bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurotoxicity by Hypoxia an Intermediate Between Alpha-synuclein and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chand Jagdish , Fanai Hannah Lalengzuali , Antony A. S. , Subramanian Gomathy
Published: June 2024

This review article explores the relationship between alpha-synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on the role of hypoxia as an intermediate factor. The interaction between alpha-synuclein and mitochondria, particularly through membranal lipids such as cardiolipins, is highlighted as a key factor in mitochondrial disruption and neurodegeneration. Hypoxia, caused by oxygen deprivation, is identified as a crucial link between alpha-synuclein and mitochondrial regulation, leading to neuronal death in PD. The article also discusses the involvement of other proteins, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator, Sirtuin-1, Sirtuin-3 and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, in maintaining mitochondrial biogenesis during hypoxia. The study emphasizes the need for further research to understand the complex molecular interactions causing Lewy body aggregation, improper mitochondrial functioning and neurodegeneration in PD, with a specific focus on the role of hypoxia. Alpha-synuclein aggregation disrupts mitochondrial respiration, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and increased production of reactive oxygen species. Mitochondrial dysfunction, in turn, causes neurodegeneration in PD. Oligomeric alpha-synuclein results in mitochondrial dysfunction, lethal synaptic disruption and reduced adenosine triphosphate generation. Oligomeric alpha-synuclein also increases the accumulation of mitochondrial rho nucleotide guanosine triphosphate, leading to delayed mitophagy. Hypoxia, another factor in PD, alters both alpha-synuclein and mitochondria. Controlling hypoxia reduces the oligomerization of alpha-synuclein. The interaction between alpha-synuclein and mitochondria is complex, and determining the primary player in inducing the other is still debatable.
Strategies to Build the Vocabulary and Background Knowledge of Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Barnes Zachary T. , Cartwright Kelly B.
Published: June 2024

Comprehending texts in content areas can be challenging for students with learning disabilities (LD) because they may lack the necessary background and vocabulary knowledge needed to construct meaning from text. As more students with LD are educated in the general education classroom, it is necessary for teachers to implement strategies to increase the vocabulary and background knowledge of their students. The purpose of this paper is to provide effective instructional strategies to build both background knowledge and vocabulary knowledge to increase comprehension of content area material.
How Muriel's Tea Stained Management Research Through Statistical Significance Tests
Authors: Schwab Andreas , Starbuck William H.
Published: June 2024

Ronald Fisher created statistical significance tests to provide an easy method anyone could perform. Their simplicity and general applicability spurred adoption, and they became universal in statistical training, and universal training made these tests universal in social science. Editors and reviewers expected to see statistical significance in every paper. But the method has serious deficiencies. Today's more advanced computational capabilities have created opportunities to address these deficiencies and to use statistical analyses that provide better information. This essay introduces four lessons we have learned during our two-decade effort to inform management scholars about limitations of statistical significance tests. First, methodological change is generational and benefits from a focus on doctoral students. Second, criticizing the status quo is not enough: introducing and teaching alternative approaches is essential. Third, in a publish-or-perish world, change initiatives must address publication. Fourth, to speed up progress, leadership by academic organizations and journal editors is essential.
Irruption Theory in Phase Transitions: A Proof of Concept With the Haken-Kelso-Bunz Model
Authors: Sánchez-Cañizares Javier
Published: June 2024

Many theoretical studies defend the existence of ongoing phase transitions in the brain dynamics that could explain its enormous plasticity to cope with the environment. However, tackling the ever-changing landscapes of brain dynamics seems a hopeless task with complex models. This paper uses a simple Haken-Kelso-Bunz (HKB) model to illustrate how phase transitions that change the number of attractors in the landscape for the relative phase between two neural assemblies can occur, helping to explain a qualitative agreement with empirical decision-making measures. Additionally, the paper discusses the possibility of interpreting this agreement with the aid of Irruption Theory (IT). Being the effect of symmetry breakings and the emergence of non-linearities in the fundamental equations, the order parameter governing phase transitions may not have a complete microscopic determination. Hence, many requirements of IT, particularly the Participation Criterion, could be fulfilled by the HKB model and its extensions. Briefly stated, triggering phase transitions in the brain activity could thus be conceived of as a consequence of actual motivations or free will participating in decision-making processes.
Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement Can Benefit From U.S. Experience in Growing Environmental Goods and Services (EGS) Markets
Authors: Boadu Frederick O.
Published: June 2024

This paper discusses how purposively designed relational governance institutions may be used to engage government and the private sector to promote the growth of environmental goods and services (EGS) markets under the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The paper distinguishes between a transactional versus relational governance structure and finds that the system of laws, regulations, and practices governing the relationship between government and the private sector in the United States is relational. AfCFTA can benefit from the U.S. experience. There are several agencies and departments that can play a coordinating role to engage the private sector. The U.S. experience suggests that growing the relationship between government and the private sector must be at low administrative cost, trust between government and private sector, information sharing, and common policy vision. The paper discusses challenges, especially land ownership and finance that AfCFTA must address to be successful.
Nitinol Staple Use in Primary Arthrodesis of Lisfranc Fracture-Dislocations
Authors: Dombrowsky Alexander R. , Strickland Carson D. , Walsh Devin F. , Hietpas Kayla , Conti Matthew S. , Irwin Todd A. , Cohen Bruce E. , Ellington J. Kent , Jones Carroll P. , Shawen Scott B. , Ford Samuel E.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Primary arthrodesis of Lisfranc fracture-dislocations is a reliable treatment option, yet concerns remain about nonunion. Nitinol staple use has recently proliferated in midfoot arthrodesis. The purpose of this study is to examine the union rate of primary arthrodesis of acute Lisfranc fracture-dislocations treated with nitinol staples compared with traditional plate-and-screw fixation. The secondary objective is to assess the difference in operative times and reoperation rates.

Methods:

Midfoot fracture-dislocations treated with primary arthrodesis by 7 foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons were reviewed. Of 160 eligible patients, 121 patients (305 joints) met the required 4-month minimum radiographic follow-up. Radiographic outcomes were analyzed at the individual joint level. Each joint was classified as either staples alone (45 patients, 154 joints), staples plus plates and screws (hybrid) (45 patients, 40 joints), or plates and screws alone (31 patients, 111 joints). The primary outcome was arthrodesis union at each joint fused.

Results:

Nonunion was more common (9.0%, 10/111) among joints fixed with plate and screws than with hybrid (2.5%, 1/40) or staples only (1.3%, 2/154) ( P = .0085). Multivariable regression demonstrated that autograft use was independent associated with union ( P = .0035) and plate-and-screw only fixation was an independent risk factor for nonunion ( P = .0407). Median operating room and tourniquet times were shorter for hybrid (92 and 83 minutes) and staple only (67 and 63 minutes) constructs compared to plate-and-screw only fixation (105 and 95 minutes) ( P  ≤ .0001 and .0003). There was no difference in reoperation rates among patients with different fixation types.

Conclusion:

We found that use of nitinol compression staple and bone autograft in primary arthrodesis of Lisfranc and midfoot fracture-dislocations was associated with both improved union rates and shorter tourniquet and operative times compared to traditional plate-and-screw fixation techniques.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, therapeutic.
Research on the micro-vibration mechanism of the planetary gear train based on fractal theory
Authors: Mo Shuai , Wang Lei , Hu Qingsen
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to reveal the vibration and tooth surface impact mechanism of the contact surface microstructure of the gear transmission system. Based on the fractal theory, the contact stiffness model of the gear is improved, and a dynamic model considering the micro-deformation of the contact surface is established. The height amplitude and frequency index of the gear surface microstructure jointly determine the type of microstructure deformation. By comparing and analyzing the dynamic response of the system with different fractal dimensions and scaling coefficient, it is found that the microstructure deformation not only reduces the stability of the planetary gear system but also causes a severe impact on the contact tooth surface. When the noise and vibration responses of the planetary gear train gradually stabilize and remain at a low level, the impact characteristics remain at a high level. Only when the fractal dimension is increased to more than 1.6, the impact characteristics of the tooth surface will decrease significantly. This has important theoretical guiding significance for the design and manufacture of high-speed and high-torque electric gear systems.
Remaining useful life prediction for rolling bearings based on adaptive aggregation of dynamic feature correlations
Authors: Sun Sichao , Luo Jie , Huang Ao , Xia Xinyu , Yang Jiale , Zhou Hua
Published: June 2024

It is significant to predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of the bearing to ensure its safe and stable operation. At present, the data-driven method has been successfully applied in the field of bearing RUL prediction. However, the feature correlations between data at different moments may be different, few methods can dynamically identify the change of the feature correlations between input data at different moments, which can impact the performance of the prediction. This article proposes an innovative RUL prediction method based on the adaptive feature correlations aggregation module (AFCA) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) to address this issue. First, statistical features are extracted from the vibration signal, and the fully connected graph is constructed to map the vibration signal data into the graph structure. Subsequently, the AFCA module is designed and constructed, and the AFCA-GRU model is built by combining GRU. A series of constructed fully connected graphs are fed into the model, and the hidden degradation information in graph structure data is mined to realize the prediction of bearing RUL. Among them, AFCA is used to adaptively explore the spatial correlations between graph node features at different moments, and GRU is used to explore the temporal correlations between graph structures. The PHM2012 Challenge dataset is utilized to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The comparative experimental results demonstrate that the performance of the method proposed herein surpasses that of other data-driven methodologies, with the capability to accurately predict the RUL of bearings.
The Intersection of Geriatrics, Climate Change, and Wilderness Medicine: Education is Critical
Authors: Badger Mary Schaefer
Published: June 2024

According to the US Census, for the first time in history, older adults are projected to exceed the number of children by 2035. These seniors are headed to the outdoors in increasing numbers and face unique risks. They benefit from careful pre-event evaluation planning to maintain their health in wilderness environments. Climate change is affecting all of us, but seniors are considered an especially vulnerable group. This vulnerability needs to be addressed not only when older adults head into the wilderness but also when the wilderness “comes to them” in areas where wilderness medicine and disaster medicine overlap. Education of both providers and patients is vital. This article aims to discuss the special needs of older adults/seniors /elders (defined as those over 65 unless otherwise indicated) in the wilderness as well as the vulnerability of older adults to climate change, both during planned wilderness activities and when the wilderness “comes to them” because of climate change, and to identify opportunities for education and adaptation of patients and education of physicians and wilderness and disaster responders to care for these older patients. The PubMed and Google Scholar Database search engines were utilized to review relevant English language publications between 2000 and 2023 that addressed individuals over 65 and explored the overlap of geriatrics (aged over 65), wilderness and disaster medicine, and climate change and create a perspective summary. Because of increased numbers of older adults heading into the wilderness for outdoor activities or having wilderness thrust upon them due to climate change, cross training of all specialties including the fields of emergency, geriatrics, wilderness medicine, and disaster medicine is needed in collaboration with other organizations and search and rescue. Response agencies must recognize that training in wilderness medicine provides a background for practitioners working in dangerous and remote settings and ought to seek out individuals with such skills when placing responders in the field. Climate change is making these intersections and the need for this education more urgent with time.
XEN45 gel stent in the treatment of pigmentary glaucoma: A two-year follow-up
Authors: Gassel Caroline J , Nasyrov Emil , Wenzel Daniel A , Voykov Bogomil
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To investigate safety and efficacy of the XEN gel stent in patients with pigmentary glaucoma (PG).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 26 eyes of 19 patients with PG undergoing XEN gel stent implantation was performed. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of antiglaucoma medications were analyzed preoperatively, and at 2 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Success, needling, and complications were analyzed. Complete success was defined as an IOP reduction of >20% and achieving a target IOP of ≤18, ≤15, or ≤12 mmHg without antiglaucoma medication. Qualified success was indicated if the IOP target was reached with or without medication.

Results

Mean IOP decreased significantly from 27.6 ± 14.3 (standard deviation, SD) mmHg to 14.3 ± 4.6 mmHg after one year ( p < 0.001) and 15.1 ± 2.7 mmHg ( p < 0.001) after two years. The median number of hypotensive drugs declined significantly from 4 (range: 3–5) to 0 (0–2) and 0 (0–3) after one and two years, respectively. After two years, complete success with an IOP of ≤18 mmHg and ≤15 mmHg was achieved in 73.1% and 61.5%, respectively. Half of the eyes required needling after a median time of 8 months (0.5–34 months). No sight-threatening complications were observed.

Conclusion

The XEN gel stent is a safe and effective surgical treatment option for PG. Needling is an important part of the procedure and should be communicated preoperatively to the patients.
Parametric analysis of the relationship between squeal and friction wear in motorcycle disc brakes
Authors: Albuquerque de Freitas Thiago V , Nascimento Rodrigues Rômulo do , Santos Costa Camilo A , Araujo Bezerra Roberto de , Vieira Gonçalves Vanessa , Cardoso Maciel Mateus H
Published: June 2024

Squeal is a noise problem that affects all types of automotive brake systems and may affect the health of the population living in heavy traffic areas. Parameters such as pressure, friction, and Young’s Modulus are crucial in determining brake noise generation. Notably, wear on rubbing surfaces emerges as a key contributor to squeal, affecting the overall brake system functionality and necessitating frequent maintenance and parts replacement. This study conducted a detailed analysis of the influence of material and operational factors on squeal generation, specifically examining their relationship with friction wear in motorcycle disc brakes. To achieve this goal, a parametric study was conducted using finite element analysis software ANSYS. Thus, the study involved subjecting the geometry to static and modal analyses to verify the generation of unstable modes. Additionally, two models were built to analyze the influence of wear on noise: one with Archard wear activated, which calculated the worn volume, and another with this option disabled. The results of the study suggest that wear is a crucial parameter that must be considered in numerical models, given its significant impact on stability attributes. Moreover, since material and operational parameters play a substantial role in generating squeal noise, this study provides valuable insights into the causes and effects of brake noise, offering practical recommendations for mitigating this common problem in motorcycle disc brakes. The model developed also serves as foundational framework for configuring simulations for similar systems, automotive or train disc brake, to study the noise and lifespan of pads.
Enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with brain microangiopathy and aging in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Borrelli Serena , Guisset François , Vanden Bulcke Colin , Stölting Anna , Bugli Céline , Lolli Valentina , Du Pasquier Renaud , van Pesch Vincent , Absinta Martina , Pasi Marco , Maggi Pietro
Published: June 2024

Background:

Growing evidence links brain-MRI enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) and multiple sclerosis (MS), but their role remains unclear.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional associations of EPVS with several neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative features in a large multicentric-MS cohort.

Methods:

In total, 207 patients underwent 3T axial-T2-weighted brain-MRI for EPVS assessment (EPVS dichotomized into high/low according to ⩾ 2/< 2 rating categories). MRI biomarkers included brain-predicted age and brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD), central vein sign (CVS)-positive lesion percentage (CVS%), paramagnetic rim and cortical lesions, T2-lesion load, and brain volumetry. The variable relative importance for EPVS-category prediction was explored using a classification random forest approach.

Results:

High EPVS patients were older (49 vs 44 years, p = 0.003), had ⩾ 1 vascular risk factors (VRFs; p = 0.005), lower CVS% (67% vs 78%, p < 0.001), reduced brain volumes (whole brain: 0.63 vs 0.73, p = 0.01; gray matter: 0.36 vs 0.40; p = 0.002), and older brain-predicted age (58 vs 50 years, p < 0.001). No differences were found for neuroinflammatory markers. After adjusting for age and VFRs (multivariate analyses), the high EPVS category correlated with lower CVS% (odds ratio (OR) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96–0.99; p = 0.02), lower whole brain (OR = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.0003–0.5; p = 0.02), gray matter (OR = 0.0004, 95% CI = 0.0000004–0.4; p = 0.03) volumes, and higher brain-PAD (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09; p = 0.02). Random forest identified brain-PAD as the most important predictor of high EPVS.

Conclusion:

EPVS in MS likely reflect microangiopathic disease rather than neuroinflammation, potentially contributing to accelerated neurodegeneration.
Book reviews: A dialogical reviewing process
Authors: Zittoun Tania , Marková Ivana
Published: June 2024

As part of a theoretical and friendly dialogue that we have developed over the years (Marková et al., 2020, 2022; Zittoun, 2017), we both realised that our newly published books appeared almost simultaneously at the same publisher (Marková, 2023; Zittoun, 2024). To pursue this dialogue, we proposed to review each other’s book, and we then had a dialogue on these two reviews. The present “dialogical review” has thus three parts: the first part presents some of the points emerging from our dialogue; the second part is the review of Ivana Marková’s The making of a dialogical theory. Social representations and communication (2023) by Tania Zittoun; and the third is the review of Tania Zittoun’s Pleasure of thinking (2024) by of Ivana Marková.
Group cognitive remediation therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: Outcomes before, after, and during follow-up in a real-world setting in Japan
Authors: Kuge Rie , Hasegawa Ayano , Morino Yuriko , Nakazato Michiko
Published: June 2024

Objective: Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) can be used as an adjunct treatment for adolescents with severe and complex anorexia nervosa (AN) requiring inpatient treatment. However, there has been only one study on CRT for adolescents with AN in Japan. This study explored group CRT as an adjunct to inpatient treatment for Japanese adolescents with severe and complex AN requiring inpatient care. Methods: Thirty-one adolescents with AN underwent group CRT. Neuropsychological (set-shifting and central coherence) and psychological assessments (motivation, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms) were measured before and after the intervention. Weight and AN symptoms were measured before and after the intervention and at follow-up, and the adolescents completed post-intervention and follow-up questionnaires. Results: Set-shifting led to medium to large effect size improvements. Medium effect size improvements in central coherence and depressive symptoms were also observed. The feedback from the adolescents was mainly positive, and the treatment completion rate was high. The patients also reported that the skills learned through group CRT could be applied in daily life. Conclusion: Group CRT may be beneficial for adolescents with severe and complex AN who require inpatient care.
Method for an historical political sociology of religion
Authors: McKinnon Andrew
Published: June 2024

The work of Shailer Mathews (1863-1941) offers an important, though neglected, sociological theory of the evolution of religion. A theologian and long-time dean of the divinity school at the University of Chicago, Mathews develops his sociological understanding as a foundation for articulating a theology adequate to the needs of the modern age. Influenced by evolutionary currents of thought, interpreted along pragmatist lines, Mathews sees religion as part of the will to life, a vital means of adapting, and adapting to, the cosmos, understood in personal terms. By entreating the cosmos in personal terms, Mathews illuminates the intertwined development of religion and the state, with attendant changes to the predominant understanding of the gods.
The balance of Spanish and English child-directed text in bilingual picture books
Authors: Potter Christine E , Castellana Marissa A , Guerra Matthew D , Benitez Viridiana L
Published: June 2024

Bilingual picture books offer rich sources of dual-language input, but little is known about how different types of books provide opportunities for children’s learning across languages. Building on research describing Spanish-English Codeswitching books (which present languages intermixed), we assessed the quantity, diversity, and complexity of input in Translation picture books (which included the full text in both languages) and compared the two types of books. Translation books included balanced use of English and Spanish and varied in the frequency of switching. Across both book formats, English input was similarly complex, but Translation books presented larger amounts and more complex input in Spanish. Additionally, the two types of books included frequent yet different patterns of language switching, offering dense exposure to an important feature of bilingual experience. Thus, bilingual books could provide children with input distinct from what they encounter in either spoken language or reading activities in a single language.
Historical development of job profiles in adult education in Germany through the interaction of intermediaries from a conventional-theoretical perspective
Authors: Alke Matthias , Uhl Laura , Baker Francesca
Published: June 2024

Job profiles in German adult education are manifold, and the requirements for engaging in professional activity are only minimally regulated by the state. It is primarily the providers in adult education who decide on access to the professional field and influence the historical development of job profiles. The article presents findings from a historical longitudinal analysis of job advertisements and other historical documents, focusing on the historical genesis of job profiles in adult education in the Federal Republic of Germany. The analysis draws on theoretical concepts from “Economics of Convention” (EC) research on occupational categories, intermediaries, and labor markets. The results demonstrate that the conception, dissemination, and long-term establishment of a specific job profile for adult education were only made possible through the interaction of different actors, each taking on different intermediary functions.
Preparation and mechanical properties of absorbing composites based on nickel plated fabric
Authors: Yuan Yunxiang , Ma Yizhi , Li Xinchao , Liu Ruixue , Sun Luning , Zhang Hongchao , Wei Sainan
Published: June 2024

A high purity Ni plating layer was obtained on the surface of the plain cotton fabric by electroless nickel plating. The micromorphology and elemental composition of the Ni plating layer were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Structural absorbing composites with glass fiber (GFs)/epoxy resin (EP) as permeable layer, nickel coated fabric/EP as absorbing layer and carbon fiber UD cloth (UDCFs)/EP as reflecting layer were prepared by vacuum assisted resin perfusion (VARI). The effects of different thicknesses on the microwave absorption properties and mechanical properties of composites were investigated. The results show that the lowest reflection loss (RL) is −31.02 dB, the effective absorbing bandwidth (RL < −10 dB) is 6.21 GHz (11.55 GHz - 17.76 GHz), and the maximum tensile and bending loads endured are 41.36 KN and 1.63 KN at 15.14 GHz with a thickness of 2.5 mm, which provides a good reference value for the subsequent preparation of magnetic/dielectric composites with both excellent microwave absorption and mechanical properties.
Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shearon Tania L. , Alexander Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2024

Over half of women in the United States report urinary incontinence (UI). This condition can be treated conservatively, but many people do not seek treatment. The current correlational study assessed women’s knowledge of UI. Specifically, we investigated the relationships between knowledge level about UI and quality of life (QoL), and between severity level of UI and QoL. A convenience cross-sectional sample of 39 older women was obtained from two YMCA locations. Data were analyzed using the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient. A significant relationship was found between severity of UI and QoL, rs = −.73, p < .001; no relationship was found between knowledge level of UI and QoL, rs = .24, p = .13. Results suggested women’s knowledge about the causes of UI and conservative therapy is limited. Occupational therapists need to address UI with their patients and educate them about treatment options and availability.
Improving the weighted average simulation method for reliability analyses based on the new adaptive interpolation method
Authors: Khajeh Atieh , Mousavi Seyed Roohollah , Sohrabi Mohammad Reza , Rashki Mohsen
Published: June 2024

As the weighted average simulation (WAS) method is an efficient approach to approximate the failure probability and the most probable point, using WAS and the adaptive interpolation (AI) method, this study has proposed an adaptive interpolation-based weighted average simulation (AI-WAS) method capable of reducing the number of WAS-required performance function evaluations without reducing the required accuracy. To this end, the grid method or low-discrepancy sequences are used to generate some representative sampling points in the design space, which are used to predict the performance function of other uniformly generated samples (WAS population) by an interpolation technique. To estimate the performance function value for other samples more accurately, a new adaptive method is proposed by introducing a critical region. The AI-WAS method has been applied to different numerical and engineering problems with complex and implicit limit state functions. According to the results, the proposed approach, compared to the original approach and popular reliability methods, can highly reduce the number of actual limit state function evaluations required for an accurate estimation of the failure probability.
Endovascular treatment for brain arteriovenous malformations via the anterior choroidal artery for casting Onyx-18
Authors: Su Han , Yu Jinlu
Published: June 2024

Background: Few studies have investigated the safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) for brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) via the anterior choroidal artery (AchA); therefore, this topic is worth studying further. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of 18 consecutive patients with BAVMs that were treated via the AchA with Onyx casting. Clinical and angiographic data were collected from the patients and analyzed. Results: The ages of the 18 patients ranged from 13 to 67 years (mean 39.2 ± 14.7 years), and eight patients were male (44.4%, 8/18). All patients had intracranial hemorrhages, including 2 with previous hemorrhages. All 18 BAVMs were mainly fed by the AchA and were treated via the AchA as the route for casting Onyx-18. Of the 13 single-trunk AchAs, after EVT, all proximal segments were preserved. For the 5 double-trunk AchAs, EVT was performed via the lower trunk; the proximal segments of the lower trunk were occluded for 2 of these AchAs. Among the 18 BAVMs, 16 niduses were embolized to different degrees, as were twelve associated aneurysms. Five (27.8%, 5/18) of the 18 patients experienced complications, and appropriate management was provided. During long-term follow-up, 14 (77.8%, 14/18) patients achieved good outcomes. Conclusion: EVT for BAVMs via the AchA has significant risks, but overall, good long-term outcomes were achieved in approximal 80% of the patients. This study highlights the potential of this technique for embolizing BAVMs via the AchA.
Intention to use picture archiving and communication system and its predictors among physicians and nurses at specialized teaching hospitals in Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kelkay Jenberu Mekurianew , Negatu Addisu Alem , Molla Rediet Abebe , Beri Henok Molla , Tefera Abel Melaku , Wubneh Henok Dessie
Published: June 2024

Background:

Picture archiving and communication system is an innovation system in the health information that reduces costs, facilitates access to medical image, and improves workflow in radiology department. However, studies indicated that intention and usage of picture archiving and communication system is limited in middle-income and developing countries.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the intention to use picture archiving and communication system and its predictors among physicians and nurses at specialized teaching hospitals in Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia.

Method:

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from October 11 to November 12, 2023. Proportional allocation and a simple random sampling were used to select participants of the study. A self-administered structured English questionnaire was used, and a 5% pretest was performed. Data were entered into Epi data 4.6 and exported to SPSS 26 and AMOS 23. Descriptive and structural equation modeling analysis was performed. The hypothesis was tested using a path coefficient and a p-value <0.05.

Results:

About 54.7% (95%: CI: 50.9–58.4) of the participant intended to use picture archive and communication system with a 90.38% of response rate. Performance expectancy (β = 0.146, p-value <0.05), perceived enjoyment (β = 0.397, p-value <0.001), and computer literacy (β = 0.191, p-value <0.001) had positive influence on intention to use picture archiving and communication system.

Conclusions:

Overall, more than half of physicians’ and nurses’ intention to use picture archiving and communication system were at hopeful stage for future. Performance expectancy, perceived enjoyment and computer literacy had direct positive effect on intention to use picture archiving and communication system among physicians and nurses. The designers, developers, and managers of the picture archiving and communication system should consider these variables. Furthermore, using this system can improve quality of health service through change workflow in to digital image, clinicians evaluate image more quickly and saving resources.
Patients’ acceptability of self-selected digital health services to support diet and exercise among people with complex chronic conditions: Mixed methods study
Authors: Barnett Amandine , Catapan Soraia de Camargo , Jegatheesan Dev K , Conley Marguerite M , Keating Shelley E , Mayr Hannah L , Webb Lindsey , Brown Riley C C , Coombes Jeff S , Macdonald Graeme A , Isbel Nicole M , Burton Nicola W , Campbell Katrina L , Hickman Ingrid J , Kelly Jaimon T
Published: June 2024

Objective

The acceptability of being offered a choice from a suite of digital health service options to support optimal diet and exercise behaviors in adults with complex chronic conditions was evaluated. This study sought to understand many areas of acceptability including satisfaction, ease of use, usefulness and user appropriateness and perceived effectiveness.

Methods

This mixed-methods study was embedded within a randomized-controlled feasibility trial providing digital health services managing diet and exercise for adults from specialist kidney and liver disease clinics. Post study surveys and semistructured interviews were used to determine patients’ acceptability of the trial interventions. Quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (surveys and interviews) results were merged using integrative analysis and mapped to each construct of the modified version of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

Results

Seventeen interviews (intervention group) and 50 surveys ( n = 24 intervention, n = 26 comparator) completed from a possible 67 participants were analyzed. In the intervention group, the survey results revealed high areas of acceptability for the digital health services including overall support received, ease of use, timely advice and feeling safe. The interviews also revealed high areas of acceptability including convenience, ability to adopt healthier behaviors and having regular interactions with health professionals. However, the interviews also revealed lower areas of acceptability as a result of absence of individualization, low digital literacy, and limitations from life circumstances.

Conclusions

Recipients of digital health services that supported diet and exercise interventions found these useful, effective, and safe. Individualized care, technical support and patient confidence remain important to improve the acceptability of digital health service interventions.
Application of a mobile health data platform for public health surveillance: A case study in stress monitoring and prediction
Authors: Velmovitsky Pedro Elkind , Alencar Paulo , Leatherdale Scott T , Cowan Donald , Morita Plinio Pelegrini
Published: June 2024

Background

Public health surveillance involves the collection, analysis and dissemination of data to improve population health. The main sources of data for public health decision-making are surveys, typically comprised of self-report which may be subject to biases, costs and delays. To complement subjective data, objective measures from sensors could potentially be used. Specifically, advancements in personal mobile and wearable technologies enable the collection of real-time and continuous health data.

Objective

In this context, the goal of this work is to apply a mobile health platform (MHP) that extracts health data from the Apple Health repository to collect data in daily-life scenarios and use it for the prediction of stress, a major public health issue.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted with 45 participants over 2 weeks, using the MHP to collect stress-related data from Apple Health and perceived stress self-reports. Apple, Withings and Empatica devices were distributed to participants and collected a wide range of data, including heart rate, sleep, blood pressure, temperature, and weight. These were used to train random forests and support vector machines. The SMOTE technique was used to handle imbalanced datasets.

Results

Accuracy and f1-macro scores were in line with state-of-the-art models for stress prediction above 60% for the majority of analyses and samples analysed. Apple Watch sleep features were particularly good predictors, with most models with these data achieving results around 70%.

Conclusions

A system such as the MHP could be used for public health data collection, complementing traditional self-reporting methods when possible. The data collected with the system was promising for monitoring and predicting stress in a population.
Testing the feasibility of mobile ecological momentary assessment for symptom burden and management among metastatic cancer patients
Authors: Brasky Theodore M. , Newton Alison M. , Stephens Julie A. , Strassels Scott A. , Benzo Roberto M. , Hays John L. , Stevens Erin , Wagener Theodore L. , Hedeker Donald , Krok-Schoen Jessica L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Individuals who have metastatic cancer experience substantial physical and psychological distress (e.g., pain, depression, anxiety) from their disease and its treatment compared to patients with less advanced disease. As the burden of symptoms varies over time, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) may be used to better understand patients’ symptom trajectories, complimenting traditional longitudinal data collection methods. However, few have used EMA in patients with metastatic disease. The current study adds to the existing literature by exploring interrelated, common cancer-related symptoms of pain, anxiety, and depression and use of cannabis-based products, opioid medications, other (nonopioid) pain medications, and medications for anxiety or depression.

Methods

An eight-day prospective observational feasibility study was conducted among 50 patients with metastatic cancer recruited from seven solid cancer clinics at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Participants completed a week of interval-contingent mobile EMA, administered daily at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 8 p.m., and a comprehensive interviewer-administered questionnaire on Day 8. Participants were queried on their symptom burden and management strategies (i.e., use of medications and cannabis). We considered EMA to be feasible if a priori retention (80%) and adherence goals (75%) were met.

Results

Seventy-nine percent of eligible patients contacted enrolled in the study ( n = 50 of 63). Among those enrolled, 92% were retained through Day 8 and 80% completed >90% of EMAs, exceeding a priori objectives. Participants’ average pain, anxiety, and depressive symptoms across the week of EMA ranged from 1.7 to 1.8 (1 to 5 scale). Symptoms varied little by day or time of administration. On Day 8, significant proportions of participants reported past-week use of medications and cannabis for symptom management.

Conclusions

Participants exceeded a priori adherence and retention objectives, indicating that mobile EMA is feasible among metastatic cancer patients, addressing a gap in the existing literature and informing future research. Restricting eligibility to participants with a minimum cutoff of symptom burden may be warranted to increase observations of symptom variability and provide opportunities for future health interventions. Future research is needed to test the acceptability and quality of data over a longer study period in this patient population.
“One of These Things Is Not Like the Other”: Racial Identity Perception Among Elementary Students of Color
Authors: Mingo Taryne M.
Published: June 2024

This qualitative, grounded theory research study explored the impact of school environment on racial identity among 36 elementary school students of color. The use of an expressive-arts-based questionnaire allowed for rich description of participants’ racial identity perception. Findings yielded three themes: racial identity awareness, racial identity incongruence, and school environment, and three interconnecting subthemes: consequences of underrepresentation, experiences of racism, and premature resilience development. This article discusses the emergent theory and model that resulted from the analysis of the data and provides implications for school counselors’ advocacy against race-neutral classrooms.
Corporate Social Responsibility Efforts of Destination Marketing Organizations: The Case of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining® Initiative
Authors: Madison Riana L. , Okumus Bendegul
Published: June 2024

This case study discusses Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Program® as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. Through Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining initiative, local participating restaurants offer deals to customers and a certain amount of revenues is shared with selected charities. This case study presents a good example of how a destination marketing organization (DMO) can successfully involve local restaurants and customers to help certain charities. Specific discussions are provided on why and how DMOs can and should create such CSR initiatives and whether such initiatives can create some unexpected challenges for DMOs and participating organizations.
Lost in Transition: Community-Dwelling Partners’ Stories of Losing a Spouse to Cognitive Decline and Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Stefansdottir Olga Asrun , Munkejord Mai Camilla , Sudmann Tobba
Published: June 2024

This qualitative narrative study presents three stories told by older community-dwelling partners to spouses moving into long-term care facilities because of cognitive decline. Applying Alvesson and Kärreman’s mystery method to these stories reveals that when spouses’ caring needs increase, care partners must take on increasing loads of practical work and responsibilities. These partners become lost in the transitions between care work, extended family, and attending to their couplehood. When their spouses move into long-term care, living apart presents new challenges of care and couplehood, each day presenting new and unforeseen tasks to manage. Our findings suggest that if couplehood is to be maintained, well-established habits and work division between the spousal partners are both drivers and barriers. It necessitates agency, creativity from the community-dwelling partner, as well as a supportive extended family and sufficient economic resources. More knowledge is required regarding the interdependent expectations between the next-of-kin, long-term care residents, and caregiving staff members.
Navigating the Online Classroom: Developing Online Teaching Skills in Graduate Public Health & Health Professions Education
Authors: McMillan Analisa , Kolm-Valdivia Nicole , Schmid Kendra , Custer Tanya , Arcari Christine
Published: June 2024

The absence of targeted online teaching development opportunities in graduate education may hamper faculty readiness to ensure engagement, learning, and student success in the online learning environment. Faculty are often hired for their subject matter expertise rather than their proficiency in teaching online. Student and faculty success in the online environment requires foundational teaching knowledge and an understanding of the differences between traditional and online teaching. A 4-week asynchronous course was designed to mirror a real-world online course aimed at educating educators. The course consisted of foundational learning theories and practices, curriculum and course design, engagement and presence, and course delivery methods. The course was offered 10 times over 3 years and completed by 258 public health and health profession faculty, teaching and postdoctoral staff, and doctoral students. End-of-course evaluations indicated that participants found it valuable to be in an online course in the student role and felt more prepared to teach online. The teaching online professional development course has highlighted the importance of new or continuing faculty development in asynchronous learning.
Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Depression Among a Sample of Iraqi Non-Psychiatric Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ahmed Sirwan Khalid , Abdulqadir Salar Omar , Omar Rukhsar Muhammad , Mohamed Mona Gamal , James Rachel , Hussein Safin Hassan , Aziz Tahir Abdullah , Fahrni Mathumalar Loganathan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Nurses, comprising the largest profession in healthcare, play a significant role in the identification and management of mental health disorders in hospitals.

Objectives

The study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of non-psychiatric nurses and their encounters with depressive patients throughout their careers.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with 400 non-psychiatric nurses from different hospitals in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq during October and November 2022. The independent Student's t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression were used to assess possible factors associated with knowledge and attitude toward depression.

Results

In this study, 400 non-psychiatric nurses were examined, revealing a mean age of 31.57 ± 8.59 years. Their mean scores for knowledge and attitude toward depression were 5.41 out of a maximum of 11 (standard deviation 1.15) and 5.15 out of 18 (standard deviation 1.83), respectively. Notably, differences in mean knowledge scores were observed concerning participant marital status ( P = .044), while disparities in mean attitude scores are related to participant gender ( P = .010). Upon binary logistic regression analysis, none of the independent variables exhibited an association with good knowledge. Nevertheless, gender emerged as a significant factor influencing attitude toward depression (odds ratio: 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.30–0.86; P = .012). Subsequently, in the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, gender sustained significance (adjusted odds ratio: 0.573; 95% confidence interval: 0.348–0.942; P = .028) as the key variable impacting attitudes toward depression among non-psychiatric nurses.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, nurses have insufficient awareness and management skills for depression. It has been experienced and reported that nurses lack knowledge and an attitude toward depression management. The study highlights a significant gap in nurses’ skills for managing depression, urging the immediate improvement of training programs. Customizing these programs to enhance nurses’ abilities in identifying and managing depression is crucial.