bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A survey of the psychiatric care provided for medically ill older adults in general hospitals in New Zealand
Authors: Hopkins John R , Skudder Ella , Sundram Frederick , Cullum Sarah
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct an in-depth survey of the psychiatric care provided for medically ill older adults in general hospitals in New Zealand (NZ).

Method

As part of a larger survey of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) services for all ages in NZ (CLPSNZ-2), a 44-question survey was emailed to clinicians who were involved in providing psychiatric care for medically ill older adults at each of the 16 general hospitals with designated CLP services.

Results

Responses were obtained from 22 services at 16 hospitals – 14 CLP services and eight Psychiatry of Old Age (POA) in-reach services. These services were found to be under-resourced, operate with highly variable service models, and predominantly provide inpatient consultations. Services could be conceptualised as six prototypes with variations of POA in-reach to hospitals, scope of CLP cover and collaboration between services.

Conclusion

The heterogeneity in the psychiatric care for medically ill older adults in NZ means that there is an urgent need to develop more consistent CLP service models that better serve the specialist needs of older adults, and establish the policies, resources and standards needed to support them.
Nasal trichosporonosis in 2 mixed-breed ewes
Authors: Fredriks Deanna , Grissett-Hardwick Gretchen , Baumgartner Wes
Published: June 2023

Two adult mixed-breed ewes were presented with a 2-wk history of upper respiratory disease. Both animals were depressed, with bilateral serosanguineous nasal discharge and harsh bronchovesicular sounds accompanied by crackles and wheezes on auscultation. One animal was recumbent and was euthanized at presentation. The other animal with similar signs, as well as exophthalmos, was euthanized because of a mass in the nasal passages. On autopsy, severe pyogranulomatous and necrotizing ethmoidal rhinitis with focal pyogranulomatous pneumonia was diagnosed in both animals. An intralesional fungal organism was identified in the nares and lungs of both animals. The organism could not be isolated via fungal culture but was identified as Trichosporon sp. by a PCR assay. Trichosporon spp. are rarely associated with disease in veterinary medicine. This ubiquitous fungus might cause disease following trauma to the nasal passages or secondary to immunocompromise.
Moves and Images: A Multimodal Genre Analysis of Web-Based Crowdfunding Proposals
Authors: Feng Haiying , Song Chengfang , Li Lin
Published: June 2023

This article presents a multimodal genre analysis of crowdfunding proposals, an emerging web-based genre for raising funds from internet crowds for a project or venture. Based on an analysis of nine most-funded Kickstarter crowdfunding proposals, the authors describe the generic move structure using a semiotic approach and examine the role of visual images in constructing meaning within and across moves. The analysis shows that visual images facilitate potential backers’ sense-making in basically two dimensions: rhetorically, functioning to persuade by establishing ethos, logos, and pathos, and compositionally, helping achieve cohesion within and between moves and facilitate move mixing, embedding, and positioning. This study also attests a case-based approach to examining multiple influences on genre emergence.
A Review of Topical Sirolimus for the Treatment of Facial Angiofibromas in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Dao Diem-Phuong D. , Pixley Jessica N. , Akkurt Zeynep M. , Feldman Steven R.
Published: June 2023

Objective:

This article assesses the efficacy, safety, pharmacology, and clinical applications of topical sirolimus 0.2% gel for the treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)–associated facial angiofibromas.

Data sources:

A review of the literature was conducted using the Medline (PubMed) and EMBASE databases using the keywords topical sirolimus, rapamycin, Hyftor, and tuberous sclerosis.

Study selection and data extraction:

Articles written in English and relevant to the topic were included.

Data synthesis:

In the phase 2 trial, the mean improvement factor, a composite measure of improved tumor size and redness, was achieved in all patient groups ( P < 0.001) with significant responses among the adult and pediatric subgroups at week 12. There were no serious adverse events recorded. In the phase 3 trial, 60% of participants responded to treatment in the sirolimus group compared with 0% in the placebo group with different response rates between the adult and pediatric subgroups at week 12. Sirolimus gel had no serious adverse events, and dry skin was the most common adverse reaction. Patients who had completed the 12-week trials were then enrolled in a long-term trial; angiofibromas had response rates of 78.2% to 0.2% sirolimus gel.

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice in comparison to existing drugs:

Topical sirolimus 0.2% is a first-in-class, newly Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor that is a promising and safe, noninvasive alternative to surgical procedures for TSC-associated angiofibromas.

Conclusions:

Topical sirolimus 0.2% gel is a moderately effective treatment for TSC-associated facial angiofibromas with an adequate safety profile.
Decent Work and Self Determination Needs: Exploring Relational Workplace Civility as a Moderator
Authors: Smith Camille M. , Allan Blake A. , Blustein David L.
Published: June 2023

Psychology of working theory (PWT) posits that having decent work, or work that meets the minimum necessary standards to promote adequate work lives, predicts whether one’s self-determination needs are met (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). While this proposition is well supported in the literature, examining moderators of these relations would advance theory by identifying who is able to benefit from decent work. Therefore, the current study examined workplace relational civility (WRC) as a potential moderator of decent work and self-determination needs among a large sample of working adults. Results were consistent with previous literature in that higher levels of decent work predicted greater self-determination need fulfillment. Furthermore, WRC significantly moderated the relations from decent work to relatedness and competence. Specifically, decent work had a stronger relation to both needs when WRC was low, suggesting that people working in relationally toxic work environments derive greater benefit from decent work.
Predictors of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation Emergent Large-Vessel Occlusion in the Older Adults
Authors: Zhai Guojie , Song Jiaxing , Yu Nizhen , Guo Changwei , Liu Shuai , Yue Chengsong , Yang Dahong , Xie Dongjing , Liu Xiang , Yu Shuye , Lei Lei
Published: June 2023

Few studies have reported the clinical outcomes of older adult patients with acute anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO) who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Therefore, we investigated the safety, functional outcomes, and predictors of MT for anterior circulation LVO in older adults. We enrolled patients with acute anterior circulation LVO from May 2018 to October 2021 in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into older (≥80 years) and young (<80 years) groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses determined the safety, functional outcomes, and predictors of MT for anterior circulation LVO. We divided 1182 patients with acute ischemic stroke into young (18-79 years; 1028 patients) and older (≥80 years; 154 patients) groups. Compared with the young group, the older group had more unfavorable functional outcomes and increased mortality ( P = .003). In the older adult patients, lower initial NIHSS score and higher ASPECTS were correlated with good outcomes. On the contrary, higher initial NIHSS score and lower ASPECTS were related to increased mortality. No difference was detected in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 48 h between two groups. Increasing age was associated with lower rates of favorable functional outcomes and higher mortality rates. The lower initial NIHSS score combined with the higher ASPECTS may predict functional outcomes post-thrombectomy in older adults.
Acoustic metamaterial composed of zigzag channel and micro-perforated plate for enhanced low-frequency sound absorption
Authors: Zhang Tongtao , Wu Fengmin , Bai Chungeng , An Kexin , Wang Junjun , Yang Bin , Zhang Dong
Published: June 2023

We propose the theoretical design and experimental authentication of an ultrathin sound absorber consisting of a perforated plate and a back cavity with zigzag channels for realizing high-efficiency and broadband absorption of low-frequency sound. The dependence of the absorption performance on the structural parameters is analyzed, which suggests the possibility of decreasing the peak frequency of resonance noise absorption with equal compactness of device. Based on this, we propose a hybrid design composed of multiple structures with different parameters to effectively expand the working bandwidth, and propose to further optimize the low-frequency absorption performance by adjusting the inclined partitions in the zigzag channel. The experimental results show that nearly 100% sound absorption is obtained at the resonance frequency (< 500 Hz) with an absorber 30 times thinner than the wavelength. We envision our designed sound absorber with deep-subwavelength size, broadband functionality, and easy fabrication to find wide applications in noise control engineering.
Alcohol Withdrawal Assessment Tool (AWAT) Reliability and Validity: Implications for Nurses Caring for Inpatients With Mental Health Disorders
Authors: Davis Carmen R. , Keen Alyson , Compton Lauren , Rader Tiffany , Harbison Rachel , Twibell Renee
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND:

Alcohol use affects 14.5 million Americans and high prevalence of use and potential for withdrawal among hospitalized patients presents a challenge for health care professionals to anticipate and manage effectively. Due to the acuity and fast-paced nature of the hospital environment, nurses need assessment tools that can be readily completed and drive efficient protocol-based treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine psychometric properties of the alcohol withdrawal assessment tool (AWAT).

AIMS:

The aims were to examine AWAT (1) reliability, (2) validity, and (3) usability.

METHODS:

Patients ( n = 55) and nurses ( n = 47) were recruited from six hospitals within one health care system in the Midwest. Psychometric testing included inter-rater reliability and criterion-related validity testing, using the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale-Revised (CIWA-Ar) as a comparison. Usability was assessed with a 5-item Likert-type scale.

RESULTS:

Findings supported strong agreement (ICC: .931) between raters on the AWAT and a moderate correlation (Pearson r: .548) between scores on the AWAT and CIWA-Ar. Nurses agreed/strongly agreed that the AWAT took 2 min or less to complete ( n = 42; 89%), was easy to use for assessment ( n = 42; 89%) was easy to learn ( n = 40; 85%), and they were confident using the AWAT ( n = 39; 83%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Study findings provide evidence of reliability, validity, and usability of the AWAT in the hospital setting. The AWAT has potential to improve assessment efficiency and nurses caring for inpatients with mental health disorders should consider implementing the tool into practice.
A New Classification of Sexual Homicide Offenders: When the Heterogeneity of Types Allows the Detection of Potential Serial Offenders
Authors: Oligny Kelly-Ann , Gauthier Alexandre , Ménard Ingrid , James Jonathan
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to detect nonserial sexual-homicide offenders whose profile indicates a potential to become serial sexual-homicide offenders. Two Two-Step Cluster Analysis were performed, one for the nonserials ( n = 87), and one for the serials ( n = 33). Six types of sexual murderers were identified: four types of nonserials ( sexual nonsadistic, sadistic, angry, and sexual opportunistic), and two types of serials ( severe sadistic and psychopathic). These analyses indicated a perfect match between the sadistic and the severe sadistic. The identified types were subjected to comparative analyses (Chi-Square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests) based on modus operandi characteristics and were compared to previous sexual-offender typologies.
Empowering Consumers Through Self-Service Technology: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kim Bona , Chen Yong
Published: June 2023

This study tests consumer evaluations of services with the adoption of self-service technology (SST) in the hospitality service context. We revised the conventional consumer evaluation model by incorporating the concept of consumer empowerment to capture the consumer experience with the technology. This model was tested in a two-stage process using data collected from the consumers of clubhouses in Singapore before and after the adoption of SST. We found that structural relationships among service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty were established with consistent pre- and post-adoption, and that consumer empowerment has positive effects on service quality, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. Moreover, the adoption of SST increased customer loyalty but did not increase service quality or customer satisfaction. The study’s results suggest that the focus when adopting SST should be on empowering consumers, which should also be incorporated into managing customer satisfaction.
Interaction With Cutting-Edge Technologies: A Bibliometric Analysis and a Theoretical Framework
Authors: Cao Limei , Yang Qi
Published: June 2023

In hospitality and tourism research, cutting-edge technologies (CETs) are receiving growing attention. However, most reviews on CETs focus on specific types of CETs and are devoid of theories focusing on the stakeholders–CETs interaction. Consequently, a comprehensive review and an integrated theoretical framework from an interaction perspective is necessary. To address this gap, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of 554 articles published between 2003 and 2023 to identify three research clusters and key entities of CETs. Moreover, drawing on stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory and media equation theory, we built a new integrated theoretical framework for understanding the stakeholders’ interaction with the CETs. The focus of this new framework centers on how CETs’ representations and CETs’ types directly and indirectly interact to affect stakeholders’ outcomes. This study represents the first attempt to combine bibliometric and qualitative analysis, contributing to a forward-thinking review and theoretical building that accelerates and enhances research in CETs.
Learning through games: Facilitating meaning-making in online exchanges
Authors: Cherrington Ruth , Manolchev Constantine , Alexander Allen , Fishburn Jessica
Published: June 2023

Over 60 years of scholarship have been dedicated to describing meaning-making processes through which organisational learning occurs. Recently, researchers have considered the creation of shared meaning-making through prolonged and co-located interactions situated in the context of a community. The spread of hybrid working has had an adverse impact on several of these meaning-making processes, disrupting knowledge-sharing ecosystems and organisational learning overall. In this article, we explore ways of facilitating knowledge-sharing against such disruption. To maximise the efficiency of verbal communication, we introduce Basil Bernstein’s socio-linguistic approach of learning as the emergence and consolidation of verbal codes. We trial the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method as a means of facilitating the emergence and consolidation of such verbal codes in five online workshops with manufacturing businesses. We find that the emergence of verbal codes can be facilitated through the use of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method. We also find that code consolidation is a much more spontaneous process, and we observe this in the final reflection stage of the workshops. Our study offers insights into the process of meaning-making in online exchanges and has implications for organisations seeking to manage hybrid or fully remote workforces, as well as the wider field of organisational learning.
The mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between resilience and distress and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pakenham Kenneth I , Landi Giulia , Grandi Silvana , Tossani Eliana
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of psychological flexibility in mediating the beneficial effects of resilience on distress and quality of life (QoL) in people with MS (PwMS). The psychological flexibility framework underpinning acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) was used to conceptualise psychological flexibility. A total of 56 PwMS completed an online survey that assessed global psychological flexibility and each of its six core sub-processes, resilience, distress, mental and physical health QoL, socio-demographics, and illness variables. Mediation analyses showed that, as hypothesised, higher levels of global psychological flexibility and its sub-processes were associated with increases in the positive impacts of resilience on distress and mental and physical health QoL via a mediational mechanism. These findings suggest that psychological flexibility skills build resilience capacities in PwMS. The psychological flexibility framework offers an ACT-based intervention pathway to build resilience and enhance mental health and QoL in PwMS.
“The biggest thing you can rob is somebody's time”: Exploring how the carceral state bankrupts fathers through temporal debt
Authors: Henson Abigail
Published: June 2023

Over the last several decades, research has demonstrated the adverse impact incarceration has on sustaining and strengthening familial bonds. Physical and communication barriers are often noted as lead sources of strain in relationships between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. Studies have shown that the financial burden of prison can also have deleterious impacts on the family reintegration process upon release, particularly for minoritized populations. The current study adds to the discussion on collateral consequences of the carceral state by introducing temporal debt; a novel concept similar to financial debt in that it results from oppressive policies and builds over generations. Findings detail how the carceral state impacts fathers’ regard for temporal provision and enters Black men into a cycle of temporal poverty. The results encourage readers to consider novel means of addressing harm and violence to decrease the perpetuation of familial harm committed by the criminal legal system beyond reformist efforts that often aim to ease parenting from prison.
Variational approach and experimental investigation of the phase-field model predicting brittle fracture
Authors: Fraj Boutheina Ben , Hentati Hamdi , Messaoudi Imen , Amar Mounir Ben , Haddar Mohamed
Published: June 2023

Cracks are described as sharp and diffusive surfaces in failure mechanical models. In this paper, a finite element model is developed by using a diffusive description of crack discontinuities. The main objective of this study is to prove the accuracy of the phase-field model in which the alternate minimization iteration and the spectral decomposition formulation are considered. We conduct a set of benchmark numerical tests on notched specimens using the phase-field model, which allows the prediction of the quasi-brittle failure. The fracture surface is approximated by a diffusive field, which interpolates between undamaged and fully damaged states. A mechanical loading was applied on quenched C90 steel and different obtained crack patterns are discussed. Microstructural analyses are performed to prove the accuracy of the proposed numerical approach. Through the determination of microstructural properties of untreated and quenched C90 steel, it is concluded that the presence of the micro-cracks may have a great influence on the crack path evolution.
Co-optimization of operating parameters, fuel composition, and piston bowl geometry of gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engine at high loads
Authors: Zhang Pengwei , Duan Huiquan , Xu Guangfu , Li Yaopeng , Jia Ming
Published: June 2023

Focusing on the gasoline compression ignition (GCI) combustion mode, the operating parameters, fuel composition, and piston bowl geometry were collaboratively optimized at high loads to improve engine performance. A meliorative genetic algorithm coupled with a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program was adopted as the optimization tool. The optimal GCI combustion strategy is summarized based on the optimization results, and the key parameters affecting engine performance at high loads are further analyzed. The results show that the employment of the open-type piston bowl, high-reactivity fuel, and late start of injection (SOI) is desirable for GCI engines at high loads. Under this strategy, fuel burns in multiple stages, which can reduce the heat release rate and advance the combustion phase. The width of the piston bowl is the geometric parameter with the most notable impact on GCI combustion. Due to the weaker turbulent kinetic energy and the smaller surface area, the larger piston bowl width is conducive to diminishing the heat transfer losses of the engine and promoting the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. Relative to the optimal case, the strategy with the open-type piston bowl, high-reactivity fuel, and early SOI can reduce fuel consumption but results in a higher in-cylinder pressure rise rate and increased ringing intensity (RI). On the contrary, the re-entrant type piston bowl, low-reactivity fuel, and late SOI can significantly reduce the pressure rise rate and RI while deteriorating thermal efficiency.
Feasibility evaluation and optimization of liquefied petroleum direct injection (LPDI) conversion engine for low pollutant emission vehicles
Authors: Woo Seungchul , Kwon Seokjoo , Oh Sedoo , Seo Youngho , Lee Kihyung
Published: June 2023

Owing to environmental regulations and energy issues, the development of low-emission and high-efficiency vehicles is required. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a representative low-pollutant fuel and the third most commonly used fuel for internal combustion engines worldwide. In this study, we propose to convert the existing gasoline direct injection (GDI) to liquefied petroleum direct injection (LPDI) as the simplest way to reduce pollutant emissions from the exhaust gases of internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV). The conventional GDI engine fuel system was converted to an LPG system, and the pollutant emissions and three-way catalyst conversion efficiency were analyzed. As a result of fuel conversion, a phenomenon occurred in which the three-way catalyst did not operate normally under some operating conditions. By calibrating the fuel pressure signal by signal converter to increase the pressure in the high pressure fuel rail, the three-way catalyst was normalized. Finally, by adjusting the fuel rail pressure of the LPDI conversion engine, the optimization was performed, and the engine performance was evaluated.
Elsewhere like here: heterotopias in Han Song’s science fiction
Authors: Aloisio Loïc
Published: June 2023

This article focuses on the Chinese science fiction writer Han Song who often uses heterotopias in his work. I will use this concept to illustrate how Han Song uses these ‘other places’ for the emplotment of his stories to better reflect on the society and epoch described in his works. Indeed, Han Song often chooses the symbols of modernity put forward by the Chinese government as heterotopias and then distorts them to show the dark side of the government’s ideals, hence countering the official discourse. To do so Han Song has a particular way of emploting these heterotopias: he starts his stories right in the middle of reality before leading the reader towards a succession of exponential distortions of reality, while punctuating his text with references to Chinese history and current events, Han Song’s heterotopias hence encompassing many aspects of Chinese past and present society.
Clinical Features and Prognosis of Uncommon Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of 82 Cases
Authors: Zhang Yusi , Sun Chenyu , Yau Vicky , Chen Shuanglong , Yang Qingmo , Chen Wenlin , Lowe Scott , Bentley Rachel , Ouyang Zhong
Published: June 2023

With the improvement of diagnostic techniques, numerous uncommon metastases derived from breast cancer were reported. However, very few studies explored the clinical characteristics and prognostic patterns of these patients. A total of 82 cases of uncommon metastatic breast cancer (MBC) registered at our hospital from January 1, 2010, to July 1, 2022, were selected for this retrospective study. The diagnoses of uncommon metastases were based on pathology, and the potential prognostic indicators (overall survival [OS], uncommon disease-free interval [uDFI], and remaining survival [RS]) were estimated. The uncommon metastases involved distant soft tissue, parotid gland, thyroid, digestive system, urinary system, reproductive system, bone marrow, and pericardium. Stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis indicates age ≤ 35 is an independent risk factor of poor outcome of OS, uDFI, and RS in uncommon MBC patients. Meanwhile, uncommon metastasis combined with common visceral metastasis is an independent risk factor for poor RS of uncommon MBC patients, with a hazard ratio of 6.625 (95% confidence interval = 1.490-29.455, P = .013). Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed that uncommon MBC patients who developed bone-only metastasis survived longer than those concomitant with common visceral metastasis ( P = .029). Although the incidence is low, uncommon MBC may involve multiple metastatic sites. The delayed diagnosis of uncommon metastases could lead to systemic progression of the disease. However, patients who only develop uncommon metastasis have a significantly better prognosis than that of those combined with common visceral metastasis. Even for those complicated by bone-only metastasis, active treatment of bone metastases can still achieve substantially longer survival.
Wogonin, as a potent anticancer compound: From chemistry to cellular interactions
Authors: Tuli Hardeep Singh , Rath Prangya , Chauhan Abhishek , Parashar Gaurav , Parashar Nidarshana Chaturvedi , Joshi Hemant , Rani Isha , Ramniwas Seema , Aggarwal Diwakar , Kumar Manoj , Rana Rashmi
Published: June 2023

Chinese native medicine Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, also referred to as Chinese skullcap or Huang-Qin, is frequently used to treat cancer, viral infections, and seizures. This plant’s abundance of flavones (wogonoside) and their related aglycones (wogonin) is responsible for many of its pharmacologic effects. A significant ingredient in S. baicalensis that has been the subject of the most research is wogonin. Numerous preclinical investigations revealed that wogonin suppresses tumor growth by cell cycle arrest, stimulating cell death and preventing metastasis. This review focuses on a complete overview of published reports that suggest chemopreventive action of wogonin and the mechanistic insights behind these neoplastic activities. It also emphasizes the synergistic improvements made by wogonin in chemoprevention. The factual data in this mini-review stimulate additional research on chemistry and toxicological profile of wogonin to confirm its safety issues. This review will encourage researchers to generalize the merits of wogonin to be used as potential compound for cancer treatment.
HIV and STI Testing Among South Asian Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States
Authors: Sharma Akshay , Lacombe-Duncan Ashley , Sallabank Gregory
Published: June 2023

South Asian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the United States are subsumed under the broad, heterogeneous category of Asian GBMSM in national surveillance systems. Disaggregated data on their rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing are not publicly reported. This is problematic as the diversity of ancestries, cultures, and customs across subgroups of Asian GBMSM may contribute to differential HIV and STI testing experiences. To address this deficit in knowledge, 115 South Asian GBMSM recruited through social media advertising and peer referral were surveyed about their patterns of HIV and STI testing. In the past 6 months, almost two-thirds ( n = 72, 62.61%) had two or more male sex partners, and more than a quarter ( n = 33, 28.70%) had condomless anal sex with two or more male partners. In the past year, more than one in four ( n = 32, 27.83%) had not been tested for HIV, and more than two in five ( n = 47, 40.87%) had not been tested for STIs. The prevalence of past-year HIV and STI testing was lower among participants aged ≥35 years and those who had never used pre-exposure prophylaxis. Participants who were partnered were less likely to have been tested for HIV, and those who were born outside the United States were less likely to have been tested for STIs in the past year. Findings highlight gaps in domestic HIV- and STI-prevention efforts with respect to adequately engaging South Asian GBMSM and suggest that some segments of this subgroup may benefit from targeted outreach.
Association between IL-25, IL-33 and atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Boyang , Yue Xueping , Liang Surong , Shang Shuai , Xiang Lujing , Zhou Kefei , Li Linfeng
Published: June 2023

Objective: To evaluate the association between IL-25, IL-33 and AD more generally. Methods: Databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, CNKI and Sinomed were searched. Based on the criteria, publications were collected. The evaluation of study quality was through Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Fixed or random effect model was selected according to the between-study heterogeneity to evaluate the association. The analysis procedure and the construction plots were using Review Manager 5.3 software. Results: Six studies were included. A total of 282 subjects were included from four studies to analyze the association between IL-25 and AD. The level of IL-25 was significantly elevated in AD patients, comparing with the control subjects (SMD = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.64, 1.14, p < 0.05). For IL-33, a total of 247 subjects were included from two studies, and the level of IL-33 was also significantly elevated in AD patients comparing to the control subjects (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.80, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The serum levels of IL-25, IL-33 are elevated in AD patients of this study. The IL-25 and IL-33 are significantly associated with the risk of AD. Further studies with larger samples, in multiple countries and focused on different age groups are need.
Relationship between parent–adolescent communication and parent involvement in adolescent Type 1 diabetes management, parent/family wellbeing and glycaemic control
Authors: Benson Ailbhe , Rawdon Caroline , Tuohy Ella , Murphy Nuala , McDonnell Ciara , Swallow Veronica , Gallagher Pamela , Lambert Veronica
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study investigated the relationship between parent-reported degree of openness and extent of problems in parent–adolescent communication and parent involvement in adolescent Type 1 diabetes management, parent and family wellbeing and adolescent glycaemic control.

Methods

A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted. Parents completed measures of parent–adolescent communication, parent monitoring of diabetes care, diabetes family responsibility, parent knowledge of diabetes care, parent activation, parent diabetes distress, and diabetes family conflict.

Results

In total, 146 parents/guardians (121 mothers, mean age 46.56 years, SD 5.18) of adolescents aged 11–17 years (mean age 13.9 years, SD 1.81) with Type 1 diabetes completed the survey. Open parent–adolescent communication was significantly correlated to adolescents’ voluntarily disclosing diabetes-specific information to their parents more frequently, increased parental knowledge of their adolescent's diabetes care completion, parents feeling more capable and willing to take action in relation to their adolescent's diabetes health, lower levels of diabetes-related parental distress, less diabetes-specific family conflict, and optimal glycaemic control.

Discussion

Parent–adolescent communication has an important role to play in Type 1 diabetes healthcare management and psychosocial wellbeing during adolescence. Optimising open parent–adolescent communication represents a potentially useful target for interventional research and should be considered by healthcare professionals during healthcare encounters.
Biopsychosocial profile of women with pelvic organ prolapse: A systematic review
Authors: Carroll Louise , O’ Sullivan Cliona , Perrotta Carla , Fullen Brona M
Published: June 2023

Female pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition associated with significant impact on women’s lives from a biopsychosocial perspective. The aim of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and summarize the biopsychosocial profile of women with pelvic organ prolapse. Searches were completed from inception to October 2022 from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO and PEDro using a search string and in line with the Preferred Reporting Information for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. English language studies (randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case–control studies, qualitative research) investigating female pelvic organ prolapse and using a validated patient-reported outcome measure and validated pelvic organ prolapse objective measurement were examined. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full articles for eligibility. Data extraction included participant characteristics, pelvic organ prolapse grading and outcome measures. Risk of bias was assessed using the appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute Tool. Baseline mean score for each questionnaire or questionnaire domain in each category was presented in tertiles (low, moderate and high impact) to allow simple classification of impact. Of 8341 articles identified, 18 were included (n = 2075 women, age range = 22–85 years, parity range = 0–10). One objective outcome measure graded pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurement. Eleven validated patient-reported outcome measures were utilized; two pelvic organ prolapse-specific (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quality of Life Questionnaire), the remainder pelvic health (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Vaginal Symptoms, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7, Female Sexual Function Index, Urinary Distress Inventory-6, Kings Health Questionnaire, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7) or general health questionnaires (Short Form-36). Patient-reported outcome measures included in the review reported moderate levels of pain with sexual intercourse and low levels of bodily pain. Pelvic organ prolapse had a low to moderate impact in sleep/energy and quality of life and sexual function domains. Its impact on physical symptoms and general health perception domains was low. Patient-reported outcome measures results for physical functioning varied from low to high impact. More impact was demonstrated when using pelvic organ prolapse-specific patient-reported outcome measures. There are opportunities for improvement in the use of patient-reported outcome measures in clinical research which would facilitate increased understanding of the biopsychosocial profile of women with pelvic organ prolapse.
The Future of Decisions From Experience: Connecting Real-World Decision Problems to Cognitive Processes
Authors: Olschewski Sebastian , Luckman Ashley , Mason Alice , Ludvig Elliot A. , Konstantinidis Emmanouil
Published: June 2023

In many important real-world decision domains, such as finance, the environment, and health, behavior is strongly influenced by experience. Renewed interest in studying this influence led to important advancements in the understanding of these decisions from experience (DfE) in the last 20 years. Building on this literature, we suggest ways the standard experimental design should be extended to better approach important real-world DfE. These extensions include, for example, introducing more complex choice situations, delaying feedback, and including social interactions. When acting upon experiences in these richer and more complicated environments, extensive cognitive processes go into making a decision. Therefore, we argue for integrating cognitive processes more explicitly into experimental research in DfE. These cognitive processes include attention to and perception of numeric and nonnumeric experiences, the influence of episodic and semantic memory, and the mental models involved in learning processes. Understanding these basic cognitive processes can advance the modeling, understanding and prediction of DfE in the laboratory and in the real world. We highlight the potential of experimental research in DfE for theory integration across the behavioral, decision, and cognitive sciences. Furthermore, this research could lead to new methodology that better informs decision-making and policy interventions.
Liberalization and the volatility of gas prices: Exploring their relation in times of abundance and scarcity
Authors: Cardinale Roberto
Published: June 2023

Agencies and analysts attribute the current volatility of natural gas prices to a temporary convergence of exogenous shocks such as the post-COVID-19 economic recovery and the conflict in Ukraine. This paper hypothesizes that long-term structural and policy factors endogenous to the energy sector also play a relevant role. Through a case study of three major gas markets – UK, US, and EU – the paper finds that countries characterized by abundant domestic production are less exposed to price volatility as they benefit from lower market uncertainty and asset specificity. This encourages energy firms to outsource production and rely on more flexible and shorter-term contracts. A structural condition of abundance supported by liberalization policies and a developed infrastructure network allows energy firms to easily switch suppliers or buyers without being exposed to the opportunistic behavior of the commercial counterparty, increasing market competition and reducing prices. By contrast, import-dependent countries face greater uncertainty and asset specificity, as supplies and prices are not guaranteed and they heavily depend from trends in international markets. In this context, the contractual and structural flexibility brought about by liberalization policies may expose to further insecurity of supply and volatility of prices, as exporters are contractually disengaged from commitments on volumes and prices. In periods of international scarcity, they may redirect supplies to importers that offer a premium in price. This suggests that import-dependent countries could reduce their exposure to price volatility (i) by increasing domestic production (ii) while envisaging the coexistence of contractual models based on both market competition and vertical integration, to take advantage from low spot prices in periods of international abundance and contain the surge in periods of scarcity.
Chemical Composition of Plants of the Genus Zaluzania
Authors: Torres-Valencia J. Martín , Zeferino-Díaz Reyna , Ortiz-León Laura A. , Téllez-Reyes Miriam , Escamilla-Baños R. Inés
Published: June 2023

The chemical structure of compounds identified in species of the genus Zaluzania is reported herein, highlighting the contributions by Professor Pedro Joseph-Nathan to the chemistry of these plants. Although 36 names have been proposed for Zaluzania, only 14 species are currently accepted in the genus, and they are reported to be a rich source of sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids. Their essential oils also contain several terpenoids, especially ent-kaurene-type diterpenes. In addition, we identified the guaianolides zaluzanin A and zaluzanin B, zaluzanin C, and zaluzanin D, and the eudesmanolides ivalin and ivalin acetate as the major constituents in infusions of aerial parts of Zaluzania augusta, Zaluzania parthenioides, and Zaluzania triloba, respectively. These sesquiterpene lactones were characterized by their physical and spectroscopic data, including 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Likewise, the structures of zaluzanins C and ivalin were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The presence of guaianolides in Z. parthenioides and eudesmanolides in Z. triloba could be used as a biomarker to differentiate these 2 species, which were previously considered synonymous.
Preventing Modern Slavery Through Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: An Analysis of the U.S. Hospitality and Tourism Industry
Authors: Vaughan Yue
Published: June 2023

Despite growing international awareness and legislation, the hospitality and tourism industries are still hot spots for modern slavery due to the nature of their businesses. The purpose of this study is to explore corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures of firms in the U.S. hospitality and tourism industry and to examine what actions they have incorporated regarding protecting human rights and preventing modern slavery. Using content analysis, this study provided a benchmarking assessment from a sample of hospitality and tourism companies that were top ranked for their human rights and supply chain performance by CSRHub. A total of 30 code instruments have been classified into three main themes on combating modern slavery including formal guidelines and resources, company-wide compliances and policies, and actions.
Spontaneous absorption of osteophytic calcification associated with chronic dural tear and ventral spinal CSF leak
Authors: Rohatgi Varun K , Robbins Matthew S , Schievink Wouter I , Chazen J Levi
Published: June 2023

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypovolemia, often from a traumatic dural tear from a calcified spinal osteophyte. Visualizing osteophytes on CT imaging can guide decision making on candidate leak sites. We report the atypical case of a 41-year-old woman whose ventral CSF leak was associated with an osteophyte that resorbed over an 18-month period. Full workup and treatment were delayed due to unexpected pregnancy and completion of gestational cycle with delivery of a healthy term infant. The patient initially presented with persistent orthostatic headaches with nausea and blurred vision. Initial MRI suggested brain sagging among other findings consistent with SIH. CT myelogram showed an extensive thoracic CSF leak with a prominent ventral T11–T12 osteophyte and multiple small disc herniations. The patient did not respond to epidural blood patches and deferred additional imaging due to her pregnancy. CT myelography performed 5 months post-partum showed an absence of the osteophyte; a follow-up digital subtraction myelogram performed 10 months post-partum showed evidence of source leak at T11–T12 level. T11–T12 laminectomy visualized and repaired a 5 mm ventral dural defect with symptom resolution. This report highlights the potential for a resorbed osteophyte to be the causative agent for long-standing dural tears that do not show visible calcifications on myelography.
Nicolau syndrome associated with fluphenazine depot: A case report
Authors: Das Soumitra , Shet Vallabh , Jogarajah Thusanth , Ibrahim Abdulgafar , Reyes Marlon , Fernandez Co Elaiza Marie , Reddy Balaswamy
Published: June 2023

Nicolau syndrome is a rare condition characterized by severe pain at the site of injection, leading to ulceration and necrosis of the local tissues. Its presentation is usually acute. Nicolau syndrome is commonly seen in patients after intramuscular, intra-articular, or subcutaneous injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antibiotics, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. Immediate diagnosis and management of this syndrome are of great importance. We herein report a rare presentation of Nicolau syndrome in a 36-year-old married male who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia for the past 3 years. The patient presented with dull pain, mild swelling, and necrotic ulceration over the injection site after receiving intramuscular fluphenazine. The patient underwent wound debridement and was given prophylactic antibiotics. Despite a wide range of therapeutic options for the management of Nicolau syndrome described in the literature, there exist limited guidelines for its management.
Post-COVID-19 acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in a 51–year-old female from Nepal: A case report with literature review
Authors: Adhikari Aayush , Yadav Sushil Kumar , Kafle Yashaswi , Yadav Kundan , Nepal Gaurav , Ojha Rajeeb
Published: June 2023

There have been a growing number of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis cases following coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection. Given the rare occurrence, studies eliciting the clinical features, treatment response, and outcomes are still limited. In patients recovering from COVID-19, multifocal neurologic symptoms in the presence or absence of encephalopathy must be closely evaluated by neurologists and physicians. Early radiographic evaluation using magnetic resonance imaging and timely administration of glucocorticoid-based treatment reduces mortality and leads to satisfactory outcomes.
Are single-use flexible cystoscopes environmentally sustainable? A lifecycle analysis
Authors: Wombwell Amy , Holmes Angela , Grills Richard
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Single-use flexible cystoscopes provide a safe and cost-effective evolution to current practice. However, the environmental impact of single-use devices needs to be considered in a healthcare system that is being increasingly scrutinised for its carbon footprint. We performed a single-centre simplified lifecycle analysis to compare the carbon footprint of the single-use Ambu® aScope™ 4 Cysto System (Ambu®) with the reusable Olympus CYF-VH flexible video-cystoscope (Olympus).

Methods:

Manufacturing, transportation and waste costs were calculated for the Ambu® cystoscope. Manufacturing costs incorporating the average lifecycle of the reusable cystoscope was included in the carbon footprint calculation for the Olympus reusable cystoscope as were waste costs and re-processing costs using the Soluscope 3 automatic endoscope re-processor that is used in our centre.

Results:

Results demonstrate that Ambu® cystoscopes are a carbon-friendly alternative to reusable Olympus cystoscopes, with a 36% lower carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of the Ambu® scope is 1.43 kg CO2 compared with 2.22 kg CO2 for the reusable Olympus cystoscope. These results may vary from centre to centre depending on the cystoscope re-processor used.

Conclusion:

The Ambu® single-use flexible cystoscopes provide a carbon-friendly alternative to Olympus CYF-VH reusable cystoscopes.

Level of evidence:

IV