bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I do my best to do right by her”: Autistic motherhood and the experience of raising a non-autistic adolescent daughter
Authors: Libster Natalie , Harwood Robin , Meacham Karen , Kasari Connie
Published: March 2024

Little is known about the parenting experiences of autistic mothers, yet there is reason to believe that autistic mothers of non-autistic daughters have a unique set of experiences, especially during their daughters’ adolescence. Seven autistic mothers of adolescent ( n = 5) and adult ( n = 2) non-autistic daughters were interviewed about their experiences of raising their daughters during adolescence. Data were analyzed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach and four superordinate themes were identified: (1) Closeness in relationships (expressed affection, safety and support, understanding mothers’ autism), (2) Parenting strengths (problem-solving skills, positive strategies for managing conflict), (3) Identifying own social challenges (understanding social dynamics, friendships and social groups), and (4) Building daughters’ social skills (concern about daughters’ social development, creating opportunities for positive social interactions). This research highlights the strengths of autistic mothers and the loving relationships they have with their daughters. Mothers in this study also revealed specific challenges, such as interacting with other parents who often ignored or excluded them. This study, therefore, emphasizes the need for greater societal awareness, understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of the autistic community.

Lay Abstract

Little is known about the parenting experiences of autistic mothers, especially those who have daughters who are not on the autism spectrum. In this study, we interviewed seven autistic mothers who have raised or are currently raising non-autistic teenage daughters. Mothers were asked to describe what parenting was/is like during their daughters’ teenage years. We analyzed the transcripts of the interviews and found several common themes. Mothers described their relationships with their daughters to be loving, safe, and empathetic. Mothers described several strengths when it came to parenting, such as helping their daughters solve problems and using positive strategies to handle conflict with their daughters. Mothers also described challenges they faced when interacting with other non-autistic people and when trying to form relationships with them. Mothers tried to build their daughters’ social skills so that they would not experience the same challenges. This study shows that autistic mothers have close, loving relationships with their non-autistic teenage daughters but have trouble forming relationships with other non-autistic people. It is, therefore, important that non-autistic parents are more understanding and welcoming of autistic mothers.
Language ideologies and language teaching in the global world: An introduction to the special issue
Authors: Uysal Huseyin , Sah Pramod K.
Published: March 2024

Aims:

This special issue delves into language ideologies shaping multilingual education, aiming to unravel their impact on pedagogical practices and emergent multilinguals. By presenting empirical studies and critical analyses, the collection seeks to foster a nuanced understanding of language ideologies in diverse educational contexts.

Approach:

This guest editorial introduces language ideology as a lens, guiding an exploration of its manifestations in educational settings. Ten papers, spanning diverse linguistic landscapes, offer a comprehensive examination of language ideologies through varied methodologies. From scrutinizing teacher objections to linguistic pluralism to dissecting bilingual kindergarteners’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the collection employs qualitative research, case studies, and critical reviews to critically engage with language ideologies in global language education.

Conclusion:

The special issue concludes by emphasizing the critical role of language ideologies in shaping educational landscapes and influencing emergent multilinguals’ experiences. Authors underscore the need for macro-level research, recommending a decolonial lens to address inequalities perpetuated by monoglossic practices. The collection advocates for inclusive spaces and challenges educators to reflect on their pedagogies, promoting a multilingual-as-a-resource orientation. By extending the scope beyond individual classrooms and examining sociopolitical and economic dimensions, the special issue contributes to ongoing efforts to reframe language ideologies and advance inclusivity in multilingual education.

Originality:

This special issue stands out for its originality in dissecting language ideologies through diverse lenses, spanning linguistic, sociocultural, and pedagogical dimensions. Notably, studies like Chang-Bacon and colleagues’ examination of objections to linguistic pluralism and Mendoza’s exploration of stylization in English-medium instruction enrich the discourse. The collection encourages scholars to engage with plurilingualism as a theoretically robust alternative to late translanguaging theory, promoting empirical grounding and fostering a deeper understanding of language ideologies.
Performance investigation of highway bridge pier columns under the sequential effects of fire followed by vehicle collision and subsequent air blast: A numerical investigation
Authors: Alomari Qusai , Linzell Daniel G , Fang Chen
Published: March 2024

Historically, it has been demonstrated that bridges may be vulnerable to fire, and in many circumstances, resulting damage might not be apparent, and bridges could maintain acceptable levels of serviceability. In the absence of proven assessment tools and given the limited research that addresses bridge fire, research that better understands response and strives to improve highway bridge resiliency to fire is needed. Extending the work carried out during an earlier research stage, the present study focused on investigating performance of bridge pier columns that survive fire under coupled vehicle collision and air blast. Numerical models of single reinforced concrete columns supported by a pile foundation system and surrounded by air and soil volumes were created using LS-DYNA. As explicit solvers such as those available in LS-DYNA are infrequently used for fire analysis, an indirect two-step approach that integrated heat transfer and structural analyses was developed and validated against published fire-induced impact and blast test results. A parametric study that examined the effects of various fire exposure conditions and column diameters was completed. Performance was comprehensively assessed based on various structural response parameters, which included failure modes, lateral displacement, residual axial capacities, and shear demand-to-capacity ratios. Column damage was then categorized into six levels to qualitatively assess column performance under the aforementioned multi-hazards. The developed modeling approach was shown to be viable, and results indicated that larger column diameters could potentially remain in service in their final damage states after being repaired for fire durations of less than 120 min.
Something other than its own mass: Embodiment as corporeality, animality, and materiality
Authors: Csordas Thomas J
Published: March 2024

Anthropological concern with embodiment began in part with consideration of Merleau-Ponty's theory of perception, and this essay continues in that vein by considering his theory of nature. Embodiment from this standpoint is our general existential condition and an indeterminate methodological field for a cultural phenomenology attuned to the immediacy of lived experience. Without claiming to define nature or human nature, the essay offers an outline of embodiment as a framework for integrating corporeality, animality, and materiality. These three domains have generated lively bodies of literature that do not always speak to one another, and that invite phenomenological critique in a world where the existential and ethical position of humanity is increasingly in question and precarious.
A Scoping Review of Breastfeeding Interventions and Programs Conducted Across Spanish-Speaking Countries
Authors: Blanco Silvana , Aboul-Enein Basil H. , Benajiba Nada , Dodge Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

Breastfeeding is vital to a child’s lifelong health and has significant positive benefits to mother’s health. World Health Organization recommends beginning exclusively breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and continuing during the first 6 months of infant’s life. The purpose of this review is to identify and examine breastfeeding interventions conducted across the Spanish-speaking countries. A scoping review of the literature was conducted across 14 databases for relevant publications published through April 2023 to find studies in Spanish-speaking countries that involved breastfeeding as an intervention component. A total of 46 peer-reviewed articles were included in this review, across 12 Spanish-speaking countries. Participants ranged from pregnant women, mothers, mother-infant pair, and health care professionals. Intervention at the individual level in combination with support from trained health care professionals or peer counselors seemed to have higher improvements in breastfeeding rates. The greatest improvement in exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months was seen in interventions that included prenatal and postnatal intensive lactation education, for a period of 12 months. The most effective interventions that improved rates of any breastfeeding included promotional activities, educations workshop, and training of health care staff along with changes in hospital care. Breastfeeding promotion is an economical and effective intervention to increase breastfeeding behavior and thereby improving breastfeeding adherence across Spanish-speaking countries.
Review of Systemic Mock Circulation Loops for Evaluation of Implantable Cardiovascular Devices and Biological Tissues
Authors: Agrafiotis Emmanouil , Zimpfer Daniel , Mächler Heinrich , Holzapfel Gerhard A.
Published: March 2024

Implantable cardiovascular devices must undergo evaluation prior to animal testing and clinical trials to ensure their performance and efficiency. Mock circulation loops (MCLs) are on-demand tools capable of reproducing physiological conditions in vivo and are also devices for preventative testing. Recognition of their success as useful tools comes from the fact that over 100 MCLs have been submitted for device assessment in recent years. Mock circulation loops could detect malfunctions that patients might otherwise experience. Thus, MCLs can complement preclinical and prototype evaluation rather than being mutually exclusive. In this review, we emphasize the experimental value of MCLs while providing a brief overview of the history of the field. In addition, the necessary hemodynamic parameters are analyzed to reproduce physiological scenarios in vitro. We also discuss the relevant setups when evaluating devices to assist heart failure and aortic pathologies, namely artificial hearts, left ventricular assist devices, stent-grafts, and artificial heart valves. Finally, we report novel setups developed to evaluate soft biological tissues for translational research.

Clinical Impact

On needs-based ex vivo monitoring of implantable devices or tissues/organs in cardiovascular simulators provides new insights and paves new paths for device prototypes. The insights gained could not only support the needs of patients, but also inform engineers, scientists and clinicians about undiscovered aspects of diseases (during routine monitoring). We analyze seminal and current work and highlight a variety of opportunities for developing preclinical tools that would improve strategies for future implantable devices. Holistically, mock circulation loop studies can bridge the gap between in vivo and in vitro approaches, as well as clinical and laboratory settings, in a mutually beneficial manner.
Real-World Evaluation of the Off-the-Shelf Precannulated Inner-Branched Endograft for Pararenal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Bisdas Theodosios , Zambas Neophytos , Zertalis Marios , Theodorides Panagiotis , Iatrou Nikolaos , Dimopoulos Christos , Charalambous Nikolas
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

To analyze the early performance and efficacy of the first commercially available off-the-shelf precannulated multibranched endograft in the endovascular repair of pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (PAAAs). The device received European marketing approval in late 2020.

Materials and methods:

Between January 2021 and June 2023, a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from all consecutive patients with pAAAs undergoing implantation of the E-nside precannulated inner-branched endograft was conducted in 2 centers. The primary outcome measure was technical success defined as the composite endpoint of successful (1) delivery of the 24F endograft, (2) use of the precannulation tubes, and (3) implantation of the bridging stent-grafts (BSGs) to the target vessels. Main secondary endpoints were mortality, target vessel instability (TVI), absence of type I or III endoleak, reintervention, spinal cord ischemia, and supra-celiac aortic coverage.

Results:

Twenty-one patients (20 men, mean age: 71 years) were included in this study with a mean follow-up of 14±7.7 months. Nine patients had a symptomatic aneurysm (43%). Technical success amounted to 95% (in one patient, an iliofemoral conduit was necessary to advance the device). One out of 112 BSGs (1%, right renal artery) occluded at 30 days, resulting in freedom from TVI and reintervention rate at 12 months of 95%. No type I or III endoleaks were identified during follow-up. One patient (5%) died at 13 months due to non-aneurysm-related death, and 1 patient (5%) developed spinal cord ischemia. No other major perioperative complications were observed. Mean supra-celiac aortic coverage reached 52±8%.

Conclusions:

Given the imperative need for an off-the-shelf endograft tailored to address PAAAs, the E-nside stent-graft demonstrated encouraging outcomes in this study. Nevertheless, it is essential to emphasize that the extent of aortic coverage mandates the production of a truncated variant.

Clinical Impact

The endovascular repair of urgent pararenal aortic aneurysms remains still an unsolved problem in the endovascular era since there are no available off-the-shelf dedicated fenestrated or branched endografts. This paper confirms the safety and efficacy of the off-the-shelf precannulated inner branched endograft for this specific indication.
“I Can’t Afford to Move”: Negotiating Neglect and Apartment Disrepair in Los Angeles
Authors: Schmidt Steven
Published: March 2024

Sociologists have shown how displacement reproduces inequality among U.S. renters. Less is known about the experiences of renters prior to displacement, or how the trade-offs that renters adopt to avoid moves also stratify families. This article addresses this gap by examining how renters with few housing alternatives manage landlord neglect in routine maintenance. Using interviews with 131 non-Hispanic white and Latina/o, low- and middle-income renters living in Los Angeles, I find that unaffordable rental markets embed disadvantaged families, particularly low-income Latina/o immigrants, into substandard indoor living environments. Unable or reluctant to move, renters endure a process that I call negotiating neglect, which encompasses decision making around repair requests, following up with repair delays, investing personal funds into maintenance, and managing the health consequences of disrepair. Negotiating neglect demands substantial time, cognitive labor, and, at times, financial resources, and for some families, it is a chronic stressor. Taken together, these findings advance prior research on how unaffordable rental markets widen inequalities among families.
An Overview of Traditional and Novel Tools to Assess Diet
Authors: Esquivel Monica K. , Lozano Chloe P.
Published: March 2024

Effective dietary interventions are vital for combating morbidity and mortality, necessitating reliable assessment tools. This article explores diverse dietary assessment methods, emphasizing their complexities and applications. Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) offer insights into dietary habits over specified periods but require validation for target populations. Traditional Food Records provide detailed insights but are labor-intensive and prone to underreporting. Technology-based and technology-assisted records offer efficient alternatives, leveraging mobile apps and wearable sensors, albeit with access and privacy concerns. 24 hour Dietary Recall (24HR) methods capture detailed intake within a day, with traditional and technology-assisted approaches strengthening population studies. The Automated Multi-Pass Method (AMPM) and technology-assisted ASA24 represent traditional and contemporary 24HR methodologies, respectively, both yielding comprehensive dietary data. In conclusion, dietary assessments are crucial for understanding dietary patterns and health implications. Integration of novel technologies streamlines data collection and analysis, enhancing researchers’ ability to accurately gauge short- and long-term dietary impacts. Proper utilization of these tools empowers researchers to make informed decisions regarding dietary interventions and public health initiatives.
Smartwatch-based functional assessment for upper extremity impairment after musculoskeletal injuries: A pilot study
Authors: Nam Hyung Seok , Han Sol , Leigh Ja-Ho , Bang Moon Suk
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Wearable sensors are increasingly applied to rehabilitation for arm movement analysis. However, simple and clinically relevant applications are scarce.

Objectives

To investigate the feasibility of single smart watch-based parameters for functional assessment in upper limb rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries using a commercial smart watch.

Method

Ten patients with unilateral shoulder pain and range-of-motion limitations were enrolled. They wore Galaxy Watch® and performed three sets of upper extremity tasks consisting of gross activities-of-daily-living tasks, Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI), and the acceleration and angular velocities were acquired. The motion segment size (MSS), representing motion smoothness from a clinical perspective, and various sensor-based parameters were extracted. The correlation between the parameters and clinical outcome measures were analyzed. The percent relative range (PRR) of the significant parameters was also calculated.

Results

For overhead and behind body activity task set, mean MSS for elbow flexion/extension axis significantly correlated with WMFT score (R = 0.784, p = .012). For planar tasks, mean MSS for the forearm supination/pronation (R = 0.815, p = .007) and shoulder rotation (R = 0.870, p = .002) axes significantly correlated with WMFT score. For forearm and fine movement task set, mean MSS of the elbow flexion/extension angle showed significant correlation with WMFT (R = 0.880, p < .001) and UEFI (R = 0.718, p = .019). The total performance time (R = −0.741, p = .014) also showed significant correlation with WMFT score. The PRR for mean MSS in forearm supination (71.5%, planar tasks) and mean MSS in x-direction (49.8%, forearm and fine motor movements) were similar to the PRR of WMFT (58.5%), suggesting sufficient variation range across different degree of impairments.

Conclusion

The commercial smart watch-based parameters showed consistent potential for use in clinical functional assessments.
Embolization of a pseudoaneurysm of the innominate artery with a Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device
Authors: Zur Gil , Fageeh Areej , Diouf Ange , Charette Stacey , Charbonneau Brigitte , Sellami Leila , dos Santos Marlise , Lesiuk Howard , Drake Brian , Fahed Robert
Published: March 2024

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is an intra-aneurysmal flow disruptor designed for the treatment of broad-based arterial aneurysms with a high safety and effectiveness profile. 1 , 2 It does not require concomitant antiplatelet therapy compared to other devices such as flow diverters or intracranial stents. Innominate artery pseudoaneurysms are a rare consequence of blunt traumatic injury, infection, or atherosclerotic disease. 3 , 4 We describe the case of an innominate artery pseudoaneurysm successfully treated with a WEB SL device instead of stenting, therefore alleviating the need for dual antiplatelet therapy. The treatment was successful and uneventful and postprocedural computed tomography angiography confirmed the complete occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm.
Syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy results in good safety and short-term outcomes in the treatment of patients with deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Li Wanglong , Lin Yichen , Su Kunfeng , Cai Fanggang , Zhang Jinchi , Lai Xiaoling , Zheng Xiaoqi , Guo Pingfan , Hou Xinhuang , Dai Yiquan
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the short-term outcomes and safety of syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective study of hospitalized patients with iliofemoral and/or inferior vena caval deep venous thrombosis, excluding those with pulmonary embolism. We collected the following patient data from the electronic medical records: age, sex, provoked/unprovoked deep venous thrombosis, symptom duration, thrombosed segments, and the presence of a tumor, thrombophilia, diabetes, and/or iliac vein compression syndrome. Venography and computed tomographic venography were performed in all patients before the procedure. All patients underwent syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy under local anesthesia and sedation, and all received low-molecular-weight heparin peri-operatively. All patients underwent implantation of an inferior vena caval filter. Rivaroxaban was administered post-procedure, instead of heparin, for 3–6 months, with lower extremity compression.

Results

Overall, 29 patients with deep venous thrombosis underwent syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy from January 2022 to October 2022 in our institution. Technical success (>70% thrombus resolution) was achieved in all patients, and using a single procedure in 25/29 patients (86%). Concomitant stenting was performed in 18/29 (62%) of the patients, and 21/29 (69%) underwent angioplasty. The median (interquartile range) procedure time was 110 min (100–122), the median intra-operative bleeding volume was 150 mL (120–180), and the median decrease in the hemoglobin concentration from pre- to post-operative was 7 g/L (4–14). The median follow-up duration was 7 months (5–9). All patients obtained symptomatic relief, and 27/29 achieved near-remission or full remission (combined total). No patients experienced peri-operative bleeding complications, or symptom recurrence or post-thrombectomy syndrome during follow-up.

Conclusion

The short-term outcomes following syringe-assisted test-aspiration with mechanical aspiration thrombectomy in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis were excellent, and the procedure was safe.
Translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric validation of the Provider Attitudes toward Cardiac Rehabilitation and Referral (PACRR-C) Scale in Simplified Chinese
Authors: Yunmei Ding , Yan Cui , Jiayun Gu , Grace Sherry L.
Published: March 2024

Background

The Provider Attitudes toward CR and Referral (PACRR) scale was translated into Simplified Chinese and psychometric validation ensued.

Methods

Brislin's Translation Model was applied, with two independent forward translations followed by back-translation. Experts assessed the face, content and cross-cultural validity of items, and item analysis followed. For validation, 227 physicians from hospitals in 14 Chinese provinces completed the PACRR-C. Structural validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Internal and split-half reliability were assessed.

Results

Some items were rephrased and one item was deleted. The content validity index for the total scale was 0.965. The correlation coefficients between the 18 items and the total scale ranged between 0.28 and 0.76. Consistent with the English version, four factors were extracted (Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.671–0.959) through the factor analysis, accounting for 71.21% of the total variance. Split-half reliability was 0.945. The greatest factors impacting physician's CR attitudes were inconvenience of the referral process (3.93 ± 0.65/5); lack of standard referral forms (3.92 ± 0.66), perceiving referral as the responsibility of another clinician (3.89 ± 0.67), and need for support in completing the referral form (3.89 ± 0.64).

Conclusions/Significance

The reliability, as well as content, face, cross-cultural, and structural validity of the 18-item, 4-subscale PACRR-C, were supported.
Use of Fracture Risk Assessment Tool in clinical practice and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool future directions
Authors: Zerikly Rahfa , Demetriou Emily Wood
Published: March 2024

Fracture Risk Assessment Tool is a free, online fracture risk calculator which can be used to predict 10-year fracture risk for women and men over age 50 years. It incorporates seven clinical risk factors and bone density to give a 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture. This dynamic tool can be used with patients at the bedside to help guide treatment decisions. There are some limitations to Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, with the most central limitation being the fact that inputs are binary. Much research has been done to try to refine Fracture Risk Assessment Tool to allow for more accurate risk prediction, and this article describes the data for adjusting Fracture Risk Assessment Tool depending on the clinical scenario such as the dose of glucocorticoid use, presence of diabetes and others. Recently, the new FRAXplus tool has been developed to address many of these concerns and will likely replace the old Fracture Risk Assessment Tool in the future. At the current time, it is available in beta form.
Does the sex of judges matter? Analysis of sentencing in sex crimes in Spain
Authors: Arantegui Laura , Romero Pablo , Tamarit Josep M
Published: March 2024

More women are increasingly joining the judiciary, especially during the last four decades. This has led to more research on the influence of sex on judicial decisions. Judge’s sex is a non-legal factor whose importance lies in the generally acknowledged historical difference between male and female roles in society, which may generate significantly different points of view and differences in the outcome of judicial proceedings, especially in cases related to sexual violence. However, there is no consensus regarding the effect of sex on sentencing. Indeed, findings to date vary widely, making a more profound study of this topic even more necessary. This study is based on a quantitative analysis of court sentences dictated by Provincial Courts in Spain (i.e. panels made up of men, women, or both) issued between 2019 and 2020.
Anthropogenic Threats to Crocodiles, and the Level and Sociodemographic Determinants of their Utilization in Lower River Tana Basin, Kenya
Authors: Mosse Margaret N. , Odadi Wilfred O. , Kibue Grace W.
Published: March 2024

Background and Research Aims

Globally, crocodile ranching programs are intended to generate livelihood benefits for local communities and incentives for crocodile conservation. However, there is need for their contextual scientific evaluation in many human-dominated tropical landscapes. We investigated the anthropogenic threats to crocodiles, and examined the level and sociodemographic determinants of their utilization in lower River Tana basin, Kenya.

Methods

We conducted seven key informant interviews, four focus group discussions and a quantitative household survey involving 365 respondents randomly selected from local villages. We analyzed anthropogenic threats to crocodiles and other qualitative data thematically. We summarized quantitative data using descriptive statistics and used multinomial logistic regression to analyze the association between selected sociodemographic variables and crocodile utilization.

Results

The main anthropogenic threats to crocodiles were agricultural expansion into their habitat, their retaliatory killing, and consumption of their meat and eggs. Only 5% of the respondents utilized crocodiles legally, whereas 32% utilized them illegally. Increasing age, increasing income, being male and being Christian all increased the likelihood of illegal crocodile utilization. Being male increased the likelihood of legal crocodile utilization, whereas increasing age decreased this likelihood.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates multiple anthropogenic threats to crocodiles in lower River Tana despite a long-term ranching program. Furthermore, local community participation in this program is marginal and markedly varies among sociodemographic groups. Taken together, our findings suggest that crocodile ranching, as practiced in this landscape, is largely ineffective in achieving its intended socioeconomic and conservation goals.

Conservation Implications

To enhance their effectiveness, crocodile ranching programs in such landscapes should be tailored for local socio-cultural contexts. We recommend capacity building and awareness raising initiatives tailored for specific groups to increase local community participation in sustainable crocodile utilization and minimize their engagement in practices that are detrimental to crocodiles.
Black and White Americans’ Perceptions of Community Equity Efforts Diverge Following the Removal of Confederate Monuments
Authors: Jurcevic Ines , Trawalter Sophie
Published: March 2024

Communities across the United States are removing Confederate monuments from public spaces. Little work, however, has considered downstream consequences of these decisions. Across three experiments and four replications in Supplemental Material, we examine impacts of community decisions on individuals’ perceptions of communities’ efforts toward racial equity. We find that the removal of monuments leads White Americans—but not Black Americans—to believe that communities will sufficiently prioritize policies aimed at redressing racial inequity in the future. Taken together, these findings suggest that the symbolic removal of Confederate monuments may signal different structural equity investments to different constituencies, with Whites anticipating that communities will engage in sufficient racial equity policy efforts and Black Americans remaining skeptical.
CT perfusion based rCBF <38% volume is independently and negatively associated with digital subtraction angiography collateral score in anterior circulation large vessel occlusions
Authors: Lakhani Dhairya A , Balar Aneri B , Koneru Manisha , Wen Sijin , Ozkara Burak Berksu , Wang Richard , Hoseinyazdi Meisam , Nabi Mehreen , Mazumdar Ishan , Cho Andrew , Chen Kevin , Sepehri Sadra , Hyson Nathan , Xu Risheng , Urrutia Victor , Luna Licia , Hillis Argye E , Heit Jeremy J , Albers Greg W , Rai Ansaar T , Yedavalli Vivek S
Published: March 2024

Background

Collateral status (CS) is an important biomarker of functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). Pretreatment CT perfusion (CTP) parameters serve as reliable surrogates of collateral status (CS). In this study, we aim to assess the relationship between the relative cerebral blood flow less than 38% (rCBF <38%), with the reference standard American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN) collateral score (CS) on DSA.

Methods

In this prospectively collected, retrospectively reviewed analysis, inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) CT angiography (CTA) confirmed anterior circulation large vessel occlusion from 9/1/2017 to 10/01/2023; (b) diagnostic CT perfusion; and (c) underwent mechanical thrombectomy with documented ASITN CS. The ratios of the CTP-derived CBF values were calculated by dividing the values of the ischemic lesion by the corresponding values of the contralateral normal region (which were defined as rCBF). Spearman’s rank correlation and logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the relationship of rCBF <38% lesion volume with DSA ASITN CS. p ≤ .05 was considered significant.

Results

In total, 223 patients [mean age: 67.77 ± 15.76 years, 56.1% ( n = 125) female] met our inclusion criteria. Significant negative correlation was noted between rCBF <38% volume and DSA CS (ρ = −0.37, p < .001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, rCBF <38% volume was found to be independently associated with worse ASITN CS (unadjusted OR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.60–5.69, p < .001, and adjusted OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.34–5.50, p < .01).

Conclusion

Greater volume of tissue with rCBF <38% is independently associated with better DSA CS. rCBF <38% is a useful adjunct tool in collateralization-based prognostication. Future studies are needed to expand our understanding of the role of rCBF <38% within the decision-making in patients with AIS-LVO.
More than two decades of community of inquiry research: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis
Authors: Khodabandelou Rouhollah , Vahdani Asadi Mohammad Reza , Ghasemi Maryam , Amerian Mohammad
Published: March 2024

The Community of Inquiry (CoI) has provided a useful tool for studying technology-enhanced learning environments. It has also been implemented as the theoretical framework for many types of relevant research. Since its development, the framework has generated substantial interest among scholars in many fields such as distance education, online and blended learning and computed-mediated instruction. Although extensive research has been carried out on the CoI, no single study has been conducted that statistically and mathematically examines all publications of the framework. This study aimed to comprehensively review more than two decades of publications on the CoI framework by applying the bibliometric analysis technique. Therefore, all the corresponding Scopus records (in total 5169) in the past 24 years (1999-2023) were analyzed using the VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace tools. The study described various essential research indicators, such as the research categories (directions), most productive authors, journals, institutions, and countries, along with potential research hotspots. The thematic analysis highlighted the research themes that have attracted scholars in the field by visualization of the current CoI research landscape.
Rethinking children’s rights in relation to planetary rights: A relational perspective in the era of climate change and other crises
Authors: Duhn Iris
Published: March 2024

This article delves into the intricate relationship between children’s rights and the broader landscape of human and more-than-human rights in times of planetary pluri-crises. While acknowledging the historical significance of the United Nation adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as a late 20th-century milestone, this contribution challenges the notion of treating children’s rights as a distinct right’s issue within the global context of ecological, social, economic and political turmoil. The article identifies three intensities around children’s rights within the ‘rights’ discourse to argue that ‘rights’ are always relational. Using a relational mapping informed approach to analysis, a series of three intensities is presented: a hierarchy of ‘rights’, doing ‘rights’ in the Anthropocene and thinking ‘rights’ in the context of pluri-crisis education. These intensities play across scales at local and planetary levels and highlight the urgency of reimagining children’s rights as relational with planetary rights. The article concludes with an imagined place-based scenario that explores how this mapping of intensities makes visible relational rights for early childhood education in times of climate crises in Australia, and beyond.
Suicidal ideation and attempts among Nigerian undergraduates: Exploring the relationships with depression, hopelessness, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness
Authors: Iweama Cylia Nkechi , Agbaje Olaoluwa Samson , Lerum Namuga Isaiah , Igbokwe Charles Chima , Ozoemena Lawretta Eyuche
Published: March 2024

Objective:

The study investigated the prevalence of suicidal behavior and its association with depression, hopelessness, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness in a sample of undergraduates in Nigeria.

Introduction:

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young adults globally. However, information about suicidal ideation, attempts, and relationships with psychiatric factors, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness is sparse in Nigeria. The study investigated the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts and associated factors in a sample of undergraduates in Nigeria.

Methods:

We collected data from a cross-sectional survey of 625 undergraduate students primarily recruited from universities, colleges of education, and polytechnics in Adamawa Central Senatorial Zone, Adamawa State, northeast Nigeria. The Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, the 15-item Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the 20-item version of the Beck Hopelessness Scale were administered to the participants. We used descriptive statistics and binary and multivariate logistic regressions for data analysis.

Results:

A total of 616 students with a mean age of 21.41 ± 4.72 years completed the study. The prevalence of suicidal behavior was 34.9% (215/616). Having a female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 8.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.06, 34.03), depression (AOR = 45.15, 95% CI: 0.95, 5.11), hopelessness (AOR = 20.10, 95% CI: 5.56, 72.41), and perceived burdensomeness (AOR = 89.15, 95% CI: 29.63, 268.30) were associated with suicidal ideation. In addition, being a female (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.83), being a 200-level student (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.46, 7.96), and being a 300-level student (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.74) were associated with suicidal attempt.

Conclusion:

The study’s findings show that suicidal behaviors (ideations and attempts) are prevalent among undergraduate students in northeast Nigeria. The findings underline the need for the development of mental health services and early identification and intervention for at-risk young people in Nigeria.
Optimizing caesarean section use and feasibility of implementing the Robson classification system: Perspectives of healthcare providers and policymakers
Authors: Shtainmetz Noa , Tesler Riki , Sharon Cochava , Korn Liat
Published: March 2024

Introduction and Objective:

In recent decades, caesarean section rates have increased dramatically worldwide and the reasons for this trend are not fully understood. This continuing trend has raised public health concerns regarding higher maternal and perinatal risks, high costs, healthcare efficiency, and inequality of services. The current study aimed to explore the perspectives and insights of healthcare providers and policymakers in the Israeli health system regarding the factors that drive caesarean section rates and the readiness and feasibility of implementing the Robson Ten Group Classification System for the first time.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted ( n = 12) with purposefully selected healthcare providers and policymakers in Israel. Data was analysed inductively using a thematic analysis approach.

Results:

The findings reflected the “changing landscape” in childbirth practices and attitudes that contributes to the rising caesarean section rate, including childbirth at older ages, birth planning, and a transition toward a more collaborative decision-making approach to childbirth. The participants emphasized the lack of a standardized classification or consistent data monitoring of caesarean section in the Israeli health system. Additionally, enablers to implement the Robson Ten Group Classification System in Israel (ease of use, data collection and recording, and the allocation of resources and personnel), as well as barriers (concerns over workload, limited resources, budget implications, and technological complexity), were found.

Conclusions:

This study revealed the multifaceted factors shaping caesarean section rates within Israel and underscored the perceived need for evidence-based monitoring and informed decision-making in healthcare practices. Our findings support the conclusion that empirical evidence and clear data are crucial for effective caesarean section use and are currently lacking in Israeli hospitals. Thus, it is recommended to adopt a globally standardized, accepted, and effective tool—the Robson Ten Group Classification System—to accommodate the “changing landscape” in alignment with evolving medical and societal dynamics, which consequently will assist in optimizing caesarean section use.
Self-medication prevalence and associated factors among adult population in Northern India: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Juneja Khushboo , Chauhan Ambren , Shree Tuhina , Roy Priyanka , Bardhan Mainak , Ahmad Absar , Pawaiya Amit Singh , Anand Ayush
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine self-medication prevalence and its associated factors.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban and rural catchment areas of Uttar Pradesh, India, among 440 adults using a pretested, semistructured questionnaire. The Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine the association of self-medication prevalence with various independent variables. The associations were reported as adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

The prevalence of medication use was 66.4%. The majority of participants (45%) took medicine for fever, cough (40.1%), and cold (31.8%). Allopathy (83.2%) was the most common medicine system used for self-medication. More than half reported taking medicine such as paracetamol (52%), followed by cough syrup (21%) and antihistaminic (17%). Convenience (46%) and lack of time (35.3%) were commonly cited reasons for self-medication. Also, 64.4% of the respondents practiced self-medication on the pharmacist’s recommendation. Urban participants (adjusted odds ratio: 9.85, 95% confidence interval: 5.32–18.23), females (adjusted odds ratio: 2.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.18–4.57), skilled workers (adjusted odds ratio: 5.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.80–17.5), and those who completed primary school (adjusted odds ratio: 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.16–5.25) were more likely to self-medicate than rural, male, unemployed, and illiterate participants, respectively. Also, participants whose income was 30,000 Indian rupees (adjusted odds ratio: 3.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–10.21) were more likely to self-medicate than those whose income was less than 4000.

Conclusions:

A high prevalence of self-medication was found, particularly in urban areas. Convenience and lack of time were commonly cited reasons for self-medication. Allopathy was the most widely used medicine system for self-medication. Antipyretics, cough syrups, and antiallergics were most commonly self-medicated. Gender, education, and income were associated with self-medication. The study highlighted the increased usage among females which could be further explored and role of pharmacists’ recommendation as a major driver for self-medication.
The dark side of smartphone application’s smart push function: Exploring its impact on fear of missing out and smartphone addiction
Authors: He Qiuyue , Zeng Zhonglu
Published: March 2024

This article aims to investigate the negative effects of smart push technology, which is becoming increasingly popular in digital devices and online services, particularly in smartphone-based applications (apps). Specifically, empirical relationships among the features of the app content delivered by smart push technology, fear of missing out, and smartphone addiction are explored by constructing an integrated model. The proposed relationships were tested by analyzing survey-based data collected from 227 valid samples through partial least squares-structural equation modeling. The analysis confirmed the hypothesized positive relationships among the features of app content delivered by smart push technology (entertainment and timeliness) in smartphone-based apps, fear of missing out, and smartphone addiction. Moreover, fear of missing out served as a mediator between the features of smart push technology and smartphone addiction. This study makes a significant theoretical contribution to the digital communication technology and smartphone addiction literature by revealing the influence mechanism of smart push technology on smartphone addiction. Furthermore, this study has a number of practical implications for policymakers as well as app developers.
Effects of Fluoride Varnish on Roughness of Polyacid-Modified Composite Resins at Different Temperatures: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Çevik Nuran , Bodrumlu Ebru Hazar
Published: March 2024

Aim:

The purpose of this study is to determine how fluoride varnish materials applied to polyacid modified composite resins (PMCR) affect roughness at various temperatures.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 100 PMCR discs were manufactured for this in vitro study, and the hundred samples were randomly split into five groups of twenty samples each. The samples in four groups had their surfaces coated with fluoride varnish at varying temperatures (4ºC, 23ºC, 39ºC, and 55ºC), while the samples in the control group did not get this treatment. A heating device is used for fluoride varnish. A profilometer was used to measure the samples’ surface roughness values after application. The Kruskal–Wallis and Shapiro–Wilk tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

After comparing five groups with twenty samples apiece, it was found that 23ºC had the greatest average roughness value. For the fluoride varnish material cooked at various temperatures, there was no discernible statistical variation in the roughness values.

Conclusion:

The study’s results indicate that all groups’ surface roughness values following the application of fluoride varnish at varying temperatures were found to be clinically acceptable.
When Civilizational Nationalism Meets Subnationalism: The Crisis in Manipur
Authors: Baruah Sanjib
Published: March 2024

The armed ethnic warfare that has been raging in Manipur since May of last year is unprecedented. It pits the state’s subnational majority Meiteis against Kukis—a subnational minority in the state. The ethnicization of law enforcement and the looting of arms from police stations by mobs have created a situation in the state that now resembles a civil war. There is ample evidence pointing to the fact that the state government bears the lion’s share of the responsibility for this violence. Proclaiming President’s Rule—dismissing the state government and assuming its functions—could have helped restore faith in the impartiality and integrity of state institutions. That New Delhi has chosen not to exercise this option provides important clues to what is at stake from the perspective of the ruling party and the Hindu nationalist establishment’s long-term political–ideological agenda. This political configuration has implications for the future of the Naga peace process.