovation remains unclear. Thus, this study examined the relationship between digital transformation and green innovation. Panel data on 3021 firms from 75 industries in China’s A-share stock market for the period 2011–2021 were analyzed, and a fixed effects model was employed. Results showed that digital transformation positively influences green innovation; green management disclosure is one of the transmission channels for this influence. Additionally, industry-level institutional pressure negatively moderates the relationship between digital transformation and green innovation. This result is attributable to the duplication of influence paths with digitalization and unquestioning mimetic behavior to peer. The study expands the universality of the research results and further investigates the transmission mechanism between digital transformation and green innovation. Moreover, it suggests that firms should accelerate their digital transformation and utilize it to improve their disclosure of green management information. Firms can also employ other green practices to obtain legitimacy in the industry and reduce the negative impact of institutional pressure.
A better quality of high-speed software encoder for an aerogenerator-based PMSM machine
Authors: Elnaggar Mohamed F , Flah Aymen , Kaana Mohamed , Mourad Dina
Published: January 2025

Wind energy systems are based on a synchronous machine, which can support a high-speed rotation case due to possible high wind coming speeds. The machines used are affiliated with permanent magnet machines, and it seems that when the speed becomes high, speed detection can be difficult if a software application is adapted. This difficulty appears when the high speeds come, as the motor temperature will increase, which can influence motor parameters, especially the stator resistance. This will influence the proposed speed software estimator robustness. The proposed high-speed estimator algorithm is based on the model reference adaptive system MRAS estimation method, which can be used for motor speed estimation. The proposed MRAS concept was based on the reactive power model, which ensures the robustness of the estimator in facing any possible stator resistance variation, even at very high speeds. This MRAS estimator was tuned by the particle optimization algorithm to avoid the regulator parameter identification problem. So, this concept was modelled and mathematically defined, and then tested by implementation on the Matlab tool and on a real machine prototype which can operate a high-speed rotated load. The stability analysis of the overall speed encoder is also shown in various speed regions, and practice lab application is presented and discussed to show the success of the proposed high-speed control scheme. The results were depicted under 42000 rpm (eq to 600 Hz), and the proposed speed estimator demonstrated good behavior, and a lesser estimator error was evaluated at 50 Hz as the maximum speed error.
Association of medical emergency team activation in the 24-hour postoperative period with length of stay and in-hospital mortality
Authors: Donoghue Tess I , Brain Matthew J
Published: January 2025

Medical emergency team (MET) activations were designed to improve patient safety and outcomes by providing timely and specialised care to patients experiencing clinical deterioration. The primary objective of this study was to describe the association between MET events in the early (24-h) postoperative period and in-hospital mortality as well as length of stay. A retrospective data linkage study was performed of prospectively collected data from patient administrative data and the MET database at Launceston General Hospital located in Tasmania, Australia. Over five years, 109,116 operating room cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 85,235 were the first operating room case in a unique admission episode after exclusions. A MET event within the first 24 h after surgery was associated with an increased median length of stay from 0.16 to 4.00 days with a median difference of 2.96 days (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.86 to 3.08) and more than doubled the hazard of mortality for each day a patient remained in hospital after completion of surgery (hazard ratio 2.3, 95% CI 1.9 to 2.8). Emergency surgical patients were at higher risk. Of recorded MET triggers, cardiac arrest was the most strongly associated event with in-hospital mortality. Notably, staff concern as a trigger for MET activation was associated with a hazard nearly as great as chest pain. Other MET triggers that reached statistical significance were bleeding, respiratory rate more than 36/min, peripheral oxygen saturations less than 84% and systolic blood pressure less than 80 mmHg. Despite being frequent, MET events should be regarded as a serious marker of an adverse patient journey that may warrant higher resource allocation.
Rock Star
Authors: Desar Leonora
Published: January 2025

At a new museum in Cleveland, MS, the spotlight is on you
Can Retail Reboot?
Authors: Desar Leonora
Published: January 2025

Stores are closing, limiting the demand for traditional luminaires, but smart lighting and other niche applications may be ready to fill the void
This Stand-Out Sells
Authors: Schwlrck Samantha
Published: January 2025

Fox Ford Lincoln's glowing jewel-box design tempts car buyers to take a closer look at the gems on display
Sign of the Times
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

Hospitality influences eliminate signage and usher in a new paradigm at a Chicago-area library
Ambiance for Animators
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

Nickelodeon's new offices take the unique needs of artists into account while paying homage to the brand's iconic TV shows
A Smart Sampling
Authors: Schwirck Samantha
Published: January 2025

Four projects provide a lens for exploring today's connected-lighting landscape
Healthcare Can Connect
Authors: Joshi Parth
Published: January 2025

From tracking IV pumps and wheelchairs, to monitoring the storage temperature of blood and tissue, the healthcare sector can be fertile ground for connected lighting
Garden of Cleveland
Authors: Schwirck Samantha
Published: January 2025

Under the roof of one midwestern conservatory, layers of light immerse visitors in the landscapes of two diverse continents
Northern Departure
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

An intelligent control system curates natural and artificial lighting to guide passengers through a Norwegian airport
Starving for Darkness
Authors: Slade Jane
Published: January 2025

The human-centric focus on the impact of artificial light has overshadowed its effects on animals and plants
Above and Beyonc
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

Light-saving solutions help an army hangar surpass its goal of a LEED Silver certification
Light it like it's 1940
Authors: Schwirck Samantha
Published: January 2025

In Chicago, the incandescent aesthetic of an art deco office tower endures in its hotel replacement
Policy
Authors: Baker Alex
Published: January 2025

You Down With OBC? The Outcome-Based Code could be the future of compliance
Shifting Gears
Authors: Schwirck Samantha
Published: January 2025

Toyota and Mazda's divergent paths both end at a new North American headquarters
Driven by Speed
Authors: Falzano Rebecca
Published: January 2025

The newly expanded, fast-paced Echo Logistics headquarters in Chicago is organized around a streets and neighborhoods concept, with lighting to guide the wag
Safety
Authors: Plank Jerry
Published: January 2025

Double Talk Is No Laughing Matter Be aware of inconsistent product language
SSL
Authors: Wilkerson Andrea
Published: January 2025

The Value Proposition Using data to avoid disappointment and meet client expectations
The Second Time Around
Authors: Schwirck Samantha
Published: January 2025

Old projects get a new lease on life in our roundup of renovation and adaptive reuse from across the globe
The Lure of the Shiny New Object
Authors: Agarwal Gaurav
Published: January 2025

Building owners are excited about the promise of smart lighting. It's up to us to figure out what they really want
Are you my Customer?
Authors: Schuett Rick
Published: January 2025

The IoT, big data and the industry's move away from simply providing light have made identifying the smart lighting decision-maker a perplexing proposition
Energy
Authors: Warren Willard
Published: January 2025

Code Clash End users suffer when developers use LEDs to reduce costs but ignore glare
A Time to Grow
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

An addition to a university stadium embodies the ‘transitional path’ of the students who use it
Energy
Authors: Warren Willard
Published: January 2025

Commodity vs. Quality The trouble with formulaic designs driven by increased efficacy
Twisted Perception
Authors: Nale Katie
Published: January 2025

Art and architecture offer a mind-bending experience at a museum outside of Oslo
Electric Avenue
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

Safety, style and splashes of color mark the journey on a roadway in China
A Deep Dive into Deep Cleaning
Authors: Litvin Michael
Published: January 2025

Guidelines on how to safely deploy UV-C lighting to kill viruses
Careers
Authors: Pompeo Paul
Published: January 2025

Elephant In The Room The lighting industry's diversity problem
A New Sales Pitch
Authors: Whitney-Schulte Liesel , Mellinger Dan
Published: January 2025

By shifting marketing tactics, the industry can help customers look beyond the ‘energy story’ of networked lighting controls to some of the softer benefits
Understanding Consumer Interpretation of Common Lighting Metrics and Packaging
Authors: Hathaway Nicole
Published: January 2025

As lighting technology has advanced, the packaging of consumer products has changed.

Anecdotally, this has led to confusion in the lighting aisle (or internet browser) when consumers are making their purchase decisions.

Now, LED technology and manufacturers are positioned to incorporate even more features into their products as a means to improve product performance, consumer satisfaction and the sustained use of LED solutions—all of which will help increase environmental benefits and electricity savings.
Progressions
Authors: Lien Mark
Published: January 2025

The Story Behind the Story A skip through history helps explain today's Progress Report
Flexible is the New Normal
Authors: Ochs Matt
Published: January 2025

A design's ability to adapt during uncertain times has never been more important. Are lighting controls up to the challenge?
Energy
Authors: Warren Willard
Published: January 2025

An Eye on the Future Are the days of color tuning numbered?
Mission Accomplished
Authors: Schwirck Samantha
Published: January 2025

State-of-the-art lighting is the International Spy Museum's very own secret weapon
Down to Earth and Reaching for the Sky
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

The lighting plan at a Utah resort unites the great outdoors with tranquil interiors
The Future-Proofed Workplace
Authors: Mohan Tanuj
Published: January 2025

LED luminaires with sensors could be one tech tool for facilitating a safe return to the office
Energy
Authors: Warren Willard
Published: January 2025

Here to Stay As remote work endures, personalized settings get a boost from technology
Policy
Authors: Baker Alex
Published: January 2025

A Shared Resource in Short Supply Tackling the dark-sky conundrum
Water Power
Authors: Schwirck Samantha
Published: January 2025

Colorado's oldest and largest utility embodies environmental stewardship via its revamped operations center
Seeking Material Transparency
Authors: Mattes Melissa
Published: January 2025

The results of a recent survey of manufacturers can help designers make healthier decisions about the products they specify
Piping Light into High Atria
Authors: Hockey S. Newton
Published: January 2025

A unique design offers innovation and efficiency to atrium lighting problems
Lighting Design: An American's View from Abroad
Authors: Marsteller John
Published: January 2025

The effect of culturally ingrained attitudes on the job of the lighting designer
Outcomes of Revision Cartilage Restoration Surgery for Failed Primary Treatment of Chondral or Osteochondral Defects of the Knee: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kunze Kyle N. , Persaud Steven , Briano Juan , Rodeo Scott A. , Warren Russell F. , Wickiewicz Thomas L. , Williams Riley J.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Failure of primary cartilage restoration procedures of the knee that proceed to necessitating revision cartilage procedures represent a challenging clinical scenario with variable outcomes reported in previous literature.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes and adverse events after revision cartilage restoration procedures of the knee for failed primary cartilage procedures.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The PubMed, OVID/MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases were queried in August 2023 for trials reporting on the outcomes of revision cartilage restoration procedures of the knee. Information pertaining to rates of failure, reoperations, graft-related complications, and patient-reported outcome measures were extracted. A meta-analysis using inverse-variance proportion models using Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformations and DerSimonian-Laird random-effects estimators was constructed to quantitatively describe the cumulative incidence of adverse events.

Results:

Sixteen studies (1361 patients; mean age, 35.7 ± 9.3 years) were included. The most frequently performed revision cartilage procedure was autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI; n = 755 [55.5%]). The overall rate of failure was 25.1% (95% CI, 14.4%-37.3%) at a mean 6.5 years (range, 2-26 years). The majority of studies (n = 9) reported a failure rate exceeding 20%. A significant reduction in failure was observed in favor of the revision osteochondral allograft cohort (19.0% [75/395] vs 35.7% [273/764]; relative risk, 0.63; P < .0001) compared with the revision ACI cohort. The pooled all-cause reoperation event rate was 40.8%, which ranged between 18.2% and 71.4% (13 studies). Of these studies, 12 reported reoperation rates exceeding 20%, and 7 reported rates exceeding 40%. The pooled graft-related complication event rate was 27.2%, which ranged between 5.4% and 56.6% (11 studies). Notably, all analyses demonstrated considerable or moderate heterogeneity, potentially influencing the observed variability in pooled effect estimates.

Conclusion:

One of every 4 patients may experience a secondary failure after undergoing a revision cartilage procedure. Revision using an osteochondral allograft may confer a meaningful reduction in the risk of failure relative to revision using ACI. High rates of graft-related complications and reoperations are also frequently observed in this population, highlighting the challenge of treating patients with failed primary treatment of chondral or osteochondral defects of the knee.
A new way of the Coombs test using flow cytometry-based assay to assess erythrocytes-bound IgG antibodies in the human and rabbit model
Authors: Ullah Anwar , Ding Xuewei , Qi Xia , Liu Hui
Published: January 2025

The Coombs test is important in hematology for detecting erythrocyte-bound IgG antibodies or in serm through agglutination methods, but its sensitivity and specificity are limited. Flow cytometry provides a more precise and sensitive alternative for quantitatively assessing RBC-bound IgG antibodies. This assessment is crucial for evaluating the risk of hemolytic reactions and ensuring safe transfusions. This study aimed to explore a new method for the detection of RBC-bound IgG antibodies in rabbits following the injection of human red blood cells. Rabbits serum treated with 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) were serially diluted at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 1:128, 1:256, 1:512, 1:1024, and 1:2048. These diluted samples were then reacted with O-type red blood cells (RBCs). Serum samples from healthy individuals were used as the control group. The tubes were kept in a water bath at 37°C for 30 min incubation. After incubation, the samples were analyzed using a flow cytometry-based assay. Additionally, the traditional Coombs tube method was used and the strength of IgG antibody and agglutination was graded. The results were analyzed using a flow cytometry-based assay, and the agglutination strength was determined using the Coombs traditional tube method for RBC-bound IgG antibodies. A significant difference was found between the rabbits serum and normal control groups (p < 0.001). IgG titers increased significantly after 1 month of immunization in rabbits compared to the titers observed after 1 week. The serum Anti-D stability test showed a coefficient of variation (CV) of 7.74%, indicating good stability of the test results. In this study, we concluded that the flow cytometry-based assay for detecting RBC-bound IgG antibodies was accurate, sensitive, and had positional value in clinical laboratories and research centers.
Policy mixes and youth vulnerability in Europe: A qualitative comparative analysis of the NEET rate
Authors: Lauri Triin , Toots Anu , Chevalier Tom , Broka Anna , Hofäcker Dirk
Published: January 2025

This article examines the capability of various welfare states to mitigate youth vulnerability, operationalized as a low NEET rate. It aims to complement existing empirical knowledge with a novel set of indicators and Europe-wide configurational comparison of youth welfare regimes. A QCA-based analysis of 26 European countries revealed two routes with different sets of compensatory and social investment policies that lead to the effective mitigation of the NEET rate. The study confirmed that generous social benefits for young unemployed people are a crucial element in every ‘route’ to keep the NEET rate low. Beyond this compensatory measure, successful policy configurations revealed the growing convergence of skills regimes in the pursuit of inclusive education policy design. We also found evidence that in mitigating youth vulnerabilities, housing support to young adults can compensate for active labour market policy measures. These findings have implications for policymakers who must take a holistic approach in devising policies and being mindful of the interplay between different policies. The study also provides insights into contemporary dynamics of the youth welfare regimes by making associations with growth regimes and housing regimes.
Design of fractional order PID controller using IMOPSOA for degree of superheating of refrigerant at evaporator outlet
Authors: Li Shaoyong , Li Subo , Zhou Jiao , Wei Mingsong
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a fractional order PID control scheme to regulate temperature of refrigerant at evaporator outlet, that is, degree of superheating, that is closely related to both refrigerating capacity and running safely for a vapor compression refrigeration apparatus. Since this fractional order PID control effect on degree of superheating is mainly depended on tuning parameters of fractional order PID controller for degree of superheating (DS-FOPIDC), an improved multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm (IMOPSOA) is firstly established by the combination a modification of single-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm and Gaussian variation. And then, by selecting three control performance indexes on degree of superheating as the corresponding objective function for this IMOPSOA, an algorithm is designed to continuously find out the optimized values of five parameters of DS-FOPIDC for upgrading the regulating effect on degree of superheating. Finally, by means of performing the simulation model of this fractional order PID control system and the designed algorithm simultaneously, the corresponding results show that this control system including DS-FOPIDC is feasible in application and the designed algorithm can find out Pareto optimal solutions of five parameters of DS-FOPIDC, which can obviously reduce the fluctuation of degree of superheating and further improve its control quality including zero steady state error, the smaller overshoot, the appropriate damping ratio and the shorter regulating time, etc. These findings in this research may also provide the reference guides for controlling the other performance or process parameters in HVAC&R engineering.
Down-regulation of E2F1 attenuates UVB-induced human lens epithelial cell oxidative stress and pyroptosis through inhibiting NLRP3
Authors: Wang Fang , Yang Fan , Yang Guiqi , Zhou Qi , Lv Hongbin
Published: January 2025

Background

It is well-known that ultraviolet B (UVB) causes cataracts by inducing pyroptosis and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). The transcription factor E2F1 (E2F1) serves as a positive regulator of disrupted pathways involved in histone modification and cell cycle regulation. However, its function in UVB-treated HLECs remains unknown. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the function of E2F1 in UVB-treated HLECs, with a particular focus on its interaction with NLRP3 and its impact on oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Research Design: HLECs were irradiated with UVB, and cell damage was assessed using CCK-8, ROS, and pyroptosis detection. The interaction between E2F1 and NLRP3 was confirmed using Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Study Sample: The study was conducted using UVB-treated HLECs.

Data Collection and/or Analysis

Collected data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

Our results show that HLECs were much more susceptible to oxidative stress, pyroptosis, and E2F1 in response to UVB-irradiation, but that E2F1 down-regulation effectively counteracted these effects. E2F1 was then suggested as a potential NLRP3 transcription factor by bioinformatics studies. At the same time, luciferase and CHIP assays showed that E2F1 could bind to the NLRP3 promoter and enhance NLRP3 transcription. In addition, the protective effects of si-E2F1 against oxidative stress and pyroptosis in HLECs are counteracted by overexpressing NLRP3.

Conclusions

All of the above provided the possibility to demonstrate that E2F1 plays a crucial role in regulating oxidative stress and pyroptosis in UVB-induced HLECs through inhibiting NLRP3, and it promotes oxidative stress-induced pyroptosis by suppressing NLRP3 expression.
Patient privacy investigation in the emergency departments in teaching hospitals
Authors: Enayati Rangbar Ghorbanabadi Mohammad , Mirzaei Samaneh , Bagherabadi Mehdi , Nasiriani Khadijeh
Published: January 2025

Background

Patient privacy is important as one of the most principle components of quality healthcare and safe care. In teaching hospital emergency rooms, it is a challenge for staff to respect for privacy.

Research aim

Recognizing the importance of this issue, this study aims to assess the privacy status of patients in emergency departments.

Research design

This study employs a cross-sectional design.

Participants and research context

This study was conducted in patients of the four emergency departments of the teaching hospitals. 426 patients completed the demographic and clinical profile, as well as a privacy questionnaire, in four teaching hospitals selected based on quota sampling after obtaining informed consent. The data were analyzed with SPSS 26 and independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA.

Ethical considerations

This study was approved by the ethical committee and the designated authority within hospitals.

Findings

According to the findings, the majority of the respondents were married (65.05%), with a diploma level (30.25%), self-employed (37.5%), and female (50/50%). The most frequent hospitalizations were also for internal emergencies (45.1%), night shifts (42.3%), and workdays (63.8%), with mean age of 41.78 (years and a duration of hospitalization of 6.34 hours). The patient privacy score in the emergency department was 67.61 ± 13.30 and in the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual/religious dimensions was reported as 3.31 ± 15.37, 6.97 ± 36.72, and 6.18 ± 15.50, respectively. The patient privacy showed a significant difference by type of emergency, number of beds, and nurses to bed ratio ( p = .001).

Conclusions

Based on the results of the study, as the level of patient privacy was average for patients, in order to increase patient trust and improve the services provided, it is suggested that more focus be placed on structural changes, the development of guidelines, training in medical and nursing ethics, and the establishment of hospital ethics committees.
Aucubin Regulates Allergic Airway Inflammation in Ovalbumin-induced Allergic Asthma in Mice by Controlling Th2 Cytokines
Authors: Li Lisha , Yang Xiaoping , Cai Zhuo , Yin Bin , Jiang Wenqing
Published: January 2025

Background

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, leading to excessive production of mucus and an inflammatory condition of the lungs. The primary clinical manifestations of asthma comprise thoracic constriction, coughing, wheezing, and dyspnea.

Purpose

The present work was designed to examine the therapeutic effects of aucubin in treating ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in mice via suppressing inflammatory responses.

Methods

The aucubin-induced RAW 264.7 cell viability was assessed using the MTT test. The inflammatory cytokine levels in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells were analyzed using kits. The inflammatory cell levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the asthma-induced mice were assessed microscopically. The Th2 cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were assessed using assay kits. The amounts of the oxidative stress parameters were examined using kits. The lung tissues of the experimental mice underwent histological examination.

Results

The present work reveals that the aucubin treatment has no cytotoxic effect on RAW 264.7 cell growth. Furthermore, it decreased the nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in the LPS-induced cells. In addition, the treatment of aucubin in mice with OVA-induced asthma led to decreased T helper (Th)2 cytokine levels and inflammatory cell counts. The aucubin treatment was observed to reduce IgE and inflammatory markers, leading to the relief of airway inflammation. Furthermore, the aucubin treatment resulted in a decrease in the malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and NO levels, while simultaneously elevating the antioxidant levels in the OVA-induced mice. The histopathological study revealed the therapeutic effects of aucubin on asthmatic mice.

Conclusion

The present results demonstrate the efficacy of aucubin in mitigating the asthmatic condition in OVA-induced mice, making it a promising therapeutic candidate to treat asthma.
AusPATH: Activism influencing health policy
Authors: Spencer Jillian , Clarke Patrick
Published: January 2025

Objective

To consider the role of AusPATH and its position statements on health policy in Australia.

Conclusions

As a consequence of a membership policy which admits members with lived experience as health experts, AusPATH functions as an activist organisation whilst claiming to be a professional association. There is no accreditation or endorsement underpinning AusPATH’s influence on health policy in Australia. Its role as an activist organisation is demonstrated by a lack of caution in its position statements, which are misleading in circumstances where accurate information has been long available. The considerable influence of AusPATH on health policy in Australia needs to be reconsidered, as well as RANZCP Position Statement 62 which provides insufficient guidance upon balancing research and clinical knowledge, as well as medical ethics, with voices of lived experience.
Adjustable vibration damper design for superconducting quarter wave resonators
Authors: Balestri Marco , Brown Jacob , Kim Sang-Hoon , Patil Mohit , Neri Paolo , Xu Ting
Published: January 2025

Detuning caused by ambient mechanical vibrations represents a significant challenge in superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities, particularly in low β configurations. A solution to mitigate this problem within a cryogenic environment is a frictional damper, initially developed at Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare by A. Facco. This damper dissipates the kinetic energy of vibrations through friction. Its effectiveness is closely linked to the natural mode it aims to mitigate and the amplitude of ambient noise. Consequently, optimization is crucial for each cavity configuration. In this paper, three different optimization parameters are analyzed, and an easily configurable design of the damper is proposed. Experimental results aimed at optimizing the structural behavior of the cavity coupled with the damper are presented. Finite element analyses have been performed to model both the damping effect and the non-linear response.
Understanding Disability Through Collective Poetry Writing
Authors: Dahl Olivia
Published: January 2025

This article proposes a methodology centered on collective, creative engagement to explore marginalized and silenced perspectives on disability. Focusing on collective poetry writing as a qualitative research tool, the article examines the collaborative poetry writings of 16 disabled people, specifically people living with cerebral palsy (CP). Drawing on Gary Alan Fine’s (2012) “Group Life” theory, the article analyzes the social dynamics involved in establishing a shared history through collective poetry writing. It analyzes the emotional bonding among participants and the collective energy that emerged throughthis engagement. These group dynamics served as a resource for re-evaluating and advancing frameworks for writing about, reflecting on, and understanding disability, and for giving people with disability the opputunity to collectively shape knowledge about their own lives. This article discusses how collective poetry writing can be a tool for amplifying often marginalized voices as well as the emerging challenges and methodological dilemmas inherent in the use of this method.