bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conflict Recovery in Socialist Utopia: A Critical Analysis of Vietnam's Postwar Reconstruction Policies Through a Visual Interpretation of 1976–1986 Propaganda Posters
Authors: Nguyen Hieu P.
Published: March 2024

The Vietnam War left a newly reunified Vietnam with innumerable challenges following the fall of Saigon in April 1975. Through an interpretive analytical approach using propaganda posters as the visual data source, this study examines how the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnamese government disseminated economic, political, diplomatic, military, and social policies to the public in order to rally support for the ambitious goal of rebuilding the country as an industrialized socialist nation. In doing so, this study shows how a national reconstruction discourse could be modalized in textual, visual, and symbolic spaces to maximize its persuasiveness in conflict recovery efforts. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that while recovery is the utmost goal of governments following the end of conflicts, basing it on a specific ideology without careful examination of contextual factors can be deleterious and even calamitous. Propaganda posters can serve as a powerful communication tool for policy makers, but poorly aligned campaigns can be counterproductive.
Transitioning to New Paradigms for Societally Impactful Research: Recommendations from the TCR Impact Task Force and an Agenda
Authors: Ozanne Julie L. , Davis Brennan , Blocker Christopher P. , DeBerry-Spence Benét , Gann Rebecca Ballenger
Published: March 2024

Marketing scholars increasingly aim to research social and policy problems to create and implement solutions with relevant stakeholders that drive societal impact. In 2022, Transformative Consumer Research and the American Marketing Association sponsored the first TCR-AMA Impact Festival, celebrating societally impactful research in marketing. Results and reflections from the conference point to successes and significant challenges facing scholars who seek to do research with societal impact. A TCR Impact Task Force of leading marketing and consumer scholars was surveyed in a two-stage Delphi study to understand these opportunities and obstacles more deeply and prioritize next steps for the academic community. The results provide an agenda for transformative consumer and marketing research. This agenda provokes fresh thinking for paradigm-level changes by advocating new research validities, methods of stakeholder engagement, initiatives for developing researchers’ capacities, and more substantial institutional support to accelerate the success of impactful academic research.
Healthcare Experiences and Health Outcomes Among Rural LGBTQ+ Individuals
Authors: Jenkins Wiley D. , Miller Kyle W. , Tillewein Heather , Walters Suzan , Weatherly Taryn , Wickham Hannah , Luckey Georgia , Fenner Emma
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To describe healthcare experiences and health outcomes among rural LGBTQ + individuals.

Design

2022 cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Southern Illinois.

Sample

85 individuals.

Measures

Demographics, sexual orientation and gender identity, healthcare experiences, health outcomes.

Analysis

Experiences and outcomes were assessed vs orientation and identity. Distribution comparison was by t-test and chi-square, risk prediction by logistic regression, and significance assumed at P < .050.

Results

By orientation, participants were: 35.3% gay, 16.5% lesbian, and 45.8% bisexual plus; and by identity they were: 49.4% cisgender, 25.9% transgender, and 24.8% other identity. Survey item responses ranged from 95%-99%. Compared to gay men, lesbians and bisexual plus individuals more frequently reported medical bill payment difficulty (58.3% and 57.9% vs 25.0%; P = .020) and more past month days of poor mental health (19.4 and 15.8 vs 10.6; P = .018). Compared to heterosexual and other identity, transgender individuals less frequently reported having a routine medical provider (72.7% vs 92.7% and 95.0%; P = .037) and more frequently reported past healthcare denial (45.5% vs 17.5% and 18.8%; P = .042). Current health was associated with medical bill payment ability (OR = .33, 95% CI = .13-.86) and respectful treatment by healthcare administrators (OR = 3.90, 95% CI = 1.34-11.35) and clinicians (OR = 3.82, 95% CI = 1.39-10.47). Significance of some findings likely limited due to sample size.

Conclusions

Our data describes healthcare experience and health outcome disparities among rural lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other sexual and gender minority individuals, and indicate that clinical experiences directly influence health outcomes.
Effectiveness of School-Based Oral Health Education for Children and Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Siwoo , Kim So Yoon
Published: March 2024

The global burden of oral diseases is high, but access to oral health care is still problematic, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The prevention of oral diseases in the child and adolescent population is the key as it can be prevented and potentially reversed at its early stages. This study aimed to provide evidence on the effectiveness of school-based oral health education in low- and middle-income countries through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eligible studies had outcomes, such as oral health knowledge, behavior, oral hygiene, gingival health, and caries index, and those published from 1995 to 2019 in English. After screening and reviewing the retrieved articles, 20 studies were included in the systematic review and six eligible studies were selected for meta-analysis. The computed effect size of school-based oral health education in low- and middle-income countries showed improved knowledge, behavior, oral hygiene, and gingival health from the selected studies. However, most of the interventions took place for less than one year, and long-term evidence is still lacking. As repetition and reinforcement are critical in maintaining long-term effects, both country context and sustainability should be considered in school-based oral health education.
Artificial intelligence- and computer-assisted navigation for shoulder surgery
Authors: Lee Kang-San , Jung Seung Ho , Kim Dong-Hyun , Chung Seok Won , Yoon Jong Pil
Published: March 2024

Background: Over the last few decades, shoulder surgery has undergone rapid advancements, with ongoing exploration and the development of innovative technological approaches. In the coming years, technologies such as robot-assisted surgeries, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, patient-specific instrumentation, and different innovative perioperative and preoperative planning tools will continue to fuel a revolution in the medical field, thereby pushing it toward new frontiers and unprecedented advancements. In relation to this, shoulder surgery will experience significant breakthroughs. Main body: Recent advancements and technological innovations in the field were comprehensively analyzed. We aimed to provide a detailed overview of the current landscape, emphasizing the roles of technologies. Computer-assisted surgery utilizing robotic- or image-guided technologies is widely adopted in various orthopedic specialties. The most advanced components of computer-assisted surgery are navigation and robotic systems, with functions and applications that are continuously expanding. Surgical navigation requires a visual system that presents real-time positional data on surgical instruments or implants in relation to the target bone, displayed on a computer monitor. There are three primary categories of surgical planning that utilize navigation systems. The initial category involves volumetric images, such as ultrasound echogram, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance images. The second type is based on intraoperative fluoroscopic images, and the third type incorporates kinetic information about joints or morphometric data about the target bones acquired intraoperatively. Conclusion: The rapid integration of artificial intelligence and deep learning into the medical domain has a significant and transformative influence. Numerous studies utilizing deep learning-based diagnostics in orthopedics have remarkable achievements and performance.
How Principals Influence Teachers’ Innovative Work Behavior: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Almessabi Ameera , Alhosani Mohamed
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to explore the influence of principals’ leadership behaviors on their teachers’ innovative work behavior (IWB). It follows a qualitative approach that investigates the teachers’ perceptions of principals’ leadership behaviors and teachers’ own IWB. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using (NVivo 12) for the 15 interviews. It was found that principal leadership behaviors positively impact the innovative work behavior of teachers in UAE. The results indicated that support for innovation, providing resources, recognition, delegation, and consultation were the strongest influences on teachers’ IWB. Whereas continued monitoring affects teachers’ innovative behavior negatively. In this work, implications for practitioners and future research are also discussed.
From the Three Rs to the “Culture Wars”? How Australians Perceive Local Government Action on Climate Change, Indigenous Reconciliation, and LGBTQIA + Advocacy
Authors: Chou Mark , Busbridge Rachel , Rutledge-Prior Serrin
Published: March 2024

Australian local government has rarely been the domain where entrenched and polarising cultural disputes play out, and is instead most often associated with the “3Rs”: roads, rates, and rubbish. However, in recent years, a growing number of local councils from across Australia have taken exceptional and unprecedented steps, sometimes in defiance of state and federal governments, to address some of the country's most ideologically contentious issues. Drawing on long-established American urban politics literature on local politics and culture war conflicts, this research note offers an empirical account of the public understandings and perceptions of local government roles in the realm of contentious politics, an area that has not yet been addressed in the emerging Australian literature. Our findings from a representative nation-wide survey (n = 1,350) indicate that a majority of Australians believe that local governments should be involved in matters relating to climate change, Indigenous reconciliation, and LGBTQIA + advocacy.
Quantifying cardiac dysfunction and valvular heart disease associated with subretinal drusenoid deposits in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Fei Yang , Jo Jason J , Chen Sophie , Ledesma-Gil Gerardo , Otero-Marquez Oscar , Mordechaev Emanuel , Le Brandon , Tong Yuehong , Tai Katy , Lema Gareth , Rosen Richard B , Agarwal Vikram Vedprakash , Smith Roland Theodore
Published: March 2024

Background/Aims

Demonstrate through objective multidisciplinary imaging that subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are linked to both coexistent valvular heart disease (VHD) and reduced systemic perfusion via cardiac index (CI).

Methods

Post-hoc analysis of cross-sectional study. 200 intermediate AMD (iAMD) subjects were assigned by masked readers to two groups: SDD (with or without drusen) and drusen (only) based on multimodal ophthalmic imaging. 65 transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) reports were available for cardiologist evaluation of VHD severity of the four cardiac valves and the presences of precursor lesions of aortic sclerosis (ASc) and mitral annular calcification (MAC). Necessary parameters to calculate CI were also obtained. Univariate testing was performed using Fisher's Exact test and t-test.

Results

82.6% (19/23) of the iAMD subjects with at least one moderate/severe VHD had concurrent SDDs ( p = 0.0040). All cases of aortic regurgitation (6/6, p = 0.0370) and mitral regurgitation (13/13, p = 0.0004) were found with coexisting SDDs. Stenotic VHD was not significantly associated with SDDs, however 70.7% of subjects with ASc (29/41, p = 0.0108) and 76.0% of subjects with MAC (19/25, 0.0377) had coexisting SDDs. CI was available in 48 subjects and was significantly below normal levels in the SDD cohort (mean CI SDD 1.95 ± 0.60 L/min/m2, non-SDD 2.71 ± 0.73 L/min/m2, p = 0.0004).

Conclusions

Several specific VHDs have been found associated with the SDD form of AMD. Decreased systemic perfusion as measured by CI was also associated with SDDs, which supports a perfusion hypothesis of SDD pathogenesis. Further research is warranted to understand the relationship between cardiovascular disease and SDDs.
Computer-Assisted Discovery of Salvia fruticosa Compounds With Schistosomicidal Activity
Authors: Shoko Ryman , Mandivenga Farirai
Published: March 2024

Schistosomiasis, otherwise known as bilharzia or snail fever, is a disease that usually affects poor people and people exposed to poor sanitation. The disease affects over 200 million people worldwide annually. Schistosomiasis has been treated using a single drug, praziquantel, since the 1970s and this is resulting in schistosomes becoming resistant. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new antischistosoma drugs and vaccines. This study focuses on identifying potential antischistosomal compounds from the plant Salvia fruticosa. We virtually screened a library of 163 S fruticosa compounds by docking against Schistosoma mansoni sulfotransferase ( SmSULT) using the PyRx software. Docking scores ranged from −4.7 to −9.3 kcal/mol. Compounds with binding affinity of −7.6 or stronger were subjected to drug-likeness assessments using the DataWarrior software. We also employed the PAINS removal tool to filter off false-positive results. Twelve compounds passed the drug-likeness screen, and these were subjected to in silico toxicity predictions to determine their mutagenic, tumorigenic and reproductive potential. Seven compounds were predicted to be nontoxic. After considering the toxicity analysis results and drug scores of the compounds, we identified rosmarinic acid and hispidulin as qualifying for further evaluation as potential drugs against schistosomiasis. Free energy calculations using the fastDRH webserver and molecular dynamics simulations using CABS-flex showed that the receptor-ligand complexes for the 2 lead compounds are stable under physiological conditions. We recommend that rosmarinic acid and hispidulin be used as hit compounds for the development of potential antischistosomal drugs.
Psychosocial and economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic by sex among migrant populations compared with general Finnish population: a population-based study
Authors: Nykänen Sanna , García-Velázquez Regina , E Castaneda Anu , Koponen Päivikki , Musta Laura , Skogberg Natalia
Published: March 2024

Aims:

To study sex differences in the psychosocial and economic impact of the restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 among the migrant origin and the general population in Finland.

Methods:

Cross-sectional MigCOVID Survey data (10/2020–2/2021; n=3668) were used. FinHealth 2017 Follow-up Study participants constituted the general population reference group ( n=3490). Sex differences in self-perceived impact of the restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on the psychosocial and economic situation were examined with multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographics and self-rated health.

Results:

The migrant origin population had higher odds for reporting weakened economic situation (odds ratio (OR) 5.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.96–7.39), increased loneliness (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.35–2.28), decrease in feelings of hope for the future (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.33–2.19) and increased sleeping difficulties and nightmares (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.34–2.92) than the general population. While the psychosocial and economic impact of COVID-19 was higher in women compared with men in the general population, findings were not fully replicated in the migrant origin population.

Conclusions:

Individuals of migrant origin faced a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse changes in both psychosocial and economic aspects during the pandemic, suggesting increased vulnerability linked to migrant origin. Additional research is required to delve into the intricate connections among gender, migrant origin, and the impact of COVID-19, aiming to enhance comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors. Vulnerabilities of different population groups should be identified and addressed when planning measures to reduce adverse societal impact in future crises.
Acute and Mid-Term Results of Atherectomy in Femoropopliteal Lesions
Authors: Noory Elias , Böhme Tanja , Steinhauser Yannick , Salm Jonas , Beschorner Ulrich , de Forest Andrew , Bollenbacher Roaa , Westermann Dirk , Zeller Thomas
Published: March 2024

Background:

The femoropopliteal arteries are commonly affected by atherosclerotic lesions. The use of atherectomy may increase the benefit of definitive therapy, such as drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty.

Purpose:

To analyze the 2-year safety and efficacy of atherectomy in general and stratified by directional atherectomy (DA) and front-cutting atherectomy (FA) for the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of the femoropopliteal arteries.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed including patients who underwent vessel preparation with atherectomy. The primary endpoint was the 2-year incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR). Secondary endpoints included primary patency, changes in ankle-brachial index (ABI) and Rutherford-Becker class (RBC), and amputation rate up to 2 years.

Results:

Nine hundred and fifty-five patients (37.8% female; mean age: 69.7±9.6 years) were included in this analysis. Eight hundred and twenty-one patients (86%) were claudicants, 134 patients (14%) had critical limb-threatening ischemia. Six hundred and forty-four lesions (67.4%) were in a native artery and 145 lesions (15.2%) were in-stent restenoses. In 166 patients (17.4%), atherectomy was performed in native and in-stent segments. Eight hundred and thirty-seven patients were treated with DA and 118 patients with FA. Five-hundred and seventy-four procedures (60.1%) were followed by DCB angioplasty, provisional stent rate was 20% overall. One hundred and fifty-four procedure-related adverse events (16.1%) were documented, four complications (0.4%) required surgical intervention. At 2 years, 279 patients (34.3%) required TLR. After DA, TLR rates were 9%, 19.5%, and 32.2% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, and 14.2%, 29.4%, and 49%, at 6, 12, and 24 months after FA. After DA, primary patency rates were 75.9%, 57.4%, and 40.3% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, and 64.9%, 44.8%, and 26%, at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively, after FA. Mean ABI and mean RBC improved significantly during follow-up (p<0.001), 17 patients required amputation, 13 minor (1.6%) and four major (0.5%). Regression analysis shows that more calcified lesions are more likely to have a TLR. Compared with a vessel diameter of 4 mm or smaller, larger diameters are associated with fewer TLRs.

Conclusion:

In this retrospective analysis, atherectomy of femoropopliteal lesions shows satisfactory mid-term results.

Clinical Trial Registration:

German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00031245

Clinical Impact

The results of this analysis could influence the daily practice of the interventionalists. A combination of atherectomy as vessel preparation followed by drug coated balloon angioplasty appears to be promising, but would need to be investigated in randomised trials.
Performance prediction of polyvinylidene fluoride membrane materials after natural and artificially accelerated aging
Authors: Yang Yong Hui , Yang Bin , Yu Yue Yang
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the performance degradation and prediction of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane materials under natural aging conditions (2 MPa prestress) and artificially accelerated aging conditions. Initially, the tensile strength, elongation at break, elastic modulus, tear strength, and apparent properties (transmittance, reflectivity, and conjugated double bond absorption area) of the membrane material were measured through uniaxial tensile testing, trapezoidal tear testing, and ultraviolet (UV) testing. These measurement results were then compared and analyzed in relation to tear strength and apparent properties under artificially accelerated aging conditions. The results indicate that UV irradiation and 2 MPa prestress play a crucial role in the degradation of PVDF membrane material properties. Finally, an enhanced Arrhenius equation, accounting for the triple effects of irradiation, oxygen pressure, and temperature, and Schwarzschild’s law, were employed to establish a correlation between natural (2 MPa prestress) and artificially accelerated aging performance of PVDF. The results demonstrate that the enhanced Arrhenius equation provides a more accurate prediction compared to Schwarzschild’s law.
Correlates of Sexual Behavior Across Fatherhood Status: Finding From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), 2016–2018
Authors: Baxter Samuel L. K. , Hopper Lorenzo N. , Spinner Chelse
Published: March 2024

Amid national trends in postponed parenthood and more diverse family structures, the fatherhood identity may be important to men’s sexual behaviors. This study examined factors associated with reports of consistent contraceptive use and multiple sexual partners across fatherhood status. Using public data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), Wave V (2016–2018), two sexual behaviors were examined among 1,163 men aged 32 to 42 years. Outcomes were two binary indicators: consistent contraceptive use with partner and having multiple (≥2) sexual partners in the past year. Fatherhood status was categorized as nonfather, resident father, and nonresident father. Demographic (e.g., race/ethnicity, education, income, and relationship type) and health-related (e.g., drinking, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and insurance status) factors were considered. Logistic regression analysis produced odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals and were stratified by fatherhood categories. In the sample, 72% of men were resident fathers, 10% were nonresident fathers, and 18% were nonfathers; 28% reported consistent contraceptive use and 16% reported multiple sexual partners. For nonfathers, relationship type and race were associated with reporting multiple sexual partners. For resident fathers, relationship type was the crucial factor associated with consistent contraceptive use and reporting multiple sexual partners. In nonresident fathers, relationship type, education, and income were important factors to consistent contraceptive use and reporting multiple sexual partners. Key findings suggest that relationship type, income, and education are crucial factors to men’s sexual behavior. Heterogeneous effects were observed across fatherhood status. This study adds to limited research on fatherhood and sexual behavior among men transitioning from young adulthood to middle age.
Selective assisted intravascular lithotripsy for complex aorto-iliac calcific lesions
Authors: Zenunaj Gladiol , Bressan Maddalena , Acciarri Pierfilippo , Cosacco Alessio Mario , Baldazzi Giulia , Traina Luca
Published: March 2024

Background

Intravascular lithotripsy has proven to be safe, less invasive, and effective for coronary and peripheral arteries, and the indication has been extended to the aortic district but there is still little evidence in the literature as only a few cases have been described so far.

Method

We report a case of intravascular lithotripsy of the infrarenal aorta due to coral reef, chronic occlusion using a single Shockwave M5 + balloon, followed by a covered stent deployment. The aortic bifurcation and common iliac arteries presented hemodynamic calcific lesions, which were prepared singularly with lithotripsy before aorto-iliac covered stenting in kissing configuration. The aortic length from which arises the inferior mesenteric and lumbar arteries was left uncovered preserving their patency.

Result

In this case, a single shockwave balloon was sufficient to treat successfully and safely the aortic occlusion by heavy calcific lesions. At 1 and 6 months follow-up, the patient had no clinical symptoms, and the ultrasound assessment showed a triphasic waveform at the common femoral arteries bilaterally and confirmed the patency of the stent grafts.

Conclusion

Selective assisted lithotripsy of heavy aortic and iliac vessels is possible, but definitive outcomes have yet to be supported by the literature.
Decision support for sports selection based on performance measurement applying the generalized Thurstone method
Authors: Gyarmati László , Edvy László , Mihálykó Csaba , Orbán-Mihálykó Éva
Published: March 2024

In this article, a new complex method is presented that supports decision-making in sports selection. The method consists of two different parts. The first one is the creation of the framework, that is the assessment of the opinions of trainers about the significance of some attributes in special sports. As a result, weights are constructed based on a generalized 7-option Thurstone method. The second part of the process involves assessing athletes’ performance from various perspectives. Finally, the calculated weights are combined with the performance of the athletes. The scores we obtain quantifiably indicate which sport is most likely to be recommended for a given individual. Moreover, the method developed allows us to quantifiably measure the strength of individual athletes and compare them across age groups equally. A computer program has been developed that implements the evaluation process in addition to this the evaluation results are also presented in this article. By extending this method, it can not only be used for sports selection but also for making various complex decisions where there are numerous possible outcomes to choose from. As a result of this research, we present a generalized set of criteria for the evaluation and describe the results obtained with the method. We explain the relationship between coaching decisions and the recommendations of the method and provide a method for determining the direction of future development for individual athletes.
A laboratory method to measure deformation of baseball infield soil surfaces using cleated footwear
Authors: Mascitti Evan Christopher , McNitt Andrew Scott
Published: March 2024

Baseball and softball are played primarily on the infield skin. An ideal infield surface allows players’ cleats to penetrate the soil and provide adequate traction yet impart minimal surface disruption. This ideal state has been termed the “cleat-in/cleat-out effect.” As an infield soil dries, it transitions from the cleat-in/cleat-out state to a brittle condition in which the soil readily fractures into chips or clods. . Surface irregularities formed in the brittle condition may deflect batted balls and induce a fielding error or injury. The objective of this research was to develop a laboratory test for identifying the critical water content [Formula: see text] corresponding to the cleat-in/cleat-out behavioral threshold for any soil. A pneumatically driven apparatus was fabricated to emulate an athlete’s footstrike by applying normal, shearing, and torsional stresses using baseball cleats removed from a commercially available shoe. The test produced several cleat indentations on a cylindrical soil sample. A 3D scanning technique quantified surface disruption via Dirichlet Normal Energy. Volumetric water content was measured using a combination of 3D scanning and gravimetric methods. A given soil sample was tested at several water contents. [Formula: see text] was determined by plotting Dirichlet Normal Energy against θ and fitting a curve to solve for the local minimum. The method successfully detected differences in [Formula: see text] between infield soils containing identical clay mineralogy but differing sand content (60% and 75%; p < 0.001). Reasonable correspondence was achieved across test replicates, with a coefficient of variation of 8.5%. It is envisaged that the method will find utility in future investigations of infield mix design.
Funny climate activism? A collaborative storied analysis of young climate advocates’ digital activisms
Authors: Chiew Sophie , Mayes Eve , Maiava Netta , Villafaña Dani , Abhayawickrama Natasha
Published: March 2024

Young people involved in climate justice activism engage in a range of tactics across entangled ‘online’ and ‘offline’ spaces. This article explores the affordances and ambivalences of humour in digital modes of contention for young people (aged 12–30) involved in climate justice activism. Four of the authors are 19–22 years old and involved in climate justice activist organising, and one author is a university-based researcher in her early 40s. Through a collaborative, intergenerational analysis of stories of hybrid digital climate activisms, we ask: what is the role of humour in young people’s varied activist repertoires? Thinking with the conceptual resources of adrienne maree brown’s Pleasure Activism, we pose three analytic provocations: (i) humour can amplify generational tensions; (ii) humour is entwined with individual and collective identity-work; and (iii) sometimes humour is ‘just a thing’ (that can also help with burnout). We collaboratively analyse how young people use humour to dissent, through lampooning hierarchical power structures and profit-driven systems, drawing attention to intersectional injustices, and joyfully expressing affinity and solidarity. At the same time, humour may exclude, offend, and reinforce existing divisions and injustices. Humour is an underappreciated feature of organising towards a more just world, even as the pleasurable and just outcomes of humour are not guaranteed. We argue for further attention to young people’s multimodal repertoires across hybrid spaces, and the multiplicity of feelings that accompany climate justice activisms.
Larger-scale feasibility trial of the families moving forward (FMF) connect mobile health intervention for caregivers raising children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Petrenko C.L.M. , Kautz-Turnbull C. , Rockhold M.N. , Tapparello C. , Roth A. , Zhang S. , Grund B. , Wood B. , Carmichael Olson H.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Caregivers raising children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have limited access to evidence-based supports. This single-arm feasibility trial assesses the Families Moving Forward (FMF) Connect app to determine readiness for a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods

Eligibility for this online trial included caregivers of children (ages 3–12) with FASD residing in the United States. Caregivers received FMF Connect for 12 weeks on their personal smartphones (iOS or Android). Pre- and post-assessments included child behavior, parenting and family functioning, and app quality; user experience interviews were conducted post-intervention. Usage and crashes were monitored. Study objectives assessed feasibility of the trial (recruitment, attrition, measure sensitivity), intervention (technical functionality, acceptability), and implementation (caregiver usage).

Results

Recruitment strategies proved sufficient with 171 caregivers screened and 105 deemed eligible. Analyses identified a few predictive demographic and outcome variables related to attrition. Several study measures were sensitive to change. Additional trial and measurement improvements were identified. From a technological perspective, the FMF Connect app was functional; the Android prototype required more
Virtual Reality for Convention Sales and Marketing: Fad or Trend?
Authors: Soifer Inna , Kark Shellie
Published: March 2024

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology used by various industries to enhance customer experience and elevate product/service quality. This case study examines the benefits and obstacles of VR adoption in the meetings and events industry context, focusing on its integration into convention center websites. Students assume the role of convention sales managers, develop a proposal for creating a VR tour for the facility, and present it to the stakeholders. Additionally, students examine the longevity of VR technology, assess its impact on convention sales and marketing, explore its benefits for venue and event planners, and consider the project's financial aspects.
Double-negative T cells utilize a TNFα–JAK1–ICAM-1 cytotoxic axis against acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Tin Enoch , Lee Jong Bok , Khatri Ismat , Na Yoosu , Minden Mark D. , Zhang Li
Published: March 2024

Allogeneic double-negative T cells (DNTs) are a rare T-cell subset that effectively target acute myeloid leukemia (AML) without inducing graft-versus-host disease in an allogeneic setting. A phase 1 clinical trial demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and potential efficacy of allogeneic DNT therapy among patients with relapsed AML. However, the molecular mechanisms of DNT-mediated cytotoxicity against AML remain elusive. Thus, we used a flow cytometry–based high throughput screening to compare the surface molecule expression profile on DNTs during their interaction with DNT-susceptible or -resistant AML cells and identified a tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-dependent cytotoxic pathway in DNT-AML interaction. TNFα secreted by DNTs, upon encountering susceptible AML targets, sensitized AML cells to DNT-mediated killing, including those otherwise resistant to DNTs. Mechanistically, TNFα upregulated ICAM-1 on AML cells through a noncanonical JAK1-dependent pathway. DNTs then engaged with AML cells more effectively through an ICAM-1 receptor, lymphocyte function–associated antigen 1, leading to enhanced killing. These results reveal a TNFα–JAK1–ICAM-1 axis in DNT-mediated cytotoxicity against AML to improve therapeutic efficacy.
Race and ethnicity reporting and representation in hemophilia clinical trials
Authors: Fedewa Stacey A. , Valentino Leonard A. , Koo Andee , Cafuir Lorraine , Tran Duc Q. , Antun Ana , Kempton Christine L.
Published: March 2024

Racial and ethnic representativeness in clinical trials is crucial to mitigate disparities in outcomes; however, diversity among hemophilia trials is unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the reporting and representation of race and ethnicity in trials of people with hemophilia (PwH). In this cross-sectional study, the ClinicalTrials.gov database was queried in April 2023 for interventional clinical trials involving PwH between 2007 and 2022. The distribution of participants (observed) was compared with expected proportions based on US Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) and country-specific census data with observed-to-expected ratios (OERs). Of 129 trials included, 94.6% were industry sponsored, with a mean of 62 participants and mean age of 26.8 years. Overall, 52.0% (n = 66) of trials reported data on race and ethnicity, increasing from 13.9% in 2007-2012 to 22.5% in 2013-2016 to 100% in 2017-2022 (P = .001). Among these 66 trials, 65.8%, 22.8%, 5.1%, 3.9% of participants were White, Asian, Hispanic, and Black, respectively. OERs were 10% to 20% lower for White participants vs US HTC, and US, UK, and Canadian census populations and ∼75% lower for Black or Hispanic participants when compared with US HTC and US census population. OERs for Asian participants were 1.6 to 3 times higher than Canada, US, and UK census populations. The reporting of race and ethnicity in hemophilia trials has drastically improved; however, Black and Hispanic PwH remain especially underrepresented. To address these disparities, stakeholders across the clinical trial enterprise need to implement strategies to ensure equitable participation.
Congenital solitary osseous choristoma of the left lateral canthus: a case report
Authors: Najmi Hatim , Aleid Shaikha , Badghaish Fatimah , Alnashwan Yara
Published: March 2024

Background

An ocular osseous choristoma is a growth of mature, compact bone in the ocular or periocular soft tissue, and it is the rarest form of ocular choristoma, accounting for only 1.7% of all epibulbar choristomas.

Case presentation

Herein we present the case of a 20-month-old girl who was referred to the oculoplasty clinic with a progressively growing mass in the left lateral canthus. It had been present since birth without ocular involvement. Upon examination the mass was firm with a smooth surface, measured 9 × 6 × 3 mm, and exhibited no episcleral attachment or ocular involvement. An excisional biopsy was performed, and the histopathological findings were consistent with osseous choristoma of the left lateral canthus.

Conclusions

This report highlights the importance of considering osseous choristoma in the differential diagnosis of eyelid lesions, particularly those that have been present since birth. It also emphasizes the need for further studies investigating associations between osseous choristomas and ocular canthi.
Translating and establishing the psychometric properties of the Jenkins Sleep Scale for Arabic-speaking individuals
Authors: AlMashouk Yasmin , Abu-Saleh Salma Yasser , Ghazzawi Hadeel , Trabelsi Khaled , Jahrami Haitham
Published: March 2024

Background

The Jenkins Sleep Scale is a widely used self-report questionnaire that assesses sleep quality and disturbances. This study aimed to translate the scale into Arabic and evaluate its psychometric properties in an Arabic-speaking population.

Methods

The Jenkins Sleep Scale was translated into Arabic using forward and backward translation procedures. The Arabic version was administered to a convenience sample of 420 adults along with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) for validation purposes. Reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was also conducted to test the unidimensional factor structure. Convergent validity was assessed using correlations with PSQI and AIS scores.

Results

The Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega values for the Arabic Jenkins Sleep Scale were 0.74 and 0.75, respectively, indicating good internal consistency. The 2-week and 4-week test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients were both 0.94 (p < 0.001), indicating excellent test-retest reliability. The CFA results confirmed the unidimensional factor structure (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.08). The measurement model had an equivalent factor structure, loadings, intercepts, and residuals across sex, age, and marital status. Significant positive correlations were found between the Arabic Jenkins scale score and the PSQI (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) and AIS (r = 0.74, p < 0.001), supporting convergent validity.

Conclusion

The Arabic version of the Jenkins Sleep Scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. The findings support its use as a valid and reliable measure for evaluating sleep quality and disturbances among Arabic-speaking populations.
Malaria infection and predictor factors among Chadian nomads’ children
Authors: Moukénet Azoukalné , Moudiné Kebfene , Ngarasta Ngarkodje , Hinzoumbe Clement Kerah , Seck Ibrahima
Published: March 2024

Background

In Chad, malaria remains a significant public health concern, particularly among nomadic populations. Geographical factors and the mobility of human populations have shown to be associated with the diversity of Plasmodium species. The study aims to describe the malaria prevalence among nomadic children and to investigate its associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in February and October 2021 among nomadic communities in Chad. Blood sample were collected and tested from 187 Arab, Fulani and Dazagada nomadic children aged 3–59 months using malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). A structured electronic questionnaire was administered to their parents to collect information about the socio‑economic data. Malaria testing results were categorized according to the SD BIOLINE Malaria Ag Pf/Pan RDT procedures. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine key risk factors explaining the prevalence of malaria. STATA version IC 13 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The overall malaria prevalence in nomadic children was 24.60%, with 65.20% being Plasmodium falciparum species and 34.8% mixed species. Boys were twice as likely (COR = 1.83; 95% CI, 0.92–3.62; p = 0.083) to have malaria than girls. Children whose parents used to seek traditional drugs were five times more likely (AOR = 5.59; 95% CI, 1.40–22.30, p = 0.015) to have malaria than children whose parents used to seek health facilities. Children whose parents reported spending the last night under a mosquito net were one-fifth as likely (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.03–0.90, p = 0.037) to have malaria compared to children whose parents did not used a mosquito net. Furthermore, Daza children were seventeen times (1/0.06) less likely (AOR = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01–0.70, p = 0.024) to have malaria than Fulani children and children from households piped water as the main source were seven times more likely (AOR = 7.05; 95% CI, 1.69–29.45; p = 0.007) to have malaria than those using surface water.

Conclusions

Malaria remains a significant public health issue in the nomadic communities of Chad. Community education and sensitization programs within nomad communities are recommended to raise awareness about malaria transmission and control methods, particularly among those living in remote rural areas. The National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) should increase both the coverage and use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in addition to promoting treatment-seeking behaviors in nomadic communities.
The association between midwifery staffing and reported harmful incidents: a cross-sectional analysis of routinely collected data
Authors: Turner Lesley , Ball Jane , Meredith Paul , Kitson-Reynolds Ellen , Griffiths Peter
Published: March 2024

Background

Independent inquiries have identified that appropriate staffing in maternity units is key to enabling quality care and minimising harm, but optimal staffing levels can be difficult to achieve when there is a shortage of midwives. The services provided and how they are staffed (total staffing, skill-mix and deployment) have been changing, and the effects of workforce changes on care quality and outcomes have not been assessed. This study aims to explore the association between daily midwifery staffing levels and the rate of reported harmful incidents affecting mothers and babies.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of daily reports of clinical incidents in maternity inpatient areas matched with inpatient staffing levels for three maternity services in England, using data from April 2015 to February 2020. Incidents resulting in harm to mothers or babies was the primary outcome measure. Staffing levels were calculated from daily staffing rosters, quantified in Hours Per Patient Day (HPPD) for midwives and maternity assistants. Understaffing was defined as staffing below the mean for the service. A negative binomial hierarchical model was used to assess the relationship between exposure to low staffing and reported incidents involving harm.

Results

The sample covered 106,904 maternal admissions over 46 months. The rate of harmful incidents in each of the three services ranged from 2.1 to 3.0 per 100 admissions across the study period. Understaffing by registered midwives was associated with an 11% increase in harmful incidents (adjusted IRR 1.110, 95% CI 1.002,1.229). Understaffing by maternity assistants was not associated with an increase in harmful incidents (adjusted IRR 0.919, 95% 0.813,1.039). Analysis of specific types of incidents showed no statistically significant associations, but most of the point estimates were in the direction of increased incidents when services were understaffed.

Conclusion

When there is understaffing by registered midwives, more harmful incidents are reported but understaffing by maternity assistants is not associated with higher risk of harms. Adequate registered midwife staffing levels are crucial for maintaining safety. Changes in the profile of maternity service workforces need to be carefully scrutinised to prevent mothers and babies being put at risk of avoidable harm.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of CTZ/TAZ for the treatment of ventilated hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia in Japan
Authors: Takaya Risako , Mori Nobuyoshi , Saito Eiko , Ohde Sachiko
Published: March 2024

Background

Resistant bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-negative pathogens, are associated with high mortality and economic burdens. Ceftolozane/tazobactam demonstrated efficacy comparable to meropenem in patients with ventilated hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia in the ASPECT-NP study. One cost-effectiveness analysis in the United States revealed that ceftolozane/tazobactam was cost effective, but no Japanese studies have been conducted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of ceftolozane/tazobactam compared to meropenem for patients with ventilated hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia from a health care payer perspective.

Methods

A hybrid decision-tree Markov decision-analytic model with a 5-year time horizon were developed to estimate costs and quality-adjusted life-years and to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio associated with ceftolozane/tazobactam and meropenem in the treatment of patients with ventilated hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia. Clinical outcomes were based on the ASPECT-NP study, costs were based on the national fee schedule of 2022, and utilities were based on published data. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were also conducted to assess the robustness of our modeled estimates.

Results

According to our base-case analysis, compared with meropenem, ceftolozane/tazobactam increased the total costs by 424,731.22 yen (£2,626.96) and increased the quality-adjusted life-years by 0.17, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 2,548,738 yen (£15,763.94) per quality-adjusted life-year gained for ceftolozane/tazobactam compared with meropenem. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that although the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio remained below 5,000,000 yen (£30,925) for most of the parameters, the incremental net monetary benefit may have been less than 0 depending on the treatment efficacy outcome, especially the cure rate and mortality rate for MEPM and mortality rate for CTZ/TAZ. 53.4% of the PSA simulations demonstrated that CTZ/TAZ was more cost-effective than MEPM was.

Conclusion

Although incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was below ￥5,000,000 in base-case analysis, whether ceftolozane/tazobactam is a cost-effective alternative to meropenem for ventilated hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia in Japan remains uncertain. Future research should examine the unobserved heterogeneity across patient subgroups and decision-making settings, to characterise decision uncertainty and its consequences so as to assess whether additional research is required.