bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Small Aneurysm Size (<10 mm) Predict Complete Occlusion After Flow Diversion? A Surpass Evolve Single-Center Study
Authors: Gupta Gaurav , Sreenivasan Sanjeev , Baek Seung Woo , Nourollah-Zadeh Emad , Sun Hai , Nanda Anil , Sundararajan Srihari , Roychowdhury Sudipta
Published: March 2024

Background:

Long-term safety and efficacy outcomes of Surpass Evolve flow diverter (SEFD) in treatment of intracranial aneurysms are lacking. Factors predicting complete aneurysm occlusion are elusive in literature.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all consecutive aneurysms treated with SEFD from February 2020 to July 2022, at a single comprehensive stroke center.

Results:

Fifty-one patients with 80 aneurysms were included. Mean target aneurysm size was 5.6 mm and mean neck-width 3.42 mm. Small aneurysms (<10 mm) were 75% (n=60), while 25% were >10 mm. Unruptured were 71 (88.7%), previously ruptured were 8 (10%), and partially thrombosed 2.3% (n=1). Mean SEFDs used per patient were 1.07 and 40% (n=22) procedures were performed transradially. Mean procedure time was 59.1 minutes. The technical success rate for device deployment was 100%. Raymond Roy (RR) class I occlusion at 6 month (n=73) was seen among 56.2% (n=41), at 1 year (n=35) among 85.7% (n=30) and at 2 year (n=18) among 88.8% (n=16) aneurysms. Aneurysm size <10 mm significantly predicted RR-I occlusion outcome (odds ratio [OR]: 2.16; confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-4.29) at 6 months. Age, gender, smoking status, hypertension, location of aneurysm, and rupture status did not predict RR-I occlusion outcome. No mortality or permanent neurological morbidity was observed in the cohort. Major complications seen in 7.2% (n=4) patients were stent thrombosis (n=1, 1.8%), carotid-cavernous fistula (n=1, 1.8%) and transient ischemia in 2 (3.6%). Non-flow limiting stenosis was observed in 3 (5.4%) patients.

Conclusion:

SEFD gives good aneurysm occlusion rates with favorable long-term safety profile and low rate of thromboembolic complications. Small aneurysm size (<10 mm) was associated with complete aneurysm occlusion at 6-month angiographic follow-up.

Clinical Impact

As Surpass Evolve is a newer generation Flow diverter of the Stryker Surpass FDs, with its improved design and applicability in intracranial aneurysms, we believe that more physicians will be encouraged to use this device worldwide.
Vascular dementia
Authors: Khalid Muataz
Published: March 2024

Vascular dementia is a chronic, progressive brain disease. Commonly seen problems include changes in cognition, motor function, mood and behaviour. These result from loss of brain parenchyma, most commonly from cerebrovascular diseases such as infarction and small vessel disease. Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, after Alzheimer's disease. An estimated 55 000 000 people worldwide are affected. Vascular dementia can co-exist with other forms of dementia. Risk factors for developing vascular dementia include hypertension, atrial fibrillation, previous brain infarcts and diabetes. Diagnosis of vascular dementia requires a detailed and structured approach to ensure the exclusion of alternative diagnoses for cognitive impairment. Management of patients with vascular dementia should involve the wider multi-disciplinary team to maintain patient safety and independence. Vascular dementia can be managed effectively in primary care, but referral to specialist services is appropriate if the diagnosis is uncertain.
Systematic review of metabolomic alterations in ulcerative colitis: unveiling key metabolic signatures and pathways
Authors: Liu Meiling , Guo Siyi , Wang Liang
Published: March 2024

Background:

Despite numerous metabolomic studies on ulcerative colitis (UC), the results have been highly variable, making it challenging to identify key metabolic abnormalities in UC.

Objectives:

This study aims to uncover key metabolites and metabolic pathways in UC by analyzing existing metabolomics data.

Design:

A systematic review.

Data sources and methods:

We conducted a comprehensive search in databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science) and relevant study references for metabolomic research on UC up to 28 December 2022. Significant metabolite differences between UC patients and controls were identified, followed by an analysis of relevant metabolic pathways.

Results:

This review incorporated 78 studies, identifying 2868 differentially expressed metabolites between UC patients and controls. The metabolites were predominantly from ‘lipids and lipid-like molecules’ and ‘organic acids and derivatives’ superclasses. We found 101 metabolites consistently altered in multiple datasets within the same sample type and 78 metabolites common across different sample types. Of these, 62 metabolites exhibited consistent regulatory trends across various datasets or sample types. Pathway analysis revealed 22 significantly altered metabolic pathways, with 6 pathways being recurrently enriched across different sample types.

Conclusion:

This study elucidates key metabolic characteristics in UC, offering insights into molecular mechanisms and biomarker discovery for the disease. Future research could focus on validating these findings and exploring their clinical applications.
Serum neurofilament light chain correlations in patients with a first clinical demyelinating event in the REFLEX study: a post hoc analysis
Authors: Kuhle Jens , Leppert David , Comi Giancarlo , de Stefano Nicola , Kappos Ludwig , Freedman Mark S. , Seitzinger Andrea , Roy Sanjeev
Published: March 2024

Background:

In REFLEX, subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (sc IFN β-1a) delayed the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients with a first clinical demyelinating event (FCDE).

Objectives:

This post hoc analysis aimed to determine whether baseline serum neurofilament light (sNfL) chain can predict conversion to MS and whether correlations exist between baseline sNfL and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics.

Methods:

sNfL was measured for 494 patients who received sc IFN β-1a 44 μg once weekly (qw; n = 168), three times weekly (tiw; n = 161), or placebo ( n = 165) over 24 months. Median baseline sNfL (26.1 pg/mL) was used to define high/low sNfL subgroups. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox’s proportional hazard model to determine factors influencing the risk of conversion to MS. Kaplan–Meier estimates calculated median time-to-conversion to MS (McDonald 2005 criteria) or clinically definite MS (CDMS; Poser criteria). Correlations between sNfL and MRI findings were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient ( r).

Results:

Multivariable models indicated that high baseline sNfL was associated with the likelihood of converting to MS and inversely to time-to-conversion (HR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.03–1.64; p = 0.024). Significant additional factors affecting conversion to McDonald MS were on-study treatment (sc IFN β-1a/placebo; qw: HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46–0.76; tiw: HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.34–0.59), classification of FCDE (monofocal/multifocal; HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.55–0.85), and most baseline imaging findings (T2 and T1 gadolinium-enhancing [Gd+] lesions; HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03 and HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.11); all p ⩽ 0.001. Conversion to CDMS showed similar results. At month 24, sNfL was strongly correlated with a mean number of combined unique active ( r = 0.71), new T2 ( r = 0.72), and new T1 Gd+ ( r = 0.60) lesions; weak correlations were observed between sNfL and clinical outcomes for all treatment groups.

Conclusion:

Higher baseline sNfL was associated with an increased risk of MS conversion, a risk that was mitigated by treatment with sc IFN β-1a tiw.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00404352. Date registered: 28 November 2006.
Time interval between surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy: a population-based cohort study using a nationwide claim database
Authors: Maeng Chi Hoon , Kim Hoseob , Kim Mina
Published: March 2024

Background:

Adjuvant chemotherapy can reduce recurrence rates by eradicating microscopic metastases which may persist after curative resection. However, the optimal time interval (TI) between the surgery and chemotherapy remains controversial.

Objectives:

This study investigated the optimal TI between surgery and chemotherapy.

Design:

A population-based cohort study using a nationwide claims database.

Methods:

The data were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) of Korea. We included patients who underwent gastrectomy between 2013 and 2018. To determine the optimal cutoff point of TI, a restricted cubic spline Cox regression model was established, and categorized the population into three groups based on TI: the early (⩽20 days), the late (⩾35 days), and the reference group (21–34 days), and with the reference group having the lowest mortality and recurrence. Propensity score matching was performed for each group. The primary outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

After excluding ineligible participants, 6602 patients were included. The median DFS and OS did not differ significantly between the early and reference groups ( p = 0.7258 and p = 0.6056, respectively). In comparison between the late and reference groups, it was significantly lower in the late group ( p = 0.0079). Five-year DFS rates were 77.6% and 81.3% in the late and reference groups, respectively. The late group showed worse OS than the reference group ( p = 0.0336). Five-year OS rates were 82.1% and 85.0% in the late and reference groups, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, DFS in the late group retained inferiority [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.138, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003–1.292, p = 0.045]. OS showed a worse trend without significance compared to the reference group (aHR: 1.138, 95% CI: 0.984–1.317, p = 0.0805).

Conclusion:

Adjuvant chemotherapy after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer should be initiated within 5 weeks of surgery. A delay of more than 5 weeks may have a detrimental effect on the subsequent disease course.
The sacroiliac joint across ages – what is normal?
Authors: Jurik Anne Grethe , Herregods Nele
Published: March 2024

The anatomy of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is complex with wide variations inter-individually as well as intra-individually (right versus left) and a frequent occurrence of anatomical variants. Besides, the joints are subject to strain, which may elicit non-inflammatory subchondral changes such as bone marrow edema (BME), sclerosis, and fat deposition simulating inflammatory SIJ changes. Furthermore, normal physiological changes during skeletal maturation can make interpretation of SIJ magnetic resonance imaging in children challenging. Knowledge about the wide range of normal findings is therefore important to avoid misinterpretation of findings as pathological. This review describes the current knowledge about normal SIJ findings across all ages.
Utilizing the amide proton transfer technique to characterize diffuse gliomas based on the WHO 2021 classification of CNS tumors
Authors: Filimonova Elena , Pashkov Anton , Borisov Norayr , Kalinovsky Anton , Rzaev Jamil
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Diffuse gliomas present a significant challenge for healthcare systems globally. While brain MRI plays a vital role in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring, accurately characterizing gliomas using conventional MRI techniques alone is challenging. In this study, we explored the potential of utilizing the amide proton transfer (APT) technique to predict tumor grade and type based on the WHO 2021 Classification of CNS Tumors.

Methods

Forty-two adult patients with histopathologically confirmed brain gliomas were included in the study. They underwent 3T MRI imaging, which involved APT sequence. Multinomial and binary logistic regression models were employed to classify patients into clinically relevant groups based on MRI findings and demographic variables.

Results

We found that the best model for tumor grade classification included patient age along with APT values. The highest sensitivity (88%) was observed for Grade 4 tumors, while Grade 3 tumors showed the highest specificity (79%). For tumor type classification, our model incorporated four predictors: APT values, patient’s age, necrosis, and the presence of hemorrhage. The glioblastoma group had the highest sensitivity and specificity (87%), whereas balanced accuracy was the lowest for astrocytomas (0.73).

Conclusion

The APT technique shows great potential for noninvasive evaluation of diffuse gliomas. The changes in the classification of gliomas as per the WHO 2021 version of the CNS Tumor Classification did not affect its usefulness in predicting tumor grade or type.
Digital technologies used in clinical trial recruitment and enrollment including application to trial diversity and inclusion: A systematic review
Authors: Kasahara Amy , Mitchell Jennifer , Yang Joshua , Cuomo Raphael E. , McMann Tiana J. , Mackey Tim K.
Published: March 2024

Background

Many clinical trials fail because of poor recruitment and enrollment which can directly impact the success of biomedical and clinical research outcomes. Options to leverage digital technology for improving clinical trial management are expansive, with potential benefits for improving access to clinical trials, encouraging trial diversity and inclusion, and potential cost-savings through enhanced efficiency.

Objectives

This systematic review has two key aims: (1) identify and describe the digital technologies applied in clinical trial recruitment and enrollment and (2) evaluate evidence of these technologies addressing the recruitment and enrollment of racial and ethnic minority groups.

Methods

We conducted a cross-disciplinary review of articles from PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library, published in English between January 2012 and July 2022, using MeSH terms and keywords for digital health, clinical trials, and recruitment and enrollment. Articles unrelated to technology in the recruitment/enrollment process or those discussing recruitment/enrollment without technology aspects were excluded.

Results

The review returned 614 results, with 21 articles (four reviews and 17 original research articles) deemed suitable for inclusion after screening and full-text review. To address the first objective, various digital technologies were identified and characterized, which included articles with more than one technology subcategory including (a) multimedia presentations (19%, n = 4); (b) mobile applications (14%, n = 3); (c) social media platforms (29%, n = 6); (d) machine learning and computer algorithms (19%, n = 4); (e) e-consenting (24%, n = 5); (f) blockchain (5%, n = 1); (g) web-based programs (24%, n = 5); and (h) virtual messaging (24%, n = 5). Additionally, subthemes, including specific diseases or conditions addressed, privacy and regulatory concerns, cost/benefit analyses, and ethnic and minority recruitment considerations, were identified and discussed. Limited research was found to support a particular technology's effectiveness in racial and ethnic minority recruitment and enrollment.

Conclusion

Results from this review illustrate that several types of technology are currently being explored and utilized in clinical trial recruitment and enrollment stages. However, evidence supporting the use of digital technologies is varied and requires further research and evaluation to identify the most valuable opportunities for encouraging diversity in clinical trial recruitment and enrollment practices.
Using Poetry to Foster Positive Racial Identity in Middle School Black Girls: Implications for School Counselor Practice, Preparation, and Research
Authors: Griffin Dana , Steen Sam , McCullough Regina
Published: March 2024

In this article, we contextualize Black racial identity in the current sociopolitical context, and present and discuss a group counseling intervention using poetry as the medium to explore issues that foster a positive sense of racial identity in Black girls. We used the phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory as a framework to unpack the group counseling lessons, which are presented in detail. We also discuss implications for school counselor practice, preparation, and research.
Resilient Warriors: A Mixed Methods Investigation of an Expressive Arts-Based Resiliency Small Group Intervention With Rural Children
Authors: Ermis-Demirtas Hulya , Rizzo Nicole
Published: March 2024

Upper elementary students in a Title I rural school participated in an expressive arts-based resiliency small-group intervention entitled Resilient Warriors (RWs). This mixed-methods study revealed positive changes in participating students based on teacher ratings on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. We also found four qualitative themes that emerged from student group interviews: (a) learning resiliency strategies and skills, (b) growth, (c) enjoyment and fun, and (d) future recommendations. We discuss the study implications, limitations, and future recommendations.
Strategies to Enhance Implementation Fidelity in School-Counselor-Led, Culturally Affirming Tier 2 Groups
Authors: Donohue Peg , Smith Durkin Stephanie , Frank Alexandra
Published: March 2024

Multitiered systems of support (MTSS) teams use data to match student needs with an appropriate Tier 2 intervention. School counselors mobilize quickly to provide evidence-based and culturally affirming interventions. We present a compilation of best practices for delivering culturally affirming, small-group Tier 2 interventions with fidelity. Discussion includes implications for training; school-counselor-led, culturally affirming small-group intervention planning; strategies to ensure fidelity of implementation; and viewing data using an antiracist lens.
A Rites of Passage Counseling Group: Black Panther as a Metaphor of Strength and Resiliency for Young Black Males
Authors: Burt Isaac , Tosado Luis A.
Published: March 2024

Comic book characters (CBCs) provide an escapism from reality while still confronting real issues. However, for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) there is a lack of characters that look, talk, and think like them. Black Panther is an example of a character more inclusive of BIPOC populations, especially Black males. What differentiates Black Panther is the CBC can be a metaphor for issues Black males face, such as racism/discrimination. The superhero has several positive attributes, such as a strong sense of self, dignity, and strength/resiliency. Furthermore, one of the more appealing cultural aspects of Black Panther is he must undergo several rites of passages to claim his inheritance. Rites of passages are gaining recognition as a culturally responsive group method to use with Black males in school settings. Thus, a rites of passages counseling group centered on the attributes of Black Panther can offer a contemporary, school-based counseling intervention.
Determinants of Weighted Average Cost of Companies Using Non-Financial Reporting Initiatives in Pakistan
Authors: Shafique Danial Zahid , Asif Muhammad , Hussain Arif , Khan Muhammad , Fakhriddinovich Uktamov Khusniddin , Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the global business landscpae has witnessed a paradigm shift toward sustainable and responsible corporate practices. This transition has been particulalrly pronounced in the energy sector where companies are increasingly recongzing the importance of Non-Financial Reporting Initiatives (NFRI) in shaping their operational strategies. The current study endeavors to delive into the intricate relationship between NFRI and the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for energy companies in Pakistan. The current study relied on Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to extract useful information about the study topic. The data collected for the period 1999 to 2020 from World Development Indicators. The findings of the study revealed that energy consuption factors are responsiblee for around 31.32% variations in WACC, while economic factors contribute 43.98% variations. The financial factors showed to have 35.72% variations in the WACC. The findings of current study revealed to implement policies fostering sustainable energy practices, robust economic growth, and prudent financial management to positively influence the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for enhanced business competitiveness and investment attractiveness.
Purchase Intention for Vegan Cosmetics: Applying an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Model
Authors: Ngo-Thi-Ngoc Huyen , Nguyen-Viet Bang , Hong-Thach Hao
Published: March 2024

This study examined the factors directly influencing purchase intention for vegan cosmetics by applying an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model with three additional constructs: environmental concern, trust, and perceived knowledge. Data were collected from 384 consumers who had purchased cosmetics at health & beauty stores in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi, the two biggest cities representing cosmetics consumers in Vietnam. The results revealed that all three TPB constructs had a significant positive effect on the respondents’ purchase intention for vegan cosmetics. Furthermore, environmental concern had a significant effect on all TPB constructs, while trust and perceived knowledge were positively related only to attitude and perceived behavioral control. This study provides essential insights to help firms and marketers understand the factors affecting consumers’ purchase intention and choose appropriate strategies in Vietnam’s vegan cosmetics market.
Luckin Coffee in China: An Innovative Coffee Brand Dominating the Chinese Market amid the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zeng Zhanjing , Shen Caiyun , Wang Hong , Lin Ingrid Y.
Published: March 2024

Although China is historically known as a tea-consuming country, coffee consumption in China has been increasing at double-digit rates in recent years. Based on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, we explored Luckin Coffee’s innovative business concepts, including operational efficiency and marketing strategies such as price advantage, technical-support system, omnichannel sales, and social media promotion to expand market share. In addition, Luckin Coffee’s advanced technology and digital customer engagement have given the company an unexpected boost, as the importance of social distancing and minimizing physical contact became the new norm and standard practice during the COVID-19 pandemic era. This study provides practical insights into the impact of technology and process innovation on enhancing brand value and attracting new customers within the coffee shop and hospitality industries.
Indies: Who Are They? Why Are They an Important Demographic Segment of Fast-Casual Restaurants?
Authors: Mammen Rachel
Published: March 2024

Individuals define their social identity by going through self-identification where they associate with the group’s social identity. Marketing managers of fast-casual restaurants categorize groups of people so they can have a social identity in their locations. Nowadays, consumers are interested in superior quality food, healthier options, and a clean eating environment coupled with excellent customer service; the fast-casual restaurant is a mix of “quick-service” and “full-service” segments and has been the current trend in the restaurant industry. There is a growing interest in the market segmentation of fast-casual customers; however, there is limited research about the Indies.
Girl Power and Brand Power: Postfeminist Sensibility in News Coverage of Tokyo’s Girl “Prodigy” Skateboarders
Authors: McCarthy Brigid
Published: March 2024

This paper analyses news media coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic skateboarding competition, which paid significant and celebratory attention to the extraordinary youth of the medallists in the women’s disciplines. The coverage was marked by a postfeminist sensibility that constituted the girl-child skater via a ubiquitous and enduring girl power discourse, and idealised them as sites of extraordinary feminine capacity. These narratives located girls’ success in their exceptional youth, market potential, and personal agency, reinforcing neoliberal norms which privilege individualism, entrepreneurialism and choice. However, while offering the girl athletes as testaments to feminist progress in a historically male sport and culture, news narratives tended to render girls’ athletic labour virtually invisible and to elide larger issues that may impact women skaters and girl-aged elite athletes. This paper addresses a call for further attention to postfeminist sensibility as it manifests in contemporary media coverage of women’s sport in order to understand the kind of contradictions that can manifest in media narratives that simultaneously celebrate women’s achievements while denying the existence of larger structural issues affecting them. Additionally, it addresses a gap in feminist sport media research that has largely overlooked the girl-child elite athlete.
A novel return-to-play battery for shoulder injury/surgery: Normative values and psychometric properties
Authors: Phillips Kieron , Ng Jun Xiang , Abdelkader Tarek , Wirianski Alex
Published: March 2024

Objective: The Singapore Institute of Technology Shoulder Assessment Battery (SIT-SAB) is a novel shoulder test battery involving six different tests. It is created to aid clinicians in the return-to-play decision-making process. This study aims to establish the normative score for the SIT-SAB and assess the reliability of its scoring criteria. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study looked at healthy adults aged 18 or older with asymptomatic shoulders and normal shoulder mobility were recruited for the study. The participants performed all the tests in the SIT-SAB, and the measurements and scores obtained were recorded. Nineteen participants returned for two additional sessions on separate days to analyse the SIT-SAB's reliability. The inter-rater, intra-rater and test–retest reliability was calculated using a two-way mixed effect International Consensus Criteria (ICC) model. The ICC coefficient and the 95% confidence interval were used to determine the reliability of the SIT-SAB. Results: The SIT-SAB demonstrated good inter-rater, intra-rater and inter-day reliability (ICC  =  0.81 (0.51–0.93), 0.97 (0.92–0.99), 0.89 (0.78–0.96), respectively) and has a mean score of 87.3  ±  10.3. The SIT-SAB scores were not correlated with any demographic, anthropometric characteristics or other factors. Conclusion: The findings provided the normative score to be expected of a healthy Singaporean adult and showed that the scoring criteria used were stable and demonstrated good reliability. Further research is needed to establish the cut-off score required for a safe return-to-play.
Remote Work Penalties: Work Location and Career Rewards
Authors: Moller Stephanie , Yavorsky Jill E. , Ruppanner Leah , Dippong Joseph
Published: March 2024

Remote, home-based work has long been devalued in the United States as it is associated with flexible work, disproportionately pursued by women, and a violation of ideal worker norms. The shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic created a scenario where a large proportion of professional/white-collar workers experienced remote work; and workers and managers witnessed the potential for continued productivity. This potentially shifted managers’ perceptions of remote work, no longer signaling deviance from the ideal worker norm. Conversely, it may still trigger workplace penalties, despite wider adoption during the pandemic. Understanding these perceptions is important, especially for workers with young children who disproportionately access remote work. This study tests competing explanations for productive employees with young children through a survey experiment that assesses whether managers perceive that managers (i.e., their peers) (1) are equally supportive of remote and in-person employment; (2) think that rewards should be allocated differently in light of work location; and (3) impose different performance expectations in light of work location. We find that managers perceive that peers allocate higher rewards to in-person workers. This is partially explained by different perceptions of leadership, work commitment, and to a lesser extent competence. We do not find gender effects.
Alpha-Band Dynamics of Hearing Aid Wearers Performing the Repeat-Recall Test (RRT)
Authors: Slugocki Christopher , Kuk Francis , Korhonen Petri
Published: March 2024

This study measured electroencephalographic activity in the alpha band, often associated with task difficulty, to physiologically validate self-reported effort ratings from older hearing-impaired listeners performing the Repeat-Recall Test (RRT)—an integrative multipart assessment of speech-in-noise performance, context use, and auditory working memory. Following a single-blind within-subjects design, 16 older listeners (mean age = 71 years, SD = 13, 9 female) with a moderate-to-severe degree of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss performed the RRT while wearing hearing aids at four fixed signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of −5, 0, 5, and 10 dB. Performance and subjective ratings of listening effort were assessed for complementary versions of the RRT materials with high/low availability of semantic context. Listeners were also tested with a version of the RRT that omitted the memory (i.e., recall) component. As expected, results showed alpha power to decrease significantly with increasing SNR from 0 through 10 dB. When tested with high context sentences, alpha was significantly higher in conditions where listeners had to recall the sentence materials compared to conditions where the recall requirement was omitted. When tested with low context sentences, alpha power was relatively high irrespective of the memory component. Within-subjects, alpha power was related to listening effort ratings collected across the different RRT conditions. Overall, these results suggest that the multipart demands of the RRT modulate both neural and behavioral measures of listening effort in directions consistent with the expected/designed difficulty of the RRT conditions.
Spatial Release From Masking With Bilateral Bone Conduction Stimulation at Mastoid for Normal Hearing Subjects
Authors: Wang Jie , Xie Sijia , Stenfelt Stefan , Zhou Huali , Wang Xiaoya , Sang Jinqiu
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the effect of spatial release from masking (SRM) in bilateral bone conduction (BC) stimulation at the mastoid. Nine adults with normal hearing were tested to determine SRM based on speech recognition thresholds (SRTs) in simulated spatial configurations ranging from 0 to 180 degrees. These configurations were based on nonindividualized head-related transfer functions. The participants were subjected to sound stimulation through either air conduction (AC) via headphones or BC. The results indicated that both the angular separation between the target and the masker, and the modality of sound stimulation, significantly influenced speech recognition performance. As the angular separation between the target and the masker increased up to 150°, both BC and AC SRTs decreased, indicating improved performance. However, performance slightly deteriorated when the angular separation exceeded 150°. For spatial separations less than 75°, BC stimulation provided greater spatial benefits than AC, although this difference was not statistically significant. For separations greater than 75°, AC stimulation offered significantly more spatial benefits than BC. When speech and noise originated from the same side of the head, the “better ear effect” did not significantly contribute to SRM. However, when speech and noise were located on opposite sides of the head, this effect became dominant in SRM.
Social Life After Hip Fracture: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zare Zahra , Ghane Golnar , Shahsavari Hooman , Ahmadnia Shirin , Ghiyasvandian Shahrzad
Published: March 2024

The return to social life after a hip fracture is a major concern for patients and a determinant factor in their recovery. However, patients’ perceptions of social life after hip fracture are variable and context-dependent. By identifying these perceptions and strategies of patients, interventions can be strengthened and modified. The aim of this study was to identify patients’ perceptions of their social life after hip fracture. This qualitative study used inductive content analysis. Twenty patients with hip fractures who were referred to Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals were purposefully selected and included in the study. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted by a researcher experienced in carrying out such interviews. The interviews were recorded, immediately transcribed verbatim, and analyzed in MAXQDA-10. The interviewing process continued until data saturation was reached. The data analysis led to the extraction of three categories: Disruption of normal social life, Minimal social life, and Social isolation. The results indicated that the social life of these patients is influenced by physical conditions and contextual factors and progresses over time. All patients experienced meaningful disruption of their social life after experiencing hip fractures and movement limitations. The interdisciplinary perspectives provided by these findings can increase awareness of patients’ post-fracture social life perceptions and conditions. These findings can also be used to design future programs for interdisciplinary interventions (involving sociology and medical sciences) to improve social life and increase the ability to return to a normal social life. Recovery management for patients with hip fractures should be preventive and organized by an all-around team (involving medicine, psychology, and sociology) based on patient-centered, community-based, and modern care strategies.
Disasters Ineligible for Disaster Risk Funding: A Political–Economic Discourse Between States and the Center for Inclusion of Region-specific Disasters
Authors: Sharma Sanjay
Published: March 2024

Disaster risk funding is a well-established mechanism in India. It includes funds such as the National Disaster and Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), the State Disaster and Risk Management Fund (SDRMF), etc. These funds provide funding for listed disasters only, such as floods, droughts, landslides, and so on. However, states find this list very limited in its scope as many state/region-specific disasters are not covered in it. Hence, there are constant demands from the states to revise this list by including state-specific disasters such as snakebites, lightning, sea and riverbank erosion, bamboo flowering, and the like. However, these demands are rejected by the Finance Commission, a nodal agency of the central government for disaster risk funding, on many accounts. The present article analyzes the rationale for states’ demands to add certain region-specific disasters to the eligible list of disasters for funding and the Finance Commission’s response to them. The article utilizes primary sources such as Finance Commission reports and government orders, recommendations, and reports of the Ministry of Home Affairs and related agencies. It is supplanted with secondary sources as well.
The Causal Cookbook: Recipes for Propensity Scores, G-Computation, and Doubly Robust Standardization
Authors: Chatton Arthur , Rohrer Julia M.
Published: March 2024

Recent developments in the causal-inference literature have renewed psychologists’ interest in how to improve causal conclusions based on observational data. A lot of the recent writing has focused on concerns of causal identification (under which conditions is it, in principle, possible to recover causal effects?); in this primer, we turn to causal estimation (how do researchers actually turn the data into an effect estimate?) and modern approaches to it that are commonly used in epidemiology. First, we explain how causal estimands can be defined rigorously with the help of the potential-outcomes framework, and we highlight four crucial assumptions necessary for causal inference to succeed (exchangeability, positivity, consistency, and noninterference). Next, we present three types of approaches to causal estimation and compare their strengths and weaknesses: propensity-score methods (in which the independent variable is modeled as a function of controls), g-computation methods (in which the dependent variable is modeled as a function of both controls and the independent variable), and doubly robust estimators (which combine models for both independent and dependent variables). A companion R Notebook is available at github.com/ArthurChatton/CausalCookbook. We hope that this nontechnical introduction not only helps psychologists and other social scientists expand their causal toolbox but also facilitates communication across disciplinary boundaries when it comes to causal inference, a research goal common to all fields of research.
Real-world effectiveness of add-on fremanezumab in patients receiving onabotulinumtoxinA for the prevention of chronic migraine in a US tertiary headache center: A retrospective chart review study
Authors: Yuan Hsiangkuo , Cohen Fred , Driessen Maurice T , Krasenbaum Lynda J , Ortega Mario , Hopkins Mary , Marmura Michael J
Published: March 2024

Background:

Concomitant fremanezumab, a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway monoclonal antibody (mAb), and onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) improve treatment response compared with onabotA alone in patients with chronic migraine (CM).

Methods:

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study that assessed treatment response (change over time in monthly headache days [MHD] and pain intensity [PI]) in adult patients with CM receiving fremanezumab as add-on therapy to onabotA for CM prevention.

Results:

In the study population ( N = 116, age 50.0 ± 13.1, female 85.3%, pre-index onabotA use 46.5 ± 34.2 months) receiving concurrent onabotA and fremanezumab for 17.5 ± 11.6 months, MHD decreased by 3.60 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.26, −1.94, p < 0.001) and PI was reduced by 0.43 (95% CI: −0.77, −0.09, p = 0.012) at the final visit. Statistically significant reductions were seen in both MHD (−4.61, 95% CI: −6.84, −2.39; p < 0.001) and PI (−0.52, 95% CI: −0.84. −0.09; p = 0.017) among patients naïve to mAbs against CGRP or its receptor. No unexpected adverse events were observed.

Conclusion:

Concomitant fremanezumab and onabotA for CM prevention were effective at reducing the number of MHD and lessening PI, particularly in patients with difficult-to-treat CM who are naïve to mAbs against CGRP or its receptor.
Exploring STI/HIV Knowledge and Effect of Communication Activities Among Rohingya Refugee Women: A Camp-based Cross-sectional Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Zakaria Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Background:

HIV is often perceived by many Rohingya individuals as a common ailment, similar to a cough or fever. Given the biological vulnerability of Rohingya women, increasing awareness programs within this population becomes crucial. Therefore, it is important to assess the current knowledge status of STIs/HIV among Rohingya individuals.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of STIs/HIV and explore the impact of media usage and communication activities among Rohingya refugee women residing in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh camps.

Methods:

A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a camp-based cross-sectional sample survey with a structured and facilitator-administered questionnaire. The study involved 415 refugee women as respondents. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing STI/HIV knowledge.

Results:

The findings revealed that approximately two-thirds of Rohingya refugee women lacked accurate knowledge regarding STI/HIV-related myths and misconceptions. Regression analyses indicated that being a professional ( β = 0.14; p = .003), engaging in discussions about STI/HIV with healthcare workers ( β = 0.25, p < .001), visiting clinics or health facilities ( β = 0.18, p < .001), and observing banners/posters on STI/HIV ( β = 0.20, p < .001) were associated with better STI/HIV knowledge among refugee women. The utilization of communication activities by Rohingya women emerged as a stronger predictor of STI/HIV knowledge compared to socio-demographic factors and media usage-related variables.

Conclusions:

The study findings can inform the development of appropriate communication programs, campaigns, and effective communication materials aimed at preventing STIs within this vulnerable community.
Himalayan P in a Toddler with Idiopathic Restrictive Cardiomyopathy with a Brief Electrocardiographic Review
Authors: Shanmugam Sedhupathi , Mondal Sudipta , Banerjee Saurav
Published: March 2024

Although Himalayan P waves are not uncommon in congenital heart diseases involving the tricuspid valve, it is rare in pediatric idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy. We are presenting one of the tallest P waves in literature, the Himalayan P in a toddler with idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy. Additionally, we reviewed the literature on the value of electrocardiograms in the evaluation of restrictive cardiomyopathy.
Perceptions of Community Corrections and Treatment Experience: A Qualitative Study Among People With Incarceration Histories Receiving Outpatient Methadone Treatment
Authors: Gaeta Gazzola Marina , Oberleitner Lindsay M.S. , Hoffman Kim , Eller Anthony , Madden Lynn M. , Marcus Ruthanne , Oberleitner David , Beitel Mark , Thompson Emma , Zheng Xiaoying , Barry Declan T.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Community correctional experiences among individuals receiving methadone treatment (MT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) are poorly understood. We qualitatively investigated perceptions of community corrections and treatment experiences among individuals with criminal-legal system experience currently receiving outpatient MT.

Methods:

From January to December 2017, we recruited 42 individuals with history of criminal-legal system involvement enrolled in outpatient MT at a low-barrier nonprofit organization operating multiple clinics in Connecticut. An experienced qualitative research team conducted one-to-one, in-person, semistructured interviews about incarceration and treatment experiences with individuals receiving MT. Participants completed a demographics survey. The interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, de-identified, and independently coded using NVivo.

Results:

Participants described the community corrections system as restrictive and abstinence-focused. Most participants described positive perceptions of and experiences with community corrections officers (CCOs), yet described negative perceptions of and experiences with the community corrections system overall. Participants perceived CCOs to have limited knowledge of OUD and MT. Participants described a range of CCO judgment toward their OUD, with some appearing understanding and nonjudgmental while others were perceived to have stigma and prejudice. Few participants noted assistance from CCOs with seeking MT or community-based substance use disorder care. Some participants desired improved treatment facilitation, but viewed forced or coercive treatment negatively.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study to examine community corrections experience among people receiving outpatient medication for OUD. While individuals receiving MT have negative experiences with the community corrections system, they perceive individual CCOs positively. Interventions addressing gaps in CCOs knowledge of OUD and MT are needed to optimize support for individuals on probation or parole with OUD. Provision of OUD treatment facilitation appears desirable to some individuals in community supervision.
Down-regulated HHLA2 enhances neoadjuvant immunotherapy efficacy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Zeng Ao , Yin Yanze , Xu Zhilong , Abuduwayiti Abudumijiti , Yang Fujun , Shaik Mohammed Saud , Wang Chao , Chen Keyi , Wang Chao , Fang Xinyun , Dai Jie
Published: March 2024

Background

Emerging data suggested a favorable outcome in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients treated by immunotherapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunotherapy among NSCLC with COPD versus NSCLC without COPD and explore the potential mechanistic links.

Patients and methods

Patients with NSCLC receiving neoadjuvant immunotherapy and surgery at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital between November 2020 and January 2023 were reviewed. The assessment of neoadjuvant immunotherapy’s effectiveness was conducted based on the major pathologic response (MPR). The gene expression profile was investigated by RNA sequencing data. Immune cell proportions were examined using flow cytometry. The association between gene expression, immune cells, and pathologic response was validated by immunohistochemistry and single-cell data.

Results

A total of 230 NSCLC patients who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy were analyzed, including 60 (26.1%) with COPD. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that COPD was a predictor for MPR after neoadjuvant immunotherapy [odds ratio (OR), 2.490; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.295–4.912; P = 0.007]. NSCLC with COPD showed a down-regulation of HERV–H LTR-associating protein 2 (HHLA2), which was an immune checkpoint molecule, and the HHLA2low group demonstrated the enrichment of CD8+CD103+ tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) compared to the HHLA2high group (11.9% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.013). Single-cell analysis revealed TRM enrichment in the MPR group. Similarly, NSCLC with COPD exhibited a higher proportion of CD8+CD103+TRM compared to NSCLC without COPD (11.9% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.040).

Conclusions

The study identified NSCLC with COPD as a favorable lung cancer type for neoadjuvant immunotherapy, offering a new perspective on the multimodality treatment of this patient population. Down-regulated HHLA2 in NSCLC with COPD might improve the MPR rate to neoadjuvant immunotherapy owing to the enrichment of CD8+CD103+TRM.

Trial registration

Approval for the collection and utilization of clinical samples was granted by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (Approval number: K23-228).