bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Comparison of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) Residue with Edible Seeds and Nuts in Taiwan: A Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Yanti Sahri , Agrawal Dinesh Chandra , Saputri Dinar Suksmayu , Lin Hung-Yu , Chien Wei-Jyun
Published: September 2022

Sacha inchi is a source of quality commercial oil in Taiwan. Oil extraction results in sacha inchi residue have not been utilized and not much investigated. Different edible seeds and nuts have different levels of nutrients. This study aims (a) to determine the oil, moisture, ash, protein, carbohydrate, type of fatty acid, resveratrol, and type of sugar in edible seeds and nuts, including sacha inchi residue, and (b) to determine the model to predict the five macronutrients using NIR spectroscopy. The samples used were candlenut, peanut, sesame, sunflower, sacha inchi residue, and black bean. Determination was conducted using NIR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, LC-MS/MS, and HPLC-ELSD. NIR spectroscopy prediction results show that candlenut is rich in oil, and sacha inchi residue is rich in minerals, protein, and moisture. The correct prediction model for oil and moisture is principal component regression, while partial least squares are for ash, protein, and carbohydrates. NMR spectroscopy results showed that all samples were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Sacha inchi residue is rich in omega 3. LC-MS/MS results showed that all samples contained resveratrol, and its highest level was found in sesame. HPLC-ELSD results showed eight types of sugars in the samples. High sucrose was found in sacha inchi residue, sunflower, sesame, and candlenut. The results are expected to provide information on nutrient levels in seeds and nuts to consumers and people who deal with nutrition. Also, results are expected to increase the economic value of sacha inchi residue as a source of diversification of food products in Taiwan.
Machine Learning ECG Classification Using Wavelet Scattering of Feature Extraction
Authors: Marzog Heyam A. , Abd Haider. J.
Published: September 2022

The heart’s electrical activity is registered by an electrocardiogram (ECG), which consists of a wealth of pathological data on heart diseases such as arrhythmia. However, with increasing complexity and nonlinearity, direct observation of ECG signals and analysis is very tough. The highest accuracy of classification performance for machine learning approaches are 99.7 for neural network with wavelet scattering features extraction and 99.92 for SVM also with wavelet scattering features extraction. Through wavelet cascades with a neural network, the wavelet scattering transform can yield a translation invariant and deflection depictions of ECG signals. We suggested a new wavelet scattering transform-based method for automatically classifying three types of ECG heart diseases as follows: arrhythmia (ARR), congestive heart failure (CHF), and normal sinus rhythm (NSR). The bandwidth of the scaling function is used to critically downsample the wavelet scattering transform in time. As a result, each of the scattering paths has 16-time windows. Beat classification performance is classified by utilizing the MIT-BIH arrhythmia dataset. The suggested method is able to conduct high accuracy arrhythmia classification, with a 99.7% and 99.92% accuracy rate of the neural network (NN) and support vector machine (SVM), respectively, and will aid physicians in ECG explanation.
Anticancer Activity of ST101, A Novel Antagonist of CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β
Authors: Darvishi Emad , Ghamsari Lila , Leong Siok F. , Ramirez Ricardo , Koester Mark , Gallagher Erin , Yu Miao , Mason Jody M. , Merutka Gene , Kappel Barry J. , Rotolo Jim A.
Published: September 2022

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family transcription factor, which is upregulated or overactivated in many cancers, resulting in a gene expression profile that drives oncogenesis. C/EBPβ dimerization regulates binding to DNA at the canonical TTGCGCAA motif and subsequent transcriptional activity, suggesting that disruption of dimerization represents a powerful approach to inhibit this previously “undruggable” oncogenic target. Here we describe the mechanism of action and antitumor activity of ST101, a novel and selective peptide antagonist of C/EBPβ that is currently in clinical evaluation in patients with advanced solid tumors. ST101 binds the leucine zipper domain of C/EBPβ, preventing its dimerization and enhancing ubiquitin-proteasome dependent C/EBPβ degradation. ST101 exposure attenuates transcription of C/EBPβ target genes, including a significant decrease in expression of survival, transcription factors, and cell-cycle-related proteins. The result of ST101 exposure is potent, tumor-specific in vitro cytotoxic activity in cancer cell lines including glioblastoma, breast, melanoma, prostate, and lung cancer, whereas normal human immune and epithelial cells are not impacted. Further, in mouse xenograft models ST101 exposure results in potent tumor growth inhibition or regression, both as a single agent and in combination studies. These data provide the First Disclosure of ST101, and support continued clinical development of ST101 as a novel strategy for targeting C/EBPβ-dependent cancers.
Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy with Pigment Epithelium Detachment Treated with Sildenafil: A Case Report
Authors: Finzi Alessandro , Valsecchi Nicola , Tassi Filippo , Cellini Mauro , Fontana Luigi
Published: September 2022

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a retinal disease that may be complicated by the development of serous retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED). The exact molecular mechanisms of CSCR have remained uncertain as well as there is no effective medical therapy. Herein, we describe a case of a 43-year-old male suffering from chronic CSCR with PED and visual acuity reduction (20/40) that showed improvement in visual acuity (20/25) and metamorphopsia 2 weeks after daily intake of 20 mg sildenafil tablets. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan showed resolution of PED with residual degeneration of the photoreceptor inner and outer segment layer and retinal pigmented epithelium. The patient continued treatment with sildenafil 20 mg for 2 months. Six months after the discontinuation of therapy, visual acuity was maintained, with absence of PED at OCT. Our case supports the hypothesis that phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors may be an alternative in the treatment of patients with CSCR, alone or combined with other medications.
Identification of Latent Alcohol Use Groups and Transitions over Time Using a 9-Year Follow-Up Study in the Adult General Population
Authors: Tuithof Marlous , ten Have Margreet , van Dorsselaer Saskia , de Beurs Derek , van den Brink Wim , de Graaf Ron , Vermunt Jeroen Kornelis
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Studies investigating latent alcohol use groups and transitions of these groups over time are scarce, while such knowledge could facilitate efficient use of screening and preventive interventions for groups with a high risk of problematic alcohol use. Therefore, the present study examines the characteristics, transitions, and long-term stability of adult alcohol use groups and explores some of the possible predictors of the transitions. Methods: Data were used from the baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-year follow-up waves of the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2 (NEMESIS-2), a representative study of Dutch adults aged 18–64 at baseline (N = 6,646; number of data points: 20,574). Alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and mental disorders were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0. Latent Markov Modelling was used to identify latent groups based on high average alcohol consumption (HAAC) and AUD and to determine transition patterns of people between groups over time (stayers vs. movers). Results: The best fitting model resulted in four latent groups: one nonproblematic group (91%): no HAAC, no AUD; and three problematic alcohol use groups (9%): HAAC, no AUD (5%); no HAAC, often AUD (3%); and HAAC and AUD (1%). HAAC, no AUD was associated with a high mean age (55 years) and low educational level (41%), and no HAAC, often AUD with high proportions of males (78%) and people with high educational level (46%). Eighty-seven percent of all respondents – mostly people with no HAAC, no AUD – stayed in their original group during the whole 9-year period. Among movers, people in a problematic alcohol use group (HAAC and/or AUD) mostly transitioned to another problematic alcohol use group and not to the nonproblematic alcohol use group (no HAAC, no AUD). Explorative analyses suggested that lack of physical activity possibly plays a role in transitions both from and to problematic alcohol use groups over time. Conclusion: The detection of three problematic alcohol use groups – with transitions mostly between the different problematic alcohol use groups and not to the group without alcohol problems – points to the need to explicitly address both alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems (AUD criteria) in screening measures and interventions in order not to miss and to adequately treat all problematic alcohol users. Moreover, explorative findings suggest that prevention measures should also include physical activity.
Donepezil-Induced Complex Multimodal Hallucinations: Two Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Pozzi Federico Emanuele , Tremolizzo Lucio , Ferrarese Carlo , Appollonio Ildebrando
Published: September 2022

Hallucinations are common in neurodegenerative dementias, being present in a significant proportion of patients. Most of the available studies show that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors may be beneficial in preventing and treating hallucinations in patients with neurodegenerative and even psychiatric disorders, even though there are reports that they might also develop as an adverse effect of such therapy. However, a clear causal relationship for the latter association was not previously established. Here we describe 2 cases of patients treated with donepezil who developed complex multimodal hallucinations, which could be causally linked to the drug by means of a challenge-dechallenge (and rechallenge in one case) paradigm. We also provide a narrative review of the literature regarding donepezil and hallucinations and propose a hypothesis to explain the occurrence of this phenomenon.
Autoantibodies against Central Nervous System Antigens and the Serum Levels of IL-32 in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Keshavarz Fatemeh , Soltani Marziyeh , Mokhtarian Kobra , Beshkar Pezhman , Majidi Jafar , Azadegan-Dehkordi Fatemeh , Anjomshoa Maryam , Bagheri Nader
Published: September 2022

Background: Schizophrenia is a disease of the nervous system, and immune system disorders can affect its pathogenesis. Activation of microglia, proinflammatory cytokines, disruption of the blood-brain barrier due to inflammation, activation of autoreactive B cells, and consequently the production of autoantibodies against system antigens are among the immune processes involved in neurological diseases. Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is essential in activating innate and adaptive immune responses. This study aimed to measure the serum level of IL-32 as well as the frequency of autoantibody positivity against several nervous system antigens in patients with schizophrenia. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 40 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy individuals in the control group. Serum IL-32 levels were measured by ELISA. The frequency of autoantibodies against Hu, Ri, Yo, Tr, CV2, amphiphysin, SOX1, Zic4, ITPR1, CARP, glutamic acid decarboxylase GAD, recoverin, titin, and ganglioside antigens was measured by the indirect immunofluorescence method. Results: Serum IL-32 levels in patients with schizophrenia were significantly higher compared to the control group. The frequency of autoantibodies against GAD and RI antigens in patients with schizophrenia was significantly higher than in the control group. Autoantibodies were positive in 8 patients for GAD antigen and 5 patients for RI antigen. Autoantibodies were also positive in 2 patients for CV2, 1 patient for Hu, and 1 patient for CARP. Negative results were reported for other antigens. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that elevated the serum IL-32 level and autoantibodies against GAD and RI antigens may be a reflection of immune system dysregulation in patients with schizophrenia.
Association of COVID-19 With Major Arterial and Venous Thrombotic Diseases: A Population-Wide Cohort Study of 48 Million Adults in England and Wales
Authors: Knight Rochelle , Walker Venexia , Ip Samantha , Cooper Jennifer A. , Bolton Thomas , Keene Spencer , Denholm Rachel , Akbari Ashley , Abbasizanjani Hoda , Torabi Fatemeh , Omigie Efosa , Hollings Sam , North Teri-Louise , Toms Renin , Jiang Xiyun , Angelantonio Emanuele Di , Denaxas Spiros , Thygesen Johan H. , Tomlinson Christopher , Bray Ben , Smith Craig J. , Barber Mark , Khunti Kamlesh , Davey Smith George , Chaturvedi Nishi , Sudlow Cathie , Whiteley William N. , Wood Angela M. , Sterne Jonathan A.C. ,   for the CVD-COVID-UK/COVID-IMPACT Consortium and the Longitudinal Health and Wellbeing COVID-19 National Core Study
Published: September 2022

Background:

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) induces a prothrombotic state, but long-term effects of COVID-19 on incidence of vascular diseases are unclear.

Methods:

We studied vascular diseases after COVID-19 diagnosis in population-wide anonymized linked English and Welsh electronic health records from January 1 to December 7, 2020. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios comparing the incidence of arterial thromboses and venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) after diagnosis of COVID-19 with the incidence in people without a COVID-19 diagnosis. We conducted subgroup analyses by COVID-19 severity, demographic characteristics, and previous history.

Results:

Among 48 million adults, 125 985 were hospitalized and 1 319 789 were not hospitalized within 28 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. In England, there were 260 279 first arterial thromboses and 59 421 first VTEs during 41.6 million person-years of follow-up. Adjusted hazard ratios for first arterial thrombosis after COVID-19 diagnosis compared with no COVID-19 diagnosis declined from 21.7 (95% CI, 21.0–22.4) in week 1 after COVID-19 diagnosis to 1.34 (95% CI, 1.21–1.48) during weeks 27 to 49. Adjusted hazard ratios for first VTE after COVID-19 diagnosis declined from 33.2 (95% CI, 31.3–35.2) in week 1 to 1.80 (95% CI, 1.50–2.17) during weeks 27 to 49. Adjusted hazard ratios were higher, for longer after diagnosis, after hospitalized versus nonhospitalized COVID-19, among Black or Asian versus White people, and among people without versus with a previous event. The estimated whole-population increases in risk of arterial thromboses and VTEs 49 weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis were 0.5% and 0.25%, respectively, corresponding to 7200 and 3500 additional events, respectively, after 1.4 million COVID-19 diagnoses.

Conclusions:

High relative incidence of vascular events soon after COVID-19 diagnosis declines more rapidly for arterial thromboses than VTEs. However, incidence remains elevated up to 49 weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis. These results support policies to prevent severe COVID-19 by means of COVID-19 vaccines, early review after discharge, risk factor control, and use of secondary preventive agents in high-risk patients.
The topology, stability, and instability of learning-induced brain network repertoires in schizophrenia
Authors: Meram Emmanuel D. , Baajour Shahira , Chowdury Asadur , Kopchick John , Thomas Patricia , Rajan Usha , Khatib Dalal , Zajac-Benitez Caroline , Haddad Luay , Amirsadri Alireza , Stanley Jeffrey A. , Diwadkar Vaibhav A.
Published: September 2022

There is a paucity of graph theoretic methods applied to task-based data in schizophrenia (SCZ). Tasks are useful for modulating brain network dynamics, and topology. Understanding how changes in task conditions impact inter-group differences in topology can elucidate unstable network characteristics in SCZ. Here, in a group of patients and healthy controls (n = 59 total, 32 SCZ), we used an associative learning task with four distinct conditions (Memory Formation, Post-Encoding Consolidation, Memory Retrieval, and Post-Retrieval Consolidation) to induce network dynamics. From the acquired fMRI time series data, betweenness centrality (BC), a metric of a node’s integrative value was used to summarize network topology in each condition. Patients showed (a) differences in BC across multiple nodes and conditions; (b) decreased BC in more integrative nodes, but increased BC in less integrative nodes; (c) discordant node ranks in each of the conditions; and (d) complex patterns of stability and instability of node ranks across conditions. These analyses reveal that task conditions induce highly variegated patterns of network dys-organization in SCZ. We suggest that the dys-connection syndrome that is schizophrenia, is a contextually evoked process, and that the tools of network neuroscience should be oriented toward elucidating the limits of this dys-connection.
Palaearctic Osmia bees of the subgenera Allosmia and Neosmia (Megachilidae, Osmiini): biology, taxonomy and key to species
Authors: MÜLLER ANDREAS
Published: September 2022

Osmia (Allosmia) and O. (Neosmia) are two closely related Palaearctic osmiine bee subgenera (Megachilidae, Megachilinae, Osmiini) comprising eleven and ten species, respectively. Analysis of female pollen loads revealed that the representatives of O. (Allosmia) and O. (Neosmia) are pollen generalists collecting pollen on up to 13 and 17 plant families, respectively. The species of both subgenera exclusively nest in empty snail shells and use chewed leaves as main nest building material, often in combination with fragments of mollusc shells and densely packed small particles, such as small stones, earth crumbs or plant fibers, which are used to barricade the nests. The taxonomic revision of the two subgenera revealed the existence of two undescribed species, O. (Allosmia) gemina spec. nov. from the southern Levant and O. (Neosmia) nigrocalcaribus spec. nov. from the Maghreb. Osmia fossoria Pérez, 1890 syn. nov. and O. decorata Morawitz, 1886 syn. nov. are newly synonymized with O. (Allosmia) lhotelleriei Pérez, 1887 and O. (Allosmia) melanura Morawitz, 1871, respectively, whereas the former synonymization of O. (Neosmia) rosea Friese, 1920 with O. scutispina Gribodo, 1894 is rejected. Osmia (Neosmia) purpurata Ducke, 1899 is regarded as a nomen dubium. Osmia (Allosmia) soror Pérez, 1896 and O. (Neosmia) secunda Peters, 1977 are treated as species rather than as subspecies of O. rufohirta Latreille, 1811 and O. tingitana Benoist, 1969, respectively, due to clear morphological gaps and partly sympatric occurrence. Identification keys for all species of the two subgenera are given.
Revised Intensity Battle Score (RIBS): Development of a Clinical Score for Predicting Poor Outcomes After Rib Fractures
Authors: Buchholz Carl J. , Jia Leon , Manea Calin , Petersen Taylor , Wang Haowei , Stright Adam , Young Jeffrey , Calland James Forrest
Published: September 2022

Background

Patients with rib fractures have variable clinical courses and it is difficult to predict which patients will do poorly. Ideally this prediction would happen at the time of admission to facilitate effective triage. One scoring system devised to this end, is the Battle score. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Battle score as triage tool, and to re-tool it for performance in an inpatient trauma setting.

Methods

A multivariate logistic regression model was trained on patients admitted to a level one trauma center with at least one rib fracture. A composite outcome was used to classify those who had poor outcomes. Eighteen candidate predictors were analyzed in univariate analysis, then the most promising fed into the logistic model until a triage score was built and internally validated by bootstrapping.

Results

Of the 838 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 145 (17.3%) patients had a defined poor outcome. The relevant predictors included in the final scoring system were number of ribs fractured, chest tube, pulmonary contusions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Glasgow coma score. Age was not found to be predictive. This score was found to have higher fidelity in predicting poor outcomes than the original Battle score (AUROC .858 vs .649.)

Discussion

An easy to calculate clinical scoring system was created to triage patients with rib fractures at the time of admission. Age may be of less importance than previously thought, while injury burden and history of lung disease may play a larger role.
Development of a research capacity and culture tool for people with lived experience of mental health challenges
Authors: McEvoy Peter M , Horgan Ben , Eadon Olivia L , Yong Marcus JS , Soraine Jacqueline , Chiu Vivian W
Published: September 2022

Objective:

This study investigated research capacity and culture in people with lived experience of mental health challenges by developing a quantitative tool that measures capacity to engage in research.

Method:

A cross-sectional, correlational methodology was employed, which comprised of three phases: lived experience consultations for item development ( n = 15), item refinement ( n = 20) and tool piloting. Items were adapted from, and extended, an existing research capacity and culture tool for healthcare workers. People ( N = 112) with lived experience as mental health consumers, carers, peer workers and/or advocates aged 18–75 years took part in the tool piloting survey.

Results:

Overall, participants rated their individual research capacity and culture skills as moderate (mean = 5.41, standard deviation = 2.04). The most commonly reported barriers to research engagement related to lack of knowledge, familiarity or experience with the research process. The most commonly reported enablers were altruistic, such as using their experiences to improve services and help others. Research capacity and culture significantly correlated with current research activities ( rs = 0.25–0.41; ps < 0.05), but not with being a research participant ( r = 0.09; p > 0.05), suggesting that building research capacity of people with lived experience requires them to be active members of research teams.

Conclusion:

The Lived Experience research capacity and culture tool developed in this study revealed that people with lived experience of mental health challenges are intrinsically motivated to engage in research to improve consumer outcomes. The tool may be useful to assess self, research team and organisational preparedness to conduct genuinely co-designed research, and to assess changes in lived experience research capacities and culture over time.
A systematic review on reporting of refinement measures in mouse ECG telemetry implantation surgery
Authors: Gkrouzoudi Alexandra , Tsingotjidou Anastasia , Jirkof Paulin
Published: September 2022

Telemetric monitoring is used in many scientific fields, such as cardiovascular research, neurology, endocrinology, as well as animal welfare research. Nowadays, implanted electrocardiogram (ECG) radiotelemetry units are the gold standard for monitoring ECG traces, heart rate and heart rate variability in freely moving mice. Telemetry technology can be a valuable tool when studies utilize it adequately, while prioritizing animal welfare. Recently, concerns have been raised in many research fields, including animal research, regarding the reproducibility of research findings, with insufficient reporting being one of the underlying causes.

A systematic review was performed by making use of three literature databases, in order to include all publications until 31.12.2019, where the surgical placing of ECG recording telemetry devices in adult mice was involved. Data extracted from the publications included selected items recommended by the ARRIVE guidelines. We focused on aspects related to the refinement of the surgery and experimental conditions that aim to improve animal welfare. In general, the quality of reporting was low in the analyzed 234 publications. Based on our analyses, we assume there has been no improvement in this field’s reporting quality since 2010 when the ARRIVE guidelines on reporting were introduced. Additionally, even though expert recommendations on telemetry surgery refinement have been available since many years now, no increase in uptake (or reporting) of these measures prior (e.g., acclimatization), during (e.g., asepsis) or after (e.g., social housing) the surgery could be observed.
Suicide and coronial problems
Authors: Samuels Alec
Published: September 2022

Suicide problems for the coroner may be increased by the attitude of the family and/or the public. This article explores the nature of problems arising from an investigation and a finding of suicide and the issues of the burden of proof, the role of coroner and of a jury when one is needed and the significance of suicide finding which may affect an insurance claim, or potential inheritance. What reforms should be considered?
The housing market reaction to the combustible cladding crisis: Safety or financial concerns?
Authors: Melser Daniel
Published: September 2022

The risks of combustible cladding were most catastrophically illustrated by the Grenfell Tower fire in London in mid-2017 which killed 72 people. Prior to this, in late 2014, the Lacrosse Tower fire in Melbourne, Australia, provided a prescient illustration of the risks of combustible cladding. This study examines the effect on Melbourne prices, rents and transactions of these fires from 2005 to mid-2019. The dynamics of prices and rents provide important information about the extent to which the housing market reaction was driven by safety or financial concerns. This is because tenants are primarily exposed to the safety risks of combustible cladding while the prices paid by owner-occupiers reflect both safety and financial concerns – such as future remediation costs. We find an overall decline of around [Formula: see text] in the prices paid by owner-occupiers for homes affected by combustible cladding, while rents for similar properties fell by around [Formula: see text]. Thus, we conclude that the main factor driving the housing market reaction was financial concerns. This conclusion is robust to more tightly identifying properties that were affected by combustible cladding. We also find that property investors reduce their property valuations of combustible cladding homes more significantly than owner-occupiers and that there are declines in transaction volumes for affected homes.
Visual Representation & Visible Boundaries in Online Postpartum Depression Support Groups
Authors: Fanning Shannon
Published: September 2022

The American Psychological Association notes that approximately one in seven women will experience postpartum depression (PPD) after giving birth. Finding support can help lead to better outcomes for those suffering from PPD. This article examines cover photos of PPD support groups on Facebook. By arguing that these photos construct rhetorical boundaries that support-seekers must cross to access PPD resources, the article expands our current understandings of rhetorical boundaries and calls for increased attention to visual selection in high-stakes health contexts. This article emphasizes the idea that we might transform visual boundaries, like the Facebook cover photos studied here, into rhetorical boundary objects that promote inclusivity through more thoughtful and representative image selection.
Studying the cognitive relatedness between topics in the global science landscape: The case of Big Data research
Authors: Lyu Xiaozan , Costas Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

Taking Big Data research as a case study, this article intends to investigate the cognitive relatedness of research topics across the global science landscape to a focal topic. Several levels of cognitive relatedness are established depending on the citation distance between the citing publications and a core set of publications. The concept of citation generation is adopted for identifying and classifying other publications with different levels of relatedness to the core set. The micro publication-level classification system of Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) is applied for determining clusters of publication sets at the topic level. The overall cognitive relatedness of micro clusters to Big Data core publications are measured based on the mean citation generation of all the publications in corresponding clusters. In addition to the given clusters, this study also explores the ‘topics’ relatedness from a semantic point of view, by extracting high-frequency title terms of publications in each generation. Results show that data analysis methods and technologies are the topics with the strongest cognitive relatedness to Big Data research, while topics on physics and astronomy studies present the weakest relatedness. This approach allows assessment of relatedness between research topics by considering the citations distribution across multiple citation generations, and can provide useful insights to study and characterise topics with fuzzy boundaries or are difficult to delineate, thus representing a novel toolset relevant in the context of studying interdisciplinary research.
Are small-sized mechanical valves adequate for patients with small aortic roots?
Authors: Pandey Pratik , Saha Apu , Jha Neeraj Kumar , Rao Yashaskar Manjunatha , Das Debasis , Das Mrinalendu , Chatterjee Debika , Narayan Pradeep
Published: September 2022

Aim

Concerns have been raised over patient outcomes following implantation of small aortic valves (size: 19 and 17 mm). However, in patients with a smaller body surface area, these valves may be adequate. The aim of th study was to assess the hemodynamic and functional performance of these valves and their impact on clinical outcomes in patients with a small aortic root.

Material and methods

This was a prospective observational study that included all consecutive patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a small-sized aortic valve over a 3-year period. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 1 year. Functional and clinical evaluation along with echocardiography was carried out for hemodynamic assessment. In-hospital mortality and hemodynamic outcomes at 1-year follow-up were recorded.

Results

Isolated AVR with a size 17 mm valve was carried out in 15 (25%) and with a 19 mm valve in 45 (75%) patients. The mean annular size was 19.12 ± 2.03 mm. The mean indexed effective orifice area was 1.08 ± 0.16 cm2/m2. Satisfactory decrease in peak and mean trans-prosthetic gradient were evident (peak gradient preoperatively was 92.15 ± 26.2 mmHg, and 25.68 ± 12.28 mmHg at 1 year, mean gradient was 55.31 ± 17.41 mmHg preoperatively and 13.71 ± 7.39 mmHg at 1 year). The functional status of patients also showed significant improvement post AVR. Left ventricular ejection fraction pre-operatively was 59.67% ± 10.38% and 59.57% ± 7.98% at 1-week, 59.15% ± 8.17% at 6 weeks, and 59.59% ± 7.48% at 1 year.

Conclusion

When confronted with a small aortic root, AVR with a small-sized prosthesis provides a satisfactory hemodynamic and functional outcome. In patients with small body surface area, implantation of a small-sized valve is a viable option.
The silent bystander within therapeutic practice
Authors: Lee-Ramsbottom Shalom Andrea
Published: September 2022

This article seeks to explore the following themes when examining how we can address the role of the silent bystander within the therapeutic practice: ‘Healing’, ‘Acknowledgement’, ‘Racism’, ‘Silent bystander’, ‘Witnessing’, ‘Privilege’, ‘Awareness’ and ‘Whiteness’ through the lens of dramatherapeutic practice. These themes are illustrated in the analysis of lived experience of racism.
Reflections on the Turn to Ageism in Contemporary Cultural Discourse
Authors: Gullette Margaret Morganroth
Published: September 2022

Distinguished gerontologists, ‘guardians of later life’ who had long kept age and ageism at the heart of their work, were asked by the author why the turn to ageism had not been able to raise age consciousness more effectively in the media or the public. Their frank responses constitute a valuable archive of reflections about how intersectional concepts and activist passions develop in an emerging and contentious multi-disciplinary field. The essay further situates their learned critiques in the history of age studies over the last 30 years. Among the sorrowful and galvanizing revelations provoked by the Eldercide of the COVID-19 era is this: ‘ageism’ has become widely recognized as a keyword not only good to think with but necessary to act on.
“I don’t even know who I am”: Identity reconstruction after the loss of a spouse
Authors: Wehrman Erin C.
Published: September 2022

Reconstructing identity after bereavement is an important element of managing grief. Using the context of spousal bereavement, the goals of this study were to understand how people reconstruct their identities following loss and to determine what role interaction plays during this process. Interviews with individuals who had lost a spouse ( N = 35) were analyzed using grounded theory procedures. The results supported a model of reconciling past and present selves, which included managing changes to both personal and relational identities. The identity reconciliation process was hindered by several personal and interactional stressors and facilitated by social support from others. To reconstruct identity, individuals utilized six strategies that reduced stressors and built sources of social support. Theoretically, these findings provide nuance for identity reconstruction processes and highlight the various ways others can hinder or facilitate identity change following bereavement.
Microplegia in paediatric hearts
Authors: Münch Frank , Kwapil Nicola , Teske Andreas , Rüffer Andre , Dittrich Sven , Volk Tilmann , Purbojo Ariawan , Cesnjevar R
Published: September 2022

Introduction

A basic prerequisite for a good surgical outcome in heart surgery is optimal myocardial protection. However, cardioplegia strategies used in adult cardiac surgery are not directly transferable to infant hearts. Paediatric microplegia, analogous to Calafiore cardioplegia used in adult cardiac surgery, offers the advantage of safe myocardial protection without haemodilution. The use of concentration-dependent paediatric microplegia is new in clinical implementation.

Material and methods

Paediatric microplegia has been in clinical use in our institution since late 2014. It is applied via an 1/8 inch tube of a S5-HLM roller pump (LivaNova, Italy). As cardioplegic additive, a mixture of potassium (K) 20 mL (2 mmol/mL potassium chloride 14.9% Braun) and magnesium (Mg) 10 mL (4 mmol/mL Mg-sulphate Verla® i. v. 50%) is fixed into a syringe-pump (B. Braun, Germany). This additive is mixed with arterial patient blood from the oxygenator in different flow dependent ratios to form an effective cardioplegia.

Technique

After microplegia application of initially 25 mmol/L K with 11 mmol/L Mg for 2 min, a safe cardioplegic cardiac arrest is achieved, which after release of the coronary circulation, immediately returns to a spontaneous cardiac-rhythm. In the case of prolonged aortic clamping, microplegia is repeated every 20 min with a reduction of the application dose of K by 20% and Mg by 30% (20 mmol/L K; 8.5 mmol/L Mg) and a further reduction down to a maintenance dose (15 mmol/L K; 6 mmol/L Mg) after additional 20 min.

The microplegia adapted to the needs of paediatric myocardium is convincing due to its simple technical implementation for the perfusionist while avoiding haemodilution. However, the required intraoperative interval of microplegia of approx. 20 min demands adapted intraoperative management from the surgeon.
The low risk for early renal damage during lithium treatment has not changed over time
Authors: Golic Mihaela , Aiff Harald , Attman Per-Ola , Ramsauer Bernd , Schön Staffan , Steingrimsson Steinn , Svedlund Jan
Published: September 2022

Background:

Modern lithium management guidelines were introduced to improve the renal prognosis of lithium patients.

Aims:

To examine whether prospects for severe renal impairment (defined as chronic kidney disease at least stage 4 (CKD4)), in long-term lithium patients, have changed over time after the introduction of lithium monitoring guidelines.

Methods:

The time to and hazard for CKD4 were compared between three patient cohorts who started long-term lithium in three consecutive decades: 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The follow-up time was 10 years after completion of 1-year treatment. The data were collected from Sahlgrenska University Hospital’s laboratory database.

Results:

In all, 2169 patients were included: 623 in Cohort 1 (started lithium during 1980s), 874 in Cohort 2 (1990s) and 672 in Cohort 3 (2000s). Compliance with lithium monitoring guidelines improved, and mean serum lithium decreased, through the cohorts. In all, 22 patients developed CKD4 during follow-up. The time to CKD4 was the same in all three cohorts (overall: 10.96 years, 95% confidence interval: 10.94–11 years). Age and serum creatinine concentration at start were significant risk factors, while sex had no prognostic value. After adjusting for the significant covariates, there was no statistically significant difference in the hazard for CKD4 between the three cohorts.

Conclusion:

The risk for severe renal damage during the first decade of long-term lithium is low, but has not changed over time. Our data suggest that improved compliance with lithium guidelines is not reflected in less risk for severe renal damage.
Failure to achieve reduction on developmental dysplasia of hip: an ultrasound evaluation
Authors: Shi Miao , Ban Yongguang , Luan Qinhua , Guo Lingfei , Wang Yanzhou , Li Tianyou , Zhao Qinghua , Pan Xiaojie , Li Xin , Teng Jianbo
Published: September 2022

Background

Ultrasound examination of the medial side of the hip joint has been rarely used to evaluate the status of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in Pavlik harness treatment according to the literature.

Purpose

To analyze the effects of cartilaginous acetabulum, hip joint labrum, and acetabular tissue on the reduction of DDH.

Material and Methods

A total of 50 cases (100 hips) were detected by the Graf method with a high-frequency linear transducer (L 5–12), and there were 59 dislocated hips and 41 non-dislocated hips. Patients were treated with a Pavlik harness. Ultrasound examination of the medial side of the hip joint was performed for follow-up. The hip joints were divided into three groups: the non-dislocated group; the reducible group; and the non-reducible group.

Results

The success rate of reduction was significantly higher when the acetabulum cartilage was located on the cephalic side (chi-square = 28.12, P < 0.001). The success rate was also significantly higher when the hip joint labrum was located on the cephalic side (chi-square = 17.21, P < 0.001). Type III and D had a higher success rate of reduction than type IV ( P < 0.001). The pairwise comparison of the measurements of acetabular tissue between the non-dislocated group, the reducible group, and the non-reducible group showed statistical differences ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study confirmed that the location of acetabulum cartilage and hip joint labrum affected the outcome of treatment. The degree of dislocation and the amount of acetabular tissue were correlated with the success rate of treatment.
Determinants of Biomechanical Efficiency in Collegiate and Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Crotin Ryan L. , Slowik Jonathan S. , Brewer Gene , Cain E. Lyle , Fleisig Glenn S.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Biomechanical efficiency, defined as fastball velocity per unit of normalized elbow varus torque, is a relatively new metric applied to improving the performance and health of baseball pitching.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this work was to evaluate kinematic parameters influencing biomechanical efficiency among professional and collegiate pitchers. Kinematic differences were compared between pitchers of high and low biomechanical efficiency. We hypothesized that professional pitchers would have greater biomechanical efficiency than collegiate pitchers.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A deidentified biomechanical database of 545 pitchers (447 professional, 98 collegiate) was analyzed. A multivariate linear regression model was used to evaluate significant findings a priori with α = .05. Additionally, biomechanical differences were identified between competition levels and between high and low biomechanical efficiency groups using Mann-Whitney U test (α = .05).

Results:

Competition level and 11 (of 21) kinematic variables explained 27% of the variance in biomechanical efficiency, with most of the predictors being throwing arm kinematics (elbow flexion at stride foot contact [SFC]: β, −1.47; SE, 0.26; shoulder abduction at SFC: β, −1.78; SE, 0.39; shoulder external rotation at SFC: β, 0.60; SE, 0.22; maximum external rotation [MER] angle: β, 1.82; SE, 0.42; shoulder horizontal adduction at MER: β, −3.42; SE, 0.71) (all P≤ .05). Professional pitchers had greater biomechanical efficiency than collegiate pitchers (711.0 ± 101.0 vs 657.0 ± 99.3, respectively; P < .001; d = 0.53). Compared with the low-efficiency group, the high-efficiency group had significantly lower normalized elbow varus torque with greater weight and height (high: 0.047 ± 0.004 %wt*ht vs. low: 0.063 ± 0.006 %wt*ht, P <.001; d = 3.20). At the instant of SFC, the high-efficiency group demonstrated greater shoulder external rotation and less elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, and pelvic rotation. The high-efficiency group also had greater MER and less shoulder horizontal adduction at MER, trunk side tilt at ball release, and knee excursion from foot contact to ball release.

Conclusion:

Professional pitchers had greater biomechanical efficiency than collegiate pitchers. Biomechanical efficiency was also affected by 11 kinematic variables identified in this study. Pitchers with higher efficiency had distinct differences in arm position, trunk side tilt, and lead-knee extension range of motion in the delivery. Thus, pitchers and baseball organizations should focus on these factors to lower normalized elbow varus torque relative to ball velocity.
Understanding the Drivers of the Gender Productivity Gap in the Economics Profession
Authors: Wesselbaum Dennis
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I construct a novel data set from individual curriculum vitae of economists at the top 100 US departments to study gender differences in the drivers of scholarly performance. Using a Shapley decomposition procedure to estimate the contribution of each driver in explaining the variation in mean and inequality of research performance, I find that for women, current placement is a more important driver of performance and inequality in performance compared to men. For men, co-authorship is the most important driver. Overall, my results suggest that networks are the key driver of performance and of inequality in performance.

JEL codes: A14, J16, J24
Effects of repair techniques and scarf angles on mechanical performance of composite materials
Authors: Karaduman Beyza Naz , Elaldi Faruk
Published: September 2022

Today, composite materials, which have the advantage of strength and lightness ratio, have gained great importance especially in the aeronautical industry and automotive sector. With widespread use of composites, the repair of damages caused by external factors has also become an important research topic. In this study, the effects of different repair methods and scarf angles on the mechanical performance of the material were investigated. Scarf angles of 20°, 30°, and 45° have been selected in order not to create too many scarf areas and to find a quick repair method. Also, a comparison of single scarf and double scarf repair was made to find a more robust solution. The samples were produced from carbon fiber prepreg and with the [45/0/90/0/45]2s fiber orientation. Tensile, compression, and flexural (3-point bending) tests according to ASTM standards were applied to composite samples prepared with single scarf and double scarf repair configurations at different angles. The stress–strain curves obtained as a result of the tests showed that the specimens repaired at 20° had the highest strength. In addition, it has been determined that the samples repaired with double scarf withstand higher forces compared to the samples repaired with single scarf at the same angle.
How are Economic Development Districts Riding the Waves of Economic Development Strategies?
Authors: Fang Li
Published: September 2022

Previous studies have examined the local adoption of various development strategies primarily by surveying economic development practitioners, although the survey method suffers from subjectivity and recollection errors. To overcome these problems, I adopt a text mining method to canvass the comprehensive economic development strategies (CEDSs) across economic development districts (EDDs) in the United States. Twenty-eight main development strategies are identified, most of which belong to the “second wave,” while the “fourth-wave” strategies—oriented toward social equity and sustainability—are popular enough to justify separation from the “third wave.” Moreover, EDDs combine various waves of strategies to form their strategy portfolios. Two main types of portfolios have been identified—one is dominated by the second-wave strategies, while the other is more balanced across four waves and places a focus on both second- and fourth-wave strategies.
Design and evaluation of a double rope rehabilitation robot for sit-to-stand training
Authors: Cao Enguo , Zhi Lei , Inoue Yoshio , Yang Bin , Wang Kun
Published: September 2022

A double rope rehabilitation robot for sit-to-stand training is developed for human lower limb rehabilitations. Two kinds of training methods are used to ensure the safety control of rehabilitation activities. During the sit-to-stand training, the robot sensor system measures the ground reaction force, center of pressure, tension of ropes, motion track of body trunk, and the rotation angle of each body segment, and then the control system calculates the joint torques of hip, knee and ankle in real time. Six volunteers are involved in the experiment, and the results verify that the rehabilitation robot can ensure the completion of natural track in sit-to-stand training and improve the joint torque. In addition, the user’s motor intention can be identified by the control system, and the lower limb motor function can be trained effectively by encouraging users to exert strength by themselves. Therefore, the developed rehabilitation robot can be used to evaluate human body dynamics parameters and may improve rehabilitation activities in clinical environment.