bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Acute Vasodilator Testing Using Oxygen in Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Left Heart Disease
Authors: Rajkumar Sundararaj , Jha Ajay Kumar , Parida Satyen , Thangaswamy Chitra Rajeshwari , Panneerselvam Sakthirajan , Prasad Sreevathsa K. S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Pulmonary vasodilators, including oxygen, have not shown consistent beneficial effects on pulmonary hypertension due to valvular heart disease (PH-VHD). Therefore, the study aimed to assess the effect of 100% fractional inspiration of oxygen (FiO2) on pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics in patients with combined pre- and post-capillary pulmonary hypertension (CpcPH) and isolated post-capillary pulmonary hypertension (IpcPH) due to PH-VHD.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted among patients with PH-VHD undergoing mitral or aortic valve replacement or repair. The study was conducted after induction of anesthesia and pulmonary artery catheterization. Cardiac output was obtained using thermodilution and all direct, and derived hemodynamic variables were obtained at 30% and 100% FiO2. The patients were stratified a priori into responders {(≥10 mmHg fall in mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP)} and non-responders.

Results

Fifty-seven patients completed the acute vasodilator test. The mean age and body mass index of the study population was 41.8 ± 14.1 years and 21.4 ± 4.6 kg/m2, respectively. There was a significant decrease in MPAP (40.77 ± 12.07 mmHg vs 36.74 ± 13.3 mmHg; P < .001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) {(median; Interquartile range (IQR); 388; 371 vs 323; 362 dynes sec.cm−5; P < .001) at 100% FiO2. Transpulmonary gradient (TPG) and diastolic pulmonary gradient (DPG) also decreased significantly ( P < .001 and P < .001). Cardiac output did not change significantly. The magnitude of decrease in MPAP, PVR, TPG, DPG, and pulmonary artery compliance (PAC) between CpcPH and IpcPH was comparable. Responders did not show a significantly greater fall in MPAP, PVR, TPG, DPG, and PAC after surgery.

Conclusion

Hyperoxia may lead to reduction in MPAP and PVR in both hemodynamic phenotypes of PH-VHD. A larger sample size is required to support or refute the findings of this study.
Risk Factors Analysis and Pathogen Distribution of Urinary Tract Infection in Patients Undergoing Cutaneous Ureterostomy After Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zhu Mu-Rong , Hong Han-Xia , Cheng Jing-Ru , Tang Jing , Lu Tong , Xie Rui
Published: January 2024

Background

Postoperative urinary tract infection is a common complication that not only significantly prolongs the hospital stay and amplifies the economic burden on patients, but also affects their quality of life and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate risk factors and distribution of pathogenic bacteria in urinary tract infections among bladder cancer patients who underwent cutaneous ureterostomy following radical cystectomy.

Methods

A total of 137 bladder cancer patients, who underwent cutaneous ureterostomy after radical cystectomy at our hospital from November 2018 to October 2022, were enrolled in this retrospective study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the risk factors associated with postoperative urinary tract infection and the distribution of pathogenic bacteria among the infected patients.

Results

The results of both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that age, proficiency in ostomy knowledge, frequency of ureteral stent tube replacement, ureteral stent tube dislodgement, urine immersion at the outer end of the ureteral stent tube, and the interval of ostomy bag replacement were independent risk factors for urinary tract infection after radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy in bladder cancer patients. A total of 55 pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 52 patients with infections. Predominantly, these were gram-negative bacteria (34 strains, 61.8%), with Proteus mirabilis having the highest proportion.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infections after radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy predominantly involve gram-negative bacteria. This is correlated with factors such as the age of bladder cancer patients, the level of nursing education, the duration of ureteral stent tubes and ostomy bag usage, as well as issues related to impaired urine drainage.
Economic incentives for tourists: Evaluating a regional policy measure
Authors: Cellini Roberto , Cuccia Tiziana
Published: January 2024

This Note examines the effectiveness of a regional policy centered around offering discounted vouchers to tourists. It specifically studies the case of Sicily, which, unlike other Italian regions, implemented this policy between 2021 and 2023 in response to the aftermath of the COVID-19 shock. Difference-in-differences estimates reveal that this intervention has failed to significantly affect tourism.
Mesoscale modeling of flexural fracture behavior in steel fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Yu Yong , Xu Jinjun , Chen Weisen , Wu Bo
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a computational study on the flexural fracture behaviors of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). The focus is on investigating the impacts of various factors on SFRC, utilizing a discrete-continuum coupled finite element method. This method explicitly models each material phase, including coarse aggregates, mortar paste, steel fibers and interfacial transition zones (ITZs), allowing precise tracking of mesoscale cracking during bending. The simulation method is developed, calibrated and validated before conducting a parametric investigation. Critical factors considered include the spatial positioning of coarse aggregates and steel fibers, fiber content, length and diameter, and the bonding property of fiber-mortar ITZs. Results indicate that steel fibers modify crack development in notched beams, causing greater distortion in the primary crack. Increasing fiber content from 0 to 2% enhances flexural tensile strength but introduces more variability. Longer fibers initially increase strength, then decrease, while thicker fibers consistently reduce strength. Improving the bond between fibers and mortar does not substantially increase the load-bearing capacity of the beam. In conclusion, this study shows how the established approach enhances understanding of the mechanical responses of SFRC under flexural-fracture loading.
Working with algorithmic management: Design logic, algorithmic unfitness, and labor repair behind the wall
Authors: Li Angela Ke
Published: January 2024

The current literature on algorithmic management primarily explores its external ramifications for workers. Drawing upon the case of Meituan Waimai, China’s dominant food-delivery platform, this article delves into the internal logic that guides the design of algorithmic management. I highlight how an optimal mindset and a mechanized view of human labor drive the formulation of algorithmic management, leading to what I call “algorithmic unfitness.” This concept represents a dissonance between algorithmically programmed, reductionist visions of food delivery and real-world experiences on the ground. In response, the platform constantly delegates tasks from machines to laborers who engage in repair work. The design logic positions couriers as adaptable robots, whose compliance and flexibility are simultaneously requested by the platform. By shedding light on the design choices behind algorithmic management, the article also offers methodological insights for scholars researching algorithmic power in general.
Vibration analysis of metallic structure of an innovative dam gate
Authors: Itu Calin , Vlase Sorin , Marin Marin , Öchsner Andreas
Published: January 2024

An analysis of the vibrations that may occur at the gate of a dam is proposed. Thus, the determination of an optimal constructive solution is sought from the point of view of vibration behavior. The dam gate is part of a constructive solution of an oscillating center pivot dam, which closes the gates if the downstream water level rises above a certain limit. This constructive solution is new. The gates are controlled by the water level. Such a system is easy to implement practically and the construction and maintenance costs are lower than in the case of classic dams. The problem that arises is that of the behavior of such a structure to vibrations. The eigenvalues of the gate structure are determined for a constructive solution proposed by the designers and the behavior of the forced vibrations that can stress the gate is studied. The analysis is performed for the case where the dam gates are closed. The work continues previous research on the structure's resistance to static loads and justifies the use of this solution in design. The method used to carry out the study is the finite element method. The advantages of the studied structure consist of lower costs for the proposed relatively simple constructive solution.
Geojournalism, data journalism and crowdsourcing: The case of Eco-Nai+ in Nigeria
Authors: Elega Adeola Abdulateef , de-Lima-Santos Mathias-Felipe , Mesquita Lucia
Published: January 2024

Data journalism is increasingly vital in our data-driven society, requiring professionals to gather, analyze, and visualize data for public understanding. While scholars recognize its significance, the audience-centric aspects remain underexplored. This study focuses on Eco-Nai+, a digital geo-journalism platform aiming to be Nigeria’s first. It provides interactive data access via web and mobile apps and tools for geospatial data handling. Employing a multi-method approach, including document analysis, interviews, and platform analysis, this study examines how geo-data enhances data-driven storytelling, fosters cooperation and co-creation in data collection, and creates a new income stream for news organizations. From a business standpoint, Eco-Nai + functions as a “newstech” company, capitalizing on digital age challenges. It offers journalists a means to inform and engage the public and policymakers in vital environmental discussions, especially in environments with limited open data sources. Crowdsourcing data is critical in this context, where open data and freedom of information legislation are lacking. This research contributes to the data journalism discourse by exploring audience involvement in data-driven storytelling and advocating for public participation in data journalism projects to enhance reporting and understand data’s societal role. It also underscores the value of geojournalism skills in delivering spatial products and thematic maps, adding context and insights beyond numerical data. Eco-Nai + exemplifies the potential for data journalism to bridge information gaps and drive meaningful conversations in an increasingly data-centric world.
Is Europe raising its voice? EU representation at the UN prior to and post-Lisbon
Authors: Finke Daniel
Published: January 2024

The ‘High Representative’ speaks on behalf of the European Union in international organizations since 2010. The motivation for this reform has been to strengthen the European Union's foreign policy representation. It can be expected that this empowerment of the High Representative has affected the content of official European Union speeches held at the United Nations. Did the reform lead to a more coherent and cohesive representation of European Union foreign policy at the United Nations? To answer this question, I analyze the content of all speeches held on behalf of the European Union in the United Nations General Assembly between 1993 and 2021. I find that European Union foreign policy priorities are more coherently and cohesively represented since the Lisbon reforms took effect. I argue that the empowerment of the ‘High Representatives’ and their diplomats caused this effect. Today, European Union representatives are less likely to follow global trends but set their own thematic priorities by focusing on the areas of disarmament, sustainable development, and international law.
The platformization of consumer culture: A theoretical framework
Authors: Caliandro Alessandro , Gandini Alessandro , Bainotti Lucia , Anselmi Guido
Published: January 2024

This special issue, together with this position paper that accompanies it, aims at providing a comprehensive framework to address this issue, introducing and theorizing the concept of platformization of consumer culture. The overarching scope of this essay is to discuss what is distinctive of the process of platformization in relation to consumer culture (and research); what are its most important aspects, its critical controversies, its innovative dimensions and main risks. Accompanying this positional essay are the seven exceptional contributions that compose the special issue, which we believe will come to represent a pivotal reference in the quest to address this phenomenon. These showcase the manifold empirical, semantic and methodological dimensions of this emergent phenomenon, concurring to define the key dimensions that identify, describe, and explore the ways in which consumer culture has been “platformized,” from the perspective of consumer culture theory. Specifically, we identify four key “tensions” characterizing the platformization of consumer culture: datafication vs liquification; standardization vs ephemerality; interaction vs mediation; immateriality vs materiality.
Conditional quashing orders: A missed opportunity for introducing a new relief in judicial review proceedings?
Authors: Abry Kane
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the opportunity for the introduction of a new type of relief in judicial review proceedings called conditional quashing orders (CQOs) to mitigate the effect of quashing orders on the timeline and costs of nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). The article explores the benefits and disbenefits of their introduction as a new standard relief and as a court case management power as two possible alternatives. In so doing, the article examines how CQOs could operate and attempts to draw clear parameters for them to achieve their aim of introducing more judicial flexibility in judicial review proceedings. In framing the debate and attempting to build a theoretical framework for CQOs to function, this article considers developments in other jurisdictions, notably Kenya, to inform the discussion while engaging critically with the interaction of CQOs in both alternatives with the current legislative framework. Altogether, the article defends a thesis whereby while CQOs have obvious advantages offering more possibilities for judicial flexibility and mitigation of the effect of quashing orders (which are disruptive to the timeline and cost of NSIPs), they carry overwhelming inconveniences. These, in turn, do not warrant their introduction into legislation. However, the article demonstrates that the aims underpinning CQOs remain useful as they call for a complete rethink of judicial review proceedings in England and Wales to ensure a better balance of justice or convenience by reinforcing fairness, flexibility, and judicial restraint and cooperation in the determination of cases. In fine, the article makes several proposals to achieve this and transform the current judicial review blueprint, thus providing food for thought for reforming the system and emphasising proportionality.
Crisis inciting carnivalesque: Early childhood teachers’ political dialogue strategies
Authors: Westbrook Fiona
Published: January 2024

Early childhood education (ECE) teachers have expressed being silenced, indicating their responses to everyday issues of political concern may be hidden. This voicelessness underscores the importance of examining strategies and spaces that incite ECE teachers to vocalise their political dialogues. The pandemic, as a crisis event, within Victoria, Australia, during 2020 offers an unrivalled viewing of such entreaties. Posing unique and unusual dangers and opportunities, the early days of the pandemic serve as an entry point to viewing the strategies and spaces utilised by teachers during marked political crisis. Considering these pandemic dangers, this study undertakes a uniquely complex and opportunistic investigation into the political thoughts, ideas, and voices of ECE teachers within these coordinates, which may be of use for other community members beyond these dimensions. Comprising a larger doctoral study, teachers’ posts within a closed ECE Facebook group were analysed against Bakhtinian crisis chronotopes and carnivalesque responses. Insights infer the pandemic crisis incited teachers’ political dialogues to problematise their historical and ongoing issues. Doing so fostered a supportive peer network, opening up and renewing narratives from within the sector. Provocations to arise include the potential of crisis, the ability of laughter to empower teachers to speak up and have voice, as well as creating spaces for political dialogue and activism within the sector.
Inferior Vena Cava Filter Long Term Complications and Retrieval Techniques: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Montoya Christopher , Rey Jorge , Polania-Sandoval Camilo A. , Bornak Arash , Shao Tony , Kenel-Pierre Stefan
Published: January 2024

Introduction and Importance

Long-term mechanical complications after inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement include embedded or tilted filters, erosion of the vena cava, filter thrombosis. In the setting of caval thrombosis, patients may subsequently develop venous hypertension and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Here we present three unique cases of IVC filter complications and surgical management.

Case Presentation

A 30-year-old female presented with acute abdominal pain, revealing a duodenal perforation caused by an IVC filter eroding into her duodenum. A 42-year-old female with an IVC filter in place for 20 years due to a prior pulmonary embolism underwent laser-assisted retrieval of the filter due to concerns of caval adherence. A 48-year-old male with a history of DVT, venous stasis ulcer, and an IVC filter presented for filter retrieval.

Clinical Findings and Investigations

The surgical techniques described in this report include complicated IVC filter retrieval, performed in cases of filter complications including migration, fracture, duodenal perforation and IVC thrombosis resulting in PTS. One case, requiring open retrieval, is explained and the surgical technique is provided. There are images and videos of these procedures to enrich the learning experience.

Intervention and Outcomes

The surgical techniques described in this report include complicated inferior vena cava filter retrieval, performed in cases of filter complications including migration, fracture, duodenal perforation and IVC thrombosis. One case, requiring open retrieval, is explained and the surgical technique is provided. There are images and videos of these procedures to enrich the learning experience.

Relevance and Impact

Endovascular retrieval of long-term complicated IVC filters is challenging, but it can be a safely performed in many patients. However, open surgery may be necessary in selected patients.
Direct superficial temporal artery access for middle meningeal artery embolization
Authors: Qiao Yang , Zhang Yi Jonathan , Tsappidi Samuel , Mehta Tej I , Hui Ferdinand K
Published: January 2024

Middle meningeal artery embolization has become an important option in the management of subdural hemorrhages with multiple prospective studies demonstrating efficacy and randomized controlled trial data on the way. Access to the middle meningeal artery is usually achieved via the external carotid artery to the internal maxillary artery, then the middle meningeal artery. We report a case where a patient with symptomatic left-sided chronic subdural hemorrhage also had an external carotid artery occlusion. Direct puncture of the superficial temporal artery allowed retrograde access to the internal maxillary artery and thus the middle meningeal artery. Successful embolization of the vessel with 1:9 nBCA was performed with near total resorption of the subdural collection by 1 month postprocedure.
Dealing With Scam in Online Qualitative Research: Strategies and Ethical Considerations
Authors: Pullen Sansfaçon Annie , Gravel Elio , Gelly Morgane A.
Published: January 2024

In the wake of COVID-19, numerous research projects moved to online data collection to comply with public health guidelines. Since then, many qualitative projects have continued to use online methods to collect data. While online methods facilitated research continuity, they also introduced new opportunities for deceptive behaviors, particularly misrepresentation and multiple participation. Drawing from a recent project that conducted online interviews with young people who detransition after a gender transition, this article describes how fraudulent interviews were identified and dealt with. We present 12 indicators of potential scams in qualitative interviews, including similarities between participants, the type of information provided, participants’ behaviors, and inconsistencies in the narratives. We discuss our overall experience and, in light of recent literature, present strategies to prevent and deal with scams in qualitative research.
Expanded photo-model-based stereo vision pose estimation using a shooting distance unknown photo
Authors: Tian Hongzhi , Wang Jirong
Published: January 2024

Model-based stereo vision pose estimation depends on the establishment of the model. The photo-model-based method simplifies the model-building process with just one photo. Programming languages do not predefine the shapes, colors, and patterns of objects. In the past, however, it was necessary to calculate a pixel per metric ratio, that is, the number of pixels per millimeter of the object, based on the photo’s shooting distance to generate a photo-model with the same size (length and width) as the actual object. It restricts the real application. The proposed method extends the traditional photo-modeling algorithm and relaxes the photo prerequisite for target pose determination. Various pixel per metric ratios will be assumed to generate 3D photo-models of different sizes. These models will then be employed in stereo vision image matching techniques to detect the pose of the target object. Since it is not a data-driven method, it does not require many pictures and pretraining time. This article applies the algorithm to the cleaning of seaports and aquaculture, aiming to locate dead or diseased marine life on the water surface before collection. Pose estimation experiments have been conducted to detect an object’s pose and a prepared photo’s pixel per metric ratio in real application scenarios. The results show that the expanded photo-model stereo vision method can estimate the pose of a target with one pixel per metric ratio unknown photo.
Enhanced lightweight deep network for efficient livestock detection in grazing areas
Authors: Du Xiaoxu , Qi Yongsheng , Zhu Junfeng , Li Yongting , Liu Liqiang
Published: January 2024

There are problems in the special pastoral environment, including large changes in target size and serious interference from light and environmental factors. To solve the above problems, an enhanced YOLOv4-tiny target detection network is proposed in this study. This network first solves the problem of livestock size fluctuation in pastoral areas, uses a pyramid network with multiscale feature fusion, and considers shallow local detail features and deep semantic information. Subsequently, a novel compound multichannel attention mechanism is proposed to increase the accuracy of the target detection network for the pastoral environment. The problem of poor accuracy of target detection network is solved. The algorithm is ported to Jetson AGX embedded platform for validation to examine the real-time performance of the algorithm. As revealed by the experimental results, enhanced YOLOv4-tiny achieves 89.77% detection accuracy and 30 frames/second detection speed, which increases the average detection accuracy by 11.67% compared with the conventional YOLOv4-tiny while maintaining almost the same detection rate.
The Leaf Oils of Beilschmiedia tonkinensis (Lecomte) Ridl. and Lindera gracilipes H. W. Li: Chemical Composition, Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial Activity, and Docking Study
Authors: Huan Duong Quang , Luyen Nguyen Dinh , Ha Nguyen Xuan , Dai Do Ngoc , Hop Nguyen Quang , Lan Huong Do Thi , Son Ninh The
Published: January 2024

Objective

The Lauraceae plants comprised high amounts of essential oils, some of which established pharmacological potentials such as anticancer and antimicrobial activities. The Lauraceae essential oils are also used in cuisines and perfumes. The present study provides the chemical analysis of the leaf oils of Beilschmiedia tonkinensis and Lindera gracilipes, collected from Vietnam.

Method

Chemical components in the obtained oils were identified by the GC-FID/MS. The MTT and broth microdilution assays were used to evaluate cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects, respectively. The protein interactions were viewed by a docking study.

Result

Beilschmiedia tonkinensis leaf oil was characterized by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (66.0%), in which bicyclogermacrene (23.3%), ( E)-caryophyllene (21.9%), caryophyllene oxide (9.9%), and spathulenol (6.0%) were the main components. The major chemical class in L gracilipes leaf oil was still sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (64.2%) with bicyclogermacrene (32.2%) being the principal component. Both 2 oil samples (IC50 41.2-44.12 µg/mL) were actively cytotoxic against the proliferation of A-549 cancer cells. In particular, B tonkinensis leaf oil strongly controlled Hep-G2 and MCF-7 cancerous cells with the IC50 values of 20.6 and 9.36 µg/mL, respectively. Beilschmiedia tonkinensis leaf oil also strongly inhibited the Gram (–) bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the fungus Aspergillus niger with the MIC values of 16 and 32 µg/mL, respectively. By molecular docking approach, bicyclogermacrene interacted with the p38α MAPK cancer protein (PDB ID: 4FA2) with a potential binding affinity of −8.019 kcal/mol, whereas ( E)-caryophyllene tends to bind 2 bacterial proteins P aeruginosa QS regulator (PDB ID: 6B8A) and glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (GlmS) (PDB ID: 2VF5) with the better binding affinities of −6.740 and −6.521 kcal/mol, respectively. The most preferable binding mode was due to hydrophobic π-alkyl and alkyl interactions.

Conclusion

The current result can be seen as a basic foundation in the applications of essential oils of B tonkinensis and L gracilipes for anticancer and antimicrobial treatments. Further phytochemical studies and mechanisms of action are needed.
Popliteal pseudoaneurysm from suspected mechanical stress injury secondary to stent fracture and perforation: A case report
Authors: Harutyunyan Luiza , Jalal Shwan
Published: January 2024

Popliteal artery aneurysms may be divided into true and false aneurysms (pseudoaneurysms). We present a case of a right popliteal pseudoaneurysm. A 67-year-old male presented to the hospital with significant pain in the right calf. A peripheral angiogram revealed extensive stent thrombosis in the right lower extremity. A thrombectomy and balloon angioplasty were done to reestablish blood flow. 2 weeks later the patient presented after a driving trip, with a peripheral angiogram revealing a popliteal pseudoaneurysm. Vascular intervention was performed, replacing the right popliteal artery with a 6 mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft. There is a high degree of suspicion for mechanical stress injury from prolonged knee flexion. The etiology of the pseudoaneurysm was most likely from mechanical stress, despite its historical association with true aneurysms. Although differentiating between true and false aneurysms is important in determining etiology, these are not all-inclusive and overlap of causation may occur.
Play on Twitter During Health Crisis in Non-Democratic Context: Gratification or Dissent?
Authors: Mathe Limukani , Motsaathebe Gilbert
Published: January 2024

There is scholarly debate on whether digital political participation influence decision-making or merely make citizens feel good. Using digital public sphere theory and play, this article explores political participation on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe. The study applies a qualitative content analysis on tweets as it answers questions: does perspective by media users in a health crisis exert political change and in what way does play on digital spheres induce participation for gratification purposes? The findings of the study reflect the use of conspiratorial satire, hyperbole, and propaganda in the COVID-19 pandemic as media users laugh at poor health infrastructure, corruption and authoritarianism. We argue that netizens’ political participation on social media is somehow overrated for it has not generated meaningful change in non-democratic context but gives the media user, a sense of gratification for scoffing at the ruling regime.
What Lexical Factors Drive Look-Ups in the English Wiktionary?
Authors: Lew Robert , Wolfer Sascha
Published: January 2024

This study aims to establish what lexical factors make it more likely for dictionary users to consult specific articles in a dictionary using the English Wiktionary log files, which include records of user visits over the course of 6 years. Recent findings suggest that lexical frequency is a significant factor predicting look-up behavior, with the more frequent words being more likely to be consulted. Three further lexical factors are brought into focus: (1) age of acquisition; (2) lexical prevalence; and (3) degree of polysemy operationalized as the number of dictionary senses. Age of acquisition and lexical prevalence data were obtained from recent published studies and linked to the list of visited Wiktionary lemmas, whereas polysemy status was derived from Wiktionary entries themselves. Regression modeling confirms the significance of corpus frequency in explaining user interest in looking up words in the dictionary. However, the remaining three factors also make a contribution whose nature is discussed and interpreted. Knowing what makes dictionary users look up words is both theoretically interesting and practically useful to lexicographers, telling them which lexical items should be prioritized in lexicographic work.
An Effective Alternative, Policy Experimentation, and the Multiple Streams Framework: An Empirical Study of Chinese Rural Governance Policy Output
Authors: Peng Zhengbo , Yang Su , Dong Liying , Sun Jinhan
Published: January 2024

Although the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) has abundant research, the mechanism of partial couplings to complete coupling remains to be investigated. The study extends the MSF using the perspective of generating effective alternatives in the policy stream to explain the dynamic of the policy process. This article is an empirical study that compares two cases under the same holistic policy issues. We propose the multiple streams framework based on goal-oriented “policy solutions” to explain the process of Chinese rural governance policy output. The results show that: First, the partial coupling (politics and problems) opens the policy window for policy formulation, which drives the policy stream forming. Second, the periodic stability windows are a realistic path to accelerate the policy stream process. Third, policy experimentation constitutes an essential tool for formulating effective options. Further comparing the policy stream in the MSF with the policy stream in this study found clear differences.
Radiographic Robustness of Lumbar Interbody Fusion Techniques
Authors: Bouchard Alice , Mun Jeffrey , Vazquez Frank , Tang Alex , Delsole Edward , Strom Russell , Chen Tan
Published: January 2024

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Objectives

Lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) can be achieved with various techniques. Evidence supporting the long-term clinical advantages of one technique over another are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the changes in sagittal parameters in the preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative phase, (2) evaluate the radiographic maintenance of these parameters over time, and (3) compare the demographics and patient reported outcomes of patients undergoing various LIF techniques.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with degenerative spine disease undergoing single level anterior (ALIF), lateral (LLIF), posterior (PLIF), or transforaminal (TLIF) lumbar interbody fusion. Data collected included patient demographics and diagnosis at time of surgery. Upright lumbar radiographs taken pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and post-operatively were measured for lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental lordosis (SL), posterior disc height (PDH), and foraminal height (FH).

Results

194 patients in a single center were included. PDH and FH increased intra-operatively following ALIF ( P < .0001), PLIF ( P < .0001), LLIF ( P < .0001), and TLIF ( P < .0001). SL also increased intra-operatively for ALIF ( P = .002) and LLIF ( P = .0007). Compared to intra-operative radiographs, PDH and FH decreased at latest post-operative phase for ALIF ( P < .03), LLIF ( P < .003), TLIF ( P < .001), and PLIF ( P < .005). SL decreased for ALIF ( P = .0008), and TLIF ( P = .02). LL did not change postoperatively across techniques. Patient reported outcomes improved post-surgically and disability index decreased, but neither differed between techniques.

Conclusion

LIF, regardless of technique, was shown to provide significant radiographic changes in PDH and FH. Techniques utilizing larger intervertebral cage sizes (ALIF/LLIF) improved SL. Single level LIF did not affect overall LL. No single technique displayed superior radiographic robustness over time.
Association of Idiopathic Cam Morphology With Femoral and Acetabular Version: Analysis of 986 Cadaveric Hips
Authors: Sinkler Margaret A. , Morris William Z. , Yuh Roger T. , Fowers Cody A. , Xie Katherine , Cooperman Daniel R. , Liu Raymond W.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Studies have correlated symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with femoral retroversion and cam lesions.

Purpose:

To investigate any association between femoral and acetabular versions with cam deformity in a largely asymptomatic population.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 986 cadaveric hips were selected from a historical osteologic collection. Each hip was assessed to determine the femoral and acetabular versions, anterior offset, and alpha angle. Cam morphology was defined as an alpha angle >60°. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between age, femoral version, acetabular version, and either alpha angle or anterior femoral offset.

Results:

The mean alpha angle and anterior offset for the sample population were 48.1°± 10.4° and 0.77 ± 0.17 cm, respectively, with cam morphology in 149 of the 986 (15.1%) specimens. No significant difference was observed between hips with and without cam morphology with respect to the femoral (10.8°± 10° vs 10.3°± 9.6°; P = .58) or acetabular versions (17.4°± 6° vs 18.2°± 6.3°; P = .14). Multiple regression analysis did not demonstrate an association between the femoral or acetabular versions and the alpha angle, and it showed a small association between the increasing femoral and acetabular versions and a decreased anterior femoral offset (both P < .01).

Conclusion:

In a large random sample of cadaveric hips, cam morphology was not associated with femoral or acetabular retroversion. Combined with the existing literature, these findings suggest that retroversion is not associated with cam development.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides insight into the development of cam morphology, which may eventually aid in the evaluation and treatment of FAI.
Hope & despair: Implications for life outcomes & policy
Authors: Graham Carol
Published: January 2024

People’s ratings of life satisfaction, hope, and other dimensions of their well-being have become important metrics in disciplines such as economics and public health because they predict health, productivity, employment, and other social outcomes. Recent research suggests that hope, which can be measured with survey instruments, is the most important dimension of well-being for predicting future outcomes for individuals and society. Trends in hope have been tracked as a key factor in the rising numbers of U.S. deaths of despair—a term that encompasses suicide, overdoses, and alcohol-related mortality. Surveys of hope among low-income adolescents in Lima, Peru, and St. Louis, Missouri, have shown that those who have hope for the future—and who are often supported by a mentor—are more likely to invest effort in their education and avoid risky behaviors. By contrast, individuals in despair are unlikely to respond to incentives or opportunities and are vulnerable to misinformation and conspiracy theories. This article provides evidence that hope influences social and economic outcomes and examples of policies that can help restore hope in populations that have lost it. Preventing another generation from falling into despair is essential to a society’s health and security.
Amaurosis Fugax Due to Radiation-induced Carotid Stenosis Treated by Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Nagendra Shashank , Gutte Avinash , Gaikwad Abhijit
Published: January 2024

59-year-old male had four episodes of transient, painless vision loss in right eye in the last 20 days which had resolved spontaneously. Three years ago, patient had been diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which had been treated with six cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. MRI brain angiogram showed diffuse long segment wall thickening of Right Internal Carotid Artery with luminal narrowing with no acute infarct or haemorrhage; which was later confirmed by four vessel DSA. He was treated with Right Carotid Artery angioplasty with a cutting balloon while using a distal protection device, followed up by stenting. The patient recovered well on follow-up and there were no further episodes. Thus, amaurosis fugax may be a presentation of carotid artery stenosis, especially after radiotherapy and such patients can be treated by carotid angioplasty and stenting.
Users’ views on the use of a smartwatch app to collect daily symptom data in individuals with multiple long-term conditions (Multimorbidity): A qualitative study
Authors: Kenning Cassandra , Bower Peter , Small Nicola , Ali Syed Mustafa , Brown Benjamin , Dempsey Katherine , Mackey Elaine , McMillan Brian , Sanders Caroline , Serafimova Ilina , Van der Veer Sabine N , Dixon William G , McBeth John
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Long-term conditions are a major burden on health systems. One way to facilitate more research and better clinical care among patients with long-term conditions is to collect accurate data on their daily symptoms (patient-generated health data) using wearable technologies. Whilst evidence is growing for the use of wearable technologies in single conditions, there is less evidence of the utility of frequent symptom tracking in those who have more than one condition.

Aims

To explore patient views of the acceptability of collecting daily patient-generated health data for three months using a smartwatch app.

Methods

Watch Your Steps was a longitudinal study which recruited 53 patients to track over 20 symptoms per day for a 90-day period using a study app on smartwatches. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of 20 participants to explore their experience of engaging with the app.

Results

In a population of older people with multimorbidity, patients were willing and able to engage with a patient-generated health data app on a smartwatch. It was suggested that to maintain engagement over a longer period, more ‘real-time’ feedback from the app should be available. Participants did not seem to consider the management of more than one condition to be a factor in either engagement or use of the app, but the presence of severe or chronic pain was at times a barrier.

Conclusion

This study has provided preliminary evidence that multimorbidity was not a major barrier to engagement with patient-generated health data via a smartwatch symptom tracking app.
The Triple Varus Knee: A Case Presentation
Authors: Grandberg Camila , Kaarre Janina , Keeling Laura E. , Zsidai Bálint , Greiner Justin J. , Musahl Volker
Published: January 2024

Background:

Knee instability due to posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral corner (PLC) deficiency is a devastating condition that negatively affects patient quality of life. This video presents the surgical management of a triple varus knee, including combined high tibial osteotomy (HTO), revision PCL and PLC reconstruction, and meniscus root repair.

Indications:

Combined HTO and revision PCL and PLC reconstruction is indicated for patients with previously failed PCL and PLC reconstruction in the setting of varus malalignment.

Technique Description:

The procedure begins with a medial opening-wedge biplanar HTO, which is fixed with a patient-specific locking plate. The PCL femoral tunnel is drilled via a low anterolateral portal, and the tibial insertion is debrided via a posteromedial portal. The medial meniscus is carefully freed from the posterior capsule, and 2 luggage tag sutures are placed through the posterior root. The PCL tibial tunnel and meniscus root tunnels are drilled via their respective guides. The meniscal sutures are passed through the tunnel but not fixed. An Achilles bone-block allograft is passed through the PCL tibial tunnel and fixed with suspensory fixation and an interference screw on the femoral side, while the tibial side is left free. A peroneal nerve neurolysis is performed. A fibular tunnel is drilled, and a semitendinosus allograft is whip-stitched on both sides and passed through the tunnel. A Beath pin is inserted into the femur, and the tunnel is over drilled. Both limbs of the graft are passed deep to the iliotibial band and into the tunnel. The tibial side of the PCL is fixed with an interference screw at 90° of knee flexion. The PLC grafts are fixed with an interference screw at 30° of knee flexion with slight valgus. The medial meniscus root sutures are tied over a button, with 60° of knee flexion. Screws from osteotomy fixation are replaced as needed.

Results:

Although outcomes following the combined procedure are lacking, good to excellent clinical outcomes have been reported in isolation following each procedure.

Conclusion:

A combination of HTO and revision PCL and PLC reconstruction should be considered for patients with persistent instability and/or pain in the setting of triple varus knee.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
A critical analysis of the inclusivity of primary headteacher job advertisements
Authors: Hooper Helen , Malika Anna , Angelopoulos Alexandros
Published: January 2024

Previous research demonstrates the specific wording employed in recruitment materials can impact on an applicants perceived fit with the role being advertised, their inclination to apply and has included analysis of the effect of different text on under-represented groups. However, little research has explored the recruitment materials for specific roles, such as headteachers. A review of job advertisement research was used to synthesis a framework for the critical analysis of UK primary headteacher recruitment materials, a highly relevant area for exploration given the persistent lack of diversity in teaching leadership. This research concludes that primary headteacher recruitment materials are not inclusive as they do not explicitly encourage nor support diversity of appeal or engagement with recruitment processes, and has surfaced considerable scope for enhanced practice. No (0) job advertisements contained: job-sharing/flexible working opportunity; relevant employee benefits, for example, tax-free childcare; or a diversity statement/positive action initiative. Diversity is further undermined via inconsistent and unrealistic expectations in both person specifications and job descriptors. Highly inconsistent applicant packs and wide variation in advertised salary bands were unexpected findings that suggest a ‘cottage industry’ approach to primary headteacher recruitment and underpin recommendations for developing good practice and writing inclusive teaching leadership advertisements.
Anecdote, fiction, and statistics: The three poles of empirical methodology
Authors: Wood Michael
Published: January 2024

This article clarifies the role and value of three types of evidence used in empirical research – anecdotes derived from case studies or small samples of data, fictions (including both thought experiments and works of art such as novels and plays) and statistics. The conclusion is that all three have an important part to play. Many conventional stereotypes are deeply unhelpful: contrary to the usual assumptions, science is often dependent on anecdote and fiction for exploring possibilities, qualitative research is often statistical in spirit, and social science is more likely to lead to useful conclusions about future possibilities if it draws on anecdotes and fictions.
Experiences of suicide survivors of sharing their stories about suicidality and overcoming a crisis in media and public talks: a qualitative study
Authors: Kirchner Stefanie , Niederkrotenthaler Thomas
Published: January 2024

Background

Media stories of hope and recovery from suicidal ideation have been found to have a positive impact on the audience, but little is known about how individuals who share their own experiences perceive the effects of their storytelling. This study aimed to assess qualitatively, through focus groups, how individuals who shared their personal story of hope and recovery in the media and public talks experienced the process, and which aspects they perceived as important in sharing their coping story.

Methods

Three focus groups were conducted with a total of n = 12 individuals. These included n = 5 participants with experience of suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt, n = 4 individuals who had been bereaved through suicide, and n = 3 participants who experienced both. Participants were recruited from the American organisation “Suicide Survivors United”. Thematic analysis was used to assess the participants’ perception and experiences of sharing their story.

Results

Participants shared that the intention to help others was the main motivation to share their story of hope and recovery. Participants noted many positive effects of their storytelling on themselves and also received positive feedback from the audience, such as improved help-seeking attitudes. The participants offered recommendations for those who want to share their story of hope and recovery, including careful personal preparation and media training before going public. They also discussed media recommendations for talking about suicide in the media.

Conclusions

Sharing a personal story of hope and recovery may have a beneficial impact on the storytellers. Storytelling requires a careful preparation and training before going public and support and guidance is crucial in all stages of the storytelling, particularly to help unexperienced storytellers in going public and using their personal narratives to help prevent suicide.