bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocarditis and ascending aortic aneurysm with aortic valve insufficiency secondary to late syphilis: Case report
Authors: Robayo-Amortegui Henry , Rojas-Perdomo Juan , Tuta-Quintero Eduardo , Valenzuela-Faccini Natalia , Fuentes-Pérez Carlos , Cely-Cely Alexander , Gómez-López Efraín
Published: December 2024

Venereal syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is a major global health problem. Untreated latent syphilis can progress to tertiary syphilis, often leading to severe complications such as cardiac involvement, particularly syphilitic aortitis, which may manifest decades after the initial infection. We present a case of a 46-year-old woman who developed an ascending aortic aneurysm and severe aortic valve insufficiency due to late-stage syphilis. She presented with bilateral lower limb edema, intermittent chest pain, decreased functional capacity, and dyspnea, ultimately requiring hospitalization for cardiogenic shock. Diagnostic imaging revealed significant aortic valve damage and aneurysmal dilation of the ascending aorta, while serological tests confirmed tertiary cardiovascular syphilis. Surgical intervention involved the reconstruction of the ascending aorta and replacement of the aortic valve with a bioprosthetic valve. Histopathological analysis indicated chronic endocarditis. Postoperative management included intensive care support and antibiotic treatment. The patient demonstrated satisfactory recovery, with no further complications reported at the 3-month follow-up.
Will low-carbon transformation cause income inequality? Empirical evidence from the low-carbon city pilot policy
Authors: Liang Dong , Liu Yu , Zhang Shuo , Chen Boyang
Published: December 2024

As a profound systemic economic and social transformation, the deepening of China’s low-carbon transformation will inevitably have a remarkable impact on social issues such as income and equity. Based on panel data consisting of 279 cities in China between 2007 and 2020 and theoretical modelling and derivation, this study constructs an income inequality index of cities in China using district- and county-level nighttime light data, and empirically estimates the impact of China’s pilot policy for low-carbon city on income inequality using a difference-in-differences model. In this study, through empirical analyses, we found that: (i) the pilot policy can significantly reduce income inequality in cities; (ii) the mechanism analysis illustrates that the policy affects cities’ income inequality through the demand-side skill-biased technological progress and the supply-side upgrading of labour skill structure, and the mitigating effect of the policy on income inequality is mainly due to its enhancing effect on the upgrading of labour skill structure; (iii) heterogeneity research demonstrates that the impact of the policy on income inequality is heterogeneous in terms of geographical locations, resource endowment and labour skills; and (iv) further research shows that the policy improves the welfare of residents. Our findings provide useful implications for promoting low-carbon transformation and fair income distribution in cities.
A Generalized Multi-Detector Combination Approach for Differential Item Functioning Detection
Authors: Huang Shan , Ishii Hidetoki
Published: December 2024

Many studies on differential item functioning (DIF) detection rely on single detection methods (SDMs), each of which necessitates specific assumptions that may not always be validated. Using an inappropriate SDM can lead to diminished accuracy in DIF detection. To address this limitation, a novel multi-detector combination (MDC) approach is proposed. Unlike SDMs, MDC effectively evaluates the relevance of different SDMs under various test conditions and integrates them using supervised learning, thereby mitigating the risk associated with selecting a suboptimal SDM for DIF detection. This study aimed to validate the accuracy of the MDC approach by applying five types of SDMs and four distinct supervised learning methods in MDC modeling. Model performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC), which provided a comprehensive measure of the ability of the model to distinguish between classes across all threshold levels, with higher AUC values indicating higher accuracy. The MDC methods consistently achieved higher average AUC values compared to SDMs in both matched test sets (where test conditions align with the training set) and unmatched test sets. Furthermore, MDC outperformed all SDMs under each test condition. These findings indicated that MDC is highly accurate and robust across diverse test conditions, establishing it as a viable method for practical DIF detection.
Between Decay and Maintenance: Tuberculosis Sanatoriums, Care Infrastructures and U.S. Health Policy Debates, 1945–1972
Authors: Goggins Sydney
Published: December 2024

The development of streptomycin and isoniazid transformed the landscape of tuberculosis treatment in the United States in the mid-twentieth century. Sanatoriums continued to play a role in tuberculosis treatment in the early antibiotic era; yet, changing perceptions of tuberculosis as curable and a waning public health crisis sparked medical and legislative debates over their relevance and cost-effectiveness. By 1972, most specialized tuberculosis treatment facilities had closed. The sanatorium's legitimacy as an infrastructure supporting individual patient recovery and wider community health was negotiated in complex ways in 1950s and 1960s medical and public health literature. Examining changing imaginaries of sanatoriums as their relevance declined and their closure was debated enables a temporal analysis of how processes of maintenance and repair in infrastructure impact larger policy debates. The evolving role of sanatoriums figured prominently in national health policy debates because they were a multiscalar infrastructure that took shape through individual local sites and statewide (and nationwide) networks. By thinking infrastructurally about specific sites of care, this study contributes to a growing science and technology studies literature about opportunities for repair in care infrastructures as enabling more adaptable, equity-focused responses to enduring public health challenges, particularly as societies respond to limitations in biomedicine.
Children’s vagal flexibility is a predictor and moderator of treatment response to early parenting interventions for inhibited youth
Authors: Wagner Nicholas J. , Shakiba Nila , Bui Hong N.T. , Novick Danielle , Sem Kathy , Danko Christina M. , Rubin Kenneth H. , Chronis-Tuscano Andrea
Published: December 2024

Behavioral inhibition (BI), a dispositional trait characterized by fear and withdrawal in the face of novelty, is a risk factor for the later diagnosis of anxiety; yet, not all inhibited children go on to develop anxiety disorders. Certain parenting behaviors moderate risk for anxiety among temperamentally inhibited youth, which has motivated the creation of early parenting interventions to mitigate this risk among young children high in BI. These programs vary in complexity, begging the question of who needs more or less intensive intervention. In addition, variability in children’s parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) functioning may provide insight into the substantial heterogeneity in anxiety outcomes for children high in BI. The current study investigates the role of vagal flexibility (VF), an index of non-linear change in PNS functioning, in children’s response to an early intervention for anxiety (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02308826). Participants ( n = 151, ages of 45–64 months) were randomized to participate in the Turtle Program (“Turtle”), a multi-component intervention comprising an adaptation of parent–child interaction therapy and social skills training, or Cool Little Kids (CLK), an established psychoeducational parenting intervention. Child participants also completed pre-, mid-, and post-treatment laboratory visits, which included a series of social stressor tasks preceded by a non-stressful but emotionally engaging video, during which cardiac physiology was recorded. Longitudinal latent profile analyses were used to identify latent non-linear trajectories of VF across the entire intervention (i.e., pre-, mid-, and post-treatment visits). Two latent classes were distinguished by the presence of high or low child VF across the treatment. Although VF class membership was not associated with intervention group membership, auxiliary within-class prediction models suggest that children who exhibited consistently greater VF demonstrated lower post-treatment clinician severity ratings of anxiety in Turtle, β = −0.21, p = .01, but not in CLK, β = 0.13, p = .39. Findings contribute to a broad literature demonstrating the utility of indices of PNS functioning in providing insight into risk for psychopathology and suggest that children’s VF moderates treatment response by supporting children’s ability to effectively engage in and extract benefits from intervention protocols. Implications for our understanding of the role children’s physiological regulation plays in the links between BI, parenting, risk for anxiety, and treatment response are discussed.
“If your relationship is a swamp, your sister is like a hand that pulls you out of it”: Sisterhood as a source of support on relationship issues and dating violence
Authors: Tahmazoglu Selin , Ustunel Anil O
Published: December 2024

Informal support systems play a crucial role in navigating romantic relations and coping with dating violence (DV), especially in emerging adulthood. Although research indicates that sisters can be an important source of such support, the question of how they communicate and assist each other on relationship issues and violence remains largely unexplored. The present qualitative study, adopting an ecological systems perspective, investigated what roles sisters play in each other’s dating experiences in Turkiye, a traditional and patriarchal sociocultural context with gradually increasing awareness about DV and gender equality among emerging adults. The sample consisted of 5 sister dyads aged 20–25. Data was collected through dyadic interviews and analyzed with an inductive thematic analysis approach. The dyads’ descriptions were categorized under two main themes: (a) protection from boundary violations and violence and (b) co-regulation and guidance in relationship management. The protective role of sisters entailed reminding each other of healthy boundaries and self-worth, checking for safety and warning signs, and showing solidarity. On the other hand, the regulatory role of sisters involved seeking and giving advice on conflict resolution, accompanying negative emotions, and coping with a breakup together. The findings demonstrate that sisters can become an essential source of support in the context of parental disapproval and limited communication about dating at the microsystem level and changing gender norms and socialization, along with the prevalence of gender-based violence at the macrosystem level. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of effective support processes in sisterhood and informal help-seeking for relationship issues and violence from a contextual and developmental lens. The findings point to the need to expand family-based DV prevention programs exclusively targeting parents.
Hemispheric annealing and lateralization under psychedelics (HEALS): A novel hypothesis of psychedelic action in the brain
Authors: Levin Adam W
Published: December 2024

Current models of psychedelic action in the brain propose changes along the dorsal–ventral and anterior–posterior axes but neglect to address the lateral axis. This article proposes a novel model of psychedelic action called HEALS (Hemispheric Annealing and Lateralization Under Psychedelics) which involves the reversal of the typical hierarchical relationship between the two hemispheres of the brain. In typical modes of consciousness, the hemispheres act in parallel process with the left predominating. Under psychedelics, as well as in other altered states of consciousness (ASCs), this hierarchy is reversed, with the right hemisphere released from inhibition by the left. In support of this model, the available neuroimaging evidence for lateralization under psychedelics is reviewed. Then, various cognitive and emotional changes observed under psychedelics are contrasted with those same functions in each hemisphere. These include attention; social and emotional intelligence; creativity and insight; and language. The article concludes with a review of laterality in other ASCs, such as meditative and trance states, and suggests that many phenomena associated with psychedelics, and other ASCs, might be explained by an atypical annealing between the hemispheres toward right hemisphere predominance.
Organizational Memory and Snap Back Performance in Public Agencies
Authors: Stavick John
Published: December 2024

In recent years, public administration scholars investigated the relationship between employee turnover and public sector performance in settings where tasks are routine and frequently executed. This article builds on that foundation by investigating the contribution of organizational memory to the execution of infrequent and extraordinary tasks, theoretically distinguishing it from routine and ordinary tasks. Using a panel of administrative state employee payroll data from 45 states, this article tests the relationship between state health department employee turnover, retention, and performance in response to an emergency: the COVID vaccination campaign of 2021. Results show that recent health department turnover rates are a more substantive predictor than retention of employees with long-term experience. It is estimated that a one percentage point reduction in turnover would cost about $1.6 billion in additional compensation to state health departments and would produce reduced mortality benefits of $2.4 billion.
Transforming ideas into products: Project based learning in prototyping, fabrication, and testing course for first year engineering students
Authors: Shashidhara Vijay Vailaya , Prabhu Ravikantha , Chippar Purushothama
Published: December 2024

Skill development courses are crucial in engineering education, enabling students to tackle complex engineering tasks while enhancing critical thinking and adaptability to industry shifts. This study focuses on the Prototyping, Fabrication, and Testing course offered to first-year engineering students as part of mandatory skill development curriculum. After completing three cycles of the course, this research presents comprehensive insights on its implementation, including student feedback and challenges encountered. The course followed a project-based learning (PBL) methodology, providing students with practical skills in both basic and advanced manufacturing techniques essential for product development. Hands-on engagement with real-world projects fostered an immersive learning experience. The study covers the course design, implementation, and evaluation, with particular attention to student feedback. Results indicated high levels of student enthusiasm, active participation, and a positive reception to the integration of theory with practical learning. Students gained significant skills in manufacturing and product development, while appreciating the collaborative environment that nurtured teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. This positive feedback underscores the PBL approach as an effective tool for engaging students and fostering essential engineering skills. Insights from this study will guide the future design and enhancement of similar courses.
‘What does “remaining living at home” really mean?’ Stakeholders’ perspectives on everyday difficulties among older people with chronic conditions
Authors: Ballmer Thomas , Gantschnig Brigitte Elisabeth
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Older people with chronic conditions prioritize living arrangements that let them maintain their autonomy. However, many face activity limitations and participation restrictions. Stakeholders involved in their health and social care have a unique perspective on these challenges. The aim of this study was to examine how these stakeholders view the difficulties older people with chronic conditions living at home face in their everyday lives.

Method:

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study based on a focus group interview with eight stakeholders involved in health care, social care and housing for older people with chronic conditions. We transcribed the interview verbatim and analysed it using thematic analysis.

Findings:

We generated four themes: fear of losing autonomy, inequality along socio-economic lines, persisting and new barriers, and ‘what does “remaining living at home” really mean?’. Participants problematized the lack of awareness among key stakeholders for older people’s needs and limited housing options beyond the dichotomous choice between ageing at home and in a care home.

Conclusion:

Acknowledging diverse factors – fear of losing autonomy, socio-economic situation, limited awareness of key stakeholders, physical and other barriers, societal discourses – shaping older peoples’ choices regarding their living arrangements informs how occupational therapists can support them.
Optimized design and testing of a multi-degree-of-freedom cable-driven underactuated picking manipulator
Authors: Sun Junhui , Gong Jinliang , Zhang Yanfei
Published: December 2024

In order to address the issues of poor flexibility and complex control systems in existing picking manipulators, the present work designs a multi-degree-of-freedom cable-driven underactuated manipulator. Firstly, an end-effector drive module based on the cam mechanism is designed, which can control gripping force without the need for force sensor feedback, and enables the opening, closing, and rotary movements of the end-effector to be controlled by the same motor. Secondly, the influence of the structural parameters of the fingers on the contact force at the phalange is analyzed, and then the end-effector is optimized using a genetic algorithm. Next, the cable pulling force control model is established. Subsequently, a prototype manipulator is fabricated for testing, the results show that the adjustment range of cable pulling force is 11.1–27.4 N, and the output torque of manipulator is 0.64 N·m. Finally, the results of picking test in the orchard demonstrate that the manipulator is capable of accomplishing non-destructive picking operations.
Indeterminate Practices, Determinate Form: Southernness as Assemblage
Authors: Upadhyay Surya Prakash
Published: December 2024

Much of the problem in understanding and magnifying southernness lies in problem-spaces and descriptive tropes utilized in Southern Urban Theory (SUT). This fixation not only dilutes the aims of SUT but also continues to privilege particular explanatory and theoretical frames. Taking the case of the built environment of a planned colony called Rajajipuram (Lucknow, India), this article draws attention toward problem-spaces and citizens that have remained marginal in SUT. Remapping urban geography through the built environment in non-elite middle-class localities, the article draws attention toward spaces, motivations, processes, and strategies which reveal how southernness interlaces “life aspirations” amid everyday lived struggles, realities, experiences, opportunities, challenges, and compulsions. Significantly, the built environment of Indian cities always defies varied categories of modern binaries. Instead, it forms an assemblage that reveals simultaneity of indeterminacy (i.e., interactions among varied components—administrative and regulatory with citizens’ techniques) but determinacy of the emergent form. Such problem-spaces not only shift the theoretical gaze but also reveal other epistemological possibilities, particularly “organic growth,” of southern cities. Southernness is qualitative and substantive rather than terminological which requires “historically alert and methodologically feasible” ( Arif, 2015 , p. 54) exploration of cultural continuities and commonalities—spatial and temporal. Perhaps, such an approach will not only bridge the gaps between cohorts—southern urbanism and subaltern urbanization—but help build a comprehensive theory of southern cities.
Cohesion to life on the land of migration: Olympic education and refugees
Authors: Örsoğlu Tuğçe , Yıldıran İbrahim
Published: December 2024

Due to global migration, addressing essential needs like nutrition, housing, and security has become a pressing concern for migrants and host communities, with social cohesion being a primary focus. To promote social cohesion, many state policies now include provisions that aim to leverage cultural and lifestyle differences as assets. This research examines the role of Olympic education programmes implemented through sports in establishing social cohesion among refugees. A qualitative single case study approach was used, collecting data through interviews and documents. Thematic analysis revealed intergroup conflict as a major obstacle to social cohesion, and the programme was seen as a potential mitigating factor. Stakeholders had diverse but similar goals and took action to achieve them. The programme's outcomes contributed to targeted development, with stakeholders recognizing the importance of a long-term social cohesion process. Short-term achievements also indicated potential medium and long-term changes.
Toxic Cargo: How Rail Transport of Vinyl Chloride Puts Millions at Risk, an Analysis One Year After the Ohio Train Derailment
Authors:   Toxic-Free Future,   Material Research L3C
Published: December 2024

On February 3, 2023, five train cars containing 887,400 pounds of vinyl chloride, the key building block for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, derailed and burned, setting off a major environmental health disaster that sickened area residents and first responders, killed wildlife, and contaminated East Palestine, Ohio and surrounding communities. OxyVinyls is the largest vinyl chloride monomer producer in the United States and the third-largest PVC supplier in the United States. How much of this hazardous chemical is transported every year, and how many people are put at risk? To better understand the magnitude of this hazard, we established the most likely rail routes for shipping of vinyl chloride from two OxyVinyls plants in Texas to four PVC factories in New Jersey, Illinois, and Ontario. We estimate that up to 36 million pounds of vinyl chloride travels on more than 200 rail cars across nearly 2,000 miles of US railways at any given moment. Over a year, an estimated 8,595 rail cars carry approximately 1.5 billion pounds of vinyl chloride from OxyVinyls to these plastics plants. The rail shipment of vinyl chloride to make PVC plastic puts more than three million people at risk. We estimate more than three million people live, and about 670,000 children attend more than 1500 schools, within one mile of the train route between Texas and New Jersey.
Cervical Cancer Screening Utilization and Barriers to Uptake in Ethiopia: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Mohammed Ebrahim , Taye Girma , Assefa Mathewos , Aman Haji , Addissie Adamu , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: December 2024

Background

Cervical cancer (CCa) is the second most common type of cancer and a leading cause of death among adult women in Ethiopia. However, at the moment, there is a lack of evidence that can be generalizable as a whole to the country regarding the uptake of cervical cancer screening.

Objective

The aim of this review was to assess the pooled estimated uptake of CCa and to identify the major barriers to cervical cancer screening (CCS) uptake among adult women in Ethiopia.

Method

The review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with a registration number of CRD42022353954. The data were searched electronically using Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science search engines. The heterogeneity of the literature was assessed using Cochran’s (Q) test and Higgin’s and Thomson’s (I2) statistic. The Rosenthal approach, Fail-safe N method, Egger’s test with a P-value <0.05, and funnel plot symmetry were used to detect publication bias. Random effect analysis was used to find out the pooled effect size. The Stata 17 software was used to perform analysis.

Result

The pooled estimated uptake of CCS was 13.08% (POR 13.08; 95% CI: 10.24, 15.93; I2 = 81.93%). Common factors associated with uptake of CCS were adequacy of knowledge (POR = 3.48; 95% CI: 2.74, 4.23; I2 = 0%), attitudes of women (POR = 3.51; 95% CI: 2.96, 4.07; I2 = 0%), and perceived susceptibility (POR = 4.03; CI: 2.68, 5.39; I2 = 46.38%). A slightly high degree of overlap of studies was observed.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The pooled estimated CCS is low. Factors like adequacy of knowledge of CCa, attitudes of women, and perception of susceptibility among women showed a significant association with cervical cancer screening uptake. Creating a platform where women can get adequate and focused information about cervical cancer and screening is crucial.
Research Hotspots and Trends of NK Cell Immunotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2000 to 2023
Authors: Chen Shupeng , Liu Jie , Xia Kaiyue , Gao Yao , Zeng Yingjian
Published: December 2024

Background

Natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy has shown promising therapeutic potential for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially with advancements in chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK) and artificial intelligence (AI). Despite these developments, the field lacks comprehensive bibliometric analyses to identify research hotspots and trends, which could guide future precision treatments.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis of NK cell immunotherapy for AML was conducted using literature from 2000 to 2023 retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Data visualization tools like CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and RStudio were employed to analyze publication trends, country contributions, institutional collaborations, influential authors, and research themes.

Results

The analysis identified 1513 studies, with the United States and China leading global contributions. Notable institutions include the University of Minnesota and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Hot topics include allogeneic NK therapy, CAR-NK cell therapy, and memory-like NK cells. Emerging trends highlight the integration of intelligent NK cells and combinatory therapies, offering promising avenues for AML treatment. Despite progress, challenges such as NK cell expansion, activation, and resistance mechanisms remain critical areas for research.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape, highlighting the transformative potential of NK cell immunotherapy in AML. It underscores the need for international collaboration and continued innovation to overcome existing challenges and advance precision therapies.
Chatbot-Based Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program for University Students With Depressive Symptoms: Intervention Development and Pilot Evaluation
Authors: Li Yan , Chung Tsz Yu , Lu Wenze , Li Mengqi , Ho Ying Wai Bryan , He Mengting , Mei Xiaoxiao , Chen Dapeng , Bressington Daniel
Published: December 2024

Background:

Depression is a growing concern among university students. Chatbots provide flexible, accessible, personalized psychosocial support. Delivering Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) sessions via chatbots may reduce depressive symptoms in university students.

Aim:

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and preliminary efficacy of a chatbot-based MBSR intervention for university students with depressive symptoms.

Methods:

A rule-based MBSR chatbot was developed and evaluated with a single-group pretest–posttest study for university students in Hong Kong ( N = 30) reporting depressive symptoms, followed by the collection of their subjective feedback. The intervention lasted eight weeks. The primary clinical outcome was depression levels, with a range of secondary outcomes.

Results:

The chatbot-based MBSR program demonstrated satisfying recruitment, retention, and adherence rates. The safety of the program was confirmed by the absence of any adverse events directly related to the intervention, tracked from the onset of the intervention to the completion of data assessment. Significant improvements were observed in both primary and secondary outcomes. Participant feedback highlighted the benefits of the program and its effects on depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

The program has shown feasibility, acceptability, safety, and preliminary efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms among 30 university students in Hong Kong. The intervention should now be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial with follow-up. This study highlights the potential role of chatbot-based interventions in mental health promotion, nursing, and clinical practice and will inform the subsequent development of innovative digital interventions to address mental health challenges faced by university students.
Airway Management in Austere Settings: Intubation Is Not Always the Best Option
Authors: Weinberg Nicholas E. , Daniel Nicholas J. , Lareau Stephanie A. , Elder James H. , Zafren Ken
Published: December 2024

Management of the airway in austere environments can differ substantially from standard in-hospital airway management. Devices such as nasopharyngeal airways, oropharyngeal airways, endotracheal tubes, extraglottic airways, ventilators, and sedative and paralytic medications may not be available. Weather, scene hazards, difficulties of extrication, transport times, skill sets of rescuers, and availability of advanced equipment are highly variable. Standard decision-making processes and guidelines, such as intubation for Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8, are not always optimal in austere settings. Airway management in austere settings involves many variables leading to complex decision-making. We present 2 cases in which airway management likely would have been similar in hospital settings but differed in austere environments based on the available resources. We discuss current concepts and methods for airway management in austere environments with a review of the pertinent literature.
Measurement of ground reaction forces in cats after total hip replacement
Authors: Schweng Gregor , Bockstahler Barbara , Tichy Alexander , Zahn Klaus , Haimel Georg , Schwarz Günter , Schnabl-Feichter Eva
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate ground reaction forces (GRFs) in cats after unilateral total hip replacement (THR) and compare them with cats after femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO).

Methods

The databases of the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary University in Vienna and three referral clinics were searched for cats that had undergone unilateral THR with the BioMedtrix Micro total hip system or FHO more than 6 months previously. Owners were invited to complete a survey and bring their cats for re-examination, inlcuding clinical and orthopaedic examinations, hip radiography and a gait analysis using a pressure-sensitive plate.

Results

Nine cats were included in each group. Cats after THR showed larger GRF values (peak vertical force [PFz] and vertical impulse [IFz] normalised to total force [%TF]) on the operated limb. The resulting symmetry indices (SIs) were lower in terms of vertical force in 7/9 (78%) cats and vertical impulse in 6/9 (67%) cats between the hindlimbs in cats after THR compared with FHO – SI (PFz) = 3.31% ± 2.19% (THR) vs 4.84% ± 2.99% (FHO) and SI (IFz) = 5.17% ± 3.66% (THR) vs 8.27% ± 3.12% (FHO). Cats after FHO showed significantly lower muscle circumference and range of motion (ROM) at the operated hindlimb compared with the contralateral side, whereas cats after THR showed no statistically significant differences between their hindlimbs. Owner surveys revealed significant differences in their subjective assessment of activity and change in gait between the two groups, with better values for cats after THR.

Conclusions and relevance

This was the first study that measured GRFs in cats after THR. PFz (%TF) and IFz (%TF) values were higher in the operated limb of the THR group than in those of the FHO group, resulting in lower symmetry indices (indicating better symmetry) and better loading of the corresponding hindlimb. This finding is clinically relevant and can help in making decisions regarding the treatment of hip joint pathologies in cats.
JURNI (Journeying with Patients’ Understanding and Responding to Needs Interactively): An In-Hospital Navigation Application for Timely Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer at the University Malaya Medical Centre
Authors: Dhillon Sarinder Kaur , Kalhor Foad , Seng Kai Wong , Mei Sze Teh , Mohd Shariff Nisha , Sekaran Manisha , Taib Nur Aishah
Published: December 2024

One of the main challenges in breast cancer management is health system literacy to provide optimal and timely diagnosis and treatments within complex and multidisciplinary health system environments. Digitalised patient navigation programs have been developed and found to be helpful in high- and low-resource settings, but gaps remain in finding cost-effective navigation in the public sector in Malaysia, where resources are scarce and unstable. Hence, we set out to develop a virtual patient navigation application for breast cancer patients to enhance knowledge about cancer diagnosis and treatments and provide a tracking mechanism to ensure quality care. This paper identifies the requirement for in-hospital patients’ navigational needs for cancer diagnosis, the cancer diagnosis and treatment process’s components and pathways, developing the app and usability study on the usefulness of a cancer navigation mobile application in navigating cancer care at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Key features found when designing the in-hospital application are managing the medical appointments, finding the location of each medical department, and providing information to breast cancer patients, healthcare managers and providers to ensure a coordinated care pathway. In future work, we plan to implement the JURNI in-hospital patient navigation and perform usability studies involving the actual patients, physicians and administrators. We are also working towards enhancing data security, adding other local languages and artificial intelligence capabilities to improve the patient’s journey.
The Association of Intake of Omega-3-Fatty Acid Sources with Psychological Distress and Binge Eating Disorder Among Female College Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mosli Rana , Alsulami Hajer , Alghamdi Raghad , Kutbi Hebah
Published: December 2024

University students are often exposed to various stressors related to academic demands, which increases their susceptibility to psychological distress. Intake of omega-3 fatty acid (N-3 FA) has been found to be negatively correlated with both depression and eating disorder symptoms in non-Saudi individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the following among female undergraduate students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: (1) prevalence of psychological distress and binge eating disorder (BED); (2) Association between intake of N-3 FA sources and psychological distress; (3) Association between intake of N-3 FA sources and BED. This is a cross-sectional study including 149 female students enrolled in King Abdulaziz University. Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of previously validated questions that evaluate psychological distress (Kessler 10), BED (Eating Disorders Diagnostic Scale), and N-3 FA intake. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe psychological distress was 21.5%, 28.9%, and 28.20%, respectively. The prevalence of BED was 3.40%. Participants who consumed fish at least once per week for 6 months had significantly lower odds of moderate or severe psychological distress (odds ratio (OR): 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13, 0.86, P-value: .02). We did not detect significant associations between intake of N-3 FA sources and BED. Prevalence of psychological distress was higher what has been previously reported in other studies. However, prevalence of BED in our Saudi sample was lower than what has been previously found in other samples. Intake of N-3 FA from fish sources might be associated with lower odds of psychological distress but not with BED. Future studies are needed in order to further establish the need for developing educational programs to enhance N-3 FA intake for promoting mental wellbeing particularly among female young adults.
Reporting hunger strikes in the context of climate action
Authors: Wake Alexandra , Smith Sharon
Published: December 2024

Climate activists have increasingly used hunger strikes to gather media attention to perceived inaction on the issue; however, there is little guidance for journalists about how they should approach such a story. Applying social responsibility theory to understand the media’s lack of action, and using a case study from an Australian climate hunger striker, this article set out to answer three questions: Should hunger strikes be treated by the media in the same way as suicide, or as a political protest action? Will providing coverage of a hunger strike encourage others to follow suit? And, if the media decides to cover a hunger strike, what if any mitigating factors could be used? Our work concludes that hunger strikes arise from political motivation, are newsworthy and should be covered, but editors must exercise caution, so as not to encourage imitation. Finally, we recommend that helplines should be included in reporting.
Investigating the complementary value of OCT to MRI in cognitive impairment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Christensen Ronja , Jolly Amy , Yam Charmaine , Yiannakas Marios C , Toosy Ahmed T , Pitteri Marco , He Anna , Nistri Riccardo , Mohamud Suraya , Samdanidou Eirini , Thompson Alan J , Ciccarelli Olga
Published: December 2024

Background:

Cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with neuro-axonal loss, quantifiable by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Associations between OCT measures and cognition in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) remain incompletely investigated, particularly the added value of OCT when combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated the contributions of OCT and MRI while applying stringent criteria to control for subclinical optic neuropathy.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 137 RRMS patients underwent OCT, Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and brain MRI (lesion load, grey and white matter volume); associations were explored using linear regression models.

Results:

RRMS patients (aged 40.88 ± 10.6 years; disease duration 7.95 ± 7.39 years; EDSS 2; 0–6.5) were studied. Of BICAMS, 50.36% showed impaired Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), 37.23% impaired Brief Visuospatial Memory Test and 5.11% impaired California Verbal Learning and Memory Test; better SDMT performance was associated with thicker ganglion cell-inner plexiform (GCIPL) layers for eyes unaffected by optic neuritis ( B = 0.23, 95% CI = (0.01–0.44), p = 0.03), but not when MRI measures were included ( B = 0.18, CI = (−0.03 to 0.38), p = 0.09).

Conclusion:

GCIPL thinning correlates with SDMT, supporting OCT as a biomarker of cognitive dysfunction. However, GCIPL did not uniquely predict SDMT performance when including MRI measures, suggesting limited utility of OCT in predicting cognitive performance over MRI in RRMS.
Evolution of grain structure, intermetallic compound and mechanical properties of AA6061-T6 Al/C11000 Cu dissimilar joints fabricated by friction stir welding
Authors: Mao Yue , Xiao Xuan , Fu Li
Published: December 2024

The grain structure evolution, interfacial intermetallic compound (IMCs) and its effects on the mechanical properties of the Al/Cu friction stir welded (FSW) joints were systematically investigated, enriching and improving the understanding of Al/Cu FSW. The Al/Cu weld was dense and well-formed under optimal welding parameters. A number of Cu particles were dispersed throughout the Al matrix, forming an Al-based composite structure. Due to dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallisation, the grains in the WNZ of both the Al and Cu sides were refined. The interfacial reaction layer was composed of three continuous IMC layers, including Al2Cu, AlCu and Al4Cu9. The maximum tensile strength and elongation of Al/Cu joint reached 178.6 MPa and 5.3%, respectively.
Material hardship and sources of support for autistic adolescents and their families
Authors: Anderson Kristy A , Radey Melissa , Bishop Lauren , Aguirre Mtanous Nahime G , Koenig Jamie , Shea Lindsay
Published: December 2024

This exploratory study used the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) to compare the financial well-being of families of adolescents with and without autism. Recognizing the gap in autism research, which predominantly measures financial well-being through household income, this study employed a multidimensional approach, including indicators of assets, material hardships, and both formal and informal safety net access. We found that families with autistic adolescents experienced greater financial instability, including a higher likelihood of substantial income drops and bankruptcy. Despite similar access to food assistance programs, food insecurity was notably higher among these families, especially in the lowest income brackets where nearly all families utilized food assistance. Furthermore, material hardship prevalence (46.4%) exceeded income poverty (29.8%), among families with autistic adolescents. A substantial proportion of middle- to high-income families also experienced hardships, had no assets, and lacked connection to safety net programs, suggesting that income-based metrics may not fully capture the financial challenges families face. The findings highlight the need for policies that acknowledge the broader financial needs of families with autistic adolescents, underscoring the inadequacies of current support systems.

Lay abstract

Our study looks at how families with autistic teenagers manage financially compared with families with teenagers who do not have autism. We know that money matters are a big part of life’s overall quality and that autistic individuals and their families often face more financial challenges. These challenges can affect their health, social connections, and access to needed services. What our research adds is a closer look at these financial difficulties by considering not just how much money a family has but also what they own, their struggles to meet basic needs, and the help they get from both government programs and their own social circles. We found that families with autistic teenagers often deal with more financial problems, including not having enough food, even though they might be using available support programs. This is important because it shows us that the current ways of helping may not be enough. Our findings suggest we need to think more broadly about how to support these families. This could mean making policies that better address their unique needs or coming up with new ways to help them that go beyond just looking at income. Understanding these challenges better can help us make life better for autistic individuals and their families.
Curating and co-producing atmospheres in street food markets: Exploring the roles and interplay between people, food and spaces
Authors: Hracs Brian J , Concha Paz
Published: December 2024

Street food markets are increasingly popular in cities around the world. While their size, formality and success differ, each market offers an affective atmosphere consisting of material and immaterial elements including the food, traders, consumers, aesthetics, sights, smells, sounds and connections to places and heritage. Studies assert that affective atmospheres are staged, yet the actors and activities involved in these processes remain poorly understood. Drawing on 9 months of ethnographic fieldwork, this paper applies the concept of curation to affective atmospheres and examines the curatorial practices of street food market organisers in London. Rather than promoting ‘good’ food, it demonstrates that these commercially motivated curators match demand with ‘appropriate’ (1) spaces, (2) food and (3) people. The paper argues that affective atmospheres are partially staged, in advance, by market organisers but also co-produced by the performances and interactions of traders, consumers, food and other non-human elements during market events. It also asserts that spaces contain and shape affective atmospheres and highlights how specific motivations shape the nature of curation and affective atmospheres.
Predictors of Functional Outcomes of Nonoperatively Treated Extra-articular Distal End Radius Fractures in Older Individuals: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Aggarwal Neel , Sinha Siddhartha , Kumar Arvind , Kumar Sandeep , Qureshi Owais A. , Jameel Javed
Published: December 2024

Background:

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are some of the most common injuries suffered by the elderly; however, there are varied opinions on management. As there is limited research on patient factors affecting functional outcomes in conservatively managed patients with DRFs, this study aimed to find predictive factors for functional outcomes in such patients.

Methods:

Patients with DRFs satisfying the inclusion criteria were managed with closed reduction and slab followed by cast application. Radiological parameters (radioulnar angulation, dorsal tilt, radial height, and ulnar variance) and functional scores (patient-rated wrist evaluation [PRWE] score, Short Form 8 questionnaire [SF-8], and QuickDASH [Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand]-9) were recorded prereduction, postreduction, at the time of cast removal, and in follow-up visits. Patient factors such as underlying diseases were also recorded, and correlations were analyzed using appropriate software.

Results:

Patients with diabetes (43.33% of patients) and those with loss in radial height through the course of treatment were found to have poorer functional outcomes ( P-values less than .05 for all functional scores—PRWE, QuickDASH-9, SF-8—except SF-8 at 12 weeks). Patients younger than 60 years were also found to have better functional outcomes at 24 weeks (for PRWE: P-value = .048, for QuickDASH-9: P-value = .032, and for SF-8: P-value = .026).

Conclusion:

Conservative management plays a major role in the treatment of DRFs, despite the increasing trend of operative management. Diabetes was found to be a predictor of poorer functional outcomes; however, further research is needed to determine the role of these and other factors in detail.