bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(264) FEMALE SEXUAL HEALTH AFTER OBSTETRIC ANAL SPHINCTER INJURY (OASI): A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Gibrael Hevy S , Linhardt Signe , Toldam Nana E , Jangö Hanna , Thomsen Louise , Dreier Sabine , Giraldi Prof Annamaria , Graugaard Prof Christian
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Sexual health is an essential aspect of women’s well-being throughout life. However, pregnancy and childbirth cause biological, psychological, and social changes that can impact negatively on sexual health. Studies have thus indicated that sexual function often declines during pregnancy and may not fully recover to pre-pregnancy levels in the postpartum period. Unfortunately, healthcare providers often overlook addressing sexual aspects during this crucial time. With approximately 90% of women sustaining perineal tears during vaginal birth and 1-6 % being affected by obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), the current scoping review aims to assess the existing evidence on the associations between OASI and postpartum sexual health. Specifically, the review investigates the domains of sexual functioning, activity, and satisfaction.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cinahl and Cochrane were systematically searched for relevant peer-reviewed papers as well as grey literature. Studies were selected in a three-stage process involving title and abstract assessment, complete article evaluation, and inclusion meeting predefined criteria. Only original quantitative studies providing statistical evidence on the impact of OASI on postpartum sexual health were included. The initial search yielded 749 articles, with 26 selected for inclusion.

Results

OASI impacted women's sexual health postpartum. In particular, women with OASI had delayed resumption of sexual intercourse compared to those with no or tears of lower degrees although the majority had resumed their coital activity twelve months postpartum. According to most studies, OASI increased the risk of dyspareunia, which oten persisted several years after birth. Also, these women were more likely to develop other long-term consequences, such as fecal incontinence, which can lead to, or exacerbate, sexual problems.

Conclusions

Women with OASI have increased risk of sexual dysfunction and low coital activity. This underscores the importance of initiating conversations with women regarding their sexual health after delivery with OASI and offer referral to physiotherapy, couples therapy, or sexological expertise when necessary.

Conflicts of Interest

Declaration of conflicts of interest for all authors:

H. S. Gibrael: None.

S. Linhardt: None.
(253) ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOSOCIAL ADAPTATION AND SEXUAL HEALTH OF WAR PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Azatyan Ruzanna , Sahakyan Satenik , Hakobyan Prof Aram , Grigoryan Arsen
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study examines the assessment of socio-psychological adaptation and sexual health status of combatants and development of effective methods of rehabilitation.

Methods

The Course of Sexology of Yerevan State Medical University and Armenian Association of Sexologists (Sexual Health Protection NGO) has developed a questionnaire using various authoritative questionnaires: Clinical-Administered PTSD scale (CAPS), Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (M-PTSD). The questionnaire consists of 17 questions, conducted on an anonymous voluntary basis.

Results

The study involved 384 adult men aged 18 to 58 years (mean age 26.57 ± 7.17 years). The association with aggressive irritability in the pre-war period was statistically significant as a post-war frequency (p<0,05).

Statistically reliable data were obtained for people with irritability and aggression in the pre-war period, the effect of whether pre-war and post-war situations influenced sexual satisfaction was more pronounced (p<0,05). The frequency of sexual intercourse before the war was not related to having sexual problems (p>0,05), but post-war sexual problems were more common among those with poor family relationships (p<0,05). Fair or good family relationships before the war were associated with less frequent post-war physical reactions (p <0.05).

Conclusions

As a result of statistical analysis, we understand that there is direct connection between sexual satisfaction and sexual drive with the PTSD and the consequences of participation in war. Therefore, in the rehabilitation phase of war participants, referring to the recovery of sexual health, the psychosocial adaptation takes place more quickly and completely.

Conflicts of Interest

We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
(289) IMPROVING UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE HISTOLOGY OF THE CLITORIS AND PENIS IN RELATIONSHIP TO SEXUAL PLEASURE
Authors: Kielholz Mirjam , Badre Maeva , Brockmann Dr Celine , Soulie Dr Priscilla , Abdulcadir Dr Jasmine
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Sexual health is a part of global health and well-being. Comprehensive sexual health training is lacking in undergraduate medical education. Genital anatomy and physiology teaching has traditionally focused on reproductive function. Sexual physiology and the sexual response cycle are some of the basic learning objectives necessary for improving the gap in sexual health competencies in healthcare professionals.

The objective was to update the histology teaching of undergraduate medical students at the University of Geneva by including histologic sections of the glans of the clitoris and the penis, thus allowing to address sexual pleasure.

Methods

Standard H&E histology and immunohistochemistry (S100 staining to identify nervous tissue) sections of the glans of the clitoris and penis from the Geneva University Hospital Pathology Service were digitalized and made available, with their description, in the histology teaching on the reproductive system, through a digital microscopy platform.

Results

On the added sections of clitoral glans, students identified the following structures: the distal portion of the clitoral body with numerous Pacinian corpuscles in the surrounding tissue, the dorsal nerves of the clitoris, and numerous genital sensory corpuscles. On the sections of the penile glans, medical students observed the distal part of the urethra surrounded by the corpus spongiosum, nerves of the glans of the penis, and numerous genital sensory corpuscles. The students were invited to compare the two organs, finding similarities and differences as well as correlating the histological structures to their sexual response function.

Conclusions

Histology teaching for undergraduate students of the University of Geneva was successfully updated with existing histologic sections of clitoral and penile glans. This is cost-effective and adaptable to various teaching methods of different medical schools, providing medical students with foundational knowledge for an inclusive understanding of the genital sexual response.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
(197) EXPLORING THE CONNOTATION OF SEXUAL WELL-BEING
Authors: Yu Dr Pei L
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To explore the definition and content of sexual well-being.

Methods

The research participants are people over the age of 20 who have had sexual intercourse with their partners. One-on-one open-ended questions and text conversations are used as the main method of data collection. The study was conducted from September to December 2021. There were 37 interviewees, including 20 women (54.1%) and 17 men (45.9%); the age distribution was 20 (54.1%) between 21 and 39 years old, and 17 (45.9%) over 40 years old.

Results

The majority of participants viewed sexual well-being as alignment with their partner in sexual life, the satisfaction of sexual needs, experiencing positive emotions, and having a diverse, comfortable, and stress-free sexual life.

The content of sexual well-being mainly encompasses 13 indicators, and the content of the first 8 indicators is as follows:

1. Accommodating and satisfying sexual needs (11.6%)

2. Feeling satisfaction or positive emotions (11.1%)

3. Alignment in sexual life with the partner, with the frequency of sexual encounters not being the focus (9.5%)

4. Comfortable and stress-free sexual life (9.5%)

5. Emotional and relational compatibility with the sexual partner (6.8%)

6. Mutual understanding, empathy, and respect in sexual life (6.8%)

7. Able to have diverse and unrestrained sex (6.3%)

8. Effective communication regarding sexual life (6.3%)

Conclusions

Research results have found that a compatible sexual life with your partner is very important for sexual well-being. The frequency of sexual intercourse does not necessarily and cannot represent an individual's sexual well-being. Sexual dysfunction often affects sexual life, but only a few people mention it as an indicator of sexual happiness.

Conflicts of Interest

No.
The extreme coronal line emitter AT 2022fpx: varying optical polarization properties and late-time X-ray flare
Authors: Koljonen Karri I I , Liodakis Ioannis , Lindfors Elina , Nilsson Kari , Reynolds Thomas M , Charalampopoulos Panos , Kouroumpatzakis Konstantinos , McCall Callum , Jermak Helen E , Steele Iain A , Carbajo-Hijarrubia Juan
Published: June 2024

Supermassive black holes disrupt passing stars, producing outbursts called tidal disruption events (TDEs). TDEs have recently gained attention due to their unique dynamics and emission processes, which are still not fully understood. Especially, the so-called optical TDEs are of interest as they often exhibit delayed or obscured X-ray emission from the accretion disc, making the origin of the prompt emission unclear. In this paper, we present multiband optical polarization observations and optical spectrometry of a recent TDE candidate AT 2022fpx, alongside monitoring observations in optical, ultraviolet, and X-rays. The optical spectra of AT 2022fpx show Bowen fluorescence as well as highly ionized iron emission lines, which are characteristic of extreme coronal line emitters. Additionally, the source exhibits variable but low-polarized continuum emission at the outburst peak, with a clear rotation of the polarization angle. X-ray emission observed approximately 250 d after the outburst peak in the decay appear flare-like but is consistent with constant temperature blackbody emission. The overall outburst decay is slower than for typical TDEs, and resembles more the ones seen from Bowen fluorescence flares. These observations suggest that AT 2022fpx could be a key source in linking different long-lived TDE scenarios. Its unique characteristics, such as extreme coronal line emission, variable polarization, and delayed X-ray flare, can be attributed to the outer shock scenario or a clumpy torus surrounding the supermassive black hole. Further studies, especially in the context of multiwavelength observations, are crucial to fully understand the dynamics and emission mechanisms of these intriguing astrophysical events.
Properties of magnetic null points associated with X-class flares during solar cycle 24
Authors: Edgar R L , Régnier S
Published: June 2024

Since the launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) in 2010 and throughout the solar cycle 24, the Sun has produced few tens of X-class flares, which are the most energetic solar events. Those flares are produced in regions where the magnetic flux/energy is large and the magnetic configurations are complex. To provide more insights into the flaring process, we investigate the properties of magnetic null points (MNPs) and their correlation with the energy release sites. During solar cycle 24, we identify 17 X-class flares satisfying selection criteria. From SDO/HMI magnetograms, we perform potential extrapolations around the peak time of the flare to access the 3D coronal magnetic field and thus investigate the existence of coronal MNPs. We then correlate the flaring sites with the existing MNPs using SDO/AIA 171 Å; EUV observations, and deduce their properties (sign, spine, and fan). Six active regions out of 10 possess at least one MNP which is stable and with large magnetic field gradients: this implies that 35  per cent of X-class flares are associated with an MNP; of which 87.5 per cent of MNPs are of positive type. The MNPs associated with the flare sites are predominantly located at a height between 0.5 and 2 Mm, and with a vertical/radial spine field line. We also find a slight correlation between the MNPs not associated with a flare and negative-type MNPs (55 per cent) within the active region. Regarding the physics of flares, the association between the enhanced intensity at the flaring site and an MNP represents about a third of the possible scenarios for triggering X-class flares.
Wet-spinning of carbon nanotube fibers: dispersion, processing and properties
Authors: Yang Zhicheng , Yang Yinan , Huang Yufei , Shao Yanyan , Hao He , Yao Shendong , Xi Qiqing , Guo Yinben , Tong Lianming , Jian Muqiang , Shao Yuanlong , Zhang Jin
Published: June 2024

Owing to the intrinsic excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) have been expected to become promising candidates for the next-generation of high-performance fibers. They have received considerable interest for cutting-edge applications, such as ultra-light electric wire, aerospace craft, military equipment, and space elevators. Wet-spinning is a broadly utilized commercial technique for high-performance fiber manufacturing. Thus, compared with array spinning from drawable CNTs vertical array and direct dry spinning from floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD), the wet-spinning technique is considered to be a promising strategy to realize the production of CNTFs on a large scale. In this tutorial review, we begin with a summative description of CNTFs wet-spinning process. Then, we discuss the high-concentration CNTs wet-spinning dope preparation strategies and corresponding non-covalent adsorption/charge transfer mechanisms. The filament solidification during the coagulation process is another critical procedure for determining the configurations and properties for derived CNTFs. Next, we discuss post-treatment, including continuous drafting and thermal annealing, to further optimize the CNTs orientation and compact configuration. Finally, we summarize the physical property-structure relationship to give insights for further performance promotion in order to satisfy the prerequisite for detailed application. Insights into propelling high-performance CNTFs production from lab-scale to industry-scale are proposed, in anticipation of this novel fiber having an impact on our lives in the near future.
Dark supernova remnant buried in the Galactic Center “Brick” G0.253+0.016 revealed by an expanding CO-line bubble
Authors: Sofue Yoshiaki
Published: June 2024

We performed a $^{12}$CO- and $^{13}$CO-line study of the “Brick” (G0.253+0.016) in the Galactic Center (GC) by analyzing archival data obtained with the Nobeyama 45 m telescope. We present kinematics and molecular gas distributions in the longitude–velocity diagram, and suggest that the Brick is located along the GC Arm I in the central molecular zone (CMZ), which yields a distance from the Sun of 8 kpc and a Galactocentric distance of 0.2 kpc. The major- and minor-axis diameters of the Brick are $D_x\times D_y=8.4 \times 4.1\, {\rm pc}$ at position angles of 40 and $130^\circ$, respectively, and the scale radius is $r_{\rm Bri}=\sqrt{D_x D_y}=2.96\, {\rm pc}$. The molecular mass inferred from the $^{12}$CO-line integrated intensity is $M_{\mathrm{Bri};X_\mathrm{CO}}\sim 5.1\times 10^4\, M_\odot$ for a conversion factor $X_{\rm CO;GC}=1.0\times 10^{20}$ H$_2$ cm $^{-2}$ [K km s$^{-1}]^{-1}$. On the other hand, the dynamical (virial) mass for the measured velocity dispersion of $\sigma _v=10.0\, {\rm km\ s^{-1}}$ is calculated to be $M_{\rm Bri;vir}\sim 6.8 \times 10^4\,M_\odot$, which yields a new conversion factor of $X_{\rm CO;Bri}=1.3\times 10^{20}$ H$_2$ cm $^{-2}$ [K km s$^{-1}]^{-1}$. The Brick’s center has a cavity surrounded by a spherical molecular bubble of radius $r_{\rm bub}=1.85$ pc and mass $\sim 1.7\times 10^4\,M_\odot$ expanding at $v_{\rm exp}\simeq 10 \ {\rm km\ s^{-1}}$ with a kinetic energy of $E_0\sim 1.7\times 10^{49}$ erg. If the bubble is approximated by an adiabatic spherical shock wave, the age is estimated to be $t\sim 2/5 r_{\rm bub}/v_{\rm exp}\sim 7.2\times 10^4$ yr. Neither non-thermal radio structures nor thermal radio emission indicative of the H ii region are found in the archival data from MeerKAT. We suggest that the molecular bubble is a dark supernova remnant buried in the Brick, which has therefore experienced past (${\sim}0.1$ Myr ago) massive star formation with a supernova explosion.
Higgs Inflation in Unimodular Gravity
Authors: Nozari Kourosh , Malekpour Manda
Published: June 2024

The discovery of the Higgs mechanism within the context of spontaneous symmetry breaking has offered a new perspective on early-time cosmic inflation and also on the relationship between elementary particles and dark energy, believed to drive the universe’s accelerating expansion. We suggest an inflation scenario driven by the Higgs boson within the framework of unimodular gravity, where the Higgs field acts as the inflaton and has a significant non-minimal coupling to the gravity. We present a detailed analysis of the problem in the Jordan and then Einstein frame for a unimodular Higgs inflation, followed by a comparison of our findings with the cosmic microwave background observations made by the Planck Collaboration and other joint data sets. Therefore, new constraints are imposed on the non-minimal coupling parameter, $\xi$, by determining the magnitudes required for effective cosmic inflation. We demonstrate that a substantial non-minimal coupling of order $\xi \sim 10^{2}\!-\!10^{4}$ is required for this model to match with the observed primordial spectrum.
Gravitational Waves from First-Order Phase Transition in an Electroweakly Interacting Vector Dark Matter Model
Authors: Abe Tomohiro , Hashino Katsuya
Published: June 2024

We discuss gravitational waves (GWs) in an electroweakly interacting vector dark matter (DM) model. In the model, the electroweak gauge symmetry is extended to SU(2)$_0 \times$SU(2)$_1 \times$SU(2)$_2 \times$U(1)$_Y$ and spontaneously broken into SU(2)$_L \times$U(1)$_Y$ at TeV scale. The model has an exchange symmetry between SU(2)$_0$ and SU(2)$_2$. This symmetry stabilizes some massive vector bosons associated with the spontaneous symmetry breaking described above, and an electrically neutral one is a DM candidate. In a previous study, it was found that the gauge couplings of SU(2)$_0$ and SU(2)$_1$ are relatively large to explain the measured value of the DM energy density via the freeze-out mechanism. With the large gauge couplings, the gauge bosons potentially have a sizable effect on the scalar potential. In this paper, we focus on the phase transition of SU(2)$_0 \times$SU(2)$_1 \times$SU(2)$_2 \rightarrow$ SU(2)$_L$. We calculate the effective potential at finite temperature and find that the phase transition is first-order and strong in a wide range of the parameter space. The strong first-order phase transition generates GWs. We calculate the GW spectrum and find that it will be possible to detect the GWs predicted in the model by future space-based GW interferometers. We explore the regions of the parameter space probed by the GW detection. We find that the GW detection can probe the region where the mass of $h^{\prime }$, a CP-even scalar in the model, is a few TeV.
β-Cyclodextrin-based nanoassemblies for the treatment of atherosclerosis
Authors: Ji Weihong , Zhang Yuanxing , Shao Weichen , Kankala Ranjith Kumar , Chen Aizheng
Published: June 2024

Atherosclerosis, a chronic and progressive condition characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cells and lipids within artery walls, remains a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases globally. Despite considerable advancements in drug therapeutic strategies aimed at managing atherosclerosis, more effective treatment options for atherosclerosis are still warranted. In this pursuit, the emergence of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a promising therapeutic agent offers a novel therapeutic approach to drug delivery targeting atherosclerosis. The hydrophobic cavity of β-CD facilitates its role as a carrier, enabling the encapsulation and delivery of various therapeutic compounds to affected sites within the vasculature. Notably, β-CD-based nanoassemblies possess the ability to reduce cholesterol levels, mitigate inflammation, solubilize hydrophobic drugs and deliver drugs to affected tissues, making these nanocomponents promising candidates for atherosclerosis management. This review focuses on three major classes of β-CD-based nanoassemblies, including β-CD derivatives-based, β-CD/polymer conjugates-based and polymer β-CD-based nanoassemblies, highlighting a variety of formulations and assembly methods to improve drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. These β-CD-based nanoassemblies exhibit a variety of therapeutic mechanisms for atherosclerosis and offer systematic strategies for overcoming barriers to drug delivery. Finally, we discuss the present obstacles and potential opportunities in the development and application of β-CD-based nanoassemblies as novel therapeutics for managing atherosclerosis and addressing cardiovascular diseases.
The possible therapeutic role of intravenous lipid emulsion in acute aluminium phosphide poisoning: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Gheat Hafsa Salah , Fayed Manar M , Elgazzar Fatma M , Draz Eman I , El-Kelany Rabab S
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Aluminum phosphide (ALP) is a highly toxic rodenticide and the mortality rates caused by it have been demonstrated up to 70–100% in various studies. Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote to manage its toxic effects. This study aimed to assess the biochemical and clinical efficacy and safety of intravenous lipid emulsion as an adjuvant therapy in acute aluminum phosphide poisoning.

Patients and methods

Sixty-four cases with acute ALP poisoning were stratified according to severity by the Poison Severity Score into severe and moderate groups (32 patients each). Patients were then randomly allocated into either receiving intravenous lipid emulsion in addition to the conventional treatment or receiving the conventional treatment only by using block randomization.

Results

Treatment by ILE resulted in a significant improvement in the survival time, the mean arterial blood pressure, arterial blood gases, and a significant reduction in serum lactate levels. The need for intubation and mechanical ventilation was insignificantly lower in the intervention groups compared to control groups. However, the reduction in mortality rate in the patients of intervention groups compared with control groups was found to be non-significant. Intravenous lipid emulsion use in acute ALP poisoning significantly prolonged the survival time, improved the metabolic acidosis, decreased the serum lactate levels and increased the mean arterial blood pressure and hospital stay in the intervention groups. And insignificantly decreased the mortality rate, need of intubation and mechanical ventilation, and the total dose of vasopressors.
Establishment of an Infection System for Gentian (Gentiana spp.) Sclerotial Flower Blight Disease
Authors: Dominguez John Jewish A. , Iwai Mari , Fujisaki Sayaka , Abe Yoshiko , Iwadate Yasuya , Fujisaki Koki
Published: June 2024

Gentians ( Gentiana spp.) as floriculture crops are constantly exposed to several fungal and viral pathogens in the field. Among the fungal diseases afflicting gentian production, gentian sclerotial flower blight caused by Ciborinia gentianae incurs economic losses, as it affects flowers before and after harvest. Currently, preventive measures for this disease are limited, and no resistant cultivars have been reported. This is partly because of the lack of a reliable infection system that could promote research on this plant–fungus interaction. In this study, Gentiana plant tissue culture material was inoculated with C. gentianae culture filtrate. We successfully demonstrated non-ascospore-mediated infection of C. gentianae. Inoculation of individual hyphal structures present in the culture filtrate suggested that sclerotial primordia are the main agents of this infection. Interestingly, our results indicated that primary infection of C. gentianae occurs in petals rather than leaves, which enables systemic infection and therefore mirrors the fungus's infection strategy observed in the field. Moreover, we showed that (i) non-ascospore hyphal structures can also cause disease in flowers grown in the field, and (ii) ascosporic infection can also be observed using the in vitro system, opening possibilities for both practical and basic research aimed to combat gentian sclerotial flower blight disease.
Early Surgical Excision of Necrotic Tissue Following Unintentional Dermal Injection of Extended-Release Buprenorphine
Authors: Taylor Carly , Loukas Vanessa , Muwonge Jasmine , Taylor Jessica L. , Boyle Joseph
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Extended-release subcutaneous buprenorphine is an increasingly common treatment for opioid use disorder. Serious adverse events are rare and may be poorly understood. This report describes an early surgical intervention to address tissue necrosis resulting from misplaced subcutaneous buprenorphine injection. We review identifying characteristics that distinguish the necrotic reaction from other adverse effects of subcutaneous buprenorphine and offer guidance to continue treatment with subcutaneous buprenorphine.

Case Report

A 33-year-old patient returned to clinic within an hour of his buprenorphine injection, reporting pain and skin changes unlike his previous injections. Non blanching erythema consistent with early necrosis was evident, and the patient was referred for surgical removal of his buprenorphine depot. The patient had uncomplicated healing of the surgical site and was provided sublingual buprenorphine before returning to continue treatment with subcutaneous buprenorphine.

Discussion

Although skin necrosis is known to be a rare complication of subcutaneous buprenorphine injection, early surgical excision to limit injury has not been described. Signs and symptoms of skin necrosis must be better understood to facilitate early intervention and continued treatment.

Conclusions

This case affirms that a patient may continue treatment with subcutaneous buprenorphine despite suffering skin necrosis and demonstrates the value of early surgical intervention after superficial placement of extended-release buprenorphine.
Focal choroidal excavation (FCE)-related choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) in a child
Authors: McDonald Jacinta A. , Barkmeier Andrew J. , Dalvin Lauren A. , Scruggs Brittni A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

To report the rare clinical, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT-angiography findings of a visually significant choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) in the setting of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) in a child.

Methods:

Case report and literature review

Results:

A 9-year-old girl with FCE-related central CNV based on clinical findings and multimodal imaging. Patient’s visual acuity and retinal findings progressed, and she started bevacizumab intravitreal therapy (off label) with resultant stepwise improvement of visual acuity and retinal imaging findings, including regression of a neovascular complex on OCT-A.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the successful use of bevacizumab for a rare choroidal neovascular complex associated with FCE in a child.
Reconceptualizing Family-Centered Partnerships in Parent-Implemented Interventions
Authors: Harbin Shawna G. , Choi Gounah , Fettig Angel
Published: June 2024

Parents are recognized as having a significant impact on their young child’s learning and development. Parent-implemented intervention (PII) is an evidence-based practice that provides parents with ample opportunities to learn and implement new strategies that support their child’s development. However, implementation of these training programs in the field of early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) is often practitioner-driven, which may diminish positive outcomes for children and families and negatively impact the effectiveness of PII. Delivering PII without careful attention to the family’s strengths and resources can compromise parents’ sense of agency and create barriers to parent–practitioner collaboration. In response, this paper describes a framework for PII in EI/ECSE that moves toward a more holistic parent–practitioner relationship and supports family-centered PII partnerships that emphasize the cultural contexts of families and practitioners. A thorough description of the framework and its key constructs are provided.
Modified stapes surgery for otosclerosis: An evaluation of auditory results and postoperative complications
Authors: Chang Chih-En , Chau Ivy Yenwen , Liu Yu-Hsien , Shiao An-Suey
Published: June 2024

Background:

The senior author Shiao, had introduced a modified version of the traditional stapes surgery, called minimally traumatic stapes surgery (MTSS), and explored its effectiveness in reducing postoperative vertigo. However, MTSS exhibited no significant breakthrough in terms of audiometric results. Building upon the original MTSS through slight modifications and the use of the Medtronic Big Easy® Piston as the prosthesis, this study evaluates a refined version of the original MTSS technique. In particular, this research sought to investigate the impact of this refined approach on hearing outcomes and postoperative complications among patients diagnosed with otosclerosis.

Methods:

This research comprehensively examined the medical records of individuals diagnosed with otosclerosis who underwent MTSS. The postoperative outcomes assessed encompassed hearing outcomes and the occurrence of any new complications.

Results:

Overall, 95 patients diagnosed with otosclerosis (comprising 106 affected ears) underwent MTSS. Significant improvements in both the average air conduction threshold (40 ± 16.82 dB after vs 60 ± 14.56 dB before surgery; p < 0.0001) and average air–bone gap (11.99 ± 7.24 dB after vs 29.65 ± 9.47 dB before surgery; p = 0.003) were observed after the surgery. Conversely, no significant change in the average bone conduction threshold was observed after the procedure (28 ± 13.81 dB after vs 29 ± 12.31 dB before surgery; p = 0.149). Among the 106 affected ears, 102 showed postoperative air–bone gap measurements <20 dB, indicating an impressive 96.2% overall hearing improvement. Notably, only a few postoperative complications were observed, including vertigo, chorda tympani injury, facial weakness, and a slight hearing deterioration.

Conclusion:

The refined MTSS technique promoted significant postoperative hearing improvements with minimal complications. This approach showed potential for addressing the surgical challenges in Asian patients with otosclerosis, emphasizing the importance of further research on this advanced procedural method.
Multidisciplinary Fusion: A recurrent expansive prevertebral vascular anomaly with EWSR1::NFATC2 fusion
Authors: DeMarsh Samantha J. , Siegele Bradford , Zavaletta Vaz , Annam Aparna , Kulungowski Ann M. , Hill Lauren R. , Donaldson Nathan , Nakano Taizo A.
Published: June 2024

The field of vascular anomalies has seen a rapid paradigm shift from descriptive to molecular diagnoses, with DNA-based next-generation sequencing becoming standard practice in the workup and characterization of lesions. RNA-based panels for fusion transcripts have been less utilized in the field of vascular anomalies. We report a recurrent, infiltrative prevertebral vascular tumor negative for known somatic variants but positive for an Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1::nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 2 fusion transcript. This lesion demonstrated intermediate malignant potential with morphologic atypia, novel intraluminal endothelial growth, and atypical mitoses, which have not previously been reported. RNA-based panels for fusion transcripts may represent the next impactful evolution of molecular characterization of vascular malformations and tumors.
Using Serious Games to Measure Upper-Limb Myoelectric Pattern Recognition Prosthesis Control Performance in an At-Home Environment
Authors: Maas Bart , Wright Zack A. , Lock Blair A. , van der Sluis Corry K. , Bongers Raoul M.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Upper-limb prostheses have undergone substantial technological improvements in the last two decades, but user complaints and abandonment rates have hardly changed. This may follow from the use of laboratory-based tests when assessing new technology instead of measuring prosthesis use in at-home situations. Serious games might be used to assess prosthesis use at home.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, validity, and reliability of using serious games to measure myocontrol in at-home situations.

Study Design

The design of this study is a cohort study with repeated measurements.

Methods

All 10 participants (five males; seven transradial and three transhumeral defects) used pattern recognition (PR) to control their prosthesis. Two serious games were included in the PR software: Simon Says and In-The-Zone. Participants were instructed to use their prosthesis as they normally would for 2 weeks with the additional instruction to play at least 18 serious games (±90 minutes in total). Outcome measures for aspects of prosthesis use were wear time, months of prosthesis use, and user experiences, and serious games outcomes were success rate and completion time.

Results

For feasibility, all but one participant completed the minimum of 18 games, and user experiences were mostly positive. For validity, no relationships were found between the aspects of prosthesis use and performance in the serious games. For reliability, test-retest reliability for success rate was high (intraclass correlation [ICC], 0.79), but low for completion time (ICC, 0.18) in both games.

Conclusions

Feasibility and reliability of using serious games as an assessment instrument for prosthesis control in at-home situations appeared to be good; however, validity could not be established. The serious games should be improved to increase validity. Furthermore, more outcome measures that reveal aspects of prosthesis use should be considered.

Clinical Relevance Statement

Assessing myocontrol in at-home situations by using serious games is feasible and reliable, but validity needs further attention.
Associations of cholecystectomy with the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qian Jin , Xu Huawei , Liu Jun , Zheng Yihu
Published: June 2024

Background:

Cholecystectomy is the standard surgery for patients with gallbladder disease, but the impact of cholecystectomy on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not clear.

Methods:

The authors obtained genetic variants associated with cholecystectomy at a genome-wide significant level (P-value <5×10-8) as instrumental variables (IVs) and performed Mendelian randomization to explore the relationship with GERD.

Results:

The Inverse Variance Weighted analysis (IVW) showed that the risk of GERD in patients after cholecystectomy increased (OR=2.19; 95% CI: 1.18–4.09). At the same time, the analysis results of weighted median (OR=2.30; 95% CI: 1.51–3.48) and weighted mode (OR=2.21; 95% CI: 1.42–3.45) were also consistent with the direction of the IVW analysis and were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

This study shows that patients who have undergone cholecystectomy are a susceptible population of GERD.
Association of psychosocial risk factors and liver transplant evaluation outcomes in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Wang Roy X. , Lee Jason J. , Mirda Danielle , Hao Jinxuan , Goebel Anna M. , Deutsch-Link Sasha , Serper Marina , Bittermann Therese
Published: June 2024

The Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT) is a standardized psychosocial assessment tool used in liver transplantation (LT) evaluation and has been primarily studied in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between SIPAT score and metabolic syndrome severity and LT waitlist outcomes in a large cohort of patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with MASLD evaluated for LT from 2014 to 2021. The utility of the previously defined total SIPAT cutoff (<21 [excellent/good candidates] vs. ≥21 [minimally acceptable/high-risk candidates]) was studied. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between continuous SIPAT scores and LT waitlisting outcomes. The Youden J statistic was used to identify the optimal SIPAT cutoff for patients with MASLD. A total of 480 patients evaluated for transplant with MASLD were included. Only 9.4% of patients had a SIPAT score ≥21. Patients with SIPAT score ≥21 had higher hemoglobin A1c compared to patients with lower psychosocial risk (median [IQR]: 7.8 [6.0–9.7] vs. 6.6 [5.8–7.9]; p = 0.04). There were no other differences in metabolic comorbidities between SIPAT groups. Increasing SIPAT score was associated with decreased odds of listing (OR: 0.82 per 5-point increase; p = 0.003) in multivariable models. A SIPAT of ≥12 was identified as the optimal cutoff in this population, resulting in an adjusted OR for a listing of 0.53 versus SIPAT <12 (p = 0.001). In this large cohort of patients with MASLD evaluated for LT, few patients met the previously defined high SIPAT cutoff for transplant suitability. Nevertheless, increasing the SIPAT score was associated with waitlist outcomes. Our suggested SIPAT cutoff of ≥12 for patients with MASLD warrants further external validation using data from other centers.
Enabled to Stand: A Single-subject Research Design Study Exploring Pediatric Power Wheelchair Standing Device Use
Authors: Kenyon Lisa K. , Aldrich Naomi J. , Behl Samantha L. , Bazany Sophia G. , McDonagh Emily R. , Miller William C.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

To investigate the influence of powered wheelchair standing device (PWSD) use on changes in activity/participation in children with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Methods:

A mixed methods A-B-A single-subject research design was replicated with participants. The target behavior was parental perceptions of changes in children’s performance of activity/participation goals measured via the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Secondary outcome measures included the COPM with children, an interview, and a 3-measure implementation survey. COPM data related to the target behavior were analyzed using the split-middle celeration line method.

Results:

Four child-parent dyads participated in the study. All participants achieved statistically and clinically significant increases in COPM performance ratings for the 5 parent-identified activity/participation goals.

Conclusions:

For the participant dyads in this study, use of the PWSD appeared to positively influence parental perceptions of improvements in their child’s performance of activity/participation goals.
Holographic coarse-grained states and the necessity of perfect entanglement
Authors: Lin Yi-Yu , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2024

In the framework of the holographic principle, focusing on a central concept, conditional mutual information, we construct a class of coarse-grained states, which are intuitively connected to a family of thread configurations. These coarse-grained states characterize the entanglement structure of holographic systems at a coarse-grained level. Importantly, these coarse-grained states can be used to further reveal nontrivial requirements for the holographic entanglement structure. Specifically, we employ these coarse-grained states to probe the entanglement entropies of disconnected regions and the entanglement wedge cross section dual to the inherent correlation in a bipartite mixed state. The investigations demonstrate the necessity of perfect tensor state entanglement. Moreover, in a certain sense, our work establishes the equivalence between the holographic entanglement of purification and the holographic balanced partial entropy. We also construct a thread configuration with the multiscale entanglement renormalization ansatz (MERA) structure, reexamining the connection between the MERA structure and kinematic space.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Challenges of business angels: does career matter?
Authors: Falcao Rui , Moreira Antonio Carrizo , Carneiro Maria João
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The business angels market dramatically changed the modus operandi and nature of business angels’ activity, evolving from lone investors to angel groups managed professionally. This paper aims to analyze the impact of angel perceived career development on angel satisfaction and, consequently, on their intention to continue investing.

Design/methodology/approach

A model was tested through covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS based on data collected from 336 business angels from seven European countries.

Findings

The results highlight that: the perception of personal development is a decisive factor in pursuing the career of business angel; personal development has a higher explanatory power in angel career development than fostering innovation; and the perception of career development has positive impacts on angels’ job satisfaction and reinvestment intention. The paper ends with implications and guidelines for angels, gatekeepers and entrepreneurs, which may increase satisfaction with the angel experience and contribute to enriching business angel work.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional self-reported data were used to analyze the results of this study.

Originality/value

To paper extends the body of knowledge of business angels’ perceived career development, with implications for business angels, which may increase satisfaction with angel experience and, therefore, contribute to enhancing business angels’ activity. Thus, this study provides a consistent reference for forthcoming studies regarding the career of business angels and their relationship with entrepreneurs.
Employees’ unethical pro-organizational behavior and subsequent internal whistle-blowing
Authors: Chen Lixin , Zhang Suchuan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how perpetrators who engage in unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) feel and respond in the aftermath of such behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a two-wave time-lagged design and collected data from 260 full-time employees working in different industries in China.

Findings

The results indicated that UPB was negatively and indirectly associated with internal whistle-blowing through shame. Perceived moral leadership weakened the effect of shame on internal whistle-blowing.

Originality/value

Based on affective events theory, this paper explored an integrated behavior-emotion-behavior sequence. This paper proposed that the negative emotion, shame, evoked by UPB subsequently influences the extent to which UPB perpetrators engage in internal whistle-blowing.
Energy security governance and its adaptive capacity
Authors: Sagala Saut , Tarigan Ari Krisna Mawira , Alberdi Husnul Aris , Faruq Umar Al
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to introduce the Adaptive Capacity Wheel (ACW) Framework to assess the adaptive capacity of local institutions to address energy security issues. This study used two comparative cases, representing Indonesia's city level (Palembang) and the province level (South Sumatra Province).

Design/methodology/approach

Data used in the analysis were from face-to-face interviews, site observation and document review. This study conducted a set of semi-structured interviews with the key interviewees.

Findings

The two government institutions (city and province) report the challenges in dealing with energy security. The results found that the stakeholders at the city level are less adaptive than those at the province level. This challenge is substantially visible regarding variety, resources, room for autonomous change and leadership. On the other hand, South Sumatra Province is quite adaptive in terms of variety, resources and leadership. This study offers a potential adoption of the ACW framework as an analytical instrument to review the adaptive capacity of local institutions in addressing energy security.

Research limitations/implications

Transforming data from the qualitative to the quantitative form can lead to a biased interpretation of data.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to explore the adaptive capacity of local institutions to address the energy security agenda through the lens of the ACW framework.
The return of the bazaar: an old metaphor for a new world
Authors: Nelson Reed E.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Mass markets, bureaucratic hierarchy and impersonal factories have provided the foundation for Western capitalism during the past three to four centuries, but long before this, the Islamic bazaar fulfilled many of these functions effectively if not admirably despite substantial cultural, political and economic challenges. Paradoxically, bazaar-like arrangements are reappearing in some of the most advanced sectors of the postmodern world at the same time they persist or surface in several other settings. The purpose of this paper is to consider the causes of this persistence and what it means for managers?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the categories of Geertz’s classic ethnographic description of the Sefrou suq in Morocco buttressed with other relevant sources to compare the attributes of the institutions of classic capitalism described by Weber to the Islamic Bazaar and similar hybrid manifestations found in diverse settings today.

Findings

This study suggests five lessons for modern bazaaris: It is never totally about the money – the importance of multiple currencies in creating productive exchanges. The promise and dangers of clientelism – working with trusted collaborators speeds cooperation but poses the danger of stifling innovation. Private lives, public bonds – how the mechanisms of the bazaar permit diverse partners to collaborate successfully. Everyone is a broker – how participants in the bazaar search out creative opportunities for exchange. Creating safe, random interaction – how the physical and social design of the bazaar safely brings together rivals.

Research limitations/implications

These conclusions are drawn from existing ethnographic, historical and theoretical sources.

Practical implications

Contemporary managers dealing with environments where neoclassical markets and hierarchies no longer work or never fully arrived need to do the same, only more carefully, more consistently and more intentionally.

Originality/value

The legacy of the Islamic bazaar as a viable alternative to mass capitalism and a humanizing force has generally not been recognized in mainline management thought, especially in light of the erosion of the dominant metaphors of market and hierarchy in the postmodern world.