bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender-Based Violence in the Lives of Somali Women With Refugee Status: A Framework for Analysis and Action
Authors: Olukotun Oluwatoyin , Abusbaitan Hanan , Hearst Mary O. , Pirsch Anna , Hoffman Sarah J. , Martin Lauren , Connor Jennifer Jo , Adebayo Comfort Tosin , Eyadat Anwar , Dressel Anne , Giama Nasra , McMorris Barbara J. , Adams Shukri , Gondwe Kaboni W. , Lopez Alexa A. , Graf Maria , Mekonnen Hussen , Mersha Sisay Bekele , Demissie Ashenafi Ayalneh , Mkandawire-Valhmu Lucy
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Gender-based violence (GBV) poses a significant threat to women with refugee status.

Methodology:

Following our analysis based on a previously published scoping review, we introduce a conceptual framework based on postcolonial feminist theory to inform research, policy, and practice that addresses the unique risk factors faced by Somali women with refugee status experiencing GBV and encountering barriers to care.

Result:

The framework synthesizes existing literature, incorporates findings from previous work with Somali women, and emphasizes the importance of understanding structural and sociocultural factors influencing help-seeking.

Discussion:

By developing women-centered interventions, health care and social service institutions can play a pivotal role in addressing GBV for Somali women with refugee status.
Hybrid Teamwork: What We Know and Where We Can Go From Here
Authors: Handke Lisa , Aldana Aliza , Costa Patrícia L. , O’Neill Thomas A.
Published: September 2024

Hybrid teamwork, which describes any combination of one’s work time spent across organizational and other (typically domestic) work settings, has become a critical aspect of modern work environments. However, despite the rising prevalence and technological support for hybrid teamwork, there is limited understanding of its impact at the team level. Although we still lack research that addresses the dynamic geographic configurations inherent to hybrid teamwork, we believe that much of the extant literature on virtual teamwork can inform our understanding and guide future research. Accordingly, this paper aims to advance knowledge on hybrid teamwork by defining its unique characteristics and critically reviewing three broad classes of theory from the virtual teams literature and their implications for understanding hybrid teamwork. Based on both contributions and limitations of these three theory classes, we conclude this paper by mapping out pressing questions to guide future research.
Antibiotics at End of Life: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? A Narrative Review
Authors: Crowley Patrick D. , Whalen Francis X. , Siegel Leslie R. , Challener Douglas W.
Published: September 2024

Background

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed at the end of life, though the benefits and harms are not well understood.

Methods

We abstracted relevant findings from articles published in English in the past 25 years to answer questions generated by discussion among the authors and with stakeholders in Palliative Care and Infectious Diseases.

Findings

Prescribing practices vary based on individual situation and geographic location. Patients with cancer and those hospitalized receive more antibiotics than those enrolled in outpatient hospice. Urinary tract infections and pulmonary infections are the most common conditions treated with antibiotics at the end of life -most often with penicillin derivatives and vancomycin in the hospital, fluoroquinolones in outpatient, and cephalosporins in both settings. When asked, patients most often prefer limiting antibiotics to symptom management at the end of life. Physicians’ over-estimation of patient preference for antibiotics and the increased probability of misdiagnosis increases antibiotic prescription rates. Antibiotics can improve symptoms when used for specific diseases at the cost of drug reactions, resistant organisms, and delayed discharge. Antibiotic use has variable results on survival duration. Antimicrobial stewardship exists in hospital and long-term care facilities, but not outpatient hospice groups. Stewardship interventions could increase proper use of antibiotics, but more information is needed to apply these interventions to hospice groups.

Conclusions

Antibiotics at the end of life are impactful and efforts to educate patients and providers will be invaluable in optimizing care.
A Way Forward for Comprehensive Cancer Caregiver Support
Authors: Tan Kelly R , Fenton Anny THR , Kamen Charles
Published: September 2024

Family caregivers are integral to patient care. However, a combination of systemic forces places enormous pressure on family caregivers, while simultaneously devaluing them. Recently, more public attention has been paid to caregivers’ importance, prevalence, and needs, generating supportive responses by government, employers, and the media. As of yet, there has not been a commensurate response by health care institutions. We identify four key challenges to building comprehensive cancer caregiver support and propose five necessary components for future programs that cancer centers and organizations can adopt. Comprehensive cancer caregiver support is attainable but national organizations need to lead the effort through standardization of guidelines and metrics for cancer centers.
Development of a Hospice Perceptions Instrument for Diverse Patients and Families: Establishing Content and Face Validity
Authors: Wallace Cara L. , Subramaniam Divya S. , Wray Ricardo , Bullock Karen , Dant Dani , Coccia Kathryn , Bennett Antonia V. , White Patrick , Hendricks-Ferguson Verna L.
Published: September 2024

Context

For many, the perception of “hospice” is synonymous with “death.” Even clinicians struggle to have conversations that distinguish between hospice and palliative care for fear that discussing hospice may diminish hope. To date, there are no existing measurement tools to evaluate patient and family perceptions of hospice care.

Objective

This research aimed to develop a Hospice Perceptions Instrument (HPI) to capture these perceptions among diverse patients and families.

Methods

Building on previous studies and literature, 79 potential items were drafted for the instrument. Our interprofessional team independently and collectively evaluated these, resulting in 36 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Overarching domains include (1) hospice philosophy and definitions; (2) hospice services; (3) values; and (4) counter-perceptions. Sixteen national subject matter experts from various professions and roles were invited to participate in the content-validity index and five hospice caregivers were invited to participate in face validity.

Results

Fourteen experts responded, with ten meeting inclusion criteria: one physician, four nurses, three social workers, and two chaplains. Six of the ten identified as Black. Three items were removed (I-CVI ranged from 0.5-06), and nine items were revised (I-CVI ranged from 0.6-07). The overall Content Validity Index (CVI) was 0.83, indicating excellent content validity. After revisions, five hospice caregivers assessed face validity and no changes were made based on feedback.

Conclusion

Results reveal a disconnect between professional expertise and patient/family voices related to hospice perceptions. Development of this instrument invites a better understanding of perceptions leading to new opportunities for patient/family engagement.
Mixed-Methods Consultation Study of Family and Friends Supporting a Paramedic Experiencing Mental Ill-Health or Suicidal Distress
Authors: Fitzpatrick Sally , Mitchell Caitlin , Bell Lyndon , Cuenca Jose , Ditton-Phare Philippa , Vallender Kristen , Fitzgeraldson Elloyse
Published: September 2024

Supporting paramedics experiencing mental ill-health or suicidal distress is rewarding yet challenging for family, friends, and colleagues, but little is known about these carers’ specific experiences and needs. This study explores carers’ experiences of providing support and their requirements for online support programs. Seventy-two carers completed an online survey, with 14 participating in interviews. Survey data is presented using descriptive statistics and content analysis was applied to open-ended survey responses, while thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts. Carers provide significant emotional and practical support to paramedics facing mental health concerns or suicidal distress, emphasizing the importance of self-care despite accompanying guilt. Positive views were expressed regarding online programs offering confidentiality, accessibility, and information on paramedics’ challenges. The study highlights the necessity for accessible online interventions, ensuring confidentiality and equipping carers with tools to address paramedics’ mental health needs while prioritizing self-care.
Experimental study on energy and damage evolution of dry and water-saturated dolomite from a deep mine
Authors: Luo Pingkuang , Li Diyuan , Ma Jinyin , Zhao Junjie , Jabbar Abdul
Published: September 2024

The deformation and failure of a rock is closely related to the strain energy consumption during the load process of rock. To investigate the effect of water on energy evolution and damage characteristics of dolomite samples from a deep mine, the uniaxial compression tests were carried out on dry and water-saturated dolomite samples at different burial depths (900 m–1200 m). The effects of water on the evolution characteristics of elastic and dissipative energy ratios ( Ue/ U and Ud/ U) during rock deformation and failure was analyzed. Based on the variation rate of damage factor ( Df), a new brittleness index is proposed, which can effectively characterize the brittleness characteristics of water-bearing dolomite. The results show that the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus of the water-saturated dolomite are significantly reduced compared to dry sample. The energy and damage evolution process of dolomite can be divided into four stages: initial damage stage, stable damage stage, pre-peak accelerated damage stage and post-damage stage. The variation rate of damage factor of the rock samples in the stable damage stage and the pre-peak accelerated damage stage appeared to increase significantly after water saturation treatment. Compared with water-saturated samples, more pronounced energy hardening characteristics and brittleness characteristics were observed in dry samples. In addition, the possible impact on the stability of deep rock engineering after the deterioration of rock mechanical properties and energy storage properties caused by water was analyzed. Groundwater can somewhat reduce rock burst proneness. However, it also has the potential to lead to greater rock engineering destabilization and failure hazards.
Communologue in Family Therapy
Authors: Wahrman Orli , Ko Mei-Ju
Published: September 2024

This article introduces communologue, a process and intervention whose aim is to create safe conversation and deep connecting dialogue within groups and between groups. Communologue originated after 9/11 from the Imago Dialogue intervention developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt's Imago Relationship Therapy in addition to other dialogue and communication experts. This article presents the history and framework as well as a detailed description of the communologue intervention, and its application in family therapy. Special attention is given to the role of the therapist. The connection to the dialogical approach to family therapy and the difference between communologue's specific way of mirroring and active listening are also highlighted. A case study is presented which illustrates the profound ways in which working with a family using communologue can create safety, foster connection, and alter the family dynamics. Implications of communologue and limitations are discussed.
Energising the Future: A Dynamic Capabilities Approach to Vietnam’s Renewable Energy Industry From the Supply and Demand Side
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel , Vu Oanh Thi Kim , Akbari Mohammadreza , Nguyen Trung Quang , Nguyen Nhan H. , Tran Thanh Duc
Published: September 2024

Incorporating the underpinnings of the dynamic capabilities framework and an inductive approach, the sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring elements of renewable energy usage are examined through interviews with 24 representatives of the supply and consumer sides. The data analysis reveals 18 dimensions providing conceptual and empirical guidance. Among these dimensions, the performance-seeking aims and high-order burdens intricately uncover the nuances of sensing opportunities and challenges. Simultaneously, the knowledge-enrichment mindset and technical continuity path shed light on pivotal aspects of seizing and reconfiguring. The analysis and dimensional exploration culminate in a refined framework, fortifying the theoretical and practical underpinnings of renewable energy’s utilisation within an emerging economy. Moreover, the study establishes meaningful connections with the dynamic capabilities framework, offering implications for the research community, stakeholders in the renewable energy sector and governmental representatives alike.
Exploring Neurodiverse Collaboration Between Autistic and Non-autistic Adults in an Online Setting: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Manhua , Fok Megan , Kim Jisun , Izaac Victoria , Hornburg Caroline Byrd , Scarpa Angela , Jeon Myounghoon , Kim Sunwook
Published: September 2024

Employment is an important aspect of independent adulthood, yet autistic adults typically face substantial barriers in the labor market, including high rates of un- and under-employment. To promote an inclusive workplace, the present study explored collaboration dynamics between autistic and non-autistic adults as they worked toward shared team goals in an online setting. We recruited nine dyads, including three dyads of non-autistic adults with an autistic adult (NA-AA), and six dyads of non-autistic adults (NA-NA). Our findings demonstrated that neurodiverse collaboration (autistic and non-autistic adults together) could lead to improved task efficiency at the group level and higher perceived team performance in individuals. However, in these collaborative settings, autistic adults reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to their non-autistic partners. Our findings demonstrate the unique contributions that autistic adults may bring into the workplace and highlight the need to develop workplace technologies supporting their collaborative experiences.
Utilizing Human Factors to Improve Surgeons’ Data Access
Authors: Zhao Chen , O’Hare Bridget
Published: September 2024

Improving health care quality has been a focus for human factors practitioners in the past decades. Built on the new computerized information provided by Robot-Assisted Surgery (RAS), we conducted interviews with 21 surgeons to explore how this surgical information can help improve surgeons’ efficiency and proficiency. Almost all the participants we interviewed considered their surgical data access to be limited. In addition, they indicated that insights from surgical data could help improve their efficiency and proficiency. We present our findings in two main categories: the surgeons’ current data access and the tools surgeons use to access surgical data. We also documented what surgical data surgeons need, why they need the data and how the data could help improve surgeons’ efficiency and proficiency. Our findings and proposed designs were incorporated in My Intuitive App designs to implement values identified by our Human Factors analysis.
Evaluating the Impact of Collaborative Robots in E-Waste Disassembly Through EMG-EMG Coherence Analysis
Authors: Wang Xiangrui , Grimaldi Nicolas S. , Behdad Sara , Hu Boyi
Published: September 2024

With the advance of human-robot collaboration (HRC), collaborative robots (cobots) have emerged as solutions to alleviate the manual tasks involved in electronic waste (e-waste) disassembly. This study employed surface electromyography (EMG) to investigate whether cobots can enhance muscle coordination. EMG-EMG coherence in both beta and gamma bands was calculated from 22 participants to quantify coordination between four muscle groups—biceps brachii (BB), brachioradialis (BR), upper trapezius (UT), and erector spinae (ES). Comparison results showed that after the introduction of the cobot, significant increases in left BR&BB, BR&UT, BR&ES, and BB&UT pairs, right BR&BB, BR&UT, and BB&ES pairs, and bilateral BR pair were observed. Notably, left BR&ES presented the most substantial increase at 18.88% and 26.39% in the beta and gamma bands, respectively ( p < .05). These findings suggest that cobots hold potential to enhance muscle coordination during e-waste disassembly, thereby shedding light on the construction of HRC-based e-waste disassembly systems.
The Role of eHMI in Reducing Driver Overtaking Decisions Around Low-speed Automated Vehicles Yielding to Pedestrians
Authors: Drahos Bradley A. , Kessler William , Craig Curtis M. , Morris Nichole L.
Published: September 2024

As low speed automated vehicles (LSAVs) are further introduced into our driving fleet, driver-LSAV interactions may put pedestrians and other vulnerable road users at risk, as drivers could be confused by LSAVs and respond inappropriately when a pedestrian is present. A total of 242 participants with a driver’s license participated in an online survey to assess the ambiguity of the external human-machine interface (eHMI) or signaling system used by a recently deployed LSAV. Participants were shown signaling conditions presented as animated GIFs and were told to imagine they were following the LSAV as it stopped and turned on the signal. Participants were more likely to indicate that they would overtake the MCM when presented with the flashing hazards eHMI while the MCM was turning right compared to the alternative signal conditions. Correct shuttle behavior interpretation was found to be an important influence in participants’ choice in overtaking or waiting behaviors.
Does Artificial Intelligence Change How We Design User Interfaces? A Case Study from Representatives in the Medical Device Industry
Authors: Tiferes Judith , Zhou Mi
Published: September 2024

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an imaging technique that allows interventional cardiologists (ICs) to capture and visually display images of blood vessels during Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI). IVUS images allow ICs to: (i) evaluate the type and characteristics of lesions present, (ii) assess the appropriate intervention, (iii) determine the size of the stent or balloon to be used if they were needed, and (iv) examine if the intervention was successful. The size of the stent or balloon is determined by identifying, and then measuring, the diameters of vessel or lumen borders at the treatment locations. Identification of vessel borders is a manual time-consuming process that is rigorous to accomplish. Alternatively, a machine learning model that automatically identifies and measures the lumen and vessel borders of IVUS images was developed. This industry case study shows how the HFE team lead the UI design process to incorporate this automation into the existing UI.
Learning Scale in Virtual Reality: Experiences and Perception of Immersive Technology at a Public Middle School
Authors: Chen Karen B. , Harper-Gampp Tyler , Wu Linfeng , Delgado Cesar , Peterson Matthew
Published: September 2024

Students have misconceptions of size and scale cognition as they confuse molecules and cells. The team deployed a virtual reality (VR) learning tool, namely Scale Worlds, for K-12 students to use at school. The present work aimed to examine the experience and perception of immersive technology, and logistical challenges of integrating Scale Worlds into a science class. Ten students and three teachers were included in this study with informed consent. Scale Worlds was introduced as part of a science class and then semi-structured interview was conducted. Students’ experience with VR technology included physiological discomfort, psychological nervousness and uncertainty of technology, personal abilities and unfamiliarity, and hardware latency. However, students perceived Scale Worlds to be a useful tool that helped them visualize entities of different sizes, and allowed them to work collaboratively. Teachers expressed desire for more exciting content in Scale Worlds and further usability enhancement, as well as need for additional material preparation time. The team planned to return to the same middle school for another round of in-field study after addressing some of the reported challenges.
Non-Gaussian Liability Distribution for Depression in the General Population
Authors: Talkkari Anna , Rosenström Tom H.
Published: September 2024

Unlike depression sum scores, the underlying risk for depression is typically assumed to be normally distributed across the general population. To assess the true empirical shape of depression risk, we created a continuous-valued estimate of the latent depression density, using the Davidian-Curve Item Response Theory (DC-IRT) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohorts from 2005 to 2018 ( n = 36,244 on the Nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9). We conducted simulations to investigate the performance of DC-IRT for large samples and realistic items. The method can recover complex latent-risk distributions even when they are not evident from sum scores. However, estimation accuracy for different sample sizes depends on the method of model selection. In addition to full-data analysis, random samples of a few thousand observations were drawn for analysis. The latent shape of depression was left-skewed and bimodal in both investigations, indicating that the latent-normality assumption does not hold for depression.
Three-Year Outcomes, Risk Factors for Restenosis After Stenting for DVT Combined with Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Lin , Jiang Chuli , Chen Zheng , Song Wei , Zhao Yu , Li Fenghe
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT) and stenting for treating acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) combined with iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS), and to identify the predictors of stent restenosis. Patients with acute proximal DVT combined with IVCS underwent PCDT and stenting from January 2017 to December 2022 were enrolled. Primary and secondary patency were assessed by duplex ultrasound (DUS). The morbidity of postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) was assessed by the Villalta score. Risk factors for stent restenosis were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Total of 254 patients were included. The mean follow-up time was 36.06 ± 17.66 months. The primary patency rates at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 92.5%±1.7%, 85.4%±2.4%, and 82.4%±2.9%, respectively. The incidence of stent restenosis was 14.2%. Discontinuation of anticoagulants within one year [hazard ratio (HR) = 5.03; P = .048] was the factor associated with acute in-stent thrombosis. Previous DVT history (HR =2.29; P = .037) and stent placement across the inguinal ligament (HR =6.70; P < .001) were identified as independent risk factors significantly associated with stent restenosis. The overall PTS rate was 19.3%. PCDT with stenting is safe and effective for patients with iliofemoral DVT secondary to IVCS, leading to low rates of PTS. Previous DVT history and stents placed across the inguinal ligament may be predictors of stent restenosis. Furthermore, stent restenosis typically occurs within one year and is mainly caused by acute thrombosis due to discontinuation of anticoagulants.
H2 norm based parameter optimization of multiple tuned mass dampers for resonance suppression
Authors: Yao Jianqiang , Li Qin , Li Wentao , Ding Chenyang
Published: September 2024

Flexible dynamic behavior of ultra-precision motion stage significantly deteriorates control performance. To tackle this problem, this paper presents an [Formula: see text] norm based parameter optimization of multiple Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) for resonance suppression applied on linear flexible structures, assuming all parameters of multiple TMDs are independent, and considering locations of TMDs as variables. Linear flexible structures with multiple TMDs are modeled as a closed-loop control system through modeling in steps. Genetic algorithm is implemented employing [Formula: see text] norm as the optimization criterion. The effectiveness of the optimization is numerically verified on a free-free thin plate. The effects of uncertainties in TMDs parameters, linear flexible structure parameters, and TMDs failure on the vibration suppression effect are studied. The proposed modeling and optimization methods are promising for application to various flexible structures with provided modal frequencies and mode shape matrix.
“I Couldn’t Leave the Farm”: Rural Women's Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Coercive Control
Authors: Wood Karen , Giesbrecht Crystal J. , Brooks Carolyn , Arisman Kayla
Published: September 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and coercive control are prevalent across Canada; these experiences are exacerbated by regionality with women in rural areas disproportionately affected. This study explores rural women's experiences of IPV and coercive control, drawing on qualitative interviews with rural women in Saskatchewan who experienced IPV and focus groups with service providers who work with survivors. Our findings suggest rurality magnifies conditions of coercive control through physical elements of normative rurality, such as isolation that restrict women's space for action. Our participants’ experiences of coercive control were exacerbated by the geographic reality of living in a rural/remote location.
Advancing plant-based meat analogs: Composite blend of pulse protein reinforcing structure with fibrous mushroom, jackfruit seed powder and carboxymethyl cellulose
Authors: Achinna Poshadri , Malleboina Penchalaraju , Joshi Anuprita Ashokrao , Padmavathi T.V.N , Swaroopa Gugulothu , Nikkam Indra Teja , Singh Anshul
Published: September 2024

In this study, Indian pulse proteins from cowpeas, yellow peas, green gram, and horse gram were used to create plant-based meatball analogs. The nutritional composition, molecular functional groups, color, and texture of meatball analogs T1, T2, and T3 and mutton meatballs were thoroughly analyzed. T1 had highest protein (51%) compared to control (19%), T2 (45%), and T3 (36%), but fiber content (1.26%) was less in T1 compared to control (2.86%), T2 (3.33%), and T3 (3.49%). The more is fibrous raw materials; lower will be the hardness of meat analogs. T1 had consistent fracturability, hardness, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness, and was superior in springiness, gumminess, resilience, and chewiness compared to T2, T3, and control. Sensory evaluation results reported that T1 was more consistent with control sample in terms of color, texture, juiciness, and overall acceptability and no significant difference was reported among the two ( p > .05). The L* and b* values of T1 were more consistent with control compared to other two. Potato starch, salt, spice mix, coriander leaves, beet root pulp, jackfruit seed powder, rose water, carboxy methyl cellulose and rehydrated mushrooms showed a positive impact on sensory and textural attributes. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed that the protein fractions were not affected by the processing conditions. FTIR results confirm the presence of secondary structural components such as α-helix, β-sheet, and β-turn. The interaction between the starchy fibrous material and protein fractions were identified clearly via FTIR. The T1 meat analog was superior in terms of color, organoleptic and textural properties compared to T2 and T3 and more close to mutton meatballs. These results will open up the new horizons in this area and pave the way for the large production and marketing of plant based meat analogs, which will reduces the health and sustainable raising issues from consumption of mutton meat.
Child Deaths from Lack of Care and Injuries of Undetermined Intent in Ohio, 1959 to 2015: How Many Were Probable Homicides?
Authors: Roth Randolph
Published: September 2024

Previous scholars have shown that a considerable proportion of child deaths in mortality statistics that have been coded as deaths from Lack of Care (LC) or from Injuries of Undetermined Intent (IUI) were probable homicides. Historical research, however, shows (a) that nosologists used the LC and IUI classifications with a changing frequency over time in Ohio and in the national at large in relation to the number of child deaths that they classified as homicides, and (b) that the proportion of LC and IUI deaths in Ohio that were probable homicides changed over time. These changes should be taken into account by historical criminologists whenever they study long-term trends in child homicides, particularly the homicides of children under age 10.
The Female Consumer Response Implications of Male Dominance in a Product's Online Community
Authors: Rathee Shelly , Hoskins Jake D.
Published: September 2024

Does male dominance in a product's online community deter female community voices? Does it affect product ratings and the nature of content produced? How might female consumers’ brand attitudes and intentions be affected, ultimately? Utilizing a large panel dataset of online customer reviews in the beer industry and three experimental studies, the authors empirically investigated these questions. This product category is highly male dominant, on average, but there is enough significant variation across products to enable degrees of male dominance to be empirically examined. The investigation also empirically considers other theoretical accounts of simple majority, tie strength, homophily, and cultural masculinity. The findings complement prior work on online word of mouth, demonstrating that male dominance in an online community can deter contributions from female reviewers and generate lower rating departure from community average sentiment by female reviewers. Male dominance also affects the type of content generated by female reviewers. A reduction in the evocation of femininity themes occurs, with an increase in the evocation of masculinity themes. Downstream brand attitudes and trial intentions are also affected. Because of high product-community male dominance, consumers have less information when evaluating products.
Relation of native acetabular anteversion to the orientation of transverse acetabular ligament
Authors: Kuchař Michal , Pelc Ondřej , Morávek Alexander , Henyš Petr , Heinemann Axel , Ondruschka Benjamin , Kučera Tomáš
Published: September 2024

Background:

Precise positioning of the acetabular component during total hip replacement is the key to achieving optimal implant function and ensuring long-term patient comfort. However, different anatomical variations, degenerative changes, dysplasia, and other diseases make it difficult. In this study, we discuss a method based on the three-dimensional direction of the transverse ligament, predicting native acetabular anteversion with higher accuracy.

Methods:

Angular positions of the acetabulum and direction of the transverse ligament were automatically calculated from routine computed tomography data of 270 patients using a registration algorithm. The relationship between acetabular angles and ligament direction and their relationship with sex, age, and pelvic tilt were sought. These relationships were then modelled using multilinear regression.

Results:

Including the direction of the transverse ligament in the sagittal and transverse planes as a regressor in the multilinear model explained the variation in acetabular anteversion (R2 = 0.76 for men, R2 = 0.63 for women; standard deviation in prediction: men, 3.92° and women, 4.00°).

Conclusions:

The results indicate that the ligament was suitable as a guidance structure almost insensitive to the ligament in the sagittal and transverse planes must be considered. Estimation based on the direction in only 1 plane was not sufficiently accurate. The operative acetabular inclination was not correlated with the direction of the ligament. The correlations were higher in men than in women.
Correlation Analyses Between Serum Interleukin-7, Interleukin-15 and Lactate Provide Insights Into Their Potential Roles in the Regulation of Inflammation in Elderly Septic Patients
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Zhang Ye , Wang Jun-Yu , Wei Bing , Liu Yu-Geng
Published: September 2024

Background:

Our previous research have identified Interleukin (IL)-7 and IL-15 as prognostic biomarkers for elderly septic patients, however, little is known about the link between the serum levels of IL-7, IL-15, and lactate as well as their potential roles in the regulation of inflammation in elderly septic patients.

Objectives:

This study aimed at investigating the link between the serum levels of IL-7, IL-15, and lactate as well as with other factors in elderly septic patients.

Design:

This is a retrospective study including 129 elderly patients with sepsis who were divided into the survival group (N = 34) and the nonsurvival group (N = 95) and further subgrouped based on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores.

Methods:

The baseline data and clinical parameters were recorded within 24 h upon admission. Serum levels of the cytokines were quantified by the Luminex assay. Spearman correlation analysis were performed.

Results:

Serum levels of IL-6, IL-7, IL-15, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly higher in the nonsurvival group ( P < .05). Correlations between serum levels of IL-7 and platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), as well as correlations between IL-15, IL-6, and TNF-α were confirmed ( P < .05). Both the serum levels of lactate and IL-15 correlated with the total counts of platelet (PLT) in the survival subgroup with low APACHE Ⅱ scores while the serum levels of IL-7, IL-15, and total counts of monocytes correlated with each other in the nonsurvival subgroup with different APACHE Ⅱ scores ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Knowledge of the regulation networks between serum levels of IL-7, IL-15, lactate, and other cytokines may provide insights into potential mechanisms in the modulation of inflammation in elderly septic patients and facilitate more prompt and accurate treatment to reduce the mortality rate.
Investigation of the synergetic effect of oleophilic textured surfaces and MoS2 at different loads on the tribological performance of Ti64 alloy
Authors: Narayana Turali , Saleem Sheikh Shahid
Published: September 2024

In this research study, surface modification of Ti64 alloy was carried out using laser surface texturing (LST). The investigation aims to explore the effects of loads, oleophilic textured surfaces, and MoS2 as a solid lubricant on the friction and wear reduction of Ti64 alloy and AISI 52100 steel tribo-pairs. Three types of LST textures (Circular, triangular, and square textures) were created on the Ti64 alloy. Subsequently, tribological experiments were performed using a ball-on-disc universal tribometer at loads of 5, 10, and 15N with a 15 Hz frequency. The worn surface was analyzed using various methods, including optical microscopy, 3D-profilometer, FESEM, EDAX analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The study compared the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear behavior of non-textured surfaces (NTS) with those of textured surfaces (TS) under both dry sliding conditions (DSC) and lubricated sliding conditions (LSC). The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the COF and wear coefficients on the TS. Specifically, the circular texture (CiT) exhibited a remarkable reduction of 39.3%, 63.83%, and 83.6% in wear coefficients compared to the NTS tested under DSC and LSC (using pure PAO-4 and PAO-4 + 1% wt MoS2) with sliding load of 15N. DSC showed abrasion, adhesion, and delamination wear, while LSC displayed mild adhesion, delamination, and tribo-layer formation on NTS and TS. The analysis indicated that the use of LST and solid lubricant nanoparticles on a Ti64 alloy would result in improved service life and better endurance in cutting tools and tribo-mating parts.
Aging is associated with reduced inflammatory disease activity independent of disease duration in relapsing multiple sclerosis trial populations
Authors: Coerver Eline ME , Kaçar Sezgi , Ciccarelli Olga , Sormani Maria P , Barkhof Frederik , Arnold Douglas L , Schoonheim Menno M , Van Kempen Zoé LE , Mostert Jop , Koch Marcus W , Killestein Joep , Eshaghi Arman , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Strijbis Eva MM
Published: September 2024

Background:

Higher age is associated with less inflammatory disease activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). It is unknown whether age itself or disease duration underlies this association.

Objectives:

This study investigated the effects of age, disease duration, and inflammatory disease activity in people with RRMS.

Methods:

Individual patient-level data from five large phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was utilized to investigate the association of both age and disease duration with annualized relapse rate (ARR), contrast-enhancing lesions (CELs), and new T2 lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and follow-up.

Results:

The data set included 5626 participants. Higher age was associated with lower ARRs, lower CEL number on MRI at baseline and follow-up, and lower new T2 lesion numbers at follow-up. This effect was present in all disease duration groups. For example, we found a lower number of new T2 lesions on MRI during follow-up in higher age groups compared to lower age groups, independent of disease duration.

Conclusion:

Aging in RRMS is associated with a lower risk of inflammatory disease activity, across different disease durations. Age should be taken into account when designing clinical trials and future research should investigate how age should be integrated into personalized predictions of treatment response and risk profiling.
Choroid plexus enlargement correlates with periventricular pathology but not with disease activity in radiologically isolated syndrome
Authors: Landes-Château Cassandre , Ricigliano Vito AG , Mondot Lydiane , Thouvenot Eric , Labauge Pierre , Louapre Céline , Zéphir Hélène , Durand-Dubief Françoise , Le Page Emmanuelle , Siva Aksel , Cohen Mikael , Yazdan Panah Arya , Azevedo Christina J. , Okuda Darin T. , Stankoff Bruno , Lebrun-Frénay Christine
Published: September 2024

Background:

Choroid plexus (ChP) enlargement is an emerging radiological biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

This study aims to assess ChP volume in a large cohort of patients with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) versus healthy controls (HC) and explore its relationship with other brain volumes, disease activity, and biological markers.

Methods:

RIS individuals were included retrospectively and compared with HC. ChPs were automatically segmented using an in-house automated algorithm and manually corrected.

Results:

A total of 124 patients fulfilled the 2023 RIS criteria, and 55 HCs were included. We confirmed that ChPs are enlarged in RIS versus HC (mean (±SD) normalized ChP volume: 17.24 (±4.95) and 11.61 (±3.58), respectively, p < 0.001). Larger ChPs were associated with more periventricular lesions (ρ = 0.26; r2 = 0.27; p = 0.005 for the correlation with lesion volume, and ρ = 0.2; r2 = 0.21; p = 0.002 for the correlation with lesion number) and lower thalamic volume (ρ = −0.38; r2 = 0.44; p < 0.001), but not with lesions in other brain regions. Conversely, ChP volume did not correlate with biological markers. No significant difference in ChP volume was observed between subjects who presented or did not have a clinical event or between those with or without imaging disease activity.

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence that ChP volume is higher in RIS and is associated with measures reflecting periventricular pathology but does not correlate with biological, radiological, or clinical markers of disease activity.
Telomere length as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Piedrabuena Maria Agustina , Correale Jorge , Farez Mauricio Franco , Rodríguez Murúa Sofia , Martínez Canyazo Carlos , Fiol Marcela , Marrodan Mariano , Ysrraelit Maria Celica
Published: September 2024

Background:

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) shortens with age and may be related to multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

We hypothesize that chronologically young people with MS (pwMS) with short LTL behave similarly to older MS subjects.

Methods:

Prospective 2-year study including two cohorts of young (18–35 years) and elderly (⩾50 years) pwMS with similar disease duration. Physical and cognitive evaluation, 3 T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurement by optical coherence tomography were performed. LTL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results:

Around 105 patients were included, 57 young and 48 elderly. LTL was shorter in older patients (0.61 versus 0.57, p = 0.0081) and in males (female, 0.60; male, 0.59; p = 0.01335). For every 10-year increase in age, LTL was 0.02 U shorter. In elderly, LTL correlated with disease duration ( p = 0.05), smoking ( p = 0.03), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; p = 0.004), 9HPT ( p = 0.00007), high-efficacy therapies ( p = 0.001), brain lesion volume (BLV) ( p = 0.011), and number of T2 lesions ( p = 0.01). In young patients, LTL did not correlate with clinical or radiological variables. For every 0.1 U shorter LTL, gray matter volume decreased 1.75 cm3 and white matter volume 1.78 cm3.

Conclusion:

LTL correlated with disability and BLV in elderly. Besides LTL shortening, other variables should be considered as mechanisms of neurodegeneration that might be involved in aging pwMS.
Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zürrer Wolfgang Emanuel , Cannon Amelia Elaine , Ilchenko Dariya , Gaitán María Inés , Granberg Tobias , Piehl Fredrik , Solomon Andrew J , Ineichen Benjamin Victor
Published: September 2024

Background:

Diagnostic errors in multiple sclerosis (MS) impact patients and healthcare systems.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MS misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, time delay in reaching a correct diagnosis and potential impact of sex.

Methods:

Systematic review and meta-analysis on MS diagnostic errors.

Results:

Out of 3910 studies, we included 62 for a qualitative synthesis and 24 for meta-analyses. Frequency of misdiagnosis (incorrect assignment of an MS diagnosis) ranged from 5% to 41%, with a pooled proportion based on six studies of 15% (95% CI: 9%–26%, n = 1621). The delay to rectify a misdiagnosis ranged from 0.3 to 15.9 years. Conversely, underdiagnosis (unrecognized diagnosis of MS) ranged from 3% to 58%, with a pooled proportion in four studies of 36% (95% CI: 20%–55%, n = 728). Pooling seven studies comprising 2851 individuals suggested a diagnostic delay to establish a correct MS diagnosis of 17.3 months (95% CI: 11.9–22.7) in patients underdiagnosed. In a meta-analysis of five studies, women were 2.1 times more likely to be misdiagnosed with MS compared to men (odds ratio, 95% CI: 1.53–2.86).

Conclusion:

This study provides summary-level evidence for the high prevalence of MS misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Future studies are needed to understand the causes of these diagnostic challenges in MS care.
Cytomegalovirus immune responses are associated with lower serum NfL and disability accumulation risk at multiple sclerosis onset
Authors: Lünemann Jan D , Sao Avilés Augusto , Tintoré Mar , Midaglia Luciana , Fissolo Nicolás , Gutiérrez Lucía , Wiendl Heinz , Montalban Xavier , Comabella Manuel
Published: September 2024

Background:

Infection by cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) play a prognostic role in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

To explore whether humoral immune responses to HCMV and EBV at disease onset were associated with changes in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of inflammatory and neurodegeneration biomarkers.

Methods:

Ninety-eight MS patients with a median follow-up of 20 years were included in the study. The levels of a panel of nine biomarkers were measured in serum ( N = 60) and CSF ( N = 61) samples of patients at the time of the first demyelinating event.

Results:

Immune responses to HCMV inversely correlated with serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels (rho = −0.367; p = 0.039). sNfL levels were reduced in patients with high immune responses to HCMV ( p = 0.006). Elevated sNfL levels were associated with higher risk of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.0 ( p = 0.016), 4.0 ( p = 0.009) and 6.0 ( p = 0.003), and with higher risk of developing secondary progressive MS ( p = 0.003) and to receive treatment ( p = 0.032). Serum soluble CD21 levels were increased in patients with high immune responses to EBV nuclear antigen 1 ( p = 0.020).

Conclusions:

High immune responses to HCMV are associated with limited disease progression and central nervous system (CNS) injury in MS patients. These findings reinforce the protective role of HCMV infection in MS.
Political Ideology and Anthropomorphized Servant Versus Partner Brand Roles
Authors: Cui Yuanyuan (Gina) , van Esch Patrick , Harvey Eric , Eskridge Brad , Sleep Stefan , Phichit Xinnouvat
Published: September 2024

Going beyond the realm of politics, consumers’ political ideology influences how they perceive brands portrayed in advertisements. This research examines how consumers respond to two distinct anthropomorphized brand roles (servant vs. partner). Across three experiments, we show the impact of brand roles on consumers’ willingness to purchase is contingent upon their political ideology. Politically conservative consumers manifest greater willingness to purchase servant brands over partner brands, as servant brand roles align better with their inherent beliefs of social dominance orientation, leading to temporarily heightened relaxation. In contrast, their politically liberal counterparts tend to be indifferent toward different brand roles, as they are less motivated to support social hierarchy. This research offers valuable implications for academics and industry practitioners in relation to understanding the social nature of brands and optimizing branding strategies by leveraging consumers’ political ideology.
The offload study: A prospective observational study of the time to offload a patient from an ambulance or helicopter into an emergency department or percutaneous coronary intervention centre
Authors: Squires Justin , Irwin Richard , Leech Caroline
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Providing an accurate estimated time for patient handover in the emergency department (ED) can be difficult from the scene. The time taken to offload a patient from a conveying ambulance and transfer into the resuscitation room is often not considered within the estimated time of arrival (ETA). The aim of this study was to assess offload times for pre-alerted patients conveyed by a UK Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) by air and road ambulance.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) from August 2022 to February 2023. Consecutive emergency patients who were pre-alerted to hospital and arrived at an ED or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) centre with an escorting air ambulance crew member were included. The offload time (time between hospital arrival and handover of the patient) was measured using a stopwatch.

Results

Data was available for 228 patients arriving at 18 hospitals and 6 helipads. The median offload time by road ambulance was 2 min 34 s. The range of helicopter offload times was from 4 min 20 s to 21 min 37 s, which mainly depended on the location of the helipad.

Conclusion

An additional 2–3 min should be added to the ETA by road ambulance. There is large variation in helicopter offload times depending on the helipad location (secondary/offsite helipad taking longer than a primary rooftop helipad or primary same-level helipads). HEMS services should review their own offload times at local sites to be able to provide a more accurate ETA.