bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing Challenging Behavior and Social–Emotional Skills in Home-Based Services: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gerow Stephanie , Exline Emily , Swafford Lindsey , Cosottile David , Conroy Maureen , Machalicek Wendy , Davis Tonya N. , Wei Qi , James Amy
Published: September 2024

Children with developmental delays are more likely to experience difficulties in social-emotional skills and challenging behavior, which can lead to poor long-term outcomes if left untreated. The purpose of this literature review was to synthesize the literature related to home-based interventions to address social–emotional skills and challenging behavior. A systematic review of the literature resulted in the identification of 26 single-case design studies and 31 group design studies that evaluated a home-based intervention to improve social–emotional skills or challenging behavior for young children with a disability or delay. The most common interventions implemented were differential reinforcement, functional communication training, and antecedent-based interventions. Data based on the quality of experiment, characteristics of participants, and characteristics of interventions were analyzed. Fewer than half of the studies (41%) met design standards with or without reservations. However, the majority of studies that met design standards demonstrated strong or moderate evidence for the efficacy of the intervention (67%). Overall, the literature indicates caregivers can accurately implement established evidence-based practices with their young children to improve social–emotional skills and challenging behavior. Implications for practice and future research directions are discussed.
Investigation on bending collapse behavior of similar and dissimilar Aluminum-Steel hat-section sandwich beams jointed by structural adhesive: An experimental, numerical and theoretical study
Authors: Hampaiyan Miandowab Hamed , Bidadi Jamal , Saeidi Googarchin Hamad
Published: September 2024

A significant feature about the application of adhesive joints in various structures is their ability to join dissimilar materials, thus effectively maintaining the structural integrity regardless varying loads. In this paper, the bending collapse behavior of adhesively bonded hat section sandwich beam (HSSB) structures with using of aluminum and steel were investigated. Four configurations of HSSB with different materials for the upper hat beam and lower plate were subjected to quasi-static three-point bending tests as part of the experimental investigation. In comparing the specific absorbed energy (SEA) of the beams, a sample of a hat section sandwich beam with a steel upper hat and an aluminum lower plate had a higher SEA value despite the load-displacement and bending collapse behavior similar to the hat section sandwich beam with a steel upper hat and a steel lower plate. subsequently, a finite element model was developed for bending collapse analysis and a theoretical prediction based on the Kecman model was presented to investigate the hinge moment on HSSB. Based on this, the findings of the numerical study and the predicted theoretical model were in good agreement with the experimental results. The effect of adhesive thickness, the identical mass, and the thickness of the upper hat and lower plate were examined for the purpose of performing an in-depth analysis of the influencing parameters in HSSB structures.
‘Make it look a little like a festival’: Film exhibition and festival organizing at Films Femmes Méditerranée during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Olibet Ylenia
Published: September 2024

This article attends to the strategies of survival, affective labour, and practices of care – for women’s film work and publics – within women’s film festivals during the COVID-19 pandemic through the case study of Films Femmes Méditeranée, a women’s film festival based in Marseille, France. The festival was founded in 2007 to give visibility to the work of female filmmakers from the Mediterranean through a curated program of films, showcased in art-house theatres, with free screenings for young audiences, students, the unemployed, and people living on social benefits. Drawing on interviews conducted with workers at Films Femmes Méditeranée, I first provide an overview of the history and the mandate of Films Femmes Méditeranée in relation to the legacy of early women’s film festivals by bringing to light the work of care carried on in the context of Marseille. I will then analyse Films Femmes Méditeranée’s practices of curation and care through digital media during the pandemic. Through a consideration of the labour of film programming and festival organizing vis-à-vis social distancing measures and an examination of curatorial choices, I interrogate how Films Femmes Méditeranée has adapted to the pandemic crisis through digital media to maintain its commitment to fostering transnational approaches to women’s film culture and to provide a space for encounters between female filmmakers and audiences.
Parental involvement and children’s L2 learning motivation and engagement: A person-centered approach
Authors: Liang Chenggang , Zhou Nan , Yu Shulin
Published: September 2024

Research has consistently demonstrated that parental involvement plays a key role in children’s early second language (L2) development. However, little is known about how different aspects of parental involvement in children’s L2 learning are configured and how these differentiated combinations of parental involvement are associated with children’s L2 motivation and engagement. Moving beyond prior studies, which typically focused on the effects of single aspects of parental involvement, this study utilized a person-centered approach to examine the configuration patterns of various indicators of parental involvement in children’s L2 learning (i.e. parental autonomy support, psychological control, and behavioral control). Data were collected from a sample of 702 seventh graders ( Mage = 13.09, SD = 1.64; 50.14% girls) in two major cities in China. Four distinct profiles (i.e. Authoritative, Neglectful, Control-centered, and Intrusive) were identified. Children’s L2 learning motivation and engagement varied across these profiles. These more nuanced findings shed light upon the heterogeneous nature of various parental involvement in children’s L2 learning and carry significant practical implications for both parents and practitioners aiming to foster a more supportive environment for children’s L2 learning.
‘You can’t buy a revolution, but you can support a paper fighting for one’: Journalism cooperatives’ organizational traits and journalistic missions
Authors: Gollmitzer Mirjam
Published: September 2024

This article explores journalism cooperatives, a sub-field of journalism practice and a type of news organization that is becoming more popular as an organizational option in journalism internationally. While other non-traditional ways of funding and producing news – such as non-profit media or crowdfunding initiatives – receive growing attention from journalism researchers, cooperative enterprises remain largely neglected. This study develops an inventory of 29 such news outlets in Europe, North America, and South America. It presents a portrait of the cooperative field in journalism in terms of founding year, geographic location, linguistic tendencies, and cooperative sub-types. Second, based on an analysis of the official websites of seven of these cooperatives, the article describes the revenue sources, workforce, governance structures, and missions of such needs-rather than profit-driven news outlets. The study finds that their organizational traits oscillate between alternative media, non-profit media, and mainstream media attributes. However, in addition, journalism cooperatives possess a unique feature, namely internal democratic governance mechanisms, which have the potential to increase public trust in the news media. Moreover, for the seven cooperatives investigated here, this potential is enhanced further as they assign a key role to audiences as owners, managers, and funders of the organization (they are either reader-owned or co-owned by journalists and readers). I argue that the results of this exploratory study on journalism cooperatives, together with existing research on news non-profits, invite us to consider that the social economy might be a better default home for journalism than the capitalist marketplace.
The development of the conception of spiritual power in the writings of the young Auguste Comte: The critical role of Adam Smith’s ‘History of Astronomy’
Authors: Sullivan Charles R
Published: September 2024

This article calls attention to the young Comte’s reading of Adam Smith’s essay on the ‘History of Astronomy’ and how this reading figured in the development of a conception of spiritual power. It begins by bringing greater precision to contemporary Comte scholarship and identifying a series of reformulations in the young Comte’s diagnosis of a ‘modern crisis’. What he saw first as a political problem of constitutional law and material sanctions he came to see as a social problem of collective attitudes and moral sanctions. Comte’s understanding that the modern crisis was fundamentally a social problem owed much to what he appreciated as Adam Smith’s ‘elevated view’ of the division of labour. Comte’s response to this social problem was to begin to imagine spiritual power as a re-entry strategy of moral education. Here the ‘History of Astronomy’ played a critical enabling role in Comte’s developing conception of spiritual power. Read together with Smith’s Wealth of Nations, the ‘History of Astronomy’ allowed Comte to ground the possibility of a religious positivism in the ‘positive facts’ of his sociological positivism: the generalisation of specialisation, he could argue, created the very specialists in generality who could respond to the modern crisis with moral education. Now, however, the ‘History of Astronomy’ also offered a critical foil to Comte’s conception of spiritual power. Comte read the ‘History of Astronomy’ without Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments; Comte thereby separated the sociology of the savants that he had taken from the ‘History of Astronomy’ from its association with the voluntaristic agency of ralliement or pull. As Comte transitioned from the ‘écrits de jeunesse’ to the composition of the Cours, the distinctiveness of his conception of spiritual power was that it increasingly looked to mediaeval precedents of moral authority and to the agency of push or réglement.
Change of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as prognostic biomarker for Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease through anti-mycobacterial treatment
Authors: Hwang Hyeontaek , Kim Joong-Yub , Yim Jae-Joon , Kwak Nakwon
Published: September 2024

Background:

It remains unclear whether erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) accurately predicts prognosis during treatment and how ESR changes.

Objectives:

We aimed to assess the predictive values of ESR as a prognostic factor of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) while on anti-mycobacterial treatment and its changes according to the treatment responses.

Design:

This study is a retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

This study included patients aged 18 years or older who initiated anti-mycobacterial treatment for MAC-PD at Seoul National University Hospital between January 1, 2009 and March 31, 2022. ESR should be measured at least twice, with a minimum interval of 3 months, during the initial 12 months from the commencement of antibiotic treatment. A mixed linear regression and Cox proportional-hazards models were used to analyze repeated ESR data and the association with patient survival.

Results:

Of a total of 825 patients who initiated antibiotic treatment for MAC-PD, 369 patients were included in the analysis. Increased levels of ESR during the treatment process were associated with a higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.03) after adjusting age, sex, comorbidities, presence of cavity, acid-fast bacilli smear positivity, and culture conversion at 12 months. During the treatment, ESR at 12 months of treatment significantly decreased compared to baseline ESR in both the culture-converted and not-converted groups, which was categorized based on whether the culture conversion was achieved within the 12 months after treatment initiation.

Conclusion:

ESR predicted mortality during treatment and decreased over time, regardless of treatment outcomes. Our results underscore the importance of administering anti-mycobacterial treatment even in patients who did not achieve a microbiological cure.
Acronychia pedunculata Essential Oils from Vietnam: Chemical Constituents, Enzymatic Inhibitory Activities and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Kim-Anh Nguyen T. , Nguyen Trang H.D. , Vu Danh C. , Le Duc Giang , Trung Hoang Van , Tung Bui Thanh , Phuong Nguyen Thi , Huong Le Thi , Ngan Nguyen Thi
Published: September 2024

Objective/Background: Acronychia pedunculata is commonly found in mountainous regions across Vietnam. The species has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Methods: The essential oils (EOs) of A. pedunculata roots, leaves, and flowers were extracted by hydrodistillation process and their chemical compositions were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Besides, the EOs were assayed for in vitro α-amylase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities. In silico molecular docking simulations on the major components of the EOs were conducted. Results: The EOs from A. pedunculata roots and leaves consisted of 41 compounds (97.6 and 95.1%, respectively) while the flower EO comprised 37 compounds (98.7%). α-Pinene was found to be the most abundant component in the root and flower EOs, with the percentages of 63.9% and 52.6%, respectively. (E)-β-Caryophyllene was detected at the highest level (22.8%) in the leaf EO. The root EO had the most potent anti-α-amylase and antityrosinase activities, with IC50 values of 53.73 ± 1.94 and 815.53 ± 3.24 μg/mL, respectively. Its inhibitory activity against α-amylase was stronger than that of acarbose (88.80 ± 1.87 μg/mL). In molecular docking results, limonene was the potential compound in the EOs with the best binding affinity against tyrosinase. Moreover, the evaluation of potential interactions between the main components of the EOs and the selected proteins was elucidated. Conclusions: The findings unveiled that the EOs of A. pedunculata possessed α-amylase and tyrosinase inhibitory effects and potential applications in nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries.
Traumatic Periprosthetic Fractures Following Total Ankle Replacement A Systematic Review and Proposed Classification
Authors: Hill Zachary P. , Brown Joseph R. , DeGenova Daniel , Taylor Benjamin C. , Mendicino Robert , Korb Isaac
Published: September 2024

Total ankle replacements (TAR) are increasingly utilized, but postoperative traumatic periprosthetic fractures remain a rare yet challenging complication. This systematic review aims to address the gap in literature by proposing a comprehensive classification system for these fractures, considering implant stability, fracture location, and surrounding bone quality. A systematic review identified 13 cases from 9 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Fractures were categorized using the proposed Hill-Brown classification: Type A (talus or fibula), Type B (distal tibial component), and Type C (diaphysis/proximal tibial metaphysis). Implant stability was a key factor, with Type B fractures further classified as B1 (stable), B2 (unstable with adequate bone stock), and B3 (unstable with poor bone stock). Most fractures occurred at or near the distal tibial component (Type B), with implant stability largely dependent on fracture location and bone quality. Surgical fixation, particularly minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with locking plates, was the preferred treatment for stable implants, showing low complication rates. Unstable implants often required revision TAR or conversion to arthrodesis. Surgical intervention is recommended following all traumatic periprosthetic fractures in the setting of a TAR. Bone quality, particularly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis, significantly impacted treatment decisions. Our findings emphasize the importance of fracture location, implant stability, and bone quality in managing these fractures. Future multicenter studies are necessary to validate this classification system and refine treatment protocols.

Level of Evidence: Level III
New Elements of Career Construction for China’s Youth: Analyzing ‘Lying Flat’ and Work Involution Among Emerging Adults
Authors: Deng Yiheng , English Alexander Scott , Li Yuting
Published: September 2024

This qualitative study examines emerging adulthood traits in individuals during the immediate half year following their graduation from university. It studies their work choices and preferences, as well as their work attitudes. Twenty interviews were conducted with recent Chinese graduates aged 21 to 28, split evenly between those who resigned (RP) and those who did not resign (NRP). Analysis highlights the work preference of stability and taking actions to secure stability, family influence on the work choice, and the impact from COVID. Most participants expressed a desire to balance involution and lying flat. There is potential relationship among initial resignation, work attitude and work state. The study suggests Arnett’s emerging adulthood theory still has applicability when it comes to EA features, however, applying career construction theory to analyze participants’ narratives uncovered struggles and addressed concerns about emerging adults’ perceptions, attitudes, and career performance during the post-pandemic era and economic challenges in China.
Comparison of Time Needed to Meet Common Rehabilitation Milestones After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction According to Graft Type
Authors: Steiner Quinn , Walczak Brian E. , Chumanov Elizabeth , Haraldsdottir Kristin , Watson Andrew M.
Published: September 2024

Background:

The use of bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts is common in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). After ACLR, patients typically progress through specific rehabilitation milestones, and graft type may play a role in patient progression.

Purpose:

To compare the time to meet rehabilitation milestones between BPTB and HT autografts after ACLR.

Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This was a single-institution study on patients who underwent ACLR with either BPTB or HT autograft between June 2018 and July 2021. The primary outcomes were time to meet return-to-sport criteria, including >90% limb symmetry index (LSI) for isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength, horizontal hop, 4-crossover hop, and single-hop height. The time to satisfaction of each criterion was compared between graft groups using Wilcoxon tests and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

Included in the analysis were 410 participants who underwent ACLR with either BPTB (n = 232) or HT (n = 178). The BPTB group took longer to achieve >90% LSI for knee extension than HT (11.1 ± 4.1 vs 7.63 ± 2.8 months; P < .001). Similarly, the BPTB group took longer than the HT group to achieve >90% LSI for horizontal hop (11.4 ± 3.5 vs 9.82 ± 2.8 months; P < .001), 4-crossover hop (11.8 ± 3.6 vs 10.4 ± 2.8 months; P = .002), and single-hop height testing (11 ± 3.7 vs 8.81 ± 3.2 months; P < .001). The median time to achieve >90% LSI for hamstring strength was similar between groups (7.18 ± 3 vs 7.56 ± 3.1 months; P = .2).

Conclusion:

Patients that underwent ACLR with BPTB autograft took longer than patients with HT to meet commonly used postoperative rehabilitation milestones. Clinicians should consider these differences when guiding patients regarding graft choice, postoperative expectations, and rehabilitation.
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Associated Factors Toward the Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Among Nurses in Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dessie Zemene , Gela Debela , Yusuf Nete Tewfik
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the major device-associated hospital-acquired infections of the urinary tract. The nurse's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) are the primary inputs for preventing the patient from developing CAUTI. Nevertheless, poor knowledge, a negative attitude, and poor practice toward the prevention of CAUTI among nurses remain an extensive problem.

Objective

This study aimed to assess KAP and associated factors toward the prevention of CAUTI among nurses in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2021.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses from March 1 to April 30, 2021, in five public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 344 nurses were chosen for the study using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using knowledge, attitude, and practice toward the prevention of CAUTI questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Data 4.2 and exported into SPSS 25 for analysis. Binary and multivariate logistic regression were performed, and the statistical significance of associations between the variables was determined using odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval and p < .05.

Results

The study included 344 nurses, with a 97.7% response rate. Of the total nurses, 42.7% had good knowledge, 48.0% had a positive attitude, and 54.9% had good practice toward the prevention of CAUTI. Being married, having guidelines, and having a positive attitude were associated with good knowledge, whereas being married, having good knowledge, and having good practice were associated with a positive attitude toward the prevention of CAUTI. Having a high monthly income, having guidelines, having good knowledge, and having a positive attitude were associated with good practices toward the prevention of CAUTI.

Conclusion

The findings of this study show that nurses have a low level of knowledge, a negative attitude, and poor practice toward the prevention of CAUTI. Factors such as marital status, monthly income, and having guidelines in the working unit were associated with KAP toward the prevention of CAUTI. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Hospital Interventions focused on these findings are required to improve KAP toward the prevention of CAUTI among nurses.
The Impact and Feasibility of a Student-led Program to Connect Patients and Caregivers via Synchronous Audiovisual Technology During Restricted Visitation Policies
Authors: Levine Marc , Hoskins Meloria A. , Yedigarian Sevan , Ceasar Justin , Cannon Nathan , Feiertag Jacob , Mellen James , Lokey Nancy , Romanoski Natasha L.
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, hospital visitation restrictions hindered patients’ access to vital social support. This study explores the impact and feasibility of a student-led program facilitating audiovisual communication between inpatient rehabilitation patients and their caregivers.

METHODS

The study design employed a prospective observational approach, and convenience sampling enrolled 99 participants, including 33 patients, 33 caregivers, and 33 medical students. From September 2021 to March 2022, eligible patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital identified a caregiver and participated in a 30-minute audiovisual call organized by a medical student. Post-visit surveys via RedCap were completed by all participants and covered limitations in video calls, program benefits, comfort levels in video conferencing, and overall program ratings. The study adopted a quantitative research paradigm for data analysis. Statistical analysis utilized pairwise McNemar's and Wilcoxon's test for inter-group comparison.

RESULTS

Patients, caregivers, and medical students all reported positive outcomes in program offerings including providing social support, decreasing feelings of isolation, and providing a feeling of connection. Patients rated the program 4.82 ± 0.47 on a Likert scale, with 97% recommending it to others, even beyond visitation restrictions. The most common diagnosis among patients was stroke (30%), highlighting the program's potential applicability across diverse patient populations. Caregivers rated the program 4.59 ± 0.87 and expressed a desire for its continuation post-restrictions (80%). Medical students (81%) recommended the program, citing benefits in reducing social isolation and gaining clinical experience. No statistical differences were observed between groups in emotional and humanistic domains.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the potential for programs to utilize technology to address social isolation in the healthcare setting. When public health restrictions occur, medical educators should consider opportunities to support and foster innovation for student-led programs. Further research should explore broader impacts on healthcare outcomes and medical education.
Book review: Shailaja Paik, The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India
Authors: Waldekar Shivani
Published: September 2024

Shailaja Paik, The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India. New Delhi: Navayana Publishing Pvt Ltd, 2022, xvii + 400 pp., ₹599 (Paperback). ISBN: 9788195539215.
Tanzanian midwives’ clinical practices and experiences in caring for women with antepartum hemorrhage: a critical incident technique study
Authors: Dinho Anastazia Emil , Mårtensson Lena B. , Georgsson Mattias , Laisser Rose , Knutsson Susanne
Published: September 2024

Background

Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) is an obstetric emergency that complicates pregnancy worldwide and continues to lead to hemorrhagic conditions in parts of Tanzania. Midwifery education received by midwives consists theoretical knowledge on the subject but with no or minimal practical skills in the laboratory, which may reduce their practical capacity as graduated midwives. This study therefore aimed to explore midwives’ clinical actions and experiences regarding the care of women with APH in Mwanza region.

Method

Qualitative, inductive approach with critical incident technique was used. Data were analysed using the critical incident technique, and a question guide consisting of eleven open-ended questions was used to collect data from 44 out of 60 midwives who graduated not less than one year. A total of 522 critical incidents, with 199 actions and 323 experiences, were identified and categorized into five main areas. Ethical approval was obtained.

Results

Midwives’ clinical actions and experiences in caring for women with APH are affected by the knowledge and skills obtained during training at school. They have insufficient theoretical knowledge and practical skills, leading to inadequate identification of the problem and the implementation of care. A need for additional preventive care is described and structural issues, such as co-operation, referral to other instances, access to equipment and relevant treatments need to be improved.

Conclusion

The actions taken to provide care for women with APH were related to their ability to identify problems, implement care and carry out structural initiatives. However, the midwives’ experience was influenced by an attempt to understand the seriousness of the situation and the existence of an organizational challenge. The results can provide knowledge and tools to improve midwives’ education and clinical practice and in the long run, prevent complications, improves health and minimize suffering in women with APH.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with chronic liver diseases in Germany- a multicentric observational study
Authors: Gittinger Fleur Sophie , Rahnfeld Anna , Lacruz Elena , Zipprich Alexander , Lammert Frank , Ripoll Cristina
Published: September 2024

Background

The use of Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients in Germany is unknown. This study investigated the frequency of CAM use and associated sociodemographic, clinical and personality factors in CLD patients in Germany.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional multicenter study of CLD patients attending liver outpatient clinics of university hospitals in Halle(-Saale) and Homburg between 2015 and 2017. Dedicated questionnaires recorded CAM use, sociodemographic and personality factors (evaluated with the “Big five” model, “Hospital Anxiety and Depression”-, “Multidimensional Health Locus of Control”- score). Uni- and multivariate analyses assessed factors associated to CAM use.

Results

Overall 378 patients were recruited, 92 (24.3%) reported to CAM use. On univariate analysis, female CAM users were older (p = 0.001) and more physically active (p = 0.002), male CAM users more often used homeopathy (p = 0.000), actively promoted their health (p = 0.010) or had UDC in their medication (p = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for personality factors showed significant association of age, physical exercise (females) and satisfaction with alternative medicine (females, males) to CAM use.

Conclusions

CAM use is prevalent among CLD patients in Germany and is significantly associated to satisfaction with alternative medicine (females, males), physical exercise and older age (females). Doctors should actively inquire CLD patients about CAM use, as hepatotoxicity or interaction with medication can occur.
An eco-friendly smartphone based HPTLC method versus conventional densitometric one for determination of Naltrexone and Bupropion
Authors: Moaaz Eman M. , Abdel-Moety Ezzat M. , Rezk Mamdouh R. , Fayed Ahmed S.
Published: September 2024

The rapid uprising technologies of smartphone applications and software introduced a new era for analytical detection techniques. It has transformed bench-top laboratory methods into simpler ones depending on cost-effective, portable, and widely accessible devices. In this work, two high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) methods were developed based on smartphone’s camera detection and either ImageJ desktop software or Color-Picker smartphone’s application as alternative techniques to conventional densitometric detection. A mixture of Naltrexone hydrochloride (NAL) and Bupropion hydrochloride (BUP) was chromatographed on HPTLC- plates using ethyl acetate, methanol, acetone, and glacial acetic acid (3:6:1:0.5, by volume) as a developing system. The developed plates were scanned at 203 nm for the densitometric analysis, then visualized by modified Dragendorff’s reagent and shot by a smartphone’s camera. The captured images were uploaded to either ImageJ software or Color-Picker application to detect the separated spots. The results derived from the three detection methods were compared over the concentration range of 0.4–24 & 0.6–18 µg/band for the densitometric method, 0.4–24 & 2–24 µg/band for ImageJ built method and 0.8–20 & 5–20 µg/band for Color Picker built method for NAL and BUP, respectively. The methods were found to be appropriate for assaying both active drug substances in pure forms and combined in marketed pharmaceutical formulations. The excellent sustainability of densitometric and ImageJ-based methods enabled also the assessment of their dosage form content uniformity. The greenness and sustainability of the methods were assessed by three metric tools, namely Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), Analytical GREEnness Metric Approach (AGREE), and White Analytical Chemistry (WAC). The assessments results confirmed the sustainability and superiority of the proposed methods in terms of sample treatment, waste mount, energy consumption, cost, and number of analyzed samples per an hour.
Computer-aided pattern scoring (C@PS): a novel cheminformatic workflow to predict ligands with rare modes-of-action
Authors: Stefan Sven Marcel , Stefan Katja , Namasivayam Vigneshwaran
Published: September 2024

The identification, establishment, and exploration of potential pharmacological drug targets are major steps of the drug development pipeline. Target validation requires diverse chemical tools that come with a spectrum of functionality, e.g., inhibitors, activators, and other modulators. Particularly tools with rare modes-of-action allow for a proper kinetic and functional characterization of the targets-of-interest (e.g., channels, enzymes, receptors, or transporters). Despite, functional innovation is a prime criterion for patentability and commercial exploitation, which may lead to therapeutic benefit. Unfortunately, data on new, and thus, undruggable or barely druggable targets are scarce and mostly available for mainstream modes-of-action only (e.g., inhibition). Here we present a novel cheminformatic workflow—computer-aided pattern scoring (C@PS)—which was specifically designed to project its prediction capabilities into an uncharted domain of applicability.
Reliability polynomial chaos metamodel for the dynamic behaviour of reinforced concrete bridges
Authors: Lamouri Hicham , EL Mkhalet Mouna , Lamdouar Nouzha
Published: September 2024

The approximation of complex engineering problems and mathematical regressions serves as the authentic inspiration behind the artificial intelligence metamodeling methods. Among these methods, polynomial chaos expansion, along with artificial neural networks, has emerged at the forefront and become the most practical technique. Previous studies have highlighted their robust capabilities in solving complex problems and their wide utilization across numerous applications, particularly in structural analysis, optimization design problems, and predictive models of uncertainty outcomes. The aim of this article is to present a methodology that introduces their implementation of for structural engineering, primarily focusing on reinforced concrete bridges. The proposed approach consists of demonstrating the applicability of the polynomial chaos to evaluate the dynamic behavior of two-span reinforced concrete bridges through a predictive model of natural vibration properties for eigenvalues modal analysis. Subsequently, response spectral method is conducted according to the Moroccan guide for bridge seismic design and the prescription of the EUROCODE 8 within the context of reliability assessment using Monte Carlo simulation. The efficacy of the proposed approach is illustrated by a comparison between the predicted vibration properties and the resulting values obtained through finite element modal analysis and artificial neural networks. The polynomial chaos process is based on a collected dataset of multiple reinforced concrete bridges sourced from technical studies offices and the Regional Administration of the East, affiliated with the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Water. Finally, this work contributes to the field by enhancing predictive modeling and reliability evaluation for bridge engineering using artificial intelligence metamodels.
Surgical Anatomy of the Supraretinacular Fat Pad: Sensory Innervation and Preservation in Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Muñoz Romero Ildefonso , Notenboom Robbert G. E. , Malessy Martijn J. A.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Postoperative pain may occur following open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). Various causes have been postulated. During OCTR, adipose tissue located between the palmar aponeurosis and the flexor retinaculum is exposed. It is unknown whether damage to this pad of supraretinacular fat (SRF) might contribute to postoperative palmar pain or tenderness. We studied the sensory innervation of the SRF exposed in OCTR to assess whether SRF damage could potentially generate pain.

METHODS:

A microanatomic dissection of the innervation and vascular supply of the SRF was performed in 25 embalmed human cadaveric upper limbs. Eight fat pads were removed en bloc for histological evaluation. Three-dimensional reconstructions were made based on immunohistochemically stained sections using computer-assisted microscopy.

RESULTS:

The SRF is the radial continuation of the hypothenar fat pad that covers the neurovascular bundle in the Guyon canal. The fat pad is richly innervated and contains Pacinian corpuscles. The sensory innervation originates exclusively from the ulnar nerve (palmar branch) and its vascular supply from the ulnar artery. The integrity of the SRF can be preserved by detaching it from the flexor retinaculum in a radial to ulnar fashion.

CONCLUSION:

The SRF, which is exposed during OCTR, is richly innervated by sensory fibers from the ulnar nerve. It is the radialmost extension of the hypothenar fat pad. In view of its rich innervation, damage to the SRF during OCTR might generate postoperative pain. Preserving its integrity during OCTR is technically possible and even simplifies the procedure. Clinical trials are needed to corroborate whether preservation of the SRF during OCTR indeed makes a clinical difference in postoperative pain generation.
Treatment of Acute Iatrogenic Cerebrovascular Injury Using Flow Diverter Stents
Authors: Grin Eric A. , Kvint Svetlana , Raz Eytan , Shapiro Maksim , Sharashidze Vera , Baranoski Jacob , Chung Charlotte , Khawaja Ayaz , Pacione Donato , Sen Chandra , Rutledge Caleb , Riina Howard A. , Nelson Peter K. , Nossek Erez
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Iatrogenic cerebrovascular injury can cause intracranial hemorrhage and pseudoaneurysm formation, putting patients at high risk for postoperative bleeding. No consensus for management exists. This study describes endovascular treatment of these acute injuries with flow diverter stents.

METHODS:

Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed for injury type and etiology, timing of diagnosis, and endovascular management, including antiplatelet regimens, embolization results, and clinical outcome.

RESULTS:

Six patients were included. Three suffered an injury to the internal carotid artery, 1 suffered an injury to the left anterior cerebral artery, 1 suffered an injury to the right posterior cerebral artery, and 1 suffered an injury to the basilar artery. Four of the 6 injuries occurred during attempted tumor resection, 1 occurred during cerebrospinal fluid leak repair, and 1 occurred during an ophthalmic artery aneurysm clipping. All injuries resulted in pseudoaneurysm formation. Four were immediately detected on angiography; 2 were initially negative on imaging. Five were treated with a pipeline embolization device, and 1 was treated with a Silk Vista Baby. Two were treated with 2 pipeline embolization devices telescopically overlapped across the pseudoaneurysm. All devices deployed successfully. No pseudoaneurysm recurrence or rebleeding occurred. No parent artery occlusion or stenosis was observed, and complete pseudoaneurysm occlusion was observed in 4 patients (in 2 patients, follow-up imaging could not be obtained).

CONCLUSION:

With proper antiplatelet regimens, flow diverter stents can be used safely to successfully treat complex acute iatrogenic injuries. Early repeat angiogram is needed when immediate postinjury imaging does not discover the point of vessel injury.
Adult Prostate Sarcoma: Demographics, Treatment Patterns, and Survival
Authors: Siech Carolin , de Angelis Mario , Di Bello Francesco , Rodriguez Peñaranda Natali , Goyal Jordan A. , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Puliatti Stefano , Longo Nicola , Briganti Alberto , Banek Séverine , Mandel Philipp , Kluth Luis A. , Chun Felix K. H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: September 2024

Background

This study aimed to examine clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival rates in a contemporary population-based cohort of adult prostate sarcoma patients.

Methods

In the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2020), adult patients with prostate sarcoma were identified. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier analyses, smoothed cumulative incidence plots, and Cox regression models were used.

Results

Of 125 patients, 45 (36%) harbored leiomyosarcoma, 17 (14%) had rhabdomyosarcoma, 15 (12%) had stromal sarcoma, 17 (14%) had sarcoma not otherwise specified (NOS), and 31 (25%) had other sarcoma subtypes. Metastatic stage was most common in the rhabdomyosarcoma patients (44%) and least common in the leiomyosarcoma (21%) and stromal sarcoma (20%) patients. Most of the rhabdomyosarcoma patients received the combination of systemic and radiation therapy with (24%) or without radical surgery (35%), whereas most of the leiomyosarcoma and stromal sarcoma patients underwent radical surgery with (22 and 13%) or without (22 and 47%) radiation. In the overall population, the median overall survival was 27 months. The 5-years overall versus cancer-specific versus other-cause mortality rates were respectively 71 versus 58 versus 13%. In the multivariable Cox regression models, the highest overall mortality was exhibited by the patients with metastatic disease (hazard ratio [HR] 2.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–5.31; p < 0.001) or unknown disease stage (HR 2.94; 95% CI 2.20–7.21; p = 0.019). Conversely, of all the histologic subtypes, only stromal sarcoma distinguished itself by lower overall mortality (HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.18–0.96; p = 0.039).

Conclusions

Four major histologic subtypes were identified. Among most adult sarcoma patients, treatment patterns vary according to histology, from multimodal therapy to radical prostatectomy alone. These treatment differences reflect equally important heterogeneity in survival patterns.
Η έννοια του ιερού στο έργο του συνθέτη John Tavener (1944-2013)
Authors: Κόρδης Παύλος
Published: September 2024

Η παρούσα μελέτη επιχειρεί να σχολιάσει την έννοια του ιερού στο έργο του Άγγλου συνθέτη John Tavener (1944-2013) και για την ακρίβεια στο έργο της περιόδου 1977-2000. Γίνεται ξεκάθαρο ότι κατά την συγκεκριμένη περίοδο η παράδοση της Χριστιανικής ορθόδοξης εκκλησίας αποτέλεσε την κυριότερη επιρροή στην συνθετική διαδικασία του συνθέτη. Ως εκ τούτου, το εν λόγω σώμα έργων συνιστά μία ενότητα, η οποία αποτελεί με την σειρά της μία ασφαλής ερευνητική αφετηρία. Η εν λόγω έννοια, αυτή του ιερού, ορίζεται από τον συγγραφέα ως η σχέση μεταξύ των μουσικών διεργασιών και της θεολογικής ουσίας του κειμένου που χρησιμοποιείται. Τονίζεται επομένως ότι, η μελέτη αυτή θέτει στο επίκεντρο φωνητικά έργα. Έργα δηλαδή στα οποία υπάρχει εκφορά λόγου. Μεθοδολογικά, ο συγγραφέας τοποθετεί τις μουσικές αναλύσεις των έργων και τα γραπτά κείμενα του συνθέτη στο απόλυτο επίκεντρο προκειμένου να αρθρωθεί ένας θεωρητικός λόγος με μέσο και σκοπό το ίδιο το έργο, ο οποίος θα λειτουργήσει παράλληλα και ως προϋπόθεση για την συζήτηση γύρω από την συνθετική διαδικασία και την σχέση μουσικής και κειμένου, την στρατηγική δηλαδή βάσει της οποίας το εκάστοτε κείμενο οργανώνεται με μουσικό τρόπο. Στην πραγματικότητα όμως, η ανάλυση και η αποσαφήνιση του δίπολου μουσική – λόγος με ισχυρότερο εργαλείο αυτό της μουσικής ανάλυσης, και πάντοτε αναφορικά με το συγκεκριμένο σώμα έργων, αναδεικνύει ένα σημαντικότερο ζήτημα· αυτό της σχέσης μεταξύ του μουσικού έργου και του περιεχομένου του: τον τρόπο δηλαδή με τον οποίο σχετίζεται το έργο με το ιερό, με την ουσία, με την θεολογική πραγματικότητα που επιχειρεί να μεταφέρει στον ακροατή του. Η προσέγγιση του παραπάνω εν γένει περίπλοκου ζητήματος καθιστά απαραίτητη την εφαρμογή θεωρητικών εργαλείων από διαφορετικά γνωστικά πεδία, όπως αυτά της θεολογίας, της φιλοσοφίας και της ιστορίας των εικαστικών τεχνών. Η χρήση μάλιστα των εργαλείων αυτών από διαφορετικά πεδία αναδεικνύει μακρινές θεωρητικές συγγένειες του έργου του συνθέτη με την Χριστιανική ορθόδοξη θεολογία και την Βυζαντινή ζωγραφική.
Environmental impacts of drugs against parasitic vector-borne diseases and the need to integrate sustainability into their development and use
Authors: Lima Clara M. , Uliassi Elisa , Thoré Eli S.J. , Bertram Michael G. , Cardoso Luis , Cordeiro da Silva Anabela , Costi Maria Paola , de Koning Harry P.
Published: September 2024

Background The current scientific discourse on environmental impacts of veterinary medicines mostly focuses on ectoparasiticides. Meanwhile, the environmental impacts of widely prescribed drugs for the treatment of human and animal parasitic vector-borne diseases (PVBD) remain largely unexplored. There is thus a need for evidence-based information to support guidelines and protocols for sustainable One Health PVBD drug development and use, while promoting greener research practices. Here, we reflect on the potential environmental impacts of PVBD drugs in current use, and the environmental impact of our research practices for developing new antiparasitics. Methods We conducted a survey to assess the current appreciation of sustainable drug design concepts and the extent to which One Health and sustainability principles are integrated into PVBD drug discovery and development. The survey also explored which human, technical, and funding resources are currently used in Europe and neighbouring countries in PVBD drugs research. The analysis and reflection are developed within the “One Health drugs against parasitic vector borne diseases in Europe and beyond” Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action 21111 (OneHealthdrugs). Results The survey response rate was 66%, from 32 countries, predominantly European. 87% of participating collaborators worked in Academia; research groups were small (60% with 1-4 researchers) and mostly consist of few researchers, mostly at early career stages (63% <35 years old). Collaborations were mostly between academics, and 60% collaborated with non-European researchers, while funding was mostly from national governments. Motivation for greener research practices was high but there was as yet low implementation of green strategies or the incorporation of ecotoxicological test in drug development workflows, due to cost and unfamiliarity. Conclusions We highlight the need for early-ecotoxicological testing of new drug candidates and suggest best practices as we move towards standardized protocols in developing safe and efficacious PVBD drugs.
Editorial
Authors: Cyranka Katarzyna , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: September 2024

Shortly after the fantastic 2024 Olympics in Paris, we would like to invite you to take a longer peek at the newest issue of the Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, starting with “Dark Side of Personality and Extreme Sports. Case of skydivers” by P. Próchniak and A. Próchniak. And although skydiving is not exactly (yet?) among the Olympic Games, the exploration of personalities of sportspersons proves a compelling snippet in the quest into understanding why it is only some and not others that succeed in a particular discipline, and whether those features that shape them affect their everyday lives, too.
Tecnologías abiertas e inclusivas en la complejidad del futuro de la educación: diseño de modelo basado en investigación
Authors: Ramírez-Montoya María Soledad , Alvarez-Icaza Ines , Weber Joanne , Guadalupe Casillas-Muñoz Fidel Antonio
Published: September 2024

Los entornos cambiantes plantean retos para la formación y, de manera muy especial, para la inclusión educativa de personas con dificultades auditivas y visuales. ¿De qué forma la educación abierta y las tecnologías digitales y flexibles pueden aportar vías para inclusión en el marco de la complejidad? El objetivo del estudio fue analizar posibilidades de educación abierta y tecnologías, por medio de identificar prácticas actuales, retos y posibilidades, con miras a proponer un modelo inclusivo y abierto en el marco de la complejidad para el futuro de la educación. El método fue diseño basado en investigación, donde se aplicaron cuestionarios a 390 participantes en el contexto de un programa de educación abierta e inclusiva. El análisis de datos dan cuenta de (a) prácticas actuales como libros electrónicos, cursos formativos y lenguaje de señas; (b) identificación de los retos de recursos educativos abiertos (REA) de calidad, políticas de apoyo a la inclusión y diversidad, y modelos de sostenibilidad de los REA, para desarrollar materiales digitales accesibles y abiertos, y (c) los componentes de un modelo educativo abierto para la inclusión que contempla elementos estratégicos para el futuro de la educación y tecnologías emergentes e innovadoras. El estudio pretende ser de valor para profesores, formadores, desarrolladores, tomadores de decisiones, interesados en nuevas posibilidades para la educación abierta e inclusiva.