bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overdue Athletes’ Salaries in Professional Football and Match-Fixing: a Legal Analysis
Authors: Vandercruysse Louis , Vander Beken Tom , Vermeersch An , Willem Annick
Published: March 2024

Overdue athletes’ salaries, i.e. late, partial or nonpayment of athletes’ salaries in professional sports, increases the risk for match-fixing as athletes are rendered more vulnerable to match-fixing approaches and for giving in to such proposals. Even though research and stakeholders recognize the aforementioned risk, the body of literature addressing the issue from a preventative legal perspective is slim to nonexistent. While the Council of Europe’s Macolin Convention has stimulated various measures to tackle match-fixing in both ratifying and signatory States, this paper focuses on the Convention’s prevention objective by examining how international, European and Belgian football organizations enforce compliance by their affiliated members with their contractual and other obligations. The paper argues that while football federations do take initiative in the matter, they may not yet have found a way to effectively protect the integrity of their competitions when it comes to their approach towards the issue at hand.
Legal Aspects of Telematics for Law Enforcement
Authors: Al-Shamari Khalid Saleh , Truby Jon , Brown Rafael Dean , Ibrahim Imad Antoine
Published: March 2024

Telematics is a technology that allows vehicle tracking and monitoring. This paper investigates its legal implications in Qatar, where road fatalities are high, but considers the results with international applicability. It reviews the current laws that govern telematics and evaluates their compatibility with constitutional rights or principles, especially privacy. It also examines how telematics can enhance road safety by providing data and feedback on various driving factors. The paper finds that telematics can offer significant benefits for traffic regulation in Qatar, but also poses some legal challenges that need to be addressed.
Knowledge is Memory, or, Finding Hobbes’s Plato
Authors: Fusco Aidan
Published: March 2024

This article attempts to identify Hobbes’s reading and understanding of Plato’s writings by looking at the first seven direct references to Platonic dialogues in the Hobbesian corpus, which range from 1629–42, including Hobbes’s unpublished manuscript writings. By analysing these references it is determined that Hobbes is likely to have had first hand knowledge of Plato, from a Latin and/or Greek edition of Plato’s complete works. The references to Plato’s works in Hobbes’s writings are eclectic and philological for the most part, and serve to demonstrate the depth and range of his reading of Plato. It is only by 1642 that Hobbes makes a clear statement of his commitment to a Platonic principle, viz. that knowledge is memory. In the second half of the article I shall then argue that this principle is a foundational aspect of Hobbes’s philosophy, and that its Platonic origins thus help us to understand both Hobbes’s philosophical system and the different ways in which an “Oxford Platonism” emerged in the seventeenth century.
Perceived Pager Burden Among Trainees Across Medical Specialties
Authors: Iwai Yoshiko , Ciociola Elizabeth C. , Carter Taylor M. , Pascarella Luigi
Published: March 2024

Background

The experiences of pager use among trainees across medical specialties is underexplored. The aim of this study was to assess experiences of pager burden and communication preferences among trainees in different specialties.

Methods

An online survey was developed to assess perceived pager burden (eg, pager volume, mistake pages, sleep, and off-time interruptions) and communication preferences at a tertiary center in the United States. All residents and fellows were eligible to participate. Responses were grouped by specialty: General surgery [GS], Surgical subspecialty [SS], Medicine, Anesthesiology, and Psychiatry. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess factors associated with pager burden. Free text responses were analyzed using open coding methods.

Results

Of the total 306 responses, the majority were female (58.8%), 30-39 years (59.2%), and White (70.6%). Specialty breakdown was: Medicine (40.2%), Psychiatry (10.8%), SS (18.0%), GS (5.6%), and Anesthesiology (3.6%). GS respondents reported receiving more mistake pages ( P < .001), spending more time redirecting mistake pages ( P = .003), and having the highest sleep time disruptions ( P < .001). For urgent communications, surgical trainees preferred physical pagers, while nonsurgical trainees preferred smartphone pagers ( P = .001). “Receive fewer nonurgent pages” was the most common change respondents desired.

Discussion

In this single center study, subjective experiences of pager burden were disproportionately high among GS trainees. Reducing nonurgent and mistake pages are potential targets for improving trainee communication experiences. Hospitals should consider incorporating trainee preferences into paging systems. Additional studies are warranted to increase the sample size, assess generalizability of the findings, and contextualize trainee experiences with objective hospital-level paging data.
Changes in Patterns of Trauma Injuries in the Dakotas Region During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sarli Adrian C. , Sang Hilla I. , Syverson Deb J. , Axtman Benjamin , Bjordahl Paul , Ahmeti Mentor
Published: March 2024

Background

The aim of this study is to compare impact of COVID-19 on trauma volume and characteristics on a set of trauma centers with a rural catchment area. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected different parts of the country quite differently, both in case volume and in local responses. State-wide responses have varied considerably, including variations in local mask mandates, school closures, and social distancing measures.

Methods

This was a retrospective trauma registry review of patients who were admitted to three of the tertiary care trauma centers in North and South Dakota between 2014 through 2022.

Results

In the analysis of 36,397 patients, we found a significant increase in trauma patient volume during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increased percentage of patients presenting with a mechanism of injury secondary to abuse or assault. This increase in patient volume continued to rise during 2021 and 2022.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted trauma center admissions in the rural and frontier Midwest differently from more urban areas, and the importance of including a variety of settings in trauma research.
The Dynamics of Natural Population Increase and Urbanization in East Africa: Heterogeneous Panel Data Analysis 1960–2020
Authors: Andrew Kitole Felician , Mkuna Eliaza , Sesabo Jennifer Kasanda , Lihawa Robert Michael
Published: March 2024

The question of whether urbanization represents a boon or a bane for developing nations has triggered enduring discourse within academic and political spheres. Notwithstanding the persistent deliberations, scant attention has been devoted to examining the influence of natural population augmentation in propelling urbanization. Therefore, this study bridges this gap through a heterogeneous panel data analysis employing the use of Mean Group, Dynamic Fixed Effects and, Pooled Mean Group models, delving into the dynamics linking natural population increase and urbanization across the East African Countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania using data from World Bank spanning from 1960 to 2020. The findings reveal the significant and heterogeneous enduring impact of natural population increase on regional urbanization, intertwined with variables such as fertility rate and population growth. Moreover, findings reveal that migration have a higher influence on urbanization compared to natural population increase in the East African context. However, it is important to note that the extent of this influence varies across countries in the region. Drawing from these findings, the study underscores the imperative for member states to bolster socioeconomic provisions in rural domains, curtailing the influx of natural population increase into urban areas. Concurrently, embracing global population management agendas emerges as a vital stride toward attaining sustainable development and alleviating resource pressures. In sum, this study furnishes invaluable insights into the intricate facets of urbanization within developing realms, accentuating the exigency for bespoke strategies to surmount the distinctive challenges encountered by each sovereign nation.
Investigating pragmatic abilities in 5- to 7-year-old Norwegian children: A study using the Pragma test
Authors: Helland Wenche A. , Aaland Eline , Furebotn Karoline L. , Nilsen Junna , Pettersen Helene , Roe Anne Lise , Wathne Ann Kristin S. , Morken Frøydis
Published: March 2024

Pragmatics refers to the ability to effectively use and interpret language in different contexts. Pragmatic abilities develop and refine through childhood, and they are essential for socialization, academic achievement and wellbeing. The scarcity of assessment tools in this field makes it challenging to provide a comprehensive assessment of pragmatic abilities. The Pragma test, originally developed for Finnish and also adapted into Italian, consists of a battery of tasks assessing children’s pragmatic abilities. In this study, a first evaluation of the psychometric qualities of a Norwegian adaptation of this test is presented. In addition, we investigated pragmatic development between ages 5 and 7, and explored possible gender-based differences. Altogether 119 Norwegian-speaking children participated in the study. The children were tested with the Pragma test and parents completed the Children’s Communication Checklist-2. The children were allocated into three groups: 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds and 7-year-olds. The psychometric qualities of this Norwegian adaptation supported its use as a tool for assessing pragmatics in children aged 5–7. Strong and significant growth in pragmatic competence was observed from age 5–6, subsequently flattening out between age 6 and 7, and gender differences in favour of girls were identified. These findings indicate that pragmatic ability, as measured by the Pragma test, shows similar age effects in a Norwegian setting as in Finnish and Italian contexts, paving the way for further cross-cultural and cross-linguistic studies.
Statistical post-processing of numerical weather prediction data using distribution-based scaling for wind energy
Authors: Rangaraj AG , Srinath Y , Boopathi K , D M Reddy Prasad , Kumar Sushanth
Published: March 2024

The performance of numerical weather prediction models has improved dramatically recently. However, model biases remain a fundamental limitation prohibiting the direct implementation of model results. There are several ways to describe wind speed data. The Weibull and lognormal distributions are used to obtain the best-fit model for the wind speed data. This study aims to develop a statistical post-processing method based on the distribution-based scaling (DBS) approach, which scales NWP data to fit the distribution derived using recorded wind speed at that site location. The performance of the suggested method was evaluated using four different error measures. The optimal model is anticipated to have the lowest Mean Bias Error (MBE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean square Error (RMSE), and variance (s2) values. It was determined that employing a DBS strategy significantly improved the NWP by at least 75%.
Ties With Benefits: Relationship Between Relational Multiplexity, Gender, and Work-Life Balance
Authors: Jung Heyjie , Chen Yifan , Frandell Ashlee , Welch Eric
Published: March 2024

Flexible work arrangement policies provide employees the flexibility to manage their work and personal lives. Despite various efforts of public organizations, struggles to simplify or integrate work and private life demands continue, resulting in employees’ lower satisfaction, higher stress, higher turnover, and lower productivity. Our study focuses on the social environments of individual employees by investigating how social networks affect individuals’ efforts to balance work and life in a higher education setting. Using a 2011 NSF-funded national survey of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) faculty in US universities, we examine the impact of multiplexity in social networks on work-life balance (WLB) and how the impact varies by gender. Our regression results suggest that the impact of relational multiplexity on WLB follows an inverse U-shape pattern and varies by gender. In particular, multiplex ties that individuals socialize outside their work can affect their WLB and the impact varies by gender.
Risk factors for glioblastoma are shared by other brain tumor types
Authors: Smith Carr J. , Perfetti Thomas A. , Chokshi Chirayu , Venugopal Chitra , Ashford J. Wesson , Singh Sheila K.
Published: March 2024

The reported risk factors for glioblastoma (GBM), i.e., ionizing radiation, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Neurofibromatosis I, and Turcot syndrome, also increase the risk of other brain tumor types. Risk factors for human GBM are associated with different oncogenic mutation profiles. Pedigreed domestic dogs with a shorter nose and flatter face (brachycephalic dogs) display relatively high rates of glioma formation. The genetic profiles of canine gliomas are also idiosyncratic. The association of putatively different mutational patterns in humans and canines with GBM suggests that different oncogenic pathways can result in GBM formation. Strong epidemiological evidence for an association between exposure to chemical carcinogens and an increased risk for development of GBM is currently lacking. Ionizing radiation induces point mutations, frameshift mutations, double-strand breaks, and chromosomal insertions or deletions. Mutational profiles associated with chemical exposures overlap with the broad mutational patterns seen with ionizing radiation. Weak statistical associations between chemical exposures and GBM reported in epidemiology studies are biologically plausible. Molecular approaches comparing reproducible patterns seen in spontaneous GBM with analogous patterns found in GBMs resected from patients with known significant exposures to potentially carcinogenic chemicals can address difficulties presented by traditional exposure assessment.
Review of neoplasia in fish at a large display aquarium, 2005–2021
Authors: Wright Sarah E. , Pawlik Michael , Snyman Heindrich N. , Haulena Martin
Published: March 2024

Fish maintained in managed care may have longer lifespans as a result of advances in veterinary medicine and husbandry and reduced risk of predation. Neoplasia is of increasing interest in managed aquarium populations. However, few studies have systematically evaluated neoplasia in managed fish populations. Our objective in this retrospective study was to review and describe neoplasia diagnosed in fish at a large public display aquarium between 2005 and 2021. Any fish diagnosed with neoplasia on either antemortem or postmortem evaluation during the study period was included, and all medical records, biopsy, and autopsy reports were reviewed. Sixty-two fish met the inclusion criteria; 37 species were included in the study population, most of which were tropical freshwater fish ( n = 34 fish). Thirty-two types of neoplasia were identified. Ten fish had benign neoplasms, and 53 fish had malignant neoplasms. The most common neoplasms were of epithelial and neuroectodermal origin. The most common site of tumor origin was the skin. Our data suggest that mesenchymal neoplasms may be more common in cold saltwater fish than in tropical freshwater and saltwater fish. Malignant neoplasms were most commonly diagnosed in the study population and should be a top differential when neoplasms are identified in fish managed under human care. Our study contributes to the overall knowledge of the health of aquarium fish and may aid clinicians in characterizing neoplasia that may be present in fish under human care.
Facts to Snacks. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Bite-Sized Animations in Teaching Palliative Care to Medical Students
Authors: Chua Kai Lin Megan , Chan Jin Qi Valerie , Tan Laurence Lean Chin , Low James Alvin
Published: March 2024

Background

Current palliative care training in medical school is inadequate in preparing doctors to provide quality palliative care. Little attention is paid to determining effective methods of training.

Objective

To assess the use of bite-sized animations in improving the confidence, knowledge and attitudes of medical students towards palliative care.

Methods

A mixed methods cohort study was adopted for the study. 50 medical students without prior palliative training completed questionnaires before and after watching a 12-part animated palliative care video series called PowerFacts. Of these participants, 18 underwent semi-structured interviews.

Results

The quantitative results showed that animations are effective in improving the confidence ( P < .001) and knowledge ( P < .001), but not the attitudes ( P = .183) of medical students. Confidence, knowledge and attitudes were not correlated. Analysis of follow-up interviews of a convenience sample of participants showed that animations can be effective in teaching knowledge and does fill some gaps in palliative education for medical undergraduates. However, the content delivered as a sole learning tool is inadequate in preparing medical students for clinical practice.

Conclusion

All participants achieved level 1 (reaction), some achieved level 2 (learning) but most did not achieve level 3 (behaviour) of the Kirkpatrick’s model. There is a need for a multimodal approach in the comprehensive teaching of palliative care in undergraduate medical training to achieve all four levels of the Kirkpatrick Model.
The Visual Journalism Credibility Scale: Including Pathos for Visual Journalists in the Convergent Media Era
Authors: Deavours Danielle , Roberts Chris
Published: March 2024

Credibility is an ancient, well-studied, complicated construct. Most credibility measurements consider messenger (ethos) and/or message (logos). Aristotle’s definition includes pathos—the speaker’s emotion, important in visual journalism but rarely applied to visual mediums. This experimental research seeks to fill that gap. It analyzed 45 variables representing ethos, logos, and pathos. High correlations among Aristotle’s three concepts suggest the need to consider each when measuring visual journalism credibility. Factor analysis yielded a three-pronged credibility measure for visual journalists, with 15 variables representing the three concepts. The scale can be used with studies of visual reporting, adding the nuance of pathos-derived credibility.
A Theoretical Model of Victimization, Perpetration, and Denial in Mass Atrocities: Case Studies From Indonesia, Cambodia, East Timor, and Myanmar
Authors: Putra Idhamsyah Eka , Rufaedah Any , Thontowi Haidar Buldan , Pohlman Annie , Louis Winnifred
Published: March 2024

Academic Abstract

The present article discusses victimization, perpetration, and denial in mass atrocities, using four recent case studies from Southeast Asia. The four cases include Indonesia (in which hundreds of thousands died in anti-Communist violence), Cambodia (in which the Khmer Rouge killed more than one million civilians), East Timor (in which more than one hundred thousand civilians died during the Indonesian occupation), and Myanmar (in which the state/army is accused of genocide toward the Rohingyas). Our aim is to bring a psychological lens to these histories, with a focus on three processes relevant to genocide. We examine, first, how the victims were targeted; second, how the perpetrators were mobilized; and third, the denial, justification, meaning-making, and commemoration of the atrocities. We propose a novel theoretical model, TOPASC: A Theory of the Psychology of Atrocities in Societal Contexts, highlighting the psychology of atrocities as involving factors across the macro, meso, and micro contexts.

Public Abstract

We introduce a new model, “TOPASC: A Theory of the Psychology of Atrocities in Societal Contexts,” to explain why people justify mass killings and why certain group members are consistently targeted. In our model, we explore how mass atrocities against specific groups are influenced by psychological dynamics in intergroup situations which, in turn, are shaped by socio-historical contexts and individual psychologies. To illustrate these ideas, we analyze four cases of mass atrocities in Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Cambodia, East Timor, and Myanmar. These cases highlight how different social groups, characterized by diverse ideologies, ethnicities, genders, or religions, exhibit varying vulnerabilities as perpetrators or victims based on their social and power status. Mass atrocities are not sudden occurrences but rather result from a series of complex processes and events.
Enumeration and Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cell Using an Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule/Vimentin/Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Joint Capture System in Lung Cancer
Authors: Jiang Wentan , Wu Jingyang , Lin Xianbin , Chen Zhiyao , Lin Liangan , Yang Jiansheng
Published: March 2024

Background:

Detection rate and isolation yield of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are low in lung cancer with approaches due to CTC invasiveness and heterogeneity. In this study, on the basis of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) phenotype, markers of vimentin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phenotype were added to jointly construct a precise and efficient CTC capture system for capture of lung cancer CTCs.

Methods:

A CTC capture system combined with EpCAM lipid magnetic bead (Ep-LMB)/vimentin lipid magnetic bead (Vi-LMB)/EGFR lipid magnetic bead (EG-LMB) was constructed, and its performance was tested. The amount of CTC captured in the blood of patients with lung cancer was detected by immunofluorescence identification and analyzed for clinical relevance.

Results:

The constructed CTC capture system has low cytotoxicity. The capture efficiency of lung cancer cells in phosphate belanced solution (PBS) system was 95.48%. The capture efficiency in the blood simulation system is 94.55%. The average number of CTCs in the blood of patients with lung cancer was 9.73/2 mL. The quantity distribution of CTCs is significantly correlated with tumor staging and metastasis. The area under the curve (AUC) of CTCs for the diagnosis of lung cancer was 0.9994 (95% CI = 0.9981-1.000, P < .0001). The cutoff value was 4.5/2 mL. The sensitivity was 99.39%, and the specificity was 96.88%.

Conclusion:

The EpCAM/vimentin/EGFR combined capture system has feasibility and high sensitivity in the detection of lung cancer CTC typing, which can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic indicator for lung cancer and is expected to promote the clinical application of CTCs.
Emotional configurations of grief: Narratives from childhood
Authors: Pursi Annukka , Lipponen Lasse , Poulter Saila , Kurenlahti Emma
Published: March 2024

Being human involves encountering losses to which grief is a common response. No one can escape grief—it is the price of affection and love. In this paper, we aim to understand how grieving unfolds as described in university students’ short narratives of their childhood. Applying a cultural-historical approach, especially the notion of emotional configuration, we explore the interplay of emotion, sense-making, and practice in grief-related childhood life events. Our research problematizes the binary classification of “little and large griefs” and shows that focusing only on death-related grief may devalue losses in childhood that are not related to death. Our findings demonstrate that grief is never isolated, but configured with a variety of other emotions and feelings, and strongly related to children’s own sense-making and worldviews. Attention to emotional configuration shifts our focus from individual grief to the wider cultural-historical practices and sense-making processes in which grief is always intertwined.
A place for Basil Bernstein in the field: How applicable is Basil Bernstein’s theory of codes and social groups as a way of understanding educational inequity in upper secondary education in Iceland during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Magnússon Ómar Örn , Ragnarsdóttir Guðrún , Reiss Michael J , Björnsdóttir Amalía
Published: March 2024

In this article, key aspects of Basil Bernstein’s theory of elaborating and restricted codes are analysed within the Icelandic context to determine whether it can be employed when researching socio-economic inequities in upper-secondary education in Iceland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on empirical data, the article applies and tests the work of Bernstein on how understanding of restricted codes related to education controls access to the modalities of pedagogic discourse. According to Bernstein, different social groups have different access to education related to their socio-economic status. The analysis is based on a critical examination of the literature and an experiment where certain parts of Bernstein’s theoretical framework are tested. It is argued that Bernstein’s theory is useful in the chosen setting and exposes issues in parents’ different abilities to understand the information needed to be able to assist their children when studying at home during school closures due to COVID-19.
Rûaḥ in the Hebrew Bible: A Survey of Past Scholarship
Authors: Carlson Reed
Published: March 2024

The term rûaḥ (plural: rûḥôt) is usually translated into English as ‘wind’, ‘breath’, or ‘spirit’. With such a wide semantic range, scholars have debated the meteorological, anthropological, and theological nuances of the term. This article surveys five themes in the history of that scholarship: (1) diachronic approaches to mapping the meaning of rûaḥ; (2) attempts to track two modes of rûaḥ: the so-called life-giving vs. empowering aspects; (3) distinctions between the meanings of rûaḥ and nepeš; (4) the functions of rûaḥ in designating ecstatic experience; and (5) the role of rûaḥ-language in describing notions of human subjectivity and moral agency.
Using combat simulations to determine tactical responses to new technologies on the battlefield
Authors: Mittal Vikram , Fenn James E
Published: March 2024

Although military technology can provide a tactical edge in combat, its efficacy often diminishes once the opposing force adapts. To address this issue, the study proposes a systematic approach to predict, model, and quantify the responses of soldiers on the battlefield to new technology. The method uses virtual simulations to identify changes in behavior and tactics, which are then modeled in constructive simulations to quantify lethality, survivability, and mission effectiveness. The approach is demonstrated through a case study on grenade-equipped quadcopters using the Infantry Warrior Simulation, a constructive simulation, and Virtual Battlespace 3.0, a virtual simulation. The study found that this tactic was initially successful at disrupting operations of soldiers. However, after seven iterations, the soldiers implemented changes in their tactics to minimize the effects of the drone. This process provides insight into better understanding the dynamic, responsive nature of the modern battlefield.
Study of the Carreau fluid over a linearly curved stretching sheet: A numerical approach
Authors: Shabbir Tayyaba , Fatima Ishrat , Mushtaq Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Carreau fluid flow over a linearly curved stretching surface has significant applications in manufacturing industries. This study focuses on the impact of various parameters on the velocity, temperature, pressure skin friction, and heat transfer coefficient of a 2D Carreau flow. Both shear thinning (pseudoplastic) and shear thickening (dilatant) behaviors are considered. The parameters include suction, non-dimensional radius of curvature, Weissenberg number, magnetic parameter, power-law index, Eckert number (viscous dissipation parameter), and Prandtl number. The effects of viscous dissipation, magnetic field, convective boundary conditions, and suction are also taken into account. The study reveals that the flow velocity decreases with increasing magnetic parameter, curvature factor, and suction, but increases with the Weissenberg number and power law index. The heat transfer rate is reduced by the curvature factor, Weissenberg number, suction, power-law index, and Prandtl number, while the magnetic parameter has the opposite effect. The boundary value problem is simplified through appropriate similarity transformation and solved numerically using the shooting method and Matlab’s built-in function bvp4c. The results obtained from these two methods show good agreement. The findings also align well with existing literature in some limiting cases, confirming the validity of the study.
Shifting from the treat-to-target to the early highly effective treatment approach in patients with multiple sclerosis – real-world evidence from Germany
Authors: Papukchieva Steffeni , Stratil Ann-Sophie , Kahn Maria , Neß Nils-Henning , Hollnagel-Schmitz Maike , Gerencser Vivien , Rustemeier Julia , Eberl Markus , Friedrich Benjamin , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: March 2024

Background:

While evidence highlights the effectiveness of initiating disease-modifying therapy with a high-efficacy medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with poor prognostic factors, it remains unclear whether this approach has been adopted by a broad range of MS providers in Germany yet.

Objective:

To assess the adoption of the early highly effective treatment (EHT) compared to the treat-to-target treatment approach with the option of escalating treatment efficacy over time in Germany based on real-world evidence data.

Design:

Patient-level pharmacy dispensing data from the Permea platform were analysed from 2020 to 2022.

Methods:

In total, 29,529 therapy beginners (>18 years) were included to analyse shifts in treatment approaches over time and switching behaviour. Medication classification adhered to the German Society of Neurology guidelines and designated fumarates, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide and interferons as low-efficacy category 1 medications; cladribine and S1P-modulators as medium-efficacy category 2 medications; and alemtuzumab, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab and rituximab (off-label) as high-efficacy category 3 medications.

Results:

Our results show that 70.0% of patients redeemed their first prescription for category 1 medication, 16.3% for category 2 and 13.7% for category 3 medications. The proportion of prescriptions filled shifted from 2020 to 2022 with a decrease of 14.7% for category 1 drugs and an increase of 12.5% for category 3 drugs. 93.2% of patients stayed on their initially prescribed medication category. 3.2% of category 1 and 3.7% of category 2 therapy beginners escalated to category 3 medication. 3.4% of category 3 medication users de-escalated their treatment to category 1 or category 2.

Conclusion:

While most individuals started their treatment according to the treat-to-target approach and remained on their initially prescribed medication category, there has been a steadily increasing shift towards the EHT approach since 2020. These insights demonstrate that, while not officially recommended by German guidelines, MS providers increasingly adopt the EHT approach.
Comparative efficacy of ofatumumab versus oral therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis patients using propensity score analyses and simulated treatment comparisons
Authors: Riley Nicholas , Drudge Christopher , Nelson Morag , Haltner Anja , Barnett Michael , Broadley Simon , Butzkueven Helmut , McCombe Pamela , Van der Walt Anneke , Wong Erin O. Y. , Merschhemke Martin , Adlard Nicholas , Walker Rob , Samjoo Imtiaz A.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Evidence from network meta-analyses (NMAs) and real-world propensity score (PS) analyses suggest monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) offer a therapeutic advantage over currently available oral therapies and, therefore, warrant consideration as a distinct group of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). This is counter to the current perception of these therapies by some stakeholders, including payers.

Objectives:

A multifaceted indirect treatment comparison (ITC) approach was undertaken to clarify the relative efficacy of mAbs and oral therapies.

Design:

Two ITC methods that use individual patient data (IPD) to adjust for between-trial differences, PS analyses and simulated treatment comparisons (STCs), were used to compare the mAb ofatumumab versus the oral therapies cladribine, fingolimod, and ozanimod.

Data sources and methods:

As IPD were available for trials of ofatumumab and fingolimod, PS analyses were conducted. Given summary-level data were available for cladribine, fingolimod, and ozanimod trials, STCs were conducted between ofatumumab and each of these oral therapies. Three efficacy outcomes were compared: annualized relapse rate (ARR), 3-month confirmed disability progression (3mCDP), and 6-month CDP (6mCDP).

Results:

The PS analyses demonstrated ofatumumab was statistically superior to fingolimod for ARR and time to 3mCDP but not time to 6mCDP. In STCs, ofatumumab was statistically superior in reducing ARR and decreasing the proportion of patients with 3mCDP compared with cladribine, fingolimod, and ozanimod and in decreasing the proportion with 6mCP compared with fingolimod and ozanimod. These findings were largely consistent with recently published NMAs that identified mAb therapies as the most efficacious DMTs for RMS.

Conclusion:

Complementary ITC methods showed ofatumumab was superior to cladribine, fingolimod, and ozanimod in lowering relapse rates and delaying disability progression among patients with RMS. Our study supports the therapeutic superiority of mAbs over currently available oral DMTs for RMS and the delineation of mAbs as high-efficacy therapies.
It’s not just about the money: recruitment and retention of clinical staff in general dental practice – part 1: dentists
Authors: Holloway Jessica A. , Chestnutt Ivor G.
Published: March 2024

Increasing difficulties in recruitment and retention of dentists and dental care professionals in general dental practice in the UK is affecting delivery of NHS dental services. Reports of dissatisfaction among the general dental practice workforce indicate there is a significant risk to the future dental workforce supply which will affect access to dental care and worsen oral health inequalities. Understanding the factors related to job satisfaction and dissatisfaction of dental professionals would be useful in managing recruitment and retention issues and ensure a dental workforce exists which is able to meet the needs of the population. The aim of this literature review was to identify factors which contribute to job satisfaction and dissatisfaction of clinical staff in general dental practice. Database searching was conducted systematically through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Ovid, and the National Grey Literature Collection. Part 1 of this two-part series discusses the factors relating to dentists. Twenty-two relevant articles were identified, which were qualitatively analysed using Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory as an analysis tool. Target-driven and restrictive contractual arrangements are a major factor contributing to dissatisfaction of dentists, as well as time pressures, poor quality equipment, and unfair remuneration. Dental contract reform should aim to minimise factors contributing to dissatisfaction and increase factors which increase satisfaction, if sufficient numbers of dentists are to be persuaded to continue to provide state-funded dentistry.
Aesthetic treatment planning simplified using digital smile design: A case report
Authors: Ferreira Amanda Nadia , Aras Meena Ajay , Chitre Vidya , Mascarenhas Kennedy , Nagarsekar Aradhana , Mysore Ashwin
Published: March 2024

Digital smile design (DSD) plays an essential role in the planning of aesthetic treatments. However, most digital smile designing software programmes are expensive and require specialised training and skill for effective implementation. This paper illustrates the use of Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft PowerPoint, which are economical and user friendly for planning aesthetics in a clinical case.
Use of Baricitinib in a patient with treatment-resistant pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Bechard Kaylin , Gniadecki Robert
Published: March 2024

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory neutrophilic disorder with no uniformly effective therapy and limited high-level evidence. Common therapies include immunosuppressive and immunomodulating agents. There exist several case series using small molecules as treatment modalities. Here, we report a case of a 78-year-old female with a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum and metastatic high-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary who was treated with Baricitinib 4 mg daily in combination with a tapering course of prednisone after failing other conventional therapies including systemic corticosteroids, colchicine, and intravenous immunoglobulin.
Trigeminal neuralgia revealing an epidermoid cyst impinging on the Vth cranial nerve: A case report
Authors: Ola Messaoud , Yousra Guelzim , Abdelkader Sqalli Houssaini , Meriem Fikri , Mohamed Jiddane , Firdaous Touarsa
Published: March 2024

Intracranial epidermoid cysts, also referred to as intracranial primary cholesteatomas, are uncommon, benign tumors characterized by slow, linear growth patterns akin to normal epidermal tissue. They typically become symptomatic around age 43, with a slight female predominance, and are most frequently located in the cerebellopontine angle. This summary presents the case of a 62-year-old woman suffering from paroxysmal excruciating pain of the right hemiface, indicative of trigeminal neuralgia, linked to an intracranial epidermoid cyst in the cerebellopontine angle. Radiological assessment, through magnetic resonance imaging, was instrumental in identifying the cyst. Total surgery resection is the most effective treatment, but it can be challenging due to tumor adherence to important neurovascular structures, therefore responsible for an incomplete removal of the proliferative capsule causing a higher risk of recurrence. The case also raises questions about treatment options, as the patient opted against surgical intervention. Managing intracranial epidermoid cysts requires a careful weighing of potential benefits against associated risks.
As Safe Figures, Leaders Encourage a Focus on Work Performance in Tram Drivers
Authors: Lisá Elena , Výboh Martin , Mrázková Kristína , Duriš Lukáš
Published: March 2024

The study aimed to verify the prediction of general work performance by a perception of a leader as a security provider (LSP) in tram drivers. Contextual performance (job dedication) was a mediator in the predictive model. The research sample consisted of 196 tram drivers, 62.22% of the organization’s tram drivers. All participants shared the same leader, the head of the tram operation. They completed quantitative cross-sectional self-administered surveys. Results showed that job dedication (contextual performance) predicted the general performance. Job dedication as a partial mediator enhanced the percentage of the general performance’s explained score from 15.3% to 26.3%—predicted by perceiving the leader as a safe figure. Discussion suggested further analyzing the functions of a leader as an attachment figure in work settings and their connections to the other organizational behavioral variables. Functions of emotionality and separation distress did not relate to the work performance of tram drivers. Secure-based leadership and focus on job dedication fostered the tram drivers’ general work performance.
Posterior Retinal Breaks Secondary to Closed-Globe Blunt Ocular Trauma
Authors: Rao Nitya , Tsui Jonathan C. , Trese Matthew G.J. , Randhawa Sandeep , Scoles Drew
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To describe 2 cases of posterior pole retinal tears resulting from closed-globe trauma. Methods: Two cases of retinal breaks in the posterior pole after blunt ocular trauma were evaluated, and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: Two eyes of 2 patients with posterior pole retinal tears secondary to closed-globe trauma were included. One patient had a pars plana vitrectomy with laser retinopexy and gas tamponade; the final Snellen visual acuity (VA) was 20/200. The second patient was treated with indirect laser retinopexy; the final Snellen VA was counting fingers. Conclusions: The rapid deformation of the globe in response to blunt ocular trauma may create significant tangential stress on the retina, leading to stretch breaks in the posterior pole. Clinicians should follow patients with a closed-globe injury to watch for retinal breaks in the posterior pole, in particular when a hemorrhage or other pathology obscures the view.
TikTok content as a source of health education regarding epicondylitis: a content analysis
Authors: D’Ambrosi Riccardo , Bellato Enrico , Bullitta Gianluca , Cecere Antonio Benedetto , Corona Katia , De Crescenzo Angelo , Fogliata Valentina , Micheloni Gian Mario , Saccomanno Maristella Francesca , Vitullo Fabrizio , Celli Andrea ,   SICSeG (Italian Society of Shoulder, Elbow Surgery) Research Committee
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the validity and informational value of TikTok content about epicondylitis. The hypothesis tested herein was that TikTok video content would not provide adequate and valid information.

Methods

The term “epicondylitis” was used as a keyword to comprehensively search for TikTok videos, and the first 100 videos that were retrieved were subsequently included for analysis. The duration, number of likes, number of shares and number of views were recorded for each video. Furthermore, the videos were categorized on the basis of their source (medical doctor, physiotherapist, or private user), type of information (physical therapy, anatomy, clinical examination, etiopathogenesis, patient experience, treatment, or other), video content (rehabilitation, education, or patient experience/testimony), and the presence of music or voice. Assessments of video content quality and reliability were conducted using the DISCERN tool, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and the Global Quality Score (GQS).

Results

A total of 100 videos were included in the analysis: 78 (78.0%) were published by physiotherapists, 18 were published by medical doctors (18.0%), and 4 were published by private users (4.0%). Most of the information pertained to physical therapy (75; 75.0%) and most of the content was about rehabilitation (75; 75.0%). The mean length of the videos was 42.51 ± 24.75 seconds; the mean number of views was 193,207.78 ± 1,300,853.86; and the mean number of comments, likes, and shares were 22.43 ± 62.54, 1578.52 ± 8333.11, and 149.87 ± 577.73, respectively. The mean DISCERN score, JAMA score, and GQS were 18.12 ± 5.73, 0.80 ± 0.53, and 1.30 ± 0.52, respectively. Videos posted by medical doctors/private users had higher scores (p < 0.05) than videos posted by physiotherapists. Videos that focused on education or patient experience had higher scores (p < 0.05) than videos based on rehabilitation.

Conclusions

TikTok can be an unreliable source of information regarding epicondylitis treatment. It is common to find nonphysicians who share medical advice on the platform, with medical treatments demonstrating the weakest level of supporting evidence. Elbow surgeons should advise their patients that treatment recommendations from TikTok may not align with established guidelines.

Level of Evidence: Level IV—Cross-sectional study.
Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals anthocyanin biosynthesis mechanisms in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) leaves under continuous blue light irradiation
Authors: Zhou Yao , Wu Weisheng , Sun Ying , Shen Yiyu , Mao Lianzhen , Dai Yunhua , Yang Bozhi , Liu Zhoubin
Published: March 2024

Background

Different metabolic compounds give pepper leaves and fruits their diverse colors. Anthocyanin accumulation is the main cause of the purple color of pepper leaves. The light environment is a critical factor affecting anthocyanin biosynthesis. It is essential that we understand how to use light to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants.

Result

Pepper leaves were significantly blue–purple only in continuous blue light or white light (with a blue light component) irradiation treatments, and the anthocyanin content of pepper leaves increased significantly after continuous blue light irradiation. This green-to-purple phenotype change in pepper leaves was due to the expression of different genes. We found that the anthocyanin synthesis precursor-related genes PAL and 4CL, as well as the structural genes F3H, DFR, ANS, BZ1, and F3’5’H in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway, had high expression under continuous blue light irradiation. Similarly, the expression of transcription factors MYB1R1-like, MYB48, MYB4-like isoform X1, bHLH143-like, and bHLH92-like isoform X3, and circadian rhythm-related genes LHY and COP1, were significantly increased after continuous blue light irradiation. A correlation network analysis revealed that these transcription factors and circadian rhythm-related genes were positively correlated with structural genes in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway. Metabolomic analysis showed that delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside were significantly higher under continuous blue light irradiation relative to other light treatments. We selected 12 genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis in pepper leaves for qRT-PCR analysis, and the accuracy of the RNA-seq results was confirmed.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that blue light and 24-hour irradiation together induced the expression of key genes and the accumulation of metabolites in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway, thus promoting anthocyanin biosynthesis in pepper leaves. These results provide a basis for future study of the mechanisms of light quality and photoperiod in anthocyanin synthesis and metabolism, and our study may serve as a valuable reference for screening light ratios that regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants.