bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moderate rebel industry: Spaces of Western public–private civil society and propaganda warfare in the Syrian civil war
Authors: Thomason Ben Arthur
Published: April 2024

This article documents a covert propaganda and civil society operation perpetrated by a consortium of Western governments, private contractors, and NGOs to justify and facilitate regime change in Syria by whitewashing and assisting rebel groups. Using leaked documents from key government contractors, corroborated with journalistic, academic, NGO, and government research already released, the author outlines their rebel media infrastructure to create news stories and feed them to Syrian, regional, and international outlets. This propaganda synergized with administrative programs that built social services in rebel-held territories, constructing media and civil society façades of legitimacy and liberalism for rebel militias. The consortium created the White Helmets, who recorded themselves providing services while documenting supposed war crimes, to serve as a bridge between these propaganda and civil society missions. The author argues that the controlled spaces of full-spectrum intellectual warfare created by this consortium, coordinating state-supported media and civil society and obfuscating it behind private and non-profit entities, can help scholars understand the narrative battles surrounding the Syrian conflict and gain insight into the evolving role of media and information warfare in the 21st century.
Prediction of direct shear failure in blast-loaded reinforced concrete members
Authors: Mudragada Ravi , Bhargava Pradeep
Published: April 2024

The occurrence of direct shear failure in structural members during the early phases of blast loading prior to the development of appreciable curvature can lead to sudden and catastrophic consequences for protected facilities exposed to near-field and/or close-in blasts. Thus, accurately predicting direct shear failure in structural members subjected to blast loads is crucial. Consequently, this paper presents a novel 3-D finite element (FE)-based cohesive interface modeling approach capable of capturing the shear slip near the supports and accurately predicting direct shear failure in blast-loaded reinforced concrete (RC) members. The validity of the proposed numerical model is established with experimental data. Three distinct blast load cases varying from distant to close-in are applied to verify the applicability and highlight the novelty of the proposed model. Results show that direct shear failure is inherently captured within the modeling framework of the proposed cohesive interface models, eliminating the need for externally adopted damage criteria seen in existing 3-D FE-based continuum models. Further, the effectiveness of the cohesive interface model in the accurate blast damage assessment of structural members is manifested by using pressure-impulse (P-I) diagrams.
Fournier’s gangrene in a female: A case report
Authors: Zubair Rabbia , Azam Asia Mohammad , Fatima Munqabat , Azam Mariam Muhammad , Shah Aresha Masood , Rehman Khan Muhammad Ahsan , Yaqoob Úzair
Published: April 2024

Fournier’s gangrene is characterized by an acute necrotic infection. The infection can occur in all parts of the body including the scrotum, penis, or perineum, and is a rare condition that is primarily reported in men and seldom in women. Existing literature suggests that it might be underreported, possibly leading to overlooked cases. Risk factors include diabetes, chronic illness, and trauma. This case involves a 52-year-old female with a 10-year medical history of diabetes mellitus, multiple healed skin lesions all over the body, and dermatitis. The presentation was a perianal swelling, which progressed into an extensive necrotizing soft tissue infection of the perineum, making a diagnosis of Fournier’s gangrene. She underwent wide local debridement and was managed with antibiotics in a timely manner. The patient’s clinical course and subsequent follow-up were uneventful. Uncontrolled diabetes and dermatitis significantly increase the risk of Fournier’s gangrene; therefore, it should be suspected in women with such comorbid conditions. This case highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance regarding this condition among women.
Role-based privacy cynicism and local privacy activism: How data stewards navigate privacy in higher education
Authors: Popescu Mihaela , Baruh Lemi , Sudhakar Samuel
Published: April 2024

This study examines the impact of role-based constraints on privacy cynicism within higher education, a workplace increasingly subjected to surveillance. Using a thematic analysis of 15 in-depth interviews conducted between 2017 and 2023 with data stewards in the California State University System, the research explores the reasons behind data stewards’ privacy cynicism, despite their knowledge of privacy and their own ability to protect it. We investigate how academic data custodians navigate four role-based tensions: the conflict between the institutional and personal definitions of privacy; the mutual reinforcement between their privacy-cynical attitudes and their perceptions of student privacy attitudes; the influence of role constraints on data stewards’ privacy-protective behaviors; and the contrast between the negatively valued societal surveillance and the positively valued university surveillance. The findings underscore the significance of considering organizational privacy cultures and role-based expectations in studying privacy cynicism. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of privacy cynicism and offers practical implications for organizations, emphasizing the importance of aligning organizational definitions of privacy with employees’ understanding. Future research should further explore the mutual reinforcement of privacy cynicism in the relationship between data providers and data consumers (which we call the “spiral of resignation”) and consider the impact of role-based constraints in other organizational contexts.
Agreements ‘in the wild’: Standards and alignment in machine learning benchmark dataset construction
Authors: Engdahl Isak
Published: April 2024

This article presents an ethnographic case study of a corporate-academic group constructing a benchmark dataset of daily activities for a variety of machine learning and computer vision tasks. Using a socio-technical perspective, the article conceptualizes the dataset as a knowledge object that is stabilized by both practical standards (for daily activities, datafication, annotation and benchmarks) and alignment work – that is, efforts including forging agreements to make these standards effective in practice. By attending to alignment work, the article highlights the informal, communicative and supportive efforts that underlie the success of standards and the smoothing of tensions between actors and factors. Emphasizing these efforts constitutes a contribution in several ways. This article's ethnographic mode of analysis challenges and supplements quantitative metrics on datasets. It advances the field of dataset analysis by offering a detailed empirical examination of the development of a new benchmark dataset as a collective accomplishment. By showing the importance of alignment efforts and their close ties to standards and their limitations, it adds to our understanding of how machine learning datasets are built. And, most importantly, it calls into question a key characterization of the dataset: that it captures unscripted activities occurring naturally ‘in the wild’, as alignment work bleeds into moments of data capture.
Factors associated with usability of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-management mobile app© among individuals with cardiovascular risk factors in primary care
Authors: Abu Hussain Siti M , Miptah Hayatul N , Shibraumalisi Nur A , Mohamed-Yassin Mohamed-Syarif , Baharudin Noorhida , Badlishah-Sham Siti F , Nik Mohd Nasir Nik M , Kamaruddin Khairatul N , Kanoo Lina L , Abdul-Razak Suraya , Abdul-Hamid Hasidah , Daud Maryam H , Yusoff Fakhrul H , Ramli Anis S
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine the usability of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App© and evaluate the factors associated with its usability among patients with cardiovascular risk factors in primary care.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study, conducted among patients aged ≥ 18 years with cardiovascular risk factors attending a university primary care clinic. Patients were given the app to use for at least three months. Those who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were recruited. Data gathered were on sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, self-management support by doctors, utilisation of the app at home and social support in using the app. The previously translated and validated Malay version of the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire was used to measure usability. The mean usability score was calculated and linear regressions analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with the usability of the app.

Results

A total of 247 patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor(s) were recruited. The mean age was 60.2 (±8.2). The majority were Malays (86.2%) and half of them were males (52.2%). The total mean (±SD) usability score was 5.26 (±0.67) indicating a high usability of the app. Usability of the app declined with increasing age in the simple linear regressions analysis. The multiple linear regressions yielded that being Malay ( b = 0.31, 95% CI 0.08,0.54), using the app at home to understand their medications ( b = 0.33, 95% CI 0.12,0.53) and having social support from family members and friends ( b = 0.28, 95% CI 0.07,0.49) were significantly associated with higher usability of the app.

Conclusion

The usability of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App© was high among patients with cardiovascular risk factors in our primary care clinic. This finding supports the widespread use of this app among our patients. Involvement of family members and friends should be encouraged to improve the usability of the app.
How Do Persons Who Inject Drugs Experience Care From Nurses in Hospital Settings? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Solheim Kjerstine , Hegg Reime Marit , Eide Leslie S. P.
Published: April 2024

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of acute and chronic health outcomes and in need of in-hospital healthcare services. This study aims to give insight into how PWID experience care from nurses in hospital settings. We used a qualitative descriptive design and applied reflexive thematic analysis to 11 individual semi-structured interviews with PWID. Our analysis generated the following main themes: (1) diminishment and distance—always just a drug addict, (2) gratitude—equal care not taken for granted, and (3) vulnerability—already carrying a heavy burden. Our findings reveal a complex, nuanced narrative regarding participants’ experiences of nursing care and highlight the importance of enhancing knowledge, understanding, empathy, and communication skills when nurses encounter PWID. Our research suggests that patients’ vulnerability resulting from previous experiences defined their perception of quality of care. Insight from this study provides valuable knowledge about how to enhance nursing care for PWID.
Safety of Same-Day Discharge Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Wolfe Isabel , Conti Matthew , Henry Jensen , Shaffrey Isabel , Cororaton Agnes , DiGiovanni Grace , Demetracopoulos Constantine , Ellis Scott
Published: April 2024

Background:

Joint replacement procedures have traditionally been performed in an inpatient setting to minimize complication rates. There is growing evidence that total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) can safely be performed as an outpatient procedure, with the potential benefits of decreased health care expenses and improved patient satisfaction. Prior studies have not reliably made a distinction between outpatient TAA defined as length of stay <1 day and same-day discharge. The purpose of our study was to compare a large volume of same-day discharge and inpatient TAA for safety and efficacy.

Methods:

Patients undergoing TAA at our US-based institution are part of an institutional review board–approved registry. We queried the registry for TAA performed by the single highest-volume surgeon at our institution between May 2020 and March 2022. Same-day discharge TAA was defined as discharge on the day of the procedure. Patient demographics, baseline clinical variables, concomitant procedures, postoperative complications, and patient-reported outcomes were collected. Postoperative outcomes were compared after 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching by age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Multivariable models were created for comparison with the matched cohort outcome comparison analysis.

Results:

Our same-day discharge group was younger (median 58 vs 67 years; P < .001), with proportionally fewer females (36.4% vs 51.4%; P = .044) and lower Charlson Comorbidity Indices (median 1 vs 3; P < .001) than the inpatient group. At a median follow-up of 1 year, after matching by age, sex, CCI, and ASA score, there was no difference in complications ( P = .788), reoperations ( P = .999), revisions ( P = .118), or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores between the 2 groups. Multivariable analyses performed demonstrated no evidence of association between undergoing same-day discharge TAA vs inpatient TAA and reoperation, revision, complication, or 1-year PROMIS scores ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

In our system of health care, with appropriate patient selection, same-day discharge following TAA can be a safe alternative to inpatient TAA.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Ranking and developing ground-motion models for Southeastern Africa
Authors: Holmgren Joanna M , Werner Maximilian J , Goda Katsuichiro , Villani Manuela , Silva Vitor , Chindandali Patrick
Published: April 2024

The southern East African Rift System (EARS) is an early-stage continental rift with a deep seismogenic zone. It is associated with a low-to-moderate seismic hazard, but due to its short and sparse instrumental record, there is a lack of ground-motion studies in the region. Instead, seismic hazard assessments have commonly relied on a combination of active crustal and stable continental ground-motion models (GMMs) from other regions without accounting for the unusual geological setting of this region and evaluating their suitability. Here, we use a newly compiled southern EARS ground-motion database to compare six active crustal GMMs and four stable continental GMMs. We find that the active crustal GMMs tend to underestimate the ground-motion intensities observed, while the stable continental GMMs overestimate them. This is particularly pronounced in the high-frequency intensity measures (>5 Hz). We also use the referenced empirical approach and develop a new region-specific GMM for southern EARS. Both the ranked GMMs and our new GMM result in large residual variabilities, highlighting the need for local geotechnical information to better constrain site conditions.
Nutritional support during the first week for infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and respiratory distress: a multicenter cohort study in China
Authors: Lin Huijia , Bai Guannan , Ge Jiajing , Chen Xuefeng , He Xinyu , Ma Xiaolu , Shi Liping , Du Lizhong , Chen Zheng
Published: April 2024

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a major complication affecting the survival rate and long-term outcomes of preterm infants. A large, prospective, multicenter cohort study was conducted to evaluate early nutritional support during the first week of life for preterm infants with a gestational age < 32 weeks and to verify nutritional risk factors related to BPD development.

Methods

A prospective multicenter cohort study of very preterm infants was conducted in 40 tertiary neonatal intensive care units across mainland China between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Preterm infants who were born at a gestational age < 32 weeks, < 72 h after birth and had a respiratory score > 4 were enrolled. Antenatal and postnatal information focusing on nutritional parameters was collected through medical systems. Statistical analyses were also performed to identify BPD risk factors.

Results

The primary outcomes were BPD and severity at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. A total of 1410 preterm infants were enrolled in this study. After applying the exclusion criteria, the remaining 1286 infants were included in this analysis; 614 (47.7%) infants were in the BPD group, and 672 (52.3%) were in the non-BPD group. In multivariate logistic regression model, the following six factors were identified of BPD: birth weight (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–0.99; p = 0.039), day of full enteral nutrition (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04; p < 0.001), parenteral protein > 3.5 g/kg/d during the first week (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.25–2.17; p < 0.001), feeding type (formula: OR 3.48, 95% CI 2.21–5.49; p < 0.001, mixed feed: OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.36–2.70; p < 0.001; breast milk as reference), hsPDA (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.44–2.73; p < 0.001), and EUGR ats 36 weeks (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02–1.91; p = 0.035).

Conclusions

A longer duration to achieve full enteral nutrition in very preterm infants was associated with increased BPD development. Breastfeeding was demonstrated to have a protective effect against BPD. Early and rapidly progressive enteral nutrition and breastfeeding should be promoted in very preterm infants.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2000030125 on 24/02/2020) and in www.ncrcch.org (No. ISRCTN84167642 on 25/02/2020).
Iron deficiency at birth and risk of hidden hearing loss in infants modification by socioeconomic status: mother-newborn cohort in Shenyang, China
Authors: Hao Shuai , Song Wei , Kong Fanxue , Yue Xinxin , Meng Xinlei , Chen Hongyan , Han Yunyan , Yu Fei
Published: April 2024

Objective

The diagnosis of hidden hearing loss (HHL) in calm state has not yet been determined, while the nutritional status is not involved in its pathogenic risk factors. In utero iron deficiency (ID) may delay auditory neural maturation in infants. We evaluated the association between ID and HHL as well as the modification effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on this association in newborns.

Study design

We included 859 mother-newborns from the baseline of this observational northeast cohort. Data on exposure assessment included iron status [maternal hemoglobin (Hb) and neonatal heel prick serum ferritin (SF)] and SES (occupation, education and income). Auditory neural maturation was reflected by auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing and electrocochleography (ECochG).

Results

Iron status and SES were independently and jointly associated with the prediction of neonatal HHL by logistic and linear regression model. The mediation effects were performed by Process. ID increased absolute latency wave V, interpeak latency (IPL) III-V, and summting potentials (SP) /action potentials (AP), which were combined as HHL. Low SES showed the highest risk of HHL and the highest levels of related parameters in ID newborns. Moreover, after Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were positive, preschool children who experience ID in neonatal period were more likely to suffer from otitis media with effusion (OME). High SES also showed similar risk effects.

Conclusion

Both low and high SES may strengthen the risk of ID on neonatal HHL in Northeast China.
The role of the paraspinal muscles in the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on surface electromyography and radiographic analysis
Authors: He Yinchuan , Dong Hongtao , Lei Ming , Liu Jianan , Xie Hongru , Zhang Zepei , Pang Jun , Jin Mengyue , Wang Jian , Geng Ziming , Zhang Jing’an , Li Gang , Yang Qilong , Meng Lin , Miao Jun
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with idiopathic scoliosis commonly present with an imbalance of the paraspinal muscles. However, it is unclear whether this muscle imbalance is an underlying cause or a result of idiopathic scoliosis. This study aimed to investigate the role of paraspinal muscles in the development of idiopathic scoliosis based on surface electromyography (sEMG) and radiographic analyses.

Methods

This was a single-center prospective study of 27 patients with single-curve idiopathic scoliosis. Posteroanterior whole-spine radiographs and sEMG activity of the erector spinae muscles were obtained for all patients in the habitual standing position (HSP), relaxed prone position (RPP), and prone extension position (PEP). The Cobb angle, symmetrical index (SI) of the sEMG activity (convex/concave), and correlation between the two factors were analyzed.

Results

In the total cohort, the mean Cobb angle in the HSP was significantly greater than the mean Cobb angle in the RPP (RPP-Cobb) (p < 0.001), whereas the mean Cobb angle in the PEP (PEP-Cobb) did not differ from the RPP-Cobb. Thirteen patients had a PEP-Cobb that was significantly smaller than their RPP-Cobb (p = 0.007), while 14 patients had a PEP-Cobb that was significantly larger than their RPP-Cobb (p < 0.001). In the total cohort and two subgroups, the SI of sEMG activity at the apex vertebra (AVSI) in the PEP was significantly greater than 1, revealing significant asymmetry, and was also significantly larger than the AVSI in the RPP. In the RPP, the AVSI was close to 1 in the total cohort and two subgroups, revealing no significant asymmetry.

Conclusion

The coronal Cobb angle and the SI of paraspinal muscle activity in AIS patients vary with posture changes. Asymmetrical sEMG activity of the paraspinal muscles may be not an inherent feature of AIS patients, but is evident in the challenging tasks. The potential significance of asymmetric paraspinal muscle activity need to be explored in further research.
Effect of nephrostomy sheath size on renal pelvic pressure during endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery: artificial kidney model study
Authors: Iguchi Takashi , Yamashita Shimpei , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Tanioku Tadashi , Kawamata Tomoyuki , Hara Isao
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the intrarenal pelvic pressure in endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery using an artificial kidney model.

Methods

An artificial kidney model was created using the Urovac evacuator™. Four sizes of nephrostomy sheaths (MIP-L: 25/26 Fr, MIP-M: 16.5/17.5 Fr, MIP-S: 11/12 Fr, MIP-XS: 8.5/9.5 Fr) and two sizes of ureteral access sheaths (12/14 Fr and 10/12 Fr) were installed into the model. For each combination of nephrostomy and ureteral access sheath, renal pelvic pressure was measured with and without insertion of the retrograde flexible ureteroscope. Irrigation from the nephroscope was adjusted to 40–160 mmHg using an automatic irrigation device, and the irrigation of the ureteroscope was by spontaneous dripping at 80 cmH2O. Conditions were measured six times, and the renal pelvic pressure was compared in different conditions.

Results

Without ureteroscope insertion through the ureteral access sheath, the renal pelvic pressure never exceeded 30 mmHg. Meanwhile, when the ureteroscope was inserted, the renal pelvic pressure increased as the nephrostomy sheath and ureteral access sheath became narrower and as the irrigation pressure increased. Intrarenal pelvic pressure exceeded 30 mmHg when the irrigation pressure was increased in 12/14 Fr ureteral access sheath when MIP-XS was used, and in 10/12 Fr ureteral access sheath when MIP-XS and MIP-S were used.

Conclusions

The use of a thin nephrostomy sheath in endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery can lead to increased intrarenal pelvic pressure. Although our results are from an artificial kidney model, special care is suggested to be required when using a retrograde flexible ureteroscope simultaneously in treatment of patients.
Preliminary comparative study of lower extremity pressure measurements under the conditions using former models and new lithotomy stirrups in rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Ochi Takayuki , Katsuno Hidetoshi , Kato Hiroyuki , Takagi Shinya , Kikuchi Kenji , Nakamura Kenichi , Endo Tomoyoshi , Matsuo Kazuhiro , Yasuoka Hironobu , Nishimura Akihiro , Horiguchi Akihiko , Morise Zenichi
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the use of new lithotomy stirrups-2 on the pressure dispersal on lower limbs, which may lead to the prevention of well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), which are the most commonly associated adverse events with laparoscopic and robot-assisted rectal surgery.

Methods

A total of 30 healthy participants were included in this study. The pressure (mmHg) applied on various lower limb muscles when using conventional lithotomy stirrups-1 and new type stirrups-2 was recorded in various lithotomy positions; 1) neutral position, 2) Trendelenburg position (15°) with a 0° right inferior tilt, and 3) Trendelenburg position (15°) with a 10° right inferior tilt. Using a special sensor pad named Palm Q®, and the average values were compared between two types of stirrups.

Results

The use of new lithotomy stirrups-2 significantly reduced the pressure applied on the lower limb muscles in various lithotomy positions compared with the use of lithotomy stirrups-1. The most pressured lower limb muscle when using both lithotomy stirrups was the central soleus muscle, which is the most common site for the development of WLCS and DVT. In addition, when using the conventional lithotomy stirrups-1, the pressure was predominantly applied to the proximal soleus muscle; however, when using lithotomy stirrups-2, the pressure was shifted to the more distal soleus muscle.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the new lithotomy stirrups-2 is useful in reducing the pressure load on leg muscles, especially on the proximal to central soleus, and may reduce the incidence of WLCS and DVT after rectal surgery performed in the lithotomy position. Further clinical studies are needed to determine whether the use of lithotomy stirrups-2 prevents these complications in various clinical settings.
Proposal for a classification system of radiographic bone changes after cervical disc replacement
Authors: Khachatryan Armen , Phillips Frank M. , Lanman Todd H. , Andersson Gunnar B. , Jacobs Joshua J. , Kurtz Steven M.
Published: April 2024

Background

The goal of this study is to propose a classification system with a common nomenclature for radiographic observations of periprosthetic bone changes following cTDR.

Methods

Aided by serial plain radiographs from recent cTDR cases (34 patients; 44 devices), a panel of experts assembled for the purpose of creating a classification system to aid in reproducibly and accurately identifying bony changes and assessing cTDR radiographic appearance. Subdividing the superior and inferior vertebral bodies into 3 equal sections, observed bone loss such as endplate rounding, cystic erosion adjacent to the endplate, and cystic erosion not adjacent to the endplate, is recorded. Determining if bone loss is progressive, based on serial radiographs, and estimating severity of bone loss (measured by the percentage of end plate involved) is recorded. Additional relevant bony changes and device observations include radiolucent lines, heterotopic ossification, vertebral body olisthesis, loss of core implant height, and presence of device migration, and subsidence.

Results

Serial radiographs from 19 patients (25 devices) implanted with a variety of cTDR designs were assessed by 6 investigators including clinicians and scientists experienced in cTDR or appendicular skeleton joint replacement. The overall agreement of assessments ranged from 49.9% (95% bootstrap confidence interval 45.1–73.1%) to 94.7% (95% CI 86.9–100.0%). There was reasonable agreement on the presence or absence of bone loss or radiolucencies (range: 58.4% (95% CI 51.5–82.7%) to 94.7% (95% CI 86.9–100.0%), as well as in the progression of radiolucent lines (82.9% (95% CI 74.4–96.5%)).

Conclusions

The novel classification system proposed demonstrated good concordance among experienced investigators in this field and represents a useful advancement for improving reporting in cTDR studies.
Hyperstability of Cauchy and Jensen functional equations in 2-normed spaces
Authors: Najati Abbas , Yengejeh Yavar Khedmati , Tamilvanan Kandhasamy , Kabeto Masho Jima
Published: April 2024

In this article, with simple and short proofs without applying fixed point theorems, some hyperstability results corresponding to the functional equations of Cauchy and Jensen are presented in 2-normed spaces. We also obtain some results on hyperstability for the general linear functional equation $f(ax+by)=Af(x)+Bf(y)+C$
f
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+
b
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=
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f
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+
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.
Home blood pressure telemonitoring in the Netherlands: a pilot study in GP practices
Authors: van Steenkiste Job , Verberk Iris , Versmissen Jorie , Dohmen Daan , Jainandunsing Sjaam
Published: April 2024

Background

Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring  (HBPT) has been proposed to improve drug adherence, blood pressure control, and efficient care delivery in patients with hypertension. Its adoption in GP practices however remains low. In this pilot study we evaluated barriers and facilitators for successful implementation, patient satisfaction, clinical effectiveness, and efficiency for a HBPT project in Dutch GP practices by means of the Quadruple Aim Model.

Methods

GP practices included patients with hypertension that were part of their regular cardiovascular disease program. We conducted semi-structured interviews at 3- and 6-months to identify barriers and facilitators for successful implementation. Patient satisfaction was measured with Telehealth Usability (TUQ)—and Mhealth App Usability (MAUQ) Questionnaires. A SPRINT-protocol blood pressure measurement was performed after the pilot project to assess clinical effectiveness. Efficiency data were collected on the number of registered consultations and practice measurements performed during the 6-month project.

Results

Three GP practices included 19 patients. Barriers for implementation were a lack of a reimbursement structure, lack of information technology (IT) system integration and increased experienced workload when using HBPT. Facilitators included the positive effects on blood pressure control, increased sense of safety for patient and care provider, and increased disease-insight. Median satisfaction scores for TUQ and MAUQ questionnaires (scale 1–7) were 6 (IQR 5–6) and 6 (IQR 5–7). At baseline, 16% of the patients had a blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg. Based on the performed SPRINT measurements, 68% had a well-controlled blood pressure (< 140/90 mmHg) after 6 months. Average blood pressure improved from 151/89 mmHg to 132/81 mmHg (p =  < 0.05). On average, one monthly contact moment related to hypertension between patient and GP practice was registered.

Conclusions

We found positive results following the introduction of HBPT in GP practices on clinical outcomes and patients’ satisfaction, however for large-scale implementation improvements with regards to organizational efficiency and a clear reimbursement structure are needed.
Approach to the Patient With Headache
Authors: Friedman Deborah I.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The evaluation of patients with headache relies heavily on the history. This article reviews key questions for diagnosing primary and secondary headache disorders with a rationale for each and phrasing to optimize the information obtained and the patient’s experience.

Latest Developments

The availability of online resources for clinicians and patients continues to increase, including sites that use artificial intelligence to generate a diagnosis and report based on patient responses online. Patient-friendly headache apps include calendars that help track treatment response, identify triggers, and provide educational information.

Essential Points

A structured approach to taking the history, incorporating online resources and other technologies when needed, facilitates making an accurate diagnosis and often eliminates the need for unnecessary testing. A detailed yet empathetic approach incorporating interpersonal skills enhances relationship building and trust, both of which are integral to successful treatment.
Headache in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Orr Serena L.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the assessment of children and adolescents presenting with headache, provides an overview of primary headache disorders, and reviews evidence-based management of headache in this age group.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

In the last few years, new epidemiological data have shed light on less common pediatric headache disorders (eg, pediatric trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias) and psychosocial risk factors associated with primary headache disorders in children and adolescents. There has also recently been a substantial increase in interventions that target the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway and that treat primary headache disorders using noninvasive neuromodulation. Although these interventions have primarily been studied in adults, there is emerging evidence of their use in the pediatric population.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Primary headache disorders are very common in youth, and the most commonly encountered headache diagnosis in neurology practice is migraine, which affects approximately 10% of children and adolescents. Diagnosing and effectively treating primary headache disorders before adulthood may have a sustained impact on the patient by improving long-term headache and mental health outcomes, thereby significantly reducing the burden of disability over time. There are several available and emerging acute and preventive interventions for youth with primary headache disorders, and treatment decisions should be made in the context of available evidence using a shared decision-making approach.
Cranial Neuralgias
Authors: Nahas Stephanie J.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The cranial neuralgias are relatively rare, but recognizing these syndromes and distinguishing among them is critical to reducing unnecessary pain and disability for affected patients. Despite their distinctive features, cranial neuralgias may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for several years. A notable proportion of cranial neuralgia presentations are due to secondary causes and require targeted treatment. The purpose of this article is to review the diagnosis and management of cranial neuralgias encountered in clinical practice.

Latest Developments

In 2020, the International Classification of Orofacial Pain was released for the first time. Modeled after the International Classification of Headache Disorders, it includes updated terminology for cranial neuralgias. The underlying pathophysiology of the cranial neuralgias is currently believed to be rooted in both peripheral and central nociceptive systems. In addition, a growing number of familial cases are being identified. Recent therapeutic advancements include a better understanding of how to utilize older therapies and procedures more effectively as well as the development of newer approaches.

Essential Points

Cranial neuralgia syndromes are rare but important to recognize due to their debilitating nature and greater likelihood of having potentially treatable underlying causes. While management options have remained somewhat limited, scientific inquiry is continually advancing the understanding of these syndromes and how best to address them.
Unsettling Queer Anthropology
Authors: Weiss Margot
Published: April 2024

This field-defining volume of queer anthropology foregrounds both the brilliance of anthropological approaches to queer and trans life and the ways queer critique can reorient and transform anthropology. Consisting of fourteen original essays by both distinguished and new voices, Unsettling Queer Anthropology advances a vision of queer anthropology grounded in decolonial, abolitionist, Black feminist, transnational, postcolonial, Indigenous, and queer of color approaches. Critically assessing both anthropology’s queer innovations and its colonialist legacies, contributors highlight decades of work in queer anthropology; challenge the boundaries of anthropology’s traditional methodologies, forms, and objects of study; and forge a critical, queer of color, decolonizing queer anthropology that unsettles anthropology’s normative epistemologies. At a moment of revitalized calls to reckon with the white supremacist and settler colonial logics that continue to shape anthropology, this volume advances an anthropology accountable to the vitality of queer and trans life.
Kinship and Kinmaking Otherwise
Authors: Ramberg Lucinda
Published: April 2024

This chapter maps the vitality of kinship and its queer relations across four areas: property and personhood; social death / social life; natures/cultures; and variability / relatedness otherwise. It demonstrates both how queer anthropology generates critical categories and methods for anthropological conceptions of kinship broadly and how an analysis of kinship remains central to queer theorizations of personhood, relatedness, and sociality.
Worldly Power and Local Alterity
Authors: Wilson Ara
Published: April 2024

Since the 1990s, queer anthropology has described sexuality and gender in relation to a transnational scale. A transnational approach expands the classic anthropological view of cultural difference manifest in insular societies to consider the effects of global forces on queer being. This chapter provides an overview of key strands of transnational queer anthropology. Focusing on the ways that transnational analysis departs from twentieth-century culture concepts, it highlights ethnographic explorations of the connection of queer life to territory and geopolitics and evaluates attempts to decenter the West in accounts of queer worlds especially in the Global South. Even with new approaches to location, transnational queer anthropology continues to depend on alterity.
Queer States
Authors: Shakhsari Sima
Published: April 2024

By thinking beyond sexual identities and rights, and without assuming queer to be inherently and necessarily antinormative, this chapter considers queer states to be those that are excluded from the realm of normal statehood (that is, liberal/secular) and often deemed as sexually perverse. This move to uncouple queerdom from the liberal state is to draw queer anthropology’s attention to geopolitical deployments of sexuality in the transnational context, wherein “illiberal states” such as Iran are demonized and deemed as violators of LGBTQI rights. Taking up questions of queer geopolitics and transnational refugee regimes, the chapter suggests a queer anthropological approach that analyzes the state as a contradictory and transnational assemblage of multilayered institutions, people, and practices that unevenly map the geopolitics of sex and sexuality.
The Subject of Trans Lives and Vitalities
Authors: Edelman Elijah Adiv
Published: April 2024

This chapter explores one potential new direction—trans vitalities—that queer and trans anthropological inquiry might take toward meaningfully addressing inequities within and across trans communities of practice. Trans vitalities is a model that requires the researcher deprioritize their own interests or evaluations by asking and identifying (1) how “queer” and “LGBT” frameworks work to erase trans lived experiences; (2) what meaningful or quality life trans lived experience is assumed to look like; and (3) why frameworks like trans vitalities are needed to offer necessarily messy toolkits toward addressing the necessarily messy features of life.
The Queer Endotic
Authors: Manalansan IV Martin F.
Published: April 2024

Focusing on unlikely field sites and life’s flotsam, such as a cramped apartment, an urban alley, a pile of clothes, dust motes, face masks, stale air, and trash, this work limns the pivotal value of the visceral, the fleeting, the contingent, the small, and the infra-ordinary to possibly nurture a particular “worlding” of queer anthropology in the early twenty-first century. Taking a motley crew of inspirational productions and encounters, including affective experimental texts, trashy makeover television shows, everyday encounters, professional intrigues, and banal boredom, this essay pulls out from diary pages of seemingly incoherent scribblings some vital moments of world-(un)making, living, detachments, attachments, carings, refusals, and disaffections. This essay offers an embodied sense of queerness as a refuge, a refusal, a placeless nowhere-ishness, a hopeful elsewhere-ishness—all constituting a queerness that is tacitly embedded in the uncertainty and precarity of the times.
The possible protective role of HLA B27 and relevant immune markers in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis patients
Authors: Shahzad Farhana , Tahir Romeeza , Shahzad Faheem , Afzal Nadeem
Published: April 2024

Background & Objectives: JIA is a disease with different immunological characteristics and a complicated genetic foundation. HLA B27 is a risk factor for the development of JIA, and its impact on immunopathogenesis of the disease is also an area of interest. To determine whether HLA B27 and immune markers varied between JIA patients and healthy population.

Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Immunology Department of University of Health sciences (UHS), Lahore from February 2018 till August 2021. A total of (71) JIA patients and (34) healthy controls were enrolled. B cells were enumerated by flowcytometry, ELISA was used for serum cytokines estimation and HLA B27 allele was detected by SPSS polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The HLA B27 allele was significantly more in the control group than in the patient group, suggesting it is a protective allele to prevent JIA. Peripheral blood B cell counts and percentages were significantly lower in the HLA B27 positive group than in the HLA B27 negative group of control population. Serum cytokine levels were not significantly different between the HLA B27 positive and HLA B27 negative allele of the two study populations.

Conclusion: In this study B cells are different between the two groups of control population however; serum cytokines are comparable between the study groups. Though, it was indicated that HLA B27 may be a preventive allele in the onset of JIA.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7915

How to cite this: Shahzad F, Tahir R, Shahzad F, Afzal N. The possible protective role of HLA B27 and relevant immune markers in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7915

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Σύνθεση και μελέτη της δομής και της δράσης συμπλόκων ενώσεων των μεταβατικών μετάλλων με παράγωγα των 3-υδροξυ- και 2-υδραζινο- κιναζολινονών
Authors: Λάζου Μαριαλένα
Published: April 2024

Στα πλαίσια της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής πραγματοποιήθηκε η σύνθεση έξι νέων παραγώγων της 2-υδράζινο- και 3-υδροξυ-κιναζολινόνης, η σύνθεση 29 νέων συμπλόκων ενώσεων με ιόντα μεταβατικών μετάλλων με ligand τα νέα παράγωγα κιναζολινόνης, ο χαρακτηρισμός των νέων ενώσεων και η μελέτη της πιθανής βιολογικής τους δράσης. Ο χαρακτηρισμός των ενώσεων έγινε με φασματοσκοπικές (1Η NMR, IR, UV-vis, HRMS) και φυσικοχημικές τεχνικές (μετρήσεις γραμμομοριακής αγωγιμότητας). Η επίλυση των κρυσταλλικών δομών έγινε με κρυσταλλογραφία ακτίνων–Χ. Η βιολογική δράση των ενώσεων μελετήθηκε ως προς τον τρόπο και την ισχύ σύνδεσης αυτών με το CT DNA (κινητικές μελέτες με φασματοσκοπία UV-vis, ιξωδομετρία), την ικανότητα των ενώσεων να εκτοπίσουν το αιθίδιο βρωμίδιο (κινητικές μελέτες με φασματοσκοπία φθορισμού) και την ικανότητα των ενώσεων να δρουν ως φωτοχημικές νουκλεάσες όταν επωαστούν με δίκλωνο κυκλικό πλασμιδιακό DNA. Στη συνέχεια υπολογίστηκαν οι σταθερές σύνδεσης των ενώσεων στις πρωτεΐνες ορού αίματος (BSA και ΗSA) και αξιολογήθηκαν οι πιθανές θέσεις των αλβουμινών όπου οι ενώσεις προτιμούν να συνδέονται. Τέλος, αξιολογήθηκε η αντιοξειδωτική ικανότητα των ενώσεων. Από τα αποτελέσματα της αλληλεπίδρασης των ενώσεων με το CT DNA φαίνεται ότι οι σύμπλοκες ενώσεις συνδέονται στο CT DNA μέσω παρεμβολής και οι ενώσεις εμφανίζουν αξιόλογη δράση ως ενεργές φωτοχημικές νουκλεάσες. Όλες οι ενώσεις εμφανίζουν ικανότητα ισχυρής και αντιστρεπτής σύνδεσης με την BSA και την HSA και υψηλή ικανότητα αναγωγής του Η2Ο2. Οι νέες ενώσεις μπορούν να προταθούν ως καινοτόμες ενώσεις με βιολογική δράση, πιθανή εφαρμογή στη φωτοδυναμική θεραπεία και πιθανές εφαρμογές ως αντιοξειδωτικοί παράγοντες, γεγονός που εξαρτάται από τη φύση του ligand, το είδος του μετάλλου και τη γεωμετρία γύρω από το κεντρικό μέταλλο.
Social and nature connectedness, coping strategies, and mental health symptoms.
Authors: Gawrych Magdalena
Published: April 2024

Aim of the study

The study evaluates the role of connectedness and coping strategies in mental health model.

Subject or material and methods

The sample included a total of 81 adult participants aged 19-57 years (M=28.02), of whom 76,5% were female. More than half of participants live in the biggest cities in Poland, including capital city (61,73%). The online semi-structured questionnaire included sections concerning several areas: sociodemographic data, mental health symptoms (DASS-21), nature connectedness (CNS), social connectedness (SCS-R), coping strategies (Mini-COPE).

Results

The analysis examined how depression, stress, anxiety, and coping mechanisms are related to the nature and social connectedness. Obtained results shown: (1) significant negative relationship of social connectedness with severity of stress (r = -.41; BCa 95% CI), anxiety (r = -.40; BCa 95% CI) and depression (r = -.50; BCa 95% CI); (2) significant negative relationship of nature connectedness with anxiety level (r = -.22; BCa 95% CI) and symptoms of depression (r = -.26; BCa 95% CI). Furthermore, the results showed a significant relationships of social connectedness/ nature connectedness and adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies.

Discussion

Recent studies have shown the mental health is broad concept and both nature and social connectedness seems to be one of important factors affecting it. The stronger both nature and social connectedness we can observe the clear tendency to using positive, adaptive coping strategies.

Conclusions

As this research seems to indicate that prevention should include strengthening both social and nature connectedness, the implications of these findings may be useful for mental health care planning.
Moderating the effect of age and sex on the relationship between personality and adherence to containment measures
Authors: Magarotto Machado Gisele , Santos-Vitti Laís , Valentini Felipe , Carvalho Lucas de Francisco
Published: April 2024

Aim of the study

We aimed to investigate the moderation effect of sex and age on the relationship between personality and adherence to COVID-19 containment measures.

Subject or material and methods

Participants were 4,538 Brazilian adults, ranging from 18 to 79 years old (M= 31.07, DP= 11.37), which responded to the BFI-2-S and questions regarding adherence to COVID-19 containment measures. We performed an SEM model to investigate the relationship between variables.

Results

Overall, our results indicated that agreeableness, neuroticism, extroversion, openness, and sex are significant predictors of adherence to containment measures. We also identified a positive moderation effect of age in the relationship between neuroticism and commitment to containment measures.

Discussion

Levels of personality traits and sex can influence the tendency to comply with containment measures. Age does not directly impact adherence to containment measures; however, it can strengthen the relationship between neuroticism and commitment.

Conclusions

Individual differences can affect the adherence to the containment measures directly and indirectly.