bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
20-Year Outcomes of High Tibial Osteotomy: Determinants of Survival and Functional Outcome
Authors: Constantin Harry , Salmon Lucy J. , Russell Vivianne , Sundaraj Keran , Roe Justin P. , Pinczewski Leo A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a successful joint-preserving procedure for the treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis. Long-term survivorship of HTO ranges from 40% to 85%. There are consistent factors that predict failure.

Purpose:

To determine the 20-year survival of HTO and identify predictors of failure.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 100 consecutive patients with medial bone-on-bone arthritis were prospectively studied to provide long-term patient-reported outcome measures after lateral closing-wedge HTO and determine the time to failure. Failure was defined as conversion to arthroplasty (total knee arthroplasty or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) or revision HTO.

Results:

At 20 years, HTO survival was determined in 95 patients, and 5 were lost to follow-up. The overall survivorship of HTO at 20 years was 44%. The significant factors that were associated with better survivorship were age <55 years, body mass index <30, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score >45. These factors were used to define the favorable candidates. In the favorable candidates, survivorship was 100% at 5 years, after which there was a gradual decline to 62% survival at 20 years. Of those with HTO survival, 32 of 33 (97%) reported satisfaction with surgery, with a mean Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Pain score of 91 and Activities of Daily Living score of 97.

Conclusion:

HTO is a successful surgical option to treat medial compartment osteoarthritis and prevent the need for arthroplasty in young patients. The most suitable candidates for HTO are aged <55 years, are not obese, and have not progressed to severe symptomatic disability.
Analysis and optimization of rivet load distribution in multi-rivet connections of thermoplastic composite rivets
Authors: Yan Yujie , Li Yong , Huan Dajun , Liu Hongquan , Zhu Kang , Hu Zehui , Liu Hao
Published: January 2024

GF/PP thermoplastic composite components predominantly employ metallic fasteners, leading to corrosion and weight issues. This study utilized an extrusion process to fabricate GF/PP thermoplastic composite rivets with properties akin to laminated panel materials. Through the controlled application of heat and pressure to the rivet ends, a novel connection structure was established. The article fabricated thermoplastic composite joints with varying end configurations and compared them with metallic rivet joints. Emphasizing the convex form, diverse multi-rivet links were crafted for single-lap tensile samples. Integrating tensile tests and strain gauge measurements, this research explored load distribution patterns across diverse rivet quantities and assessed the impact of size on distribution. Furthermore, finite element software was used to dissect the load distribution patterns and failure mechanisms in the multi-riveted connection structure. Drawing from experimental findings, convex GF/PP rivets exhibited an 18% higher tensile load than metallic ones, with a simultaneous 32% weight reduction. In multi-rivet connections, end rivets demonstrated higher load-bearing capacity. Enhanced spacing and plate width improved load distribution, elevating joint load capacity by 7% (spacing 25 mm to 55 mm) and 6% (width 30 mm to 55 mm). The simulation results indicate that increasing the spacing reduces the stress concentration at the first nail location.
Toxicity evaluation of silver nanoparticles synthesized from naringin flavonoid on human promyelocytic leukemic cells and human blood cells
Authors: Soni Deepika , Gandhi Deepa
Published: January 2024

Increasing applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in multiple products like cosmetics, medicines, drugs, paints, and other new materials have raised concern for their toxic effects on living beings and the surrounding environment. In the present study, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of AgNPs synthesized using plant flavonoid (Naringin) as a reducing agent were investigated on human promyelocytic leukemic (HL-60) cells and human blood as an in vitro model. The LC50 of AgNPs was found to be 4.85 µM. Dose-dependent increase in cell death and caspase activity was observed in the presence of AgNPs. The comet assay showed a 60%–70% ( p < .05) increase in tail DNA at 0.48 and 0.96 µM AgNPs. CBMN in PBMCs also confirmed the genotoxic potential of AgNPs-induced DNA damage. AgNPs resulted in 1.5–1.54 fold ( p < .05) increase in the level of ROS in HL-60 cells after 12 h of exposure. AgNP showed toxicity in human cells through ROS generation and cellular damage through membrane dysfunction, caspase activation, apoptosis, and DNA damage.
Benefits, facilitators, and barriers of electronic medical records implementation in outpatient settings: A scoping review
Authors: Kavandi Hamidreza , Al Awar Zeina , Jaana Mirou
Published: January 2024

This scoping review examined the breadth and depth of evidence on Electronic Medical Record (EMR) implementation benefits in outpatient settings. Following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, five databases were searched, and 24 studies were retained and reviewed. Benefits, facilitators, and barriers to EMR implementation were extracted. Direct benefits included improved communication/reporting, work efficiency, care process, healthcare outcomes, safety, and patient-centredness of care. Indirect benefits were improved financial performance and increased data accessibility, staff satisfaction, and decision-support usage. Barriers included time and financial constraints; design/technical issues; limited information technology resources, skills, and infrastructure capacity; increased workload and reduced efficiency during implementation; incompatibility of existing systems and local regulations; and resistance from healthcare professionals. Facilitators included training, change management, user-friendliness and alignment with workflow, user experience with EMRs, top management support, and sufficient resources. More rigorous, systematic research is needed, using relevant frameworks to inform healthcare policies and guide EMR projects in outpatient areas.
Identifying leadership practices to support the uptake of reusable elastomeric half mask respirators in health delivery settings
Authors: Haas Emily J. , Furek Alexa , Greenawald Lee A.
Published: January 2024

An increase in reusable Elastomeric Half Mask Respirators (EHMRs) among healthcare personnel has been documented during pandemic emergencies; however, research has not detailed leadership practices to support their use. Forty-three organizations implemented EHMRs received from the United States federal government which prompted interviews with 73 individuals who managed respirator distribution and fit testing between October 2021 and November 2022. Interview data was qualitatively analyzed. Themes around organizational culture and leadership practices emerged when discussing how elastomeric half mask respirators were integrated into health delivery settings including communication and outreach methods to aid worker support. Example included on-line and hands-on training, peer support, leadership support, and a culture that supports respirator use. To support a shift to reusable respiratory protection being procured and implemented, organizational- and individual-level perspectives are needed. Employee engagement, respirator champions, and updated verbal and written communication mechanisms are important takeaways for leaders to consider during any routine or emergency scenario.
Drinking, Diversity, and Discrimination: Campus-Level Factors that Influence Students’ Risk of Experiencing Sexual Assault
Authors: Moylan Carrie A. , Nason Jacob A. , Ma Wenjuan , Javorka McKenzie , Stotzer Rebecca L. , Kennedy Angie C.
Published: January 2024

College students’ individual-level risk factors for sexual assault victimization have been studied for decades, but fewer studies have looked at whether and how campus-level factors, such as campus-level rates of discrimination and campus diversity, might also influence student victimization risk. Identifying these broader factors can inform efforts to develop more effective campus-level sexual assault preventive interventions. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a large, multi-campus health and well-being survey ( N = 309,171 students across 474 US campuses) to explore how campus-level factors shape students’ risk of experiencing sexual assault after accounting for students’ individual-level risk factors. Using mixed-effects logistic regression, we examined the influence of campus-level factors (e.g., campus sexual orientation demographics and gender diversity) on students’ odds of experiencing sexual assault, after accounting for individual risk factors (e.g., sexual and gender minority status). Although some campus characteristics, such as enrollment size, had small significant effects on students’ odds of experiencing sexual assault, we found larger significant effects from aggregated campus-level rates of binge drinking, campus diversity (particularly regarding sexual orientation and gender), and discrimination. These findings suggest that comprehensive campus sexual violence prevention would benefit from strategies that promote safe and inclusive campuses, especially for students with marginalized sexual and gender identities.
Making Visible the Myths About Cyber-Sexual Violence Against Women: An Analysis of Social Reactions Toward Victims on Twitter
Authors: Vizcaíno-Cuenca Rocío , Romero-Sánchez Mónica , Carretero-Dios Hugo
Published: January 2024

Cyber-sexual violence is a prevalent and harmful form of aggression committed against women, yet little attention has been paid to the attitudes about cyber-sexual violence. This research therefore aimed to explore the negative attitudes or myths that serve to justify, minimize, and deny the experiences of cyber-sexual violence disclosed by women on Twitter. Using a thematic analysis, we analyzed 4,048 replies to 18 experiences reported on Twitter around the time of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. After the data were cleaned and coded, the results revealed 18 myths about cyber-sexual violence, grouped into four main themes: (1) minimization/conceptualization, (2) victim blaming, (3) factors related to the diffusion context, and (4) exonerating the perpetrator’s responsibility. This study constitutes the first attempt to analyze the myths surrounding cyber-sexual violence on Twitter, including content areas not yet addressed in the literature, such as contextual factors. Strikingly, most of the analyzed reactions appeared to deny and downplay the importance of sexually aggressive behaviors perpetrated against women online, suggesting that these beliefs could influence the underreporting of cyber-sexual violence. Based on these data, it was concluded that while Twitter can serve as a useful “loudspeaker” for victims, it is also a mechanism by which myths about cyber-sexual violence can be supported and disseminated. Finally, it highlights the importance to consider the influence of online cultural frame on the social perception of cyber-sexual violence and point out the specific beliefs that educators, researches and psychologist could work though psychoeducational programs.
“When Can I Call Home?” Coercive Control, Structural Isolation, and Functional Isolation Among Attendees of Residential Behavioral Modification Programs
Authors: Corsello Rachel M. , Hayes Brittany E.
Published: January 2024

The “Troubled Teen Industry” refers to a network of federally unregulated programs marketed toward the behavior modification of teens through therapeutic intervention and elite education. The true nature and structure of these programs, however, remains relatively unstudied, with the consequences of program attendance largely unknown or based on anecdotal evidence. This study systematically analyzes 77 open-source testimonials of former program attendees for themes of coercive control and isolation. Thematic analyses revealed high rates of coercive control within these narratives. In total, 66 narratives mentioned themes associated with coercive control that were unrelated to isolation. Specifically, respondents experienced frequent psychological abuse, gaslighting, humiliation, and name calling. Additionally, a total of 69 narratives contained themes of coercive control specific to functional or structural isolation. The lack of privacy combined with fear of staff retaliation for disobedience lead to structural and functional isolation among program attendees, preventing program attendees from engaging in help-seeking behaviors. Study results provide critical information as to the functioning of these programs, the experiences of youth involved with these programs, and how youth involved may be affected. Such findings justify the dedication of resources to further research this population and encourages the development of federal policy regarding the functioning of these institutions.
Development and Validation of the Bystander Engagement Scale for Witnessed Intimate Partner Violence: A South Korean Version
Authors: Park Sihyun , Ko Yejung
Published: January 2024

Bystanders play a crucial role in assisting and rescuing victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) or sexual assault, thereby preventing further harm. Consequently, an increasing amount of research has focused on improving bystander interventions in such situations. While many existing scales that measure bystanders’ willingness to intervene and their behaviors are likely tailored to Western settings and primarily focused on preventing sexual assaults, pursuing diversity to make these scales applicable to a variety of contexts is necessary. This study aimed to develop and validate a scale from South Korean samples that measure the likely level of bystander engagement in witnessed IPV situations, named the Bystander Engagement Scale for Witnessed Intimate Partner Violence (BESW-IPV). Preliminary items, developed to describe various IPV situations that a bystander might witness, underwent content validity testing through expert review and cognitive focus group interviews. Afterward, the scale was administered to 311 participants from the target population in South Korea. The scale’s factor structure was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability and validity were rigorously assessed. The final version of the BESW-IPV comprised 28 items. Through EFA, “direct IPV indicators” and “indirect IPV indicators” were identified. Together, these factors accounted for 76.10% of the total variance. CFA affirmed that the final model offers an acceptable fit. The scale’s convergent and discriminant validities were also well established. The Cronbach’s alpha and the McDonald’s omega values were 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. In contrast to many existing tools that measure bystander intervention predominantly within the confines of Western educational settings, we believe that the BESW-IPV can be applied in broader contexts, especially in patriarchal environments. Further research is required to translate and validate this tool in different cultural contexts.
Substance Use and Associated Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Among MSM in Los Angeles, California
Authors: Miller Amanda Pearl , Wang Yan , Shoptaw Steve , Gorbach Pamina M , Javanbakht Marjan
Published: January 2024

This study examined the prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among a cohort of racial/ethnically diverse men who have sex with men (MSM) in Los Angeles. An ongoing longitudinal cohort study of MSM in Los Angeles, constructed by design so half of the participants use substances (SU) and half are persons living with HIV, provided data. Data collection occured between 2014 and 2020. At semiannual study visits, participants completed a computer-assisted self-interview which included questions on substance use (past 6 months) and experiences of IPV (past 12 months). The criterion variable was reported physical and sexual IPV. Multivariable models generalized estimating equations (GEE) estimated associations between reported SU and physical and sexual IPV, adjusting for repeated measurement and confounders. In total, 557 persons (2,962 visits) contributed to the analysis; the median baseline age was 30 years (interquartile range: 28.0–39.0). The prevalence of IPV in the past 12 months was 22.3%, with 18.3% reporting physical and 10.2% reporting sexual IPV across study visits. Stimulant use prevalence was higher among those who reported IPV compared to those who did not (68% vs. 42.1%; p < .001); cannabis use prevalence was lower among those reporting IPV (42.3% vs. 49% respectively; p < .001). Adjusted analysis showed reported stimulant use associated with greater odds of physical IPV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.4, 2.8], p < .001) but not sexual IPV (aOR = 1.3; 95% CI [0.8, 2.0], p = .332). Models stratified by HIV status yielded similar results. Findings showed a high prevalence of past-year IPV experiences among MSM in Los Angeles. Findings highlight links between SU and IPV and underscore a significantly increased likelihood of IPV for MSM in Los Angeles who report current methamphetamine use. This study provides evidence to support universal IPV screening and to make available safety resources at all points where MSM seek healthcare.
Research on thermal characteristics modeling for feed system of CNC machine tool considering thermal parameter correction
Authors: Peng Liang , Chen Zhenlei , Cheng Leilei
Published: January 2024

Feed system is an essential part of machine tools for controlling cutting. The thermal characteristics of the feed system has a significant impact on the machining accuracy for machine tool. To predict the temperature distribution of the feed system accurately, a dynamic thermal analytical approach for feed system is proposed in this paper, which considers the dynamic change process of the bearing and nut heat source affected by thermal deformation. Taking the feed system of machine tool as the research object, the heat source calculation method and stress modeling process considering the influence of thermal deformation is proposed. The thermal-structural coupling analysis of the feed system and the corresponding experimental data are presented. With the comparison of the simulation and test results, it is concluded that the simulation result of the feed system thermal characteristics analysis is in good agreement with the experimental data, and the established model and method can effectively improve the simulation accuracy of the feed system.
Ultra-precision machining process of inner surface considering shear-thickening polishing method
Authors: Guo Luguang , Wang Xu , Lyu Binghai , Lyu Jianbiao , Wang Jinhu , Chen Hongyu , Zhao Wenhong , Yuan Julong
Published: January 2024

Shear-thickening polishing (STP) is a non-traditional flexible ultra-precision processing method that exploits the polishing fluid’s shear-thickening properties to create a shear rate between the workpiece surface and the potential flow. This increases viscosity and achieves material removal. In the past, the shear-thickening polishing method was mostly employed for the outer surface of rotating bodies. Nevertheless, to apply the STP method to ultra-precision processing of the workpiece’s inner surface, this paper proposes an active formed shear-thickening layer polishing method based on a numerical calculation model. Additionally, the main parameters affecting the machining efficiency were identified, orthogonal experiments were performed on the process parameter levels, and optimal machining conditions were derived. The optimized process was adopted to machine the inner surface of the large-size bearing ring, and the surface roughness in terms of Ra was reduced from the original 131.27 to 27.14 nm in 30 min and further to 19.52 nm in 60 min. The validation experiments highlight that the numerical model can predict the experimental results accurately, demonstrating the proposed method’s feasibility for ultra-precision machining on the inner surface with the STP method.
What if some people just do not like science? How personality traits relate to attitudes toward science and technology
Authors: Fuglsang Simon
Published: January 2024

As societal discussion on the public opinion of science and technology ignites over and over again, understanding where such opinions are rooted is increasingly relevant. A handful of prior studies have suggested personality traits as a root of science and technology attitudes. However, these report mixed findings, and employ small student or convenience samples. This leaves considerable uncertainty regarding personality traits’ relation to attitudes toward science and technology. If in fact stable psychological predispositions play a role, this has considerable implications for science policy and science communication. This article investigates the relationship between the big five personality traits and science attitudes in Germany and the Netherlands. Findings indicate that personality traits are related to science attitudes but only very weakly so, among them openness to experience and negative emotionality are most notably related to science attitudes, whereas extraversion, in contrast to prior studies, shows no relation to science and technology attitudes.
Zaozao Xu’s case: Chinese women’s appeal for the right to freeze their eggs
Authors: Li Yuxin , Zhang Jingchen
Published: January 2024

China’s regulatory framework on assisted reproductive technologies (henceforth ARTs) has remained unchanged and unchallenged for over two decades, prohibiting unmarried women from accessing any form of ARTs. Section 1 Article 4(1) of the Ethical Principles for Human Reproductive Technologies and Human Sperm Banks explicitly stipulates that ‘couples who do not comply with national population and family planning laws and regulations and single women’ are prohibited from accessing ARTs. However, unmarried men are allowed to freeze sperm regardless of their marital status, constituting direct discrimination against women. Furthermore, significant legislative conflicts exist between local regulations and departmental rules in this area, hindering the consistent application of ART norms in China and substantially limiting the reproductive rights of Chinese women. Zaozao Xu’s case is the first case in China directly challenging the current prohibitive regulations on egg freezing and may signify a crucial turning point in China’s reform of ARTs legislation. This commentary provides an overview of the case and examines various issues associated with the existing regulatory framework, including the vagueness of the legislation and regulation, legislative conflicts in the current framework, deeply rooted discrimination against women, and the regulator’s problematic conception of ARTs. This commentary emphasises the urgent need for China to re-evaluate and reform its ARTs regulatory framework to allow unmarried women to access ARTs, or at least egg-freezing services as the first step.
Providing compassionate care via eHealth
Authors: Su Jing Jing , Bayuo Jonathan , Lin Rose SY , Batalik Ladislav , Chen Xi , Abu-Odah Hammoda , Chan Engle Angela
Published: January 2024

Background

eHealth was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much attention was given to the technical aspects of eHealth, such as infrastructure and cost, while the soft skill of compassion remained underexplored. The wide belief in compassionate care is more compatible with in-person interactions but difficult to deliver via e-platforms where personal and environmental clues were lacking urges studying this topic.

Purpose

to explore the experience of delivering compassionate care via an eHealth platform among healthcare professionals working to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A qualitative study design with an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used. Twenty healthcare professionals (fifteen nurses and five physicians) who provided care using technology platforms, such as telephone hotlines, mobile apps, and social media, were interviewed individually.

Ethical considerations

Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board.

Results

Participants stated that “eHealth enabled compassionate care during the pandemic” by ensuring patient care availability and accessibility. They shared experiences of “communicating compassionate care via eHealth” with suggestions of addressing patients’ needs with empathy, adopting a structured protocol to guide eHealth communication, and using more advanced visual-media methods to promote human-to-human interaction. They recommended “setting realistic mutual expectations” considering the limitations of eHealth in handling complex health situations and staffing shortages. Participants considered “low eHealth literacy hinders compassion.” Additionally, they recommended the need for “institutional/system-level support to foster compassionate care.”

Conclusion

Participants recognized the importance of integrating compassion into eHealth services. Promotion of compassionate care requires standardization of eHealth services with institutional and system-level support. This also includes preparing adequate staffing who can communicate compassionate care via eHealth, set realistic expectation, and adjust communication to eHealth literacy level while meeting the needs of their patients.
“My Scar”: Posttraumatic Loneliness as a Source of Pain and Resource for Coping
Authors: Shorer Shai , Weinberg Michael , Koko Yael , Marom Doron
Published: January 2024

Contemporary understanding of combat trauma’s psychological effects emphasizes the interpersonal ways survivors process their experiences. Yet cases of incongruence between survivors who want to share their traumatic experience and close others who are not ready to take part in this challenging task are common. Hence, many trauma survivors are compelled to cope with the posttraumatic consequences mostly alone. The present study followed the interpretive phenomenological approach to examine the experience of loneliness, as described by 15 male combat veterans dealing with posttraumatic stress. Participants completed semistructured qualitative interviews in which they shared their knowledge regarding postservice distress, loneliness, coping, and growth. Two main themes emerged: “The Loneliness Complex,” highlighting this phenomenon’s multifaceted, layered, and cyclical nature; and “Emotional Growth after Loneliness,” presenting the positive potential of loneliness. These findings emphasize the importance of interpersonal relations in trauma survivors’ recovery process. Participants described how experiences with peers can serve as a pivotal point for coping with postservice distress and how internalization of positive interpersonal interactions seems to be a crucial psychological resource for further rehabilitation and growth. Being a multilayered and cyclical condition, loneliness might serve trauma survivors in their search of safety, while also bearing the potential to motivate them to act upon their condition and promote emotional growth. Clinicians should acknowledge the risks trauma survivors take by leaving their lonely yet safe place, as they are encouraged to process their traumatic experiences and share their inner world with others.
Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes Towards Medical Assistance in Dying for Mental Illness
Authors: Claxton-Oldfield Stephen , Mackley Emma
Published: January 2024

Seventy-one undergraduate students took part in a study examining their attitudes toward medical assistance in dying (MAiD) for mental illness. More than half (52%) of the students did not know that a change to Canada’s MAiD law will allow people with a mental illness as their sole underlying condition to request a medically assisted death next spring (ie, March, 2024). Less than a one-third (28%) of the students agreed/strongly agreed with the statement that MAiD should be offered to people receiving treatment for mental illness (42% disagreed/strongly disagreed), and even less (14%) agreed/strongly agreed with the statement that people waiting for treatment for mental illness should be able to access MAiD (71% disagreed/strongly disagreed). In explaining their answers to the second statement, over two-thirds (68%) of the students believed that people who are waiting to be treated for mental illness should receive treatment first, before considering MAiD. In other words, undergoing treatment for mental illness that might work was seen as a better option than dying.
Compassionate Presence in Seriously Ill Cancer Patients
Authors: Renz M. , Gloggner C. , Bueche D. , Renz U.
Published: January 2024

Background: Compassion is a relational response to patients’ suffering. Palliative care focuses not only on skills but also on compassion. Nevertheless, incorporated patient perspectives are largely missing from existing research. Aim: Our mixed-method exploratory study in a major Swiss cancer center sought to better understand compassionate presence, its benefits and challenges for patients and providers (ie, close relatives, close friends, and professionals—all referred to here as providers). It also investigated providers’ motivation. Method: Twelve multidisciplinary, specially trained professionals interviewed 50 patients who had received compassionate presence. All patients had advanced cancer with risk of death. Providers were also interviewed. Data on the positive and burdensome effects of compassionate presence on patients and providers were gathered using a specific protocol. This also served to record patients’ characteristics and providers’ motivations to give compassion and whether providers felt sustained (eg, by nature). Results: The study suggests a high impact of compassionate presence with benefits on patients (50/50) and on providers (49/50). Enhanced connectedness was evident not only in the patient-provider relationship (38/50) but also, for instance, in an increased ability to love (8/50) or in an intensified solidarity (29/50). A considerable number of patients and providers experienced mental-spiritual change but also burdensome effects (eg, ambivalences). Providers showed a range of motivations. Conclusion: Compassion is not only necessary in existential crises and near death, but also happens and takes considerable effects precisely in such situations.
Clinical Experiences of Perinatal Palliative Care After a Stillbirth: A Narrative Therapy for Grief
Authors: Liu Yanhua , Yang Xiaolin , Zhu Xiaoxiong , Tian Xiaoling , Yang Zhifen
Published: January 2024

Narrative care for families suffering from perinatal loss is rarely provided by medical institutions in China Mainland. However, with the advancement of the Chinese narrative medicine theory and practice, the clinical significance of narrative care has been increasingly recognized. Based on the principles of Chinese narrative medicine, this narrative case study described traumatic narrative foreclosures occuring in a family suffering from stillbirth, and highlighted the multidisciplinary collaboration for practising narrative care in the process of supporting the bereaved in our hospital. Meanwhile, we advocate the establishment of a narrative care ecology by training more obsteticians and nurses with good narrative competence in purpose of helping the family experiencing perinatal losses to overcome their tramatic narrative foreclosures, increasing the chances of another successful pregnancy and childbirth as well as enhancing their quality of life.
Explaining Polarized Trust in Scientists: A Political Stereotype-Approach
Authors: Altenmüller Marlene S. , Wingen Tobias , Schulte Anna
Published: January 2024

Trust in science is polarized along political lines—but why? We show across a series of highly controlled studies (total N = 2,859) and a large-scale Twitter analysis ( N = 3,977,868) that people across the political spectrum hold stereotypes about scientists’ political orientation (e.g., “scientists are liberal”) and that these stereotypes decisively affect the link between their own political orientation and their trust in scientists. Critically, this effect shaped participants’ perceptions of the value of science, protective behavior intentions during a pandemic, policy support, and information-seeking behavior. Therefore, these insights have important implications for effective science communication.
A quasi-static model of a thermoelastic body reinforced by a thin thermoelastic inclusion
Authors: Fankina Irina V , Furtsev Alexey I , Rudoy Evgeny M , Sazhenkov Sergey A
Published: January 2024

The problem of description of quasi-static behavior is studied for a planar thermoelastic body incorporating an inhomogeneity, which geometrically is a strip with a small cross-section. This problem contains a small positive parameter [Formula: see text] describing the thickness of the inhomogeneity, i.e., the size of the cross-section. Relying on the variational formulation of the problem, we investigate the behavior of solutions as [Formula: see text] tends to zero. As the result, by the version of the method of formal asymptotic expansions, we derive a closed limit model in which the inhomogeneity is thin (of zero width). After this, using the Galerkin method and the classical techniques of derivation of energy estimates, we prove existence, uniqueness, and stability of a weak solution to this model.
Drivers and Barriers to Tolerable and Effective Treatment for ADHD: The Importance of Treatment Perseverance and Duration of Effect
Authors: Way Nate , Mikl Jaromir , Cataldo Marc , Erensen Jennifer G. , Martin Ashley , Li Vicky , Pliszka Steven R.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To examine treatment outcomes for classes of ADHD drugs in conjunction with physicians’ prescribing rationales and the utility of treatment perseverance in treatment effectiveness.

Methods:

A retrospective non-interventional study using physician-provided chart data for treated adolescent and adult ADHD patients in the United States (April–June 2019). Multivariable analyses compared the effectiveness and tolerability of drug classes.

Results:

Among the 1,232 ADHD patients included in this study, 37.7% experienced one, 11.8% two, and 6.7% three treatment changes post their first prescribed regimen. These changes were mostly attributed to lack of rapid onset and duration of effect. Achieving best response correlated with the number of previous treatments for adolescents, but not adults. Maintaining full response correlated with the length of current treatment for adolescents and adults.

Conclusion:

Physicians’ prescribing rationales targeted duration of effect and tolerability. ER monotherapy demonstrated potential advantages over other regimens. Treatment perseverance is integral to effective ADHD management.
Buprenorphine, Norbuprenorphine, and Naloxone Levels in Adulterated Urine Samples: Can They be Detected When Buprenorphine/Naloxone Film is Dipped into Urine or Water?
Authors: Furo Hiroko , Whitted Marisa , Lin Tony , Zhou Yi Y , Abdelsayed Sarah , Brimhall Bradley B , Elkin Peter L
Published: January 2024

Reportedly, various urine manipulations can be performed by opioid use disorder (OUD) patients who are on buprenorphine/naloxone medications to disguise their non-compliance to the treatment. One type of manipulation is known as “spiking” adulteration, directly dipping a buprenorphine/naloxone film into urine. Identifying this type of urine manipulation has been the aim of many previous studies. These studies have revealed urine adulterations through inappropriately high levels of “buprenorphine” and “naloxone” and a very small amount of “norbuprenorphine.” So, does the small amount of “norbuprenorphine” in the adulterated urine samples result from dipped buprenorphine/naloxone film, or is it a residual metabolite of buprenorphine in the patient’s system? This pilot study utilized 12 urine samples from 12 participants, as well as water samples as a control. The samples were subdivided by the dipping area and time, as well as the temperature and concentration of urine samples, and each sublingual generic buprenorphine/naloxone film was dipped directly into the samples. Then, the levels of “buprenorphine,” “norbuprenorphine,” “naloxone,” “buprenorphine-glucuronide” and “norbuprenorphine-glucuronide” were examined by Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results of this study showed that high levels of “buprenorphine” and “naloxone” and a small amount of “norbuprenorphine” were detected in both urine and water samples when the buprenorphine/naloxone film was dipped directly into these samples. However, no “buprenorphine-glucuronide” or “norbuprenorphine-glucuronide” were detected in any of the samples. In addition, the area and timing of dipping altered “buprenorphine” and “naloxone” levels, but concentration and temperature did not. This study’s findings could help providers interpret their patients’ urine drug test results more accurately, which then allows them to monitor patient compliance and help them identify manipulation by examining patient urine test results.
Parameter Influence, Characterization and Adsorption Mechanism Studies of Alkaline-Hydrolyzed Garcinia kola Hull Particles for Cr(VI) Sequestration
Authors: Popoola Lekan Taofeek
Published: January 2024

Despite the regulations by The World Health Organization (WHO) on the permissible limit of chromium, many industries still discharge wastewater polluted with chromium into the environment irrationally. This poses a lot of risk to aquatic lives and humans because of its carcinogenic and toxic attributes. Thus, treatment of industrial wastewater polluted with chromium is highly imperative before its disposal. Nonetheless, the hulls generated from Garcinia kola in our various farmlands also causes environmental pollution when dumped unknowingly. In this present study, Garcinia kola hull particles (GK-HP) was hydrolyzed using NaOH and applied as adsorbent for Cr(VI) sequestration. The raw Garcinia kola hull particles (rGK-HP) and modified Garcinia kola hull particles (cMGK-HP) were characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier-Transform-Infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and point of zero charge (pHpzc). The influence of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature and adsorbate initial concentration on Cr(VI) sequestration were examined. The cMGK-HP was able to remove 96.25% of Cr(VI) from solution and proved to be effective than rGK-HP. The amount of Cr(VI) removed from solution decreased as the pH and adsorbate initial concentration were increased. However, the amount increased as the adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature were increased. Change in morphological structure, textural property, spectral peak, phase composition and adsorbents chemical composition before and after Cr(VI) sequestration from solution were proved by SEM, BET, FTIR, XRD, and EDS analyses respectively. The isotherm and kinetic studies suggest Cr(VI) adsorption on adsorbents’ surface to be monolayer in nature and adsorption data to be well-fitted into pseudo second order model respectively. The cMGK-HP possessed excellent reusability attribute and high thermal stability as shown by TGA. In conclusion, cMGK-HP could effectively be used as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) sequestration from solution.
Exosomes in Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Maqsood Quratulain , Sumrin Aleena , Saleem Yasar , Wajid Abdul , Mahnoor Muhammada
Published: January 2024

Small extracellular vesicles called exosomes are produced by cells and contain a range of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Exosomes have been implicated in the development and spread of cancer, and recent studies have shown that their contents may be exploited as biomarkers for early detection and ongoing surveillance of the disease. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge on exosomes as biomarkers of cancer. We discuss the various methods used for exosome isolation and characterization, as well as the different types of biomolecules found within exosomes that are relevant for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We also highlight recent studies that have demonstrated the utility of exosomal biomarkers in different types of cancer, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Overall, exosomes show great promise as noninvasive biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring. Exosomes have the ability to transform cancer diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms, providing promise for more efficient and individualized. This review seeks to serve as an inspiration for new ideas and research in the never-ending fight against cancer. Moreover, further studies are needed to validate their clinical utility and establish standardized protocols for their isolation and analysis. With continued research and development, exosomal biomarkers have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A Review of the Dermatologic Clinical Applications of Topical Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Luo Owen Dan , Bose Reetesh , Bawazir Mohammed A. , Thuraisingam Thusanth , Ghazawi Feras M.
Published: January 2024

Topical photodynamic therapy is a widely approved therapy for actinic keratoses and low-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers with a rapidly growing range of emerging indications for other cutaneous diseases. This review summarizes the best-available evidence to provide a clinical update for dermatologists on the approved and emerging indications of photodynamic therapy. The body of evidence suggests that photodynamic therapy is superior or noninferior to other available treatment modalities for actinic keratoses, low-risk basal cell carcinomas, Bowen’s disease, skin field cancerization, chemoprevention of keratinocyte carcinomas in organ transplant recipients, photoaging, acne vulgaris, and cutaneous infections including verrucae, onychomycosis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. There is emerging evidence that photodynamic therapy plays a role in the management of actinic cheilitis, early-stage mycosis fungoides, extramammary Paget disease, lichen sclerosis, and folliculitis decalvans but there are no comparative studies with other active treatment modalities. Common barriers to topical photodynamic therapy include procedural pain, costs, and the time required for treatment delivery. There is significant heterogeneity in the photodynamic therapy protocols reported in the literature, including different photosensitizers, light sources, number of treatments, time between treatments, and use of procedural analgesia. Topical photodynamic therapy should be considered in the management of a spectrum of inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious dermatoses. However, more comparative research is required to determine its role in the treatment algorithm for these dermatologic conditions and more methodological research is required to optimize photodynamic therapy protocols to improve the tolerability of the procedure for patients.
Recent trends in disease-modifying therapy use and associated sickness absence and disability pension among people with multiple sclerosis in Sweden
Authors: Teni Fitsum Sebsibe , Machado Alejandra , Fink Katharina , Gyllensten Hanna , Hillert Jan , Friberg Emilie
Published: January 2024

Background:

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have led to improved health and work productivity among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Objectives:

To describe trajectories of recent DMT use and their association with sickness absence and/or disability pension (SADP) among PwMS in Sweden.

Methods:

A longitudinal register–based study was conducted among 1395 PwMS with treatment start in 2014/2015. While DMT use over 5 years was assessed using sequence analysis resulting in four clusters, a 7-year (Y−2 toY4) trend of SADP was analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression.

Results:

Four clusters of DMT use trajectories were identified: long-term non-high-efficacy (483, 34.6%), long-term high-efficacy (572, 41%), escalation (221, 15.8%), and discontinuation (119, 8.5%). Progressive MS and higher expanded disability status scale scores were associated with the escalation, long-term high-efficacy, or discontinuation clusters. PwMS in the long-term high-efficacy and escalation clusters had higher likelihood of being on SADP. However, PwMS initiating high-efficacy DMTs demonstrated steeper decline in SADP than others.

Conclusion:

Using sequence analysis, this study showed recent DMT use trajectories among PwMS where initiation of high-efficacy DMTs has become more common. The trend of SADP was stable and lower in those using non-high-efficacy DMTs and larger improvements were shown in those initiating high-efficacy DMTs.
Red vs blue hubris: Clarifying the relationship between partisanship and (anti)intellectualism
Authors: Hohe Edward
Published: January 2024

Recent research advancing our understanding of partisan cognitive differences finds symmetrical partisan routes to epistemic hubris: intellectual identity and anti-intellectual affect. These researchers conclude that epistemic hubris is largely due to intellectual identity among Democrats and anti-intellectual affect among Republicans. I investigate whether these relationships are purely due to a greater prevalence of intellectual identity among Democrats and anti-intellectual affect among Republicans or if these constructs are particularly potent in producing epistemic hubris among those who identify with their associated parties. I present observational evidence that partisanship conditions the influence of anti-intellectual affect on epistemic hubris but do not find that partisanship conditions the influence of intellectual identity. Based on these findings, we can expect Red America’s increasing anti-intellectualism to contribute to increasing epistemic hubris. More broadly, I provide empirical support for understanding intellectual identity and anti-intellectualism as distinct concepts based on their differing relationships with other fundamental political concepts.
Reverse-Engineering Touch: Sense-Making and Making Sense with Prosthetic Neurostimulation
Authors: Middleton Alexandra
Published: January 2024

At the frontier of research in neuroprosthetic limb technology, experimenters are developing systems for sensory feedback (prosthetic touch). Drawing upon two years of ethnographic fieldwork chronicling neuroprosthetic clinical trials, I interpret neurostimulation experiments as a reverse-engineering: in which efforts to engineer sensory feedback recursively inform basic scientific understanding about touch itself. In this article, I analyse reverse-engineering as technoscientific practice, phenomenological experience, and mode of knowledge-making, in which gaps between natural and artificial (or ‘electric’) touch get sustained and undone. In tracing the ways touch becomes constructed, abstracted, and experienced – including through phantom sensations and syn-aesthetic description – I examine how multiple coinciding versions of touch get produced at the level of the nervous system. I analyse the consequences of this multiplicity on theorizations of human and nonhuman touch, haptic experience, and touching subjects, sustaining epistemological and ontological openness amid efforts to pinpoint touch as a site of knowledge-making.