bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
We need autonomy! The role of job autonomy and autonomous motivation in employees’ work engagement in the outsourcing sector: A systematic mixed-method illustrative case study
Authors: Kusik Diana , Tokarz Aleksandra , Garlak Mikołaj , Kałwak Weronika 
Published: September 2024

The outsourcing sector continues to experience significant growth but is still experiencing rising voluntary turnover due to loss of employees’ engagement. This systematic mixed-method illustrative case study focuses on how leaders can stimulate employees’ work engagement in outsourcing companies. This research is the result of 1 year of intensive fieldwork in an outsourcing organization and includes quantitative data from an online survey and qualitative data from focus group discussions. The results show that employees who have a higher level of work engagement also have higher intrinsic motivation, and the strength of this prototypical autonomous motivation in predicting work engagement is higher than that of other predictors. Leadership practices and relevant behaviors were identified that can be used in interventions in outsourcing companies to stimulate employees’ intrinsic motivation and work engagement.
Preparation, characterization and thermal properties of the PS+Si based polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Shirinova HA , Surkhayli AE , Pashayev BG , Mammadov HM , Jafarov MA , Gahramanli LR 
Published: September 2024

Polymer nanocomposites based on polystyrene and polycrystalline Si nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized using the solution-casting method. The scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction methods show that the Si nanoparticle size in the obtained nanocomposite was up to 50 nm. The thermostability of the obtained nanocomposite was studied depending on the concentration of Si nanoparticles in the PS matrix. It was found that Si nanoparticles that are distributed homogeneously in the polymer matrix act as a thermal barrier. By adding 3% Si nanoparticles into polystyrene polymer, the thermal degradation temperature of PS increases by 20°, and the decomposition rate reduces from −42,460 mg/min to −35,099 mg/min. In addition, it was shown that Si nanoparticles do not affect the PS glass transition temperature, which explains that the porous Si does not reduce the free volume for the polymer molecules to move. The polymer macromolecules just are adsorbed on the porous silicon surface, which partially limits their mobility.
Paraanastomotic Aneurysms of the Abdominal Aorta: A 15-Year Experience Review
Authors: Locati P. , Socrate A. M. , Costantini E. 
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study is a retrospective review of clinical presentation and management of paraanastomotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (PAAA) surgically treated in our Department. From January 1984 to December 1998, 2183 aortic prosthetic grafts were implanted. During the same period. 24 patients were treated for PAAA, 19 false and five true aneurysms. Symptoms were present in 10 patients. Surgical management included tube grafting interposition (14), aortobifemoral bypass (2), graft removal with extraanatomic bypass (2) and with in situ revascularization by arterial homograft (4). Nine patients died during operation or in the early postoperative period, six died during follow-up. Mortality in symptomatic patients was 70%, while in asymptomatic group was 14% ( P = 0.01). Rupture of false PAAA was very frequent (47% of cases). PAAA are infrequent complications of proximal aortic graft revascularization and tend to be asymptomatic until rupture occurs. The incidence of mortality is very different in asymptomatic versus symptomatic group; rupture is particularly frequent in false PAAA, which must soon undergo surgery when diagnosed. Since PAAA may develop at any time after surgery, their incidence increase in relationship with the length of postoperative interval: therefore, all patients submitted to abdominal graft revascularization need a lifetime surveillance program.
Thromboprophylaxis in an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Proctor Mary C. , Greenfield Lazar J. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Questions regarding which patients require prophylaxis for thromboembolism, what methods should be used and the appropriate duration of treatment remain unanswered. Methods and Materials: A retrospective review from a single academic medical center was undertaken to evaluate prophylactic strategies. Multiple sources of data were used to identify patients who were prophylaxed and those who developed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. These data were analyzed to determine factors associated with successful prophylaxis including age, type of prophylaxis and admitting services. Results: A total of 22,030 patients were admitted of whom 7520 (36%) received prophylaxis and there were 523 thromboembolic events. Pneumatic compression devices and antiembolic stockings had the lowest incidence of failure, 2.2% and 3.2% respectively. There were significant differences in the rates of prophylaxis used by the five admitting services, being highest in surgery (40.8%) and lowest in gynecology (11.4%). However, these groups had the lowest incidence of venous thromboembolism (4.3%, 2.3%). Both of these groups used pneumatic compression as the method of choice (64.3% and 65.2%). Conclusions: Thromboembolism prophylaxis reduces the incidence of DVT and PE, however, our study demonstrates the variable effectiveness of each method in different types of patients. Our data suggest that patient risk of DVT should be individually assessed and an appropriate method of prophylaxis should be applied when warranted.
The Impact of Hypertension on the Operative and Early Postoperative Outcome of Aortic Valve Surgery
Authors: Tosson R. , Buchwald D. , Klak K. , Laczkovics A. 
Published: September 2024

Hypertension is a known risk factor in heart disease. It can lead to pressure overload and hypertrophy of the left ventricle. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of hypertension on the operative and early postoperative outcome after aortic valve surgery using the retrograde cardioplegia. All the data of all the patients who had aortic valve surgery in our department were retrospectively examined during the period from January 1994 until April 1996 and received retrograde blood cardioplegia. 397 patients were included in this study. 213 of them had arterial hypertension, as preoperatively diagnosed by the referring cardiologist. There were 163 females and 234 males. 142 were above 70 yr of age. 22 patients had an ejection fraction (EF) ≤0.4 and in 168 patients the LVEDP was >15 mmHg. Hypertension alone proved to be no risk factor. Decreased EF in hypertensive patients leads to an increase in the occurrence of prolonged ICU-stay, low cardiac output and neurological complications. Hypertension alone does not increase the risk of operative and early postoperative aortic valve surgery.
Immunophenotypic Analysis of the Aortic Aneurysm Wail Suggests That Vascular Dendritic Cells are Involved in Immune Responses
Authors: Bobryshev Y. V. , Lord R. S. A. , Pärsson H. 
Published: September 2024

Objective: Inflammatory infiltrates similar to those in atherosclerotic plaques are prominent in the abdominal aortic aneurysm wall. Antigen presenting vascular dendritic cells are present in both early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions but their possible participation in abdominal aortic aneurysms has not been previously examined. This study reports the presence of vascular dendritic cells in abdominal aortic aneurysms and their participation in immune responses. Methods: Samples of the anterior wall were collected from 18 atherosclerotic infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms ranging in diameter from 5–8 cm. All the patients were operated upon electively and no ruptured or rapidly expanding abdominal aortic aneurysms were included. Specimens were immediately frozen or fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Vascular dendritic cells were identified with anti-CD1a or with S-100. T cells and T cell subpopulations were identified with anti-CD3, anti-CD4 and anti-CD8. B cells were studied with anti-CD20. Analyses were carried out in sets of consecutive parallel sections immunostained with these antibodies and double immunostaining included different combinations of antigens such as CD1a/CD3, S-100/CD4, S-100/CD8. Results: Most inflammatory infiltrates were found in the adventitia. These infiltrates contained B cells (CD20+) and T cells (CD3 +) with their CD4 + and CD3 + cell subpopulations. In the aneurysm wall, CD1a + /S-100 + cells exhibiting dendritic appearance were detected and double immunostaining demonstrated that these vascular dendritic cells contained different lymphocyte populations including CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 + and CD20 + cells. In some inflammatory infiltrates, B cells (CD20 +) represented the predominant cell population (60–80%). Double immunostaining demonstrated that, in these infiltrates, vascular dendritic cells contacted CD20 + cells. Conclusions: vascular dendritic cells are involved in immune reactions in the aneurysm wall, and this process mostly occurs in the adventitia. Vascular dendritic cells contact both T cells and B cells, suggesting that these vascular dendritic cells differ from other dendritic cells, subtypes of which associate with T cells (Langerhans cells, interdigitating cells) and B cells (follicular dendritic cells).
The Results of Routine Primary Closure in Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Anderson A. , Padayachee T. S. , Sandison A. J. P. , Modaresi K. B. , Taylor P. R. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose of study: The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of restenosis following carotid endarterectomy with primary closure of the arteriotomy and to observe the natural history of disease progression in the 1st postoperative year. Methods: The study group consisted of a consecutive series of 126 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Duplex imaging was performed preoperatively and at 8 weeks, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Results: Five patients (4%) had a residual stenosis. At 12 months, the overall restenosis rate was 15%: 8.5% for males and 28.9% for females. None of these restenoses were symptomatic. There was no significant difference in the diameter of the internal carotid artery between male and female patients (U = 896, P = 0.60) and no significant difference in the diameter of the arteries that had restenosed at 12 months and those that had remained patent (U = 391, P = 0.33). Conclusions: Carotid endarterectomy with primary closure is associated with a low incidence of restenosis in men, but not in women. Criteria for selective patching should consider both gender and vessel calibre.
Familial Carotid Body Paragangliomas and Sensorineural Hearing-Loss: A New Syndrome
Authors: Lord R. S. A. , Chambers A. J. 
Published: September 2024

Background: Carotid body paragangliomas are rare tumors that are sometimes familial, the transmission of which is thought to be by genomic imprinting. We have treated a family who exhibited co-inheritance of carotid body paraganglioma and sensorineural hearing-loss, a relationship that has not been previously reported. Methods: We studied a large Australian family who exhibited familial carotid body paragangliomas, many of whose members also suffered tinnitus or hearing-loss. This relationship was examined by reviewing the medical records of family members with confirmed tumors, carrying out neck ultrasonic scanning or computed tomography on their relatives to look for previously unrecognized tumors, and arranging audiometric testing. This information was used to characterize the type of hearing-loss present in this family and to construct a pedigree for the two traits. Results: The hearing-loss observed in this family was sensorineural in character. Of 15 family members studied over four generations, eight were confirmed positive for both carotid body paraganglioma and sensorineural hearing-loss, two for the tumor only (one of whom did not have his hearing assessed) and one for hearing-loss alone. Four family members were negative for both traits. Conclusions: The pedigree provides evidence of a previously undescribed association between familial carotid body paraganglioma and sensorineural hearing-loss, a combination that appears to be co-inherited in this family.
Developments in Diagnosis and Classification of Venous Disorders: Non-Invasive Diagnosis
Authors: Lynch T. G. , Dalsing M. C. , Ouriel K. , Ricotta J. J. , Wakefield T. W. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This review examines the many techniques that have been used for the non-invasive diagnosis of acute and chronic venous disease and was conducted by members of the Committee on Research of the American Venous Forum. It proposes to identify those techniques with the greatest clinical potential, to suggest algorithms for the clinical application of non-invasive techniques in the identification of acute deep venous thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency, and to identify areas of deficient knowledge and potential areas for future research initiatives. Methods: Review of pertinent clinical and research material. Results: Impedance plethysmography and ultrasonic imaging are the primary non-invasive tools used in the diagnosis of acute deep venous thrombosis. At present, ultrasonic imaging techniques are recommended on the basis of greater diagnostic accuracy in recent comparative clinical trials. Data would suggest that serial evaluation should probably be viewed as the preferred option for symptomatic patients with a negative initial examination and the presence of risk factors or physical findings suggesting a proximal deep venous obstruction/thrombosis. Chronic venous disease is the result of valvular incompetence, with or without associated venous obstruction. Duplex imaging can be used to determine the location and extent of reflux; however, there are reported procedural variations in the performance and interpretation of such studies. Recent innovations in air plethysmography may provide a means of quantifying volume changes, and permit an objective characterization of venous reflux and calf pump efficiency. Conclusions: There are still significant questions that need to be answered by well-designed research initiatives. Research applications that incorporate non-invasive diagnostic techniques may involve the diagnosis, treatment and natural history of acute deep venous obstruction/thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency, assessment prior to and following venous reconstruction, and the basic science aspects of acute and chronic venous disease. At present, a lack of common standards is, by far, the greatest impediment to an organized research approach to venous disease.
Influence of Normothermic Systemic Perfusion Temperature on Cold Myocardial Protection during Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Birdi I. , Caputo M. , Underwood M. , Angelini G. D. , Bryan A. J. 
Published: September 2024

Objective: To determine the effect of normothermic systemic perfusion on myocardial injury when using cold cardioplegic techniques in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Method: Sixty six patients with stable angina pectoris were prospectively randomized into three groups according to cardiopulmonary bypass temperature: hypothermia (28°C, n = 22). moderate hypothermia (32°C, n = 22) and normothermia (37°C, n = 22). All patients received cold antegrade crystalloid cardioplegia and topical cooling with saline at 4°C. Serum samples were collected for troponin T and I estimation preoperatively, 4 hours after removal of the aortic cross clamp, and 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours postoperatively. In addition, serial electrocardiographic studies were undertaken on days 1, 3 and 5. Results: Patients were similar with regard to preoperative and intraoperative characteristics Four patients showed ECG changes typical of perioperative myocardial infarction but remained clinically well (28°C, one; 32°C, one; 37°C, two). In the remaining 62 patients, serum troponin T increased significantly from a mean baseline value of 0.02 ng/ml to 1.5 ± 0.9 ng/ml 4 hours after removal of the aortic cross-clamp ( P < 0.0001). Similarly, troponin I increased from 0.06 ng/ml to 0.63 ± 0.47 ng/ml 12 hours after reperfusion ( P < 0.0001). Serum concentrations of both markers subsequently declined with time but remained higher than preoperative values at 48 hours. There were no differences between the three groups with respect to peak and cumulative serum troponin release. Normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass did not compromise the efficacy of cold myocardial protection when assessed by serum troponin concentrations in low risk patients undergoing coronary revascularization.
Top end perinatal mental health consultation service: evaluation of services, patient demographics and psychosocial contributors to mental ill-health
Authors: Noel-Gough Laura , Kanakkahewa Nimalee , Mitchell David 
Published: September 2024

Objectives To understand the key descriptors of the Top End Mental Health Service, Northern Territory’s, perinatal mental health consultation service (PMHCS). Method A retrospective cross-sectional review of all referrals to the PMHCS in the 12 months period 1 January to 31 December 2021 inclusive was undertaken. The study was descriptive in nature. Results From January 2021 to December 2021, there were 266 women referred to the service. There was a large proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Mean age was 28.8 (SD = 6.04) years. A statistically significant difference was identified between the average age of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women ( n = 53, M = 24.6 years, SD = 6.31) which was significantly less than Caucasian women ( n = 161, M = 29.4037, SD = 4.982) and women of other cultural backgrounds ( n = 52, M = 31.154, SD = 6.792), p < .00,001. Sixty two percent of patients managed had a history of trauma with significantly more service contact. Conclusion This data gives insight into a unique population group. It also highlights the impact that trauma has on patient care and management.
Different Surgical Approaches to the Treatment of Cleft Palate Fistulae as Perceived by Cleft Surgeons
Authors: Smit Johannes A. , Houkes Ruben P. , Lachkar Nadia , Don Griot J. Peter W. , van der Horst Chantal M.A.M. , Tse Raymond W. , Fayyaz Ghulam Qadir , Adams Saleigh , Breugem Corstiaan C. 
Published: September 2024

Objective Palatal fistulas after palatoplasty could pose difficulties for both patients and surgeons. Numerous surgical approaches are available to treat palatal fistulas. In this manuscript, we investigate surgical treatment options for palatal fistula repair looking at the different anatomical locations, and we create a summary of surgical approaches to facilitate the decision-making process for palatal fistulae repair. Design In this cross-sectional survey, nine anonymized patient cases with palatal fistulae that differed in severity and anatomical location were presented to participants from the International Cleft Master Course in Amsterdam about “Palatal Fistulas”. Participants were invited to participate in this survey. A total of 141 participants reported their preferred surgical treatment options for fistula repair at different anatomical locations. Results We created different options for fistula treatment, catalogued by fistula location. This overview gives the surgeon possible approaches for each location. If the soft palate is involved, this overview underscores the importance of including velopharyngeal insufficiency management into the fistula repair. For hard palate involvement, our overview lists techniques available for nasal lining repair and for oral lining repair in each region. Conclusions We provide a comprehensive overview of potential surgical approaches to repair palatal fistulae. This inventory of techniques is grouped per location to support surgeons in their decision-making process when confronted with a palatal fistula.
Spectrum of Findings Seen in Patients With IDH1/2-Mutant Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kierans Andrea Siobhan , Lutfi Areeb , Afghan Maaz Khan , Khan Sahrish , Javaid Sana , Currie Brian Michael , Rocca Juan , Samstein Benjamin , Golden Encouse , Popa Elizabeta , Hissong Erika , Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza 
Published: September 2024

Background Cholangiocarcinoma—with a growing incidence rate and poor prognosis—is not an uncommon cancer. Molecular profiling can reveal actionable aberrations in at least a third of the tumors. This is especially so in the case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), where mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 genes ( IDH1/2) make up 15%–20% of these tumors. IDH1/2 mutant ICC is a rare disease that has not been adequately reported. To expand the spectrum of findings seen in these patients, we present a single institution case series. Methods and results We descriptively characterize the clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of 12 such patients. IDH1/2 mutant ICC was found in elderly women, with two-thirds of patients having additional co-mutations. Anecdotally, patients who did receive systemic and/or locoregional therapies had long-term durable outcomes. Conclusion Our findings indicate an increasing need to personalize an approach for these patients with specific molecular alterations. With the advent of the IDH1 inhibitor ivosidenib and other inhibitors in this space, IDH1/2 mutation have both prognostic and predictive value. Our series builds upon the patterns and findings seen in these patients.
The push-through total femoral prosthesis for revision of a total hip or knee replacement with extreme bone loss
Authors: Bakircioglu Sancar , Bulut Abdulkadir M , Oral Melih , Çağlar Omur , Atilla Bulent , Tokgözoğlu A Mazhar 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess outcomes of using the push-through total femoral prothesis (PTTF) for revision total hip replacement with extreme bone loss. Methods: 10 consecutive patients who received PTTF between 2012 and 2018 for revision hip arthroplasty were included in the study. Primary functional outcomes were assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS), Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores. Range of motion, complications, and ambulatory status were also recorded to assess secondary outcomes. Results: 2 of 10 patients underwent surgery with PTTF for both knee and hip arthroplasty revision. The mean time between index surgery and PTTF was 15 years (3–32 yrs). Acetabular components were revised in 6 of 10 patients during PTTF application. After a mean follow-up of 5.9 years, hip dislocations occurred in 3 patients. All of the dislocated hips were ones with retained conventional non-constrained acetabular bearings. Patient satisfaction was high (MSTS: 67%, HHS: 61.2%, TESS 64.6%) despite high re-operation rate (40%) and minor postoperative problems. Conclusions: PTTF should be considered for hip and knee arthroplasty revision procedures in patients with an extreme bone defect. Consistent usage of constrained liners should be considered to avoid hip dislocation, which was our main problem following the procedure.