bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Orientation, Racial-Ethnic Socialization, and Youth Adjustment Outcomes: Test of a Path Model With Asian American Parents
Authors: Kim Sei Eun , Fanta Annie , Tsai William , Huang Cindy Y.
Published: February 2024

This study investigated how Asian American parents’ cultural orientation related to domains of racial-ethnic socialization (RES) and child internalizing and externalizing problems. The sample included 159 Asian American parents (Mage= 40.97 years; range = 25-33 years). Findings revealed that parent acculturation and enculturation levels were significantly associated with the child’s internalizing and externalizing problems through RES. These findings suggest that parents who were more acculturated to mainstream American culture were less likely to send messages about avoiding racial/ethnic groups, which in turn was associated with less child internalizing problems. Conversely, parents more enculturated to their culture of origin were more likely to send messages that included avoidance of outgroups, which was then linked to the child’s externalizing problems. The study provides important implications for how parents’ cultural orientations are reflected in their RES messages to their children, and the impact of these messages on child emotional and behavioral outcomes.
The world's most remote community service? Partnership working and building community capacity on the British Overseas Territory Island of St Helena
Authors: Campbell Fiona , Aston Laura
Published: February 2024

Measuring just 47 square miles and 1950 km from its nearest neighbour, St Helena is a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic with a population of approximately 4500. Working in this remote setting is one of the world's smallest probation services delivering a range of interventions including community service. In this practice note the authors explore the sustained, successful partnership between St Helena Island Probation Service and the St Helena National Trust. This partnership not only provides meaningful community service placements which support vital conservation work, but simultaneously contributes to an individual's journey towards desistance through enhancing employability and supporting positive community reintegration.
Providing emotional support and daily emotional well-being among undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rahal Danny , Singh Armaan
Published: February 2024

Receiving emotional support can improve one’s emotional well-being, but findings have been mixed regarding whether providing emotional support to friends and family can also improve the provider’s emotional well-being. Providing emotional support could be impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic, when individuals may be particularly in need of emotional support and social connection. Therefore, the present study assessed whether providing emotional support was related to role fulfillment and enhanced emotional well-being on a day-to-day basis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants ( N = 167; Mage = 20.42, SD = 2.30; 73.1% female; 40.1% Asian, 18. 6% Latinx, 16.8% white) completed up to eight daily checklists ( Mchecklists = 6.54, SD = 2.10) in which they reported whether they provided emotional support to their friends and to their parents, their role fulfillment (i.e., the extent to which they felt like a good son/daughter and friend), and the degree of positive and negative emotion they were feeling. Participants reported higher positive emotion and lower negative emotion on days when they provided emotional support to friends, but not to parents, with potentially stronger associations in-person than virtually. Participants also reported higher role fulfillment as a good son/daughter and a good friend on days when they provided emotional support, and role fulfillment significantly mediated associations between providing emotional support and daily emotion. Taken together, results suggested that providing emotional support to friends—particularly in-person—was related to better emotional well-being by promoting a sense of role fulfillment as a good friend. Providing emotional support may provide one means for reinforcing social relationships and promoting emotional well-being during times of social isolation.
Information system quality and organizational performance: The effect of information system integration in Tabriz metropolitan municipality, Iran
Authors: Amiri Elham , Sangar Amin Babazadeh
Published: February 2024

Due to the multiplicity of administration in urban management in Iran and with the aim of feasibility of implementing the integrated urban management, this study evaluates the impact of information system (IS) quality and IS integration on performance of Tabriz metropolitan municipality, Iran, as the trustee of urban affairs. The quantitative method was applied using survey questionnaires that have been conducted based on the relevant literature. SPSS software was used to perform regression and covariance analyses to analyze the collected data (80 valid responses) as well as the relationships among the components of the conceptual research model. The quantitative data for this research was limited to the Tabriz municipality's ICT experts (all experts of Statistics and Information Technology organization). The results prove positive relationships among IS quality, IS integration and the organizational performance. Additionally, the findings reveal that IS integration fully mediates the relationship between IS quality toward organizational performance. The originality of this study lies in examining the integrated urban management in Iran from the perspective of urban information infrastructures (urban information systems) for the first time.
Role of microglia after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Lauzier David C , Athiraman Umeshkumar
Published: February 2024

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a devastating sequela of aneurysm rupture. Because it disproportionately affects younger patients, the population impact of hemorrhagic stroke from subarachnoid hemorrhage is substantial. Secondary brain injury is a significant contributor to morbidity after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Initial hemorrhage causes intracranial pressure elevations, disrupted cerebral perfusion pressure, global ischemia, and systemic dysfunction. These initial events are followed by two characterized timespans of secondary brain injury: the early brain injury period and the delayed cerebral ischemia period. The identification of varying microglial phenotypes across phases of secondary brain injury paired with the functions of microglia during each phase provides a basis for microglia serving a critical role in both promoting and attenuating subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced morbidity. The duality of microglial effects on outcomes following SAH is highlighted by the pleiotropic features of these cells. Here, we provide an overview of the key role of microglia in subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced secondary brain injury as both cytotoxic and restorative effectors. We first describe the ontogeny of microglial populations that respond to subarachnoid hemorrhage. We then correlate the phenotypic development of secondary brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage to microglial functions, synthesizing experimental data in this area.
Help-Seeking Patterns Among Students Experiencing Sexual Harassment: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Bhattacharya Anindita , Casey Erin A.
Published: February 2024

Sexual harassment continues to be a pervasive problem in institutes of higher education. Despite this, there are significant gaps in research and our understanding related to students’ help-seeking associated with sexual harassment. Understanding students’ help-seeking patterns is critical in improving and streamlining campus-wide resources. The following study uses a latent class analysis to examine whether unique patterns of help-seeking exist among students experiencing sexual harassment and whether there are meaningful differences between help-seeking groups with respect to incident characteristics, campus climate, and demographic profiles. Data used in this analysis are from an anonymous, web-based campus climate survey across a university system that included 7,318 undergraduate and 3,484 graduate students. Of these, 704 undergraduates and 229 graduate students reported experiencing sexual harassment. Our results indicated four help-seeking groups: Comprehensive help-seeking group (engaged in multiple types of formal and informal help-seeking), Informal help-seeking group (relied exclusively on friends as sources of support), Low help-seeking group (individuals in this group told virtually no one about their experience, including friends or family), and Unsure group (reached out to friends in large numbers but universally characterized themselves as not knowing what to do). Across classes, findings highlight significant differences related to incident characteristics (offender identity and incident location), student status, and racial identity. Our results point to the heterogeneity of patterns and responses in help-seeking for students experiencing sexual harassment. Variations in help-seeking across different classes highlight that students’ perceptions and preferences for formal and informal support depend on their specific type. Our study is a reminder that survivors access support through diverse ways; understanding these distinct patterns in help-seeking behaviors based on specific subgroups will help universities tailor programs that better align with students’ contextual needs and realities.
Academic middle leadership: An exploration of Arab women's professional identities in higher education
Authors: Ghamrawi Norma , Ghamrawi Najah AR , Alshaer Ayat
Published: February 2024

This study explored the professional identities of four Arab women holding academic middle leadership roles in higher education within the Arab States Region. Employing a narrative inquiry approach and guided by the Dynamic Systems Model of Role Identity, the research investigates how these women leaders perceived their career trajectories and navigated their role identities. The study sheds light on the multifaceted nature of their identity negotiations, influenced by a complex interplay of circumstances, social processes, critical incidents, key individuals, and opportunities. Notably, the study brings attention to the pervasive challenges faced by these women, not only externally but also from internalized biases ingrained within the system, perpetuated even by fellow women. The intricacies of these identity negotiations are further contextualized within micro-political processes and the inherent asymmetrical distribution of power in organizational hierarchies, marked by androcentric dominance, and lack of trust. Despite these challenges, the narratives suggest that women in these roles actively embrace collaborative and inclusive leadership styles, potentially enhancing their effectiveness in navigating the complexities of higher education leadership.
Direct model parameter identification of twisted string actuators using Nelder-Mead simplex method
Authors: Zallaghi Mohammad Javad , Ghafarirad Hamed , Taghvaeipour Afshin
Published: February 2024

A twisted string actuator (TSA) is a simple rotary-to-linear motion converter with a large transmission ratio. This paper presents a simple procedure for direct model parameters identification of TSAs, which accepts the model in initial ODE-based form, while the previous techniques required a complex reformulation of the model. Also, the identification process estimates all unknown or impossible-to-measure parameters directly (not in an arithmetic combination) in the original form of the mathematical model of the TSA, which is a benefit in comparison with common and classic adaptive parameter estimators. The proposed nonlinear identification procedure employs the Nelder–Mead simplex method to minimize the cost function as the core. Moreover, the identification results are verified in different working frequencies. The presented model parameter optimization procedure reduced the deviation between the mathematical model and the real TSA behavior for a set of optimum parameters up to [Formula: see text] in terms of the defined cost function. As an application for the mathematical model of the TSA with the identified parameters, a feedback linearization controller is designed for the position control of the actuator. The simulation and implementation of the controller prove the proper performance of the controller.
Multi-objective optimization and experimental investigation of friction stir welding under Minimum quantity lubrication
Authors: Al-Wajidi Wisam , Eltaggaz Abdelkrem , Defersha Fantahun M. , Deiab Ibrahim
Published: February 2024

Aluminium is widely used in the aerospace, marine, and transportation industries. However, achieving defect-free, high-quality welds using conventional welding processes is challenging. Friction stir welding (FSW) is a promising solid-state welding process that is environmentally friendly, produces high-quality welds, and improves the mechanical and other properties of aluminium and other lightweight materials. This study examines the welding force, power consumption, and surface roughness of friction stir-welded 6061-T651 and 5052-H32 aluminium alloys under similar and dissimilar circumstances using the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) process. The main variables of the MQL system, including flow rate, nozzle orientation, and nozzle diameter, were analysed using analysis of variance. A multi-objective model was used to predict the optimal levels, and grey relational analysis techniques were applied for optimization. Furthermore, this study provides a clear mechanism for using MQL during FSW. The results indicate that a flow rate of 7.5 ml/h reduces welding forces by 25% and 4% compared to 5 ml/h and 10 ml/h, respectively. Additionally, the 7.5 ml/h flow rate reduces power consumption by 20% and 10% compared to 5 ml/h and 10 ml/h, respectively. In addition, it improves the surface quality. The orientation nozzle angle of 60° yielded slightly better results than those at the other levels. Similarly, for the nozzle diameter, both 2.5 mm and 3.75 mm showed slightly better results in terms of welding forces, power consumption, and surface roughness.
Librarians’ attitudes toward library’s roles in environmental sustainability
Authors: Ren Xiaoai , Lu Jia
Published: February 2024

The library community has been committed to environmental sustainability. The Green Library Movement calls for libraries to green their building, operation, and services. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) calls for libraries to actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in which environmental sustainability was one of the three aspects of sustainability in addition to social and economic sustainability. The American Library Association (ALA) has also added sustainability as one of the core values of librarianship. However, previous research identified a gap between librarians’ perceived importance of environmental sustainability and the actual practices adopted in their libraries that contribute to environmental sustainability. This current study focuses on examining librarians’ attitudes toward the roles of libraries in environmental sustainability advocated by IFLA and ALA by surveying librarians from California, Florida, and Georgia identified from the state library association listservs and the individual library websites. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis. Findings from this study will add to the understanding of the previously identified gap by comprehending the roles that librarians identify with regarding libraries’ contribution to environmental sustainability. The findings will also inform professional organizations on what support their members might need the most in promoting environmental sustainability in society and community. Lastly, the findings could inform curricular development for Library and Information Studies programs interested in preparing librarians with environmental awareness.
When evidence changes: Communicating uncertainty protects against a loss of trust
Authors: Dries Charlotte , McDowell Michelle , Rebitschek Felix G. , Leuker Christina
Published: February 2024

Scientific findings can be overturned when new evidence arises. This study examines how communicating and explaining uncertainty around scientific findings affect trust in the communicator when findings change. In an online experiment ( N = 800, convenience sample), participants read a fictitious statement from a public health authority announcing that there was no link between a new COVID-19 vaccine and heart muscle inflammation. The authority communicated (1) no uncertainty, (2) uncertainty without giving a reason, (3) uncertainty due to imprecision, or (4) uncertainty due to incomplete accounting of patients. Participants were then informed that the authority’s statement was no longer correct as new data showed a link between the vaccine and heart muscle inflammation. Participants rated the authority’s trustworthiness before and after the evidence update. Our findings indicate that communicating uncertainty buffers against a loss of trust when evidence changes. Moreover, explaining uncertainty does not appear to harm trust.
Clinical internship environment and caring behaviours among nursing students: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Huang Zhuo-er , Qiu Xing , Fu Ya-qian , Zhang Ai-di , Huang Hui , Liu Jia , Yan Jin , Yi Qi-Feng
Published: February 2024

Background

Caring behaviour is critical for nursing quality, and the clinical internship environment is a crucial setting for preparing nursing students for caring behaviours. Evidence about how to develop nursing students’ caring behaviour in the clinical environment is still emerging. However, the mechanism between the clinical internship environment and caring behaviour remains unclear, especially the mediating role of moral sensitivity and the moderating effect of self-efficacy.

Research objective

This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of moral sensitivity and the moderating function of self-efficacy on the association between the clinical internship environment and caring behaviours.

Research design

A cross-sectional design used acceptable validity scales. The hypothesised moderated mediation model was tested in the SPSS PROCESS macro.

Participants and research context

This survey collected data from 504 nursing students in an internship at a teaching hospital in Changsha, China.

Ethical considerations

This study was pre-approved by the ethics committee of the medical school (No. E2022210). Informed consent was obtained from all students.

Results

The clinical internship environment ( B = 0.450, 95% CI = [0.371, 0.530]) and moral sensitivity ( B = 1.352, 95% CI = [1.090, 1.615]) had positive direct effects on nursing students' caring behaviours. Clinical internship environment also indirectly influenced students’ caring behaviours via moral sensitivity ( B = 0.161, 95% CI = [0.115, 0.206]). In addition, self-efficacy played a moderating role between the clinical internship environment and caring behaviours ( B = 0.019, 95% CI = [0.007, 0.031]), as well as the relationship between the clinical internship environment and moral sensitivity ( B = 0.006, 95% CI = [0.003, 0.010]).

Conclusion

Moral sensitivity mediates the effect of the clinical internship environment on caring behaviour, and self-efficacy strengthens both direct and indirect effects. This study emphasises the importance of self-efficacy in developing moral sensitivity and caring behaviours in nursing students.
Physical examination and CT to assess thoracic injury in 137 cats presented to UK referral hospitals after trauma
Authors: Mansbridge Nicola , Kallis Giorgio , He Jinjing , Pearce Isabelle , Fenner Joy
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe clinical examination and thoracic CT (TCT) findings in cats after trauma, and to identify physical examination findings associated with both abnormalities on TCT and the need for therapeutic interventions.

Methods

A multicentre, retrospective, observational study was conducted. Cats admitted to the participating hospitals with a history of blunt trauma and that underwent TCT were eligible. Data were collected on signalment, history, physical examination, TCT findings and subsequent interventions.

Results

In total, 137 cats were included. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the most frequently reported cause of trauma (69%). Tachypnoea (32%), pale mucous membranes (22%) and dyspnoea (20%) were the most common abnormal findings on thoracic examination. The most frequently identified thoracic pathologies on TCT were atelectasis (34%), pulmonary contusions (33%), pneumothorax (29%) and pleural effusion (20%). Thoracocentesis was the most commonly performed intervention (12%), followed by chest drain placement (7%). A total of 45 (33%) cats had no physical examination abnormalities but did have abnormalities detected on TCT; six of these cats required interventions. Increasing numbers of thoracic abnormalities on clinical examination were associated with increasing likelihood of having abnormal findings on TCT (odds ratio [OR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–3.44, P = 0.008) and of requiring an intervention (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32–2.51, P <0.001).

Conclusions and relevance

RTAs were the most common reported cause of blunt trauma. Atelectasis, pulmonary contusions and pneumothorax were the most common abnormalities identified on TCT, and thoracic drainage was the most utilised intervention. TCT may be useful in identifying cats with normal thoracic physical examination findings that have significant thoracic pathology, and a high number of abnormal findings on thoracic examination should raise suspicion for both minor and major thoracic pathology. The results of this study can be used to assist in selecting appropriate cases for TCT after blunt trauma.
Ionized hypercalcemia can resolve with nutritional modification in cats with idiopathic hypercalcemia or chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ehrlich Margot R , Rudinsky Adam J , Chew Dennis J , Parker Valerie J
Published: February 2024

Case series summary

Cats with ionized hypercalcemia that were fed diets with either more than 200 mg calcium per 100 kilocalories (kcal), a calcium:phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio greater than 1.4:1 or both, based on diet history, were included in this case series. Ionized hypercalcemia was documented at least twice in all cats before enrollment. Cats were referred for evaluation of ionized hypercalcemia (n = 5) or were incidentally found to have ionized hypercalcemia (n = 5). After medical workups, cats were diagnosed with either idiopathic hypercalcemia (IHC; n = 7) or chronic kidney disease (n = 3). Cats receiving medications to treat IHC (eg, alendronate, corticosteroids) were excluded. Nutritional recommendations were made to transition the cats to diets with less than 200 mg calcium per 100 kcal and a Ca:P ratio less than 1.4:1. Ionized calcium (iCa) concentrations were rechecked in all cats, with a median recheck time of 9 weeks (range 3–20). Of the 10 cats, nine (90%) had a decrease in iCa. Of the 10 cats, six (60%) became normocalcemic after the diet change, three (30%) had a partial response and one (10%) did not respond. Of the four cats that did not achieve normocalcemia with a change in diet, two (50%) received chia seeds (1–2 g per day), and at the next recheck, both cats’ iCa concentrations had normalized. Three cats had a long-term follow-up. Ionized normocalcemia was maintained for at least two consecutive follow-up visits over a median follow-up period of 33 weeks (range 12–34).

Relevance and novel information

Dietary calcium concentrations and the dietary Ca:P ratio appear to be important variables in considering nutritional approaches for hypercalcemic cats.
Development and Evaluation of Ensemble Learning-based Environmental Methane Detection and Intensity Prediction Models
Authors: Majumder Reek , Pollard Jacquan , Salek M Sabbir , Werth David , Comert Gurcan , Gale Adrian , Khan Sakib Mahmud , Darko Samuel , Chowdhury Mashrur
Published: February 2024

The environmental impacts of global warming driven by methane (CH4) emissions have catalyzed significant research initiatives in developing novel technologies that enable proactive and rapid detection of CH4. Several data-driven machine learning (ML) models were tested to determine how well they identified fugitive CH4 and its related intensity in the affected areas. Various meteorological characteristics, including wind speed, temperature, pressure, relative humidity, water vapor, and heat flux, were included in the simulation. We used the ensemble learning method to determine the best-performing weighted ensemble ML models built upon several weaker lower-layer ML models to (i) detect the presence of CH4 as a classification problem and (ii) predict the intensity of CH4 as a regression problem. The classification model performance for CH4 detection was evaluated using accuracy, F1 score, Matthew’s Correlation Coefficient (MCC), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC), with the top-performing model being 97.2%, 0.972, 0.945 and 0.995, respectively. The R 2 score was used to evaluate the regression model performance for CH4 intensity prediction, with the R 2 score of the best-performing model being 0.858. The ML models developed in this study for fugitive CH4 detection and intensity prediction can be used with fixed environmental sensors deployed on the ground or with sensors mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for mobile detection.
Bearing condition assessment of a simply elastic supported beam based on impact vibration testing
Authors: Xia Qi , Zhou Jiang-wei , Yang Ya-ru , Wang Lin-qing , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2024

The mechanical properties of bridge bearings gradually deteriorate over time, resulting from daily traffic loading and harsh environmental conditions. However, efficient detection of in-service bridge bearings is still challenging, especially in quantifying support stiffness. This study presents a bridge bearing condition assessment framework of a simply elastic supported beam based on impact vibration testing and structural flexibility identification. Firstly, the dynamic response equation of a simply supported beam with elastic boundary constraints is established. The modal orthogonality of Euler-Bernoulli beams and the corresponding overall matrix of undetermined coefficients are derived using the separate variable method. Subsequently, the flexibility matrix of the simply elastic supported beam is derived and verified in the cases of forward and inverse analysis, respectively. Furthermore, the vertical and rotational stiffness of the bearings are established based on the structural flexibility matrix. Finally, experimental verification is performed to identify the flexibility and the vertical support stiffness of the simply elastic supported beam based on impact vibration tests. The results indicate that the proposed the bearing condition assessment framework can straightforwardly quantify support stiffness.
Management and risk of upgrade of atypical ductal hyperplasia in the breast: A population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wadsten Charlotta , Rask Gunilla
Published: February 2024

Background:

International guidelines recommend open surgery for atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) in the breast due to risk of underestimating malignant disease. Considering the ongoing randomized trials of active surveillance of low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), it seems reasonable to define a low-risk group of women with ADH where a conservative approach is appropriate. The aim here was to evaluate the management and risk for upgrade of lesions diagnosed as ADH in percutaneous breast biopsies in two Swedish hospitals.

Methods:

All women with a screen-detected or symptomatic breast lesion breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS) 2–4 and a percutaneous biopsy showing ADH between 2013 and 2022 at Sundsvall Hospital and Umeå University Hospital were included. Information regarding imaging, histopathology, clinical features, and management was retrieved from medical records. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for upgrade to malignant diagnosis after surgery were calculated by logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Altogether, 101 women were included with a mean age 56.1 (range 36–93) years. Most women were selected from the national mammography screening program due to microcalcifications. Biopsies were performed with vacuum-assisted biopsy (60.4%) or core-needle biopsy (39.6%). Forty-eight women (47.5%) underwent surgery, of which 11 were upgraded to DCIS, and 7 to invasive breast cancer (upgrade rate 37.5%). Among the 53 women managed conservatively (median follow-up 74 months), one woman (1.9%) developed subsequent ipsilateral DCIS. The combined upgrade rate was 18.8%. No clinical variable statistically significantly correlating to risk of upgrade was identified.

Conclusions:

The upgrade rate of 37.5% in women undergoing surgery compared to an estimated 5-year risk of ipsilateral malignancy at 1.9% in women managed conservatively indicate that non-surgical management of select women with ADH is feasible. Research should focus on defining reproducible criteria differentiating high-risk from low-risk ADH.
Creep behaviour of adhesively bonded joints: A comprehensive review
Authors: Carneiro Neto RM , Akhavan-Safar A , Sampaio EM , Simões BD , Vignoli LL , da Silva LFM
Published: February 2024

This review paper provides an exploration of various facets of creep behaviour in adhesives and adhesive joints, encompassing experimental procedures, prediction models, influential parameters and strategies to enhance resistance. The discussion extends to the interplay between fatigue and creep, emphasising recent advances over the last two decades. While avoiding redundancy with prior work on temperature and moisture degradation, the paper articulates connections between topics for a better understanding. A critical examination of load levels reveals that small variations significantly impact the creep life of adhesive joints, particularly prominent with epoxy adhesives. The adhesive type, joint geometry and substrate material are scrutinised, revealing distinct impacts on creep behaviour. The study underscores the critical role of adhesive thickness and overlap length, emphasising their relevance in determining the time to failure in bonded joints under creep conditions. Notably, the substrate material’s role is highlighted. As the review delves into unexplored dimensions, it calls for further research to bridge existing gaps and refine our understanding of tertiary creep and time until failure.
Robin Hood Gardens and the Brutalist Image
Authors: Brookes Edward
Published: February 2024

This article contributes to cultural geography’s continued interest in exploring how images and photographic practices have shaped representations and engagements with architectural space. Using the Robin Hood Gardens Estate – a Brutalist social housing estate in East London as an example, it interrogates how visual strategies associated with the grid, the interruption and the ruin shape different narratives and representations of Brutalist architecture. At the same time, it extends discussions within cultural geography which surround Brutalism and the role that representations play in how the built landscape is mediated, politicised and encountered through different image making strategies, highlighting the importance of the ‘image’ to Brutalism as a style. It concludes by asserting the value of exploring how buildings are represented and how different photographic and image making practices continue to mediate our engagement with the built landscape and inform wider politics associated with specific architectural styles.
Midterm Outcomes of Multicenter Castor Single-Branch Stent Graft Use in the Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Diseases
Authors: Ren Jianli , Chen Yonghui , E Erdemutu , Ma Ming , Liu Zongwei , Zhu Jiechang , Wang Shuaishuai , Bi Jiaxue , Li Peng , Dai Xiangchen
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the midterm efficacy and safety of a single-branch Castor stent graft in the treatment of thoracic aortic disease.

Materials and Methods:

Clinical data of 106 patients with thoracic aortic disease treated with Castor single-branch stent graft at 3 centers were collected between May 2018 and June 2023. The indicators included technical success, stent-related complication, reintervention, retrograde dissection, endoleak, distal stent graft–induced entry (dSINE), branch patency, and mortality. The outcomes of the Castor stent graft for multibranch reconstruction above the arch was also analyzed.

Results:

The technical success was 98.1% (104/106), while the surgical success was 93.4% (99/106). The reintervention was 2.8% (3/106), consisting of a case of retrograde type A dissection, an endoleak, and a dSINE. The retrograde dissection was 1.9% (2/106), while type I endoleak was 1.9% (2/106). The new dSINE was 2.8% (3/106), and the branch patency rate was 100%. The mortality was 1.9% (2/106). The mean follow-up time was 29.1±17.7 months. The 2-year post-surgery cumulative survival rate was 91.0%±3.1%, while the cumulative branch patency rate was 96.2%±2.2%. In addition, the cumulative freedom from stent-related reintervention rate was 93.2%±2.8%. A comparison showed no significant difference in the stent-related complication, branch patency, endoleak, reintervention, and mortality when the proximal end of the Castor stent graft was anchored to zones 1 or 2 of the aorta.

Conclusion:

Castor single-branch stent graft showed favorable early and midterm outcomes in the treatment of thoracic aortic disease. In addition, it was feasible to combine Castor stent graft with other advanced techniques for multibranch aortic arch reconstruction.

Clinical Impact

The Castor single-branch stent graft was approval by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration in 2017. However, there were few studies on the mid-term outcomes for thoracic aortic disease after launching, which mainly focused on small single-center retrospective study. In the study, we assessed the mid-term outcomes of Castor stent graft through multi-center cases, Castor stent graft combined with other advanced techniques (such as fenestration and hybrid) for multi-branch reconstruction of aortic arch were also conducted. We found Castor single-branch stent graft showed favorable early and mid-term outcomes in the treatment of thoracic aortic disease. Additionally, it was feasible to combine Castor stent graft with other advanced technique for multi-branch aortic arch reconstruction. As an off-the-shelf branched stent graft with a wide range of models, it could be also used in most emergent situation. The Castor stent graft was expected to become more widely used in the future.
What is New on Diabetic Neuropathy? Insights from the 2023 ADA and EASD Conferences
Authors: Rebelos Eleni , Anastasiou Ioanna A. , Tentolouris Anastasios , Papanas Nikolaos , Jude Edward
Published: February 2024

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes; yet its pathophysiology is still incompletely understood and until today, there is no specific treatment against it. In the two 2023 large congresses on diabetes (American Diabetes Association, ADA, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, EASD), several high-level studies have been presented. They have attempted to delineate the pathophysiology of DN, the characteristics of affected patients, and future potential treatments. We herein review the presented studies on diabetic neuropathy at these diabetes congresses and discuss the needs for future research on this topic.
Mapping Game Biopolitics
Authors: Kłosiński Michał
Published: February 2024

This article advances a framework for the analysis of digital game biopolitics that addresses 1) how games represent the governance of life, 2) how games, themselves, govern life, and 3) how games enable forms of player-driven biopolitics. I define two concepts — biopolitical markers and biopolitical paradigms — and provide a set of research questions to help identify and classify various game elements that indicate specific categories of biopolitics: biopower, thanatopolitics, community, and veillance. Ultimately, rather than produce a separate theory of game biopolitics, this article builds on work in other fields to construct a method for studying the governance of life in, by, and through games.
Mobile telephony and changing patterns of audiences’ engagement with global media in Africa
Authors: Tasiu Abubakar Abdullahi
Published: February 2024

This article explores the patterns and consequences of transnational audiences’ engagement with global media in the digital age, focusing on experiences in Africa. It examines Nigerians’ interactions with the BBC World Service, and draws on active audience theory and Joseph Nye’s soft power concept to unpick their complex relationship. Using documentary analysis, focus groups and individual interviews, the study unpacks how Nigerians deploy digital devices to engage with the BBC – and how the broadcaster leverages this to extend its influence. The impacts of digital technologies on participatory programming and audience interactivity – and the theoretical implications – are also analysed.
Impact of antifibrotic therapy on disease progression, all-cause mortality, and risk of acute exacerbation in non-IPF fibrosing interstitial lung diseases: evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled studies
Authors: Li De-yu , Liu Xin , Huang Jing-yi , Hang Wen-lu , Yu Gu-ran , Xu Yong
Published: February 2024

Background:

Nintedanib and pirfenidone are preferred pharmacological therapies for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, evidence favoring antifibrotic therapy in patients with non-IPF fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILD) is limited.

Objective:

To investigate the effects of antifibrotic therapy on disease progression, all-cause mortality, and acute exacerbation (AE) risk in patients with non-IPF fibrosing ILDs.

Design:

Meta-analysis.

Data sources and methods:

Electronic databases were searched for articles published before 28 February 2023. Studies that evaluated the efficacy of antifibrotic agents in patients with fibrosing ILDs were selected. The primary outcome was the disease progression risk, and the secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and AE risk. The GRADE criteria were used for the certainty of evidence assessment.

Results:

Nine studies with 1990 participants were included. Antifibrotic therapy reduced the rate of patients with disease progression (five trials with 1741 subjects; relative risk (RR), 0.56; 95% CI, 0.42–0.75; p < 0.0001; I2 = 0; high-certainty evidence). Antifibrotic therapy did not significantly decrease all-cause mortality (nine trials with 1990 subjects; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.55–1.03; p = 0.08; I2 = 0; low-certainty evidence). However, in patients with progressive fibrosing ILDs (PF-ILD), antifibrotic therapy decreased all-cause mortality (four trials with 1100 subjects; RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48–0.98; p = 0.04; I2 = 0; low-certainty evidence).

Conclusion:

Our study supports the use of antifibrotic agents in patients with PF-ILDs, which could slow disease progression and decrease all-cause mortality.

Trial registration:

This study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023411272).
A Proposal for the Clinical Characterization of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Trend Arrow Accuracy
Authors: Eichenlaub Manuel , Pleus Stefan , Freckmann Guido
Published: February 2024

The assessment and characterization of trend accuracy, that is, the ability of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system to correctly indicate the direction and rate of change (RoC) of glucose levels, has received comparatively little attention in the overall evaluation of CGM performance. As such, only few approaches that examine the trend accuracy have been put forward. In this article, we review existing approaches and propose the clinical trend concurrence analysis (CTCA) which is an adaptation of the conventional trend concurrence analysis. The CTCA is intended to directly evaluate the trend arrows displayed by the CGM systems by characterizing their agreement to suitably categorized comparator RoCs. Here, we call on manufactures of CGM systems to provide the displayed trend arrows for retrospective analysis. The CTCA classifies any deviations between the CGM trend and comparator RoC according to their risk for an adverse clinical event arising from a possibly erroneous treatment decision. For that, the existing rate error grid analysis and a specific set of trend arrow-based insulin dosing recommendations were used. The results of the CTCA are presented in an accessible graphical display and exemplified on data from three CGM systems. With this article, we hope to increase the awareness for the importance and challenges of assessing the accuracy of trend information displayed by CGM systems.
Adolescent Healthcare Access: A Qualitative Study of Provider Perspectives
Authors: Garney Whitney R. , Flores Sara A. , Garcia Kristen M. , Panjwani Sonya , Wilson Kelly L.
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Adolescent access to quality healthcare is key to prevention and early intervention for health risk behaviors. This paper provides a healthcare provider perspective on barriers and facilitators to youth accessing care.

Methods:

Five focus groups were conducted from November to December 2020 with providers from a variety of healthcare settings. Participants were asked to describe their respective adolescent patient populations, adolescent-specific health concerns, and organizational accommodations specific for youth services. Transcripts were analyzed using Inductive Thematic Analysis and themes were grouped using a social-ecological framework.

Results:

At an individual level, providers noted that an adolescent’s knowledge and ability to navigate services varied greatly across settings. Providers identified provider trust and parent/guardian support as key interpersonal factors that support adolescents’ access to services. Organizational factors included bureaucratic barriers and the clinic’s reputation among youth. Community factors centered on mistrust within healthcare systems and stigmatization of seeking certain types of services. Participants also described how state-level policies influence parent/guardian consent requirements, which can limit adolescents’ access to care.

Conclusion:

Adolescent access to and utilization of healthcare in the United States is a complex problem requiring systems-level change. Healthcare organizations and providers have the opportunity and capacity to positively influence adolescents’ healthcare access and experiences, however a lack of standardized, clinic-level priorities and guidelines can limit adolescent-centered care.
Meniscal Repair in the Setting of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: 6-Year Follow-up Results from the MARS Cohort
Authors:   MARS Group, Fox Jake
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

Meniscal preservation has been demonstrated to contribute to long term knee health and has been a successful intervention in the isolated and ACL reconstructed patient. The long-term results of meniscus repair in the setting of revision ACL reconstruction have yet to be documented. The purpose of this study is to report the incidence of meniscal repair failures at 6-year follow-up in a cohort of patients who underwent concurrent revision ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair.

Methods:

All revision ACL reconstructions with concomitant meniscal repair cases from a multicenter group between 2006 and 2011 were selected. Six-year follow-up was obtained by both phone and email to determine whether any subsequent surgery had occurred to either knee since their initial revision ACL reconstruction. If so, operative reports were obtained, whenever possible, to verify pathologic condition and treatment.

Results:

In total, 221 patients from 1234 revision ACL reconstructions underwent concurrent meniscal repairs (18% of the cohort). There were 238 repairs performed: 173 medial and 65 lateral. The vast majority of these repairs (n=181; 76%) were performed with an all-inside technique. Baseline patient and surgical characteristics of this group are reported (Tables 1, 2). Six-year surgical follow-up was obtained on 77% (171/221) of the cohort. Overall, the meniscal repair failure rate defined as reoperation was 13% (31/235) at 6 years. Of the 31 failures, 28 were medial (24 all-inside, 4 inside-out; 16% failure rate) and 3 were lateral (2 all-inside, 1 inside-out; 4.6% failure rate; Table 2). Three medial failures were treated in conjunction with a subsequent repeat revision reconstruction. The mean (SD) time to failure for the medial repairs was 2.6 (1.7) years, while the time to failure for the lateral repairs was 1.6 (1.8) years. Medial tears underwent reoperation for failure at a statistically significant higher rate than lateral tears (16% versus 4.6%; p<0.001).

Conclusions:

Meniscus repair in the revision ACL setting is a successful treatment option when clinically indicated with low failure rates. At 6-year follow-up, overall meniscal failure rate as defined by reoperation was 13% in this revision cohort. Failure rates for medial tears (16%) were higher than for lateral tears (4.6%), which aligns with previous studies both in the revision and primary setting.
Mosaicplasty/Osteochondral Autograft Transfer Remains a Durable Solution for Symptomatic Chondral Defects of the Knee: Two to Ten-Year Follow-up Analysis
Authors: Khorana Arjun , Ramkumar Prem , Williams Riley , Amoo-Achampong Kelms
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

Little to no long-term data exist following mosaicplasty/osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS). The purpose was to assess the long-term outcomes of osteochondral autograft transfer in terms of patient-reported outcomes, reoperation rates, and conversion to arthroplasty.

Methods:

Between September 1999 through April 2021, 63 patients who underwent mosaicplasty were queried from an institutional cartilage registry with patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), the Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS), and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC) for OATS surgical procedures from the practice of six fellowship-trained knee specialists. Inclusion criteria were patients treated with mosaicplasty with preoperative PROMs and minimum two-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria were prior ipsilateral surgical procedures, advanced osteoarthritis, revision cartilage procedures, inflammatory arthropathy, or loss to follow-up. The preoperative and minimum two-year clinical outcomes with respect to the SF-36 score, reoperation rates, and conversion to arthroplasty were analyzed

Results:

Mean age was 27.4 ± 12.4 years and 20/63 (31.7%) were female with a mean follow-up of 5.7 ± 3.2 years. The mean lesion size was 2.3 ± 1.6 cm2 requiring a mean of 2.2 ± 1.3 autograft plugs. Mean IKDC and KOS-ADL increased from 46.4 ± 15.1 and 64.4 ± 16.3 preoperatively to 70.4 ± 22.6 and 83.8 ± 11.7, respectively, at 10-year follow-up. A total of 69% and 67% surpassed the MCID and SCB1,2, respectively, for IKDC at 2-year follow-up; similarly, 60% and 33.3% surpassed MCID and SCB, respectively, for IKDC at 10-year follow-up. The overall reoperation rate was 28.6% at a mean of 43.8 years with partial meniscectomy, chondroplasty, and loose body removal most commonly performed. Two patients required arthroplasty conversion.

Conclusions:

OATS remains a durable knee preserving cartilage repair operation with low incidence of reoperation 10 years following index procedure.