bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Modeling for Highway Pavement Rutting: A Comparative Analysis of Auto-Machine Learning and Structural Equation Models
Authors: Ekmekci Mustafa , Sinanmis Renan , Woods Lee
Published: September 2023

Highway pavements deteriorate over time as successive wheel loads cause rutting, cracking, texture loss, and so forth. Design standards and pavement performance models account for some of the known contributory factors, such as levels of traffic and vehicle composition. However, such models are limited in their predictive power, and highway authorities must conduct regular pavement condition surveys rather than relying on the standard deterioration models alone. The ways in which multiple factors affect pavement deterioration, including rutting, are complex and are believed to include feedback loops where rutting then influences driving position, exacerbating the rutting levels. Standard regression models are not well suited to representing such complex causal mechanisms. This paper compares two alternative modeling approaches, structural equation models and auto-machine learning, and evaluates the predictive ability and practicalities of each. The findings indicate that auto-machine learning (AutoML) may be superior in its predictive ability. However, the “black box” nature of AutoML results makes them potentially less useful to practitioners. A process of using machine learning to help inform a structural equation model is proposed.
Correlation of Acromial Morphology With Risk and Direction of Shoulder Instability: An MRI Study
Authors: Arner Justin W. , Nolte Philip-Christian , Ruzbarsky Joseph J. , Woolson Thomas , Provencher Matthew T. , Bradley James P. , Millett Peter J.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The influence of bony morphology on the development of posterior shoulder instability is not well known.

Purpose:

To determine if acromial morphology, as measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is associated with posterior or anterior shoulder instability.

Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

MRI measurements of posterior acromial coverage (PAC), posterior acromial height (PAH), posterior acromial tilt (PAT), and anterior acromial coverage (AAC) were completed for 3 separate matched groups who underwent surgical intervention: posterior instability, anterior instability, and a comparison group of patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for snapping scapula. Inclusion criteria were patients with recurrent instability <40 years of age without multidirectional instability, glenoid bone loss >13.5%, or glenoid retroversion >10%.

Results:

Overall, 37 patients were included in each group. PAC was significantly less in the posterior instability group than in the anterior instability and comparison groups (68.3° vs 88.7° vs 81.7°; P < .001). PAH was significantly greater in the posterior group than in the anterior instability group (11.0 mm vs −0.1 mm; P < .001) and comparison group (0.7 mm; P < .001). There was no difference between the posterior and anterior groups in terms of PAT or AAC ( P = .45 and P = .05, respectively). PAT was significantly smaller in the posterior instability group than the comparison group (55.2° vs 62.2°; P = .026). The anterior and comparison groups were not significantly different in PAH or PAT ( P = .874 and P = .067, respectively) but were significantly different in AAC ( P = .026).

Conclusion:

A higher and flatter posterior acromion, as measured on preoperative MRI, appears to be associated with patients who require arthroscopic capsulolabral repair due to posterior shoulder instability. This information may help clinicians to both diagnose and predict the need for operative intervention for patients with posterior labral tears.
A Discussion of Marx’s Account of Technical Progress by Means of Wage Curves and Their Historical Evolution
Authors: Gaul Michael
Published: September 2023

Marx’s account of technical progress has been criticized by philosophers as being a metanarrative, by ecological economists as being unduly strong, by economists as being unduly weak, and by post-Sraffian authors as being ill-founded. This article discusses Marx’s account of technical progress in light of these criticisms on a conceptual, theoretical, and empirical level, relying on the apparatus of wage curves. It argues that some of the critiques cannot be sustained, since the criticized positions cannot be attributed to Marx. The remaining critiques, in turn, amount to alternative predictions on the evolution of wage curves which are, however, and in contrast to those of Marx, not in line with empirical evidence, as the estimation of wage curves for thirteen countries from 2000 to 2013 shows.

JEL Classification: B14, B24, O33
Differentiating Genetic Forms of Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia From Acquired Lesions Resembling Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia: Clinical, Neurodevelopmental, and Imaging Insight From 19 Extremely Premature Patients
Authors: Riquet Audrey , Quesque François , Charkaluk Marie-Laure , Desnoulez Laure , Neut Dorothée , Joriot Sylvie , Goze Odile , Soto Ares Gustavo , Yacoub Wael
Published: September 2023

It is well established that extreme prematurity can be associated with cerebellar lesions potentially affecting the neurologic prognosis. One of the commonly observed lesions in these cases is pontocerebellar hypoplasia resulting from prematurity, which can pose challenges in distinguishing it from genetically caused pontocerebellar hypoplasia. This confusion leads to unacceptable and prolonged diagnostic ambiguity for families as well as difficulties in genetic counseling. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the clinical and neuroradiologic features allowing to differentiate between acquired and genetic forms of pontocerebellar hypoplasia in order to guide clinical practices and improve patient care. In this regard, we report in the present manuscript the clinical, developmental, and radiologic characteristics of 19 very premature children (gestational age <28 weeks, now aged 3-14 years) with cerebellar lesions and discuss the causal mechanisms. Our findings support the notion that a combination of specific clinical and radiologic criteria is essential in distinguishing between acquired and genetic forms of pontocerebellar hypoplasia.
Monocyte-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio Together With the Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in Predicting the Malignancy of the Thyroid Nodule in Patients Complicated With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hu Yingying , Shen Yanyan , Xia Erjie , Hirachan Suzita , Bhandari Adheesh , Jin Zao
Published: September 2023

Background:

Thyroid nodules, although mostly benign and symptomless, have a small chance of being cancerous, necessitating accurate diagnosis. This study aims to develop and validate a nomogram for differentiating malignant and non-malignant thyroid nodules in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

The study included 484 patients with both thyroid nodules and type 2 diabetes who underwent thyroid gland lobectomy at Wenzhou Medical University Hospital. Optimal cutoff values for continuous variables were determined using ROC curve analysis. Significant factors identified in univariable analysis were used to construct the nomogram. The monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) was visualized through a histogram and scatter diagram. Discriminatory power was assessed using ROC analysis, and calibration curves ensured consistency. Decision curve analysis (DCA) evaluated clinical benefits.

Results:

The cohort was divided into a training group (70%) and an internal validation group (30%). The scatter diagram revealed a correlation between MHR levels and the proportion of goiter cases, with higher MHR levels associated with increased goiter incidence. The histogram showed higher average MHR levels in goiter patients compared to those with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression identified age, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar (FSG), fibrinogen, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and MHR as independent predictive factors for malignancy in thyroid nodules with type 2 diabetes. The nomogram achieved high discrimination, with C-index values of 0.901 (training data set) and 0.760 (internal validation data set). Calibration curves displayed good agreement, and DCA demonstrated significant net clinical benefits.

Conclusions:

MHR is associated with sex, serum cholesterol levels, and peripheral blood cell counts, making it a potential novel biomarker for differentiating between PTC and goiter in type 2 diabetes patients.
Whole Exome Sequencing Achieved a Definite Diagnosis of Kaufman Oculocerebrofacial Syndrome in a Bahraini Family: A Case Report
Authors: Fida Mariam , Sinan Israa , Finan Alan
Published: September 2023

A 1 year and 7 months old girl presented to the medical genetic clinic as a referral from the pediatrics clinic. Upon examining the patient and assessing past medical history, an autosomal recessive disorder was suspected. The family underwent whole exome sequencing, which resulted in the diagnosis of Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome (OMIM #244450) in the patient due to the fact that both parents were heterozygous carriers of a novel pathogenic variant in the gene UBE3B that lies on 12q24. It has been recommended for the family that preimplantation genetic testing should be considered for future pregnancies. In this case report, we present a novel variant of the gene and highlight the support of whole exome sequencing in the unveiling of genetic disorders.
Breastfeeding Practices and Associated Factors among Immigrant Muslim Arab Women Living in a Metropolitan Area of the Southwest of United States
Authors: Khasawneh Wafa F , Ahmed Azza H , Petrov Megan E , Reifsnider Elizabeth , Komnenich Pauline
Published: September 2023

Background:

Muslim Arab immigrants are a fast-growing, under-studied, and underserved minority population in the United States. Little is known about breastfeeding practices in this population.

objectives:

The objective of this study was to describe infant feeding practices and factors associated with these practices among immigrant Muslim Arab women.

design:

A nonexperimental-one group, cross-sectional, descriptive, prospective design was used to identify infant feeding practices among immigrant Muslim Arab women.

methods:

A convenience sample of one hundred sixteen immigrant Muslim Arab women with at least one child five years or younger was recruited from a large metropolitan area in the Southwestern region. Participants completed the social ecological model of health promotion self-reported questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were performed to identify infant feeding practices and logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with these practices.

results:

Immigrant Muslim Arab mothers demonstrate high breastfeeding initiation rates (99.2%) and lengthy breastfeeding duration ( M = 11.86, SD  = 8.04), but low rates of exclusive breastfeeding at six months (21.6%). The most frequent reasons for early termination of breastfeeding were perceived insufficient milk (44.4%), child was still hungry after breastfeeding (37.5%), and the belief that the child was old enough to stop breastfeeding (32.9%).

conclusion:

Development of educational interventions are needed to improve breastfeeding exclusivity and raise women’s awareness of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. Healthcare providers should help women gain confidence in their ability to produce enough milk to successfully continue breastfeeding.
Introducing a new protagonist in L2 Chinese narratives: Syntactic construction and information organization
Authors: Arslangul Arnaud
Published: September 2023

Building a complex discourse is not an easy task for second language learners. This study investigates how learners that have French as their first language (L1) and Chinese as a second language (L2) convey the function of referent introduction in narratives. It aims to identify which syntactic constructions are used to highlight new information and relate it to given information at the utterance level, and how learners organize information between utterances to ensure discourse cohesion. The procedure used consists of the analysis of an oral corpus collected from five groups of participants ( N = 110): French and Chinese native speakers, and three groups of learners (low, intermediate and advanced levels). The stimulus of the elicited task is a comic strip. The results show that low learners mostly follow the canonical word order, while intermediate learners demonstrate more syntactic diversity but still differ from native speakers at the discourse level. Advanced learners almost achieved native-like proficiency and demonstrated only one difference when compared with the target pattern that lies in the lexical-semantic characteristics of the predicate used.
“They should ask about our feelings”: Mongolian women's experiences of postpartum depression
Authors: Withers Mellissa , Trop Justin , Bayalag Munkhuu , Schriger Simone H. , Ganbold Solongo , Doripurev Doljinsuren , Davaasambuu Enkhmaa , Bat-Erdene Undral , Gendenjamts Battulga
Published: September 2023

Between 16 and 20% of perinatal women in low- and middle-income countries experience depression. Addressing postpartum depression (PPD) requires an appreciation of how it manifests and is understood in different cultural settings. This study explores postpartum Mongolian women's perceptions and experiences of PPD. We conducted interviews with 35 postpartum women who screened positive for possible depression to examine: (1) personal experiences of pregnancy/childbirth; (2) perceived causes and symptoms of PPD; and (3) strategies for help/support for women experiencing PPD. Unless extreme, depression was not viewed as a disease but rather as a natural condition following childbirth. Differences between a biomedical model of PPD and local idioms of distress could explain why awareness about PPD was low. The most reported PPD symptom was emotional volatility expressed as anger and endorsement of fear- or anxiety-related screening questions, suggesting that these might be especially relevant in the Mongolian context. Psychosocial factors, as opposed to biological, were common perceived causes of PPD, especially interpersonal relationship problems, financial strain, and social isolation. Possible barriers to PPD recognition/treatment included lack of awareness about the range of symptoms, reluctance to initiate discussions with providers about mental health, and lack of PPD screening practices by healthcare providers. We conclude that educational campaigns should be implemented in prenatal/postnatal clinics and pediatric settings to help women and families identify PPD symptoms, and possibly destigmatize PPD. Healthcare providers can also help to identify women with PPD through communication with women and families.
Reducing abnormal expenses in national health insurance based on a control chart and decision tree-driven define, measure, analyze, improve and control process
Authors: Chen Yen-Chang , Chen Shui-Chuan , Liu Ying-Sing
Published: September 2023

This study examined the cost of medical insurance for “sepsis” treatment in Taiwan. We applied statistical tests, cost control charts, and C5.0 decision trees using the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) process to mine data on Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) and clinics that reported expense anomalies and disposal costs. Analyzing 353 valid samples (application fees) from four DRGs, 70 clinics, and 15 input variables, abnormalities in application fees for adults (age ≧18 years old) with comorbidities or complications was significant (95% confidence interval) in one DRG and nine clinics. Four input variables (ward charge, treatment fee, laboratory fee, and pharmaceutical service charge) had a significant impact. Improvements or controls should be prioritized for three clinics (Nos. 49, 44, and 14) and two input variables (treatment and laboratory fees). This model can be replicated to ascertain excess medical expenditures and improve the efficiency of medical resource use.
Social work and social inclusion in sports-based programs: A qualitative study
Authors: Corvino Chiara , D’Angelo Chiara , Gozzoli Caterina
Published: September 2023

Although the literature is rich in contributions analyzing the role of social workers in sports, there remains a lack of empirical research with respect to how these workers can be determinant in the development of inclusion outcomes in sports-driven interventions targeting socially vulnerable youth. The investigation analyzes the case of a sports-based program run by an Italian non-profit organization (NGO) from an ecological system perspective. Data from interviews and focus groups with youth involved in the program (21), parents (15), sport coaches (9), and the social workers of the NGO (15) were triangulated with the aim of exploring how social workers promoted inclusion through sport. Data were analyzed in a top–down thematic analysis.

Findings

Social workers promoted many social inclusion outcomes: (1) they linked sport clubs with the youth excluded from the sport system, thus sustaining access to sport; (2) they emotionally supported youth and their families in the program, fostering the relational dimension of social inclusion; (3) they formed alliances between the diverse systems of youth life, enhancing youth capacity to overcome their personal challenges in sports; and (4) they encouraged the integration of people coming from different socio-economic backgrounds within the sport context.

Applications

The case informs the practice of social workers in sport-driven interventions providing insights around the tasks they should achieve to promote social inclusion, including (1) recruitment of youth excluded from the sport system and linkage with sport clubs, (2) sport bureaucracy support, and (3) dialogue with diverse youth life systems.
An Intervention Program on Assisting Retention and Transition for the First-Year College Students With Disabilities
Authors: Dong Shengli , Harding James , Pokorny Alyssa , Sakowitz Lauren , Ridgeway Laventrice S.
Published: September 2023

This study examined outcomes of a transition intervention program (i.e., Engage 100 course) for college students with disabilities during their first-semester transition to postsecondary education through a longitudinal experimental research design. Fifty students, 14 in an experimental group and 36 in a control group, were recruited from a public university in the southeastern part of the United States. The findings revealed promising results in fostering social and academic integration, perceived support from friends and significant others, and mindfulness for participants in the experimental group. However, participants in the experimental group demonstrated lower scores in perceived support from family and self-esteem. Practical and research implications were discussed.
Urgent Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysm Repair With Modified Off-the-shelf Endograft to Preserve Intercostal Arteries and Branch Incorporation by Transfemoral Access
Authors: Ferreira Marcelo , Mannarino Matheus , Cunha Rodrigo , Ferreira Diego , Capotorto Luis Fernando
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To demonstrate the feasibility of the modification to preserve intercostal arteries of the t-Branch Endograft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) in an urgent setting, associated with a less invasive approach for branch incorporation from percutaneous femoral access with steerable sheaths.

Technique:

A 73-year-old female patient presented at our institution with intense abdominal pain. Angiotomography showed a 50-mm juxtarenal aortic aneurysm, with no signs of rupture. Urgent endovascular repair was indicated due to abdominal symptom with an off-the-shelf multi-branched endograft. To limit descending thoracic aortic coverage, we performed t-Branch modification to preserve intercostal arteries and minimize the risk of spinal cord injury, associated with a percutaneous transfemoral approach and branch incorporation with steerable sheaths to avoid the risks associated with a superior axillary or brachial access. Control angiotomography showed adequate aneurysm sac exclusion with patency of all four visceral vessels.

Conclusion:

t-Branch-modified endograft to limit aortic coverage is an alternative option in urgent cases to diminish the risk of spinal cord injury, and association of steerable sheaths with branch incorporation is leading complex aortic repairs to an even less invasive procedure.

Clinical Impact

This paper highlights the possibility of performing complex endovascular aortic repair in an urgent setting with modification of an off-the-shelf multi branched endograft limiting intercostal arteries coverage, thereby diminishing the risk of spinal cord ischemia. This technical innovation provides an alternative for clinicians when treating large, rapidly expanding, or symptomatic juxtarenal, pararenal, paravisceral or type 4 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms that could not wait for a custom-made device and do not need extensive thoracic aortic coverage that an off-the-shelf device provides. In summary, expand the possibilities of an endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms.
Computational approach for the acoustic modelling of large aftertreatment devices with multimodal incident sound fields
Authors: Sánchez-Orgaz Eva María , Denia Francisco David , Martínez-Casas Jose , Carballeira Javier
Published: September 2023

The influence of multimodal incident sound fields on the acoustic behaviour of large aftertreatment devices incorporating a monolith is modelled and analysed in detail. The analytical mode matching method is applied to the compatibility conditions of the three-dimensional acoustic fields at the device geometric discontinuities, leading to the computation of the complex wave amplitudes in all the subdomains involved and the corresponding device transmission loss. To have a realistic model, three-dimensional propagation must be considered in the inlet/outlet ducts and chambers, while one-dimensional wave propagation has to be assumed along the small capillaries of the aftertreatment device monolith (such catalytic converters and particulate filters); therefore, the monolith can be replaced by a plane wave four-pole transfer matrix from an acoustical point of view. On the other hand, for large aftertreatment device inlet ducts such as those found in heavy-duty and off-road engines, the usual models with plane incident wave excitation are not accurate since the onset of higher order incident modes in the inlet duct is expected for the frequency range of interest. Therefore, a variation of the acoustic attenuation performance is likely to occur depending on these modes, similar to the results previously found in the case of large dissipative silencers. Results are presented for three different multimodal incident sound field hypotheses: equal modal amplitude, equal modal power and equal modal energy density. A relevant influence on the sound attenuation is found for the test problems considered in the current investigation.
Probability life calculation model of beam element application and study in welded structures reliability analysis
Authors: LYu Shining , Wang Aihong , Zhang Guanghui , Gao Youshan , Yao Fenglin
Published: September 2023

Statistical size and geometrical size are the main factors affecting the service life of mechanical structure calculation. To explore the reliability of the lifespan of beam structures, a probability lifespan numerical calculation method based on Vector Form Intrinsic Finite Element Method (VFIFEM) was proposed, and the method was verified through full lifespan experiments on I-beam welded structures. First, a fatigue fracture model that considers the coupling of residual stress (RS) and cyclic load variations was established. Based on this fatigue fracture model, a probability lifespan calculation model for beam elements was defined by proposing a cross-sectional shape correction coefficient and a position correction coefficient. The proposed probability lifespan model for beam elements was used to calculate the I-beam welded structure, and the calculated results were compared with the full lifespan experiment results, which were close in statistical results, with all experimental results falling within the [10%, 90%] interval except for one experiment. This method effectively couples the influence of statistical size and geometric size on probability lifespan, providing a new approach for the structure probability lifespan calculation in the future.
Neointimal characteristic changes following drug-coated balloons in lesions with repeated revascularization
Authors: Takei Yosuke , Mori Hiroyoshi , Tezuka Takahiro , Omura Ayumi , Wada Daisuke , Sone Hiromoto , Tashiro Kazuma , Sasai Masahiro , Sato Tokutada , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

Background:

Since their emergence, drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have been used widely to treat in-stent lesions with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, despite their superior efficacy to balloon angioplasty, how DCBs affect neointimal characteristics is poorly understood.

Objectives:

We aimed to assess the neointimal characteristic changes following DCB treatment.

Methods:

Using optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI), we serially observed the in-stent lesion site just after and 1 year after DCB angioplasty in 12 lesions of 11 patients with repeated revascularization. Neoatherosclerosis was defined as lipid-laden neointima with or without calcification in the stented lesion. Progression or regression of neoatherosclerosis, newly formed neointimal calcification, newly formed uncovered strut and newly formed evagination were assessed. Tiny tissue protrusion was also recorded as mushroom-like protrusion.

Results:

Underlying stents were first-generation ( n = 5) or newer ( n = 7) drug-eluting stents (DESs) with implantation durations ranging from 1 to 15 years (median 8 years). Surprisingly, two-thirds of the lesions (67%, 8 of 12) showed progression of neoatherosclerosis, while a quarter of lesions (25%, 3 of 12) showed regression of neoatherosclerosis. The maximal lipid arc increased from 122° to 174°. Newly formed neointimal calcification was observed in 2 of 12 lesions (16%). Newly formed uncovered struts (33%; 4 of 12) and newly formed evaginations (33%; 4 of 12) were not rare. Mushroom-like protrusion was found in a quarter of lesions (25%; 3 of 12).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that a considerable number of lesions showed varied neointimal characteristic changes in a small number of patients. Further studies in a larger population are needed to understand the clinical impact of these findings.
The applications of Australian-coded ICD-10 and ICD-10-AM data in research: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Riley Merilyn , Lee Jenn , Richardson Sally , Gjorgioski Stephanie , Robinson Kerin
Published: September 2023

Background: Australia uses the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) for mortality coding and its Australian Modification, ICD-10-AM, for morbidity coding. The ICD underpins surveillance (population health, mortality), health planning and research (clinical, epidemiological and others). ICD-10-AM also supports activity-based funding, thereby propelling realignment of the foci of clinical coding and, potentially, coded data’s research utility. Objective: To conduct a scoping review of the literature exploring the use of ICD-10 and ICD-10-AM Australian-coded data in research. Research questions addressed herein: (1) What were the applications of ICD-10(-AM) Australian-coded data in published peer-reviewed research, 2012–2022? (2) What were the purposes of ICD-10(-AM) coded data within this context, as classified per a taxonomy of data use framework? Method: Following systematic Medline, Scopus and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database searches, a scoping literature review was conducted using PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. References of a random 5% sample of within-scope articles were searched manually. Results were summarised using descriptive analyses. Results: Multi-stage screening of 2103 imported articles produced 636, including 25 from the references, for extraction and analysis; 54% were published 2019–2022; 50% within the largest five categories were published post-2019; 22% fell within the “Mental health and behavioural” category; 60.3% relied upon an ICD-10 modification. Articles were grouped by: research foci; relevant ICD chapter; themes per the taxonomy; purposes of the coded data. Observational study designs predominated: descriptive (50.6%) and cohort (34.6%). Conclusion: Researchers’ use of coded data is extensive, robust and growing. Increasing demand is foreshadowed for ICD-10(-AM) coded data, and HIM-Coders’ and Clinical Coders’ expert advice to medical researchers.
Evidence on the need for early identification of asymptomatic true abdominal aortic aneurysm in pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Sun Ping , Li Zhaoqi , Guo Wei , Moreira Paulo
Published: September 2023

Pregnant women are more likely to face cardiovascular disease than non-pregnant women. However, abdominal aortic aneurysm is an extremely rare complication of pregnancy. Abdominal aortic aneurysms in pregnancy are difficult to identify in the early stage and are often diagnosed only when the symptoms have manifested. We report the case of a multiparous 35-year-old patient with a history of abnormal ascending aorta and ruled-out Marfan syndrome by genetic testing. After a multidisciplinary medical team evaluation, she delivered a live baby by cesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation, and the abdominal aortic aneurysm was repaired simultaneously. This case offers evidence-based recommendations for obstetricians to carry out preventive imaging examination for pregnant women with similar risk factors and provide successful experience in prenatal examination for similar diseases.
Five-factor model, technology enthusiasm and technology anxiety
Authors: Berner Jessica , Dallora Ana Luiza , Palm Bruna , Sanmartin Berglund Johan , Anderberg Peter
Published: September 2023

Older adults need to participate in the digital society, as societal and personal changes and what they do with the remaining time that they have in their older years has an undeniable effect on motivation, cognition and emotion. Changes in personality traits were investigated in older adults over the period 2019–2021. Technology enthusiasm and technology anxiety are attitudes that affect the relationship to the technology used. The changes in the score of technology enthusiasm and technology anxiety were the dependent variables. They were investigated with personality traits, age, gender, education, whether someone lives alone, cognitive function, digital social participation (DSP) and health literacy as predictors of the outcome. The Edwards-Nunnally index and logistic regression were used. The results indicated that DSP, lower age, lower neuroticism and higher education were indicative of less technology anxiety. High DSP and high extraversion are indicative of technology enthusiasm. DSP and attitude towards technology seem to be key in getting older adults to stay active online.
Validation of a New Tool to Detect and Characterize Spinal Cord Injury in the Acute Trauma Patient: The Montreal Acute Classification of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Pelletier-Roy Rémi , Dionne Antoine , Richard-Denis Andréane , Briand Marie-Michèle , Bourassa-Moreau Étienne , Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc
Published: September 2023

Study Design

Retrospective validation protocol.

Objective

The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) is the most comprehensive tool for classifying spinal cord injuries (SCI), but it is not adapted for the evaluation of trauma patients. The objective is to develop and validate a streamlined tool, the Montreal Acute Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (MAC-SCI) that can be integrated in the evaluation of trauma patients to detect and characterize traumatic SCI (tSCI).

Methods

The completion rate of the ISCNSCI during initial evaluation after tSCI was estimated at a Level-1 trauma center specialized in SCI care. Using a modified Delphi technique, we designed the MAC-SCI, a new tool to detect and characterize the severity grade and level of SCI in the polytrauma patient. A cohort consisting of 35 consecutive tSCI patients with complete ISNCSCI documentation was used to validate the MAC-SCI. The severity grade and neurological level of injury (NLI) were assessed using the MAC-SCI, and compared to those obtained with the ISNCSCI.

Results

Only 33% of 148 patients admitted after a tSCI had a complete ISNCSCI performed at initial presentation. The MAC-SCI retains 53 of the 134 elements from the ISNCSCI. There was a 100% concordance in severity grade between the MAC-SCI and ISNCSCI. The NLI were within 2 levels between the MAC-SCI and ISNCSI for 100% of patients.

Conclusion

The MAC-SCI is a streamlined tool that accurately detects and characterizes tSCI in the acute trauma setting. It could be implemented in trauma protocols to guide the management of SCI patients.

Level of Evidence

Level III Diagnostic criteria.
The Ittar Industry of Kannauj: A Saga of Commodification of Olfactory Aesthetics
Authors: Shukla Satish Kumar , Mukherjee Anirban , Middendorf Gerad D.
Published: September 2023

Kannauj is an historic city in northern India, which is known since antiquity for producing high quality natural ittar (natural perfume). This study explores the notion that perfume is a product of science and standardised production and marketing practices, whereas ittar is a natural product derived from traditional knowledge and craft production processes passed on through generations. The study highlights the ‘deg-bhapka’ technique of ittar production, explores the lifeworlds of the artisans, their perception of the art, discusses the main ittar varieties, and explores the role of social and cultural capital in preserving the legacy over generations. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were used for data collection. Finally, the study examines the contemporary challenges and bottlenecks in this heritage industry and the incongruency of the art of ittar-making to the nuances of the capitalist economy. The possibilities for evolving and marketing ittar as a ‘green’, ‘organic’ and ‘indigenous’ product of traditional art and contemporary aesthetic standards are explored.
Calming the Storm: How Non-Negative Messages From Fellow Consumers Can Dispel Negativity in a Social Media Firestorm
Authors: Widdershoven Svenja , Pluymaekers Mark , Zourrig Haithem , Sinclair Paul , Bloemer Josée M. M.
Published: September 2023

This research explores the potential of non-negative consumer messages to counteract negativity in social media firestorms through emotional contagion. 1,186 tweets were examined in response to a McDonald’s Japan service issue, revealing that non-negative messages tend to align emotionally with preceding messages. This suggests a temporary mitigation of negativity. Investigating emotional contagion within social media firestorms challenged the prevailing notion of negativity bias, indicating a focus on maintaining a positive affective state. Practical implications suggest organizations should monitor and acknowledge non-negative messages during crises to identify advocates and gain insights into subnetwork impact. Incorporating elements from contagious non-negative posts in responses can help mitigate reputational damage. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of emotional contagion dynamics in social media firestorms, aiding organizations in managing their online reputation during crises.
“We’re Not Proud of the Cases We’ve Been Involved in”: Crisis Resolution on Facebook Using Conversational Human Voice
Authors: Holmgreen Lise-Lotte
Published: September 2023

The article discusses the use of conversational human voice (CHV) to address negative eWOM on brand-generated social media platforms. Using the case of a crisis-ridden Danish bank, the article investigates the use of CHV outside service failures and its effects on critical publics in the context of intentional crises. The data consist of posts and comments from the bank’s Facebook page, following allegations of money laundering. The analysis reveals that CHV is used extensively by the bank to counter criticism; however, the degree to which the strategy is standardized or tailored seems to depend on whether users appear once, have a regular presence, engage in dialog, and are known to the bank’s employees. These findings suggest that while CHV is intended for more personalized communication to make users more sympathetic to the organization, its use will have to be contextualized to be effective.
Factors Associated With Initiating Breastfeeding and Continuing it for At Least 4 Months in Consuelo, a Rural Town in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Bhuyan Anjalee , Fernandez Anabel , Faerber Jennifer A. , Japa Ingrid , Alvarez Angie , Cordero Ramona , Tavarez Ivelisse , Saballos Nahara , Steenhoff Andrew P.
Published: September 2023

Objective. We assessed the proportion of and factors associated with mothers initiating and continuing breastfeeding (BF) for ≥4 months in a rural town of the Dominican Republic. Methods. A survey was administered to 190 mothers of children cared for at a free clinic in Consuelo. Modified bivariate and multivariable Poisson regressions were utilized in data analysis. Results. BF was initiated in 89.5% of cases and continued ≥4 months in 81.7% of cases. Maternal education beyond secondary school [adjusted RR = 1.13, 95% CI: (1.04-1.24), 0.010], and visiting both public and private antenatal clinics [adjusted RR = 1.25; 95% CI: (1.10-1.37), 0.010] were associated with BF initiation. Public and private antenatal clinic attendance [adjusted RR = 1.01, 95% CI: (0.45-2.23), 0.020], Cesarean section [adjusted RR = 0.81, 95% CI: (0.68-0.98), 0.026], number of biological children [adjusted RR = 0.95, 95% CI: (0.90-1.00), 0.032] and maternal employment [adjusted RR = 0.89, 95% CI: (0.79-0.99), 0.048] were associated with BF continuation. Conclusions. These results provide valuable insights for targeting specific populations in future breastfeeding education interventions.
Local Economy and Forest-based Livelihood in Gandhamardan Region of Western Odisha
Authors: Rout Baijayanti
Published: September 2023

Natural forests play a key role in maintaining the planet’s ecosystems and are also crucial to rural livelihoods, particularly in less developed nations. Indigenous groups still need access to contemporary conveniences and possibilities for employment in remote parts of less developed nations. As a result, the use of forests significantly contributes to household subsistence and income. The economic impact of forest resources on the millions of rural households close to forests has recently been the research focus. This study aims to quantify the distributional influence of forest revenue on economic inequality among rural families in the Gandhamardan Hill area of the Balangir and Bargarh districts of Odisha. It also sought to ascertain absolute and relative forest income. The primary data or information were gathered by utilizing focus groups, direct interviews, structured household-level surveys, and key informant interviews. The results showed that 61.9% of the households in the sample engaged in activities related to the forest. Most of the local population participates in agriculture and forestry as the main source of livelihood. After agriculture revenue, forest income represented the second-most significant income portfolio. The income share for bushmeat was larger than the income share for other forest products. The economic disparity among the studied families was reduced by forest income. Therefore, restricting forest access would negatively affect rural people’s welfare and widen economic gaps. The knowledge from the current study is crucial for creating sustainable forest management policies and strategies that will preserve and increase the economic value of using forests without jeopardizing biodiversity preservation.
Functional leg performance 2 years after ACL surgery: a comparison between InternalBrace™-augmented repair versus reconstruction versus healthy controls
Authors: Bühl Linda , Müller Sebastian , Nüesch Corina , Pagenstert Geert , Mündermann Annegret , Egloff Christian
Published: September 2023

Background

While clinical and patient-reported outcomes have been investigated in patients after InternalBrace™-augmented anterior cruciate ligament repair (ACL-IB), less is known regarding restoration of functional performance. We aimed to determine differences in functional performance within and between patients 2 years after ACL-IB, patients 2 years after ACL reconstruction (ACL-R), and healthy controls.

Materials and Methods

A total of 29 ACL-IB, 27 ACL-R (hamstring autograft), and 29 controls performed single-leg hop (maximum forward distance hop, SLH; side hop > 40 cm in 30 s, SH), proprioception (knee joint position sense at 30° and 60° flexion), and dynamic postural balance (Y Balance) tests. Differences were calculated within groups (side-to-side difference) and between the involved leg of patients and the non-dominant leg of controls, and were evaluated to predefined statistical (P < 0.05), clinically relevant, and methodological (smallest detectable change) thresholds. The number of exceeded thresholds represented no (0), small (1), moderate (2), or strong (3) differences. In addition, the relative number of participants achieving leg symmetry (≥ 90%) and normal performance (≥ 90% of the average performance of the non-dominant leg of controls) were compared between groups (chi-squared tests, P < 0.05).

Results

We observed no-to-moderate leg differences within ACL-IB (moderate difference in hops) and within ACL-R (moderate difference in knee proprioception), no leg differences between patient groups, no-to-small leg differences between ACL-IB and controls, and no leg differences between ACL-R and controls in functional performance. However, two patients in ACL-IB and ACL-R, respectively, passed the hop pretest only with their uninvolved leg, and fewer patients after ACL-IB and ACL-R than controls reached a leg symmetry and normal leg performance of controls in SLH (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Functional performance seems to be comparable 2 years postoperatively between ACL-IB and ACL-R for a specific subgroup of patients (i.e., proximal ACL tears, moderate activity level). However, the presumed advantage of comparable functional outcome with preserved knee structures after augmented ACL repair compared with ACL-R, and the tendency of both patient groups toward leg asymmetry and compromised single-leg hop performance in the involved legs, warrants further investigation.

Level of Evidence Level III, case-control study.

Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04429165 (12/09/2020). Prospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04429165.
Preparation and anti-triple-negative breast cancer cell effect of a nanoparticle for the codelivery of paclitaxel and gemcitabine
Authors: Yang Fan , Fan Zehui , Zhang Lixia , He Yanjuan , Hu Run , Xiang Jinkun , Fu Shiyang , Wang Guowei , Wang Jianlong , Tao Xiaojun , Zhang Pan
Published: September 2023

Amphiphilic polymers (HA-ANI) were prepared by grafting hyaluronic acid (HA) and 6-(2-nitroimidazole)hexylamine (ANI) and then self-assemble in water to form nanoparticles (NPs) that could be loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) and gemcitabine (GEM) by dialysis. Infrared spectroscopy and 1H-NMR indicated the successful synthesis of HA-ANI. Three different ratios of NPs were prepared by adjusting the ratios of hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, and the particle size decreased as the ratio of hydrophilic materials increased. When HA:ANI = 2.0:1, the nanoparticles had the smallest size distribution, good stability and near spherical shape and had high drug loading and encapsulation rates. In vitro release experiments revealed that NADPH could accelerate the drug release from NPs. Cellular uptake rate reached 86.50% at 6 h. The toxic effect of dual drug-loaded nanoparticles (P/G NPs) on MDA-MB-231 cells at 48 h was stronger than that of the free drug. The AO/EB double-staining assay revealed that a large number of late apoptotic cells appeared in the P/G NPs group, and the degree of cell damage was significantly stronger than that of the free drug group. In the cell migration assay, the 24 h-cell migration rate of the P/G NPs group was 5.99%, which was much lower than that of the free group (13.87% and 17.00%). In conclusion, MDA-MB-231 cells could effectively take up P/G NPs, while the introduction of the nano-codelivery system could significantly enhance the toxicity of the drug to MDA-MB-231 cells as well as the migration inhibition effect.
Comparison between compressed sensing and segmented cine cardiac magnetic resonance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Craft Jason , Li Yulee , Nashta Niloofar Fouladi , Weber Jonathan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Highly accelerated compressed sensing cine has allowed for quantification of ventricular function in a single breath hold. However, compared to segmented breath hold techniques, there may be underestimation or overestimation of LV volumes. Furthermore, a heterogeneous sample of techniques have been used in volunteers and patients for pre-clinical and clinical use. This can complicate individual comparisons where small, but statistically significant differences exist in left ventricular morphological and/or functional parameters. This meta-analysis aims to provide a comparison of conventional cine versus compressed sensing based reconstruction techniques in patients and volunteers.

Methods

Two investigators performed systematic searches for eligible studies using PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science to identify studies published 1/1/2010-3/1/2021. Ultimately, 15 studies were included for comparison between compressed sensing cine and conventional imaging.

Results

Compared to conventional cine, there were small, statistically significant overestimation of LV mass, underestimation of stroke volume and LV end diastolic volume (mean difference 2.65 g [CL 0.57–4.73], 2.52 mL [CL 0.73–4.31], and 2.39 mL [CL 0.07–4.70], respectively). Attenuated differences persisted across studies using prospective gating (underestimated stroke volume) and non-prospective gating (underestimation of stroke volume, overestimation of mass). There were no significant differences in LV volumes or LV mass with high or low acceleration subgroups in reference to conventional cine except slight underestimation of ejection fraction among high acceleration studies. Reduction in breath hold acquisition time ranged from 33 to 64%, while reduction in total scan duration ranged from 43 to 97%.

Conclusion

LV volume and mass assessment using compressed sensing CMR is accurate compared to conventional parallel imaging cine.