bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of self-healing in concrete with micro-capsules using a combination of air-coupled surface wave and computer-vision techniques
Authors: Ahn Eunjong , Kim Hyunjun , Gwon Seongwoo , Oh Sung-Rok , Kim Cheol-Gyu , Sim Sung-Han , Shin Myoungsu 
Published: August 2021

This study mainly aims to investigate the applicability of the combination of air-coupled surface-wave and computer-vision techniques to the evaluation of self-healing in in situ concrete members. Small-scale beam specimens were made from ordinary concrete and concretes with solid- and liquid-type capsules; the capsules were employed as self-healing agents. To monitor the crack healing progress, surface-wave tests using an air-coupled transducer and contact receivers were conducted on each specimen in uncracked, cracked, and healed conditions after 7, 14, 28, and 63 days of water immersion. Additionally, a computer-vision technique involving image binarization and registration was applied to measure high-resolution crack information. The specimens containing the micro-capsules showed superior healing performance compared to the ordinary concrete specimens. After 63 days of self-healing, the spectral energy transmission ratio increased up to about 80% of the uncracked, while the crack area decreased up to about 94% of the fully cracked. The healing rate was estimated using the change in spectral energy transmission ratio strongly correlated with that estimated using the change in crack area.
On Black Male Leadership: A Study of Leadership Efficacy, Servant Leadership, and Engagement Mediated by Microaggressions
Authors: Sims Cynthia M. , Carter Angela D. , Sparkman Torrence E. , Morris Lonnie R. , Durojaiye Ande 
Published: August 2021

The Problem Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and other Black men (and women) successfully used servant leadership to advance U.S. civil rights. Yet, the value of these leadership practices among Black men in contemporary workplaces is not known. The decision to lead may be based upon one’s leadership self-efficacy and influenced by community and as Black men prioritize social justice and developing others, they may be servant leaders. While engaged, the role of microaggression on engagement has not been studied. Thus, research is needed on Black male leadership. The Solution This study examined whether Black men possess the antecedent of leadership efficacy, demonstrate servant leadership, experience the outcome of engagement, and microaggressions, whether microaggressions mediated and decreased their engagement, and did socio-identities function as a moderator. Using cross-sectional survey methodology, a confirmatory factor analysis and a causal model was conducted along with a post hoc ANOVA. Black men leaders were about a third of the sample ( n = 364). The structural equation modeling revealed the significant findings that leadership efficacy predicted servant leadership, servant leadership predicted engagement, and, microaggressions partially mediated engagement. Socio-identities did moderate leadership efficacy, engagement, and microaggressions but not servant leadership and the overall measurement model. The Stakeholders This study benefits HRD and other scholars and practitioners who study leadership including those with intersecting identities—African American men.
Eco-friendly sorbent of bacterial cellulose/metal–organic framework composite membrane for effective bisphenol a removal
Authors: Sun Yue , Li Xin , Li Dawei , Ke Huizhen , Wei Qufu 
Published: August 2021

Environmental hormones such as bisphenol A have attracted enormous attention due to their potential threat to humans and environment. Herein, we synthesized a BC/MIL-53 (Al)-F127 composite membrane by the vacuum filtration method with a mesostructure metal–organic framework MIL-53 (Al)-F127 and bacterial cellulose as the substrate. The BC/MIL-53 (Al)-F127 composite membrane exhibited efficient adsorption of bisphenol A in aqueous solution. The results exhibited that 94% of bisphenol A could be adsorbed in approximately 120 min, and the equilibrium sorption amounts of bisphenol A reached approximately 8.3 mg/g. Meanwhile, the mechanism of adsorption was explored. The optimum pH and temperature for the adsorption of bisphenol A were 6 and 40°C, respectively. The removal efficiency of bisphenol A was maintained at 90% after five repeated cycles, indicating the advantage to separate freely without a complex filtration system. The results of adsorption indicated that the BC/MIL-53 (Al)-F127 membrane has great potential in the aspect of the sewage treatment as a prospective sorbent.
Non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis and outcome in large vessel occlusion stroke
Authors: Fandler-Höfler Simon , Stauber Rudolf E. , Kneihsl Markus , Wünsch Gerit , Haidegger Melanie , Poltrum Birgit , Pichler Alexander , Deutschmann Hannes , Enzinger Christian , Fickert Peter , Gattringer Thomas 
Published: August 2021

Background: Liver fibrosis has been identified as an outcome predictor in cardiovascular disease and has been associated with hematoma expansion and mortality in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage. We aimed to explore whether clinically inapparent liver fibrosis is related to neurological outcome, mortality, and intracranial hemorrhage risk in ischemic stroke patients after mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: We included consecutive patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke treated at our center with mechanical thrombectomy between January 2011 and April 2019. Clinical data had been collected prospectively; laboratory data were extracted from our electronic hospital information system. We calculated the Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), an established non-invasive liver fibrosis test. The main outcomes were postinterventional intracranial hemorrhage, unfavorable functional status (modified Rankin scale scores of 3–6), and mortality three months post-stroke. Results: In the 460 patients (mean age 69 years, 49.3% female) analyzed, FIB-4 indicated advanced liver fibrosis in 22.6%. Positive FIB-4 was associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes and mortality three months post-stroke, even after correction for co-factors [Odds Ratio (OR) 2.15 for unfavorable outcome in patients with positive FIB-4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–3.83, p = 0.009, and 2.16 for mortality, 95% CI 1.16–4.03, p = 0.01]. However, FIB-4 was neither related to hemorrhagic transformation nor symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Moreover, atrial fibrillation was more frequent in patients with liver fibrosis ( p < 0.001). Two further commonly-used liver fibrosis indices (Forns index and the Easy Liver Fibrosis Test) yielded comparable results regarding outcome and atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: Clinically inapparent liver fibrosis (based on simple clinical and laboratory parameters) represents an independent risk factor for unfavorable outcomes, including mortality, at three months after stroke thrombectomy. Elevated liver fibrosis indices warrant further hepatological work-up and thorough screening for atrial fibrillation in stroke patients.
Real-life patient experiences of TTNS in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: te Dorsthorst Manon , van Balken Michael , Janssen Dick , Heesakkers John , Martens Frank 
Published: August 2021

Introduction and objectives: Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is defined as urinary urgency, with or without urgent urinary incontinence; it is often associated with urinary frequency and nocturia, in the absence of any pathological or metabolic conditions that may cause or mimic OAB. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term real-life adherence of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) in the treatment of OAB, patient satisfaction of the treatment, and reasons for quitting therapy. Materials and methods: In this single center study, all patients who had a positive effect on percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and continued to receive home-based treatment with TTNS since 2012 were included for analysis. Patients were retrospectively asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding satisfaction, reasons for quitting, and additional or next line of therapy. Results: We included 42 patients for this study, 81% of these patients were female ( n = 34). The median age was 67 years (range 36–86). Most of the patients (64%, n = 27) were diagnosed with OAB wet. The median TTNS treatment persistence was 16 months (range 1–112 months). Reasons and percentages for stopping therapy were: 55% stopped treatment due to loss of effect, and 24% stopped because of preferring other type of neuromodulation. The mean satisfaction score (scale 1–10) in patients who continued TTNS was 6.2 ( n = 9, SD 1.30) versus 5.4 ( n = 29, SD 2.24) for patients who quit therapy. We did not find a statistically significant difference between the two groups ( p = 0.174). Conclusion: TTNS, although effective in the short-term, is not effective in the long-term. In combination with a low satisfaction rate among patients, there is a need for improvement in terms of OAB treatment modalities.
Apatinib for patients with metastatic biliary tract carcinoma refractory to standard chemotherapy: results from an investigator-initiated, open-label, single-arm, exploratory phase II study
Authors: Wang Chenchen , Huang Mingzhu , Geng Qirong , Li Wenhua , Chang Jinjia , Tang Wei , Guo Weijian 
Published: August 2021

Background: There is no standard therapy for metastatic biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) refractory to first-line chemotherapy. Apatinib, a VEGFR2 tyrosine kynase inhibitor, showed an activity against BTC xenografts in preclinical models. We conducted an exploratory study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apatinib in patients with metastatic BTC. Methods: This is a single-arm phase II study [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03427242]. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older; histologically confirmed metastatic BTC; refractory or intolerance to at least one chemotherapeutic regimen; no prior use of anti-angiogenic targeted drugs; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–2. Patients received oral apatinib 500 mg each day continuously until unacceptable toxicity or tumor progression. The primary endpoint was progress free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and treatment safety. Results: A total of 22 patients were recruited. All of them received apatinib medication. The median age was 63 (44–75) years old. Twenty patients received efficacy evaluation after treatment. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 15.0% and 60.0%, respectively. The median PFS was 2.73 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.74–3.72 months], with 6 months PFS rate of 27.3% (95% CI: 8.7–45.9%). The median OS was 4.81 months (95% CI: 3.16–10.9 months), with 12 months OS rate of 36.4% (95% CI: 16.2–56.6%). Nine out of 22 patients (40.9%) had grade 3/4 adverse events. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were hand-foot skin syndrome [three (13.6%) patients] and hypertension [two (9.1%) patients]. No treatment-related death occurred. Conclusions: For patients with metastatic BTC, apatinib showed an anti-tumor activity with acceptable safety, which deserves the further clinical trial. This trial was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT03427242]. Date of first patient enrollment: 26 January 2018. Date of registration (date of first posted): 9 February 2018.
Direct application of ropivacaine-soaked gauze to sciatic nerve after necrotizing fasciitis exposes underlying muscles and nerves
Authors: Ratto Christina , Ji Yisi D , McDowell Joseph 
Published: August 2021

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia with significant morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of literature published on the benefits of regional anaesthesia in patients with necrotizing fasciitis of the extremities. Case Presentation: This study demonstrates novel approaches to management of pain in a patient with necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremity. A 47-year-old male with polysubstance use disorder was found to have necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremity. Surgical debridement included 15% of his total body surface area and resultant exposure of his sciatic nerve. A ropivacaine-soaked gauze was applied directly to the exposed sciatic nerve. Femoral and lateral cutaneous nerve blocks were performed to facilitate necessary surgical dressing changes and physical therapy. Conclusion: This report details techniques used in postoperative pain management to facilitate surgical dressing changes after extensive debridement of an extremity for necrotizing fasciitis. The use of local anaesthetic-soaked gauze may be a useful adjunct in certain scenarios.
A review of techniques for difficult catheterisation and their costs
Authors: Healy Rion , Dyer James Edward 
Published: August 2021

Objective: Awareness of departmental expenditure gives surgeons the ability to make cost-effective decisions. We reviewed the available techniques for difficult catheterisation and assessed the cost of each method. Methods: A literature search was undertaken using EMBASE and Medline databases. Seven techniques for difficult catheterisation were identified, and a cost analysis was performed. All items required for a technique were costed per unit, including VAT, and can be referenced to the NHS supply chain. Results: Techniques were divided into three broad categories: simple urethral techniques – increased lubrication with different catheter sizes (£5.05) or types (£8.83 Tiemann tip, £10.65 Coude tip); complex urethral techniques – blind hydrophilic guidewire (£27.31), S-dilators (£244.62) and flexible cystoscopy (£38.78); and percutaneous techniques – suprapubic catheterisation (£117.38). Conclusion: This paper demonstrates a progression in cost and specialist input required when moving from simple urethral techniques to complex and percutaneous techniques. It is clear that clinicians should consider these cost implications and exhaust all simple techniques before moving to the more complex options. We would advocate the use of a national evidence-based difficult catheter algorithm to guide management based on both effectiveness and cost. Level of evidence: Not applicable.
Decreasing the Abnormal Internally Rotated Talus After Lateral Ankle Stabilization Surgery
Authors: Li Hong-Yun , Cao Li , Li Hong , Hua Ying-Hui , Chen Shi-Yi 
Published: August 2021

Background: Increased internal rotation of the talus has been found in patients with mechanical ankle instability (MAI). Purpose/Hypothesis: To evaluate and compare the talar rotation position before and after lateral ankle lateral stabilization surgery in patients with MAI. We hypothesized that the abnormal internal talus rotation in patients with MAI will decrease after surgery for ankle lateral instability and that there will be no significant difference in internal talus rotation between the ligament repair and reconstruction groups. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively studied 56 patients with MAI who underwent ankle lateral stabilization surgery after arthroscopic evaluation (repair, 36 cases; reconstruction, 20 cases). Before and after the operation, magnetic resonance images of all the participants were reviewed. The rotated position of the talus was measured and calculated by the Malleolar Talus Index at the magnetic resonance axial plane. Results: The internal rotation of the talus decreased significantly after ankle lateral stabilization surgery in patients with MAI as compared with before surgery (mean ± SD, 83.3° ± 3.3° vs 86.7° ± 3.9°; P < .01). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the ligament repair and reconstruction groups before or after the operation. Conclusion: Abnormal internal rotation of the talus in patients with MAI was decreased after ankle lateral stabilization surgery.
Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Versus Open Latarjet for First-Time Dislocators in Athletes
Authors: Hurley Eoghan T. , Davey Martin S. , Montgomery Connor , O’Doherty Ross , Gaafar Mohamed , Pauzenberger Leo , Mullett Hannan 
Published: August 2021

Background: In athletes with a first-time shoulder dislocation, arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) and the open Latarjet procedure (OL) are the most commonly utilized surgical procedures to restore stability and allow them to return to play (RTP). Purpose: To compare the outcomes of ABR and OL in athletes with a first-time shoulder dislocation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with first-time shoulder dislocation who underwent primary ABR and OL and had a minimum 24-month follow-up. Indications for OL over ABR in this population were those considered at high risk for recurrence, including patients with glenohumeral bone loss. Patients who underwent ABR were pair-matched in a 2:1 ratio with patients who underwent OL by age, sex, sport, and level of preoperative play. The rate, level, and timing of RTP, as well as the Shoulder Instability–Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI) score were evaluated. Additionally, we compared recurrence, visual analog scale pain score, Subjective Shoulder Value, Rowe score, satisfaction, and whether patients would undergo the surgery again. Results: Overall, 80 athletes who underwent ABR and 40 who underwent OL were included, with a mean follow-up of 50.3 months. There was no significant difference between ABR and OL in rate of RTP, return to preinjury level, time to return, or recurrent dislocation rate. There were also no differences between ABR and OL in patient-reported outcome scores or patient satisfaction. When collision athletes were compared between ABR and OL, there were no differences in RTP, SIRSI score, or redislocation rate. Conclusion: ABR and OL resulted in excellent clinical outcomes, with high rates of RTP and low recurrence rates. Additionally, there were no differences between the procedures in athletes participating in collision sports.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Parents of Youth Basketball Players Regarding Sport Specialization and College Scholarship Availability
Authors: Post Eric G. , Rosenthal Michael D. , Root Hayley J. , Rauh Mitchell J. 
Published: August 2021

Background: Previous surveys of youth sport parents have revealed that while parents believe early sport specialization is beneficial for improving sport ability, they also overestimate their child’s chances of receiving a college scholarship. Purpose: To (1) describe knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of parents of youth basketball players regarding sport specialization and college scholarships and (2) examine potential differences in child basketball participation characteristics based on parent income. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 805 parents (mean age, 39.9 ± 7.1 years; 353 female [43.9%]) of youth basketball players (mean age, 12.9 ± 2.5 years; 241 female [29.9%]) were recruited via Qualtrics Online Panels to complete an anonymous online questionnaire. Participants were required to be a parent of a child between 8 and 18 years of age who participated in organized youth basketball (ie, school, club, or recreational/local league). Participants were recruited to be nationally representative with regard to race/ethnicity (White, 62.7%; Hispanic/Latino of any race, 15.3%; African American/Black, 13.3%; Asian, 4.6%; ≥2 races, 2.9%; American Indian/Alaskan Native, 1.1%; Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander, 0.1%). The questionnaire was adapted from previous research on parent knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs and consisted of 3 sections: (1) parent and child characteristics; (2) child basketball participation information (months per year of basketball participation, sport specialization status, receiving private coaching, traveling regularly for basketball competitions, participating on multiple teams at the same time); and (3) parent attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding sport specialization and college basketball scholarships. Results: Most parents believed specialization increased their child’s chances of making a high school (71.4%) or college team (69.7%). Parents underestimated the availability of college basketball scholarships at the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I and II levels (8.9 ± 5.1 vs reality of 13-15 per team) but overestimated availability at the Division III level (8.6 ± 5.7 vs reality of 0 per team). High-income parents spent significantly more money ($4748 USD [$1214-$10,246]) than middle-income ($2250 USD [$727-$5079]; P < .001) and low-income ($1043 USD [$368-$2444]; P < .001) parents. Conclusion: Parents believed specialization was important for sport success, but they underestimated college scholarship availability at the NCAA Division I and II levels while overestimating scholarship availability at the Division III level.
Effect of Baseline Mental Health on 1-Year Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lynch T. Sean , Oak Sameer R. , Cossell Charles , Strnad Gregory , Zajichek Alexander , Goodwin Ryan , Jones Morgan H. , Spindler Kurt P. , Rosneck James 
Published: August 2021

Background: Patient factors, including mental health, sex, and smoking, have been found to be more predictive of preoperative hip pain and function than intra-articular findings during hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI); however, little is known about how these factors may influence patients’ postoperative outcomes. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that lower patient-reported mental health scores would be significant risk factors for worse patient-reported outcomes (PROs) 1 year after arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI and that baseline intra-articular pathology would fail to demonstrate an association with outcomes 1 year after FAI surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective cohort of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI were electronically enrolled. Baseline and 1-year follow-up PROs were collected, including Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for pain (HOOS-Pain), HOOS–Physical Function Short Form (HOOS-PS), and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey–Mental Component Score (VR-12 MCS). Intra-articular operative findings and treatment were documented at the time of surgery. Proportional odds logistic regression models were built for 1-year outcomes (HOOS-Pain, HOOS-PS, and VR-12 MCS). Risk factors included patient characteristics and intraoperative anatomic and pathologic findings. Results: Overall, 494 patients underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI, and 385 (78%) were evaluated at 1 year with at least 1 PRO. The median patient age was 33 years, mean body mass index was 25.5 kg/m2, and 72% were female. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that better baseline HOOS-Pain, HOOS-PS, and VR-12 MCS were significantly associated with improvement in the 1-year scores for each PRO. Higher VR-12 MCS was significantly associated with better 1-year HOOS-Pain and HOOS-PS, while current and former smokers had worse 1-year outcomes than those who never smoked. In ranking each variable’s relative importance, baseline HOOS-Pain and HOOS-PS and baseline VR-12 MCS were identified as the strongest predictors of 1-year HOOS-Pain and HOOS-PS in our multivariable model. Conclusion: During hip arthroscopy for FAI, patient factors, including baseline hip pain and function, mental health, and smoking, were independently associated with 1-year PROs of hip pain and function, while intra-articular pathology such as the presence of labral tear and its treatment, tear size, tear location, and anchors placed were not independently associated.