bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective Audibility Modulates the Susceptibility to Sound-Induced Flash Illusion: Effect of Loudness and Auditory Masking
Authors: Ito Yuki , Matsumoto Hanaka , Kobayasi Kohta I.
Published: September 2023

When a brief flash is presented along with two brief sounds, the single flash is often perceived as two flashes. This phenomenon is called a sound-induced flash illusion, in which the auditory sense, with its relatively higher reliability in providing temporal information, modifies the visual perception. Decline of audibility due to hearing impairment is known to make subjects less susceptible to the flash illusion. However, the effect of decline of audibility on susceptibility to the illusion has not been directly investigated in subjects with normal hearing. The present study investigates the relationship between audibility and susceptibility to the illusion by varying the sound pressure level of the stimulus. In the task for reporting the number of auditory stimuli, lowering the sound pressure level caused the rate of perceiving two sounds to decrease on account of forward masking. The occurrence of the illusory flash was reduced as the intensity of the second auditory stimulus decreased, and was significantly correlated with the rate of perceiving the two auditory stimuli. These results suggest that the susceptibility to sound-induced flash illusion depends on the subjective audibility of each sound.
Reaching invisible internally displaced persons: Doing social work in postconflict settings
Authors: Collado Zaldy C
Published: September 2023

Hosted internally displaced persons become ‘invisible’, leaving them unable to immediately access incoming aid and to be assisted through social work services. Social welfare policy must enhance the intervention paradigm in ways that disseminate social work efforts to entire displaced populations, ensuring that the invisible ones are not left behind.
How Complex Verbs Acquire Their Idiosyncratic Meanings
Authors: Monakhov Sergei
Published: September 2023

Complex verbs with the same preverb/prefix/particle that is both linguistically productive and analyzable can be compositional as well as non-compositional in meaning. For example, the English on has compositional spatial uses ( put a hat on) but also a non-spatial “continuative” use, where its semantic contribution is consistent with multiple verbs ( we played / worked / talked on despite the interruption). Comparable examples can be given with German preverbs or Russian prefixes, which are the main data analyzed in the present paper. The preverbs/prefixes/particles that encode non-compositional, construction-specific senses have been extensively studied; however, it is still far from clear how their semantic idiosyncrasies arise. Even when one can identify the contribution of the base, it is counterintuitive to assign the remaining sememes to the preverb/prefix/particle part. Therefore, on one hand, there seems to be an element without meaning, and on the other, there is a word sense that apparently comes from nowhere. In this article, I suggest analyzing compositional and non-compositional complex verbs as instantiations of two different types of constructions: one with an open slot for the preverb/prefix/particle and a fixed base verb and another with a fixed preverb/prefix/particle and an open slot for the base verb. Both experimental and corpus evidence supporting this decision is provided for Russian data. I argue that each construction implies its own meaning-processing model and that the actual choice between the two can be predicted by taking into account the discrepancy in probabilities of transition from preverb/prefix/particle to base and from base to preverb/prefix/particle.
Adapting Global Administrative Reforms to Local Contexts within Developing Countries: Insights into the Blue Ocean Strategy
Authors: Magued Shaimaa
Published: September 2023

As a subfield of Public Administration that is primarily concerned with improving performance within state institutions, administrative reform fails to fulfill its goals in developing countries due to the ethnocentricity of ready-made and replicable global strategies. Administrative reforms as top-down models of development marginalize local implementers who neither understand nor support the full adoption of the assigned models. Drawing on the significance of an all-inclusive synergy among local stakeholders for successful change, this study introduces the Blue Ocean strategy as an innovative managerial approach reflecting the temporal and spatial particularities of developing countries’ operational contexts. This study builds a conceptual framework for reforming public and non-profit sectors in developing countries in light of the guidelines of the Blue Ocean strategy as the expression of local stakeholders’ goal of improving organizational performance in compliance with existing opportunities and challenges. In doing so, it examines how the managers and employees of an Egyptian non-profit organization have benefited from the Blue Ocean strategy in improving their NGO’s performance through the adoption of effective strategic planning that restructured human resources functions and boosted employees’ productivity. The author conducted seven open-ended and semi-structured expert interviews with a selection of the NGO’s working staff and two managers in order to depict how the Blue Ocean strategy has enabled them to formulate and implement human resources strategic management as a customized administrative reform conforming to contextual exigencies.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram to Predict the Risk of Tinnitus Severity in Patients With Unilateral Subjective Tinnitus
Authors: Zhai Xiao-Min , Dong Jia-Jia , Zhang Hong-Lei , Yuan Jun , Hao Xue-Jing , Guo Rui
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the risk of tinnitus severity in patients with unilateral subjective tinnitus. Methods: The objective of this study was to establish and validate a nomogram specifically designed for patients with unilateral subjective tinnitus. We collected data on unilateral subjective tinnitus from the Air Force Medical Center, including 146 participants between January 2021 and June 2022. Risk factors for unilateral subjective tinnitus severity were evaluated by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and binary logistic regression analysis. Internal verification was used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. The discriminative ability was measured by the consistency index (C-indices) and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: All included patients were randomized according to a 7:3 ratio into the training cohort (104 patients) and the validation cohort (42 patients). The LASSO regression model identified sex, tinnitus loudness, and hearing loss as candidate variables. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that gender (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.6-0.95; P = 0.021) and tinnitus loudness (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.09-1.72; P = 0.009) were significant predictors of unilateral subjective tinnitus severity, while age, tinnitus matching frequency, and tinnitus duration were not. The significant predictors were included in the nomogram. Hearing loss was included in the nomogram based on prior clinical experience and previous studies. The training and validation cohorts C-indexes were 0.707 (95% CI: 0.607-0.806) and 0.706 (95% CI: 0.548-0.863), respectively. The training and validation cohort’s AUC of the ROC curves were 0.692 and 0.705, respectively. Conclusion: We have developed and validated a nomogram based on gender, hearing loss, and tinnitus loudness, which can effectively predict the risk of tinnitus severity in patients with unilateral subjective tinnitus. The nomogram provides personalized prediction results for patients with unilateral subjective tinnitus, which is beneficial for clinical decision-making and treatment plan development.
The theory of the public sphere as a cognitive theory of modern society
Authors: Trenz Hans-Jörg
Published: September 2023

The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere is a key contribution to political philosophy, media history, democratic theory and political economy – published almost 60 years ago – that left a deep imprint on the process of democratic consolidation of the Federal Republic of Germany. At the same time, the Habermasian model of the public sphere was used to test out the possibilities of democratisation beyond the nation-state. The theory of the public sphere was, however, mainly discussed as a contribution to normative political theory and, as such, the applicability of its normative standards remained contested. In this article, I focus instead on a second sociological reading of Habermas’ theory of the public sphere as an exploration of the cognitive foundations of modern society. The relevance of this approach can be shown in an exemplary way by discussing the functioning of publicity, which, by creating social visibility and facilitating public opinion formation, on the one hand, provides the knowledge base of a shared social world and, on the other hand, becomes the main driver of social change through critical self-reflection. The article goes on to take a look at recent public sphere transformations in the context of digitalisation and globalisation, and argues that public sphere principles are both undermined and gain new relevance when facing the challenges of new and digital media.
Surfboard riders are at risk of low energy availability – A pilot study
Authors: Baker Mackenzie , Magee Pamela , Williamson Josh
Published: September 2023

Background

Surfing is a rapidly growing sport and recreational activity. The previously reported, intermittent high-intensity energetics of surfing place athletes and recreational participants at risk of low energy availability (LEA).

Aim

As such, this pioneering study aims to be the first to investigate LEA risk and the second to investigate dietary intake in surfers.

Methods

Twenty-one intermediate and advanced surfers (female – 5, male – 16) were recruited to complete an online self-administered questionnaire and 4 consecutive 24-hour food logs to establish LEA risk and asses dietary intake. The Low Energy Availability in Female Questionnaire and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire were used to identify at-risk individuals in females and males, respectively, with respective cut-off's of ≥8 and ≥2.3.

Results

Fifty-seven percent were classed as at-risk of LEA (50% and 80% in males and females, respectively). No significant relationship of competitive status, surfing ability and body mass index on risk classification was found. However, a non-significant medium effect of age was observed (p = 0.338, R = 0.549). And 77% of the 70 total analysed food records showed inadequate carbohydrate (CHO) consumption.

Conclusion

In summary, an alarmingly high portion of surfers are at risk of LEA and dietary inadequacy. Future studies should confirm whether surfing organisations need to intervene, by addressing limitations of the present study including a small sample, which was heavily biased away from female and high-level competitors.
Mapping complexity in deglobalisation: A typology of economic localisms from ‘hyper-localism’ to ‘strategic autonomy’
Authors: Smith Thomas SJ
Published: September 2023

In recent years, scholarly attention has turned to the fracturing of global supply chains and the costs and benefits of reorienting economies to the local scale. While its real extent is debated, the term ‘deglobalisation’ has been broadly used to refer to this break from the expansionist neoliberal common-sense of previous decades. This paper conducts narrative reviews of six approaches which have emerged in this context: Hyper-localism, Open Localism, Cosmo-localism, Foundational Economy, Developmental Nationalism and Strategic Autonomy. It examines these emerging proposals for more local production, consumption and trade, and hints at relevant research directions for the uncertain era ahead. Its conceptual contribution shows that we are now faced with complex and differing processes of (de)globalisation – sometimes overlapping and sometimes competing. Grounded in a post-growth perspective, the paper concludes with an invitation for dialogue and future research around local production where capitalist political economy and organisation are not taken for granted.
Perceived Pubertal Timing and Deviant Peer Processes Predicting Substance Use Initiation: The Moderating Role of Impulsiveness
Authors: Wasserman A. M. , Karns-Wright T. E. , Mathias C. W. , Moon T. J. , Hill-Kapturczak N. , Dougherty D. M.
Published: September 2023

The present study aimed to test if perceived pubertal timing was related to marijuana and alcohol use through deviant peer affiliation. Additionally, we examined if the deviant peer pathway was moderated by impulsiveness, gender, or both. Data were collected from 342 youth, most of whom had a family history of substance use disorder. Youth completed assessments every six months from age 13 to 16. For girls only, longitudinal analyses revealed that perceived pubertal timing was indirectly related to substance use through higher levels of deviant peer affiliation. This pathway was moderated by impulsiveness such that the association between perceived pubertal timing and deviant peer affiliation was only present for girls with average to high levels of impulsiveness. These findings elucidate a developmental pathway from perceived pubertal timing to substance use through deviant peer affiliation for high-risk girls, although low levels of impulsiveness were protective.
BECO (Business, Engineering, Construction, and Other) Framework for Providing Effective and Comprehensive Supportive Services to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in the United States
Authors: Dang Hongtao , Shane Jennifer
Published: September 2023

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, established by the United States Department of Transportation, aims to remove barriers to participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in highway projects, to promote the use of DBEs in federally assisted contracts, and to assist the development of DBEs. A DBE is a small, for-profit business owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals such as women or minorities. DBEs need various supportive services, depending on many factors, such as business area, size, and strategy. State Departments of Transportation often provide or hire third parties to provide supportive services to DBEs that are relatively expensive and inefficient. These services may also support only some and unintentionally exclude other DBEs. Under many challenges, one ultimate goal is to find a framework that covers all valuable DBE supportive services. This study proposes, tests, and validates a framework for providing effective and comprehensive DBE supportive services in the transportation sector. Based on discussions with DBE liaison officers and service providers, we propose the business, engineering, construction, and other (BECO) framework to provide DBE supportive services. We then use a sequential explanatory design in mixed methods, collecting quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate and validate the BECO framework. We analyze quantitative data using confirmatory factor analysis and qualitative data using pattern coding techniques. The results provide insights and reveal useful DBE supportive services using the BECO framework. The framework is useful for assessing DBE needs, informing DBE liaison officers and service providers, and offering the most useful supportive services to DBEs.
Strengthening Local Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Authors: Hoffecker Elizabeth , Ramos Francisco , Adomdza Gordon , Frey Dan
Published: September 2023

The complex adaptive systems that produce and sustain local innovation and entrepreneurship in particular geographic contexts are known as local innovation systems and entrepreneurial systems and, from a perspective informed by ecology, as local innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Over the past decade, scholars and practitioners have increasingly focused on clarifying what these systems are and why they are important for local and regional economic development. There is relatively scant scholarship, however, focused on describing how to strengthen these systems, in terms of specific processes for developing missing or weak system components, improving the relationships between components and clarifying the purpose of the system. This paper describes an approach to innovation ecosystem strengthening developed from case studies of successful sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystems in the United States, and how this approach was adapted and applied to an online ecosystem-strengthening process in Accra, Ghana. Drawing on programmatic data and a post-project survey, we find that the approach achieved its primary objective of developing and launching an ecosystem-strengthening initiative, indicating its applicability beyond the context in which it was developed. However, we also identify that ecosystem capacity strengthening effects were weaker than predicted and conclude that this type of ecosystem-strengthening process is best suited to in-person work.
Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Postfracture Ankle Arthritis
Authors: Kim Jaeyoung , Radkievich Ruben , Mizher Rami , Shaffrey Isabel , O’Malley Martin , Deland Jonathan , Demetracopoulos Constantine , Ellis Scott
Published: September 2023

Background:

Ankle arthritis that develops after fracture accounts for a significant portion of ankle arthritis necessitating total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). It remains unknown whether TAA in postfracture patients produces equivalent outcomes to those without fracture history. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the medium-term outcomes of TAA in postfracture ankle arthritis compared to those without fracture history.

Methods:

This study reviewed 178 ankles from 171 consecutive patients who underwent TAA in our institution between 2007 and 2017 and completed a minimum 5-year follow-up. Four different TAA systems were utilized by 6 surgeons. Based on fracture history, patients were divided into 2 groups: the postfracture group (n = 63; median age 65.7 years; median follow-up 5.9 years) and the nonfracture group (n = 115; median age 64.4 years; median follow-up 6.2 years). Types and rates of complications including revision and reoperation were compared. Minimum 5-year Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and postoperative improvement were investigated. A subgroup analysis was performed to determine whether outcomes differ between intraarticular fracture patients (n = 43) and extraarticular fracture patients (n = 20).

Results:

Both groups exhibited comparable postoperative improvement and final FAOS scores. The postfracture group had a significantly higher reoperation rate than the nonfracture group (20 of 63, 31.7%, vs 17 of 115, 14.8%; P = .011), with gutter impingement being the most common cause. There were 3 revisions in each group. In the subgroup analysis, we found no evidence of statistical difference between the intraarticular fracture group and the extraarticular fracture group in terms of FAOS scores, revision, and reoperation rates.

Conclusion:

In this single-center, retrospective comparative study, we found total ankle arthroplasty in patients with a history of fractures around the ankle joint had no evidence of statistical difference in patient-reported outcomes and implant survivorship but led to a higher rate of nonrevision reoperation following surgery. In the much smaller subset of patients with previous fracture, we did not find that those with a history of intraarticular fracture had inferior outcomes after TAA when compared to those with a history of extraarticular fracture.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, case-control study.
Neural network-based adaptive consensus of second-order multi-agent systems with nonlinear uncertainties and unknown time delay
Authors: Chehardoli Hossein
Published: September 2023

This paper studies the leader-following adaptive optimal neural network consensus (AONNC) of second-order multi-agent systems (SOMASs) with nonlinear uncertainties and unknown time delay. An objective function involving the squared distance error and control effort is introduced which will be minimized by the AONNC method. The controller consists of two main parts. The first linear part is based on state feedback control idea and it is designed in such a way that the linear part of each agent dynamics is stable and the objective function is minimum. The nonlinear part which is designed based on the neural network (NN) will compensate for the nonlinear uncertainties and the external disturbances. By defining the distance error between each follower and the leader and taking time derivative of it, the error dynamics of each agent is obtained. To estimate the NN gains, appropriate adaptive rules are presented. The Lyapunov stability criterion is employed to prove the asymptotic stability of SOMAS. It is proved that the time derivative of the Lyapunov function for the aforementioned AONNC method and the adaptation laws is negative and therefore, the consensus of SOMAS is achieved. To verify the AONNC protocol, a SOMAS consisting of five agents (one leader and four followers) is considered and the obtained results are discussed.
Triacetin
Authors: Fiume Monice , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed updated information that has become available since their original assessment from 2003, along with updated information regarding product types, and frequency and concentrations of use, and reaffirmed their original conclusion that Triacetin is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the practices of use and concentration as described in this report.
Urorectal Septum Malformation Sequence With Retroperitoneal Neuroblastoma: A Case Report of an Unusual Association
Authors: Pradeep Immanuel , Kumar Naina , Kalyani Poojitha , Nigam Jitendra Singh , Somalwar Shrinivas Bheemrao , Srirambhatla Annapurna , Rath Ashutosh
Published: September 2023

Urorectal septum malformation sequence (URSMS) is an uncommon disease characterized by a failure of the anorectal septum to divide the cloaca and fuse with the cloacal membrane. Complete URSMS is usually lethal in newborn due to severe renal dysfunction and pulmonary hypoplasia. Partial URSMS is compatible with life with a single perineal opening draining a common cloaca with an imperforate anus which amenable to surgical management. Antenatal diagnosis of URSMS is challenging because of multisystem, complex abnormalities involving gastrointestinal, urogenital tract, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. In this case report, we describe a 15-week male fetus with partial URSMS having a spectrum of multisystem structural anomalies associated with fetal neuroblastoma in retroperitoneal location and adrenal neuroblastoma in situ.
The Incidence of Multiple Fusions in a Series of Pediatric Soft Tissue and Bone Tumors
Authors: MacKeracher Anastasia , Arnoldo Anthony , Siddaway Robert , Surrey Lea F. , Somers Gino R.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Next generation sequencing (NGS) has increased the detection of fusion genes in cancer. NGS has found multiple fusions in single tumor samples; however, the incidence of this in pediatric soft tissue and bone tumors (PSTBTs) is not well documented. The aim of this study is to catalogue the incidence of multiple fusions in a series of PSTBTs, and apply a modified gene fusion classification system to determine clinical relevance.

Methodology:

RNA from 78 bone and soft tissue tumors and 7 external quality assessment samples were sequenced and analyzed using recently-described Metafusion (MF) software and classified using a modification of previously-published schema for fusion classification into 3 tiers: 1, strong clinical significance; 2, potential clinical significance; and 3, unknown clinical significance.

Results:

One-hundred forty-five fusions were detected in 85 samples. Fifty-five samples (65%) had a single fusion and 30 (35%) had more than 1 fusion. No samples contained more than 1 tier 1 fusion. There were 40 tier 1 (28%), 36 tier 2 (24%), and 69 (48%) tier 3 fusions.

Conclusions:

A significant percentage of PSTBTs harbor more than 1 fusion, and by applying a modified fusion classification scheme, the potential clinical relevance of such fusions can be determined.
Single Umbilical Artery Umbilical Cord Is Associated With High-Grade Distal Fetal Vascular Malperfusion
Authors: Stanek Jerzy
Published: September 2023

Purpose and Context:

Umbilical cord abnormalities with clinical signs of cord compromise are frequently associated with fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). Single umbilical artery (SUA) has been reported to be associated with high-grade FVM in fetal growth restriction but not in an unselected population; our study aimed to address this issue.

Methods:

Clinical and placental phenotypes of 55 consecutive placentas with SUA (Group 1) were compared with those of 655 placentas with 3-vessel umbilical cord (Group 2) from patients who were in the second half of their pregnancy. The placentas were histologically examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and CD 34 immunostaining.

Key Results:

Several umbilical cord phenotypes and high-grade distal FVM, based on H&E staining and endothelial fragmentation by CD34 were significantly more common in Group 1, whereas decidual clusters of multinucleate trophoblasts were more common in Group 2. Notably, H&E staining or CD34 immunostaining evaluated separately showed that high-grade distal FVM was more common in Group 1 than in Group 2, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

SUA predisposes to remote, advanced, and recent high-grade distal villous FVM, with a pathogenesis partly different from that of stasis-induced FVM, likely related to fetal anomalies associated with SUA.
Metastatic Lymphomas of the Placenta: A Literature Review With an Illustrative Case
Authors: Masalunga Marvin C. , Basa Ronell L. , Damian Karen B. , Carnate Jose M.
Published: September 2023

Lymphoma is the fourth most common tumor to display placental metastasis. This study aimed to report a case of high-grade lymphoma involving the placenta and review the literature on lymphomas metastatic to the placenta. A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines, using the keywords “lymphoma” AND “placenta.” All case reports and case series on lymphoma infiltrating the placenta were collected. Eight cases from 7 studies, including the present case, were synthesized. The mean patient age is 29.5 years. The clinical presentation is non-specific. Hematologic derangements included cytopenias or cytoses, and elevated prothrombin time. The mean gestational age (GA) when a diagnosis of lymphoma was rendered is 27 weeks. Five cases presented with either lymphadenopathy or visceral masses on imaging. Four of these cases eventually led to maternal demise. The mean GA when the fetus was delivered is 31 3/4 weeks. Grossly, most placentas had non-specific findings. Leukemic infiltrates were mostly seen within intervillous spaces. Intravillous infiltrates were associated with high-grade lymphomas, resulting in either maternal demise or stillborn fetuses. This study suggests that the placenta has mechanisms to guard against malignancies; however, these defense mechanisms are not foolproof and may be breached by tumor cells.
A new methodology for the mechanical behavior analysis of polyvinyl chloride and recycled polyethylene terephthalate foams: Finite element model updating using mechanical field measurements
Authors: Salloum Joulia , Léger Romain , Chebbo Hussein , Daridon Loïc , Ienny Patrick
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to characterize the intrinsic mechanical behavior of an eco-friendly foam core used in sandwich materials dedicated to the maritime sector. A thorough understanding of intrinsic properties is essential for accurate dimensional structure characterization. The model setup is based on the choice of materials that meet the criteria of sustainable development, mechanical performance, and durability to promote ecological practices in the nautical industry. Experimental tests, instrumented by a digital image correlation technique, were carried out on two types of foams: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is the reference foam traditionally used in marine applications, and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), the substitute foam. The sample sizes recommended by compression test standards often lead to complex stress states that do not allow direct determination of the foam's intrinsic mechanical properties. Therefore, a finite element model updating method was required to identify the anisotropic elastic behavior of these two types of foams.
How network resources empower expert involvement? Evidence from urban planning decision-making in China
Authors: Guo Yuchen , Xu Huiling , Wu Shi
Published: September 2023

Expert involvement has received increasing academic attention, and expert typology, organizational types and knowledge utilization have been well documented and well theorized. However, the literature on expert involvement is remarkably silent on how to understand the internal structure of expert groups and the influence they bring to bear. In this study, we seek to bridge this gap by theorizing and empirically demonstrating the internal discrepancy in expert network. We do so through an in-depth qualitative analysis of data from an empirical study on urban planning decision-making in China. Building on existing literature, participant observation and interview data, the study elaborates an expert network model that analyses how government choices, organizational characteristics, and capital in network resources shape expert influence. The empirical analysis indicates that the role an expert receives in policy making is a consequence of different expert networks. Based on this, we developed the concept of “resources empowerment expert network” to understand the logic of resource flow in network and discuss how this concept can contribute to the broader literature on expert involvement.
4 C’s Approach to Meaningful and Lasting Positive Behavior Change
Authors: Chawla Munish
Published: September 2023

Making intentional and sustainable positive behavior changes is difficult for most individuals. Knowledge and even expert coaching have shown meager results in guiding individuals towards a healthier diet and lifestyle. It is clear from the current research that additional approaches, which can help stem the tide of obesity and other chronic diseases, are needed. This article introduces a systematic process-based approach which focuses on the 4C’s, Clarity, Commitment, Compassion, and Consistency. It is essential for individuals to have Clarity before they begin their health journey. Clarity must address, what do I want to change, why, and how am I going to make the change. Commitment highlights the importance of following a process-based approach that focuses on small incremental changes which over time can lead to remarkable results. Compassion is the necessary ingredient which allows individuals to continue the journey despite setbacks. By staying committed to the process, by practicing self-compassion, and by finding a healthy community, the individual is slowly able to achieve Consistency in achieving and then maintaining a healthier diet and lifestyle.
Use of augmented reality in mental health-related conditions: A systematic review
Authors: Bakır Çiçek Nur , Abbas Sharif Omar , Sever Egemen , Özcan Morey Aslıhan , Aslan Genç Herdem , Mutluer Tuba
Published: September 2023

Objective

Augmented reality (AR) is a relatively new technology that merges virtual and physical environments, augmenting one's perception of reality. AR creates a computer-generated environment that evokes a unique perception of reality, where real and virtual objects are registered with one another, which operates interactively and in real time. Recently, the medical application of AR technology has dramatically increased with other assisted technologies, from training to clinical practice. The ability to manipulate the real environment extensively has given AR interventions an advantage over traditional approaches. In this study, we aim to conduct a systematic review of the use of AR to have a better understanding of how the use of AR may affect patients with mental health-related conditions when combined with gamification.

Method

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines by searching Pubmed and Web of Science databases.

Results and Conclusion

We identified 48 relevant studies that fulfill the criteria. The studies were grouped into four categories: Neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety and phobia, psychoeducation & well-being, and procedural & pain management. Our results revealed the effectiveness of AR in mental health-related conditions. However, the heterogeneity and small sample sizes demonstrate the need for further research with larger sample sizes and high-quality study designs.
Incidence and location of injuries in Olympic style wrestlers: An analysis by age, sex, weight-class and wrestling style
Authors: Fredrik Borg , Tse Andy Choi-Yeung , Tahir Muhammad Junaid , Talukder Ashis , Lee Ka Yiu
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine injuries among Olympic-style wrestlers by analyzing the injury incidence rate and its relationship with age, sex, weight-class and wrestling style.

Methods:

Olympic-style wrestlers aged 17 years or above competing at national level in Sweden were recruited. Retrospective data about wrestling injuries incurred during year 2019 and 2020 were collected through a web-based questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 39 wrestlers in Sweden were included, whereof 12 women and 27 men. Sixty-nine percent of the participants sustained at least one injury and the overall injury incidence rate was 4.74 injuries/1000 hours of wrestling training and 551 injuries/1000 licensed athlete years. There were no significant differences in injury incidence rates between wrestling styles, weight-classes, age-categories or sexes, unlike other previous studies. The knee, lumbar spine, neck and shoulder were the most commonly reported injury locations.

Conclusion:

The injury incidence rate could be region-specific due to different coaching or wrestling styles. It is recommended to provide strength and conditioning training focusing on the muscles around the knees, lumbar spine, neck and shoulders among this group of Olympic-style wrestlers.
Radiographic and Patient-Reported Outcomes of a Low-Cost Modified Lapidus Bunion Correction Technique
Authors: Paranjape Chinmay Shivaram , Zhang Jingru , Lalli Trapper , Lin Feng-Chang , Tennant Joshua N.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The modified Lapidus (ML) is a powerful procedure for correction of hallux valgus (HV) with emerging techniques. Studies considering patient-reported outcomes, radiographic measures, complications, and implant costs are currently limited.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort with prospectively collected Patient Reported Outcome Information System Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) scores, radiographic parameters (intermetatarsal angle, IMA; hallux valgus angle, HVA; and tibial sesamoid position, TSP), complications, and total operative time and implant costs were reviewed from 2014 to 2019.

Results:

Seventy-three feet (68 patients) underwent bunion correction by ML with lag-screw fixation. Median age was 55.8 years (IQR 45.6, 53.9), 4 of 73 (5.5%) were male, 11 of 73 (15.1%) were smokers, and 15 of 73 (20.6%) were diabetic (median HbA1c 6.4% [IQR 6.0, 7.4], none insulin dependent, 5 of 15 with neuropathy). Complications included 6 of 73 (8.2%) wound issues resolved with topical or oral treatment, 9 of 73 (12.3%) painful or broken hardware requiring hardware removal. Two of 73 (2.7%) had persistent pain despite union. One of 73 (1.4%) was overcorrected and required first MTP arthrodesis. Of 3 nonunions (2.7%), 1 resolved with corrected hypothyroidism, 1 was asymptomatic and required no treatment, 1 had a hallux valgus recurrence and sought revision surgery elsewhere. Preoperative radiographic angles were HVA 35 degrees, IMA 14 degrees which improved at final postoperative follow up to HVA 10 degrees, IMA 6 degrees. Tibial sesamoid position improved from 6.05 ± 1.00 to 2.22 ± 1.38. Thirty-two patients had preoperative and 42 had 1-year postoperative outcomes. PROMIS-PF (51% collection rate) was 43 (IQR 37,52) preoperatively, 37 (31, 39) at 6 weeks, 46 (42, 51) at 3 months, and 49 (41, 53) at >360 days postoperatively. The drop in PROMIS-PF between preoperative and 6 weeks and the rise from 6 weeks to 3 months were statistically significant. Pre- and postoperative PROMIS-PF scores were not significantly different. Implant cost averaged US$146.

Discussion/Conclusion:

We report low complication rates and costs with high patient postoperative functional and radiographic outcomes. PROMIS-PF decreased acutely postoperatively but recovered and maintained high levels by 3 months postoperatively.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Internal Plugging of a Traumatic Posterior Perforation Site Using Donor Sclera, Human Amniotic Membrane, and Fibrin Glue: A Novel Surgical Technique
Authors: Celo Erdit , Whelan Ashley D. , Seamone Christopher D. , Gupta R. Rishi
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To describe a novel surgical approach to treat traumatic posterior perforating injuries. Methods: A case and its findings were analyzed. Results: A 21-year-old man presented with bilateral intraocular foreign bodies that were sustained while hammering a metal railway pin. In the left eye, the foreign body was embedded in the posterior scleral wall, resulting in a 2 mm × 6 mm posterior perforation and partial retinal detachment. Silicone oil tamponade could optimize the chances for retinal reattachment; however, there was concern that the silicone oil would migrate through the posterior defect and into the orbit. Therefore, the perforation site was filled using a 3-layer plug consisting of donor sclera, human amniotic membrane, and fibrin glue. The silicone oil was successfully maintained within the globe; however, the final visual acuity was limited due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of the 3-layer plug technique should be further validated in similar cases.
Diagnosis and classification of myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Hasserjian Robert P. , Germing Ulrich , Malcovati Luca
Published: September 2023

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are neoplastic myeloid proliferations characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis resulting in peripheral blood cytopenias. MDS is distinguished from nonneoplastic clonal myeloid proliferations by the presence of morphologic dysplasia and from acute myeloid leukemia by a blast threshold of 20%. The diagnosis of MDS can be challenging because of the myriad other causes of cytopenias: accurate diagnosis requires the integration of clinical features with bone marrow and peripheral blood morphology, immunophenotyping, and genetic testing. MDS has historically been subdivided into several subtypes by classification schemes, the most recent of which are the International Consensus Classification and World Health Organization Classification (fifth edition), both published in 2022. The aim of MDS classification is to identify entities with shared genetic underpinnings and molecular pathogenesis, and the specific subtype can inform clinical decision-making alongside prognostic risk categorization. The current MDS classification schemes incorporate morphologic features (bone marrow and blood blast percentage, degree of dysplasia, ring sideroblasts, bone marrow fibrosis, and bone marrow hypocellularity) and also recognize 3 entities defined by genetics: isolated del(5q) cytogenetic abnormality, SF3B1 mutation, and TP53 mutation. It is anticipated that with advancing understanding of the genetic basis of MDS pathogenesis, future MDS classification will be based increasingly on genetic classes. Nevertheless, morphologic features in MDS reflect the phenotypic expression of the underlying abnormal genetic pathways and will undoubtedly retain importance to inform prognosis and guide treatment.
Spatial mapping of human hematopoiesis at single-cell resolution reveals aging-associated topographic remodeling
Authors: Sarachakov Aleksandr , Varlamova Arina , Svekolkin Viktor , Polyakova Margarita , Valencia Itzel , Unkenholz Caitlin , Pannellini Tania , Galkin Ilia , Ovcharov Pavel , Tabakov Dmitrii , Postovalova Ekaterina , Shin Nara , Sethi Isha , Bagaev Alexander , Itkin Tomer , Crane Genevieve , Kluk Michael , Geyer Julia , Inghirami Giorgio , Patel Sanjay
Published: September 2023

The spatial anatomy of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow (BM) has been extensively studied in mice and other preclinical models, but technical challenges have precluded a commensurate exploration in humans. Institutional pathology archives contain thousands of paraffinized BM core biopsy tissue specimens, providing a rich resource for studying the intact human BM topography in a variety of physiologic states. Thus, we developed an end-to-end pipeline involving multiparameter whole tissue staining, in situ imaging at single-cell resolution, and artificial intelligence–based digital whole slide image analysis and then applied it to a cohort of disease-free samples to survey alterations in the hematopoietic topography associated with aging. Our data indicate heterogeneity in marrow adipose tissue (MAT) content within each age group and an inverse correlation between MAT content and proportions of early myeloid and erythroid precursors, irrespective of age. We identify consistent endosteal and perivascular positioning of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with medullary localization of more differentiated elements and, importantly, uncover new evidence of aging-associated changes in cellular and vascular morphologies, microarchitectural alterations suggestive of foci with increased lymphocytes, and diminution of a potentially active megakaryocytic niche. Overall, our findings suggest that there is topographic remodeling of human hematopoiesis associated with aging. More generally, we demonstrate the potential to deeply unravel the spatial biology of normal and pathologic human BM states using intact archival tissue specimens.
Assessing sugar intake rapidly – a short form of the Marburg Sugar Index (MSI)
Authors: Margraf-Stiksrud Jutta , Pieper Klaus , Deinzer Renate
Published: September 2023

Background

Sugar intake is a major nutritional factor in the development of dental caries. To further clarify its contribution to oral health-related diseases, population-based investigations are recommended. To facilitate economic and reliable assessment of sugar intake, a short form of the approved Marburg Sugar Index (MSI) was developed.

Methods

According to the principles of item reduction based on original data, a six-item-short form was constructed. A total of 468 participants (aged 15–81) answered the short form together with the long form in a counterbalanced cross-over design, and with two questionnaires concerning self-efficacy and decisional balance in oral health to verify construct validity.

Results

Comparable item characteristics to the original MSI and a high correlation with the long form prove the usefulness of the short form, which was processed by the participants in less than one minute. Low correlations to the other two constructs show discriminant validity.

Conclusion

The new short form of the MSI (MSI-S) can replace the long form, especially in population-based studies with no restrictions on assessment quality but with sufficient time saved to add other variables necessary to explore oral health-related issues.
Temporal trends and outcomes of heart transplantation in Spain (2002–2021): propensity score matching analysis to compare patients with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lopez-de-Andres Ana , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Hernández-Barrera Valentin , Carabantes-Alarcon David , Zamorano-Leon Jose J. , Palanco Ricardo Omaña , del-Barrio Jose L. , de-Miguel-Díez Javier , de-Miguel-Yanes Jose M. , Cuadrado-Corrales Natividad
Published: September 2023

Background

The impact of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) on the outcomes of heart transplantation (HT) has not yet been clearly established. The objectives of this study were to examine the trends in the prevalence of T2D among individuals who underwent a HT in Spain from 2002 to 2021, and to compare the clinical characteristics and hospitalization outcomes between HT recipients with and without T2D.

Methods

We used the national hospital discharge database to select HT recipients aged 35 and older. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions (ICD-9 and ICD-10) were used to identify patients with and without T2D. We also recorded comorbidities, complications of HT, and procedures. Propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox regression were used to analyze the effect of T2D on in-hospital mortality (IHM).

Results

Between 2002 and 2021, a total of 4429 HTs (T2D, 19.14%) were performed in Spain. The number of HTs in patients with T2D decreased from 2002 to 2005 (n = 171) to 2014–2017 (n = 154), then rose during 2018–2021 (n = 186). Complications of HT increased in patients with and without T2D over the study period (26.9% and 31.31% in 2002–2005 vs. 42.47% and 45.01% in 2018–2021, respectively). The results of the PSM showed that pneumonia and Gram-negative bacterial infections were less frequent in patients with T2D and that these patients less frequently required hemodialysis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and tracheostomy. They also had a shorter hospital stay and lower IHM than patients without diabetes. The variables associated with IHM in patients with T2D were hemodialysis and ECMO. IHM decreased over time in people with and without T2D. The Cox regression analysis showed that T2D was associated with lower IHM (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.63–0.98).

Conclusions

The number of HTs increased in the period 2018–2021 compared with 2002–2005 in patients with and without T2D. Over time, complications of HT increased in both groups studied, whereas IHM decreased. The presence of T2D is associated with lower IHM.