bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Acceptability of Provider Training to Increase Treatment Engagement of Parents in Their Children’s Behavioral Health Care Need
Authors: Oruche Ukamaka M. , Holladay Cynthia M. , Chacko Anil , Nakash Ora , Draucker Claire B.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND: Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct disorders (DIC) affect 5 million children in the United States and often require comprehensive and long-term behavioral health care for which sustained parental involvement is essential. Our research team is developing an intervention to improve parental engagement in the behavioral health care of their children with DIC. The intervention, which will be a modification of an evidence-based shared decision-making intervention called DECIDE, will include a parent component and a provider component. AIM: To determine the acceptability of the provider component of the modified DECIDE intervention. METHODS: The provider intervention is an asynchronous self-paced online training program made up of five modules: introduction, shared decision-making, perspective-taking, attributional errors, and being a responsive provider. The training was piloted with 41 providers in two public child and adolescent treatment programs. Following completion of the training, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the providers to assess the acceptability of the training. The interviews were analyzed with conventional content analysis. RESULTS: The provider training was well received by providers, and many had made practice changes based on what they had learned. Several offered recommendations for improvement, most notably the need to tailor the training based on provider role, discipline, and level of expertise. CONCLUSIONS: The feedback given by providers will be used to refine future iterations of the provider training component of the modified DECIDE intervention. Psychiatric nurses and other clinicians may draw from strategies incorporated in the training program to improve parent engagement in the treatment of children with DIC.
Development of a culturally informed tool to assess chronic pain for Māori: the Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure-Aotearoa (PRISM-A)
Authors: Lewis Gwyn N , Stephens Hendon , Tuck Natalie L , Morunga Eva , Terry Gareth , Haar Jarrod M , Shaikh Nusratnaaz , Hodge Anna-Leigh , Bean Debbie J
Published: October 2024

Chronic pain is one of the most common long-term conditions in Aotearoa (New Zealand), and there is a higher prevalence and greater impact of pain for Māori (Indigenous People of New Zealand). Māori tend to have a more holistic interpretation of pain compared with Western views; therefore, current assessments may not capture the full meaning and impact of pain for Māori. This study developed a holistic assessment tool for chronic pain in collaboration with Māori clinicians and Māori with chronic pain. The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure–Aotearoa (PRISM-A) is a verbal and visual assessment tool that is based on Te Ao Māori (Māori world), imbeds whakawhanaungatanga (relationship formation) between the patient and clinician, and incorporates Te Whare Tapa Whā, a Māori model of health. The tool is likely to provide a more meaningful assessment of pain and facilitate better outcomes for Māori with chronic pain.
Intrathecal immune reactivity against Measles-, Rubella-, and Varicella Zoster viruses is associated with cerebrospinal fluid inflammation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vlad Benjamin , Neidhart Stephan , Hilty Marc , Asplund Högelin Klara , Reichen Ina , Ziegler Mario , Khademi Mohsen , Lutterotti Andreas , Regeniter Axel , Martin Roland , Al Nimer Faiez , Jelcic Ilijas
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives:

We aimed to determine in multiple sclerosis (MS) whether intrathecal immunoglobulin G (IgG) production against measles- (M), rubella- (R), and varicella zoster (Z) viruses, which is called MRZ reaction (MRZR) and considered the most specific soluble biomarker for MS, is associated with demographic and basic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters reflecting inflammation.

Methods:

We analyzed the presence of positive MRZR and associations with demographic and clinical routine CSF parameters in 513 patients with MS and 182 non-MS patients.

Results:

Comparing MS patients versus non-MS patients, positive MRZR (38.8% versus 2.2%; specificity 97.8%; positive likelihood ratio, PLR 17.7) had a better specificity and PLR for MS than CSF-specific OCB (89.5% versus 22.0%; specificity 78.0%; PLR 4.1). A positive MRZR in MS patients was associated with female sex ( p = 0.0001), pleocytosis ( p < 0.0001), higher frequency of presence of plasma cells in CSF ( p = 0.0248), normal CSF/serum albumin ratio ( p = 0.0005), and intrathecal production of total IgG or CSF-specific OCB (both p < 0.0001), but not with intrathecal production of total IgA or IgM.

Conclusions:

This study confirms the MRZR as a highly specific marker of MS and shows that MRZR-positive MS patients more frequently are female and show inflammatory changes of basic CSF parameters than MRZR-negative MS patients.
Long-term modifications of the peripheral immune repertoire after switching from sequestering disease-modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vercellino Marco , Marasciulo Stella , Ricotti Emanuela , Rolando Anna , Bosa Chiara , Garelli Paola , Gallina Virginia , Vaula Giovanna , Calvo Andrea , Cavalla Paola
Published: October 2024

Background:

Scarce data are available on the long-term immunological effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying treatments (DMTs).

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the long-term modifications of the peripheral immune repertoire on interruption of a sequestering DMT (natalizumab, fingolimod) and switch to another high-efficacy DMT.

Methods:

Lymphocyte subpopulations were assessed, every 6 months up to 48 months, in patients switched from fingolimod or natalizumab to ocrelizumab, and in patients switched from fingolimod to natalizumab, compared to patients switched to ocrelizumab or natalizumab from a moderate-efficacy DMT and to naive patients.

Results:

We included 389 MS patients (200 ocrelizumab and 189 natalizumab). After adjusting for baseline variables, patients switched from fingolimod to ocrelizumab showed lower CD3 + and CD4 + lymphocytes up to 48 months after switch (with lower percentage of naive CD4 +), and increased odds of total, CD3+, CD4+ lymphopenia. Patients switched from natalizumab to ocrelizumab showed higher CD3 + lymphocytes up to 36 months after switch, and higher CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes up to 24 months. The frequency of infections was not influenced by previous treatment.

Conclusions:

A long-term persistence of the residual effects of the exposure to sequestering DMTs (fingolimod and less natalizumab) on the peripheral immune repertoire was observed after switching to another high-efficacy DMT.
The process(es) of learning about teaching using models-based practice: Pre-service teachers’ experiences
Authors: Hordvik Mats , Fletcher Tim , Haugen Anders Lund , Møller Lasse , Engebretsen Berit
Published: October 2024

This research takes on the recommendation to continue examining the use of models-based practice (MbP) in diverse contexts by considering pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) experiences of learning to teach using MbP in a physical education teacher education (PETE) program in Norway. Guided by the theory of a pedagogy of teacher education ( Loughran, 2006 ), this research was driven by the question: “What are PSTs’ experiences of learning about teaching using MbP in one comprehensive PETE course?” The context was a 15-credit PETE course taught collaboratively by four teacher educators to two cohorts of first-year undergraduate PSTs (25 PSTs in each cohort). Data were generated through a total of 24 focus group interviews with eight PST groups before, during, and upon completion of the course. A hybrid approach of inductive and deductive theme development enabled us to produce knowledge of how PSTs’ learning evolved through four phases: (a) (traditional) assumptions about physical education and teacher education, (b) learning about and through a new way of teaching and learning physical education, (c) challenging and being challenged by the traditional “gym” culture in schools, and (d) understanding what it means to be and become a (physical education) teacher. This research offers support to claims about the challenges in creating coherence at different levels in PSTs’ learning experiences in a Norwegian PETE program. At the same time, we show that MbP can provide PSTs with a coherent learning experience, potentially resulting in changes to how PSTs think about teaching physical education.
Evaluation blogs, podcasts and webinars in 2024: A mid-year review
Authors: Aston Thomas
Published: October 2024

This is a further review of evaluation blogs, podcasts and webinars in the first half of 2024. It follows on from the previous ‘roundup’ of 2023 published in Evaluation in this year’s April issue. As before, hundreds of sources have been considered, and although this review is inevitably personal and selective, I believe it captures many of the important trends and debates informing current evaluation practice. The review is organised around key trends that emerged throughout the first half of the year, some of which continued and evolved from last year. It begins by considering ongoing debates about artificial intelligence and indigenous evaluation, before identifying further topics which have garnered particular attention so far in 2024.
Voice pitch and gender in autism
Authors: Kissine Mikhail , Clin Elise
Published: October 2024

Autistic adults are often perceived as having an atypical speech. The acoustic characteristics of these impressions prove surprisingly difficult to delineate, but one feature that does robustly emerge across different studies is higher pitch (F0 values) in autistic versus neurotypical individuals. However, there is no clear explanation why autistic individuals should have higher-pitched voices. We propose that the solution lies in the gender imbalance still prevalent in autism, which entails an overrepresentation of male participants in research on speech in autism. We analyse speech samples from a gender-balanced group of 40 autistic and 40 neurotypical adults, controlling for potential stress levels through electrodermal activity recordings. We find that autistic males tend to have higher pitch than neurotypical males, but that autistic females tend to have lower pitch than neurotypical females. The interpretation we put forth for our finding – that the autistic versus neurotypical group difference in pitch goes in opposite directions between males and females – is that autistic individuals tend to be less influenced by neurotypical gender stereotypes.

Lay abstract

It is has often been observed that autistic individuals have higher-pitched voices than non-autistic ones, but no clear explanation for this difference has been put forth. However, autistic males are still dramatically over-represented in published research, including the acoustic studies that report higher pitch in autistic participants. In this study, we collected speech samples from a group of autistic and neurotypical adults that, unlike in most studies, was perfectly balanced between groups and genders. In this gender-balanced sample, pitch was significantly higher in autistic versus neurotypical men, but lower in autistic versus neurotypical women. Overall, women tend to have higher-pitched voices than men, but the magnitude of this difference is culture dependent and may be significantly influenced by the internalisation of normative expectations towards one’s gender. We propose that higher pitch in autistic males and lower pitch in autistic females could be due, at least in part, to a lesser integration of sociolinguistic markers of gender. Our report shows that speech atypicality should not be operationalised in terms of systematic and unidirectional deviation from the neurotypical baseline.
Effects of thermal cycles and time-dependent behavior of the deck on steel network arch bridges
Authors: Bagheriehnajjar Yasmin , Yousefpour Hossein
Published: October 2024

Network arches are a type of arch bridges with inclined hangers, in which some hangers cross each other at least twice. This paper aims to evaluate the effects of thermal fluctuations and volumetric changes of the concrete deck on steel network arches. Fifty-nine variants of a reference network arch bridge were developed, assuming identical arch geometries but varying hanger arrangements. Each bridge was modeled using the finite element method and subjected to heat flux due to solar radiation and changes in ambient temperature in addition to heat transfer via conduction, convection, and radiation. The time-dependent deformations of the concrete deck were implemented using a rate-type formulation. Results obtained during a one-year period after the assumed end of construction showed that stress changes in the arch bridge due to ambient and time-dependent effects were not very sensitive to the hanger layout. Neglecting concrete creep and shrinkage was found to cause a 15-20% underestimation of maximum stresses in the concrete deck, whereas a 40-60% error was observed in both the deck and rib when thermal effects were ignored. The radial arrangement of hangers, already known to perform favorably under live loads, was also found to provide the smallest bending moments and the fewest number of relaxed hangers due to thermal and time-dependent effects.
Detection of COVID-19 from chest X-rays using deep transfer learning
Authors: Vo Tri-Nhan , Le Ngoc-Bich , Phan Quoc-Hung , Le Thanh-Hai , Pham Thi-Thu-Hien
Published: October 2024

Objectives: As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc around the world, effective screening methods for safeguarding public health and bringing the pandemic under control are urgently required. Accordingly, this study proposes a robust pipeline for training and evaluating deep learning predictive models for the detection of COVID-19 from chest X-rays. Methods: The pipeline incorporates multiple techniques to combat overfitting and optimize the prediction results, including data augmentation, Bayesian optimization, the selection of appropriate performance metrics, and the use of early stopping during model training. The proposed pipeline is applied to three common deep learning models: ResNet50, NASNet-A-Mobile, and Xception. Results: The experimental results obtained using the COVID-XRay-5K v3 dataset with 2084 training and 3100 test examples show that the three models achieve AU-PRC (area under precision-recall curve) scores of 0.977, 0.963 and 0.900, respectively; and AU-ROC (area under receiver operating characteristic) scores of 0.994, 0.996 and 0.981. Moreover, at a 98.00% recall (sensitivity), the models achieve high specificities of 97.53%, 97.60% and 86.00%, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest that all three models provide a promising approach for the rapid and reliable detection of COVID-19.
Towards strategic digital transformation: Manufacturing sustainability via crowdfunding, business model innovation, and supportive digital culture
Authors: Amjad Fiza , Rao Yulei , Arif Muhammad , Aftab Rehan , Baig Sajjad , Rahman Amin ur
Published: October 2024

Digitalization has brought both opportunities and challenges, requiring organizations to strategically transform to remain sustainable. This study used Innovation diffusion and resource-based view Framework, to investigate the sequential mediation framework, how strategic digital orientation drives sustainable performance via the mediators of crowdfunding and digital business model innovation, as well as the moderating role of digital organizational culture. Data was collected from 373 executives level employees in Chinese manufacturing SMEs and analyzed using a hybrid SEM-ANN approach. Results demonstrate crowdfunding mediates the link between digital orientation and sustainability. Moreover, business model innovation sequentially mediates the relationships between digital orientation, crowdfunding, and sustainability. In addition, digital organizational culture moderates the link between strategic digital orientation, business model transformation, and crowdfunding. This study offers an enriched understanding of sustainable business practices within the context of SME's and provides useful insights for practitioners, academia and investors striving to boost sustainable growth in SME's sector.
Quest for Equity: Using multiple methodologies to promote collaboration and engagement in anti-racism education
Authors: Garrett Rhianna
Published: October 2024

This article explores how multiple methodologies can create new spaces to reimagine anti-racism work and enhance engagement in anti-racist education. Through the combination of two methodologies, namely design-based research (DBR) and gamification, the paper describes the design formation of the game Quest for Equity, a collaborative and engaging speaking tool. The game improved player engagement and effective collaboration, while challenging performative and racist practices in higher education. This paper provides methodological contributions such as the unique use of facilitation observation and presents an interesting way to extract elements of multiple research approaches to suit contextual goals, reimagining new solutions to historical and contemporary problems.
Linguistic racism and micro-aggressions in everyday encounters of African migrants in China: A challenge to the nation’s strategic vision for Africa?
Authors: Xu Wen
Published: October 2024

Linguistic racism and microaggressions have their origins in the Western world, but their foci and methods are certainly applicable to any society in the age of global mobility. Drawing upon semi-structured interviews, observations and fieldnotes data informed by African migrants in China, this study expands these two notions in China – a country outside the centre and Anglosphere. I illustrate how linguistic racism manifested through shunning and social exclusion, as well as microaggressions practiced explicitly or implicitly in verbal interpersonal interactions. These verbal expressions often appeared subtle, innocuous, or even complimentary, yet they carried negative connotations, reminding the participants that they were linguistically and racially inferior to the Chinese. It is worth noting that the unequal and inequitable realities were perpetuated not only by those who were structurally privileged, but also by the victims’ acceptance, tolerance and complicity. This study, therefore, allows us to see an important, ongoing and often unnoticed social problem in China’s recent interactions with the world, highlighting the limitations of the Sino-African friendship rhetoric in addressing the challenges arising from the recent influx of African migrants to China. Implications for multicultural education and a society that honours diversity are discussed at the end of the article.
Study on superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of the micro-nano structure prepared by femtosecond laser
Authors: Dong Hongtao , Wang Xizhao , He Haojian , Zhang Wenqian
Published: October 2024

The wettability as well as the corrosion resistance of metal is closely related to the surface microstructure. A surface structure with micro protrusion and nano ripple was designed and constructed on 316L stainless steel by femtosecond pulse laser. Superhydrophobic surfaces with a great contact angle over 150° were obtained by surface modifications of heat treatment or fluorination treatment. The corrosion resistance of the superhydrophobic micro-nano structured surfaces was studied through electrochemical testing. The result of polarization curve revealed that the superhydrophobic micro-nano structured surfaces possessed a higher corrosion potential, signifying the susceptibility to corrosion was reduced. Besides, the results of impedance indicated that the superhydrophobic micro-nano structured surfaces exhibited greater total resistance when compared to the original surface, demonstrating the corrosion resistance was enhanced. According to the results, the superhydrophobic surface, characterized by its micro-nanostructure, facilitates the formation of a protective gas film. Additionally, the intricate micro-nano rough structure, in conjunction with the gas film, effectively shields the underlying surface from infiltrative processes, thereby mitigating the potential exacerbation of corrosion phenomena.
Breaking the Silence: Addressing Domestic Abuse in Mental Health Settings—Identification, Screening, and Responding
Authors: Baukaite Ema , Walker Kate , Sleath Emma
Published: October 2024

Individuals experiencing domestic abuse (DA) struggle to disclose victimization, but as frequent users of mental health services, this is a pivotal setting for identification and addressing DA. This systematic review of 20 studies investigates DA identification, screening, and responses within mental health settings. Three databases were searched using these inclusion criteria: adults aged 18 and older accessing mental health services, samples comprising mental health professionals (or combination). No geographical restrictions were applied. All studies were peer-reviewed and published in English between January 2000 and December 2023. Studies had to incorporate screening for DA between (ex-)partners and/or response to disclosure within mental health settings. The findings revealed considerable variation in DA screening methods from direct screening tools to retrospective analyses of patient files. Professionals report barriers in identifying DA, including uncertainty about their role, time constraints, and the importance of building trust with service users. Nonetheless, many highlight the importance of routinely asking about DA. A small number of interventions have been effective in enhancing professionals’ readiness to address DA, but it remains unclear what format of training is most effective. Service users report feelings of shame and fear of not being believed when disclosing DA, but are aided by therapeutic engagement and enhanced professional awareness. There is a lack of diverse inclusion in the research. In summary, there is considerable scope to develop good practice to support mental health professionals’ ability to identify and respond to DA across assessment tool and training, but also in understanding what facilitates service users to disclose.
The Socio-Ecological Factors Associated with Mental Health Problems and Resilience in Refugees: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Fadhlia Tengku Nila , Doosje Bertjan , Sauter Disa A.
Published: October 2024

Despite the immense challenges to mental health faced by refugees, research consistently finds that many nevertheless demonstrate remarkable resilience. However, a systematic account of the scientific literature on resilience among refugees is currently lacking. This paper aims to fill that gap by comprehensively reviewing research on protective and risk factors affecting refugees’ resilience and mental health problems across four socio-ecological levels: individual, family, community, and society. We conducted a systematic search in the databases PsycINFO, Web of Science, and SocINDEX, as well as contacted topic experts to seek out unpublished manuscripts. This yielded 223 studies (171 quantitative, 52 qualitative), which were subjected to systematic content coding. We found consistent evidence for substantive risk factors, including traumatic experiences and gender at the individual level and postmigration stress and unemployment at the societal level. We found social support to be a clear protective factor at the family and community levels. We discuss these findings in the context of policy and intervention programs and make recommendations at different socio-ecological levels for supporting refugees’ resilience.
Does Shared Leadership Always Have Positive Effects on Employee Creativity? A Role Conflict Perspective
Authors: Liu Meilin , Gu Qinxuan
Published: October 2024

Drawing on role theory, this study investigates the cross-level impact of shared leadership on employee creativity via role conflict, and further explores the boundary condition of task-oriented vertical leader behavior. Data were collected from 691 employees and their direct leaders from 93 teams in China. The results reveal that (a) shared leadership increases role conflict, (b) shared leadership negatively affects employee creativity through role conflict, and (c) task-oriented vertical leader behavior weakens the impact of shared leadership on role conflict and the negative indirect impact of shared leadership on employee creativity. This study enriches the literature on leadership and creativity by revealing the potential inhibiting effect of shared leadership on creativity and the mitigating effect of vertical leadership behavior.
Visual guidance technology of flying cars based on multilevel markers and depth
Authors: Chen Tanjie , Yang Yu , Zheng Zijun , Shao Jiaru
Published: October 2024

Split-type flying car will play an important role in the future transportation. This paper adopts a guidance method that couples visual information and depth information, and improves the docking accuracy through the mutual cooperation of the drone and the vehicle. Firstly, a multilevel docking marker is designed to achieve adaptive target matching within different distances during the docking process. The marker has strong robustness and can adapt to complex scenes such as occlusion, strong light, and large angle tilting, providing the redundant corner points required for machine vision detection pose information accurately. Secondly, a three-dimensional pose estimation algorithm is proposed, which can introduce depth information to correct the homography matrix. The algorithm combines the advantages of strong robustness to multilevel marker detection and high accuracy of depth information, and can output millimeter-level precision pose information in different environments, different inclination angles, and different occlusions. Finally, a flying car model experiment was carried out, and the results showed that the guidance technology can obtain millimeter-level precise pose information during the entire process of long distance-near distance-completion of docking, thus realizing precise docking.
Rural service coordination programming for women using substances and their families
Authors: Cottrell Lesley , Workman Charlotte , Danko Melina , Walker Ellis , Dmytrijuk Anthony , Harrison Susan , Lee Mikisha , McKinsey Ashleigh , Smith Mark C
Published: October 2024

Background:

Women experiencing substance use during their pregnancies or after the birth of a child report being fearful of losing their children based on care, stigmatized when seeking assistance, and barriers to care such as having to provide the same information to different providers, and having to repeat their lived experiences with substance use in detail. Particularly these service barriers can be confusing, complicated, and difficult to follow, which could lead to non-compliance or not seeking services.

Objectives:

We evaluated components of a service coordination program for women experiencing substance use, their children, and larger families who help with caregiving. We examined stakeholder interest in the program, feasibility providing services over time, and initial program effectiveness.

Design:

Participant enrollment and outcomes as well as service coordination activities provided over a 4-year period was gathered across three demonstration site locations (a birthing hospital, reunification program, and home visiting program).

Methods:

Program information was gathered from needs assessment data, health survey data from enrolled caregivers and infants, training evaluations, and budget recordings of direct aid. In this mixed method design, we examined potential differences between baseline and the last assessment for women and children enrolled in the program. We also utilized univariate analyses of variance to examine the main effects of maternal and infant characteristics on final maternal and infant outcomes.

Results:

Three sites enrolled 182 women and families for program services. Patient navigators provided direct aid, training, goal setting, and service coordination and planning. Families remained in the program, on average, 655 days and were satisfied with the services received. Respondents thought the program elements were easy to implement within the rural setting. The program effectively addressed basic needs, violence ( p < 0.001; η2 = 0.34 (0.05–0.53)), infant development ( p < 0.02; η2 = 0.51 (0.13–0.61)), and maternal depression ( p < 0.05; η2 = 0.9 (0.00–0.22)). Select outcomes did differ by site.

Conclusion:

A service coordination model utilizing a patient navigator role to coordinate client services coupled with an approach that serves the infant and caregiver needs was feasible and desirable by all stakeholders within a rural setting. Service coordination effectively impacted select caregiver and infant outcomes.
Neuromuscular training in shod or barefoot conditions equally improved performance in female youth field hockey player: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schlewing Jannick , Jacobs Shaundré , Hollander Kasten , Venter Ranel
Published: October 2024

A growing body of literature addresses the public and scientific interest in barefoot locomotion as an alternative to footwear for running and enhancing physical performance. Little is known about the effects of barefoot training in youth team sport athletes. This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of a nine-week neuromuscular warm-up program (20 minutes twice per week) on balance, functional jumping, speed, acceleration, and agility, in female youth field hockey players. Players (16.2 ± 1.2 years) from three teams from a high school volunteered, consented to participation and were randomly assigned to either a barefoot or shod intervention group. Mixed model ANOVAs were conducted with the full data set of 34 participants as random effects (to account for repeated measurements), and intervention, time, limb side as fixed effects. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the two groups on performance outcomes with small (ES ≥ 0.2) to medium (ES ≥ 0.4) effect sizes. Both groups significantly improved (p < 0.05) their performance pre- to post-intervention in all tests. Performing the warm-up program barefoot or shod appeared to be equally effective to improve physical performance in habitually barefoot youth athletes.
Teachers’ Perceptions of Young Gifted Children in China
Authors: Cai Fangfang
Published: October 2024

Teachers’ perceptions are important in identifying and serving gifted children. However, little attention is given to gifted education in the early years in China. This study aimed to investigate teachers’ perceptions of young gifted children (aged 3–6), exploring teachers’ understandings, feelings, practices, and perceived challenges. Qualitative data were collected from seven teachers through semi-structured interviews. Major conclusions included the following: (a) teachers showed a multifaceted understanding of giftedness but exhibited confusion about twice-exceptional students; (b) teachers had mixed feelings about young gifted children and their negative feelings might be associated with unfamiliarity with gifted characteristics; (c) compared to whole-group teaching, “areal games” showed a higher level of differentiated instruction and a more active role that teachers played in challenging gifted children; and (d) lack of professional knowledge, time, and energy were major challenges perceived by early years teachers to serve gifted children. Important implications for practice and policy are addressed.
Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Properties of Different Parts of Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) and Their Effects on in vitro Digestibility in Ruminants
Authors: Brinsi Chirine , Jedidi Saber , Dhiffalah Ameni , Selmi Houcine , Sammari Houcem , Sebai Hichem
Published: October 2024

Introduction: At the interface between man, animal and environment, the use of phytobiotics in agroecology practices has been developed as one of the most effective nutritional strategies for animal performance, health, and well-being. This study aimed to determine the effect of extracts from different parts (leaves, flowers and fruits) of a medicinal and food plant, dill ( Anethum graveolens L.) on in vitro digestibility in small ruminants. Methods: Chemical and parietal composition and antioxidant activity were determined, and nutritional and energy values were predicted. Substrate fermentation was studied using in vitro gas production techniques in sheep and goat intestines. Results: Flowers were rich in secondary metabolites, while fruits were rich in fiber and showed the best antioxidant activity against DPPH (IC50 = 41.71 μg/ml). The studied dill plant parts were digestible and nutritious, mainly fruits, with lower gas production rates compared to leaves and flowers in sheep and goats. The methane gas produced by fermentation was not significant in the leaves of either species. Conclusion: In summary, A. graveolens fruits can be considered a natural source of antioxidants that improve animal nutrition and health. Moreover, A. graveolens leaves can play an ecological role in the environment.
Pickleball and the Rising Incidence of Achilles Tendon Injuries in the Elderly
Authors: McCahon Joseph A. S. , Miller Mark , Riebesell Samantha , Pedowitz David I. , Parekh Selene G. , Daniel Joseph N.
Published: October 2024

Background

With its rising popularity of pickleball, particularly in the aging population, comes concern for potential injuries that previously rarely affected this patient cohort. The purpose of this study was to investigate the trends of pickleball-related Achilles tendon injuries.

Methods

A retrospective case series was performed to determine the trends associated with pickleball-related Achilles tendon injuries over the last 10 years. A database search of all Achilles tendon ruptures (ICD-10 S86.0) presenting to a large, multistate, subspecialty referral orthopaedic clinic between January 2013 and June 2023 were identified and included in the study. Pickleball-related injuries were identified via query and confirmed with manual chart review. The incidence of pickleball-related injuries, as well as patient demographics and rate of surgery was determined and compared with the total population during that time period.

Results

A total of 2684 patients who suffered an Achilles tendon injury between January 2013 and June 2023 were identified, with 43 patients meeting the inclusion criteria for pickleball-related Achilles tendon ruptures. The number and overall incidence of pickleball-related Achilles tendon injuries has been increasing since 2016, excluding 2020 where there was a large decrease likely due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Pickleball was associated with older age at time of injury (64.5 vs 48.6, P < .001) as well as a lower BMI (26.6 vs 29.4, P < .001). In addition, patients who sustained a pickleball-related Achilles tendon injury were more likely to undergo surgery (67.4% vs 45.4%, P = .008).

Conclusion

The rising popularity of pickleball and its associated injuries poses a significant risk to the aging population, with Achilles tendon injuries occurring in older individuals and resulting in a higher likelihood of undergoing surgery.

Level of Evidence:

IV; retrospective case-series
Are Mopani Worms a Mechanism for Mopane Tree (Colophospermum mopane) Conservation? An Evaluation of the Villages Around Giyani, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Sinthumule Ndidzulafhi Innocent
Published: October 2024

Background and Background Aims

Colophospermum mopane provides many benefits including mopani worms, firewood, timber for construction, and medicine. Despite C. mopane playing a significant role in the lives and livelihoods of communities within their range, they are destroyed because of unsustainable harvesting practices coupled with lack of management practices. Assessment of people’s attitudes has become significant in studies dealing with the conservation of biodiversity. This study aims to assess the attitudes of local communities in and surrounding Giyani in Limpopo Province in South Africa towards the mopane tree and to determine if their attitudes relate to obedience to traditional rules and regulations.

Methods

Interview-administered questionnaires were used to systematically select 161 households in Muyexe village and 82 households in Nsavulani village. The questionnaire evaluated the biographical data of respondents, knowledge of mopane woodlands, importance of mopane trees and mopani worms, and their attitudes towards mopane tree conservation.

Results

The overwhelming majority of respondents in both villages had positive attitudes towards mopane trees for ethical reasons. Respondents were also positive that mopane trees should be protected for future generations. The positive attitude of most respondents relates to obedience to rules and regulations that do not allow cutting of wet C. mopane. Respondents only cut dead or dry mopane woodlands for fuelwood. Cutting or harvesting was done on a subsistence and sustainable basis.

Conclusion

The communities have shown that they are guardians of C. mopane. The study concluded that mopani worms serve a mechanism for C. mopane conservation in Muyexe and Nsavulani villages in South Africa.

Implications for conservation

The positive attitudes of local communities, and obedience to the customary rules and regulations is a positive sign not only for ethical reasons, but also for long-term mopane woodlands conservation. This approach encourages the long sustainability of mopane woodlands in the study area.
Physical Therapy for Knee Pain Relief Induces Changes in Gut Microbiome Composition: A Secondary Analysis of Data From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kouraki Afroditi , Vijay Amrita , Gohir Sameer , Millar Bonnie , Kelly Anthony , Valdes Ana M
Published: October 2024

Background:

Aerobic exercise alters gut microbiome composition, yet the impact of gentle physiotherapy on gut microbiome and its relation to muscle strengthening and physical function remains unexplored.

Hypothesis:

Physiotherapy exercises modulate gut microbiome composition and changes in gut microbes are linked to improvements in muscle strength or function.

Study Design:

Secondary data analysis of samples from a randomized controlled trial.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2b.

Methods:

Data from a 6-week randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy for knee pain were analyzed. Gut microbiota profiling utilized 16S sequencing. We compared intervention and control (usual care) groups using microbial diversity metrics. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that changed after the program were identified with ALDEX2, and correlations between these ASVs and measures of physical function, muscle strength, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were explored.

Results:

No diversity changes were observed between standard care (n = 43) and physiotherapy (n = 34). Physiotherapy led to significant increases in Alistipes, Bacteroides, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Faecalibacterium ASVs. Of these, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Faecalibacterium were associated with postintervention muscle strength. Increase in Faecalibacterium was correlated with a decrease in IL-6 in the physiotherapy group.

Conclusion:

Physiotherapy had modest effects on gut microbiome composition affecting 4 taxa. Increases in muscle strength were correlated with increases in 2 taxa including Faecalibacterium. Faecalibacterium was also linked to reduced inflammation. Improved walking speed was linked to an increase in Alistipes with no differences found for strength or squatting ability.

Clinical Relevance:

Improved gut microbiome composition is linked to better overall health outcomes, including enhanced immune function, reduced inflammation, and improved metabolic health. This is particularly relevant for patients with osteoarthritis, who are known to have a high prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities. Integrating physiotherapy protocols that positively influence the gut microbiome can thus enhance overall patient outcomes.
Does More Invasive Surgery Result in Higher Patient Satisfaction? A Long-Term Follow-Up of 136 Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures
Authors: Rahbin Samin , Sunnergren Ola , McBride Ellen , Darabi Hatef , Alinasab Babak
Published: October 2024

Study Design

Retrospective with follow-up.

Objective

To evaluate the long-term satisfaction of surgically treated patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures in relation to the use of internal fixation, number of fixation points, and orbital floor (OF) reconstruction. Secondary objectives were to describe the use of antibiotics and post-operative infections.

Methods

Patients with unilateral ZMC fractures between 2007-2018 and treatment with either open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or closed reduction (CR) were identified from medical records and invited to follow-ups between 2018-2020. Patients were examined, photographed, and completed a questionnaire. A review panel of 3 experienced surgeons evaluated photographs and computed tomography (CT) scans pre- and post-surgery.

Results

The study sample consisted of 136 patients (108 ORIF, 28 CR) with a median follow-up time of 76 months. Patient satisfaction of surgical outcome was high (97.8%), with no significant differences in relation to the use of internal fixation, number of fixation points, or OF reconstruction. Dissatisfaction was primarily related to hypoesthesia. On post-operative CT scans, malar asymmetry was more often predicted in patients with 1-point fixations. On questionnaires and photographs, malar asymmetry was more common in patients with 3-point fixations. Prophylactic antibiotics had no effect on the rate of post-operative infections.

Conclusions

Patient satisfaction was not influenced by internal fixation, number of fixation points, or OF reconstruction. Selected ZMC fractures can be treated with less invasive approaches. Caution should be observed when predicting long-term malar asymmetry on post-operative CT scans. The findings of this study highlight the importance of a rational and ethical use of surgery.
Exploration of the causative gene in a case of multiple nevoid basal cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Liu Yutong , Gao Xuejun , Cao Lianjing , Ren Jizhen , Miao Yuanxin , Cai Xia
Published: October 2024

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a diverse clinical presentation, which includes developmental abnormalities and tumorigenesis that can impact multiple organ systems. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and characteristic clinical presentation in patients with NBCCS. There are three identified causative genes for this disease, the PTCH1 gene located at 9q22-31, the PTCH2 gene at 1p32-34, and the SUFU gene at 10q24.32. In this paper, we report a case of multiple nevoid basal cell carcinoma. The mutated gene in this patient was determined to be the ELP1 gene located on chromosome 9. This patient’s ELP1 gene mutation may contribute to the development of multiple nevoid basal cell carcinomas on the face.
Exploring the community pharmacist’s knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding adverse drug reactions and its reporting in the United Arab Emirates: a survey-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Shareef Javedh , Sridhar Sathvik Belagodu , Bhupathyraaj Mullaicharam , Shariff Atiqulla , Thomas Sabin
Published: October 2024

Background:

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) contribute significant clinical and economic burden to the country’s healthcare system globally. Prompt reporting of ADRs by the community pharmacist is essential to the active pharmacovigilance program.

Objectives:

This study assesses private community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about ADRs and reporting.

Design:

A cross-sectional, qualitative study was performed using a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire.

Methods:

This self-administered questionnaire was conducted at community pharmacies between March and July 2022. The data collected were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests to examine the differences in overall KAP scores with a subgroup of sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the predictors of practice.

Results:

In total, 156 fully completed questionnaires were collected by the community pharmacists. A positive association between the designation, qualification, and work experience with the total scores of the respondents was observed ( p < 0.05). Among the predictors of ADR reporting practice, a significant association was observed with knowledge score (⩾6, p = 0.0219), designation (pharmacists, p = 0.0102), qualification (masters, p = 0.0002), and work experience (⩾11 years, p = 0.0184). Most community pharmacists had good knowledge and attitude but poor practice toward reporting ADRs. Uncertainty of how and where to report, lack of training, lack of reporting forms, and insufficient clinical knowledge were the practice-based barriers in the ADR reporting process.

Conclusion:

Though the study found sufficient understanding and favorable views on ADR reporting, participants reported poor practices and barriers to reporting ADR. Therefore, structured continuing professional development programs for community pharmacists are needed to overcome the barriers and enhance the practice of ADR reporting.
Foreign investment screening mechanisms and emergent geographies of (post)globalization
Authors: Alami Ilias
Published: October 2024

Technologically advanced states and large emerging economies increasingly use foreign investment screening mechanisms (FISM) to block inward foreign investment targeting sectors considered critical. Is the proliferation of FISM auguring an era of deglobalization, a re-assertion of national-state sovereignty over globalized economic ties, and the end of neoliberal orthodoxies of liberalized investment regimes? To answer these questions, the article draws upon geographic political economy and legal geographies. It argues that the multiplication of FISM is a response to a strategic context defined by three macrogeographic trends: (1) contemporary industrial restructuring and the salience of intellectual property-based monopolies; (2) a historic episode of centralization of capital driven by strategic mergers and acquisitions; and (3) evolving landscapes of state capitalism under conditions of intensified geoeconomic competition. Although FISM reproduce the fiction of state power as expressing the will of the sovereign nation to defend itself against foreign interference, market distortion, and technology theft, they consist of legally enshrining state authority to support national champions, and making sure they engage favorably with competitive dynamics of capital centralization, notably by conserving their monopoly over key intangible assets and strategic resources. FISM are best seen as tools that explicitly mobilize state power and coercion to aggressively (re)negotiate globalization.