bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the interplay between food security, agriculture, trade policy, and energy consumption: An environmental sustainability insight
Authors: He Yugang
Published: August 2023

Food security, energy dynamics, and environmental sustainability represent some of the most critical global challenges in the contemporary world. This research undertakes the intricate task of deciphering the multidimensional impacts of food security, agricultural practices, trade policy, and energy consumption on the evolution of greenhouse gas emissions in South Korea spanning the period of 1990–2020. Employing a sophisticated autoregressive distributed lag approach, this study strives to extract both short-run and long-run interpretations. Moreover, the integration of a vector error correction model serves to illuminate the underpinnings of causal relationships. The findings reveal that nonrenewable energy consumption and food security impose a deleterious effect on environmental sustainability, predominantly via their enhancement of greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, renewable energy consumption, agriculture, and trade policy emerge as key drivers of environmental sustainability due to their potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The vector error correction model corroborates the existence of short-term bilateral causality among food security, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, agriculture and trade policy display a unidirectional influence in the short term, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This causal nexus lends credence to the significant implications of short-term agricultural and trade policy decisions on greenhouse gas emissions. The study ultimately underscores the imperative role of government intervention in South Korea in fostering energy-efficient and environmentally responsible strategies for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and enhanced environmental sustainability.
METTL3 Promotes the Growth and Invasion of Melanoma Cells by Regulating the lncRNA SNHG3/miR-330-5p Axis
Authors: Chu Shaojun , Li Yulong , Wu Baojin , Rong Guo , Hou Qiang , Zhou Qin , Du Dexiang , Li Yufei
Published: August 2023

Accumulating evidence indicates that m6A methyltransferase 3 (METTL3) plays a pivotal role in different malignancies including melanoma. However, the function and underlying mechanisms by which METTL3 contributes to the tumorigenesis of melanoma remain undocumented. The association of METTL3 and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with melanoma was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and The Cancer Genome Atlas data sets. The role of METTL3 in melanoma cells was assessed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The m6A dot blot, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), and RT-qPCR were used to verify METTL3-mediated m6A modification of lncRNA SNHG3. The effect of METTL3 on lncRNA SNHG3 was determined by luciferase gene reporter assay, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. We found that METTL3 was upregulated in melanoma tissue samples and associated with poor survival in patients with melanoma. Knockdown of METTL3 suppressed the growth and invasion of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas restored expression of METTL3 promoted these effects. Mechanistic investigations showed that knockdown of METTL3 reduced SNHG3 m6A levels and its messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels. SNHG3 could act as a sponge of microRNA (miR)-330-5p to upregulate the expression of CCHC-type zinc finger nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP). SNHG3 overexpression reversed METTL3-knockdown-caused antitumor effects, miR-330-5p upregulation and CNBP downregulation. SNHG3 had a positive correlation with METTL3 expression but a negative correlation with miR-330-5p expression in melanoma tissue samples. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that METTL3-mediated m6A modification of lncRNA SNHG3 promoted the growth and invasion of melanoma cells by regulating the miR-330-5p/CNBP axis.
A Bibliometric Analysis on Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance Literature Using VOSviewer Software
Authors: Kaushik Namita , Dangwal R. C.
Published: August 2023

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is a valuable resource for the success of any business and is a key concept in the field of entrepreneurship and strategy management research. It is one of the most studied variables in the literature on entrepreneurship. There are many studies identifying the influence of EO on firm performance. The objective of this paper is to provide insight into the relevance of EO and its impact on performance by conducting a scientometric analysis of over 25 years of publications, recognizing the most eminent authors, sources, organizations, countries, and articles in this research subject. The paper makes use of the Web of Science database to access all the documents and research related to EO and performance that are available in the database from 1996 to 2021. Visualization of similarities viewer software version 1.6.18 is used to perform bibliometric analysis on available information found in the Web of Science. This research article shows the co-authorship analysis, keyword analysis, and bibliographic coupling analysis through visualization tools. This bibliographic mapping depicted the contributions of authors and countries, as well as their collaboration and publication pattern over time. Bibliometric analysis also revealed the emerging areas, topics, and trends in this research field. The findings of the study will help academics to identify future research directions and areas.
Experiences of violence among people with stimulant use disorder in psychiatric inpatient settings: A qualitative study
Authors: Tennant Matthew , Crowe Marie , Foulds James
Published: August 2023

Objective

To describe the perspectives of those with lived experience of stimulant use disorder on methamphetamine-related violence in psychiatric inpatient settings.

Method

Eight adult psychiatric inpatients with stimulant use disorder were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants reported that traumatic experiences predisposed those using methamphetamine to violent behaviour. Participants were fearful of psychiatric hospitalisation because of loss of autonomy and stigma. Methamphetamine use was associated with mercurial intense emotions. Participants believed these factors led to violence during psychiatric admissions.

Conclusions

People with stimulant use disorder have a sophisticated understanding of the complex causal pathways from methamphetamine use to violent behaviour. Their lived experience can make an important contribution to service development.
Understanding the Role of Sport Values on Social Capital and Word-of-Mouth on the Internet: A Case Study of Esports Games
Authors: Ribeiro Tiago , Calapez André , Almeida Victor , Matsuoka Hirotaka
Published: August 2023

Background

Due to the social nature of esports (i.e., organized video game competitions), recognizing common values and norms can be leveraged as a positive driver in online gaming communities. Different game categories such as sports simulation (i.e., esports based on real-life sport events) are driving their expansion through social interactions that foster new relationships among players, known as social capital (i.e., value created from social connections, relationships, and networks within the gaming community). Despite recent studies showing the social role of esports (e.g., on satisfaction, loyalty, or well-being), little empirically derived insight exists regarding its sport values, social capital formation and positive word-of-mouth in different gamer communities on the Internet.

Aim

This study aims to achieve two objectives: (a) to examine how sports values (excellence, friendship and respect) influence the in-game social capital formation (bridging and bonding) and word-of-mouth intention by the esports players; and (b) to determine whether differences occur according to sports simulation and non-simulation games.

Method

Data were collected among esports players (n = 509), and the results were analyzed using structural equation modeling to test hypothesized relationships between the constructs and multigroup analysis to verify if the path coefficients differ among both game groups.

Results

Friendship value was the strongest predictor of bonding and bridging capital formation in both groups. The excellence value showed a positive effect on strong social ties created towards non-simulation games, while playing well or reaching high in-game performance did not contribute to creating bonding capital in sports simulation games. Both bonding and bridging capital were strong predictors of behavioral intentions.

Conclusion

Social implications focus on cultivating the sportive values and enhancing social ties on player community as a way to share good experiences or to talk positively about the game. Esports industry should consider the well-established and mediating construct of social capital, strengthening in-game bonding, and bridging relations as a broader theoretical basis.
Dermoid Cyst of the Hard Palate: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Khalifeh Elie , Hosri Jad , Barazi Randa
Published: August 2023

Dermoid and epidermoid cysts are congenital or acquired benign developmental cysts that uncommonly occur in the head and neck region. These cysts represent less than 0.01% of all cysts of the oral cavity and can be found on the tongue, lips and other oral mucosa locations. The palate is less frequently affected with most reported cysts being limited to the soft palate. In this study, we report a case of a dermoid cyst of the hard palate, and discuss its management with a review of the literature.
Adaptation and Validation of the Korean Version of the Scope of School Nursing Practice Tool
Authors: Yoon Jaehee , Seo Hyun-Ju , Kim Ji Eun
Published: August 2023

The scope of the school nursing practice tool (SSNPT) is needed to apply and explore the gap between what school nurses perceive as important and actual practices. This study adapted and validated the Korean version of SSNPT (K-SSNPT) among 360 Korean school nurses in January 2022. The reliable and valid K-SSNPT can inform school nurses’ workforce policies by capturing the current scope of school nursing practice and setting priorities for improving school health in South Korea.
E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) Continues: An Opportunity for Pharmacist Intervention
Authors: Andrus Miranda R.
Published: August 2023

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) was first identified and reported in 2019, but media coverage and reporting of cases drastically decreased when the COVID-19 pandemic started in early 2020. The syndrome has continued to occur since that time and it is critical that pharmacists are aware of how EVALI presents, and when it should be considered as a potential diagnosis. Inpatient and outpatient pharmacists play a vital role in the treatment of EVALI, and should be knowledgeable of the utility of corticosteroids, even though data are extremely limited. Pharmacists should understand the importance of collecting detailed and accurate information about vaping from patient interviews. Pharmacists also play a leading role in cessation counseling and treatment, selecting medications that can be used to treat nicotine addiction from vaping, and assisting with transitions of care and follow-up.
The Working Relationship Between Emergency Room Nurses and Medical Rape Victim Advocates: A Qualitative Examination of Nurses’ Perceptions of the Influence of Nurse Training and Experience on Nurse–Advocate Interactions
Authors: Zinter Kayleigh E. , Tull Peggy , Greeson Megan R. , Hoffman Erin E. , Wegrzyn Annie
Published: August 2023

Nurses and medical advocates respond to sexual assault survivors seeking hospital services. Ideally, both providers work collaboratively. However, this does not always happen. Extant research on the nurse–advocate relationship focuses on Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). This study examines how ER nurses perceive their training and experience influence the working relationships between emergency room (ER) nurses (not exclusively SANEs) and medical advocates. Key findings indicate nurses perceive increased training improves (a) role understanding, (b) trust, (c) respect, (d) rapport, and (e) appreciation. Less training was associated with poorer role understanding and trust.
Assessment of indoor exposure to outdoor environmental noise and effects on occupant comfort in multi-unit residential buildings
Authors: Andargie Maedot S , Touchie Marianne , O’Brien William , Müller-Trapet Markus
Published: August 2023

Outdoor environmental noise is a major source of annoyance in urban areas and exposure to it can increase the risk of severe health issues. Consequently, it has been the focus of research for decades. Even though people spend the majority of their time indoors, most studies use outdoor noise levels and do not include indoor noise measurements to estimate real exposure levels. This study conducted simultaneous indoor and outdoor noise measurements for 24 h in four multi-unit residential buildings to identify the levels and sources of outdoor noise heard indoors and quantify the effects of outdoor noise on indoor levels. The measurements were conducted in unoccupied suites that are most exposed to traffic and other outdoor noise sources. Surveys were administered following building occupancy to collect information regarding perceived acoustic comfort levels due to outdoor noise. The indoor LAeq,24h in three of the study buildings were above 40 dB(A) and exceeded WHO’s noise level limits. Regression analysis showed that outdoor noise only explains 14%–58% of the variability in indoor noise levels. This is mainly because of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system noise which resulted in consistently high indoor noise levels despite variations in outdoor noise. Analysis of the survey showed a poor correlation between reported annoyance and measured noise levels. But annoyance strongly depended on other factors such as suite location and noise sensitivity. The findings show that outdoor noise measurements alone may not be good predictors of exposure levels and the effects of outdoor noise on occupants.
Soft nationalism and China: A case study of nationalism in short videos by US-Chinese rapper MC Jin
Authors: Xiao Jian , Davis Mark , Dong Xinxin
Published: August 2023

In this article we introduce the concept of soft nationalism through a case-study analysis of short videos by US-born rapper MC Jin (Jin Au-Yeung), who is of Chinese background. Jin's creative output, we argue, with its cross-cultural and grassroots invocations of Chinese identity, ethnicity, tradition, language and belonging, complicates existing theories of nationalism. To address these complications we develop the term ‘soft nationalism’, to describe forms of nationalism that are neither ‘hard’, ‘hot’ and bellicose nor ‘banal’ or ‘everyday’. Like soft power, soft nationalism carries intent but speaks quietly, and is practised everywhere but often found in China, in the context of a recent surge of participatory online nationalism.
Establishing social services for health promotion in health insurance states: Germany, Switzerland and Austria compared
Authors: Lückenbach Caspar , Biehl Verena , Gerlinger Thomas
Published: August 2023

Prevention and health promotion are important areas of welfare state activity and can be considered parts of the critical infrastructure. They have been considerably expanded in Western welfare states in recent years. In the health insurance states of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, new forms of organisation have emerged. The article describes the evolution and status quo of the organisation of prevention and health promotion in the three countries and explores the legitimisation patterns for the chosen institutional forms. To this end, health reforms, debates and statements of key stakeholders are analysed. A distinction is made between ‘normative’ legitimisation patterns and ‘functional’ ones that indicate a ‘social investment’ strategy. In Germany, the 2015 Prevention Act created an institutional structure in which the actors involved cooperate closely. It also gives the health insurance funds a prominent role. In Switzerland, the cantons are responsible for prevention and health promotion; at federal level the main bodies are the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) and the Swiss Foundation for Health Promotion (Gesundheitsförderung Schweiz). In Austria, the Länder are largely responsible, but the federal level gained importance by establishing Gesundes Österreich GmbH and strengthening coordination. While the term ‘social investment’ is not encountered in the debates and documents analysed, many arguments commonly associated with it are increasingly used in the context of prevention and health promotion. In contrast, normative justifications seem to be losing importance.
Investigation of indoor air quality in coal-heating rural residential buildings in Northern China based on longtime monitoring
Authors: Dong Shengming , Luo Yao , Hu Xiaowei , Zhu Weijia
Published: August 2023

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is closely related to resident health and has been drawing extensive consideration from academics as well as government regulators. However, few studies have quantitatively investigated IAQ in rural buildings during the heating period, in which the resident time indoors is relatively longer. This study has monitored and quantitatively analyzed the indoor air parameters (temperature, CO2, formaldehyde and PM2.5) of 20 rural houses in Northern China during the heating season (15 days out of 120). After quantitatively analyzing the IAQ parameters, the Pearson correlation model was also adopted to evaluate the relationships between them. Results showed that only 4 households could keep the indoor temperature above 18°C for more than 50% of the heating period. Additionally, there were 7, 2 and 18 households, of which the over-standard time of CO2, formaldehyde and PM2.5 took up more than 40%. The concentration of indoor PM2.5 was higher than outdoors most of the time. Therefore, indoor PM2.5 was mainly caused by indoor activities rather than transported from outside. Correlation analysis showed that CO2 was positively correlated with formaldehyde and PM2.5 in 16 and 12 households.
Factors associated with the download and use of mobile personal health record applications in Korean hospitals
Authors: Kim Hyeon Seok , Lee Dahye , Kim Kee Nyun , Kim Sang Mi , Park Young-Taek
Published: August 2023

The use of mobile personal health records (m-PHR) has been little studied at the organizational level. This study was to investigate the relationships of various hospital-related factors with m-PHR use in Korean hospitals. Downloads of m-PHR applications for 101 hospitals were examined from May 26 to 30 June 2022. The dependent variable was the number of m-PHR downloads, and the major independent variables included six technological, organizational, and environmental factors. As technological factors, the number of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imagery devices were significantly associated with downloads (RR = 1.119, CI = 1.022–1.226, p = 0.016; and RR = 1.155; 95% CI = 1.024–1.302, p = 0.019, respectively). At the organizational level, the number of physicians, adjusting for the number of beds, and the number of medical information management staff showed significant associations (RR = 1.059, CI = 1.019–1.100, p = 0.004; and RR = 1.026, CI = 1.002–1.050, p = 0.033, respectively). From an environmental standpoint, downloads were positively associated with the proportion of the local population of working age (20–59 years) (RR = 1.102, CI 1.022–1.189, p = 0.012). Healthcare policymakers should pay close attention to these factors to advocate for the widespread use of m-PHR applications.
Collapse, social tipping dynamics, and framing climate change
Authors: Steel Daniel , Mintz-Woo Kian , DesRoches C. Tyler
Published: August 2023

In this article, we claim that recent developments in climate science and renewable energy should prompt a reframing of debates surrounding climate change mitigation. Taken together, we argue that these developments suggest (1) global climate collapse in this century is a non-negligible risk, (2) mitigation offers substantial benefits to current generations, and (3) mitigation by some can generate social tipping dynamics that could ultimately make renewables cheaper than fossil fuels. We explain how these claims undermine familiar framings of climate change, wherein mitigation is understood as self-sacrifice that individuals and governments must be morally persuaded or incentivized to undertake.
‘A clear center but no clear boundaries.’ The construction of professional identities in spiritual care through boundary work in participatory action research within health care
Authors: Jacobs Gaby , Cuba Stefanie de
Published: August 2023

Spiritual care is increasingly seen as a task of all health care professionals. This is challenging for chaplains working in health care, who hold spiritual care at the heart of their profession but don’t feel rooted in a strong professional identity. In this article we discuss a participatory action research that aimed at strengthening the professional identity of health care chaplains by forming collaborative learning communities of chaplains and general practice mental health. The focus is on the ‘boundary work’ and how participatory action research contributes to this. Relational professionalism, Dialogical Self Theory and Boundary Theory are combined to interpret the complex relational-dialogical processes of negotiating one’s identity within the relationships with diverse others: clients, mental health nurses and society. The result is a more articulated and at the same time flexible professional identity for healthcare chaplains. Participatory action research contributes to these boundary processes by stimulating reflection, explicating, eliciting or encouraging different voices and facilitating the dialogue between these professionals.
Virtual Implementation of a Photovoice Project With Youth in Baltimore During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Poku Ohemaa B. , Smith Bianca D. , Pollock Abigail M. , Dabney Breyanna , Wallace Shan , Brown Subira , Eng Eugenia , Mendelson Tamar , Saleem Haneefa T. , Linton Sabriya L.
Published: August 2023

This article describes the virtual implementation of Photovoice activities conducted as part of a project that sought to gather youths’ perspectives on neighborhood and housing conditions, community redevelopment, and health and well-being in Baltimore. We discuss the original in-person design and how activities were implemented virtually, in light of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) physical distancing guidelines. Challenges to virtual implementation included establishing rapport with youth and families during recruitment and data collection, encouraging active participation during discussion sessions, and varying technological skills among youth. Facilitators of virtual implementation included partnering with a community organization, piloting virtual sessions to assess participant’s technology skills, and providing various ways for youth to participate during discussion sessions, engage in group activities, and receive hands-on instruction. This article showcases the ways in which virtual implementation of Photovoice activities can be successfully implemented with youth and provides recommendations for future Photovoice projects that include virtual activities.
Laundromats: Community-Based Partnerships to Increase Reproductive Health Literacy Outreach
Authors: Mirabal-Beltran Roxanne , Rondini Kelsey , Linnan Laura
Published: August 2023

Laundromats are a regularly visited, highly localized community venue, especially in underserved communities. Few health literacy and health-promotion programs have taken place in laundromats, and there have been no efforts to apply community-based participatory research approaches in this setting. Literacy programs and cancer-prevention initiatives have been held in laundromats, but little data exist on the empirical outcomes of such initiatives or whether the programs have been fashioned as a collaboration between community and researchers. In this paper, we present a brief overview of literacy and cancer-prevention initiatives that have taken place in laundromats and introduce our Wash and Spin Toward Health/Washington Avanzando la Salud Hispana (W.A.S.H.) project. We describe how we applied community-based participatory research principles to launch this effort and identify both benefits and challenges of this approach. We hope this project will stimulate greater interest in laundromat settings for outreach and education efforts, especially those addressing disparities in health literacy and access.
Pandemic Puppy: Polydisciplinamory in (Post?) Pandemic Times
Authors: Holman Jones Stacy , Harris Daniel X
Published: August 2023

This performative piece considers human–animal relations in pandemic and post(?) pandemic times, in particular the exponential increase in pet adoptions during the COVID-19 lockdowns and the subsequent spectacular rise in pet relinquishments and abandonments following the easing of lockdowns and restrictions. We consider Jack Halberstam’s argument around the “zombie humanism” of pet ownership in relation to Donna Haraway’s ideas on human–animal kinship and Natalie Loveless’s notion of “polydisciplinamory” as an eros-powered alternative to the constraints of discipline-focused approaches to creative research/research creation. We bring these lines of thoughts together to propose a position of “poly-puppy-amory” as an antidote to the binary and heteronormative approaches both human–animal relations and the work of artistic qualitative research.
Management of intracranial arterial stenosis during mechanical thrombectomy: Survey of neuro-interventionalists
Authors: Kasab Sami Al , Nelson Ashley , Fargen Kyle , Nguyen Thanh , Derdeyn Colin , Mokin Maxim , Essibayi Muhammed A , Grandhi Ramesh , Zaidat Osama O , DeHavenon Adam
Published: August 2023

Background

The optimal management of emergent large vessel occlusion due to underlying intracranial stenosis (intracranial stenosis related large vessel occlusion) remains unknown. The primary aim of this survey analysis was to measure variation in the clinical management of intracranial stenosis related large vessel occlusion during mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods

A survey was designed using a web-based survey-building platform and distributed via the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) and the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology (SVIN) websites for a response. Predictors of respondents’ level of comfortability stenting were estimated using a binomial logistic regression model.

Results

We received 105 responses to the survey. Most respondents (54.3%) practiced at an academic Stroke Center. Nearly half of the respondents (49%) had been practicing for 5 or more years independently after fellowship. An average of 54 mechanical thrombectomies were performed by each respondent annually. There was variation in the definition of intracranial stenosis related large vessel occlusion, number of passes performed before pursuing rescue stenting, as well as intra and post-procedural antiplatelet management. Of respondents, 58% felt rescue stenting was very risky, and 55.7% agreed that there was equipoise regarding emergent angioplasty and/or stenting versus medical therapy for intracranial stenosis related large vessel occlusion. Respondents who encountered intracranial stenosis related large vessel occlusion more frequently thought that rescue stenting was less risky.

Conclusion

There is notable variability in the diagnosis and management of intracranial stenosis related large vessel occlusion during mechanical thrombectomy. While most respondents felt rescue stenting was risky, the majority believed the benefit could outweigh the risk. The majority of respondents agreed that equipoise exists regarding the management of intracranial stenosis related large vessel occlusion, highlighting the need for clinical trials in this rare patient population.
Sound-induced analgesia cannot always be observed in adult mice
Authors: Chen Qi-Yu , Wan Jinjin , Wang Mianxian , Hong Shanshan , Zhuo Min
Published: August 2023

Music seems promising as an adjuvant pain treatment in humans, while its mechanism remains to be illustrated. In rodent models of chronic pain, few studies reported the analgesic effect of music. Recently, Zhou et al. stated that the analgesic effects of sound depended on a low (5 dB) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) relative to ambient noise in mice. However, despite employing multiple behavioral analysis approaches, we were unable to extend these findings to a mice model of chronic pain listening to the 5 dB SNR.
Patient-matched osseointegrated prostheses for thumb amputees: a cadaver and feasibility study
Authors: Bregoli Chiara , Lando Mario , Adani Roberto , Sette Priscilla Di , Rampoldi Michele , Morellato Kavin , Gruppioni Emanuele , Tuissi Ausonio
Published: August 2023

Thumb amputations affect 50% of hand functionality. Common solutions consist of microsurgical treatments or silicone vacuum prosthesis. Not all patients are eligible for microsurgical treatment and the use of vacuum prosthesis is often discouraged because of their instability. On the contrary, osseointegrated prosthesis provide stable retention and osseoperception. This cadaveric study evaluated the process of a patient-matched osseointegrated prosthesis for the treatment of thumb amputees. Computed tomography (CT) medical images reconstruction provided information on metacarpal stump, used as input for the parametric screw design. Preoperative planning guided the surgeons in the surgery: postoperative placement confirmed the accuracy of the preoperative planning. Surgeons were directly involved in the implant design to meet their requirements and patient needs. Implants were inserted into cadaveric specimens in one-stage surgery. A similar process can be adopted and exploited for the treatment of different levels of thumb amputations and long finger amputations.
The 6–8-week baby check: Common parental concerns and red flags
Authors: Ayoub Dr Aya , Beebeejaun Dr Shirin
Published: August 2023

The 6–8-week baby check is part of the NHS newborn and infant physical examination screening programme. The check is an early opportunity to carry out a comprehensive physical examination, pick up abnormalities which require referral, deliver health promotion advice and address parental concerns. This article will focus on some common parental concerns, how to reassure parents, and potential red flags that may be picked up at the check.
Primitive rectal melanoma: A rare case report
Authors: Elouali Ibtissam , Imrani Kawtar , Berrada Kenza , Zahi Hiba , Jahid Ahmed , Moatassim Billah Nabil , Nassar Ittimade
Published: August 2023

Mucosal melanoma is a rare subtype of melanoma distinct from the cutaneous type in its clinical and biological aspects, requiring different therapeutical management. Anorectal melanomas represent less than 1% of anorectal cancers and 0.3% of malignant melanomas, and they are by far the most studied type. Proctologic examination, colonoscopy, and biopsy can establish a correct diagnosis. Imaging techniques, especially MRI can show some characteristic features, but it is essentially performed for extension assessment. We report the case of a 63-year-old man who consulted for rectal bleeding. The proctological examination found a brownish ulcerative-vegetating tumor of 3 cm in diameter located 3 cm from the anal rim. The endoscopic examination revealed a predominance of ulcerative budding lesions and the biopsy specimen confirmed a rectal melanoma. The extension assessment, based on a computed tomography scan and MRI did not show locoregional or distant metastases. Radiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection with pelvic node dissection was the treatment of choice with good evolution.
Extra-skeletal Ewing’s sarcoma of the leg with multiple skeletal and pulmonary metastases: A rare pediatric case report
Authors: El Harras Yahya , Choayb Safaa , Laasri Khadija , Allali Nazik , Chat Latifa , El Haddad Siham
Published: August 2023

Being the second most common malignant bone tumor in children and young adults, Ewing’s sarcoma can also occur as a primary soft-tissue tumor called extraosseous or extra-skeletal Ewing’s sarcoma. It is a rare entity, especially in the pediatric population. We report the case of an adolescent who presented to our department for lower extremity magnetic resonance imaging to explore leg swelling. It revealed an extra-skeletal Ewing’s sarcoma with multiple bone metastases. By reporting this case, we also review the literature on this rare abnormality.
Panic Buying, Product Substitution and Channel-Shifting Behaviour During Pandemic
Authors: Sarkar Ashutosh , Das Debadyuti , Debroy Arindam
Published: August 2023

The present study attempts to investigate the impact of the locational restriction imposed by the government, restricted mobility of the people and supply disruption at the customer interface arising out of COVID-19 on panic buying, product substitution and channel-shifting behaviour of consumers. A questionnaire survey was carried out to seek responses from Indian consumers on the items representing the above components on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 425 usable responses were analysed using the structural equation modelling considering locational restriction and supply disruption at the customer interface as exogenous variables, difficulty in accessibility as a mediating variable, and panic buying and product substitution as endogenous variables. Further, the channel-shifting behaviour of consumers was investigated for different channels across different product categories during the lockdown. The study reveals that supply disruption at the customer interface has a significant influence on product substitution and panic buying behaviour. It was also observed that there has been a significant decrease in the use of traditional retail chains for staple food items post lockdown. The insights drawn from the study are useful for managers in designing appropriate channel strategies when faced with disruptions caused by a pandemic.
Monitoring External Workload With Wearable Technology After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Scoping Review
Authors: Golberg Eric , Pinkoski Adam , Beaupre Lauren , Rouhani Hossein
Published: August 2023

Background:

Current sports medicine and rehabilitation trends indicate an increasing use of wearable technology. The ability of these devices to collect, transmit, and process physiological, biomechanical, bioenergy, and environmental data may aid in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) workload monitoring and return-to-sport decision-making. In addition, their ease of use allows assessments to occur outside the clinical or laboratory settings and across a broader timeline.

Purpose:

To (1) determine how wearable technology can assess external workload deficits between limbs (involved and uninvolved) and between groups (healthy controls vs patients with ACLR) during physical activity (PA) or sport and (2) describe the types of sensors, sensor specifications, assessment protocols, outcomes of interest, and participant characteristics from the included studies.

Study Design:

Scoping review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

In February 2023, a systematic search was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Compendex, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global databases. Eligible studies included assessments of PA or sports workloads via wearable technology after ACLR.

Results:

Twenty articles met eligibility criteria and were included. The primary activity assessed was activities of daily living, although rehabilitation, training, and competition were also represented. Accelerometers, global positioning system units, pedometers, and pressure sensor insoles were worn to collect external workload data, which was quantified as kinetic, kinematic, and temporospatial data. Daily steps (count) and moderate to vigorous PA (min/day or week) were the most common units of measurement. A limited number of studies included outcomes related to between-limb asymmetries.

Conclusion:

The findings of this scoping review highlight the versatility of wearable technologies to collect patients’ kinetic, kinematic, and temporospatial data and assess external workload outcomes after ACLR. In addition, some wearable technologies identified deficits in workload compared with healthy controls and between reconstructed and unaffected limbs.
Anterior Displacement of Tibial Spine Fractures: Does Anatomic Reduction Matter?
Authors: McGurty Shannon A. , Ganley Theodore J. , Kushare Indranil , Leska Tomasina M. , Aoyama Julian T. , Ellis Henry B. , Johnson Ben , Baghdadi Soroush , Cruz Aristides I. , Fabricant Peter D. , Green Daniel W. , Lee R. Jay , McKay Scott D. , Milbrandt Todd A. , Patel Neeraj M. , Rhodes Jason T. , Sachleben Brant , Traver Jessica L. , Mistovich R. Justin , Schmale Gregory A. , Cook Danielle L. , Yen Yi-Meng
Published: August 2023

Background:

Operative treatment of displaced tibial spine fractures consists of fixation and reduction of the fragment in addition to restoring tension of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Purpose:

To determine whether residual displacement of the anterior portion of a tibial spine fragment affects the range of motion (ROM) or laxity in operatively and nonoperatively treated patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data were gathered from 328 patients younger than 18 years who were treated for tibial spine fractures between 2000 and 2019 at 10 institutions. ROM and anterior lip displacement (ALD) measurements were summarized and compared from pretreatment to final follow-up. ALD measurements were categorized as excellent (0 to <1 mm), good (1 to <3 mm), fair (3 to 5 mm), or poor (>5 mm). Posttreatment residual laxity and arthrofibrosis were assessed.

Results:

Overall, 88% of patients (290/328) underwent operative treatment. The median follow-up was 8.1 months (range, 3-152 months) for the operative group and 6.7 months (range, 3-72 months) for the nonoperative group. The median ALD measurement of the cohort was 6 mm pretreatment, decreasing to 0 mm after treatment ( P < .001). At final follow-up, 62% of all patients (203/328) had excellent ALD measurements, compared with 5% (12/264) before treatment. Subjective laxity was seen in 11% of the nonoperative group (4/37) and 5% of the operative group (15/285; P = .25). Across the cohort, there was no association between final knee ROM and final ALD category. While there were more patients with arthrofibrosis in the operative group (7%) compared with the nonoperative group (3%) ( P = .49), this was not different across the ALD displacement categories.

Conclusion:

Residual ALD was not associated with posttreatment subjective residual laxity, extension loss, or flexion loss. The results suggest that anatomic reduction of a tibial spine fracture may not be mandatory if knee stability and functional ROM are achieved.
Occupational-Related Injuries and Associated Risk Factors Among Healthcare Workers Working in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Debelu Desi , Mengistu Dechasa Adare , Tolera Sina Temesgen , Aschalew Alemayehu , Deriba Wegene
Published: August 2023

Background

Occupational-related diseases or illnesses account for an estimated 2.4 million deaths worldwide every year. Currently, occupational hazards threaten healthcare workers’ (HCWs) lives, safety, and well-being. Therefore, providing the prevalence and major causes of occupational-related diseases may enable injury reduction and the creation of safer working environments, which are important for providing higher quality services. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational-related injuries and associated risk factors among HCWs, particularly in developing countries.

Methods

The articles published in English were retrieved using a combination of Boolean logic operators (AND, OR, and NOT), Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), and keywords in electronic databases (SCOPUS/Science Direct, Web of Science, DOAJ, PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Google Scholars). Using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools, a quality assessment was conducted to determine the articles’ relevance. In addition, the relevant articles were identified through a series of assessment and evaluation stages.

Results

About 721 studies were searched using electronic databases, of which 36 articles included 139,578 HCWs. The average prevalence of occupational-related injuries among HCWs in the career and previous last year accounted for 60.17%, ranged from 32% to 87.8% and 39.16%, ranged from 1.14% to 87%, respectively. The current study found that sex and hours worked, stress at work, occupation, age, training in infection prevention, use of universal precautions, recapping needles, ward work experience, staffing and resource adequacy, awareness, outdated guidelines, and previous exposure to sharp injury were statistically associated with occupational-related injuries.

Conclusions

This study revealed that 39% and 60% of HCWs experienced occupational-related injuries in the last year and during their career, respectively. Therefore, the appropriate measures must be taken to reduce the burden of occupational-related injuries by following standard precautions or occupational health and safety measures.
The synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles by solution combustion synthesis method in a new reactor at low-temperature conditions
Authors: Barati MD , Khoshandam B
Published: August 2023

The novelty of the present paper was the construction of a new reactor to synthesize the cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) by solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method for reducing the processing temperature of cobalt production. To perform the SCS process, a reactor was designed and constructed and the synthesis process was performed using cobalt (II) nitrate-6-water as oxidizer along with glycine and urea as fuels. The effect of the molar ratio of glycine fuel to oxidizer and fuel type parameters on the purity of the products were examined. The XRD and FESEM analysis were used to characterize the obtained products. Based on FESEM analysis and the Scherrer equation, the mean size of all samples was under 100 nm and the reactor loaded with the glycine fuel provided the lowest particle sizes by around 14 nm and produced particles with better surface adhesion. It was found that the glycine fuel was determined the best fuel compared to urea because of producing temperatures near 400°C. Compared to traditional gas-solid reactions, the operating temperature of this process was under 400°C which was considerably lower than the operating temperature of gas-solid reactions occurred at temperatures higher than 800°C.
Republication of “Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity Using a Suture Button Device: A Preliminary Report”
Authors: Gonzalez Tyler A. , Smith Jeremy T. , Bluman Eric M. , Ready Lauren V. , Ciurylo William , Chiodo Christopher P.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Hallux valgus (HV) is commonly treated with proximal or distal first metatarsal osteotomy. Despite good correction, these procedures have inherent risks such as malunion, nonunion, metatarsal shortening, loss of fixation, and avascular necrosis. Suture button fixation has been used for HV treatment. It avoids the risks of corrective osteotomies while maintaining reduction of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA). The goal of this study was to assess the radiographic and functional outcomes of patients undergoing HV correction with a distal soft tissue procedure and proximal suture button fixation.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts and radiographs of 22 patients who had undergone HV correction using a distal soft tissue correction and proximal fixation with a miniature suture button device (Mini TightRope; Arthrex, Inc, Naples, FL). Mean follow-up was 27.7 months. The IMA, hallux valgus angle (HVA), and sesamoid station were measured on radiographs obtained preoperatively as well as in the immediate postoperative period and at final follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were collected. Postoperative complications, and any additional operative procedures performed were also recorded.

Results:

The mean preoperative IMA and HVA were 16.9 and 32.6 degrees, respectively. The mean immediate postoperative IMA was 5.2 degrees ( P < .0001) and the mean HVA was 9.8 degrees ( P < .0001). At final follow-up, the mean IMA was 8.2 degrees ( P < .0001) and the mean HVA was 16.7 degrees ( P < .0001). The average change in HVA from preoperative to final follow-up was 16.0 degrees and the average change in IMA from preoperative to final follow-up was 8.6 degrees ( P < .0001). Sesamoid station assessment at the 2-week follow-up showed that 22 patients (100%) were in the normal position group; at final follow-up, 17 patients (77%) had normal position and 5 patients (23%) had displaced position. Although there were no clinically symptomatic recurrences, asymptomatic radiographic recurrence was noted in 5 patients (23%) who had a final HVA >20 degrees. All components of the FAAM and the SF-36 showed improvement from preoperative to final follow-up, although these changes were not statistically significant. Three patients experienced complications, including an intraoperative second metatarsal fracture, a postoperative second metatarsal stress fracture, and a postoperative deep vein thrombosis.

Conclusion:

The use of a distal soft tissue procedure in conjunction with proximal suture button fixation is a safe and effective procedure for treating symptomatic HV deformity. Our results show that this technique can correct the IMA, HVA, and sesamoid station without the need for osteotomy.

Level of evidence:

Level IV.