bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Endoscopic Approach for Frontal Sinus Cutaneous Fistula With Completely Ossified Frontal Recess
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsuan , Chen Po-Fu , Shiue Yow-Ling
Published: June 2023

A frontal sinus cutaneous fistula (FSCF) is a rare and challenging condition. Remarkable advancements in endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES) have enabled the treatment paradigm for a FSCF to gradually shift from open procedures to ESS. Nevertheless, the experience of EES for a post-trephination-related FSCF is rare, especially in patients with a pronounced frontal recess (FR) ossification. Here, we report an endoscopic strategy for successfully treating a post-trephination-related FSCF with complete ipsilateral FR neo-osteogenesis. Through two surgical corridors created by the modified mini-Lothrop procedure and an ipsilateral frontal osteotomy window, we established a patent drainage pathway from the affected side to the opposite side. This strategy may prevent potential orbital and cranial base injuries from affecting the ossified region of the ipsilateral FR. Moreover, in addition to the advantage of aesthetic outcomes, the procedure allows a single-stage surgery and facilitates the debridement and surveillance of the wound through the drainage pathway postoperatively. In conclusion, this technique could be a feasible endoscopic strategy for a FSCF, regardless of the severity of the FR ossification.
The making of female politicians: Why political identity matters
Authors: Refki Dina , Faerman Sue
Published: June 2023

What makes female candidates for political office persist in their quest? Using self-determination and casual agency theories, we hypothesize that female candidates for public office need to construct and maintain a political identity in their quest for office. Through interviews, we explore the narratives of 35 women who ran for public office at the state and local levels in the United States. Half of the women persisted to the end of the race, whereas the other half aborted their campaign at some point before elections. We show that those who persisted performed conscious and deliberate political identity work which neutralized threats from the external environment, leveraged opportunities, and strengthened political identities. Internalizing, identifying with, and expressing oneself as a political actor is critical to resilience as a candidate for political office. Understanding threats to fragmentation of political identity is a critical implication for women running for office.
The patch as method: The arts’ contribution towards understandings of conflict
Authors: Rugo Daniele
Published: June 2023

This article asks: how do art practice and research give form to changing dynamics of conflict? Its argument is two-fold: art’s contribution can be developed from empirical considerations (what art finds out), and from methodological ones (how art finds something out). Bringing in art practice and the research methods it informs into political science helps understand conflict and its changes: by engaging simultaneously with the interaction between the collective and the personal, art practice and research elucidates those complex and layered narratives used by various actors in conflict that often resist approaches rooted in social and political sciences. By paying attention to everyday interactions and emphasizing dynamism, art provides a different way to chart changes in armed conflict. Art documents discourses that are difficult to communicate otherwise and allows us to detect and engage with the grey areas, transformations, processes and ambivalences of conflicts that escape neat categorizations.
Common superficial and deep cutaneous bacterial infections in domestic animals: A review
Authors: Faccin Mayane , Wiener Dominique J. , Rech Raquel R. , Santoro Domenico , Rodrigues Hoffmann Aline
Published: June 2023

The skin covers the external surface of animals, and it is constantly exposed to and inhabited by different microorganisms, including bacteria. Alterations in the skin barrier allow commensal and/or pathogenic bacteria to proliferate and penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin. Being the first barrier to the external environment, the skin is prone to injuries, allowing the penetration of microorganisms that may lead to severe deep infections. Companion animals, especially dogs, are prone to bacterial infections, often secondary to allergic dermatitis. When environmental conditions are unfavorable, horses, cattle, sheep, and goats can develop superficial infections, such as those caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. Deep inflammation is commonly caused by Mycobacterium spp., which results in granulomatous to pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis. Likewise, bacteria such as Nocardia spp. and Actinomyces spp. can cause deep pyogranulomatous inflammation. Bacteria that lead to deep necrotizing lesions (eg, necrotizing fasciitis/flesh-eating bacteria) can be severe and even result in death. This review includes an overview of the most common cutaneous bacterial infections of domestic animals, highlighting the main features and histologic morphology of the bacteria, cutaneous structures involved, and the type of inflammatory infiltrates.
Intestinal hemangiomas in 8 horses
Authors: Metcalfe Abbie , Craig Linden E.
Published: June 2023

This retrospective study describes 8 cases of intestinal hemangioma diagnosed in horses during postmortem examination or surgical biopsy at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. In all cases, the intestine was the sole organ affected, and lesions were focal (3/8) or multifocal (5/8). Nodules were most commonly within the small intestine (7/8), particularly the jejunum (5/7). One case was in the left dorsal colon, which is the first report of hemangioma in the large colon of a horse. Lesions were discrete, raised, smooth, black to red, and ranged from 2 to 15 mm in diameter. Microscopically, all lesions were cavernous type and mural, most frequently within the muscularis (6/8). A majority of cases occurred in middle aged to older horses (average age of 19.3 years), and no breed or sex predilections were identified. The hemangiomas were considered incidental findings.
Histopathologic and molecular characterization of Erethizon dorsatum papillomavirus 1 and Erethizon dorsatum papillomavirus 2 infection in North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum)
Authors: Mack Zoe E. , Caserta Leonardo C. , Renshaw Randall W. , Nakagun Shotaro , Gerdes Rhea S. , Diel Diego G. , Childs-Sanford Sara E. , Peters-Kennedy Jeanine
Published: June 2023

Erethizon dorsatum papillomavirus 1 (EdPV1) and Erethizon dorsatum papillomavirus 2 (EdPV2) are associated with cutaneous papillomas in North American porcupines ( Erethizon dorsatum). This study defined gross, histopathologic, and molecular characteristics of viral papillomas in 10 North American porcupines submitted to the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Investigation for the presence of EdPV1 and EdPV2 DNA via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in 9 of the 10 (90.0%) porcupines, and all porcupines were investigated for the detection and localization of EdPV1 and EdPV2 E6 and E7 nucleic acid via chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed in 2 porcupines. Papillomas were diagnosed on the muzzle ( n = 4), caudal dorsum ( n = 1), upper lip ( n = 1), chin ( n = 1), gingiva ( n = 2), and nasal planum ( n = 1). Histologically, the lesions consisted of hyperplastic epidermis or epithelium with orthokeratotic keratin, prominent keratohyalin granules, and intranuclear inclusion bodies. PCR identified EdPV1 in 6 of 9 samples and EdPV2 in the remaining 3 samples. NGS resulted in 100% genome coverage of EdPV1 and 76.20% genome coverage of EdPV2 compared with GenBank reference sequences, with 99.8% sequence identity to the complete EdPV2 L1 gene of a novel subtype recently identified in France. Hybridization patterns in 9 of the 10 (90.0%) porcupines were characterized by strong nuclear signals in the superficial epidermis, with strong nuclear and punctate cytoplasmic signals in the stratum spinosum and basale. In one animal, CISH suggested dual EdPV1 and EdPV2 infection.
Responses to Raven matrices: Governed by visual complexity and centrality
Authors: de Winter Joost C. F. , Dodou Dimitra , Eisma Yke Bauke
Published: June 2023

Raven matrices are widely considered a pure test of cognitive abilities. Previous research has examined the extent to which cognitive strategies are predictive of the number of correct responses to Raven items. This study examined whether response times can be explained directly from the centrality and visual complexity of the matrix cells (edge density and perceived complexity). A total of 159 participants completed a 12-item version of the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices. In addition to item number (an index of item difficulty), the findings demonstrated a positive correlation between the visual complexity of Raven items and both the mean response time and the number of fixations on the matrix (a strong correlate of response time). Moreover, more centrally placed cells as well as more complex cells received more fixations. It is concluded that response times on Raven matrices are impacted by low-level stimulus attributes, namely, visual complexity and eccentricity.
Betwixt and between: Triple liminality and liminal agency in the Swedish gig economy
Authors: Weidenstedt Linda , Geissinger Andrea , Leick Birgit , Nazeer Nabeel
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we identify when and why migrant gig workers experience liminality in the socio-spatial context of food delivery in the Swedish gig economy. We analyse qualitative interviews and informal conversations with food delivery workers in Stockholm through the lens of the territory-place-scale-network (TPSN) framework as developed by Bob Jessop, Neil Brenner and Martin Jones. We find that workers are challenged to deal with triple liminality regarding their work identities, workplaces and work organisation through platforms. Focusing on liminality as a central aspect of gig work, we further find that despite having little worker agency, some of the study participants engage in what we call liminal agency, that is actively pursuing possibilities for progress in uncertain states of in-betweenness. By unpacking the liminal dynamics that especially migrant food delivery riders are confronted with in their daily working lives, this study contributes to the debate on the migrant gig economy, the spatial turn in organisation studies and efforts from human geography to understand agency in precarious gig work.
Tarsal Navicular Bone Stress Injuries: A Multicenter Case Series Investigating Clinical Presentation, Diagnostic Approach, Treatment, and Return to Sport in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Mehta Shayna , Zheng Evan , Heyworth Benton E. , Rizzone Katherine , Halstead Mark , Brown Naomi , Stinson Zachary , Nussbaum Eric D. , Gray Aaron , Segovia Nicole , Kraus Emily
Published: June 2023

Background:

Tarsal navicular bone stress injuries (BSIs) are considered “high risk” because of prolonged healing times and higher rates of nonunion in adult populations but, to our knowledge, have not been comprehensively examined in adolescent athletes.

Purpose:

To describe the characteristics of tarsal navicular BSIs in adolescents.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of patients aged 10 to 19 years with a radiographically diagnosed tarsal navicular BSI was performed at 8 academic centers over a 9-year study period. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), primary sport, physical examination findings, imaging, treatment, surgical technique, return-to-sport time, and complications were analyzed.

Results:

Among 110 patients (mean age, 14.7 ± 2.7 years; 65% female), common primary sports were cross-country/track and field (29/92 [32%]) and gymnastics/dance (25/92 [27%]). Grade 4 BSIs were identified in 44% (48/110) of patients, with fracture lines present on radiography or magnetic resonance imaging. Nonoperative treatment (mean age, 14.4 ± 2.6 years), consisting of protected weightbearing and either a protective boot (69/88 [78%]) or a cast (19/88 [22%]), was trialed in all patients and was successful in 94 patients (85%). Operative treatment (mean age, 17.1 ± 1.4 years) was ultimately pursued for 16 patients (15%). Patients who required surgery had a higher BMI and a higher percentage of fracture lines present on imaging (nonoperative: 36/94 [38%]; operative: 14/16 [88%]). The median time to return to weightbearing, running, and full sport was significantly longer in duration for the operative group than the nonoperative group ( P <.05). Complications associated with surgery included 1 case each of delayed union, nonunion, and painful implants, the latter of which required secondary surgery.

Conclusion:

Adolescent tarsal navicular BSIs were identified most commonly in female patients in leanness sports. Adolescents who required surgery were more likely to be older, have higher BMIs, and have grade 4 BSIs, and they returned to sport within a median of 5 months after single- or double-screw fixation with a low risk of postoperative complications. A better understanding of the presenting signs and symptoms and appropriate diagnostic imaging of navicular BSIs may lead to an earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.
What can the metaverse do for urology?
Authors: Gandi Carlo , Cosenza Luigi , Campetella Marco , Marino Filippo , Ragonese Mauro , Bientinesi Riccardo , Totaro Angelo , Racioppi Marco , Sacco Emilio
Published: June 2023

Everyone talks about the metaverse but few know what it really is. Augmented reality, virtual reality, internet of things (IoT), 5G, blockchain: these are just some of the technologies underlying the structure of the metaverse, a sort of parallel dimension in which the physical and virtual worlds merge together enabling users to interact by emerging technologies in order to enhance their actions and decisions. The healthcare scientific community is already looking at the metaverse as a new research frontier, a tool to improve medical knowledge and patient care. We reviewed the metaverse applications and services, looking for those that could best be developed in the urological field. Urology, due to its technological nature, is a privileged laboratory for experimenting and exploiting the applications of the metaverse both inside and outside the operating room. The revolution of the metaverse is already happening, which is why it is necessary that urologists face it as protagonists in order to lead it in the right direction.
Electroencephalographic (EEG) Biomarkers in Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Goodspeed Kimberly , Armstrong Dallas , Dolce Alison , Evans Patricia , Said Rana , Tsai Peter , Sirsi Deepa
Published: June 2023

Collectively, neurodevelopmental disorders are highly prevalent, but more than a third of neurodevelopmental disorders have an identifiable genetic etiology, each of which is individually rare. The genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders are often involved in early brain development, neuronal signaling, or synaptic plasticity. Novel treatments for many genetic neurodevelopmental disorders are being developed, but disease-relevant clinical outcome assessments and biomarkers are limited. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a promising noninvasive potential biomarker of brain function. It has been used extensively in epileptic disorders, but its application in neurodevelopmental disorders needs further investigation. In this review, we explore the use of EEG in 3 of the most prevalent genetic neurodevelopmental disorders—Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. Quantitative analyses of EEGs, such as power spectral analysis or measures of connectivity, can quantify EEG signatures seen on qualitative review and potentially correlate with phenotypes. In both Angelman syndrome and Rett syndrome, increased delta power on spectral analysis has correlated with clinical markers of disease severity including developmental disability and seizure burden, whereas spectral power analysis on EEG in fragile X syndrome tends to demonstrate abnormalities in gamma power. Further studies are needed to establish reliable relationships between quantitative EEG biomarkers and clinical phenotypes in rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders.
Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale in Fathers
Authors: Escribano Silvia , Tomás-Almarcha Rosa , Oliver-Roig Antonio , Richart-Martínez Miguel , Juliá-Sanchis Rocío
Published: June 2023

Background:

Research gaps exist with regard to paternal attitudes towards breastfeeding and the association between fathers’ attitudes and the type of breastfeeding.

Research Aims: (1)

To analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale in fathers, and (2) to examine the association between fathers’ attitudes and type of breastfeeding.

Method:

We used a cross-sectional study design to analyze the scale’s psychometric properties and performance.

Results:

A total of 639 fathers participated in the study. The mean age was 35.83 years ( SD = 4.65) and 67.3% ( n = 430) were married or in a civil partnership. We observed an adequate fit in the confirmatory factor analysis: TLI = 0.96, CFI = 0.97 and RMSEA = 0.05. The overall internal consistency was 0.76. Between 1–6 months, 48% ( n = 307) of participants’ babies were exclusively breastfed, 35.2% ( n = 225) were partially breastfed, and 16.7% ( n = 107) were exclusively formula fed. Statistically significant differences were shown in attitudes towards breastfeeding, depending on the type of breastfeeding, between 1 and 6 months ( F = 54.67; p < .001). Fathers who reported that their baby had been exclusively breastfed scored higher on attitudes towards breastfeeding. Statistically significant differences were also found between partial breastfeeding and formula feeding.

Conclusions:

The Spanish version of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring paternal attitudes towards breastfeeding.
Employment Discrimination against Indigenous People with Tribal Marks in Nigeria: The Painful Face of Stigma
Authors: Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Mordi Chima , Timming Andrew R
Published: June 2023

Drawing from in-depth qualitative interviews (N = 32), this article examines the impact of indigenous tribal marks on employment chances in southwest Nigeria. It employs indigenous standpoint theory to frame the argument around what constitutes stigma and in what context. The results of our thematic analysis indicate that tribally marked job applicants and employees face significant social rejection, stigmatization and discrimination, and can suffer from severe mental illnesses and even suicidal ideation. We explain how these tribally marked individuals navigate the changing contours of tradition and modernity in Nigeria. Tribal marks, although once largely perceived as signals of beauty and high social status, are now increasingly viewed as a significant liability in the labour market. This article makes a unique and original contribution to the study of stigma and employment discrimination by eschewing the prevailing Western ethnocentrism in the extant research and instead placing the indigenous standpoint at centre stage.
Artificial Pastoral Care: Abdication, Delegation or Collaboration?
Authors: Stoddart Eric
Published: June 2023

This article considers the relationship between Christian pastoral care and Artificial Intelligence systems. Four aspects are identified from definitions of pastoral care: the horizon of contingency in mortality, the role of wisdom rather than mere information, the oppressive and/or liberatory potential of AI and the importance of empathic presence. In rejecting a transhumanist argument that mental processes are substrate-independent, it is contended that pastoral carers embrace, rather than seeking to circumvent, their crucial finitude in being humans who care. A distinction is drawn between probabilistic reasoning and judgement in retaining a vital place for decision-making that is social. Whilst not eschewing value in AI systems, this article argues for critical evaluation of technologically framed contributions to addressing barriers to people's participation. The importance of empathy is highlighted—in the light of claims not only of robotic mimicry but of interindividual models of emotion. It is concluded that the notion of artificial care be ruled out although the possibilities of AI-assisted care are not dismissed. Opportunities for humans to abdicate from the responsibilities to care, in favour of AI substitutes, are deemed to be best avoided.
A nonlinear disturbance observer based super twisting control for cooperative adaptive cruise control system affected by communication imperfections
Authors: Sawant Jaswandi , Chaskar Uttam
Published: June 2023

A cooperative adaptive cruise control system utilizes vehicle-to-vehicle communication in addition to onboard sensors. Vehicle-to-vehicle communication is established by a short-range wireless network, which is susceptible to communication delay or loss of communication frequently. It would result in higher inter-vehicle distance to maintain the string stability of a platoon. In this paper, a nonlinear observer-based super twisting control is proposed to retain the property of string stability in various practical scenarios of communication delay, complete loss of communication, and parametric uncertainty. It ensures asymptotic convergence of the spacing error. The stability of an individual vehicle and the string stability of a platoon is derived. The performance of the proposed scheme is compared with two well-known methods for controlling a platoon of cooperative adaptive cruise control and adaptive cruise control vehicles.
Experimental verification of active damping of powertrain vibrations with simple fuzzy logic compensation for time-varying control period
Authors: Yonezawa Heisei , Yonezawa Ansei , Hatano Takashi , Hiramatsu Shigeki , Nishidome Chiaki , Kajiwara Itsuro
Published: June 2023

To ensure comfortability and lifetime of components, transient vibrations in a vehicle powertrain must be suppressed. This study proposes a novel active vibration control strategy with straightforward fuzzy inference compensation for time-fluctuations of control periods of engines used as actuators. First, a model prediction algorithm including a sampled-data controller (SDC) is applied for addressing the maximal phase lag of the control input caused by the fluctuated control period. Fluctuated renewal timings of the control input that are deviated from those of the periodical operated SDC are defined by fuzzy sets. These fuzzy sets are expressed as “Nearly past timing” and “Nearly future timing.” Using a human-intuition-like fuzzy compensation with only four inference rules, unknown control inputs at fluctuated update timings are reasonably determined from such fuzzy sets and periodical control signals given by the SDC. Experiments using an actual test device are performed to investigate the damping performance of the proposed control scheme. The experimental tests demonstrate that the novel active damping strategy significantly reduces transient vibrations despite the fluctuated control period. Moreover, several different test conditions newly reveal the robustness of the fuzzy compensation against fluctuations of variable regions in the control periods.
The ecological accountability reform and corporate investment efficiency: Evidence from a policy shock
Authors: Liu Sheng , Gu Xin , Chen Xiuying
Published: June 2023

The ecological accountability reform is an emerging environmental regulatory tool used by transition economies to correct failures and deviations in the traditional central-local environmental governance mode. This paper applies the propensity score matching with difference-in-differences method to test the impact of the central environmental inspection, an ecological accountability mechanism, on the investment efficiency of enterprises. The results reveal that the central environmental inspection can improve the corporate investment efficiency by resisting the urge to over-investment. Furthermore, this policy can improve corporate investment efficiency by dual functions of the incentive effect of increasing R&D investment and the pushback effect of financial risk. After a series of robustness checks, the results remained reliable. Heterogeneity tests show that the effect gradually appears in regions that implemented policy lately or with re-inspection, indicating the necessity of establishing a long-term mechanism. What's more, the positive effect of the central environmental inspection on corporate investment efficiency will be more significant in SOEs, large companies, and companies in provinces with weak environmental regulations. To achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, this paper provides implications for improving collaborative governance system of local environmental protection and strengthening the linkage of environmental regulation and enterprise investment.
Dexamethasone Induces Senescence-Associated Changes in Trabecular Meshwork Cells by Increasing ROS Levels Via the TGFβ/Smad3-NOX4 Axis
Authors: Li Haijun , Ren Jing , Cui Huiling , Wang Di , Zhao Rumeng , Liu Xiaohui , Tian Shuai , Wang Jing , Zhang Jingyi , Li Peng , Thorne Rick F. , Duan Shichao
Published: June 2023

Glaucoma is a serious complication of glucocorticoid (GC) therapy arising through elevations in intraocular pressure (IOP). Dexamethasone (DEX) is reported to contribute to elevated IOP through different effects on the trabecular meshwork but whether DEX contributes to glaucoma development through the induction of cellular senescence is still unclear. We explored the actions of DEX on transformed human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) using RNA-seq and conducted bioinformatic analyses to determine the affected pathways. Among the 4,103 differentially expressed genes identified in transformed HTMCs treated with 400 nM DEX (2,036 upregulated and 2,067 downregulated genes, respectively), bioinformatic analyses revealed significant enrichment and potential interplay between the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)41; signaling and cellular senescence pathways. DEX treatment induced senescence changes in primary and transformed HTMCs as indicated by increases in SA-β-gal positivity, interleukin (IL)-6 secretion, and senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHF) along with selective accumulation of senescence marker p15 and elevations in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Notably, the DEX-induced senescence changes were rescued by treatment with the TGFβ/Smad3 pathway inhibitor SIS3. Furthermore, we show that DEX increases cellular ROS levels via upregulation of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) through activation of Smad3, and that SIS3 decreases ROS levels by downregulating NOX4. Instructively, inhibiting NOX4 with GLX351322 and scavenging ROS with NAC were both effective in preventing DEX-induced senescence changes. Similarly, we found in the mouse model that DEX-ac upregulated p15 and NOX4 expression in the trabecular meshwork, with cotreatment with GLX351322 alleviating elevations in IOP. We establish that DEX induces senescence changes in HTMCs by increasing ROS levels via the TGFβ/Smad3/NOX4 axis, increasing IOP and contributing to glaucoma development.
Examining the Effect of Situational Awareness and Health Protection Behaviour on Loneliness and Hopelessness in COVID-19 Process
Authors: Amarat Mustafa , Deniz Serkan , Akbolat Mahmut , Cimen Mesut
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on feelings of loneliness and hopelessness in which COVID-19 was created. The research addresses the following questions: (a) How does trust in government or media affect loneliness and hopelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic? (b) How does trust in interpersonal information affect loneliness and hopelessness? (c) What is the mediating role of perceived personal sensitivity, hand hygiene, and social distance in the effect of trust in government or media on loneliness and hopelessness? (d) What is the mediating role of perceived personal sensitivity, hand hygiene, and social distance in the effect of trust on interpersonal information on loneliness and hopelessness? Trust in government or media information ( β: 0.200) positively affects Situational Awareness variables. While Trust in interpersonal information ( β: −0.106) affects negatively. Situational Awareness creates a negative effect on Loneliness ( β: −0.129) and Hopeless ( β: −0.155), while Health Protective Response affects positively. Finally, Health Protective Response negatively affects Loneliness ( β: 0.245) and Hopeless ( β: 0.253). Interpersonal information, on the other hand, causes individuals to feel both hopeless and lonely. And, when the relationship between individuals’ health protective response with hopelessness and loneliness is examined, it is understood that both health protection responses negatively affect these two emotional states, even if they have different effect levels. As individuals display health protection responses, they have higher hopes for the future and the loneliness felt decreases.
The 2023 New Zealand psychiatry of old age services and workforce survey
Authors: Copeland Bronwyn , Barak Yoram , Cheung Gary
Published: June 2023

Objective

The primary objective was to survey the Psychiatry of Old Age (POA) service resources in New Zealand: number of psychiatrists, inpatient beds, and community psychogeriatric beds. A secondary objective was to compare the POA service resources reported by frontline clinicians with official government data.

Methods

The New Zealand Branch of Faculty of POA collected information from a POA representative in each of the 20 districts, along with official government data.

Results

Information from 17 services were obtained. POA service resources varied greatly between districts. There were discrepancies between the New Zealand Branch of Faculty of POA and official government data. The number of old age psychiatrist FTEs per 10,000 older adults ranged from 0.3 to 1.1 (mean = 0.7). The number of inpatient beds per 10,000 older adults ranged from 0.0 to 4.1 (mean = 1.6); and the number of psychogeriatric beds per 10,000 older adults ranged from 0.0 to 22.7 (mean = 12.6).

Conclusions

There is an urgent need to address the official government data discrepancies and POA service resource inequalities. This can ensure the “postcode” system that determines psychiatric care for older adults can be effectively eliminated. We also found the number of POA inpatient beds is below the internationally recommended level.
Development and performance evaluation of a wheel-type cantilevered piezoelectric rotational energy harvester via an unfixed exciting magnet
Authors: Kan Junwu , Zhang Li , Wang Shuyun , Kan Xinyue , Gu Yiqun , Yang Zemeng , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: June 2023

A wheel-type cantilevered piezoelectric rotational energy harvester (wheel-type PREH) via an unfixed exciting magnet was presented to harvest energy from rotational motion without or far away from a fixed support. To verify the structural feasibility and figure out the effect of rolling exciting magnet and excited magnet on the dynamic characteristics and power generation performance of the wheel-type PREH, the theoretical analysis, simulation, fabrication and experimental testing were performed. The results showed that the performance of the wheel-type PREH depended on the rotary speeds, proof mass and piezo-cantilever mass, number of exciting magnets, cylindrical sleeve materials and so on. When other parameters were constant, there were multiple optimal rotary speeds for the maximal amplitude-ratio, output voltage, electrical energy and output power to achieve peak. Besides, the total number of voltage crests per second did not change with rotary speed. There was a constant optimal resistance load for the wheel-type PREH at different rotary speeds to achieve maximal power. The PREH prototype could yield a maximum output power of 0.74 mW at 767 r/min with optimal load resistance of 215 kΩ and 40 different color LEDs in parallel and a low power light strip could be lighted by wheel-type PREH.
An Updated Pooled Analysis of Off-Label Under and Over-Dosed Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Shen Nan-Nan , Ferroni Eliana , Amidei Claudio Barbiellini , Canova Cristina , Peron Viviana , Wang Jia-Liang , Lin Hou-Wen , Gu Zhi-Chun
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Off-label, under-, and overdosed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are commonly prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but real-world evidence on their effectiveness and safety is limited.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from 01 July 2020 to 28 February 2022 to update a previous systematic review with the same search strategy from the inception to 30 June 2020. Eligible studies were those that reported effectiveness (stroke/systemic embolism and myocardial infarction) or safety (gastrointestinal or major bleeding and death) outcomes of off-label doses of DOACs compared to on-label doses in AF patients. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were performed by specific DOACs and geographic regions.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included. Off-label, underdosed DOACs, compared to on-label doses, were not associated with an increased risk of stroke (HR 1.03, 95%CI: 0.88-1.17) but were associated with an increased risk of death (HR 1.26, 95%CI: 1.09-1.43). However, risk varied depending on the active ingredient. No other safety outcomes were associated with underdosed DOACs. No significant differences were observed by geographic regions. Compared to on-label DOACs, overdosing increased the risk of stroke (HR 1.17, 95%CI: 1.04-1.31), major bleeding (HR 1.18, 95%CI: 1.05-1.31), and death (HR 1.19, 95%CI: 1.03-1.35). Risk varied between geographical regions.

Conclusions

Off-label underdoses, compared to on-label dosing of DOACs, did not increase the risk of stroke but did increase overall mortality. Overdosed DOACs, compared to on-label doses, were associated with an increased risk of stroke, major bleeding, and death. Future studies must examine these associations, focusing on specific active ingredients and geographic settings.
Relieving Traffic Congestion and Accommodating Travel Growth without Expanding Highways: A Policy Evaluation for the Eastern Segment of the Capital Beltway
Authors: DeCorla-Souza Patrick , Minett Paul
Published: June 2023

This paper evaluates a congestion management concept involving conversion of two existing general-purpose freeway lanes per direction on an 8-lane freeway (with 4 lanes per direction) to priced lanes offering free access for high-occupancy vehicles, in conjunction with cash payments to incentivize a sufficient number of commuters to travel as passengers in transit, carpools or vanpools such that congestion on the remaining free lanes would be no worse than it was before the conversion. Building on prior research, we use a refined modeling process to explore the viability of implementation of the concept on the eastern segment of the Capital Beltway in the Washington, DC metro area. The results of the analysis suggest that the strategy can benefit users of shared travel modes and toll-payers, improve travel speeds on toll-free general-purpose lanes, generate significant surplus revenues to support capital investments and operating subsidies for shared travel modes, and can absorb traffic growth through 2040.
Experiences of Treatment-Seeking Children and Young People Following Parental Intimate Partner Homicide
Authors: Soydas Suzan , Smid Geert E. , Alisic Eva , Goodfellow Barbara , Wilson Rachel , Boelen Paul A.
Published: June 2023

This study provided a detailed description of the experiences of 60 treatment-seeking children and young people following parental intimate partner homicide (PIPH) in the United Kingdom, and evaluated the potential effectiveness of the traumatic grief focused cognitive behavioral therapy they received. A paired samples t-test showed that mean pre-and post-treatment posttraumatic stress scores decreased significantly, with a large effect size. Reliable change indices indicated that 75% improved and 25% remained unchanged. Despite the severe consequences for children and young people following PIPH and the great variability in their experiences, results promisingly show that they may benefit from treatment.
Adolescent Dance Team Fitness: Initial Quantitative Normative Values
Authors: Butulis Meredith N. , Fedor Brittany J. , McGaver Rebecca Stone
Published: June 2023

Background:

Research on improving dancer fitness to enhance performance capacity and prevent injury continues to grow. Fitness research for the adolescent dance team population, however, presents an evidence void.

Purpose:

Utilizing studio-based assessments, this descriptive quantitative study reveals an initial set of fitness normative values for the female adolescent competitive dance team dancer population.

Methods:

115 female dance team dancers ages 12 to 17 participated in a 90-minute field test assessment battery for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle endurance of the upper body, lower body, and core, and lower extremity power. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and interquartile range) created an initial set of quantitative fitness normative values for this population.

Results:

Dancers’ results revealed 29.5mL/O2×min ± 5.7 estimated VO2max, 35 ± 16 push ups, 62 ± 14 half sit ups, 51 ± 13 squats in 1 minute, 190 ± 23 cm broad jump, 445 ± 65 cm right lower extremity triple hop, and 450 ± 69 cm/left lower extremity triple hop.

Conclusion:

Discussion includes comparison of findings relative to previously established adolescent fitness and dancer normative data. Discussion also suggests implications, study limitations, and future research directions.
Comparison of Impact Accelerations During Performance of Common Ballet Maneuvers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fallon Caitlin , Yang Paj , Lown Misty , Reilly Michelle , Bednarz Nicole , Gamoke Kyle , Morgan Alexander , Almonroeder Thomas Gus
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Ballet landings produce accelerations that are transmitted proximally up the kinetic chain. If overly excessive/repetitive, these “shocks” to the lower body may contribute to overuse injury. The shocks imposed by different ballet maneuvers are largely unknown at this time, making it difficult to appreciate the physical stresses associated with different maneuvers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the impact accelerations associated with different common ballet maneuvers.

Methods:

As part of this study, 11 adolescent ballet dancers performed 9 different common ballet maneuvers: (1) glissade, (2) pas de chat, (3) petit jeté, (4) petit assemblé, (5) grand assemblé, (6) grand jeté, (7) saut de chat, (8) changement, and (9) entrechat quatre. An inertial sensor secured to the pelvis was used to record the peak resultant acceleration during landings (“impact acceleration”). A Friedman test was conducted to compare impact accelerations across the maneuvers and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted as pairwise comparisons.

Results:

The omnibus test indicated that there were differences in impact accelerations among the maneuvers ( P < .001). In general, the glissade (2.08 ± 0.47 g), pes de chat (2.33 ± 0.23 g), petit jeté (2.42 ± 0.29 g), and petite assemblé (2.54 ± 0.47 g) tended to be the lower impact maneuvers; the grand assemblé (2.90 ± 0.41 g), grand jeté (2.99 ± 0.33 g), and saut de chat (3.13 ± 0.54 g) tended to be the more moderate impact maneuvers; and the changement (4.10 ± 0.48 g) and entrechat quatre (4.32 ± 0.52 g) tended to be higher impact maneuvers.

Conclusion:

These findings may provide clinicians and dance instructors with greater insight regarding the physical stresses imposed by different ballet maneuvers.
Analysis of Serum Ferritin Levels in a Group of Elite Ballet Dancers
Authors: Jack Melissa L. , Sumrall Keilea , Nasrallah Carina , Stuckey Dawn , Jotwani Vijay
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Iron plays a significant role in energy production. However, it is not uncommon for athletes to be diagnosed with iron deficiency (ID), suggesting a correlation between performance and iron regulation. As a result, the International Olympic Committee has recommended iron screenings during health evaluations for elite athletes. Furthermore, athletes participating in esthetic sports are at increased risk for suboptimal iron intake due to disordered eating. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of serum ferritin (SF) in a cohort of elite ballet dancers and determine associations between vitamin D, anthropometric measures, stress injury, and dietary preferences.

Methods:

Electronic health records of 40 elite ballet dancers (22 female, 18 male), age 19 to 38 years old, from the 2020 to 2021 pre-participation physical screening were examined. Chi squared comparisons were calculated to evaluate the association between SF and additional variables (ie, gender, age, height, weight, body mass index, vitamin D, stress injury history, and dietary preferences). SF values were compared to published normal and athletic population data.

Results:

58.97% of participants displayed normal or above SF values (>50 ng/ml), while 41.02% displayed minimal (<50 ng/ml) to depleted (<0.12/ng/ml) SF values. Approximately, 68% of the female dancers were ID and did not meet the minimal value needed for athletes. Females were more likely to have lower SF distributions ( x2 [4] = 15.6377, P = .004) compared to male dancers. Additionally, dancers who reported dietary preferences (ie, vegetarian) were more likely to display lower SF distributions ( x2[4] = 13.3366, P = .010).

Conclusion:

Over half of the female elite ballet dancers were ID which is consistent with current research. Females were at a significant higher risk compared to male dancers who reported dietary preferences. These findings suggest iron screenings should be considered in elite dancer populations.
Evaluating the Effects of Training Plus Practice-Based Coaching Delivered Via Text Message on Teacher Use of Pyramid Model Practices
Authors: Golden Adrienne K. , Hemmeter Mary Louise , Ledford Jennifer R.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of training plus Practice-Based Coaching (PBC), delivered via text message, on teacher use of targeted Pyramid Model (PM) practices. A multiple baseline design across behaviors was replicated across three early childhood teachers. Following training on self-selected target practices, the coach watched observations recorded by the teacher and engaged the teacher in a back-and-forth coaching conversation via text message. Coaching sessions included supportive and constructive feedback from the coach as well as prompts for teachers to engage in reflection about their use of the target practice. Training plus PBC, delivered via text message, was both effective and efficient for increasing teacher use of targeted PM practices. Results were maintained up to 3 weeks after the withdrawal of coaching across all targeted practices, and there was some evidence of generalization.
OCT-angiography in optic disk pit after inverted ILM flap: A case report
Authors: Arturo Carta , Maurizio Fossarello , Grazia Pertile Maria , Loredana Appezzati , Alessandro Alfano , Roberta Farci
Published: June 2023

Background

To describe OCT-angiography features in a case of an optic disk pit (ODP) which underwent a pars plana vitrectomy with inverted ILM flap for macular detachment.

Case presentation

A 12 years old child with an ODP responsible for a macular detachment underwent 23G vitrectomy in the subacute phase of the disease with an inverted ILM flap used as a plug over the lateral dehiscence of the pit. Among the various retinal imaging examinations performed in the post-operative period, the OCT-angiography showed very interesting features characterized by a capillary drop-out in correspondence of the superficial and deep capillary plexus, a fine texture of the choroid capillary layer and star-shaped folds in correspondence of both the outer retina and the choroid capillary layer. OCT-A performed 24 months after surgery showed a normalization of the macular perfusion which correlated with a full recovery of the visual acuity of the young child.

Conclusions

OCT-A is an useful tool to monitor the subretinal fluid reabsorption after ILM inverted flap surgery for ODP-maculopathy and correlates with visual function. OCT-A may be useful in the follow-up of this rare condition as well as its response to therapeutic strategies.
Chemical Complementarity of Breast Cancer Resident, T-Cell Receptor CDR3 Domains and the Cancer Antigen, ARMC3, is Associated With Higher Levels of Survival and Granzyme Expression
Authors: Pakasticali Nagehan , Chobrutskiy Andrea , Patel Dhruv N. , Hsiang Monica , Zaman Saif , Cios Konrad J. , Blanck George , Chobrutskiy Boris I.
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

One of the most pressing goals for cancer immunotherapy at this time is the identification of actionable antigens.

Methods:

This study relies on the following considerations and approaches to identify potential breast cancer antigens: (i) the significant role of the adaptive immune receptor, complementarity determining region-3 (CDR3) in antigen binding, and the existence cancer testis antigens (CTAs); (ii) chemical attractiveness; and (iii) informing the relevance of the integration of items (i) and (ii) with patient outcome and tumor gene expression data.

Results:

We have assessed CTAs for associations with survival, based on their chemical complementarity with tumor resident T-cell receptor (TCR), CDR3s. Also, we have established gene expression correlations with the high TCR CDR3-CTA chemical complementarities, for Granzyme B, and other immune biomarkers.

Conclusions:

Overall, for several independent TCR CDR3 breast cancer datasets, the CTA, ARMC3, stood out as a completely novel, candidate antigen based on multiple algorithms with highly consistent approaches. This conclusion was facilitated by use of the recently constructed Adaptive Match web tool.
Cultural and idiographic approach to the microgenesis of visual metaphors
Authors: Ossa Julio César , De la Rosa Adriana , Puche-Navarro Rebeca
Published: June 2023

This study aims to highlight the theory-method relationship, as well as some problems strongly intertwined with the methodological. It is also intended to show how conceptualizations inspired by Piagetian and dynamic systems, for example, go hand in hand with methodologies that are close to them and from which they can be approached. Methodologically, a microgenetic approach is chosen in a singular version, which recovers the spirit conceived in the Geneva School from a cultural and idiographic perspective. Assuming development as change implies taking into account the temporality of the processes, for which we will rely on treatments, some already known (MIN-MAX) and others relatively new (Phase Spaces), which allow us to represent and understand in a more detailed way how change occurs in time, in this case, in the process of understanding the visual metaphor in children from 3 to 4 years of age.