bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing meaning recall and meaning recognition vocabulary knowledge as distinct psychometric constructs in relation to reading proficiency
Authors: Stewart Jeffrey , Gyllstad Henrik , Nicklin Christopher , McLean Stuart
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this paper is to (a) establish whether meaning recall and meaning recognition item formats test psychometrically distinct constructs of vocabulary knowledge which measure separate skills, and, if so, (b) determine whether each construct possesses unique properties predictive of L2 reading proficiency. Factor analyses and hierarchical regression were conducted on results derived from the two vocabulary item formats in order to test this hypothesis. The results indicated that although the two-factor model had better fit and meaning recall and meaning recognition can be considered distinct psychometrically, discriminant validity between the two factors is questionable. In hierarchical regression models, meaning recognition knowledge did not make a statistically significant contribution to explaining reading proficiency over meaning recall knowledge. However, when the roles were reversed, meaning recall did make a significant contribution to the model beyond the variance explained by meaning recognition alone. The results suggest that meaning recognition does not tap into unique aspects of vocabulary knowledge and provide empirical support for meaning recall as a superior predictor of reading proficiency for research purposes.
Speaking performances, stakeholder perceptions, and test scores: Extrapolating from the Duolingo English test to the university
Authors: Isbell Daniel R. , Crowther Dustin , Nishizawa Hitoshi
Published: April 2023

The extrapolation of test scores to a target domain—that is, association between test performances and relevant real-world outcomes—is critical to valid score interpretation and use. This study examined the relationship between Duolingo English Test (DET) speaking scores and university stakeholders’ evaluation of DET speaking performances. A total of 190 university stakeholders (45 faculty members, 39 administrative staff, 53 graduate students, 53 undergraduate students) evaluated the comprehensibility (ease of understanding) and academic acceptability of 100 DET test-takers’ speaking performances. Academic acceptability was judged based on speakers’ suitability for communicative roles in the university context including undergraduate study, group work in courses, graduate study, and teaching. Analyses indicated a large correlation between aggregate measures of comprehensibility and acceptability ( r = .98). Acceptability ratings varied according to role: acceptability for teaching was held to a notably higher standard than acceptability for undergraduate study. Stakeholder groups also differed in their ratings, with faculty tending to be more lenient in their ratings of comprehensibility and acceptability than undergraduate students and staff. Finally, both comprehensibility and acceptability measures correlated strongly with speakers’ official DET scores and subscores ( r ⩾ .74–.89), providing some support for the extrapolation of DET scores to academic contexts.
Navigating (un)certainty in ‘downhill’ trajectories: An ethnographic study about rehabilitees’ and professionals’ experiences of goal-setting in Parkinson's disease rehabilitation
Authors: Tonnesen Merete , Nielsen Claus V
Published: April 2023

Objective

To explore rehabilitees’ and professionals’ experiences of goal-setting in a context of (un)certainty with a progressive neurodegenerative disease and how they navigate this (un)certainty in Parkinson's disease rehabilitation.

Design

A long-term multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork (2019−2020) following 20 rehabilitees and their goals over time and settings. Observation at 30 goal-setting meetings.

Participants

Rehabilitees and professionals in Danish Parkinson's disease rehabilitation. Two randomly chosen groups of rehabilitees attending a Parkinson's disease course at a rehabilitation centre participated.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews and participant observation.

Results

Living with Parkinson's disease holds a certainty that the condition will progress yet an uncertainty regarding the pace and severity, as indicated by the notion (un)certainty. The (un)certainty challenges goal-setting. Reflecting on goal-setting, rehabilitees brought forth existential, economical, and societal considerations. Some expressed an ambivalent view, questioning the value of goal-setting with a progressive condition, yet finding own rehabilitation goals relevant. Others expressed a pragmatic view, attuning goals to fit the situation. Professionals found that the visible and invisible symptoms and the uncertain pace of Parkinson's made goal-setting challenging. They had to strike a balance between mentioning symptoms to come, yet not rendering the future too bleak.

Conclusions

Rehabilitees and professionals found that setting goals in a condition that progresses is no easy task. They made use of strategies such as observation, repetition, future-proofing strategies, and attuning goals to navigate the (un)certainty. In goal-setting, to maintain functioning with progressive Parkinson's disease was a viable goal. Participants found they just do the best they can to navigate (un)certainty.
‘The palliative care ambulance’: A qualitative study of patient and caregiver perspectives of an ambulance service
Authors: Collier Aileen , Dadich Ann , Jeffs Cathie , Noble Andrew , Crawford Gregory B
Published: April 2023

Background:

The need for home-based palliative care is accelerating internationally. At the same time, health systems face increased complexity, funding constraints and global shortages in the healthcare workforce. As such, ambulance services are increasingly tasked with providing palliative care. Where paramedics with additional training in palliative care have been integrated into models of care, evaluations have been largely positive. Studies of patient and family carer experiences of paramedic involvement, however, are limited.

Aim:

To explore patient and family caregiver experiences of paramedics’ contribution to palliative care at home.

Design:

Qualitative interview study. We analysed data within a social constructionist epistemology using reflexive thematic analysis.

Setting/participants:

Participants receiving specialist palliative care in the community of a metropolitan city of Australia who requested an ambulance between January and August 2018, inclusive.

Results:

Participants considered paramedics with expertise and experience in palliative care as an extension of the specialist community palliative care team and held them in high regard. Participants highlighted the importance of: critical palliative care at home and a timely, responsive approach; person-centred paramedics; as well as safety and security.

Conclusion:

Patients and carers feel safe and secure when they know that highly responsive skilled professional support is available when an unexpected problem or sudden change arises, especially out-of-hours, and that support is delivered in an empathic and person-centred manner.
Deaths at home, area-based deprivation and the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic: An analysis of mortality data across four nations
Authors: Leniz Javiera , Davies Joanna M , Bone Anna E , Hocaoglu Mevhibe , Verne Julia , Barclay Stephen , Murtagh Fliss E M , Fraser Lorna K , Higginson Irene J , Sleeman Katherine E
Published: April 2023

Background:

The number and proportion of home deaths in the UK increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is not known whether these changes were experienced disproportionately by people from different socioeconomic groups.

Aim:

To examine the association between home death and socioeconomic position during the Covid-19 pandemic, and how this changed between 2019 and 2020.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study using population-based individual-level mortality data.

Setting/participants:

All registered deaths in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The proportion of home deaths between 28th March and 31st December 2020 was compared with the same period in 2019. We used Poisson regression models to evaluate the association between decedent’s area-based level of deprivation and risk of home death, as well as the interaction between deprivation and year of death, for each nation separately.

Results:

Between the 28th March and 31st December 2020, 409,718 deaths were recorded in England, 46,372 in Scotland, 26,410 in Wales and 13,404 in Northern Ireland. All four nations showed an increase in the adjusted proportion of home deaths between 2019 and 2020, ranging from 21 to 28%. This increase was lowest for people living in the most deprived areas in all nations, with evidence of a deprivation gradient in England.

Conclusions:

The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated a previously described socioeconomic inequality in place of death in the UK. Further research to understand the reasons for this change and if this inequality has been sustained is needed.
The emotional effects on professional interpreters of interpreting palliative care conversations for adult patients: A rapid review
Authors: Hancox Jennifer A , McKiernan Clare F , Martin Alice L , Tomas Jon , MacArtney John I
Published: April 2023

Background:

Professional interpreters working in palliative contexts improve patient care. Whilst literature identifies psychological distress in other healthcare professionals, research into emotional effects on professional interpreters in this highly emotive setting is limited. Isolating emotional responses may enable targeted interventions to enhance interpreter use and improve wellbeing. Timely evidence is needed to urgently familiarise the profession with issues faced by these valuable colleagues, to affect practice.

Aim:

Describe the emotional effects on professional interpreters of interpreting adult palliative care conversations. Collate recommendations to mitigate negative emotional effects.

Design:

We performed a rapid review of studies identifying emotional effects on professional interpreters of interpreting adult palliative conversations. Rapid review chosen to present timely evidence to relevant stakeholders in a resource-efficient way. Thematic analysis managed using NVivo. Quality appraisal evaluated predominantly using CASP checklists. Reported using PRISMA guidelines. PROSPERO registration CRD42022301753.

Data sources:

Articles available in English on PubMed [1966–2021], MEDLINE [1946–2021], EMBASE [1974–2021], CINAHL [1981–2021] and PsycINFO [1806–2021] in December 2021.

Results:

Eleven articles from the USA (5), Australia (3), Canada (2) and UK (1). Eight interview-based, two online surveys and one quality improvement project. Themes included (1) Identifying diversity of emotional effects: emotions including stress, discomfort, loneliness. (2) Identifying factors affecting interpreters’ emotional responses: impact of morals, culture and role expectations; working with patients and families; interpreter experience and age. (3) Recommendations to mitigate negative emotional effects: pre-briefing, debriefing and interpreter/provider training.

Conclusion:

Professional interpreters experience myriad emotional responses to palliative conversations. Role clarity, collaborative working and formal training may alleviate negative effects.
Toward Market Orchestration of Distributive Justice: Rearticulation of the Integrative Justice Model for Social Programs
Authors: Deutsch Ashley
Published: April 2023

This article takes a structural approach to understand how complex organizations, in this case public school districts in the United States, implement programs to promote greater justice for consumers. Drawing on the integrative justice model as a guide, this study uses deductive grounded theory and axial coding to understand how social programs, such as the National School Lunch Program, both orchestrate and obstruct distributive justice (DJ). Leaning on public policy and macromarketing literature and using ethnographic data as a guide, the study proposes a market orchestration model of DJ to offer guidance on how social programs can promote greater DJ.
The relationship between non-family management in family firms and firm performance: A meta-analysis
Authors: Kosmidou Vasiliki , Philip Jestine
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to empirically quantify the relationship between non-family management and family firm performance and to examine the potential influence of moderating factors on this relationship. Integrating findings from 69 studies and 105 total samples, we find a significant, positive, and weak relationship that is contingent on firm variables including firm size, age, and listing on the stock market as well as methodological variables including research design and measures for both non-family management and family firm performance. Our findings show that non-family management has a stronger performance effect in studies with small, young, and private family firms and in those with panel datasets as opposed to cross-sectional ones. The study contributes to the family firm literature and yields important implications for research and practice.
Return to Sport in Middle-aged and Older Athletes After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty at a Mean 10-Year Follow-up: Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Plancher Kevin D. , Voigt Clifford , Bernstein David N. , Briggs Karen K. , Petterson Stephanie C.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Return to sport is essential information when an athlete contemplates surgical intervention. Young athletes, <30 years of age, may undergo complex cartilage procedures or femoral/tibial osteotomies to successfully treat single-compartment knee osteoarthritis. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) may offer an attractive alternative option to middle-aged/older athletes with timely return to the same sport without a lengthy rehabilitation.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine if athletes are able to return to the same level of vigorous and moderate sports after fixed-bearing intramedullary nonrobotic UKA and the specific sports activities that these athletes continued to participate in at a minimum of 5 years. We hypothesized that UKA in the appropriately selected middle-aged/older athlete would yield high return to sport after UKA with high patient satisfaction. We also hypothesized that UKA would allow athletes to return to their sports of choice.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We identified 245 patients who underwent a UKA by a single surgeon between 2003 and 2017. Athletes were included if they participated in vigorous or moderate sports, as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine, and had minimum 5-year follow-up. The primary outcome was return to vigorous or moderate sports after UKA. Secondary outcomes included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Activities of Daily Living score, KOOS Sport and Recreation score, Lysholm score, Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) analysis, and radiographic analysis.

Results:

An overall 169 athletes met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated for return to sports. A total of 98% (165/169) returned to vigorous or moderate sports participation. The mean ± SD time to return to sport was 5.2 ± 2.3 months in the 39- to 50-year-old cohort, 5.8 ± 3.2 months in athletes aged 51 to 64 years, and 5.2 ± 3.0 months in athletes aged ≥65 years. A total of 143 athletes had minimum 5-year clinical and radiographic follow-up (mean, 10 years; range, 5-19 years). Maintenance of vigorous and moderate sport was seen in 99% (142/143) of athletes at a mean 10 years. In athletes who participated in vigorous sports, the mean Lysholm score was 85 ± 17, and 83% reached the PASS for KOOS Sport and Recreation. Radiographic analysis revealed no evidence of implant loosening (ie, subsidence, radiolucency) or osteolysis, and limb alignment and posterior slope of the implant were within normal limits.

Conclusion:

Athletes returned to sport at a mean 5 months after UKA implantation, with 98% (165/169) participating in vigorous or moderate sports. UKA is recommended as an alternative procedure in middle-aged and older athletes with single-compartment osteoarthritis who are contemplating a return to vigorous or moderate sport.
Hamstring Injuries: A Current Concepts Review: Evaluation, Nonoperative Treatment, and Surgical Decision Making
Authors: Allahabadi Sachin , Salazar Luis M. , Obioha Obianuju A. , Fenn Thomas W. , Chahla Jorge , Nho Shane J.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this current concepts review is to highlight the evaluation and workup of hamstring injuries, nonoperative treatment options, and surgical decision-making based on patient presentation and injury patterns. Hamstring injuries, which are becoming increasingly recognized, affect professional and recreational athletes alike, commonly occurring after forceful eccentric contraction mechanisms. Injuries occur in the proximal tendon at the ischial tuberosity, in the muscle belly substance, or in the distal tendon insertion on the tibia or fibula. Patients may present with ecchymoses, pain, and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging remains the gold standard for diagnosis and may help guide treatment. Treatment is dictated by the specific tendon(s) injured, tear location, severity, and chronicity. Many hamstring injuries can be successfully managed with nonoperative measures such as activity modification and physical therapy; adjuncts such as platelet-rich plasma injections are currently being investigated. Operative treatment of proximal hamstring injuries, including endoscopic or open approaches, is traditionally reserved for 2-tendon injuries with >2 cm of retraction, 3-tendon injuries, or injuries that do not improve with 6 months of nonoperative management. Acute surgical treatment of proximal hamstring injuries tends to be favorable. Distal hamstring injuries may initially be managed nonoperatively, although biceps femoris injuries are frequently managed surgically, and return to sport may be faster for semitendinosus injuries treated acutely with excision or tendon stripping in high-level athletes.
Peroneus Longus Split Versus Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft Size: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wierer Guido , Gwinner Clemens , Scheffler Sven
Published: April 2023

Background:

The anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon (AHPLT) has been reported to be a suitable autograft for ligament reconstruction with low donor-site morbidity. However, clinical data on graft size are limited.

Purpose:

To determine (1) if there is any difference in size between the AHPLT and semitendinosus tendon (ST) and (2) whether anthropometric measurements can predict autograft size.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 128 consecutive patients scheduled for knee ligament reconstruction were prospectively enrolled. Patients were treated with AHPLT (50%) or ST (50%). Data included anthropometric measurements and intraoperatively recorded graft size. A Student t test was used to determine differences between the groups. Bivariate correlation coefficients and multivariate regression analyses were calculated to identify relationships between graft size and anthropometric measurements.

Results:

The AHPLT and ST groups were equally distributed according to age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). The quadrupled graft length for the AHPLT was 7.3 ± 0.6 cm as compared with 7.5 ± 0.7 cm for the ST ( P < .05). The quadrupled graft diameter was 7.7 ± 0.8 mm for the AHPLT and 8.0 ± 0.7 mm for the ST ( P < .05). Height had a moderate ( r = 0.57) to high ( r = 0.68) correlation with AHPLT and ST length, respectively ( P < .01). Weight had a moderate correlation ( r = 0.43) with AHPLT diameter ( P < .01) but only a weak correlation ( r = 0.19) with ST diameter ( P > .05). A significant interaction effect of BMI and thigh circumference on ST graft diameter was found, which showed that the effect of thigh circumference on ST graft diameter decreased significantly as BMI increased ( P < .05). This moderating effect of BMI could not be observed for the coefficient of shank circumference on AHPLT graft diameter ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

(1) The peroneus longus split tendon provides a reliable autograft size for knee ligament reconstructions. It was prone to be slightly shorter and thinner than the ST. (2) Patient height was the strongest predictor for AHPLT and ST graft length. However, predicting graft diameter based on thigh or shank circumference was more challenging, with higher BMIs affecting the ability to predict ST more than AHPLT.
An Adolescent Murine In Vivo Anterior Cruciate Ligament Overuse Injury Model
Authors: Loflin Benjamin E. , Ahn Taeyong , Colglazier Kaitlyn A. , Banaszak Holl Mark M. , Ashton-Miller James A. , Wojtys Edward M. , Schlecht Stephen H.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Overuse ligament and tendon injuries are prevalent among recreational and competitive adolescent athletes. In vitro studies of the ligament and tendon suggest that mechanical overuse musculoskeletal injuries begin with collagen triple-helix unraveling, leading to collagen laxity and matrix damage. However, there are little in vivo data concerning this mechanism or the physiomechanical response to collagen disruption, particularly regarding the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Purpose:

To develop and validate a novel in vivo animal model for investigating the physiomechanical response to ACL collagen matrix damage accumulation and propagation in the ACL midsubstance, fibrocartilaginous entheses, and subchondral bone.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

C57BL/6J adolescent inbred mice underwent 3 moderate to strenuous ACL fatigue loading sessions with a 72-hour recovery between sessions. Before each session, randomly selected subsets of mice (n = 12) were euthanized for quantifying collagen matrix damage (percent collagen unraveling) and ACL mechanics (strength and stiffness). This enabled the quasi-longitudinal assessment of collagen matrix damage accrual and whole tissue mechanical property changes across fatigue sessions. Additionally, all cyclic loading data were quantified to evaluate changes in knee mechanics (stiffness and hysteresis) across fatigue sessions.

Results:

Moderate to strenuous fatigue loading across 3 sessions led to a 24% weaker ( P = .07) and 35% less stiff ( P < .01) ACL compared with nonloaded controls. The unraveled collagen densities within the fatigued ACL and entheseal matrices after the second and third sessions were 38% ( P < .01) and 15% ( P = .02) higher compared with the nonloaded controls.

Conclusion:

This study confirmed the hypothesis that in vivo ACL collagen matrix damage increases with tissue fatigue sessions, adversely impacting ACL mechanical properties. Moreover, the in vivo ACL findings were consistent with in vitro overloading research in humans.

Clinical Relevance:

The outcomes from this study support the use of this model for investigating ACL overuse injuries.
Performance improvement of the dry chemical-based fire extinguishers using nanocalcium silicate synthesised from biowaste
Authors: Viriyawattana Nuttabodee , Sinworn Surachat
Published: April 2023

Herein, we investigated nanocalcium silicate (nCa2SiO4) prepared from clam shells and rice husks for its utilisation as a chemical agent in a fire-extinguishing mixture comprising ABC dry powder. The fire-extinguishing performance was evaluated with Class A and B fires. The prepared mixture was compared with commercial mono-ammonium phosphate powder based on different parameters, namely extinguishing time, amount of extinguishing agent used, fire temperature reduction rate, powder coating on the fuel and a reburn incident. It was found that the mixture of nCa2SiO4 and ABC dry powder could extinguish Class A and B fires within 10.67 and 9 s, respectively, while commercial mono-ammonium phosphate powder required 11 and 11.33 s to extinguish Class A and B fires, respectively. Thus, the mixture of nCa2SiO4 and ABC dry powder was more effective and less consumed as compared to commercial mono-ammonium phosphate powder (Class B only). This study demonstrates the efficacy of nCa2SiO4 to improve the performance of dry chemical-based fire extinguishers.
What the Banshees of Inisherin is about
Authors: Keohane Kieran , Kuhling Carmen , O’Brien John
Published: April 2023

This paper discusses how the film The Banshees of Inisherin represents and employs key sociological concepts and ideas, namely those of liminality, schismogenesis, stasis and transgression, relating to the social pathologies of contemporary civilization.
Is Low Volume Drainage of Ascites Associated With Improved Survival in Digestive System Cancer Patients With Malignant Ascites?—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hoshino Shunya , Takagi Yusuke , Fukagawa Takeo , Sano Keiji , Seki Nobuhiko , Hashiguchi Yojiro , Aruga Etsuko
Published: April 2023

Objectives: To determine whether the volume of paracentesis for malignant ascites in acute care hospital wards is associated with survival and symptom relief. Methods: Patients with malignant ascites caused by digestive system cancer who underwent paracentesis between January 2010 and April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed from medical records. Collected data included the drainage volume per paracentesis procedure, survival time from the first paracentesis procedure, symptoms, and adverse events. According to the volume per paracentesis procedure, we divided the patients into the “small-drainage” (≤1500 mL) and “standard-drainage” (>1500 mL) groups. Results: The median age of the 144 patients was 69 years, 33% were female, and 64% had gastrointestinal cancer. The median survival from the first paracentesis procedure was 36 days. Eighty-nine (61.8%) and 55 (38.2%) patients were allocated to the small-drainage and standard-drainage groups, respectively. The median number of paracentesis procedures in the small-drainage and standard-drainage groups was 12 and 7, respectively ( P=.001). The median survival in the small-drainage and standard-drainage groups was 50 and 44 days, respectively ( P=.76). The multivariate analysis showed that the amount of drainage per session was not significantly associated with survival. Symptoms improved similarly in the 2 groups. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Paracentesis was demonstrated to be effective and safe, irrespective of the amount of fluid drained, for patients with malignant ascites in an acute care hospital. Thus, a strategy of limiting the amount of drainage is not associated with longer survival.
Credit Availability for Minority Business Owners in an Evolving Credit Environment
Authors: Barkley Brett , Schweitzer Mark
Published: April 2023

Disparities in access to small business financing through loan denials and discouragement are estimated using Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey data from 2016 to 2020. Substantial differences in credit denial rates continue to exist despite the growth of fintech lenders, which prior research has shown to have expanded the set of small businesses receiving credit. The pandemic period brought many direct additional changes to the business and lending environment, but these results show no evidence of trends in credit access over this period. The Paycheck Protection Program loans represented unprecedented support for small businesses that was not dependent on the credit worthiness of businesses, but minority-owned businesses are estimated to have received a smaller fraction of the funds that they applied for from the program in its 2020 implementation.
Investigation on the effects of powder mixing method on mechanical properties and wear resistance of Al/graphene composites
Authors: Rashidi Kambiz , Moazami-Goudarzi Mohammad , Masoudi Afshin
Published: April 2023

In the present study, three different methods including ultrasonication (U), low-energy mixing (LEM), and high-energy ball milling (HEBM) were used to mix Al powders with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The mixed powders were uniaxially cold-pressed and sintered to produce Al/0.5 wt% GNP composite samples. The sintered samples were characterized for their microstructure, strength, and wear resistance. The results showed that HEBM method was the most effective mixing technique to disperse GNPs within the Al matrix uniformly. However, agglomeration of GNPs in the ultrasonically processed sample impeded the successful sintering of Al/GNP compacts, leading to inferior mechanical properties. The hardness and compressive strength of the HEBM-Al/GNP composite were significantly higher than those processed by two other techniques. Wear test results showed that agglomeration of GNPs could promote extensive delamination as the main wear mechanism in the U-Al/GNP composite. However, when GNPs were uniformly dispersed within the Al matrix, the friction trace became stabilized and the average coefficient of friction was reduced. As a result, the highest wear resistance and the smoothest wear track were observed for HEBM-Al/GNP composite.
“That was not the discussion we wanted to have”: Engagement of civil society organizations with synthetic biology
Authors: Fuchs Daniela , Bauer Anja , Bogner Alexander
Published: April 2023

Responsible Research and Innovation calls for comprehensive public and stakeholder involvement. Its specific requirements, however, have raised criticism concerning the limitation of engagement opportunities for actors like Civil Society Organizations that do not share mainstream perspectives on technological innovations. Our article investigates the engagement of critical Civil Society Organizations in public debates and dialogues on synthetic biology and asks how they contribute to opening up respective debates. Based on three case studies, we show how Civil Society Organizations engage in and frame the debate on synthetic biology in different organizational formats. We find that Civil Society Organizations have explicitly challenged visions of a sustainable future by airing concerns about its risks and adverse impacts and engage in ontological debates about synthetic biology. Yet, we argue that different engagement formats are needed to ensure a diverse public debate on synthetic biology.
Short-Term functional comparison of three total knee arthroplasties-Journey II, Genesis II and Profix
Authors: Guta Daniel , Santini Alasdair JA , Gornall Matt , Phillipson Andrew , Davidson John S , Banks Joanne , Pope Jill A , Yorke Joanne
Published: April 2023

Aim of the study

To compare the outcomes of three knee arthroplasty design philosophies and surface tribology. • A zirconium-surfaced, bicruciate-stabilised implant designed to mimic kinematic movement and improve flexion and outcomes; • A cobalt-chrome surfaced, multi-radius design with built-in femoral external rotation to aid balancing and patella tracking through a deeper trochlea groove; • A zirconium-surfaced, single-radius implant designed on surface conformity, particularly within the patello-femoral joint.

Methods

313 knee replacements - 103 Journey II, 103 Genesis II and 107 Profix - were statistically assessed at a minimum of 2 years using WOMAC, Oxford and SF-12 scores, and range of movement.

Results

There was no difference between the actual or unit change in WOMAC scores ( p = 0.140 and p = 0.287), SF-12 physical ( p = 0.088) or mental scores ( p = 0.975) between the three implants; or between the actual or unit change in Oxford score ( p = 0.912 and p = 0.874) for the Journey II or Genesis II. The Journey II produced more flexion and range of movement than the Genesis II ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.018) and Profix ( p < 0.001 and <0.001) with no difference between the latter two ( p = 0.402 and 0.568); with no difference in extension between the three implants ( p = 0.086). There was no difference between those with or without a resurfaced patella.

Conclusion

The three design philosophies and surfaces yielded no difference in outcome scores at 2 years post-operatively. The Journey II demonstrated better post-operative flexion. Resurfacing the patella did not alter the outcome scores or flexion.
A Novel Education System to Createcustomized Primary Palliative Care Curricula for Training Programs
Authors: El-Sourady Maie , Martin Sara , Carroll Thomas
Published: April 2023

Clinicians need palliative care (PC) skills to provide good patient care. Primary PC (PPC) is the PC knowledge and skills provided by non-PC specialists and are distinct from specialist PC (SPC), the complex interventions provided by specialty trained clinicians. There is no consensus as to the specific PPC knowledge and skills that should be taught or the methods that should be used. We describe an educational system that incorporates a suite of tools that PC educators can easily adapt to the PC educational requests of training programs to evaluate the PPC educational needs of training programs and then to create customized educational programs that regularly adjusts to the input of trainees and faculty. We hope others can use this program to decrease the burden on the PC educators and provide a tailored PPC education program for training programs within their institutions.
Machine Learning to Dynamically Predict In-Hospital Venous Thromboembolism After Inguinal Hernia Surgery: Results From the CHAT-1 Study
Authors: Yan Yi–Dan , Yu Ze , Ding Lan-Ping , Zhou Min , Zhang Chi , Pan Mang-Mang , Zhang Jin-Yuan , Wang Ze-Yuan , Gao Fei , Li Hang-Yu , Zhang Guang-Yong , Lin Hou-Wen , Wang Ming-Gang , Gu Zhi–Chun
Published: April 2023

Background

The accuracy of current prediction tools for venous thromboembolism (VTE) events following hernia surgery remains insufficient for individualized patient management strategies. To address this issue, we have developed a machine learning (ML)-based model to dynamically predict in-hospital VTE in Chinese patients after hernia surgery.

Methods

ML models for the prediction of postoperative VTE were trained on a cohort of 11 305 adult patients with hernia from the CHAT-1 trial, which included patients across 58 institutions in China. In data processing, data imputation was conducted using random forest (RF) algorithm, and balanced sampling was done by adaptive synthetic sampling algorithm. Data were split into a training cohort (80%) and internal validation cohort (20%) prior to oversampling. Clinical features available pre-operatively and postoperatively were separately selected using the Sequence Forward Selection algorithm. Nine-candidate ML models were applied to the pre-operative and combined datasets, and their performance was evaluated using various metrics, including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Model interpretations were generated using importance scores, which were calculated by transforming model features into scaled variables and representing them in radar plots.

Results

The modeling cohort included 2856 patients, divided into 2536 cases for derivation and 320 cases for validation. Eleven pre-operative variables and 15 combined variables were explored as predictors related to in-hospital VTE. Acceptable-performing models for pre-operative data had an AUROC ≥ 0.60, including logistic regression, support vector machine with linear kernel (SVM_Linear), attentive interpretable Tabular learning (TabNet), and RF. For combined data, logistic regression, SVM_Linear, and TabNet had better performance, with an AUROC ≥ 0.65 for each model. Based on these models, 7 pre-operative predictors and 10 combined predictors were depicted in radar plots.

Conclusions

A ML-based approach for the identification of in-hospital VTE events after hernia surgery is feasible. TabNet showed acceptable performance, and might be useful to guide clinical decision making and VTE prevention. Further validated study will strengthen this finding.
Fact-Checking Journalism: A Palliative Against the COVID-19 Infodemic in Ibero-America
Authors: Martínez-García Luisa , Ferrer Iliana
Published: April 2023

This study explores how fact-checkers understand information disorder in Ibero-America, in particular the COVID-19 disinformation. We conducted a quantitative content analysis of the LatamChequea Coronavirus alliance database and in-depth interviews with journalists from the network. Evidence found that one of the most prevalent disinformation topics was the government’s restrictive measures, threatening to jeopardize the effectiveness of public health campaigns. This, added to disinformation that eroded the trust in the institutions and the press, and the opacity of governments constituted a political crisis in Ibero-America. Under this scenario, fact-checkers created relevant journalistic collaborations and strategies to fight disinformation in the region.
Effect of calcium levels on structure and function of mitochondria in yeast under high glucose fermentation
Authors: Xie Dongdong , Sun Yingqi , Li Xing , Ren Shuncheng
Published: April 2023

In this study, the effects of calcium levels on structure and function of mitochondria under high glucose environment were studied. In the high glucose environment, yeast growth capacity was inhibited, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was increased from 6 h to 12 h, while ROS content was reduced in group with 1 × 10−1 and 1 g/L CaCl2 level from 24 h to 36 h. Exogenous calcium addition had a significant effect on the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and cytochrome C content in yeast from 6 h to 12 h; mitochondrial membrane potential decreased with the increase of CaCl2 level under high glucose levels. Mitochondrial swelling of yeast was influenced by high glucose levels and showed a regulatory dynamic change by Ca2+ levels. Isocitrate dehydrogenase activity increased in 1 × 10−3 g/L CaCl2 level from 6 h to 12 h, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity increased with an increase in CaCl2 level from 6 h to 24 h. Calcium affected the structure and function of mitochondria by regulating the intracellular signal, enzymes in tricarboxylic acid cycle, and cytochrome system of yeast under high glucose stress.
Myths and legends in high-performance computing
Authors: Matsuoka Satoshi , Domke Jens , Wahib Mohamed , Drozd Aleksandr , Hoefler Torsten
Published: April 2023

In this thought-provoking article, we discuss certain myths and legends that are folklore among members of the high-performance computing community. We gathered these myths from conversations at conferences and meetings, product advertisements, papers, and other communications such as tweets, blogs, and news articles within and beyond our community. We believe they represent the zeitgeist of the current era of massive change, driven by the end of many scaling laws such as Dennard scaling and Moore’s law. While some laws end, new directions are emerging, such as algorithmic scaling or novel architecture research. Nevertheless, these myths are rarely based on scientific facts, but rather on some evidence or argumentation. In fact, we believe that this is the very reason for the existence of many myths and why they cannot be answered clearly. While it feels like there should be clear answers for each, some may remain endless philosophical debates, such as whether Beethoven was better than Mozart. We would like to see our collection of myths as a discussion of possible new directions for research and industry investment.
Partners or Opponents? How Mindset Shapes Consumers’ Attitude Toward Anthropomorphic Artificial Intelligence Service Robots
Authors: Han Bing , Deng Xun , Fan Hua
Published: April 2023

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) service robots is on the rise. With service frontlines gradually shifting to human–robot interactions, the question of whether the anthropomorphism of robots facilitates or constrains consumers’ experiences has emerged. This article focuses on the individual factor “consumer mindset” (competition vs collaboration) and investigates how it impacts consumers’ attitudes toward anthropomorphic AI robots during service delivery. Across three studies, we confirm our main prediction that competitive mindset consumers respond less favorably to anthropomorphic (vs. non-anthropomorphic) AI robots, whereas collaborative mindset consumers respond more favorably to anthropomorphic (vs. non-anthropomorphic) AI robots. We test the mediating role of perceived psychological closeness and the moderating role of interaction distance to explain the underlying mechanism. Our findings provide theoretical insights into the mixed results of previous studies of service robot anthropomorphism and have practical implications for service agencies using frontline robots.
The impact of telehealth in sepsis care: A systematic review
Authors: Tu Kevin J , Wymore Cole , Tchangalova Nedelina , Fuller Brian M , Mohr Nicholas M
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Sepsis is associated with significant mortality. Telehealth may improve the quality of early sepsis care, but the use and impact of telehealth applications for sepsis remain unclear. We aim to describe the telehealth interventions that have been used to facilitate sepsis care, and to summarize the reported effect of telehealth on sepsis outcomes.

Data Sources

We identified articles reporting telehealth use for sepsis using an English-language search of PubMed, CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), APA PsycINFO (EBSCO), Public Health (ProQuest), and Web of Science databases with no restrictions on publication date.

Study Selection

Included studies described the use of telehealth as an intervention for treating sepsis. Only comparative effectiveness analyses were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, two investigators independently selected articles for inclusion and abstracted data. A random-effects subgroup analysis was conducted on patient survival treated with and without telehealth.

Results

A total of 15 studies were included, involving 188,418 patients with sepsis. Thirteen studies used observational study designs, and the most common telehealth applications were provider-to-provider telehealth consultation and intensive care unit telehealth. Clinical and methodological heterogeneity was significantly high. Telehealth use was associated with higher survival, especially in settings with low control group survival. The effect of telehealth on other care processes and outcomes were more varied and likely dependent on hospital-level factors.

Conclusions

Telehealth has been used in diverse applications for sepsis care, and it may improve patient outcomes in certain contexts. Additional interventional trials and cost-based analyses would clarify the causal role of telehealth in improving sepsis outcomes.
Alirocumab and plaque volume, calf muscle blood flow, and walking performance in peripheral artery disease: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rrapo-Kaso Elona , Loffler Adrian I , Petroni Gina R , Meyer Craig H , Walker McCall , Kay Jennifer R. , DiMaria Joseph M , Domanchuk Kathyrn , Carr James C , McDermott Mary M , Kramer Christopher M
Published: April 2023

Background:

The distal superficial femoral artery (SFA) is most commonly affected in peripheral artery disease (PAD). The effects of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor alirocumab added to statin therapy on SFA atherosclerosis, downstream flow, and walking performance are unknown.

Methods:

Thirty-five patients with PAD on maximally tolerated statin therapy were recruited. Patients were randomized to alirocumab 150 mg subcutaneously ( n = 18) or matching placebo ( n = 17) therapy every 2 weeks for 1 year. The primary outcome was change in SFA plaque volume by black blood magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Secondary outcomes were changes in calf muscle perfusion by cuff/occlusion hyperemia arterial spin labeling MRI, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and other biomarkers.

Results:

Age (mean ± SD) was 64 ± 8 years, 20 (57%) patients were women, 17 (49%) were Black individuals, LDL was 107 ± 36 mg/dL, and the ankle–brachial index 0.71 ± 0.20. The LDL fell more with alirocumab than placebo (mean [95% CI]) (−49.8 [−66.1 to −33.6] vs −7.7 [−19.7 to 4.3] mg/dL; p < 0.0001). Changes in SFA plaque volume and calf perfusion showed no difference between groups when adjusted for baseline (+0.25 [−0.29 to 0.79] vs −0.04 [−0.47 to 0.38] cm3; p = 0.37 and 0.22 [−8.67 to 9.11] vs 3.81 [−1.45 to 9.08] mL/min/100 g; p = 0.46, respectively), nor did 6MWD.

Conclusion:

In this exploratory study, the addition of alirocumab therapy to statins did not alter SFA plaque volume, calf perfusion or 6MWD despite significant LDL lowering. Larger studies with longer follow up that include plaque characterization may improve understanding of the effects of intensive LDL-lowering therapy in PAD (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02959047).
Ken Plummer, editor
Authors: Attwood Feona
Published: April 2023

Many of the relationships described in this special issue, put together to honour the work of Ken Plummer, focus on Essex connections, intergenerational friendships, or particular intellectual concerns such as symbolic interactionism or citizenship.
Identifying individuals with complex and long-term health-care needs using the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups System: A comparison of data from primary and specialist health care
Authors: Hosar Rannei , Steinsbekk Aslak
Published: April 2023

Aims:

This study aimed to present the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups (ACG) System risk stratification profile of a total adult population of somatic health-care users when using data from either general practitioners (GPs) or hospital services and to compare the number and characteristics of individuals identified as having complex and long-term health-care needs in each data source.

Methods:

This was a registry-based study that included all adult residents ( N=168,285) in four municipalities in Central Norway who received somatic health care during 2013. Risk profiles were generated using the ACG System based on age, sex and diagnoses registered by GPs or the local hospital. ACG output variables on number of chronic conditions, frailty and concurrent resource utilisation were chosen as indicators of complexity.

Results:

Nearly nine out of 10 (83.9%) of the population had been in contact with a GP, and 35.4% with the hospital. The mean number of diagnoses (3.0) was equal in both sources. A larger proportion of the population had higher risk scores in all variables except frailty when comparing hospital data to GP data. This was also found when comparing individuals identified as having complex and long-term health-care needs. A similar proportion of the population was found to have complex and long-term health-care needs (hospital 6.7%, GP 6.3%), but only one in five (21.5%) were identified in both data sets.

Conclusions:

As data from GPs and hospitals identified mostly different individuals with complex and long-term health-care needs, combining data sources is likely to be the best option for identifying those most in need of special attention.