bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing the Traditional: Counterrevolution and Gender in Mexican Ethnobotanical Research Through the 1970s and 1980s
Authors: Sclavo Daniela
Published: August 2023

The concept of traditional knowledge has been widely used in ethnobotanical studies from the 1970s onward. The aftermath of world-scale Green Revolution projects led to the realization that disparities were not bridged between small- and large-scale agricultural producers and between developed and developing countries. It is within this context that from the 1970s, Mexican ethnobotanical researchers began to integrate ecological, social, and political perspectives to promote alternative modalities of agricultural production. Here, ethnobotanists pushed for the revalorization of traditional agricultural knowledge as the main avenue for a more just and responsible agricultural system. However, in implementing this ideological counterrevolution, ethnobotanists constructed their own signification of the traditional, which shaped how it would be accounted for in the following decades. This paper explores the ways in which early ethnobotanical research in Mexico through the 1970s and 1980s imagined, celebrated, and constructed traditional techniques in agriculture as a counter-response to modern agriculture, and with this, how women were framed as secondary actors in a male-dominated narrative. The argument then proposes that these early works were hierarchical and gendered, which complicates celebratory accounts of the countermovement in Mexican ethnobotany and other fields of knowledge. Therefore, this analysis reflects on how the traditional within ethnobotanical research has been constructed under specific contexts, on how this directly shaped gender constructions, and on the latter's implications to the present day.
Is radiological rotation measurement affected by the fracture pattern in pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures?
Authors: Şahbat Yavuz , Baysal Özgür , Ağırdil Yücel , Polat Murat , Büyüktopçu Ömer , Shammadli Ziya , Erol Bülent , Akgülle Ahmet Hamdi
Published: August 2023

Background

In supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF), the most frequently used method to calculate rotation is the Gordon lateral rotation percentage (GLRP) defined by Gordon et al. However, this technique includes only typical fractures (49%–80% of all fractures) from the Johns Hopkins (J-H) fracture classification system.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate (1) is Gordon criteria useful for John Hopkins subgroups of supracondylar fractures and (2) is Gordon criteria affected by internal and external rotation.

Material and Methods

This study was designed using four pediatric left humerus bones obtained from the Sawbone© company. For each bone, an osteotomy was made to mimic each of the J-H coronal fracture patterns. The cut bones were placed in a wooden rotation apparatus. The GLRP measurements were taken by five blinded observers.

Results

In the repeated measurements of the observers, <20° rotation typical and <30° medial oblique and lateral oblique fracture pattern were measured as within the limits of an acceptable amount of rotation according to the Gordon criteria. However, for high fracture pattern (HFP), ≤30° internal rotation and <60° external rotation were determined to be within the acceptable rotation criteria according to the Gordon criteria.

Conclusions

All fracture patterns have different characteristics; however, based on the data of this study, the Gordon criteria can be used safely for typical, medial oblique, and lateral oblique fracture patterns but it is necessary to lower the acceptable rate of 50% for HFP.
Cross-sectional imaging review of common to uncommon lung cancer mimickers in a tertiary care oncology center
Authors: Patnam Nandakumar , Trivedi Kamaxi , Janu Amit , Kaushal Rajiv Kumar , Kulkarni Suyash , Ankathi Suman Kumar
Published: August 2023

Lung cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide. Many non-malignant pulmonary lesions, such as tuberculosis, fungal infection, organizing pneumonia, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and IgG4 disease, can mimic lung cancer due to their overlapping morphological appearance on imaging. These benign entities with minor differentiating imaging clues may go unnoticed in a high-volume cancer institution, leading to over-investigation that may result in repeated biopsies, pointless wedge resections, and related morbidities. However, with a thorough medical history, laboratory diagnostic work-up, and careful analysis of imaging findings, one can occasionally restrict the range of possible diagnoses or arrive at a definitive conclusion. When imaging features overlap, image-guided lung sampling is crucial since histopathological analysis is the gold standard.
Histomorphological Investigation of Microfracture Location in a Rabbit Osteochondral Defect Model
Authors: Kilic Ali Ihsan , Hapa Onur , Ozmanevra Ramadan , Pak Theresa , Akokay Pınar , Ergur Bekir Ugur , Kosay Mustafa Can
Published: August 2023

Background:

Microfracture is the most common treatment for cartilage defects of the knee. In microfracture surgery, holes are randomly drilled into the subchondral bone. The effect of the hole's location on its interaction with the cartilage defect site and its influence on the healing process is currently uncertain.

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of different microfracture locations on healing in a rabbit knee osteochondral defect model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 29 adult New Zealand White rabbits were divided into 5 groups. In the healthy cartilage control group (n = 5), no surgical procedure was performed. Cylindrical full-thickness cartilage defects (5 × 3 mm) were created in the patellar groove of the remaining 24 rabbits. In the defect control group (n = 6), only the defect was created. A microfracture was performed at the 12-o’clock position (group peripheral single; n = 6), centrally (group central; n = 6), and at the 12- and 6-o’clock positions (group peripheral double; n = 6) of the defect. The animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks. Cartilage healing was evaluated by International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) score, modified O’Driscoll score, immunohistochemical analysis (type 1 collagen, type 2 collagen, and aggrecan), and scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Results:

In group peripheral double, better cartilage healing was observed in all parameters compared with the other groups ( P < .05). Group peripheral double had the greatest amount of filling, with 79% of the defect area filled with fibrocartilage repair tissue. Group peripheral single demonstrated filling of 73% of the defect area, group central 56%, and the defect control group 45%. The ICRS score was significantly higher in group peripheral single compared with group central and the defect control group. Type 2 collagen and aggrecan immunoreactivity were significantly stronger in group central than group peripheral single and the defect control group ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Microfracture performed at the peripheral margin of the defect had better filling characteristics in a rabbit model. This study suggests that interaction of pluripotent cells released from the microfracture site with the intact cartilage may enhance the quality of the repair tissue.

Clinical Relevance:

The location of microfracture holes in relation to the peripheral border of the osteochondral defect (to the intact cartilage) is important in both the quality and the quantity of the newly formed repair tissue.
Primary Stability and Bone Contact Loading Evaluation of Suture and Screw based Coracoid Graft Fixation for Anterior Glenoid Bone Loss
Authors: Ritter Daniel , Hachem Abdul-Ilah , Scheibel Markus , Raiss Patric , Denard Patrick J. , Campagnoli Alexander , Wijdicks Coen A. , Bachmaier Samuel
Published: August 2023

Background:

Reconstruction techniques for anterior glenoid bone loss have seen a trend from screws to suture-based fixations. However, comparative biomechanical data, including primary fixation and glenoid-graft contact pressure mapping, are limited.

Hypothesis:

Suture-based bone block cerclage (BBC) and suspensory suture button (SB) techniques provide similar primary fixation and cyclic stability to double-screw fixation but with higher contact loading at the bony interface.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

In total, 60 cadaveric scapulae were prepared to simulate anterior glenoid bone loss with coracoid autograft reconstruction. Graft fixation was performed with 3 different techniques: (1) an interconnected all-suture BBC, (2) 2 SB suspensions, and (3) 2 screws. Initial compression was analyzed during primary fixation. Cyclic peak loading with 50 N and 100 N over 250 cycles at 1 Hz was performed with a constant valley load of 25 N. Optical recording and pressure foils allowed for spatial bone block tracking and contact pressure mapping at the glenoid-graft interface. Load-to-failure testing was performed at a rate of 1.5 mm/s with ultimate load and stiffness measured.

Results:

Initial graft compression was higher with screw fixation (141 ± 5 N) compared with suture-based fixations ( P < .001), with BBC fixation providing significantly higher compression than SB fixation (116 ± 7 N vs. 91 ± 5 N; P < .001). Spatial bone block migration and ultimate failure load were similar between the BBC and screw groups. The SB group showed significantly increased bone block translation (3.1 ± 1.0 mm; P≤ .014) and rotation (2.5°± 1.4°; P≤ .025) and significantly lower ultimate failure load (180 ± 53 N) compared with the BBC ( P = .046) and screw ( P = .002) groups. Both suture-based fixations provided significantly increased graft-glenoid contact loading with higher pressure amplitudes ( P≤ .032) and contact pressure after cyclic loading (+13%; SB: P = .007; BBC: P = .004) compared with screw fixation.

Conclusion:

Both SB and interconnected cerclage fixation improved dynamic contact loading compared with screw fixation in a biomechanical glenoid bone loss model. Cerclage fixation was biomechanically comparable with screw fixation but with a greater variability. SB fixation showed significantly lower primary fixation strength and greater bone block rotation and migration.

Clinical Relevance:

Suture-based bone block fixations improved graft-glenoid contact loading, but the overall clinical consequence on healing remains unclear.
Teaching and Learning Computational Thinking Through Game-Based Learning: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Cheng Mengmeng , Li Xinfeng
Published: August 2023

Computational thinking (CT) is considered a fundamental skill that everyone in the 21st century should have. Game-based learning (GBL) may be used to teach CT, and it’s necessary to clarify how to design and implement game-based CT teaching. The literature was systematically searched for empirical studies published between 2011 and 2021. Thirty-nine studies were included in the review and findings suggested that GBL has positive effects on CT, but has non-significant effects on some CT elements (e.g., conditions, triggers, and abstraction) because of limited time to learn these elements and students’ preferences for using CT elements. Game elements, particularly clear goals and rules, progressive challenges, immediate feedback, storyline, avatar, social interaction and various reward mechanisms were used to motivate students to engage in activities to develop CT. Furthermore, single or multiple theoretical foundations, such as constructivist learning theory and experiential learning theory, may guide the design and implementation of game-based activities. Problem-solving, project-based approaches were used to encourage students to use CT to solve problems or complete a project. Finally, guidelines for designing and implementing game-based learning activities for promoting CT were discussed.
The Enhancing and Buffering Role of Ethnic Socialization on the Links Between Discrimination and Prosocial Behaviors Among U.S. Latinx Young Adults
Authors: Davis Alexandra N. , Carlo Gustavo , McGinley Meredith , Schwartz Seth J.
Published: August 2023

The goal of the current study was to examine ethnic socialization as a moderator in the links between discrimination and two forms of prosocial behaviors (i.e., actions intended to benefit others) in order to better understand the role of socialization in protecting young adults from discrimination experiences. Participants were 1,527 Latinx college students ( M age = 20.35 years, SD = 3.88; 75.2% women) who completed measures of their perceptions of discrimination, family ethnic socialization experiences, and their tendencies to engage in selflessly (altruistic) versus selfishly (public) motivated prosocial behaviors. The results demonstrated that discrimination was positively associated with altruistic prosocial behaviors but was not associated with public prosocial behaviors. Ethnic socialization was positively associated with public prosocial behaviors and negatively associated with altruistic prosocial behaviors. Additionally, ethnic socialization moderated the link between discrimination and both altruistic and public prosocial behaviors. The results highlight the important role of discrimination in young adults’ prosocial behaviors, while also demonstrating ethnic socialization as a protective factor.
Evaluation of peritoneal dialysis prescriptions in uremic rats
Authors: Nuñez-Durán Esther , Westlund Jessica , Najar Deman , Ebefors Kerstin
Published: August 2023

Background:

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) require dialysis or transplantation for their survival. There are few experimental animal models mimicking the human situation in which the animals are dependent on dialysis for their survival. We developed a peritoneal dialysis (PD) system for rats to enable long-term treatment under controlled conditions.

Method:

Rats were chemically nephrectomised using orellanine to render them uremic. Two studies were performed, the first with highly uremic rats on PD for 5 days, and the other with moderately uremic rats on PD for 21 days. Blood and dialysate samples were collected repeatedly from the first study and solute concentrations analysed. Based on these values, dialysis parameters were calculated together with generation rates allowing for kinetic modelling of the effects of PD. In the second study, the general conditions of the rats were evaluated during a longer dialysis period.

Results:

For rats with estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 5–10% of normal (moderately uremic rats), five daily PD cycles kept the rats in good condition for 3 weeks. For highly uremic rats (GFR below 3% of normal), more extensive dialysis is needed to maintain homeostasis and our simulations show that a six daily and four nightly PD cycles should be needed to keep the rats in good condition.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the PD system described in this study can be used for long-term studies of PD on uremic dialysis-dependent rats mimicking the human setting. To maintain whole body homeostasis of highly uremic rats, intense PD is needed during both day and night.
Evaluation of a Telehealth-Based Pharmacist Led Chronic Care Management Program
Authors: Dohrn Ashley , Hoskins Rachel , Collier Lauren , Kennelty Korey
Published: August 2023

Background: Clinical pharmacy services improve several patient chronic disease outcomes. This review evaluates a pharmacist-led chronic care management (CCM) program partnered with a health system for patient outcomes and sustainability. Methods: A mixed methods evaluation based on the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was completed. Patient A1c and blood pressure readings were retrospectively collected from the electronic health record from August 2018-April 2022. Patients that completed >4 CCM visits with a diagnosis of diabetes and/or hypertension were included. Results: 557 patients enrolled, 53 had uncontrolled systolic blood pressure (SBP), SBP >130 mmHg. Average SBP at baseline was 141.0 mmHg and average SBP at 6 months was 130.2 mmHg, ( P < .001). 76 patients had uncontrolled diabetes, A1c > 7%. Average A1c at baseline = 9.1% and average A1c at 6 months = 8.3%, ( P < .001). 4464 CCM visits with 247 disease-state targeted patients were completed over 44-month with a 100% adoption rate across clinic locations. Implementation facilitators included patient medication cost concerns, disease burden, provider revenue generation, CCM dedicated software, streamlined call process, and remote EMR access. Implementation barriers included provider discomfort “selling the program,” potential patient costs, unclear need from patient, pharmacists not considered providers, pharmacist cost, multi-platform software, reprioritized stakeholder support, and lack of partner site diversification. Program maintenance showed revenue generation was $5925.31-$8879.89 from August 2021-May 2022 and profitability was $3385.61-$1614.23. Conclusion: This study provides lessons learned, strategies for implementation, and ideas for process efficiencies leading to maintenance of a telehealth pharmacist-led CCM service.
Development and evolution mechanism of streamwise vortex in an inward-turning inlet
Authors: Wang Ziao , Xin Xuanan , Chen Ruoyu , Huang Renzhe , Kong Chen , Chang Juntao
Published: August 2023

The three-dimensional flows in an inward-turning inlet were numerically investigated at different incoming flow conditions. When the incoming flow conditions change, the shock angle and the shock interaction form of the external compression wave change, and the development of the near-wall low-energy fluid and the streamwise vortex is also affected. The impingement of the shock wave leads to a sharp increase in the vorticity of the low kinetic energy fluid. Under the pressure gradient caused by the shock wave, the high-vorticity fluid migrates from the cowl to the ramp and entrains the mainstream fluid to form a streamwise vortex, for which the velocity gradient ( ∂v/ ∂y + ∂w/ ∂z) along the vortex axis can accurately determine the rotation direction and the Hopf bifurcation position. By considering high Reynolds number flows, the pressure gradient along the vortex axis is developed to estimate the simplified dilation term (velocity gradient) due to its ease of measurement. However, the pressure gradient ( ∂p/ ∂x) along the vortex axis can lead to bias when evaluating the cross-flow state of the streamwise vortex, with the shock wave structure and high-vorticity fluid leading to under- and overestimation, respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis for an accurate determination of the flow state of a streamwise vortex in an inward-turning inlet and thus lays the foundation for effective vortex control.
Early and Dose-Dependent Xenogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Improved Outcomes in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Rodent Through Ameliorating Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Immune Reaction
Authors: Lin Kun-Chen , Fang Wen-Feng , Sung Pei-Hsun , Huang Kuo-Tung , Chiang John Y. , Chen Yi-Ling , Huang Chi-Ruei , Li Yi-Chen , Lee Mel S. , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: August 2023

This study tested whether human umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCDMSCs) treatment effectively protected the rat lung against acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) injury, and benefits of early and dose-dependent treatment. Rat pulmonary epithelial cell line L2 (PECL2) were categorized into G1 (PECL2), G2 (PECL2 + healthy rat lung-derived extraction/50 mg/ml co-cultured for 24 h), G3 (PECL2 + ARDS rat lung-derived extraction/50 mg/ml co-cultured for 24 h), and G4 (condition as G3 + HUCDMSCs/1 × 105/co-cultured for 24 h). The result showed that the protein expressions of inflammatory (HMGB-1/TLR-2/TLR-4/MAL/TRAM/MyD88/TRIF/TRAF6/IkB/NF-κB/IL-1β/TNF-α), oxidative-stress/mitochondrial-damaged (NOX-1/NOX-2/ASK1/p-MKK4/p-MKK7/JNKs/JUN/cytosolic-cytochrome-C/cyclophilin-D/DRP1), and cell-apoptotic/fibrotic (cleaved-caspase 3/cleaved-PARP/TGF-β/p-Smad3) biomarkers were significantly increased in G3 than in G1/G2 and were significantly reversed in G4 (all P < 0.001), but they were similar between G1/G2. Adult male rats ( n = 42) were equally categorized into group 1 (normal control), group 2 (ARDS only), group 3 [ARDS + HUCDMSCs/1.2 × 106 cells intravenous administration at 3 h after 48 h ARDS induction (i.e., early treatment)], group 4 [ARDS + HUCDMSCs/1.2 × 106 cells intravenous administration at 24 h after 48 h ARDS induction (late treatment)], and group 5 [ARDS + HUCDMSCs/1.2 × 106 cells intravenous administration at 3 h/24 h after-48 h ARDS induction (dose-dependent treatment)]. By day 5 after ARDS induction, the SaO2%/immune regulatory T cells were highest in group 1, lowest in group 2, significantly lower in group 4 than in groups 3/5, and significantly lower in group 3 than in group 5, whereas the circulatory/bronchioalveolar lavage fluid inflammatory cells (CD11b-c+/LyG6+/MPO+)/circulatory immune cells (CD3-C4+/CD3-CD8+)/lung-leakage-albumin level/lung injury score/lung protein expressions of inflammatory (HMGB-1/TLR-2/TLR-4/MAL/TRAM/MyD88/TRIF/TRAF6/IκB-β/p-NF-κB/IL-1β/TNF-α)/fibrotic (p-SMad3/TGF-β), apoptosis (mitochondrial-Bax/cleaved-caspase-3)/oxidative-cell-stress (NOX-1/NOX-2/ASK1/p-MKK4/p-MKK7/p-JNKs/p-cJUN)/mitochondrial damaged (cyclophilin-D/DRP1/cytosolic-cytochrome-C) biomarkers displayed an opposite pattern of SaO2% among the groups (all P < 0.0001). Early administration was superior to and two-dose counterpart was even more superior to late HUCDMSCs treatment for protecting the lung against ARDS injury.
Can Brick-and-Click Stores Yield Returning Online Customers? Assessing In-house Logistics Service Quality (LSQ) of Multi-channel Retailers
Authors: Wahab Siti Norida , Hamzah Muhammad Iskandar , Rajendran Salini Devi
Published: August 2023

This study aims to examine the influence of retail logistics service quality on online customer loyalty in Malaysia. In total, 372 self-administered questionnaires were collected from customers who have ordered products online from ‘brick-and-click’ supermarkets and department stores. The results show that product condition, product availability and delivery durations are significant predictors of customer loyalty. The novelty of this research lies in its strong emphasis on last-mile parcel delivery, which is a crucial aspect of order fulfilment operations, and the first-party home delivery service, which is among the earliest conducted in the region.
Admission Early Warning Score and Neonatal Outcome in a Resource-limited Settings
Authors: Alao Michael Abel , Ude Ifeoma Azuka , Tongo Olukemu Oluwatoyin , Ibrahim Olayinka Rasheed , Ezema Chukwubuikem Frank , Oloyede Praise Opeyemi , Ayede Adejumoke Idowu
Published: August 2023

Background

Neonatal mortality has remained a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Early warning scoring (EWS) systems minimize hospital mortality by providing rapid and efficient care; however, their effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries is unknown.

Method

This study is a retrospective analysis of neonates admitted to the University College Hospital in Nigeria between January and December 2019. We evaluate the accuracy of significant modified early warning scores (sMEWS) in predicting neonatal in-hospital mortality and associated risk factors.

Results

The majority (254; 68.5%) of the 371 admitted newborns were late preterm to term, and 54.7% were males; 173 (48.7%) required resuscitation at admission in the emergency department (ED). One hundred and thirty-seven had sMEWS, which decreased to 22 (5.9%) 72 h post-admission. Univariable analysis shows that sMEWS at admission were associated with sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, and the necessity for resuscitation. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that outborns (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.218; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.125–4.371), need for resuscitation at admission (AOR: 5.501; CI, 3.350–9.034) and persistence of sMEWS 72 h post-admission (AOR: 9.693; CI, 2.181–43.079), were associated with sMEWS. Significantly associated with excess mortality were sMEWS at admission (AOR: 3.530; CI, 1.721–7.240) and sMEWS 72 h post-admission (AOR: 5.931; CI, 5.944 –64.385).

Conclusions

The sMEWS performed moderately well as an EWS in a neonatal emergency unit. Excess mortality was associated with the need for resuscitation in the ED and the persistence of sMEWS 72 h post-admission.
Impact of Dementia on Incidence and Severity of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Following Hip Fracture Surgery Among Older Patients
Authors: Tsumura Hideyo , McConnell Eleanor S. , Xue Tingzhong (Michelle) , Wei Sijia , Lee Chiyoung , Pan Wei
Published: August 2023

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are the leading cause of death following hip fracture surgery. Dementia has been identified as a PPC risk factor that complicates the clinical course. By leveraging electronic health records, this retrospective observational study evaluated the impact of dementia on the incidence and severity of PPCs, hospital length of stay, and postoperative 30-day mortality among 875 older patients (≥65 years) who underwent hip fracture surgery between October 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 at a health system in the southeastern United States. Inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity scores was utilized to balance confounders between patients with and without dementia to isolate the impact of dementia on PPCs. Regression analyses revealed that dementia did not have a statistically significant impact on the incidence and severity of PPCs or postoperative 30-day mortality. However, dementia significantly extended the hospital length of stay by an average of 1.37 days.
Appellate Review of Child Sexual Abuse Convictions: The Importance of Character Evidence
Authors: George Suzanne St. , Henderson Hayden , Flippin Michaela , Stolzenberg Stacia N. , Lyon Thomas D.
Published: August 2023

This study examined the role of character evidence and other issues in criminal appeals of child sexual abuse (CSA) convictions. Character evidence includes uncharged acts and character witnesses who testify to another’s reputation or opinion and is offered to prove an individual’s propensities. Examining 168 appellate court opinions reviewing CSA convictions between 2005 and 2015 in Maricopa County, Arizona, we found that when specific types of evidence were at issue, they were most often character evidence issues (49%). However, appellate courts virtually never reversed convictions ( n = 5), and when defendants did obtain relief, the reduction in charges or in sentences was minor. Of the small number of opinions that were published ( n = 4), all focused on character evidence, including the single case reviewed by the Arizona Supreme Court. However, close examination of the published cases suggested they effected only modest change.
Potential Ability of Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhao Jiahao , Liao Yiqun , Wei Chen , Ma Yichao , Wang Fei , Chen Yuji , Zhao Bin , Ji Hao , Wang Daorong , Tang Dong
Published: August 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world, and its incidence rate and mortality are on the rise in many countries. In recent years, with the improvement of economic conditions, people’s living habits have changed, including lack of physical activity, poor diet patterns and circadian rhythm disorder. These risk factors can change the colon environment and the composition of intestinal microbiota. This state is called intestinal imbalance, which increases the risk of cancer. Probiotics, a class of microorganisms that help maintain gut microbial homeostasis and alleviate dysbiosis, may help prevent inflammation and colorectal cancer. These probiotics inhibit or ameliorate the effects of dysbiosis through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), modulation of immunity, maintenance of the intestinal epithelial barrier, pro-apoptotic mechanisms, and other mechanisms. This review aims to explain the interaction between probiotics, the gut microenvironment and the gut microbiota, and summarize reports on the possibility of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
The impact of interaction between verteporfin and yes-associated protein 1/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif-TEA domain pathway on the progression of isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type glioblastoma
Authors: Osama Mahmoud , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Osama Mona , Ibrahim Ismail A. , Nasr Mostafa Mostafa , Şakir Ekşi Murat
Published: August 2023

Verteporfin and 5-ALA are used for visualizing malignant tissue components in different body tumors and as photodynamic therapy in treating isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type glioblastoma (GBM). Additionally, verteporfin interferes with Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP)/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif - TEA domain (TAZ-TEAD) pathway, thus inhibiting the downstream effect of these oncogenes and reducing the malignant properties of GBM. Animal studies have shown verteporfin to be successful in increasing survival rates, which have led to the conduction of phase 1 and 2 clinical trials to further investigate its efficacy in treating GBM. In this article, we aimed to review the novel mechanism of verteporfin’s action, the impact of its interaction with YAP/TAZ-TEAD, its effect on glioblastoma stem cells, and its role in inducing ferroptosis.
Towards an eco-welfare state: Enabling factors for transformative eco-social initiatives
Authors: Hirvilammi Tuuli , Peltomaa Juha , Pihlajamaa Matti , Tiilikainen Sanna
Published: August 2023

In eco-welfare states, welfare provision must operate within planetary boundaries, entailing societal transformations and significant emission reductions. This article contributes to the research on sustainable welfare and eco-social policies by examining transformative and integrative eco-social initiatives that aim to reduce environmental impacts while also ensuring that public actors have the capacities to reach legally binding social outcomes and enhance social inclusion. Theoretically, we combine welfare state transformation research with the concepts of social-ecological systems, provisioning systems and transformative capacity. Our empirical cases in Finland include public actors promoting sustainable public procurement, a network of carbon-neutral municipalities, sustainable lifestyles accelerators at the household level, and carbon footprint calculators as a potential free-to-use technique that supports widespread carbon reductions. We apply a qualitative research design to investigate what kinds of factors are crucial in enhancing the transformative capacity of provisioning systems and how various factors in practice enable the eco-social initiatives to support the transformation towards an eco-welfare state. Our findings identify key enabling factors for transformative capacity: social networks, collaboration and participation; knowledge, learning and monitoring; shared policy frameworks and visions; and financial resources. These factors are interrelated and can be brought to bear in no particular sequence. The results offer valuable insights into how welfare state characteristics with democratically governed public actors may facilitate transformation.
“Ironic memes” and digital literacies: Exploring identity through multimodal texts
Authors: Ntouvlis Vinicio , Geenen Jarret
Published: August 2023

This study examines so-called “ironic memes,” a seemingly inscrutable genre of memetic Internet content, as meaningful digital multimodal text. Considering Internet memes’ semiotic construction patterns and their social functions, this study connects these two concerns, asking: How is the provocatively “nonsensical” design of ironic memes organized and connected to the construction of (group) identities online? Adopting a digital ethnographic approach, we employ a combination of multimodal discursive methods in order to jointly analyze semiotic design patterns and the social actions underlying them. The analysis suggests that, despite their nonsensical appearance, ironic memes rely on distinct design strategies that contribute to the construction of (group) identities rooted in digital literacies. Specifically, ironic memes constitute generic hybrids where semiotic practices are associated with personas that are “less literate” in Internet memeing. Our findings indicate that digital literacies can feature as central in the construction of superdiverse identities through digital text-making and text-sharing.
Immigration, ethnic diversity and public goods provisioning: Evidence from rural communities in Uganda
Authors: Ssekajja Godfreyb
Published: August 2023

A considerable body of literature suggests that immigration undermines voluntary contributions to public goods because it leads to ethnic diversity, which erodes social trust. This article posits that the effect of immigration outweighs that of ethnic diversity, so that immigration may explain why ethnic diversity is negatively associated with social trust and public goods provisioning. I also highlight a need to emphasize the moderating influence of transaction costs when analyzing provisioning problems associated with immigration and ethnic diversity. To examine my hypotheses, I use a mixed-method research design to study public goods management in randomly selected communities in rural Uganda whose rates of immigration and levels of ethnic diversity vary. I analyze community-level attempts at collective action that involve substantially different costs; that is, contributing to toilet construction and participating in litter pickup programs. The findings suggest that socio-political barriers to collective action for public goods provisioning may have less to do with the stock of demographic diversity than the flow rate of demographic change. The same findings suggest a more micro-level explanation that transcends the erosive effects (of immigration and ethnic diversity) on social trust to emphasize the moderating influence of transaction costs.
Linear or smooth? Enhanced model choice in boosting via deselection of base-learners
Authors: Mayr Andreas , Wistuba Tobias , Speller Jan , Gude Francisco , Hofner Benjamin
Published: August 2023

The specification of a particular type of effect (e.g., linear or non-linear) of a covariate in a regression model can be either based on graphical assessment, subject matter knowledge or also on data-driven model choice procedures. For the latter variant, we present a boosting approach that is available for a huge number of different model classes. Boosting is an indirect regularization technique that leads to variable selection and can easily incorporate also non-linear or smooth effects. Furthermore, the algorithm can be adapted in a way to automatically select whether to model a continuous variable with a smooth or a linear effect. We enhance this model choice procedure by trying to compensate the inherent bias towards the more complex effect by incorporating a pragmatic and simple deselection technique that was originally implemented for enhanced variable selection. We illustrate our approach in the analysis of T3 thyroid hormone levels from a larger Galician cohort and investigate its performance in a simulation study.
Comment on Target Article by Jared Bartels—What if Ideology is Rather Just Being Lazy?
Authors: De Bruyckere Pedro
Published: August 2023

In this reply to the article “Indoctrination in Introduction to Psychology” by Jared M. Bartels, true to Occam's razor, the argument is made that there is maybe an easier explanation for the mistakes often found in textbooks: laziness. Different examples are presented to make this argument.
“We made a mistake”: How top executives dialectically narrate strategic errors in situations of strategic change
Authors: Giolito Vincent , Golsorkhi Damon
Published: August 2023

Based on 21 in-depth interviews with chief executive officers (CEOs) and board chairs leading 900,000 people in large financial firms in Europe, this study surfaces the acknowledgment of strategic errors in top executives’ narratives as a broad theme associated with strategy change. This theme is intriguing because errors are typically associated with negative connotations undermining leaders’ self-image and credibility. More specifically, this study identifies in top executives’ error narratives a dialectic process consisting of mobilizing errors and de(if)fusing errors or distancing themselves from them; the paper models seven narrative practices within the process. As a first contribution to narrative research on strategy and change, this study introduces strategic errors as a narrative trigger in top executives’ retrospective accounts of strategy change, frequently associated with the plausible economic failure of their firms. Second, while extant research generally focuses on the coherence of individual narratives, this study adds on the relatively rare studies recognizing a dialectic in individual narratives on change.
A Scoping Review on Adverse Childhood Experiences Studies Using Latent Class Analysis: Strengths and Challenges
Authors: Wang Xiafei , Jiang Linghua , Barry Lauren , Zhang Xiaoyan , Vasilenko Sara A. , Heath Ryan D.
Published: August 2023

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) studies reveal the profound impacts of experiencing trauma and hardships in childhood. However, the cumulative risk approach of treating ACEs obscures the heterogeneity of ACEs and their consequences, making actionable interventions impossible. latent class analysis (LCA) has increasingly been used to address these concerns by identifying underlying subgroups of people who experience distinctive patterns of co-occurring ACEs. Though LCA has its strengths, the existing research produces few comparable findings because LCA results are dependent on ACEs measures and indicators, which vary widely by study. Therefore, a scoping review of ACEs studies using LCA that focuses on ACEs measures, indicators, and findings is needed to inform the field. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage scoping review methodological framework, we first identified 211 articles from databases of EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Scopus using “adverse childhood experiences” for title search and “latent class analysis” for abstract search. Based on the inclusion criteria of peer-reviewed articles written in English published from 2012 to 2022 and the exclusion criteria of nonempirical studies and the LCA not analyzing ACEs, we finally selected 58 articles in this scoping review. Results showed LCA has been increasingly endorsed in the ACEs research community to examine the associations between ACEs and human health and well-being across culturally diverse populations. LCA overcame the limitations of the traditional methods by revealing specific ACEs clusters that exert potent effects on certain outcomes. However, the arbitrary nature of selecting ACEs indicators, measures, and the limited use of theory impedes the field from moving forward.
Efficacy and Safety of Transarterial Chemoembolization with DC Beads LUMI in the Treatment of HCC: Experience from a Tertiary Centre
Authors: Biondetti Pierpaolo , Lanza Carolina , Carriero Serena , Arrigoni Francesca , Bevilacqua Margherita , Ruffino Aurora , Triggiani Sonia , Sorce Adriana , Coppola Andrea , Ierardi Anna Maria , Venturini Massimo , Guzzardi Giuseppe , Carrafiello Gianpaolo
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the safety and efficacy profiles of TACE using DC Beads LUMI.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 90 patients with HCC who underwent TACE with DC Bead LUMI™ between November 2018 and November 2020 at Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Policlinico Hospital in Milan, Italy. Patient- and tumour-related factors were registered, including the number of treated lesions, dose of DC Beads LUMI™, dose of Epirubicin, DC Beads LUMI™ target tumour coverage (LC) according to the percentage of target nodule involvement (LC1-0%–25%, LC2-25%–50%, LC3-50%–75%, LC4 75%–100%). Treatment efficacy was obtained through reviewing the follow-up imaging for evidence of response in target lesion(s), according to modified response criteria in solid tumours (mRECIST) criteria with the following outcomes: complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Safety assessment was based on the quantitative and qualitative recording of the adverse events, classified according to CIRSE classification.

Results

Seventy-two patients were enrolled, and 95 procedures were carried out. We observed a target tumour response rate at 1 month with CR in 68%, PR in 10.3% 11.8%, SD in 13%, PD in 7.2%, and an overall tumour(s) (whole liver) response at 1 month with CR in 58.9%, PR in 12.6%, SD in 10.5% and PD in 18%. We found a significant association ( p < 0.01) between tumour response CR or CR + PR and the number of the target lesion(s). CIRSE classification grade I and grade II complications were recorded, respectively, in 11 (11.6%) and 6 (6.3%) procedures. No grade III-IV-V complications occurred.

Conclusion

TACE using DC Beads LUMI is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with HCC.
aBnormal motION capture In aCute Stroke (BIONICS): A Low-Cost Tele-Evaluation Tool for Automated Assessment of Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients
Authors: Zamin Syed A. , Tang Kaichen , Stevens Emily A. , Howard Melissa , Parker Dorothea M. , Seals Allyson , Jiang Xiaoqian , Savitz Sean , Shams Shayan
Published: August 2023

Background

The incidence of stroke and stroke-related hemiparesis has been steadily increasing and is projected to become a serious social, financial, and physical burden on the aging population. Limited access to outpatient rehabilitation for these stroke survivors further deepens the healthcare issue and estranges the stroke patient demographic in rural areas. However, new advances in motion detection deep learning enable the use of handheld smartphone cameras for body tracking, offering unparalleled levels of accessibility.

Methods

In this study we want to develop an automated method for evaluation of a shortened variant of the Fugl-Meyer assessment, the standard stroke rehabilitation scale describing upper extremity motor function. We pair this technology with a series of machine learning models, including different neural network structures and an eXtreme Gradient Boosting model, to score 16 of 33 (49%) Fugl-Meyer item activities.

Results

In this observational study, 45 acute stroke patients completed at least 1 recorded Fugl-Meyer assessment for the training of the auto-scorers, which yielded average accuracies ranging from 78.1% to 82.7% item-wise.

Conclusion

In this study, an automated method was developed for the evaluation of a shortened variant of the Fugl-Meyer assessment, the standard stroke rehabilitation scale describing upper extremity motor function. This novel method is demonstrated with potential to conduct telehealth rehabilitation evaluations and assessments with accuracy and availability.
Individual Differences in Response to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation With Language Therapy in Subacute Stroke
Authors: Stockbridge Melissa D. , Elm Jordan , Teklehaimanot Abeba A. , Cassarly Christy , Spell Leigh-Ann , Fridriksson Julius , Hillis Argye E.
Published: August 2023

Background

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be used to improve post-stroke aphasia. However, given the mixed evidence for its efficacy, individual differences may moderate the relative benefit of this strategy. In planned exploratory subgroup analyses, we examined whether age, education, sex, brain-derived neurotrophic factor status, and baseline performance individually impacted improvement in picture naming between baseline and 1 week after the end of the therapy, then whether the combination of factors that predicted recovery of naming and discourse differed for those who received concurrent tDCS.

Objective

Examine whether individual differences influenced the effect of tDCS on language recovery.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, efficacy study of tDCS combined with language therapy for subacute post-stroke aphasia, patients completed an evaluation including the Philadelphia Naming Test and Cookie Theft picture description, which was analyzed for Content Units (CU) and Syllables/CU. Individual factors were examined using linear models including the interaction between treatment group and subgroup.

Results

Significant interactions were observed between tDCS group and both age and education. The predictors of a positive response to tDCS differed from the predictors of a positive response to language treatment alone. While baseline performance was an important predictor of future performance regardless of treatment group, responses to treatment without tDCS were influenced by age whereas responses to treatment with tDCS were not.

Conclusions

Age and education influence the efficacy of different treatment strategies. Refinement of treatment selection is important to the overall individualization and optimization of post-stroke patient care.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02674490.
Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Update on Navigation, Robotics, and Contemporary Advancements
Authors: Borsinger Tracy M. , Chandi Sonia K. , Puri Simarjeet , Debbi Eytan M. , Blevins Jason L. , Chalmers Brian P.
Published: August 2023

While total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains effective for improvement of pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis, there remain areas of continued pursuit of excellence, including decreasing rates of dislocation, leg length discrepancy, implant loosening, and infection. This review article covers several bearing surfaces and articulations, computer-assisted navigation and robotic technology, and minimally invasive surgical approaches that have sought to improve such outcomes. Perhaps the most significant improvement to THA implant longevity has been the broad adoption of highly cross-linked polyethylene, with low wear rates. Similarly, navigation and robotic technology has proven to more reproducibly achieve intraoperative component positioning, which has demonstrated clinical benefit with decreased risk of dislocation in a number of studies. Given the projected increase in THA over the coming decades, continued investigation of effective incorporation of technology, soft tissue–sparing approaches, and durable implants is imperative to continued pursuit of improved outcomes in THA.