bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A left intraventricular lipoma resected with the assistance of endoscopic camera
Authors: Johno Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Takao , Nagata Tomoki
Published: October 2023

Cardiac lipomas are extremely rare benign neoplasms of the heart. Most of them do not cause clinical symptoms, so far they are found incidentally in the majority of cases. Here, we describe a case of left intraventricular lipoma in an asymptomatic 34-year-old man which found by transthoracic echocardiography at comprehensive medical examination. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 3 × 3-cm mass in apical wall of the left ventricle, which was diagnosed as lipoma or liposarcoma. Although he was asymptomatic, tumor resection was indicated to confirm a diagnosis of the tumor and to prevent of future fatal complications. Surgery was performed with endoscopic assistance, and the tumor was resected. Histological examination of the tumor specimens consistent of lipoma. The patient is currently asymptomatic, and no recurrence was seen after 4 years.
The Effectiveness of Consume-less Appeals in Social Marketing
Authors: Balderjahn Ingo , Hoffmann Stefan
Published: October 2023

Consume-less appeals in social marketing can help reduce the lavish consumption in wealthy countries, which poses a major threat to the climate. This study experimentally examines the effectiveness of three different types of consume-less appeals (informative, social normative, and emotional appeals) on participants’ actual spending levels during a real shopping trip compared to a control group (no appeal). In addition, the study tests whether these appeals evoke negative rebounds (in terms of post-purchase climate donation) or positive rebounds (in terms of accepting post-purchase material giveaways). A field experiment in a grocery store in Germany with 170 participants shows that social normative and the emotional appeals reduce actual shopping spending. Informative and social normative appeals increase donations, and emotional appeals reduce the items of taken giveaways. The findings further support certain indirect impacts of the consume-less appeals on rebounds in terms of spending levels.
Rectal metastasis of gastric cancer: a case report
Authors: Tang Lu , Li Huifen , Lv Jing , Fang Cantu , Zhang Huatang , Meng Jincheng
Published: October 2023

The most common metastatic sites of gastric cancer include the liver, peritoneum, lung, and bone. However, there is a lack of relevant clinical reports regarding rectal metastasis. Herein, we report the rare case of a patient with gastric cancer who developed rectal metastasis. A 57-year-old male patient was diagnosed with gastric cancer and underwent a radical gastrectomy in January 2016, followed by eight cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient subsequently developed a rectal mass in March 2021. He was diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma and underwent surgical resection of the rectal tumor. A mass was then found in the abdominal wall in September 2021 and was resected. Specimens obtained from the three surgeries were reviewed, and the rectal tumor and the mass in the abdominal wall were both found to be metastatic tumors from the gastric cancer. Metastasis of gastric cancer to the rectum is rare, but it is important to differentiate between rectal metastasis and primary rectal cancer to help avoid unnecessary treatment.
Do updates matter? A comparison between rewards-based and donation-based crowdfunding platforms
Authors: Solodoha Eliran , Blaywais Reut
Published: October 2023

This study conducts a meticulous inquiry into the efficacy of communicative signals, specifically focusing on updates, within the domains of two distinct crowdfunding platforms: rewards-based and donation-based. While rewards-based platforms have received extensive examination in the literature, limited research exists on donation-based platforms. Drawing upon information from Israel’s crowdfunding landscape, this research demonstrates that updates positively impact fundraising success in rewards-based platforms, yet exhibit a negligible influence in donation-based platforms. The study emphasizes the necessity for tailored signaling strategies based on platform type, shedding light on how creators and entrepreneurs can optimize fundraising outcomes.
Association Between Physical Tests and Patients-Reported Outcomes in Athletes Performing Exercise Therapy for Patellar Tendinopathy: A Secondary Analysis of the JUMPER Study
Authors: Deng Jie , Breda Stephan J , Eygendaal Denise , Oei Edwin HG , de Vos Robert-Jan
Published: October 2023

Background:

Physical tests are commonly used in patellar tendinopathy to aid the clinical diagnosis, assess the prognosis, and monitor treatment. However, it is still unknown whether these physical measures are associated with patient-reported outcomes after exercise therapy.

Purpose:

To identify the prognostic value of baseline physical test results and to determine the association between physical response after exercise therapy and clinical improvement over 24 weeks.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This study recruited 76 consecutive athletes with patellar tendinopathy who were randomized to 2 different programs of exercise therapy for 24 weeks. Athletes underwent a range of physical tests before and during exercise therapy (12 and 24 weeks), including isometric muscle strength (quadriceps and hip abductors), muscle flexibility (quadriceps, hamstrings, soleus, and gastrocnemius), vertical jump height, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores by palpation, after 3 jump trials, and after single-leg squat (VAS-SLS). The Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Patella (VISA-P) questionnaire was used as the primary patient-reported outcome. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the prognostic value of baseline physical tests. The change in VISA-P score was further dichotomized into clinical responsiveness (≥14 points) and nonresponsiveness (<14 points). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate associations between physical response and clinical improvement.

Results:

Of the 76 included patients, 67 (88%) had complete follow-ups. The estimated mean VISA-P score increased by 23 points (95% CI, 19-28 points) after 24 weeks. No association was found between any baseline physical test results and a 24-week change in VISA-P score (all Pinteraction > .2, using the likelihood ratio test). Improvement in VAS-SLS after exercise therapy was not associated with VISA-P improvement after adjustment (β = −1.76; P = .01; Bonferroni-corrected P = .10; R2 = 36.3%). No associations were found between changes in other physical test results and clinical improvement (all P > .05).

Conclusion:

In patients with patellar tendinopathy, physical test results including strength and flexibility in the lower limb, jump performance, and pain levels during pain-provoking tests were not identified as prognostic factors for patient-reported outcomes after exercise therapy. Similarly, changes in physical test results were not associated with changes in patient-reported outcomes after adjustments. These results do not support using physical test results to estimate prognosis or monitor treatment response.

Registration:

NCT02938143 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Elasticity of the Forearm Flexor-Pronator Muscles as a Risk Factor for Medial Elbow Injuries in Young Baseball Players: A Prospective Cohort Study of 314 Players
Authors: Saito Akira , Okada Kyoji , Shibata Kazuyuki , Sato Hiromichi , Namiki Yusuke , Terui Yoshino , Kikuchi Tsubasa
Published: October 2023

Background:

Young baseball players with medial elbow injuries are known to have high forearm flexor-pronator muscle elasticity; however, the causal relationship between forearm muscle elasticity and the occurrence of medial elbow injuries remains unclear.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the forearm flexor-pronator muscle elasticity is a risk factor for medial elbow injury in young baseball players. It was hypothesized that high flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) elasticity would be a risk factor for medial elbow injuries.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Young baseball players (aged 9-12 years) with no history of elbow injuries underwent examination during which the strain ratios (SRs) of the pronator teres, flexor digitorum superficialis, and FCU muscles were measured using ultrasound strain elastography as an index of elasticity. Additionally, the participants completed a questionnaire assessing age, height, weight, months of experience as a baseball player, position in baseball, number of training days per week, number of throws per day, and elbow pain during throwing; then the range of motion of the shoulder and hip internal/external rotation were measured. One year after the baseline measurements, the occurrence of new medial elbow injuries was evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was subsequently conducted to determine risk factors for medial elbow injuries. Cutoff points for significant SR values obtained from the multivariate logistic regression analysis were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results:

Of the 314 players, 76 (24.2%) were diagnosed with medial elbow injury. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a 0.1 increase in the SR of the FCU muscle (odds ratio [OR], 1.211; 95% CI, 1.116-1.314) and number of throws per day (OR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.001-1.022) were significantly associated with medial elbow injuries. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that the optimal cutoff for the SR of the FCU muscle was 0.920 (area under the curve, 0.694; sensitivity, 75.0%; specificity, 56.7%).

Conclusion:

Increased FCU elasticity is a risk factor for medial elbow injury. Evaluation of the FCU elasticity may be useful in identifying young baseball players at high risk of medial elbow injuries and may facilitate prevention of medial elbow injury. As shown by the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, FCU elasticity itself may be useful in identifying young baseball players at high risk of elbow injuries. However, we believe that other factors, such as the number of pitches per day, need to be considered to improve its accuracy.
A review of nanocellulose modification and compatibility barrier for various applications
Authors: James Anthonette , Rahman Md Rezaur , Mohamad Said Khairul Anwar , Kanakaraju Devagi , Sueraya Ain Zaienah , Kuok Kuok King , Bin Bakri Muhammad Khusairy , Rahman Mohammed M
Published: October 2023

Nanocellulose is increasingly important due to its abundance and sustainability sources, outstanding physicochemical properties, low density, high specific surface area, and easily modified surface chemistry. Nanocellulose is obtained from various sources, such as plants, algae, and bacteria, with plant-derived nanocellulose being the most common. Their presence significantly benefits many applications, especially in developing advanced materials for high end-use. Despite these benefits, the intrinsic hydrophilic behavior complicates dispersion in hydrophobic polymer matrices due to aggregation issues that result in deterioration properties. Nanocellulose modification and surface tuning are identified as fundamental approaches for improving the compatibility of the interfacial interaction between nanocellulose and polymer matrix to impart new functionalities to novel advanced materials. This article offers insight into nanocellulose by highlighting various lignocellulosic biomass sources and their chemical constituents. Three categories of nanocellulose are discussed in this review, including cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, and bacterial nanocellulose. This article also featured several methods for promoting surface modification of nanocellulose to overcome the compatibility barrier between nanocellulose and polymer matrix to achieve a balanced hydrophilic-hydrophobic behavior. A few recent and emerging applications of nanocellulose-based composites are also presented in this review.
Immediate Skin to Skin Contact and Zero Separation of Mother Infant Dyads Among Healthy Term Infants Delivered Vaginally: A Quality Improvement Initiative in a Tertiary Care Institute in South India
Authors: Vishnurajan Radhakrishnan , Balakrishnan Umamaheswari , Amboiram Prakash , Chandran Rabindran
Published: October 2023

Background

The neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) recommends immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) of the neonate with the mother’s abdomen. Early establishment of SSC has increased the duration of breastfeeding and decreased neonatal morbidity significantly.

Objective

To achieve immediate SSC and zero separation of infant–mother dyads for a minimum of 30 min in vaginally born healthy term babies from 0% to 50% over 3 months by implementing a quality improvement (QI) initiative.

Methods

A QI initiative was undertaken at the maternity-newborn care unit of a tertiary-care hospital between March 2022 and December 2022. A team including neonatologists, obstetricians, pediatric postgraduates, and nurses (both neonatal and obstetric) in the concerned areas was identified. Using 5-why technique and fishbone analysis, the root cause analysis was done. Two plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were undertaken. First, sensitization of healthcare personnel was done, and a written policy was made. Efforts were made to sustain the QI. Continuous surveillance, internal audits, and regular interprofessional team meetings were carried out.

Results

Prior to this QI, baseline data showed that no babies received SSC for 30 min. During the first PDSA cycle, 16.6% (4/24) of babies received SSC and zero separation for 30 min. During the II PDSA cycle, among 46 eligible neonates, 50% (23/46) received SSC >30 min. During the sustenance phase, among 262 eligible neonates, 75.2 % (197/262) received >30 min of SSC immediately after delivery.

Conclusion

Immediate SSC and zero separation for 30 min could be achieved by implementing simple measures through this QI initiative. The major hurdles, including the knowledge gap, fear, and safety of neonates, were tackled through simple strategies like education sessions, ergonomic modification, and sensitization of the healthcare team.
Meta platforms: How the CJEU leaves competition and data protection authorities with an assignment
Authors: Graef Inge
Published: October 2023

Competition authorities can identify a violation of the data protection rules when such a finding is necessary to establish an abuse of dominance under the competition rules. This is the main outcome of the judgment that the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered in Meta Platforms on 4 July 2023. The judgment is the next step in the saga that started with the 2019 competition decision of the Bundeskartellamt (the German Federal Cartel Office) requiring Facebook (now Meta) to refrain from combining user data from different sources beyond its social network. The judgment provides a welcome confirmation that data protection standards can also matter for the interpretation of the competition rules. However, what is more remarkable and less expected is the general framework the CJEU sets out for coordination between competition and data protection authorities building on the duty of sincere cooperation and the clarity with which it evaluates the different legal bases Meta invoked for processing user data. The judgment can become a reference point for assessing the legality of personal data processing by powerful firms, but also leaves competition and data protection authorities with an assignment to explore how to coordinate their work in the future.
Listen Up: A case study examination of focused listening
Authors: Krause Amanda E. , Pardon Madelyn , Hoang Mary , Lucano Richard
Published: October 2023

Today, most everyday music listening is an accompaniment to other activities; it is far less common that listening is someone’s primary activity, receiving most of their attention. In this article, we present a case study, Listen Up, run by Indigo Project, a mental health organization in Sydney, Australia, in which we explored relationships between participants’ responses to the experience and their demographics and styles of music engagement. A sample of 187 Australian residents (aged 20–64 years) who attended Listen Up completed a survey measuring music engagement; emotional responses to the experience; perceived outcomes of the session; pre- and post-measures of stress, mood, and anxiety; and free-text responses to questions concerning their experiences of listening mindfully and any thoughts or feelings that arose during the session. Participants experienced an increased mood and decreased levels of stress and arousal after taking part in Listen Up. Their focused-listening experiences were not simply characterized by enjoying the music; rather, the emotions evoked were varied and complex. We characterized their emotional responses as negative, positive, evocative and expressive, and sad; in addition, participants characterized their own experiences as a cathartic journey resolving into a positive, peaceful, and calm state. Reported outcomes of participating in Listen Up included experiences described as being emotionally challenging, therapeutic, and physically uncomfortable. An affective music engagement style was positively associated with evocative and expressive and sad emotional experiences, and therapeutic outcomes. As a focused-listening experience, Listen Up provides participants with the opportunity not only to attend to music but also to reflect on and process their personal thoughts and feelings. This research provides evidence for the emotional and mental health benefits of focused music listening, such that, focused listening reflects opportunities for strong experiences with music in today’s listening landscape.
The role of the veterinary diagnostic toxicologist in apiary health
Authors: Bischoff Karyn , Moiseff Jennifer
Published: October 2023

Susceptibility of individuals and groups to toxicants depends on complex interactions involving the host, environment, and other exposures. Apiary diagnostic investigation and honey bee health are truly population medicine: the colony is the patient. Here we provide basic information on the application of toxicology to the testing of domestic honey bees, and, in light of recent research, expand on some of the challenges of interpreting analytical chemistry findings as they pertain to hive health. The hive is an efficiently organized system of wax cells used to store brood, honey, and bee bread, and is protected by the bee-procured antimicrobial compound propolis. Toxicants can affect individual workers outside or inside the hive, with disease processes that range from acute to chronic and subclinical to lethal. Toxicants can impact brood and contaminate honey, bee bread, and structural wax. We provide an overview of important natural and synthetic toxicants to which honey bees are exposed; behavioral, husbandry, and external environmental factors influencing exposure; short- and long-term impacts of toxicant exposure on individual bee and colony health; and the convergent impacts of stress, nutrition, infectious disease, and toxicant exposures on colony health. Current and potential future toxicology testing options are included. Common contaminants in apiary products consumed or used by humans (honey, wax, pollen), their sources, and the potential need for product testing are also noted.
Using Science Fiction and Design Thinking in Workshops to Share Research Results With Low-Income, Marginalized Communities
Authors: Gould Rachelle K. , Gonzalez Mireille N. , Graff Jess
Published: October 2023

We worked with low-income participants in interactive, storytelling-based community workshops to discuss results from a scientific project related to harmful algal blooms. We used two story-based workshop formats—a science-fiction story and a personal-research-account story. In this Research Note, we reflect on two main topics: a comparison between the two story-based approaches and work with marginalized participants. With our reflections, our aim is to help inform future efforts that wish to incorporate science fiction approaches and/or work with marginalized populations in science communication.
Norman and Ishi: A Performative Ethnography
Authors: Allen Mitchell
Published: October 2023

This performative piece is a fictional conversation between Norman Denzin and Ishi, the Yahi Indian, in the Land of the Dead after Norman’s passing. Norman wrote a book about Ishi and was working on a second one when he died.
Remembering Norm
Authors: Davies Bronwyn
Published: October 2023

This is my response, from the heart, to the loss of Norm Denzin. The invitation to contribute to this special issue, focussing on remembering Norm, gave me a chance to find words to talk about what his loss meant to me, and to find words to say just how profound has been the contribution he made to the world—and will go on making.
The Impact of Fidget Toys on Story Detail Acquisition and Visual Attention for Elementary Students With Autism
Authors: Zimmerman Kathleen N. , Ledford Jennifer R. , Turner Virginia R.
Published: October 2023

Fidget toys are recommended as “sensory” tools to improve the attention and performance of elementary students with autism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how fidget toys affected the visual attention and skill acquisition of elementary students with autism during storybook reading. Provision of fidget toys was compared with a no-fidget baseline using two separate, concurrent single-case research designs. The provision of fidget toys resulted in a decrease in visual attention for some, but not all, participants. Story detail acquisition was not differentiated between conditions for any participants. Results suggest that the provision of fidget toys may not negatively affect students’ acquisition of story details, despite potential decreases in students’ attention to storybook reading.
Post-truth politics as discursive violence: Online abuse, the public sphere and the figure of ‘the expert’
Authors: Galpin Charlotte , Vernon Patrick
Published: October 2023

‘Post-truth politics’ indicates a contemporary state of public distrust around the legitimacy of knowledge, shaped by the hybrid media landscape. In the present moment, women, LGBTQ+ and racialised individuals also receive unprecedented levels of online abuse. Scholars have attributed responsibility for disinformation to social media and linked post-truth discourse to angry accusations of lying and dishonesty. Yet, online abuse of experts/academics has not been conceptually or empirically connected to post-truth. We analyse Facebook comments on right-wing news articles that question the expertise of academics during Brexit. Using queer theory, we argue that online abuse of experts staged by newspapers is a form of post-truth communication involving a process of bordering through which gendered, sexualised or racialised bodies are considered incompatible with academic expertise. This process legitimises extraordinary abuse including threats of sexual violence. Only by asking intentional questions about gender, sexuality and race can we fully understand the post-truth condition.
Bridge-bearing disengagement identification based on flexibility matrix diagonal matrix change rate: an indoor physical simulation experiment
Authors: Ma Shiji , Qiao Lan , Li Qingwen
Published: October 2023

The disengagement of bridge bearings is a pervasive issue encountered in the realm of bridges, which can potentially lead to changes in operational circumstances, diminished longevity, and compromised traffic safety. The current methods employed for detecting such disconnections primarily rely on force sensors, cameras, and acceleration sensors. However, their practical implementation on-site and effectiveness in accurately identifying disengagement require enhancement. To address the challenges associated with the installation and layout of conventional contact sensors, as well as the potential introduction of additional mass, a sophisticated “bridge-bearing disconnection detection system” has been devised. This innovative system is based on laser Doppler vibrometer technology, which eliminates the need for physical contact. The feasibility of employing non-contact laser Doppler vibration measurement technology in the detection of bridge-bearing disconnection has been successfully verified within the framework of this study. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the sensitivity of key dynamic parameters, specifically natural frequencies and vibration modes, to bridge-bearing disengagement has been conducted. The verification process included evaluating the identification effectiveness of regularized combined absolute changes in vibration modes and flexibility matrix diagonal matrix change rate (FDMCR) under diverse working conditions simulating complete disconnection. This assessment involved using both finite element analysis and empirical measurements. The findings unequivocally demonstrate that the disconnection of bridge bearings results in a reduction in the natural frequencies for each mode order, with an observed cumulative effect. In addition, it is noteworthy that the vibration mode indices typically exhibit greater sensitivity toward the disconnection of outer bearings. By contrast, FDMCR demonstrates commendable positioning capabilities and exceptional noise resistance in identifying bridge-bearing disengagement. The empirical insights gleaned from these research findings hold significant value in terms of on-site identification of bridge-bearing disengagement, ultimately contributing to the preservation of bridges’ long-term operational integrity.
A data-driven hybrid approach to generate synthetic data for unavailable damage scenarios in welded rails for ultrasonic guided wave monitoring
Authors: Ramatlo Dineo A , Wilke Daniel N , Loveday Philip W
Published: October 2023

Developing reliable ultrasonic-guided wave monitoring systems requires a significant amount of inspection data for each application scenario. Experimental investigations are fundamental but require a long period and are costly, especially for real-life testing. This is exacerbated by a lack of experimental data that includes damage. In some guided wave applications, such as pipelines, it is possible to introduce artificial damage and perform lab experiments on the test structure. However, in rail track applications, laboratory experiments are either not possible or meaningful. The generation of synthetic data using modelling capabilities thus becomes increasingly important. This paper presents a variational autoencoder (VAE)-based deep learning approach for generating synthetic ultrasonic inspection data for welded railway tracks. The primary aim is to use a VAE model to generate synthetic data containing damage signatures at specified positions along the length of a rail track. The VAE is trained to encode an input damage-free baseline signal and decode to reconstruct an inspection signal with damage by adding a damage signature on either side of the transducer by specifying the distance to the damage signature as an additional variable in the latent space. The training data was produced from a physics-based model that computes virtual experimental response signals using the semi-analytical finite element and the traditional finite element procedures. The VAE reconstructed response signals containing damage signatures were almost identical to the original target signals simulated using the physics-based model. The VAE was able to capture the complex features in the signals resulting from the interaction of multiple propagating modes in a multi-discontinuous waveguide. The VAE model successfully generated synthetic inspection data by fusing reflections from welds with the reflection from a crack model at specified distances from the transducer on either the right or left side. In some cases, the VAE did not exactly reconstruct the peak amplitude of the reflections. This study demonstrated the potential and highlighted the benefit of using a VAE to generate synthetic data with damage signatures as opposed to using superposition to fuse the damage-free responses containing reflections from welds with a damage signature. The results show that it is possible to generate realistic inspection data for unavailable damage scenarios.
Ramanujan-gram: an autonomous weak period fault extraction method under strong noise
Authors: Pan Haiyang , Feng Hong , Cheng Jian , Zheng Jinde
Published: October 2023

Under the influence of strong noise, period fault features of rolling bearing are not obvious, which increases the difficulty of accurately extracting period fault features. An autonomous weak period fault extraction method under strong noise named Ramanujan-gram is proposed in this paper. The greatest advantage of Ramanujan-gram is that it uses the Ramanujan feature extraction technique to reconstruct the components in each frequency band, which can overcome the weakness of the weak noise robustness of the filter methods used by the traditional kurtogram methods and improve the accuracy of period fault feature extraction. Meanwhile, the adaptive frequency band segmentation method based on the order statistical filter is used for adaptive frequency band segmentation, which overcomes the defect that the binary tree structure of fixed frequency band segmentation may destroy the optimal demodulated frequency band. Considering that kurtosis index is difficult to accurately evaluate period fault information in components, Ramanujan-gram adopts adaptive square envelope spectrum weighted kurtosis index to improve the evaluation accuracy of period fault information. The test signals of rolling bearing verify that Ramanujan-gram has strong noise robustness and is an effective method for weak period fault extraction under strong noise.
Applying an Implementation Framework to the Dissemination of a School-Based Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
Authors: Guastaferro Kate , Shipe Stacey L. , Connell Christian M. , Zadzora Kathleen M. , Noll Jennie G.
Published: October 2023

Since the 1980s, school-based child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention programs have been the prevailing prevention strategy in the United States. Despite demonstrated effectiveness, there is a lack of infrastructure and educational policy ensuring all students receive these programs. A pragmatic application of the RE-AIM implementation framework, this study provides an overview of a multi-county implementation effort of the school-based CSA prevention program, Safe Touches. Implementation efforts across five counties in a Mid-Atlantic state are described at three levels: organizational (school districts), child, and program facilitator. Children’s CSA-related knowledge was measured at four time points: pre-workshop, immediately post-workshop, and then 6 and 12 months post-workshop. Facilitators completed an anonymous survey post-implementation. Over the course of one and a half academic years, Safe Touches was implemented in 718 public school districts, reaching in total 14,235 second-grade students. Students’ significantly increased knowledge from pre- to post-workshop and gains were maintained at 6 and 12 months (ps <.001). A total of 29 disclosures of maltreatment were made by students to facilitators during or after the workshop. Facilitators generally adopted Safe Touches and attested to the feasibility and benefits of its large-scale implementation as well as the negligible negative impacts for children. When implemented systematically, school-based CSA prevention is able to reach a high number of students, effectively increase CSA-related knowledge, and facilitates disclosures. To maximize the potential public health impact, it is suggested that state funds be allocated to support the implementation of such programs as part of standard education costs.
Experiences With and Access to Evidence-Based Health Promotion Programs for Older American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Peoples
Authors: Goins R. Turner , Adamsen Collette , Bendixen Becky , Woodrich-Fernando Melody , Joe Jennie R. , Besse Robin , Zuke Kathleen
Published: October 2023

Evidence-based programs (EBPs) work effectively for participants whose characteristics match those of the EBP research participants. However, EBPs have been almost exclusively developed and evaluated for the general U.S. population with limited American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) community engagement. Thus, an AI/AN/NH Evidence-Based Program Advisory Council sought to identify AI/AN/NH peoples’ experiences with and access to EBPs. We held 20 listening sessions with AI/AN/NH Elder services program staff (n = 118) and with AI/AN/NH Elders (n = 82) and conducted a self-administered online survey with Title VI Directors (n = 63). The six themes that emerged from the listening sessions with staff included misunderstanding community engagement, valuing fidelity over flexibility, lack of cultural awareness, assumptions about available infrastructure, unrealistic implementation timelines, and funding restrictions. Listening session themes with Elders included definitions of aging well, participation motivators, preferred activities, participation barriers, and unmet needs. Survey data indicated that programming of greatest interest for Elders as identified by Title VI Directors and staff included and/or addressed cultural activities (81%), socialization (75%), diabetes (73%), caregiving (68%), and nutrition (68%). Seventy-six percent of survey respondents had heard of EBPs and 24% indicated that EBPs were not being implemented in their community. The Advisory Council developed specific action steps with the goal of improving AI/AN/NH communities’ access to culturally appropriate and feasible EBPs. The steps require collective action from federal agencies, national partners, EBP program developers and administrators, local organizations, and Elders to ensure EBPs are accessible and culturally appropriate for AI/AN/NH Elders.
Comparative Analysis of Bone Resection Versus Bone Curettage in Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis
Authors: Kmari-El-Ghazouany Shaima , Tardáguila-García Aroa , López-Moral Mateo , García-Madrid Marta , García-Álvarez Yolanda , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis
Published: October 2023

This study aims to describe the healing times of patients who underwent bone resection compared to bone curettage for managing diabetic foot osteomyelitis and to compare short- and long-term complications. This analytical retrospective observational cohort study collected clinical records of patients from a specialized diabetic foot clinic who underwent resection or bone curettage between January 2017 and January 2022. After surgery, a 1-year follow-up was conducted to record healing times and short- and long-term complications. The study included thirty-one patients, with 19 (61.29%) undergoing resections and 11 (38.71%) undergoing bone curettages. The resection cohort had a mean healing time of 5.70 ± 6.05 weeks, whereas the curettage cohort had a mean healing time of 14.45 ± 11.78 weeks, showing a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.011). No significant differences were observed in terms of short- and long-term complications. In the resection cohort, 12 (63.20%) experienced short-term complications, compared to eight (66.70%) in the curettage cohort ( P = 0.842, χ2 = 0.40, OR = 1.16). In the resection cohort, n = 6 (31.60%) had long-term complications, while n = 3 (25.00%) in the curettage cohort experienced long-term complications ( P = 0.694, χ2 = 0.155, OR = 0.72). Although there were no significant differences in short- and long-term complications between resection and curettage, the resection group showed shorter healing times.
UAV search optimization for recording emerging targets with camouflaging capabilities
Authors: Narin Adil Baran , Becker John , Batta Rajan
Published: October 2023

This paper extends the emerging target information gathering domain by introducing a camouflaging component, investigating the benefit of using multiple UAVs, and studying the impact of allowing re-visits. Previous work in this area addresses the UAV Orienteering Problem for target detection where targets emerge according to non-homogeneous space–time Poisson processes. Our extension considers that emerged targets will camouflage themselves to become undetectable after a period of time and nodes can be revisited. Routes for single or multiple UAVs are generated using the Team Orienteering Problem with Time Windows and evaluated using simulation. In addition, a framework is developed for comparing routes, and the value added by increasing the solving time is investigated. Our computational testing reveals increasing the number of time windows used increases the expected route value. A factorial analysis is conducted which indicates the network topology, the number of time windows used, and the coefficient of variation for camouflage time generally have significant effects on the expected number of targets detected regardless of the number of UAVs used. In addition, increasing the amount of time spent solving the problem does not always increase the number of expected target detected.
Design of a Compact Hologram System Capable of 3D Lesion Diagnosis in Clinic
Authors: Ryu Seung Yeob , Lee Sangyun , Yoon Kicheol , Baek Jeong-Heum , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: October 2023

Motivation

This paper proposes a small-sized hologram system for the 3D imaging of lesions in a clinical environment. In a general hologram system, the distance between the beam-generating device and the screen (400 mm) and the size of the screen must be increased proportionally to obtain excellent image quality. However, in a clinical environment, the beam spread distance and screen size must be reduced. This paper proposes a method for reducing the beam divergence distance and screen size for clinical applications.

Methods

To reduce the beam spread distance and screen size, a beam prism with a 45° refractive index is used to reduce the beam spread distance by 1/3. The direction of the bent light must be adjusted such that it can reach the screen accurately. However, because the reflected light may be refracted owing to the material properties of the mirror and cause loss, this problem can be solved by using a full reflection mirror.

Results

The beam spread distance of the designed hologram system is 200 mm. The types of lesions obtained from the 3D images of the hologram include the lung, liver, and colon. The image resolution is 300 × 145.

Conclusion

If the proposed method is used in a clinical environment, doctors can improve their understanding of the patient quickly and efficiently; thereby, shortening the treatment time. The proposed hologram system is expected to be useful in treatment rooms, operating rooms, and educational programs in medical schools.
Gestational diabetes
Authors: Dapre Dr Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disease of pregnancy, affecting approximately 5% of pregnancies in the UK. It has serious health implications for both mother and baby which stretch beyond the antenatal period. Understanding how to recognise and mitigate some of the modifiable risk factors for GDM and its long-term sequelae is important for GPs.
Gut microbiota interacts with inflammatory responses in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wu Linjun , Hu Jing , Yi Xiaolin , Lv Jianqin , Yao Jiaqi , Tang Wenfu , Zhang Shu , Wan Meihua
Published: October 2023

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common acute abdominal conditions, and its incidence has been increasing for years. Approximately 15–20% of patients develop severe AP (SAP), which is complicated by critical inflammatory injury and intestinal dysfunction. AP-associated inflammation can lead to the gut barrier and function damage, causing dysbacteriosis and facilitating intestinal microbiota migration. Pancreatic exocrine deficiency and decreased levels of antimicrobial peptides in AP can also lead to abnormal growth of intestinal bacteria. Meanwhile, intestinal microbiota migration influences the pancreatic microenvironment and affects the severity of AP, which, in turn, exacerbates the systemic inflammatory response. Thus, the interaction between the gut microbiota (GM) and the inflammatory response may be a key pathogenic feature of SAP. Treating either of these factors or breaking their interaction may offer some benefits for SAP treatment. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of interaction of the GM and inflammation in AP and factors that can deteriorate or even cure both, including some traditional Chinese medicine treatments, to provide new methods for studying AP pathogenesis and developing therapies.
Kinesiophobia and Pain Catastrophizing Leads to Decreased Return to Sport Following Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation but Does Not Affect Return to Work
Authors: Triana Jairo , Rao Naina , Buldo-Licciardi Michael , Lott Ariana , Rynecki Nicole D. , Eskenazi Jordan , Alaia Michael J. , Jazrawi Laith M. , Strauss Eric J. , Campbell Kirk A.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of fear of reinjury on return to sport (RTS), return to work (RTW), and clinical outcomes following autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI).

Design

A retrospective review of patients who underwent ACI with a minimum of 2 years in clinical follow-up was conducted. Patient-reported outcomes collected included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing was assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), respectively. Patients were surveyed on their RTS and RTW status.

Results

Fifty-seven patients (50.9% female) were included in our analysis. Twenty-two (38.6%) patients did not RTS. Of the 35 patients (61.4%) who returned, nearly half (48.6%) returned at a lower level of play. TSK-11 ( P = 0.003), PCS ( P = 0.001), and VAS pain scores ( P < 0.001) were significantly greater in patients that did not RTS than in those who returned. All KOOS subscores analyzed were significantly lower ( P < 0.001) in patients that did not RTS than in those who returned at the same level or higher. Of the 44 (77.2%) patients previously employed, 97.7% returned to work. Increasing TSK-11 scores were associated with lower odds of returning to sport ( P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Fear of reinjury decreases the likelihood that patients will return to sport after ACI. Patients that do not return to sport report significantly greater levels of fear of reinjury and pain catastrophizing and lower clinical knee outcomes. Nearly all patients were able to return to work after surgery.

Level of Evidence

IV case series.
Evidence-Based Treatment Algorithm for Freiberg Disease
Authors: Yoshimura Ichiro , Takao Masato , Wagner Emilio , Stufkens Sjoerd , Dahmen Jari , Kerkhoffs Gino M.M.J. , Glazebrook Mark
Published: October 2023

Freiberg disease is a type of osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head that predominantly occurs in young females and adolescents, although it may occur at any age. The pathophysiology is multifactorial and may involve trauma, altered foot biomechanics, systemic disorders, and arterial insufficiency. The most typical location is the second metatarsal head, but Freiberg disease may also occur in other lesser toes. Nonoperative treatment is best applied in the early stage of the disease; if this is ineffective, surgical treatment is recommended. Currently available surgical procedures include debridement, osteotomy, osteochondral grafting, microfracture, interposition arthroplasty, implant arthroplasty, and metatarsal shortening arthroplasty. In this article, we propose a treatment algorithm for Freiberg disease based on the current literature and expert opinion.
Surgical intervention of Takayasu’s arteritis with supraaortic arterial occlusive disease and critical ischemia of upper extremity: A case report
Authors: Arslan Caner , Junusbekov Yerik , Hamid Rauf
Published: October 2023

Type I Takayasu’s arteritis is a rare form of large vessel vasculitis with an unknown etiopathogenesis. It is characterized by progressive chronic inflammation and occlusive thromboaortopathy affecting the aorta and its main branches. Type I Takayasu’s arteritis predominantly affects women and is most commonly observed in their third decade of life. In this report, we present the case of a 32-year-old female patient who exhibited severe long-segment stenosis in the left common carotid artery and total occlusion of the left subclavian artery. The patient experienced significant ischemic symptoms of the left upper extremity and had previously been diagnosed with Takayasu’s arteritis, being followed up under maintenance corticosteroid therapy. To address these complications, we conducted a surgical bypass using a prosthetic graft. The graft was inserted intrathoracically, extending from the patient’s ascending aorta to both the left common carotid artery and the left distal subclavian artery. This approach was designed to closely mimic anatomical routes, promoting optimal graft patency. In the context of this case, we highlight the importance of surgical intervention in alleviating ischemia and explore potential surgical alternatives for treating patients with Takayasu’s arteritis involving the supraaortic region.
Redress and worldmaking: Differing approaches to algorithmic reparations for housing justice
Authors: Zhang Aurora
Published: October 2023

A reparative approach to algorithmic justice provides a compelling alternative to existing fairness-based frameworks, which are often inadequate for challenging the technological perpetuation of unjust social hierarchies. The definition of “reparations,” however, is philosophically contested. I discuss two interrelated but distinct notions of reparations: reparations as accountability and redress for past injustice, and reparations as a constructive worldmaking project focused on present and future justice. Each of these perspectives offers different recommendations and provocations for how to implement algorithmic reparations. I apply this to a case study of housing injustice in the US and offer three interpretations of “algorithmic reparations” in context: first, we can litigate instances of algorithmic discrimination in housing. Second, we can use computational methods to compute damages and demand redress for structural housing injustice in the past. Finally, we can repurpose algorithmic methods to imagine more radical resistance efforts that connect incremental reform to large-scale structural change for the future.
Simulation Study of the Propagation of Underground-Construction Worker Unsafe Behavior
Authors: Chen Yun , Ma Chongsen , Long Yuxin
Published: October 2023

The proliferation of unsafe behavior in underground-construction sites has been widespread, which leads to accidents in underground construction from time to time. Accidents are not only a threat to the personal safety of construction workers but also cause property losses. Intervention on how to prevent the propagation of unsafe behavior among underground-construction workers in a timely manner, further improvement in the safety-management level of construction enterprises, and ensuring smooth implementation of projects are urgent measures to solve this problem. In this study, an SCIMR (Susceptible-Contacted-Infective-Removed) model was developed to study the spread of unsafe behavior among underground-construction workers. Increase in the improvement, control, and awareness rates could provide a preventive effect on the spread of unsafe behavior among underground-construction workers, whereas increase in the adoption and forgetfulness rates could facilitate increase in unsafe behavior. This work combined the SIR (Susceptible-Infective-Removed) theory with the underground-construction context to enrich the theory of underground-construction safety personnel management, which provides a reference solution and suggestions for construction companies to intervene and predict the proliferation of unsafe behavior and a novel method of planning and direction for safety management.