bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘A Chronicle of the Rebellion in Jamaica’: Pseudobiblical Style and Jamaican Proto-nationalism
Authors: Russell Stephen C.
Published: November 2024

Jamaica’s 1865 Morant Bay rebellion, now widely recognized as a watershed in the history of the Atlantic world, fundamentally shaped discussions about Jamaica’s political and legal status within the British empire. Here, I analyze a little-known narrative of the rebellion written by Jewish newspaper editor Sidney Levien in pseudobiblical style, with almost every sentence of the account echoing the language of the King James Version of the Bible. I locate Levien’s narrative within a literary tradition that used pseudobiblical style to describe contemporary political life, especially in America. The literary tradition, identified by historian Eran Shalev, transposed contemporary politics into events of biblical proportion. By using pseudobiblical style, Levien advanced a sense of Jamaica’s importance in nineteenth-century political imagination. While many accounts conceptualized the rebellion as a struggle between White landowners and Black laborers, Levien refused to present Jamaica as a White fatherland or a Black republic.
French Japonistes and their Collections of Hinagata Bon Pattern Books
Authors: Delille Damien
Published: November 2024

This article examines little-known French collections of hinagata bon (Japanese pattern books) kept at the Musée des arts décoratifs in Paris, whose origins can be traced back to the travels of the first japonistes to Japan in the middle of the nineteenth century. The reception of these books by the French artists, collectors, and writers, who identified, analyzed, exhibited, and then preserved them for artistic, encyclopedic, and historical purposes, reveals the fascination the patterns and the cut of Japanese clothing held for early japonistes. Hinagata bon were originally intended for the textile industry, but in France served primarily to inspire artists and designers of every kind. Moreover, the books were also appreciated for their aesthetic value, which enables us to assess the role of japonistes in the conservation of Japanese fashion images.
Reflections on defining “taxon names”, and on scientific names in general
Authors: RIJCKEVORSEL PAUL VAN
Published: November 2024

Some comments are offered on aspects of defining “taxon names”, using as a starting point the debate between Stuessy and Queiroz (plus Cantino), in 2000–2001. It is argued here that both sides in that debate were restating established positions, rather than addressing the basic question. It appears desirable to be more precise and it is important to specify context. The end-user expects a taxon name to be defined, and justly so. A taxonomic definition of a name should not be influenced by nomenclatural considerations but should be based on taxonomy only; a point worth noting is that there can be as many taxonomic definitions as there are taxonomic viewpoints. As to nomenclature, it is pointed out that, by its internal workings, a Code does not govern mere strings of characters (names), but rather formal entities.
A new species and a new record of the genus Scirtothrips (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) from India
Authors: RACHANA R.R. , AMARENDRA B. , SUSHIL S. N.
Published: November 2024

Scirtothrips lami sp. nov., is described from the leaves of an unidentified weed. Scirtothrips machili Masumoto & Okajima, described from Japan, is reported here as a new record for India. An updated key to the thirteen species of Scirtothrips recorded from India is also provided.
Eurocentrism and the constraints in alternative knowledge production: the case of Pakistani international relations
Authors: Waheed Ahmed W. , Malik Mahnoor
Published: November 2024

This article addresses the persistent Eurocentrism in the national IR academies within the Global South, notwithstanding continued appeals for pluralization of the global field of IR. Focusing on the discipline of IR in Pakistan, the study explores the implications of Western intellectual dominance through in-depth interviews with local IR academics. The findings demonstrate a marked dependence on realist ideas (the classical strand in particular), which emphasize state-centric and security-focused views of world politics. This restricted approach corresponds with realpolitik because of its pragmatic focus on state security and interests, while ignoring broader theoretical assumptions. These realist ideas are sustained through academic norms, establishing a pattern which perpetuates Eurocentric perspectives in the Pakistani IR community. The article recognizes Western intellectual gatekeeping practices, and the national higher education system of Pakistan, as notable hindrances to the advancement of the discipline in Pakistan. Additionally, lax academic standards in local knowledge production, tied to professional progression, confine Pakistani IR academics to domestic publishing platforms. This discursive environment incentivizes state and security-oriented research, leading to IR scholarship in Pakistan that lacks originality and quality, remains predominantly Eurocentric, and primarily supports state security policies. The study underscores the necessity for a more diverse and contextually relevant approach to IR in Pakistan, which would better capture the country’s unique realities and contribute to a richer global discourse.
Can Time Heal Anything? Exposure to Traumatic Events, Autobiographical Memory, and the Quality of Life Among Older Adults: The Role of Time Perspective
Authors: Nistoreanu-Neculau Bianca , Măirean Cornelia
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between autobiographical memory, exposure to traumatic events, and quality of life, in a group of elderly people. Method: The study was conducted using a sample of 362 participants ( Mage = 68.35, SD = 6.67; 65.5% women and 34.5% men). They completed the questionnaires to measure quality of life, exposure to traumatic events, autobiographical memory, and time perspective. Results: Direct exposure to major traumatic life events negatively predicted quality of life, while autobiographical memory was not a predictor for quality of life. Time perspective mediated the relationship between exposure to traumatic life events, autobiographical memory, and quality of life. Discussion: How people manage their lives after exposure to traumatic events should be of particular interest to society as a whole and it is necessary to take into account various factors related to quality of life, especially in the case of elderly people.
Optimisation study of roll profile for controlling high-order wave defects in an ultra-wide rolling mill
Authors: Shang Fei , Ba Yuwu , Zhang Heng , Sun Bo , Ma Yonghao , Miao Ruilin , Zhou Xuegang
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the issue of higher-order waviness in the rolling process of wide strip steel, focusing on the different higher-order roll shape compensation curves of Baotou steel 2250 mm hot strip mill. First, three typical higher-order waviness compensation curves are fitted and quantitatively evaluated. Second, a mathematical model of the unloaded roll gap is established to analyse the shape control characteristics of the entire roll gap. Finally, a finite element model of the roll system (work roll Φ700 × 2550 mm and support roll Φ1600 × 2250 mm) is constructed to analyse the effects of changes in the position of the shifting rolls on the cross-section of the strip steel at different widths (1400, 1600, 1800 and 2000 mm) using a controlled variable method. The study finds that the fourth-order roll shape demonstrates good performance in controlling higher-order waviness while maintaining the linear control characteristics of quadratic crown. Considering the magnitude of higher-order waviness in actual rolling processes, the compensation amount for the quartic crown is determined to be 0.05 mm. Based on this, the higher-order work roll shape is optimised, resulting in industrial applications where the flatness hit rate of 1.2–2.5 mm thick strip steel increased from 70.57% to 88.7% and the hit rate for 2.51–4 mm thick strip steel increased from 89.11% to 90.8%. Further optimisation of the roll crown setting from [−0.7 mm, 0.4 mm] to [−0.55 mm, 0.55 mm] and adjustment of the shifting roll position improved the middle waviness, ultimately increasing the flatness hit rate for 1.2–2.5 mm thick strip steel to 89.2% and for 2.51–4 mm thick strip steel to 92.1%, thus validating the effectiveness of the roll shape optimisation.
Scapegoating Queerness: Associating Egyptian LGBTQIA Advocacy to Western Conspiracy as a Strategy for Aborting Democratization
Authors: Magued Shaimaa
Published: November 2024

Focusing on Egypt as a case study, this paper juxtaposes Mubarak and al-Sisi’s anti-queer measures in order to delineate their discursive strategy in framing collective victimhood vis-à-vis Western-sponsored gender activism in an attempt to overshadow the Muslim Brotherhood’s political visibility and reverse the liberal gains of the January 25 Revolution, respectively. This study argues that both presidents’ anti-queer discourse succeeded to abort calls for democratization because of rulers’ capitalization on populist and religious-nationalist idioms in developing a collective victimhood frame as a defensive strategy against constructed threats. Building on the social movement theories’ framing approach, this study unpacks the state’s three-pronged collective victimhood frame by drawing on the revival of Western colonial heritage, sovereignty assertion, and cultural authenticity to validate a generalized repression against non-heteronormative identities and non-conforming sexual practices during the Queen Boat incident in May 2001 and following al-Sisi’s ascension to power from 2014 until 2024.
Exploring Informal Work: Gaining Legitimation through Nudging
Authors: Buckley Danny , Vershinina Natalia , Rodgers Peter
Published: November 2024

This article develops a micro-level understanding of informal work (IW) by exploring the legitimising factors which business owners exercise to provide the rationale for engaging in IW. Using the lens of nudge theory, originating from behavioural economics, we show how IW becomes legitimised through nudging. Empirically, we explore the lived experience of service sector business owners who engage in IW practices in the East Midlands, UK. The findings uncover how the business owners’ context is shaped through exposure to various IW arrangements early in their working life; we also reveal a range of actors who actively shape these arrangements for embracing IW while delegitimising formal work. We present the factors that condition the beliefs and embed the understanding that IW is legitimate for the individual business owners, thus highlighting an important and emergent context for future studies in the realm of IW.
Delamination assessment and prediction in ultrasonic-assisted drilling of laminated hybrid composites
Authors: Baraheni Mohammad , Soudmand B. H. , Amini Saeid
Published: November 2024

This study presents a novel application of the Random Forest (RF) algorithm to predict delamination in ultrasonic-assisted drilling (UAD) of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). It performs a multi-dimensional analysis of factors including graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) addition, ultrasonic vibration, cutting tool type, and feed rate on delamination damage. The RF algorithm was chosen for its ability to handle both regression and categorical tasks. The model demonstrated strong predictive performance, achieving an R² value of 0.9445 on test data, with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.32% and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.29% relative to the average values. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Sobol sensitivity, and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis were used to assess the impact of input parameters. Sobol identified the cutting tool type and feed rate as the most influential factors, contributing 37.7% and 34.3% to delamination variance, aligning with ANOVA findings. SHAP further confirmed the tooling type and feed rate as key factors, with contributions of 48.75% and 32.61%. The analyses revealed that GNPs increased delamination due to higher thrust forces, while ultrasonic vibration and high-cobalt tools reduced delamination. Optimal conditions were a feed rate of 0.08 mm/rev with an 8% cobalt tool and ultrasonic vibration, excluding GNPs.
Dysphagia Caused by Submucosal Tumor-Like Esophageal Cancer: Two Case Reports
Authors: Hu Chunxiao , Ye Xiaohua
Published: November 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive and globally prevalent malignancy that rarely presents as submucosal tumor-like lesions, leading to significant diagnostic challenges. We present two examples of primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in which complete intramural invasion mimicked submucosal tumor-like lesions. Initial biopsies suggested benign hyperplasia; however, subsequent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Both patients received appropriate treatment and showed favorable outcomes. The histopathological feature of intramural esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, characterized by growth confined within the esophageal wall without mucosal epithelial invasion, represents an exceedingly rare and complex pattern. The diagnostic challenges presented by this form of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma highlight the critical role of detailed histopathological examination, with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration being indispensable for accurate diagnosis and effective management of submucosal tumor-like lesions.
Evaluation of the macula, retinal nerve fiber layer and choroid thickness in premature ovarian failure using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Sumer Fatma , Subasi Sevgi , Gurlek Beril , Ayazoglu Ilknur Merve
Published: November 2024

Background

The aim of our study is to describe the basal findings at the first diagnosis of the disease in patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) and to draw attention to the early changes in the macula, optic nerve head and choroid.

Methods

In a prospective case-control study, 90 patients with POF and 90 control patients were evaluated. All participants underwent the same ophthalmic examination, including visual acuity, intraocular preasure measurement, anterior and posterior segment evaluation, macular and coroidal thickening, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements with the same device (Spectral Domain OCT, software version 5.6.3.0, Heidelberg, Germany).

Results

The median age was 30.00 (28.00–31.00) in the control group and 29.00 (27.00–31.00) in the POF group ( p = 0.249). The median thickness of the temporal outer macular region was statistically significantly thinner in the POF group (295.00 (289.00–303.25)) compared to the control group (306.00 (290.75–328.00)) ( p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in all choroidal regions ( p < 0.001), including the central, nasal 500, nasal 1500, temporal 500, and temporal 1500 regions in the POF group according to the control group.

Conclusion

An increase in intraocular pressure in the postmenopausal period has been reported, suggesting a link between the postmenopausal decline in sex hormones and glaucoma. Our study is the first to monitor changes in choroidal, retinal thickness and RNFL in POF images showing early menopausal symptoms.
Remote Sensing-Based Long-Term Assessment of Water Dynamics and Influencing Factors in Abaya and Chamo Lakes, East African Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulu Bewketu Assefa , Zimale Fasikaw Atanaw , Kebede Mulugeta Genanu
Published: November 2024

Lakes are essential to global freshwater systems, supporting ecosystem services and ecological processes, but they are increasingly impacted by climate change and human activities. This study examined the long-term dynamics of Lakes Abaya and Chamo in the Ethiopian Rift Valley using Landsat images, altimetry-derived lake level data, and a machine learning method within Google Earth Engine, specifically a Multi-Index-based Random Forest (MIRF) classifier. The MIRF classifier achieved high accuracy, ranging from 97.58% to 99.13%, in extracting lake surface water. Substantial fluctuations in lake areas and lake levels were observed: Lake Abaya’s area decreased from 2000 to 2005 at a rate of 6.67 km²/year, then expanded until 2022 at the same increasing rate; Lake Chamo’s area decreased from 2000 to 2010 at a rate of 1.62 km²/year, then expanded until 2022 at a rate of 2.88 km²/year. The correlation analysis between lake areas and environmental factors such as Rainfall (RF), Temperature (TEMP), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Groundwater Storage (GWS), Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS), and Soil Moisture (SM) revealed important associations. For Lake Abaya, strong correlations were identified with NDVI and TWS, suggesting that vegetation cover and terrestrial water significantly influence its area changes. In contrast, for Lake Chamo, NDVI emerged as the key driver, indicating that vegetation dynamics play a crucial role in the lake’s fluctuations. Furthermore, higher-order polynomial regression models were developed to better capture the complex relationships between lake area and water levels for both lakes. In general, this study integrates remote sensing, machine learning, and cloud computing, offering valuable insights into the lakes’ long-term characteristic and providing critical information for future water resource management strategies.
Whose menopause revolution? Investigating the UK’s ‘Davina effect’ and the contemporary menopause market
Authors: Jermyn Deborah
Published: November 2024

Having made two documentaries about menopause, broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK 2021 and 2022, enduringly popular British TV presenter Davina McCall’s films are perceived to have had such a social impact that she now has the rare distinction of having an ‘effect’ named after her. The first film, Sex, Myths and the Menopause, is credited with diminishing the stigma historically surrounding menopause, while extolling the benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for some to treat menopause symptoms. Hence, when requests for HRT spiked after the first film, ‘the Davina effect’ was adopted by the media to explain the widespread ensuing HRT shortage. This article is not focused on interrogating the films themselves but unpacking the media narrative that followed in the uses of the term ‘the Davina effect’. Its corpus comprises UK press coverage of the ‘menopause revolution’ and of the Davina documentaries; textual analysis of the films; and testimonies and research drawn from the medical and health professions, while utilising existing media and cultural studies paradigms to provide conceptual context, situating the ‘Davina effect’ as the latest novel entry in a long-standing history of media effects debates. While the films have been praised for bolstering a new era of menopause awareness, this article considers how ‘the Davina effect’ instantiates and services how the so-called ‘menopause revolution’ (Gordon, 2021) has evolved largely in neoliberal terms, regularly centring the need to respond to the perceived crises of middle-class white women, rather than a more intersectional and inclusive conception of menopause. Furthermore, it apportions knowledge, fear and blame around HRT shortages in a manner which deflects attention from the larger economic, political and cultural contexts that have nurtured the ensuing alarm. Yet, importantly, the Davina effect may also facilitate a transgressive image of menopausal women as determinedly contesting their marginalisation.
Bending, torsion and flexural-torsional buckling of back-to-back cold-formed steel channels
Authors: Hung Ian , Kim Cindy , Papangelis John
Published: November 2024

The bending moment resistance of cold-formed steel channels can be improved by combining two channel sections with a pair of screw fasteners in the webs spaced intermediately along the member. By combining the two channels in this way, the moment capacity of the beam can be increased beyond the capacity of two single channels. Another advantage of this type of section is the coincidence of the centroid and shear centre which reduces the effects of stresses due to eccentric load and torsion. Most research on back-to-back channels in bending has focused on local and distortional buckling while data on flexural-torsional buckling is scarce. The flexural-torsional buckling resistance of a beam depends on various section properties which include the minor axis second moment of area, and the torsion and warping constants of the section. Although the flexural-torsional buckling moment can be easily determined for a single channel section because these section properties are relatively straightforward to calculate, the calculation of the flexural-torsional buckling moment for back-to-back channels with intermediately spaced screw fasteners is much more complicated due to the discontinuity of the cross-section along the length of the beam. In this paper, the shear stiffness of the screw fasteners connecting the channels is obtained from test results. The shear stiffness is then used to model the screw fasteners in a finite element analysis to analyse a beam composed of back-to-back channels under bending and torsion. The results are compared with two single channel sections and with back-to-back channels assuming full composite action. The effect of different screw fastener spacings is also investigated. Simple relationships between the bending and torsion section properties for single channels and back-to-back channels are presented. Suggestions for the design of back-to-back channels in bending are also proposed.
Reimagining early childhood education and school readiness through the perspectives of historically marginalized families living in a rural community
Authors: Nigro Liz , Ward-Seidel Allison
Published: November 2024

Given opportunities for early childhood education (ECE) expansion in the US, we seek to explore and elevate the perspectives of historically marginalized families, from an understudied rural community, to inform future local and state action involving public pre-kindergarten (pre-K) and kindergarten (K) provision. In partnership with a state Department of Education (DOE) and local district, we conducted two culturally responsive focus groups to investigate how such caregivers conceptualize ECE and school readiness, identify barriers with the current system, and pinpoint potential solutions to improve public pre-K and K. Participants included eight female caregivers, three of whom identified as Black, two as Hispanic, and three as White. All families met the DOE's eligibility requirements to attend public preschool. Through two 90-minute focus groups, we found families conceptualized ECE as a time for humanizing and hands-on classroom practices. They questioned the concept of school readiness, instead advocating for ways that schools can be ready for their children. Furthermore, families identified accountability culture (testing, standardization of curricula, narrow focus on core academic content, etc.), as a problem, particularly upon kindergarten entry. Solutions to improve pre-K and K included representative curricula, more equitable funding, and opportunities for collaboration across education interest-holders (e.g., teachers, families, administration, etc.) at school, district, and state levels.
Environmental Pollutants and Epilepsy: Is It Nrf or Nothing?
Authors: Sri Hari Ashwini , Metcalf Cameron S.
Published: November 2024

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Pubic hair removal practices among women: Findings from a U.S. nationally representative survey
Authors: Javidi Hannah , Walsh-Buhi Margaret L , Houghton Rebecca F , Herbenick Debby , Walsh-Buhi Eric R
Published: November 2024

Background:

Pubic hair removal (PHR) is common among women in the United States, and understanding current practices is important for public health efforts. The most recent national study focusing on U.S. women’s PHR habits and their correlates was conducted over a decade ago.

Objectives:

The current study aims to provide an updated understanding of PHR practices among U.S. women, examining prevalence, methods, frequency, and motivations. We also examine characteristics of women who choose to remove their pubic hair.

Design:

A cross-sectional, nationally representative survey administered in Spring 2023 via Ipsos KnowledgePanel.

Methods:

Women ( N = 522, ages 18–85 years) responded to items inquiring about their demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and social media use, as well as methods, prevalence, and motivations associated with PHR. We examine various demographic and behavioral correlates of lifetime and recent PHR among women.

Results:

Findings reveal that the majority of U.S. women have removed their pubic hair at some point in their lifetime, and almost half have done so within the past month. Frequency and preferred styles of PHR varied among women, indicating a wide range of individual preferences. Among top motivating factors for PHR were perceived cleanliness, comfort, and wanting to look good in a bikini. Race, age, and history of sexual activity were all statistically significant predictors of lifetime and recent PHR.

Conclusions:

Findings from the current study may assist skincare professionals in better addressing patient/client PHR needs and concerns while promoting health. Studies should continue examining trends in PHR over time, its relation to societal perceptions of beauty, and its implications for health and well-being.
Sensemaking in organizational storytelling: From linear storytelling to antenarrative
Authors: Sandham Sonya
Published: November 2024

Storytelling can be considered good professional practice for organizational communication as it resonates with stakeholder audiences and contributes to the process of sensemaking. This paper challenges two key assumptions that underpin storytelling in an organizational context. The first assumption is that clarity is the goal of storytelling and therefore linear modes of organizational storytelling should be used to reduce complexity to achieve clarity of understanding of organizational messages. The second assumption is that organizational storytelling consists only of the stories an organization tells about itself, and multiple understandings or ‘mixed messages’ are ‘noise’. This paper will argue that the storytelling concept antenarrative – or narrative fragments that can form emergent storytelling episodes – will expand the parameters of sensemaking in organizational storytelling. Furthermore, listening to emergent storytelling episodes can provide insights into prospective sensemaking, which has implications for organizational storytelling practices in our digital age. Putting antenarrative alongside concepts such as ‘listening’ and ‘engagement’ helps to improve organizational storytelling to work toward more effective organizational communication practice and respond to the challenges of complexity in storytelling, entanglements of the porous organization, and digital disruption.
Book review: Simy Joy, Payal Anand, and Priya Nair Rajeev, Indian Cases in Organizational Behaviour: Insights for Leading Individuals and Teams
Authors: Peerzadah Sabzar Ahmad , Mufti Sabiya
Published: November 2024

Simy Joy, Payal Anand, and Priya Nair Rajeev, Indian Cases in Organizational Behaviour: Insights for Leading Individuals and Teams. New Delhi: Pearson India, 2024. 148 pp., ₹299.00 (Paperback). ISBN-10: 8119847112; ISBN-13: 9788119847112.
Book review: Mrinal Pande. The Journey of Hindi Language Journalism in India: From Raj to Swaraj and Beyond
Authors: Ravikant
Published: November 2024

Mrinal Pande. The Journey of Hindi Language Journalism in India: From Raj to Swaraj and Beyond. Orient BlackSwan, 2022; 176 pp., ₹1195.
Ischemic Retinopathy Associated With Mantle Cell Lymphoma–Induced Vascular Occlusion
Authors: Turski Christopher A. , Uludag Kirimli Gunay , Vajzovic Lejla , Scott Stephen , Hadziahmetovic Majda
Published: November 2024

Purpose: To describe a patient with bilateral ischemic retinopathy, likely attributable to vascular occlusion induced by mantle cell lymphoma. Methods: A case and its findings were analyzed. Results: A 54-year-old man presented with an 11-month history of significant vision loss in both eyes. His medical history was significant for mantle cell lymphoma with no signs of intraorbital involvement on magnetic resonance imaging. At presentation, the visual acuity was 20/400 OD and counting fingers OS, with an unremarkable anterior segment examination. On fundoscopy, optic nerve pallor, sclerotic blood vessels, and cotton-wool spots were seen. Profound retinal nonperfusion and inner retinal layer loss were confirmed with fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, with no signs of macular edema at the time of presentation. Conclusions: This report represents the first instance of bilateral ischemic retinopathy, likely originating from mantle cell lymphoma, presenting predominantly with ischemic retinal features and resulting in profound vision loss. With few cases documenting retinal involvement in mantle cell lymphoma, this report provides a better understanding of this rare pathology and its effect on retinal health.
Subsidence of the Corail stem in total hip arthroplasty: no influence of bony contact
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola , Pilone Marco , Kämmer Daniel , Hofmann Ulf Krister , Nobili Andrea , Velaj Erlis , Bell Andreas
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study investigated stem subsidence following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a Corail stem in patients who underwent two-staged bilateral THA. The second outcome of interest was to investigate whether a specific single cortical bone contact point might reduce postoperative stem subsidence.

Methods

The present study was conducted following the STROBE guidelines. The records of patients who underwent THA between 2016 and 2023 were accessed. All patients who underwent two-staged bilateral THA were retrieved. The direct contact between the stem and the cortical bone was assessed at various points in the metaphysis and the distal portion of the stem (diaphysis) in both anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis (medial and lateral bone contact) and a Lauenstein view of the hip (anterior and posterior bone contact). The following parameters were measured and compared to assess stem subsidence: distance from the proximal femur at the stem bone interface and the tip of the lesser trochanter (distance A); distance from the tip of the lesser trochanter and the tip of the femoral stem (distance B).

Results

In total, 250 patients were included, 45% (149 of 250 patients) were women and 61% (153 of 250 THAs) were implanted primarily on the right side. The mean age of patients at the time of the first THA was 64.3 ± 10.0 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.0 ± 4.9 kg/m2. The mean length of the follow-up was 14.1 ± 10.8 months. The overall stem subsidence following THA was 2.8 ± 0.7 mm (P < 0.006). A direct cortical bone-implant contact did not exert a statistically significant difference in subsidence of the THA stem at the metaphysis and diaphysis (P > 0.5). Stem subsidence following THA with a collarless cementless Corail stem was approximately 2.8 mm at 14 months.

Conclusions

Direct cortical bone contact of the stem at diaphysis and metaphysis seems not to influence stem subsidence following THA using the Corail stem.
Trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in the Thai population, 2004 to 2020
Authors: Aekplakorn Wichai , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Kessomboon Pattapong , Assanangkornchai Sawitri , Taneepanichskul Surasak , Goldstein Allison , Cazabon Danielle , Neelapaichit Nareemarn , Aimiosior Obehioye
Published: November 2024

Background

Under Thailand’s universal health coverage every citizen has access to primary care including free hypertension treatment. This study describes temporal trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in Thailand.

Methods

Data were analyzed from four survey cycles of Thailand’s National Health Examination Survey (NHES), between 2004 and 2019–2020. The NHES is a nationally-representative cross-sectional survey conducted every five years using a multistage probability sample. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure > = 140 or diastolic blood pressure > = 90 mmHg or currently taking antihypertensive medicines; blood pressure control was defined as < 140/90 mmHg for patients without diabetes and < 130/80 mmHg for those with diabetes.

Results

In 2019–2020, age-standardized hypertension prevalence in Thailand was 25.7% (24.6% females, 26.8% males). Among people with hypertension, 51.5% were aware of their diagnosis, 47.9% were treated, and 22.7% had controlled blood pressure. Age-standardized hypertension prevalence remained relatively unchanged in Thai adults from 2004 to 2019–2020, however trends varied by age group. Hypertension control increased from 8.8% in 2004 to a peak of 30% in 2014 but dropped to 22.7% by 2019–2020. Hypertension awareness increased from 30.7 to 55.8% between 2004 and 2014, but decreased to 51.5% by 2019–2020.

Conclusion

Hypertension prevalence in Thailand has remained high over the past 15 years. Despite universal health coverage, hypertension awareness has not improved and blood pressure control has decreased in the past five years. An urgent and concerted public health response is needed to improve diagnosis and control of hypertension to prevent avoidable cardiovascular disease.
Development of an approach to forecast future takeaway outlet growth around schools and population exposure to takeaways in England
Authors: Liu Bochu , Mytton Oliver , Rahilly John , Amies-Cull Ben , Rogers Nina , Bishop Tom , Chang Michael , Cummins Steven , Derbyshire Daniel , Hassan Suzan , Huang Yuru , Medina-Lara Antonieta , Savory Bea , Smith Richard , Thompson Claire , White Martin , Adams Jean , Burgoine Thomas
Published: November 2024

Background

Neighbourhood exposure to takeaways can contribute negatively to diet and diet-related health outcomes. Urban planners within local authorities (LAs) in England can modify takeaway exposure through denying planning permission to new outlets in management zones around schools. LAs sometimes refer to these as takeaway “exclusion zones”. Understanding the long-term impacts of this intervention on the takeaway retail environment and health, an important policy question, requires methods to forecast future takeaway growth and subsequent population-level exposure to takeaways. In this paper we describe a novel two-stage method to achieve this.

Methods

We used historic data on locations of takeaways and a time-series auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, to forecast numbers of outlets within management zones to 2031, based on historical trends, in six LAs with different urban/rural characteristics across England. Forecast performance was evaluated based on root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute scaled error (MASE) scores in time-series cross-validation. Using travel-to-work data from the 2011 UK census, we then translated these forecasts of the number of takeaways within management zones into population-level exposures across home, work and commuting domains.

Results

Our ARIMA models outperformed exponential smoothing equivalents according to RMSE and MASE. The model was able to forecast growth in the count of takeaways up to 2031 across all six LAs, with variable growth rates by RUC (min–max: 39.4-79.3%). Manchester (classified as a non-London urban with major conurbation LA) exhibited the highest forecast growth rate (79.3%, 95% CI 61.6, 96.9) and estimated population-level takeaway exposure within management zones, increasing by 65.5 outlets per capita to 148.2 (95% CI 133.6, 162.7) outlets. Overall, urban (vs. rural) LAs were forecast stronger growth and higher population exposures.

Conclusions

Our two-stage forecasting approach provides a novel way to estimate long-term future takeaway growth and population-level takeaway exposure. While Manchester exhibited the strongest growth, all six LAs were forecast marked growth that might be considered a risk to public health. Our methods can be used to model future growth in other types of retail outlets and in other areas.
A time trade-off study in the UK, Canada and the US to estimate utilities associated with the treatment of haemophilia
Authors: Okkels Anna , Yssing Cecilie , Wolden Michael Lyng , Wahid Mohd Nawi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Haemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder caused by a deficient or absent clotting factor, leading to frequent bleeding. Multiple intravenous (IV) infusions have been the standard prophylactic treatment; however, newer treatment options involve less frequent subcutaneous (SC) injections. To inform future health economic evaluations, this study applied the time trade-off (TTO) method for estimation of utilities associated with haemophilia treatment for both people with the disease and potential caregivers.

Methods

Using the TTO method, utilities were estimated through two online surveys distributed in the UK, Canada and the US. In survey 1 (S1), adults from the general population aged 18 years and above evaluated health states as if they were living with haemophilia themselves and were receiving treatment for the condition. In survey 2 (S2), adults from the general population with a child under the age of 15 years evaluated health states as if they were treating their child for haemophilia. The surveys assessed the following treatment aspects: frequency of treatment, treatment device and injection site reactions.

Results

In total, 812, 739 and 703 respondents completed S1 and 712, 594 and 527 completed S2 in the UK, Canada and the US, respectively. In both surveys, the treatment device was associated with the largest impact on utilities for both people with haemophilia and caregivers. Monthly SC injections with a prefilled pen-device were associated with a significant utility gain compared with SC injections with a syringe and IV infusions. In S1, a lower treatment frequency was preferred in all three countries, while in S2, a lower treatment frequency was preferred only in the UK. Avoiding injection site reactions was associated with a significant utility gain in both surveys, but only in the UK and Canada.

Conclusions

The study suggests that the administration of haemophilia treatment in particular has an impact on utilities for both people and caregivers living with the disease. Thus, less complex and time-consuming treatment devices are expected to improve health-related quality of life. This can be further modified additively by less frequent administration. These results can inform future health economic analyses of haemophilia and haemophilia treatment.
Hospitals’ readiness to attract health tourists: a comparative study in Iran
Authors: Bostani Fatemeh , Amerzadeh Mohammad , Moosavi Saeideh , Zaboli Rohollah , Kalhor Rohollah
Published: November 2024

Background

Understanding the influential factors in attracting foreign patients is possible by evaluating and identifying hospitals’ capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This study assessed Ahvaz hospitals’ readiness to attract health tourists using International Joint Commission (IJC) standards.

Methods

This descriptive-analytical study examined 21 hospitals in Ahvaz using IJC standard questionnaires with 76 questions across six fields. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney test in SPSS version 22.

Results

The overall compliance rate with organization-oriented standards was 79.53%. Staff training and qualification standards scored highest at 81.79%, while information management standards scored lowest at 76.26%. Non-academic hospitals averaged higher scores than academic hospitals, though this difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). Bed occupancy rates ranged from 40.96% to 85.33%, with average lengths of stay between 1.33 and 64.31 days.

Conclusion

Ahvaz hospitals demonstrated above-average readiness to attract medical tourists across most dimensions. To enhance their competitiveness, hospitals should prioritize improvements in information management systems, leverage strengths in staff training and qualifications, address disparities between academic and non-academic institutions, and invest in marketing their unique capabilities to potential health tourists.
Venous intestinal ischemia of fungal origin as a cause of intestinal obstruction in immunocompromised patients: case report and literature review
Authors: Grajales-Urrego Diana Marcela , Mantilla-Sylvain Fabián , Rolon-Cadena Mariam Carolina , Basto-Borbón William Mauricio , Álvarez-Figueroa Johanna
Published: November 2024

Background

Mucormycosis is a highly lethal opportunistic fungal disease caused by ubiquitous molds of the order Mucorales, with Rhizopus, Lichtheimia and Mucor being the most common genera. This rare disease primarily affects immunocompromised patients, with presentations ranging from rhino-orbito-cerebral infections to disseminated mucormycosis with angioinvasion, leading to thrombosis and tissue infarction. Gastrointestinal mucormycosis is the least common clinical presentation and is believed to be secondary to spore ingestion. It can involve multiple components of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, liver, ileum, and colon, with nonspecific manifestations, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. The initial clinical presentation may even manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastric ulceration or intestinal perforation.

Case presentation

Here we present the case of a 48-year-old male patient with a 9-year history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who was hospitalized in the context of febrile neutropenia and whose acute respiratory infection was documented; therefore, antibiotic treatment was initiated. However, due to persistent febrile peaks and peripheral blood showing documentation of multilineage cytopenias, a bone marrow biopsy was performed, compatible with presenting features of marrow myelodysplasia. During hospitalization, the patient presented left flank abdominal pain, and an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed signs of intussusception of a small bowel loop at the distal jejunum level, leading to intestinal obstruction with ischemic progression, requiring ileectomy (60 cm). Histopathological analysis of the resected intestine revealed severe transmural ischemic changes associated with venous thrombosis due to fungal structures, with histochemical studies demonstrating the presence of zygomycete (Mucor) fungal structures, leading to the initiation of treatment with amphotericin B. However, despite treatment, the patient experienced progressive clinical deterioration with persistent fever and ventilatory failure, with follow-up tests showing absolute neutropenia and blood cultures positive for yeast, leading to death 52 days after admission.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of intestinal mucormycosis may be delayed due to the lack of specificity of the signs and symptoms. Pathologists as well as histopathological studies are essential for timely treatment.
Abortion Trajectory, Timing, and Access Study (ATTAS): study protocol
Authors: Wallays Anna , Van de Velde Sarah
Published: November 2024

Background

This study protocol outlines the phased construction of a questionnaire, data collection, and a strategy for analysis within the framework of the ATTAS project. This study has two primary objectives. First, it allows us to map the duration of the various phases of the abortion trajectory for women presenting for abortion in Flanders, Belgium. Second, it identifies barriers that cause delays within these phases.

Methods

The questionnaire was distributed to all women seeking abortion care at one of the five Flemish abortion centers; specifically, the LUNA centers, which are located in Ostend, Ghent, Antwerp, and Hasselt, as is the VUB-Dilemma center in Brussels during the fall and winter of 2023–2024. Ethical clearance for the described research was obtained from the University of Antwerp’s Ethics Committee for the Social Sciences and Humanities (reference numbers: SHW_2023_48_1 and SHW_2023_48_2).

Discussion

The collected data provide a dataset on the abortion trajectories of Flanders women who presented for abortion. This study protocol outlines the ATTAS project’s rationale, phased development, and implementation of the questionnaire, as well as the upcoming data analyses. To our knowledge, this is the first study within the Flemish context to investigate abortion trajectories, timing, and access. Furthermore, this study protocol provides a phased and systematic approach to adapt validated research instruments to fit within diverse legal and cultural contexts. Building on this protocol, future research will seek to advance reproductive justice for all women in Belgium.
Genes to therapy: a comprehensive literature review of whole-exome sequencing in neurology and neurosurgery
Authors: Tan Joecelyn Kirani , Awuah Wireko Andrew , Ahluwalia Arjun , Sanker Vivek , Ben-Jaafar Adam , Tenkorang Pearl Ohenewaa , Aderinto Nicholas , Mehta Aashna , Darko Kwadwo , Shah Muhammad Hamza , Roy Sakshi , Abdul-Rahman Toufik , Atallah Oday
Published: November 2024

Whole-exome sequencing (WES), a ground-breaking technology, has emerged as a linchpin in neurology and neurosurgery, offering a comprehensive elucidation of the genetic landscape of various neurological disorders. This transformative methodology concentrates on the exonic portions of DNA, which constitute approximately 1% of the human genome, thus facilitating an expedited and efficient sequencing process. WES has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, neuro-oncology, cerebrovascular disorders, and epilepsy by revealing rare variants and novel mutations and providing intricate insights into their genetic complexities. This has been achieved while maintaining a substantial diagnostic yield, thereby offering novel perspectives on the pathophysiology and personalized management of these conditions. The utilization of WES boasts several advantages over alternative genetic sequencing methodologies, including cost-effectiveness, reduced incidental findings, simplified analysis and interpretation process, and reduced computational demands. However, despite its benefits, there are challenges, such as the interpretation of variants of unknown significance, cost considerations, and limited accessibility in resource-constrained settings. Additionally, ethical, legal, and social concerns are raised, particularly in the context of incidental findings and patient consent. As we look to the future, the integration of WES with other omics-based approaches could help revolutionize the field of personalized medicine through its implications in predictive models and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, marking a significant stride toward more effective and clinically oriented solutions.

Graphical Abstract