Publications by authors named "McCURDY R"

Introduction: Naming difficulties are commonly reported in the acute and subacute stages of recovery of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and across severity levels. Previous studies, however, have used samples of mixed chronicity (acute and chronic) and severity (mild and severe) and then aggregated data across individuals from these distinct groups. Thus, we have little knowledge about the persistence of naming difficulties into the chronic stage of recovery in individuals with moderate-severe TBI.

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Purpose: The purpose of this viewpoint was to advocate for increased study of semantic memory ability in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Method: We review modern conceptualizations of semantic memory and its neural correlates and discuss how common neuroanatomical and cognitive deficits in TBI place this population at an increased risk for semantic disruption. Building on discussions at the 2024 International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference, we offer possible explanations for how these disruptions may have been overlooked by our field and offer examples of how semantic memory has been studied in other populations as well as how this work may apply to TBI research.

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  • This study investigates whether the type of skin incision used in cesarean deliveries (Cohen vs. Pfannenstiel) affects maternal health outcomes in obese pregnant individuals (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m).
  • Conducted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from 2016 to 2020, the research initially aimed to enroll 284 participants but was cut short after only 72 were randomized due to recruitment issues.
  • The majority of participants were severely obese and had significant health issues, but the results regarding differences in maternal morbidity between the two incision types remain uncertain due to the early termination of the study.
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  • The study presents a method for integrating low-energy zero-modes into graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) to create materials with custom electronic properties for nanoelectronics.
  • The researchers successfully synthesized [3]triangulene-GNRs, which are chains of linked [3]triangulenes, demonstrating a narrow band gap of about 0.7 eV and the existence of topological end states verified by scanning tunneling spectroscopy.
  • Through theoretical calculations, the work reveals the mechanisms behind the selective synthesis and the role of gold-carbon bonds in the polymerization process on surfaces.
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The low-energy electronic structure of nanographenes can be tuned through zero-energy π-electron states, typically referred to as zero-modes. Customizable electronic and magnetic structures have been engineered by coupling zero-modes through exchange and hybridization interactions. Manipulation of the of such states, however, has not yet received significant attention.

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  • * Synthesis of metallic GNRs has been challenging due to strict structural rules and limited control over the building blocks used in their construction.
  • * A new method is reported that creates regular GNRs with strong metallic properties by incorporating a special superlattice structure, which has been confirmed through theoretical models and experimental techniques.
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Background: In twin pregnancies where the presenting twin is not cephalic, cesarean delivery is the standard of care. External cephalic version (ECV) has been used for malpresenting singleton pregnancies with low risk of complications. ECV in twin pregnancies is poorly studied.

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  • The study focuses on creating spin imbalance in engineered graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) which leads to magnetic moments within their unit cells.
  • Researchers demonstrate a one-dimensional Kondo spin chain formed by a specific type of GNR, which interacts with a gold substrate, resulting in unique electronic properties.
  • Scanning tunneling microscopy and theoretical calculations reveal the presence of Kondo resonance and strong exchange coupling between the magnetic centers in the GNR, highlighting its potential for spintronic applications.
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The number of individuals affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) is growing globally. TBIs may cause a range of physical, cognitive, and psychiatric deficits that can negatively impact employment, academic attainment, community independence, and interpersonal relationships. Although there has been a significant decrease in the number of injury related deaths over the past several decades, there has been no corresponding reduction in injury related disability over the same time period.

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  • The study introduces a hybrid bottom-up synthesis technique called Matrix-Assisted Direct (MAD) transfer for creating graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) that combines the advantages of solution-based and on-surface approaches.
  • This method allows for precise control over critical structural properties, translating them effectively into the resulting GNRs.
  • The research showcases the synthesis of unique structures such as chevron-type GNRs and nitrogen-doped armchair GNRs, which could not be achieved using conventional synthesis methods alone.
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The design and fabrication of robust metallic states in graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are challenging because lateral quantum confinement and many-electron interactions induce electronic band gaps when graphene is patterned at nanometer length scales. Recent developments in bottom-up synthesis have enabled the design and characterization of atomically precise GNRs, but strategies for realizing GNR metallicity have been elusive. Here we demonstrate a general technique for inducing metallicity in GNRs by inserting a symmetric superlattice of zero-energy modes into otherwise semiconducting GNRs.

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Adolescence is an important ontogenetic period that is characterized by behaviors such as enhanced novelty-seeking, impulsivity, and reward preference, which can give rise to an increased risk for substance use. While substance use rates in adolescence are generally on a decline, the current rates combined with emerging trends, such as increases in e-cigarette use, remain a significant public health concern. In this review, we focus on the neurobiological divergences associated with adolescent substance use, derived from a cross-sectional, retrospective, and longitudinal studies, and highlight how the use of these substances during adolescence may relate to behavioral and neuroimaging-based outcomes.

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Background: Currently, all obese women in the United States (US) are recommend to gain the same amount of weight during pregnancy, regardless of class of obesity. Limited literature has looked at the risk of cesarean, and possible mitigation of this risk, by specific class of obesity.

Objective: To determine the influence of weight gain on the odds of cesarean delivery for obese women (as determined by pre-pregnancy body mass index [BMI]), by class of obesity.

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The incorporation of nanoscale pores into a sheet of graphene allows it to switch from an impermeable semimetal to a semiconducting nanosieve. Nanoporous graphenes are desirable for applications ranging from high-performance semiconductor device channels to atomically thin molecular sieve membranes, and their performance is highly dependent on the periodicity and reproducibility of pores at the atomic level. Achieving precise nanopore topologies in graphene using top-down lithographic approaches has proven to be challenging due to poor structural control at the atomic level.

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Objective: To determine the risk of wound complications by skin incision type in obese women undergoing cesarean delivery. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, and Ovid) were searched from their inception through August 2018. We included all randomized controlled trials and cohort studies reporting the placement of skin incision during cesarean section in obese women, defined as those with BMI ≥30 kg/m.

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Background: An obstetrician on standby assessed an 18-year-old primiparous captive gorilla with a term singleton fetus with a protracted labor course.

Case: After it was determined that an arrest of descent had occurred, a viable, 2,280 g male neonate was delivered through an operative vaginal birth with forceps assistance without major complications.

Conclusion: Given the numerous anatomic and biochemical similarities of humans and other great apes, it is possible that the high maternal mortality and stillbirth rates of gorillas could be reduced by using the same principles of obstetric management in a multidisciplinary fashion.

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Objective: Decreasing the primary cesarean delivery rate and associated maternal and fetal complications is a priority for obstetric care providers. External cephalic version (ECV) is a procedure recommended for women with singleton pregnancies where the fetus is malpresenting to avoid vaginal breech delivery, which is inherently riskier than cesarean delivery. However, little is known about this procedure in the context of twin gestations.

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Necessary nonobstetric surgical procedures should not be withheld from pregnant women for fear of risks to the women and their pregnancies; however, careful preoperative planning should be undertaken to mitigate risks that may be present. Fetal monitoring recommendations will be dependent on the woman's preferences, gestational age of the pregnancy, and situational-specific risks (including anticipated risk of cardiovascular instability). Some fetal heart rate changes (lower baseline, less variability) can be anticipated, depending on anesthetic agents utilized during the procedure, and should not routinely prompt delivery.

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Limited data are available on fetal monitoring during non-obstetric surgery in pregnancy. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the incidence of emergent cesarean delivery performed for non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns during non-obstetric surgery. Electronic databases were searched from their inception until October 2018 without limit for language.

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Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide; evidence-based strategies to decrease preterm birth are desperately needed. The purpose of this study was to estimate which of three strategies for screening for shortened cervix in asymptomatic low-risk women is the most cost-effective in terms of prevention of preterm birth and associated morbidity. A decision analysis model was developed from available published evidence comparing three strategies in screening asymptomatic low-risk women for shortened cervix: (1) cervicometer with subsequent referral for transvaginal ultrasound, (2) transvaginal ultrasound screening, and (3) no screening.

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Purpose: Residents in obstetrics and gynecology are deemed to be proficient in transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) upon graduation, although TVUS education in residency is not standardized. The objective of this study is to assess for improvement in TVUS knowledge among residents after viewing an educational DVD.

Methods: This is a multisite prospective randomized controlled trial using an educational DVD ("Gynecology: Beginners Only"), compared to routine education.

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Objective: To explore (1) long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) use and (2) future contraceptive preferences in Sub-Saharan African adolescents as undesired pregnancies in Sub-Saharan African adolescents are associated with significant maternal/neonatal morbidity.

Methods: Nationally-representative Demographic and Health Surveys (USAID) obtained informed consent and interviewed 45,054 adolescents, including 19,561 (43.4% of total) sexually active adolescents (aged 15-19) from 18 least developed Sub-Saharan African nations regarding contraception (years 2005-2011, response rate 89.

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Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) can cause devastating pregnancy outcomes. Perinatal prognosis may be improved by intrauterine transfusion, but the appropriate management for these pregnancies remains unclear. To determine the recurrence risk of FMH after intrauterine transfusion, we performed a systematic review of all case reports/series of patients with proven FMH treated with intrauterine transfusion and who had subsequent follow-up of at least 72 h until delivery.

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We demonstrate a highly efficient thermal conversion of four differently substituted polydiacetylenes (PDAs 1 and 2a-c) into virtually indistinguishable N = 8 armchair graphene nanoribbons ([8]GNR). PDAs 1 and 2a-c are themselves easily accessed through photochemically initiated topochemical polymerization of diynes 3 and 4a-c in the crystal. The clean, quantitative transformation of PDAs 1 and 2a-c into [8]GNR occurs via a series of Hopf pericyclic reactions, followed by aromatization reactions of the annulated polycyclic aromatic intermediates, as well as homolytic bond fragmentation of the edge functional groups upon heating up to 600 °C under an inert atmosphere.

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Objective: There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that the surgical technique for uterine closure following Cesarean delivery influences the healing of the Cesarean scar, but there is still no consensus on the optimal technique. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effect of single- vs double-layer uterine closure on the risk of uterine scar defect.

Methods: MEDLINE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.

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