bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avoiding stick-slip limit cycle vibration in electric vehicle brake system via brake force distribution
Authors: Han Qingzhen , Chen Dong , Xu Jing , Zhu Jiajun , Wang Jiajia
Published: January 2024

Brake creep groan, a friction-induced nonlinear vibration in the brake system, has significantly contributed to the reduction of ride comfort. In order to mitigate brake creep groan, a brake force distribution strategy based on the stick-slip curve is proposed and examined. The critical boundary of the stick-slip limit cycle is determined and established as the constraint condition. Focusing on avoiding stick-slip limit cycle vibration, an adaptive particle swarm optimization method is employed to study the distribution of brake force between regenerative brake and friction brake, with energy recovery efficiency serving as the objective function. Four distinct operational conditions—NEDC, UDDS, WLTP, and FTP—are simulated. The results demonstrate that under these conditions, vibrations associated with the stick-slip limit cycle can be reduced by up to 23.596%, 15.368%, 15.342%, and 17.557%, respectively. Considering the peak power and peak torque of the drive motor, three regions can be identified: the region where stick-slip limit cycle vibration cannot be avoided, the region where avoidance efficiency increases with the rise in the drive motor’s peak torque and peak power, and the region where avoidance efficiency remains constant despite increases in the drive motor’s peak torque and peak power.
The effects of occupational and mental stress among home care rehabilitation professionals working during the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Howe Aaron S. , Jules Kevon , Tan Jeremy KCD , Khan Raabia , Li Anson KC , Edwards Brydne , King Emily C , Nizzer Sonia , Gohar Basem , Yazdani Amin , Bani-Fatemi Ali- , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Sinclair Lindsay , Kay Mhairi , Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin
Published: January 2024

Home care rehabilitation professionals (hcRPs) provide health services for clients with a broad range of medical conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, home care rehabilitation professionals experienced exacerbations of pre-existing work-related stressors, increased risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus, reduced resource availability, greater workloads, and staffing shortages. The primary aim of this study was to examine the experience and impact of occupational and mental stress on hcRPs working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 hcRPs working in Ontario, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inductive thematic analysis was used to interpret and organize the data into conceptualized themes. Interview data was organized into three themes: (a) unique challenges of a home care rehabilitation professional, (b) COVID-19 exacerbations of home care occupational and mental stress, and (c) personal and workplace coping strategies. Many participants reported reducing their hours or taking on adjunctive roles in different clinical settings outside of home care due to work-related stress exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on the effects of COVID-19 on the practice of home care, this study provides a unique perspective on the challenges experienced by hcRPs during an emergent and evolving global public health concern. The exploratory nature of this research works towards providing a framework of factors to be addressed when creating sustainable healthcare interventions, as well as recommendations to support hcRPs to benefit both the community and health-care providers.
Epidemiological Insights into Diabetic Foot Amputation and its Correlates: A Provincial Study
Authors: Aalaa Maryam , Vahdani Amir Mohammad , Mohajeri Tehrani Mohammadreza , Mehrdad Neda , Zohdirad Mehri , Sadati Marzieh , Amini Maryam , Mehrpour Saeid , Ebrahimi Mehdi , Larijani Bagher , Amini Mohammad Reza , Sanjari Mahnaz
Published: January 2024

Background:

Diabetic foot ulcer and potential subsequent lower extremity amputation are major complications of diabetes mellitus and are also prominent morbidity factors that could affect patients’ quality of life.

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of diabetic foot amputation and explore correlates of amputation cause and type among subjects with diabetes mellitus in Tehran, Iran.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the demographic, sociological, and clinical characteristics of subjects who had undergone lower extremity amputation due to diabetic foot ulcers, from 2011 to 2020, in two educational medical centers in Tehran, Iran. We examined the medical records of 4676 individuals who were admitted to Shariati and Sina hospitals due to diabetic foot issues. Information related to patient demographics (age, gender, marital status), social factors (education level, insurance), and clinical data (medical history, laboratory results, and characteristics of diabetic foot ulcers) was collected for subjects who had undergone lower extremity amputation due to diabetic foot ulcer. The collected data was reported using average values, standard deviations and proportions and analyzed using statistical tests.

Results:

During one decade, 882 out of 4676 (18.8%) patients with diabetic foot ulcers underwent lower extremity amputations of various types in Sina and Shariati hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Of these, 692 (14.5%) were included for further analysis in the study and the rest were excluded due to lack of sufficient recorded data. About 75.9% of the study population was male, and the average age including both sexes was 60 years. About 92.7% were married, and on average, subjects had been afflicted with diabetes mellitus for 15.1 years. Statistical analysis using Pearson’s chi-square test showed there was a significant association between the treatment regimen for diabetes mellitus and the type of amputation ( P = .01), as well as between the duration of the disease and the cause of amputation ( P = .01) and its type ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

diabetes mellitus related treatment regimen and duration of disease are significantly associated with amputation cause and type.
Two routes to degeneration, two routes to utopia: The impure critical performativity of alternative organizing
Authors: Shanahan Genevieve
Published: January 2024

It sometimes appears that alternative organizations are doomed to perpetuate the systems they aim to transform, as efforts to avoid co-optation entail retreat from the very engagement social change requires. Scholars then face a dilemma: do we reveal these degenerative processes in existing alternative organizations and reinforce disillusionment, or avoid such critique and endorse ineffectual strategies? To address this question I draw on Erik Olin Wright’s identification of two broad strategies of social transformation adopted by alternative organizations. Symbiotic strategies are those that aim to change the existing system via incremental reform, such as trade unions’ collective bargaining. Interstitial strategies, by contrast, are those more radical approaches that seek to prefigure emancipatory alternative systems, such as mutual aid networks. The first contribution this paper proposes is a mapping of these social transformation strategies to distinct forms of degeneration, understood as inadvertent reproduction of the hegemonic system. Organizations adopting the symbiotic strategy are particularly vulnerable to the more well-studied forms of degeneration that result from partial alignment with the hegemonic system—what I call exposure degeneration. Organizations adopting the interstitial strategy are instead vulnerable to less well-studied forms of degeneration resulting from insufficient engagement with the hegemonic system—what I call insulation degeneration. Although this model may appear to place alternative organizations in a catch-22, I draw a more hopeful perspective from theories of performativity that highlight the relationship between socially transformative agency and social reproduction. Unpacking the necessary impurity of performativity leads to the paper’s second contribution: while both practitioners and scholars of alternative organizations can pursue social transformation only via impure critical performativity, awareness of this constraint can foster reflexivity regarding the agential scope that remains.
Developing middle-range theories within a realist evaluation of how health committees support community capacity for health
Authors: Gilmore Brynne , Power Jessica , Tumwesigye Nazarius , Mollel Henry , McAuliffe Eilish , Vallières Frédérique
Published: January 2024

Health committees link formalised health services and the community. However, ‘how, why, and for whom’ health committees work warrants further exploration. This article presents the development of a middle-range theory for how health committees work for building community capacity for health. Resulting programme theories from a realist evaluation in Uganda were synthesised for demi-regularities and supplemented by four key informant interviews – substantive theories were used to help explain the findings from the case studies to develop the final middle-range theories. Eighteen existing programme theories and 47 supporting context-mechanism-outcome configurations were synthesised into four middle-range theories for how health committees work for community capacity building for health at the individual, organisational, community and societal levels. The middle-range theories developed in this study provide important insight for those implementing health committees. Given the little guidance available for developing and refining middle-range theories, this study provides transparent methodological processes, which may assist future research.
Digital mourning in tweets: Multimodal analysis of image-based grieving practices among gang-affiliated Black youth
Authors: Aguilar Nathan , Landau Aviv Y , Taylor Kauai A , Kleiner Shana , Patton Desmond U
Published: January 2024

In the 21st century, social media has been utilized to connect youth to peers who share their experiences and provide support. Research shows how gang-affiliated youth use social media to present bravado and express feelings of grief. However, the research focusing on how gang-affiliated youth utilize photos online to memorialize the deceased and convey feelings and experiences of grief and loss is sparse. This qualitative study utilizes a methodological concept that includes theories regarding racial residential segregation and grief and a multimodal analytic technique called Critical Technocultural Discourse Analysis. The methodological concept was used to understand the digital grieving practices of gang-affiliated Black youth and how this population utilizes social media content, photos, and emojis (multimodal tweets) in their online memorialization practices. Findings illuminate how this population utilizes multimodal tweets to speak to those who have passed away.
Work-integrated (adult) learning: Un-stigmatizing blue-collar adult learners in Singapore by embracing visibility
Authors: Chua Catherine Siew Kheng , Soo Johannah Li Mei , Raza Kashif
Published: January 2024

‘Continuous meritocracy’ was introduced in Singapore to redefine the concepts of talent and ability in Singapore society. This expanded meaning of meritocracy serves as another way to further support the SkillsFuture Singapore movement (Skillsfuture Singapore, 2023b), which was launched in 2016. ‘Continuous meritocracy’ complements Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs, which were to provide adult learners opportunities to integrate practical work experiences with academic learning. However, to fully operationalize WIL in the domain of adult learners, this paper points out that it is vital for the Singapore government and the different stakeholders to endorse the different forms of successes by making them more visible in the society. Utilizing Pierre Bourdieu’s key theoretical concepts, this paper discusses the relationship between blue-collar adult learners’ dispositions and WIL and proposes an ecosystemic approach that is based on work-integrated (adult) learning (WIAL) to transform the Singapore blue-collar workers’ habitus with the aim to visualize ‘continuous meritocracy’ at the ground level.
A Systematic Review of Conceptualizations and Operationalizations of Youth Polyvictimization
Authors: Radtke Spenser R. , Wretman Christopher J. , Fraga Rizo Cynthia , Franchino-Olsen Hannabeth , Williams Denise Yookong , Chen Wan-Ting , Macy Rebecca J.
Published: January 2024

Violence against youth is a global issue impacting millions each year. Increasingly, research has focused on studying those impacted by multiple forms of violence, or polyvictims. Evidence strongly suggests that polyvictimized youth tend to have worse physical and mental health outcomes than those who have experienced single forms of violence. Moreover, minoritized youth (i.e., racial and/or sexual minority youth, youth with disabilities) are more likely to experience polyvictimization, making this a social justice and equity concern. To date, there is no universal consensus on what exactly constitutes polyvictimization. This systematic review aims to examine the ways in which polyvictimization is being studied to inform both research and practice. As such, relevant databases were searched to amass the extant literature related to youth polyvictimization internationally. Empirical studies published since 2006 that focused on youth (under age 18) polyvictimization were included. After the review process, 264 studies met eligibility criteria, however 55 studies employed person-centered/finite mixture analyses and were removed for a separate review, resulting in 209 featured in the current systematic review. Results demonstrate that researchers are defining and operationalizing polyvictimization in different ways: (a) using individual victimization event counts; (b) employing domain-based counts; and (c) taking a “highest-victimized” percentage of their sample. The most used measurement tool was the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire, though other validated tools and researcher-constructed questions were frequently utilized. Research on polyvictimization is burgeoning worldwide; however, this research is being conducted in disparate ways, making it difficult to compare findings and further advance the field.
Liminality, Niche Television Programming, and the Adventure Drama Series
Authors: Cornelius Paul , Rhein Douglas
Published: January 2024

This article focuses on how expatriate adventure drama series on early 1960s American television served as harbingers of change in network television’s content. Through examination of the context leading to those series and an in-depth analysis of two series, Adventures in Paradise and Hong Kong, it demonstrates how American expatriates served as liminal and transitional figures in geographic settings that themselves were also liminal. As such the series fit into a niche unique to the time of the late turn of the 1960s, when broader social attitudes were also in transition. Drawing upon Victor Turner’s work and Bjørn Thomassen, who has brought a reevaluation of Turner and the concept of the rites of passage as developed by Arnold van Gennep, the article documents how turn of the 1960s adventure dramas already contained disruptive storylines undercutting existing social attitudes even while continuing to reinforce systemic racism and fixed sexual identities.
Characteristics and Challenges of Providing Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine in Oncology Treatment: Report of Survey Data and Experience of Five Unique Clinical Settings
Authors: Veleber Susan , Cohen Misha Ruth , Weitzman Matthew , Maimon Yair , Adamo Christine A. , Siman Jonathan , Lu Weidong , Sajdyk Tammy , Stone Jennifer A.M.
Published: January 2024

Acupuncture is an integrative therapy with strong evidence to support its use in the oncology setting, yet barriers exist for implementation into conventional medical clinics. Though acupuncture is recommended in clinical practice guidelines for oncology, there is little data in the literature showing how acupuncture and other related therapies, including herbal medicine are successfully implemented in some oncology clinics, while others experience barriers to care. To characterize the current use of acupuncture (ACU) and herbal medicine (HM) in oncology clinics, we collected general demographic and usage data from 5 example clinics. In addition, to better understand the barriers faced by ACU and HM clinics in implementing acupuncture as a treatment modality, a survey was deployed to 2320 members of the Society for Integrative Oncology. This article examines the characteristics of oncology settings around the world, and shares data from the survey on the use of these therapies in the field of oncology. The primary barrier to acupuncture care, as reported by providers, was cost. With just under 70% of the oncologists reporting it as the most important obstacle. Additional barriers to implementation included concerns about competency and training, accessibility and safety of herbal medicine during treatment. Though acupuncture is being incorporated into more conventional oncology settings, organized strategies for implementation involving payers and policymakers is needed.
Predicting Anxiety and Depression Among Erectile Dysfunction Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Quang Nguyen , Van Truong Le , Chung Eric , Van Quang Bui , Long Luu Quang , Ngoc Nguyen Thanh , Minh Nguyen Anh , Anh Do Mai , Thanh Nguyen Dinh , Nam Nguyen Truong
Published: January 2024

In Vietnam, erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent and recognized to be associated with mental disorders; however, societal taboos impede a comprehensive understanding of this connection. Our study aims to investigate the factors related to higher levels of anxiety and/or depression (HAD) in individuals with ED. Between November 2022 and March 2023, a face-to-face survey was conducted at the Center for Andrology of Viet Duc University Hospital, involving 390 patients diagnosed with ED. The survey included 51 questions covering general patient information, the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The stepwise Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) method was used to identify factors associated with HAD. The study revealed an average age of 37.63 (11.84) years among participants, with a HAD prevalence of 17.69%. Several factors were associated with a higher likelihood of belonging to the HAD group in ED patients. These factors included non-office workers (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: [1.01, 1.21], p = .025), medium and high levels of work-related stress (OR: 1.23; [1.06, 1.44], p = .008; OR: 1.22; [1.04, 1.45], p = .018), multiple shameful experiences related to ED (OR: 1.16; [1.08, 1.25], p < .001), moderate and severe ED (OR: 1.17; [1.03, 1.32], p = .013; OR: 1.31; [1.14, 1.51], p < .001), and dissatisfaction with intercourse skills (OR: 1.09; [1.01, 1.17], p = .028). Our findings suggest a 16% higher likelihood of HAD status in individuals with multiple shameful experiences related to ED, while moderate and severe ED are associated with respective increases of 17% and 31% in the likelihood. These findings emphasize the importance of considering mental health in the care of individuals with ED.
Lessons Learnt From Conducting an Instrumental Ethno-Case Study in a Mainstream Secondary School
Authors: Scattergood Andrew
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to provide an insight into the lessons learnt as the primary researcher during an instrumental ethno-case study research project that took place in a mainstream secondary academy that set out to examine the physical education (PE) experiences of adolescent, white, pupils in a ‘typical’ working-class secondary school (Ayrefield Community School – ACS). With the term instrumental ethno-case study used to reflect the non-continuous nature of the 34 days spent in the school over a 16-month period, the structure and content of the paper aims to provide a greater theoretical and practical understanding of this relatively nuanced and contemporary approach to qualitative research in education. Determined that the study design remained based in ethnography, consideration is also given to the impact of professional and personal time constraints on an ability to engage in a truly immersive ethnographical study. In this regard, the paper also aims to provide additional guidance on the design and implementation of the study and the recording and interpretation of the data for any researcher with similar aims and/or time constraints. In addition, the paper also utilises Norbert Elias’ sociological concept of involvement and detachment as the lens through which the juxtaposition between objective researcher and experienced mainstream secondary school teacher was explored and managed throughout the duration of the study. Overall, therefore, the paper aims to provide a theoretical justification for the use of the term instrumental ethno-case study design, additional guidance and lessons learnt on the design and implementation of this approach, and further detail on the extent to which the potential conflict between objective researcher and former school teacher was acknowledged and managed. The project itself primarily set out to examine the physical education (PE) experiences of adolescent, white, pupils in a ‘typical’ mainstream working-class secondary school (Ayrefield Community School – ACS) and in doing so also sought to explore the attitudes of the pupils in relation to their views on qualifications and education generally, how they spent their leisure time, and more specifically, how their own actions and relationships with their male PE staff came to influence the content and delivery of their PE provision. Therefore, reflecting on the use of the traditional case study methodologies of covert and overt observations, informal guided conversations, and focus group interviews with male pupils and school staff, the paper highlights and examines the practicalities and considerations associated with the selection of, and access to, a ‘typical’ white, working-class school, how care was taken to encourage ‘natural’ behaviour during covert and overt observations, the specific nature of informal guided conversations with pupils and staff, and the techniques utilised in order to facilitate focus group interviews with these male adolescent pupils.
Comparative analysis of recording system for collecting kinematic data in beach volleyball
Authors: Pino-Ortega José , Reche-Soto Pedro , García-de-Alcaraz Antonio
Published: January 2024

The monitoring and assessment of athletes’ behavior by Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS) is a growing reality. However, the reliability and precision of the recording systems remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the differences between Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Local Position Systems (LPS) based on Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) in terms of kinematic measurements. Twelve beach volleyball matches were recorded in a tournament, leading to a total of 469 rallies performed. Kinematic variables such as distance (total, explosive, and speed area), accelerations, decelerations, and speed (mean and maximum) were measured with GNSS and UWB systems. Mean-difference tests ( T-test or Mann-Whitney U test) were applied to calculate the dissimilarity between systems ( p < 0.05), as well as the effect size at 95% confidence intervals. Statistically significant differences were found in distance, explosive distance, running at 0–6 and 6–12 km/h, and total number of accelerations and decelerations favoring the GNSS system, with large and very large differences in the last two variables. Contrarily, a statistically significant difference was observed in maximum accelerations favoring the UWB system, with a moderate difference. These findings reveal strong divergence between both systems in the measurement of key kinematic variables, so data should be analyzed taking into consideration the standardization derived from the system used.
Intrinsic brain activity differences in perampanel-responsive and non-responsive drug-resistant epilepsy patients: an EEG microstate analysis
Authors: Zhu Chaofeng , Li Juan , Wei Dazhu , Wu Luyan , Zhang Yuying , Huang Huapin , Lin Wanhui
Published: January 2024

Background:

Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) patients exhibit aberrant large-scale brain networks. Perampanel may be a therapeutic option for controlling seizures in these patients.

Objective:

We aim to explore the differences of resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) microstate in perampanel-responsive and non-responsive DRE patients.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

Clinical data were collected from DRE patients who received perampanel treatment at the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from June 2020 to September 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Patients were classified into three groups based on the extent of reduction in seizure frequency: non-responsive (seizure reduction <50%), responsive (seizure reduction >50% but not seizure-free), and seizure-free. Resting-state EEG data sets of all participants were subjected to EEG microstate analysis. The study comprehensively compared the mean duration, frequency per second, and temporal coverage of each microstate among the three groups.

Results:

A total of 76 perampanel-treated DRE patients were categorized into three groups based on their response to treatment: non-responsive ( n = 20), responsive ( n = 36), and seizure-free ( n = 20), according to the degree of seizure frequency reduction. The results of EEG microstate analysis revealed no statistically significant distinctions in frequency, duration, and coverage of microstate D in these DRE patients. However, the seizure-free group showed significantly increased duration and coverage of microstate A, frequency and coverage of microstate B, and significantly decreased duration, frequency, and coverage of microstate C when compared with the other groups.

Conclusion:

Microstate A, B, and D is associated with the sensorimotor network, visual network, salience network, and attention network, respectively. This study demonstrates statistically significant differences in the sensorimotor, visual, and salience networks, but not in the attention network, between perampanel-responsive and non-responsive DRE patients.
Potential Dextromethorphan-Induced Serotonin Syndrome Leading to Homicide and Suicide
Authors: Pavelka Matthew M. , Kohr Roland
Published: January 2024

Limited case reports have been published regarding serotonin syndrome due to the combined effects of supratherapeutic levels of dextromethorphan and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. We report a case of an adolescent with postmortem findings suggestive of a diagnosis of serotonin syndrome-induced psychosis associated with a double homicide and suicide. Postmortem toxicology of the suicide victim was remarkable for elevated serotonergic metabolites of fluoxetine and dextromethorphan in a 14-year-old male.
Prediction of Body Height Using Hand Length and Hand Breadth in Pharmacy and Nursing Students at Misrake Ghion College, Northeast Ethiopia: An Anthropometry Study
Authors: Tiruneh Chalachew , Teshome Daniel , Geberemeskel Teshome , Derso Mohammed , Necho Mogesie , Teshome Yossef , Molla Abebaw
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

To predict body height using hand length and hand breadth in pharmacy and nursing students at Misrake Ghion College, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from October 15 to January 20, 2021. The study was carried out on 316 students (160 males and 156 females). The study participants were from the Amhara ethnic groups, with the age range of 18 to 25 years. Body height, hand length, and hand breath were measured and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The strength of association was evaluated using correlation analysis. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. A paired sample t test was performed. Regression equations were derived using simple and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results:

Hand length and hand breadth had a positive significant correlation with body height in both male and females. In both males and females, left hand length had a strong significant correlation (males r = 0.768, females r = 0.670), followed by right hand length (males r = 0.711, females r = 0.626). Regarding hand length, right hand breadth (males r = 0.671, female r = 0.438) and left hand length (males r = 0.504, females r = 0.525). There was a significant bilateral difference in hand length and hand breadth on its right and left sides ( p < 0.05). Simple and multiple regression equations were formulated for each sex.

Conclusion:

In both males and females, body height can be estimated from hand length and breadth using simple or multiple regression equations.
The Influence of Exposure to Nature on Inpatient Hospital Stays: A Scoping Review
Authors: Guidolin Keegan , Jung Flora , Hunter Sarah , Yan Han , Englesakis Marina , Verderber Stephen , Chadi Sami , Quereshy Fayez
Published: January 2024

Aim:

To summarize the existing literature surrounding the influence of natural elements on course in hospital and to introduce clinicians to the concept of biophilic design and the potential for incorporation of nature into the hospital environment as a component of a therapeutic hospitalization.

Background:

For decades, architects and designers have espoused the benefits of incorporating natural elements into the healthcare environment for therapeutic purposes. The benefits of this “biophilic” design philosophy has been investigated predominantly in long-term care or rehabilitation settings; however, some of the most appealing opportunities lie in the acute care setting.

Methods:

This scoping review surveyed the literature surrounding the influence of exposure to nature on course in acute hospitalizations. After screening 12,979 citations, 41 articles were included. Exposures were divided into seven categories, the most common of which were the presence of a window/natural light, a natural scene through a window, and nature soundscapes. These articles were reviewed in a narrative fashion and thematic analysis was conducted.

Results:

Studies were extremely heterogeneous in their design, research questions, and reported outcomes. Types of exposure to nature studied were exposure to a real natural scene through a window, presence of a window/nature light, nature in the healthcare environment, art depicting nature, direct contact with nature, nature soundscapes, and nature experienced through virtual reality (VR).

Conclusions:

Exposure to nature during an acute hospital admission appears to have a real but small therapeutic effect, predominantly on psychological metrics like anxiety/depression, pain, and patient satisfaction. Greater beneficial effects are seen with greater durations of exposure to nature and greater degrees of immersion into nature (e.g., creating multisensory experiences using emerging technology like VR).
The Influence of Strength and Sport Exposure on Psychological Readiness After ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Zink Griffin P. , Zwolski Christin M. , Thomas Staci M. , Paterno Mark V. , Schmitt Laura C.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Among young athletes returning to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), the extent to which psychological readiness is influenced by factors beyond the psychological domain is largely unknown.

Hypothesis:

Young athletes with recent sport exposure and higher quadriceps strength will demonstrate higher psychological readiness within 8 weeks of medical clearance to return to sport (RTS) after ACLR.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 38 young athletes after primary ACLR completed testing within 8 weeks of medical clearance to RTS. All participants completed isometric knee extension strength testing, in addition to the ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) questionnaire. Athletes who participated in sport between time of medical clearance to RTS and date of study enrollment were categorized as SPORT-YES. Those who had not yet participated in sports were categorized as SPORT-NO. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine differences in ACL-RSI scores based on quadriceps strength and sport exposure status, while adjusting for age and sex.

Results:

Of the 38 participants, 20 (52.6%) were categorized as SPORT-YES. The regression model estimating overall ACL-RSI score ( P < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.389) included significant independent contributions from age, sex, and sport exposure variables (age: P = 0.01, β [95% CI] = -2.01 [-3.54, -0.48]; sex (male): P = 0.02, β [95% CI] = 12.50 [2.36, 22.64]; strength: P = 0.51, β [95% CI] = -2.47 [-10.07,5.13]; sport exposure: P < 0.01, β [95% CI] = 12.89 [3.58, 22.19]).

Conclusion:

In partial accordance with our hypothesis, recent sport exposure was significantly associated with higher ACL-RSI scores among young athletes in the weeks after medical clearance to RTS after ACLR, while quadriceps strength was not.

Clinical Relevance:

Future prospective work is needed to determine the existence and direction of causal relationships between exposure to sport environment and psychological readiness among young athletes after ACLR.
Cloning, expression and molecular analysis of recombinant Netrin-A protein of Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae
Authors: Moemenbellah-Fard Mohammad Djafar , Bagheri Masoumeh , Bonyani Mehdi , Sedaghat Hamed , Raz Abbasali , Azizi Kourosh , Soltani Abouzar , Alipour Hamzeh
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is used in larval therapy for wound healing. Netrin-A is an enzyme secreted from the salivary glands of these larvae, and has a central role in neural regeneration and angiogenesis. This study aimed to produce the recombinant Netrin-A protein from Lucilia sericata larvae by the baculovirus expression vector system in the Sf9 insect cell line.

Methods:

The coding sequence of Netrin-A was cloned, amplified in the pTG19 vector, and then cloned in the pFastBac HTA vector. It was then transformed into DH10Bac, and the recombinant Bacmid was subsequently transfected into Sf9 cells. The recombinant Netrin-A was purified by Ni-NTA agarose. The evaluation was done using SDS-PAGE and western blot, respectively. Finally, its concentration was calculated with the Bradford assay.

Results:

The molecular weight of this protein was 52 kDa with 404 amino acids. The signal peptide was located between amino acids 24 and 25. The concentration of Netrin-A was calculated to be 48.8 μg/ml. It reaffirmed the characterized gene codes of Lucilia sericata Netrin-A in a previous study.

Conclusions:

The generation of recombinant Netrin-A could be used in larval therapy, and as a biomarker in certain diseases. The netrin-A of Lucilia sericata was unprecedentedly cloned and expressed in a eukaryotic cell line. Given that this larva is FDA-approved, and non-pathogenic, it conduces to research on the development of maggot therapy in future.
Prevalence and associated factors of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mohammed Anissa , Melak Dagnachew , Demeke Bayou Fekade , Yasin Husniya , Zerga Aregash Abebayehu , Wagaye Birhanu , Yeshanew Ayele Fanos , Hussien Asfaw Ahmed , Kebede Natnael , Mekonen Asnakew Molla , Mihiretu Mengistu Mera , Tsega Yawkal , Addisu Elsabeth , Cherie Niguss , Birhane Tesfaye , Endris Hussien , Abegaz Zinet , Endawkie Abel
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Even though breast cancer incidence is lower in Sub-Saharan Africa, its mortality is higher in these countries. However, the impact does not end with diagnosis and treatment; rather many patients struggle with depression which is very common among these patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis helps to provide valuable insights into the overall prevalence of depression and associated factors among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Method:

We searched several databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Hinary, CINHAL and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant literatures from inception up to 15 June 2023. All observational studies, published in English at any time were included, while, letters to editor, review articles, commentaries, interventional and qualitative studies, and, abstracts presented in conferences or seminars were excluded. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis have been written based on the PRISMA 2020 checklist and the protocol have been registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42023428910).

Result:

We have included nine articles with 2226 study participants. The result showed that, the pooled prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa was 45.6% (95% CI: 30%–61%) with significant heterogeneity I2 = 98.9%, (Cochrane) Q < 0.0001. There was no single study effect and publication bias but substantial heterogeneity was observed. In addition, there has been a publication bias with eggers test ( p < 0.0033). However, there were no studies imputed after trim and fill analysis. From the factors, breast cancer patients who had poor financial support were 1.47 (95% CI: 1.02–2.13) times more at risk of developing depression than their counterparts.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa countries were higher than other regions. Thus, Emphasis should be given on developing financial assistance programs designed to cover the medical costs and improving the health care infrastructure.
Advanced secondary abdominal ectopic pregnancy with live fetus at 26-weeks’ gestation following in vitro fertilization: A case report
Authors: Aref Hamam Yaser , Zimmo Mohammad , Alqeeq Basel F , Hijazi Yara M , Hamam Mohammed , Al-Hajjar Mohammed
Published: January 2024

Abdominal ectopic pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study reports a case of advanced abdominal ectopic pregnancy at 26-weeks’ gestation in a 31-year-old primigravida whose conception was a result of in vitro fertilization because of infertility due to male factors. Her past history is significant for a congenital Horseshoe kidney. Initially, she presented at the 8th week of gestation with a clinical picture that is consistent with ectopic abdominal pregnancy; however, she refused to terminate her pregnancy despite medical advice. At 26 weeks gestation, she presented to the emergency department again complaining of lower abdominal pain and vaginal spotting, and underwent an abdominal laparotomy without any complications. The postoperative period was unremarkable, and she was discharged after 7 days. In conclusion, early diagnosis and management of such cases are of paramount importance and lead to favorable outcomes. Nevertheless, we stress the importance of providing effective counseling to patients presenting with serious conditions through clear information along with proper psychological support for couples.
Care(lessness) in precarious journalism, before and during the pandemic: Freelancers’ work-life experiences and coping strategies
Authors: Gollmitzer Mirjam
Published: January 2024

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in care as a potential remedy for a variety of issues and crises, such as improving global health justice or creating more “caring” educational systems, has increased across academic disciplines. This article contributes to this literature from the perspective of journalism studies. It explores whether the notion of care captures and addresses one facet of the contemporary news industry crisis, namely the precarity of journalists. I focus on the work-life narratives of a small group of freelance journalists in Germany and Canada before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applying a care lens articulates the struggles the freelancers experience regarding income, social security, housing, and childcare as a result of careless states and careless markets. Furthermore, the care practices journalists use as coping strategies merge mutual aid for fellow freelancers or members of their local communities with entrepreneurial networking for professional survival. However, such informal care practices cannot make up for structural gaps in support. Waged work—outside journalism—in the formal labor market, performed by the freelancers themselves or their life partners, turned out to be more important for coping with precarity. Overall, the pandemic meant more continuity than change for the care struggles as well as coping strategies of the journalists examined here. Nevertheless, those with residential property, gainfully employed life partners, and established care networks fared best, hinting at the crucial role of privilege in shaping the work experiences of precarious journalists during crises.
Investigating the Roles of Word of Mouth and Brand Image Between Social Media Marketing Activities and Brand Equity
Authors: Peng Ling , Adeel Ifraz , Ayub Arslan , Rasool Zeeshan
Published: January 2024

Drawing on the associative network memory theory (ANMT), this study aims to investigate the impact of social media marketing activities (SMMAs) on brand equity (BE) of luxury brands through the mediating role of brand image (BI) and the moderating role of word of mouth (WOM). This study employs a cross-sectional design to collect data from online adult users of Weibo in China. Data are analyzed in SmartPLS (v. 4.0.8.4) to evaluate the measurement model and the structural model. Findings of this study reveal that SMMAs have a significant positive impact on BI and BE. Besides, BI partially mediates the relationship between SMMAs and BE. Moreover, WOM moderates the association between SMMAs and BE such that the association is more potent at high levels of WOM and vice versa. This is one of the few studies that investigate the role of SMMAs on BE in the context of luxury brands, mediated by BI. Also, this is the first study that explores the moderating role of WOM in the relationship between SMMAs and BE through the mediating role of BI.
Don’t Mess With Mama Bear: How Workplace Bullying Bystanders Find Meaning in Their Role
Authors: Crutcher Williams Jenilee , Violanti Michelle T.
Published: January 2024

Workplace bullying is a widespread issue with nearly 80 million people in the U.S. affected. Bystanders (i.e., non-bullied witnesses), who can adopt constructive or destructive behaviors, become integral to the trajectory of bullying issues. This study uses a sensemaking in organizations theoretical framework to examine how workplace bullying bystanders in academia make sense of their position. Thirty-seven in-depth interviews and grounded theory data analysis were used to answer the research question: How do people make sense of their role as bystanders throughout workplace bullying processes? An additional bystander role was found, the target-bystander (those who experience both perspectives over time). Participants’ prior target experience heavily influenced their sensemaking as a protective bystander throughout two themes that arose from the data: organizational identity and backstage sensemaking. These findings add to bystander conceptualization and aid business professionals (e.g., supervisors, trainers, and human resources) in developing well-rounded intervention strategies.
Ten-year national trends in in-hospital mortality and functional outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage by age in Japan: J-ASPECT study
Authors: Nakaoku Yuriko , Ogata Soshiro , Ren Nice , Tanaka Tomotaka , Kurogi Ryota , Nishimura Kunihiro , Iihara Koji
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

National-level data on trends in the prognosis of age-stratified patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are lacking. This study aimed to assess time trends in in-hospital mortality and functional outcomes of ICH patients by sex and age, and to explore factors associated with changes in in-hospital mortality trend.

Patients and methods:

Using the largest nationwide, J-ASPECT stroke database in Japan, this serial cross-sectional study included ICH patients aged ⩾18 years who were hospitalized for non-traumatic ICH from April 2010 to March 2020. We examined trends in in-hospital mortality and functional outcomes using the modified Rankin Scale at discharge, as well as differences in in-hospital mortality change between age groups.

Results:

Among 262,399 ICH patients from 934 hospitals, crude in-hospital mortality showed a significant decreasing time trend (from 19.5% to 16.7%), and this trend was consistent across sex and age groups. In addition, differences in in-hospital mortality change over the 10-year study period were significant between male patients aged ⩾75 years and those aged ⩽64 years (−3.9% [95% confidence interval, −5.4 to −2.4] for 75–84 years; −4.1% [−6.3 to −1.9] for ⩾85 years). On the other hand, the proportion of dependent patients (mRS 3–5) at discharge increased from 52.0% to 54.9% over the 10-year study period.

Conclusion:

The in-hospital mortality of ICH patients improved, whereas the proportion of patients with dependent functional outcome at discharge increased, over the 10-year study period. Elucidating the mechanism underlying differences in in-hospital mortality reduction in men may provide insights into effective interventions in the future.
Advocacy for Equity Around Evidence-Based Treatments: Overview and Proceedings of the AMERSA 2023 Conference
Authors: Buresh Megan , Buchheit Bradley M. , Wason Kristin , Northup Rebecca , Bratberg Jeffrey , Finnell Deborah S.
Published: January 2024

This commentary provides an overview of the 2023 Association of Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance use and Addiction (AMERSA) annual conference: Advocacy for Equity Around Evidence-Based Treatments, held from November 1 to 4, 2023, in Washington, DC. The conference featured 9 interactive workshops, 106 oral abstract presentations, and 130 posters. From the preconference workshop to plenary sessions, paper, and poster presentations, there was a focus on addressing imbalanced social systems and structures underlying disparities. In the face of increasing drug overdose deaths, diminished access to prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery supports for racial and ethnic minorities, there is a pressing need for advocacy for equity around evidence-based treatments.
“Treatment with curative intent”: the emergence of genetic therapies for sickle cell anemia
Authors: Benz Edward J. , Silberstein Leslie E. , Panepinto Julie
Published: January 2024

The root cause of sickle cell anemia has been known for 7 decades, yet no curative therapies have been available other than allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, for which applicability is limited. Two potentially curative therapies based on gene therapy and gene editing strategies have recently received US Food and Drug Administration approval. This review surveys the nature of these therapies and the opportunities and issues raised by the prospect of definitive genetically based therapies being available in clinical practice.