bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent Perspectives on Their E-Cigarette Initiation Experiences
Authors: Guerra Castillo Claudia , Hoeft Kristin S. , Couch Elizabeth T. , Halpern-Felsher Bonnie , Chaffee Benjamin W.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To examine adolescents’ perspectives regarding external and internal influences of the e-cigarette initiation process.

Design

Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews.

Setting

California, remote videoconference.

Participants

Adolescents ages 13-17 who currently or previously used e-cigarettes (n = 47).

Method

Interviews occurred from May 2020-February 2021. Two researchers coded transcripts based on a codebook developed inductively. Coded excerpts were reviewed to identify encompassing themes related to adolescent e-cigarette initiation.

Results

Adolescents were often near e-cigarette use by peers, family members, and others, creating ample opportunities to try e-cigarettes in response to curiosity, peer pressure, and desires to cope with stress or belong to a group. Adverse first experiences were common (eg, throat irritation, nausea), but many adolescents vaped again or continued to use regularly in attempts to cement friendships or alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, including low-cost, concealability, and variety in designs and flavors facilitated initiation, continued use, and nicotine dependence.

Conclusions

Adolescents progress to e-cigarette use via a multistage process, starting where social expectations and opportunity converge. While individual circumstances vary, many continue to vape as a perceived coping tool for emotional issues, to gain social belonging, or influenced by e-cigarette characteristics that contribute to ongoing use and dependence. Efforts to deter use should address the devices themselves and the social forces driving youth interest in them.
Navigating the Labour Market: Women Job Seekers’ Mobilisation of a Postfeminist Sensibility
Authors: Abrams Ruth , Brewis Deborah , Imas Miguel
Published: August 2024

Job seeking is a crucial yet overlooked process through which people navigate the world of work. Yet there remains limited qualitative research examining the complex and nuanced experiences of job seekers in a contemporary labour market. This article explores 38 interviews with job-seeking women in England, all of whom were interviewed over a six-month period. Using a postfeminist sensibility, findings revealed an oscillation between empowerment and success on the one hand, and disempowerment and perceived failure on the other, including wanting to: find the ‘right’ job, but accept any job; convey an authentic self but imitate what they think employers want; negotiate salaries, but accept pay cuts; emulate ‘successful’ behaviours, but experience doubt, uncertainty and negativity. This article contributes to the sociological practice of employment, identifying that through this oscillation, women experience a form of postfeminist precarity that starts from the outset of job seeking.
Using visible and near infrared spectroscopy and machine learning for estimating total petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soils
Authors: Karimian Fereshteh , Ayoubi Shamsollah , Khalili Banafsheh , Mireei Seyed Ahmad , Al-Mulla Yaseen
Published: August 2024

Petroleum pollution in soil is very damaging to the areas affected by the accidental release of petroleum hydrocarbons and has destructive impacts on natural resources and environmental health. Therefore, its monitoring and analysis are critical, however, due to the cost and time associated with chemical approaches, finding a quick and cost-effective analytical method is valuable. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of using visible near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy to predict total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in polluted soils around the Shadegan ponds, in southern Iran. One hundred soil samples showing various degrees of pollution were randomly collected from topsoil (0–10 cm). The soil samples were analyzed for TPH using Vis-NIR reflectance spectroscopy in the laboratory and then following application of preprocessing transformation, partial least squares PLS regression as well as two machine learning models including random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) were examined. The results showed that the reflectance values at 1725 nm and 2311 nm, respectively, served as indicative TPH reflectance features, exhibiting weaker reflection with rising TPH. Among the preprocessing methods, the baseline correction method indicated the highest performance than the others. According to the evaluation model criteria in the validation dataset, the efficiency of the three selected models was observed in the following order SVM > RF > PLS regression. The SVM model provided the best performance in the validation dataset with r2 = 0.85, root mean of square (RMSEP = 1.59 %, and the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) = 2.6. Overall, this study provided strong evidence supporting the considerable potential of Visible-NIR spectroscopy as a rapid and cost-effective technique for estimating TPH levels in oil-contaminated soils, surpassing traditional chemical analytical methods. Applying the mid-infrared spectrum (MIR) in combination with Visible-NIR data is expected to provide more comprehensive and accurate results when assessing soils in polluted areas, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the results across a diverse range of soil types.
The impact of psychiatric facility design on reducing aggressive behaviours in an adult population: a narrative literature review
Authors: Grynevych Alla , Hew Anthony , Olver James
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This review examines the literature to determine whether physical design features of psychiatric facilities can help reduce aggressive behaviours in an adult patient population.

Methods

Using PRISMA’s methodology, we conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed primary studies on the physical design features and aggressive behaviours in psychiatric facilities. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of included studies.

Results

A total of eight studies were identified. The findings revealed underlying themes in physical design efforts to reduce the incidences of aggressive behaviours, which included changes in structural design (e.g. single rooms; visiting/living/recreational areas; views of outdoors/nature; and uncrowded spaces) and changes in interior design (e.g. art and home-like/comforting environment). There were varying measures of patient aggression.

Conclusions

There was mixed evidence that superficial or structural design changes to psychiatric wards reduced patient aggression. Some studies found reduced aggression; others found no changes, while one study found increased aggression following the implementation of physical design changes. The methodological limitations of the available studies made it difficult to draw causative links and further research on the topic is needed.
Socio-Structural Intersect With Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Utilization for Hispanic/Latino Groups in Colorado: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Amura Claudia R. , Medina Rosario , Bean Meagan , Centi Sophia , Cook Paul F. , Barton Amy J. , Jones Jacqueline
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

We evaluated telehealth utilization among Colorado Hispanics/Latinos during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A mixed methods design was used with urban and rural patients recruited through two Colorado Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving large Hispanic/Latino communities. Linguistically and culturally adapted Patient Attitudes Toward Telehealth (PATAT) surveys were collected electronically. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of Spanish-speaking Hispanics/Latinos.

Results:

Although the FQHCs serve a Hispanic/Latino population, only 40% of survey respondents (82/204) were Hispanic/Latinos, and they reported less telehealth utilization ( p < .01). Trust in telehealth seemed driven by previous use, with no differences in PATAT scores by ethnicity or geolocation. Interviews with Spanish-speaking Hispanics/Latinos showed they highly preferred in-person care, and factors that influenced telehealth utilization were situated within the intersection of culture and trust with socio-structural determinants of health.

Discussion:

Resolving disparities in telehealth utilization requires patient-centric approaches and equitable transcultural care for underserved Hispanic/Latino populations.
Anti-RANKL Antibody For Active Charcot Foot Neuro-Osteoarthropathy in Patients with Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rastogi Ashu , Singh Raveena , Ghosh Jayaditya , Gupta Rajat
Published: August 2024

Background:

Charcot neuroosteoarthropathy (CNO) is characterized with increased osteoclastic activity that can be curbed with antiresorptive agents. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) precludes bisphosphonates but anti–receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand (anti-RANKL) antibody, denosumab, can be contemplated in CKD. We investigated denosumab for active CNO of foot in CKD for CNO remission.

Methods:

During the study period, 446 persons of diabetes with unilateral, active CNO of foot and CKD were identified and 78 were finally enrolled. Patients received either 60 mg denosumab (single-dose, subcutaneous) along with standard of care (SoC) as total contact cast (TCC) (group A; n = 26) or SoC (group B; n = 52) only. Patients were followed every 4 weeks until CNO remission and subsequently every 8 weeks until 48 weeks following remission. Remission was defined as temperature difference <2 °C between 2 feet confirmed twice (4 weeks apart) with clinical resolution of signs of inflammation. The primary outcome studied was proportion of patients achieving remission within 48 weeks and the time to remission.

Results:

Median age was 56.5 (48.8-65) and 57 (48.5-61.2) years, P = .57; duration of diabetes 16 (10-25.3) and 14.9 (10-19) years, P = .151; and estimated glomerular filtration rate 44.8 (21.1-65.6) and 45.7 (32.9-55.7) mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .771, in group A and B, respectively. Median temperature difference at presentation between the affected and opposite foot was 3.4 °C (2.7-6.9) and 3.2 °C (2.2-4.0), P = .119, respectively. All patients achieved remission in group A (100%) compared with 42 (80.8%) in group B ( P = .006) (hazard ratio 0.52, 95% CI: 0.32-0.87; P = .012). The median time to remission was similar in the 2 groups (15 [11-25] and 17.5 [14-31.5] weeks, P = .229, respectively). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 >14 ng/mL was significantly associated (OR 9.5, 95% CI 1.04-87.5, P = .045) with remission.

Conclusion:

Anti-RANKL antibody added to SoC (TCC) induces remission of active foot CNO in greater proportions of patients with diabetes and CKD.
Complication rates are not higher after outpatient compared to inpatient fast-track total hip arthroplasty: a propensity-matched prospective comparative study
Authors: de Ladoucette Aymard , Godet Julien , Resurg  ,   SOFCOT fast-track and ambulatory THA working group, SOFCOT, Jenny Jean-Yves ,   ReSurg collaborators:, Ramos-Pascual Sonia , Kumble Ankitha , Muller Jacobus H , Saffarini Mo ,   SOFCOT fast-track and ambulatory THA working group collaborators:, Biette Grégory , Boisrenoult Philippe , Brochard Damien , Brosset Thomas , Cariven Pascal , Chouteau Julien , Henry Marc-Pierre , Hulet Christophe
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

Concerns remain with regards to safety of fast-track (FT) and especially outpatient procedures. The purpose of this study was to compare complication rates and clinical outcomes of propensity-matched patients who received FT total hip arthroplasty (THA) in outpatient versus inpatient settings. The hypothesis was that 90-day postoperative complication rates of outpatient FT THA would not be higher than after inpatient FT THA.

Methods:

This is a prospective study of consecutive patients who received FT THA at various rates of outpatient and inpatient surgery by 10 senior surgeons (10 centres). The decision between outpatient and inpatient surgery was made on a case-by-case basis depending on the surgeon and patient. All patients were followed until 90 days after surgery. Complications, readmissions and reoperations were collected, and their severity was assessed according to Clavien-Dindo. Patients completed Oxford Hip Score (OHS) at the latest follow-up.

Results:

Compared to inpatient FT THA, patients scheduled for outpatient FT THA had no significant differences in 90-day postoperative complication rates (10.7% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.129). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in 90-day readmission rates and reoperation rates, in severity of postoperative complications, and in time of occurrence of postoperative complications.

Conclusions:

There were no differences in rates of intraoperative complications, 90-day postoperative complications, readmissions, or reoperations between outpatient and inpatient FT THA. These findings may help hesitant surgeons to move towards outpatient THA pathways as there is no greater risk of early postoperative complications that could be more difficult to manage after discharge.
The possibility of the application of modern vocal music technology in vocal music education / La potencial aplicación de las nuevas tecnologías de la música vocal en la enseñanza de la música vocal
Authors: Li Yayun
Published: August 2024

Information technologies in the modern world cover many fields of activity, including education. This contributes to the transformation of the educational process and the development of students’ independence. The main purpose of this paper is to assess the possibilities of using modern vocal music technologies in Chinese music education. To achieve the above purpose, the authors of the manuscript analysed the data obtained and divided the interactive technologies that can be used for vocal music education into the following four groups: software for studying theoretical frameworks, universal software, spectrogram software and audio editing software. The selected applications help learners acquire extensive vocal knowledge. Using the Likert scale, the researchers found that the applications of preference chosen by the respondents in each of the presented groups were Explain Everything (93%), Sing Sharp (87%), Sodaphonic (73%) and MAGIX Music Maker (82%). Sing Sharp provides vocal lessons in the form of a game. Sodaphonic eliminates low-quality performance elements in the process of creation of audio files. MAGIX Music Maker helps users create new songs using virtual musical instruments.
Effects of COVID-19 Among People With Disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe: A Mixed-Method Survey
Authors: Ndlovu Lindiwe , Mudonhi Nicholas , Sibanda Nomathemba , Nunu Wilfred Njabulo , Manyeruke Norman
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Persons with disabilities are the most affected by rising pandemics worldwide. COVID-19 has affected people with disabilities in many areas of their lives; however, its impact has been overlooked. This study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on people with disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe, to develop a disability-inclusive approach in response to COVID-19.

Methods:

A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 7 key informants and ninety-two participants with disabilities, from January to May 2023. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA software version 12 and Microsoft Excel. Multiple Logistic Regression, Chi-square test, and paired-sample test were used to test for associations among COVID-19 cases, source of income, key challenges, and demographic characteristics. Qualitative data were analysed and presented in the form of themes.

Results:

We recruited more females (56.5%) than males with disabilities, and more than half were unemployed (56.5%). In contrast, only 3.3% of the respondents were formally employed. The results also indicated a significant relationship between age and COVID-19 positivity ( P = .025). The results also indicated that efforts were being made by government and non-governmental departments to assist people with disabilities during the pandemic through finance, food, awareness campaigns, and social support.

Conclusion:

Restriction measures put in place disturbed the livelihood of people with disabilities in Plumtree. Therefore, entrepreneurship programmes targeting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, should be introduced to ensure that their sources of income are sustained despite emergencies or pandemics.
The future is (ever) promising: Elected representatives’ promises in routine parliamentary discourse
Authors: Zalik Avital , Baden Christian
Published: August 2024

This study investigates how elected representatives make promises to the electorate as part of their routine, everyday parliamentary discourse. Departing from the dominant focus on pre-election pledges in existing scholarship, we examine how representatives’ practices of making promises vary systematically over time (before/after elections/mid-term), by government role (government/opposition), party membership (catch-all/identity-based parties), and addressed electorate (inclusive/exclusive). Drawing upon research in speech acts, political discourse, and corpus pragmatics, we employ manual and computational text analysis on session transcripts from the Israeli parliament to identify variations in representatives’ use of direct or indirect action promises ( N = 709), expressing different orientations of commitment. Documenting that promises continue to be prevalent after elections (especially among coalition members), we argue that the practices of making promises fulfill a critical role in representation that extends far beyond the election campaign, maintaining continuous accountability throughout the electoral cycle.
The mediatization of work? Gig workers and gig apps in Sweden
Authors: Örnebring Henrik , Van Couvering Elizabeth , Regin Öborn David , MacKenzie Robert
Published: August 2024

This article presents a study of how and to what extent gig workers in Sweden experience a mediatization of work. We contend that previous mediatization research has assumed extensive and unified effects of mediatization, and that previous gig work research has focused on users of large-scale, transnational platforms. We conducted a set of qualitative, semi-structured interviews (N = 28) with Swedish users of four different gig apps (all produced by very small companies active only in Sweden). We analyzed their experiences of mediatization along five dimensions: extension, substitution, amalgamation, accommodation, and datafication. We found that our respondents had much more varied, far less all-encompassing, experiences of mediatization than indicated in previous research. We also found respondents’ experiences clearly framed by the smaller size of the local, Swedish gig work companies.
Mechanical, corrosion and tribological behavior of friction stir processed AZ31B/egg shell /WS2 hybrid surface composite
Authors: Nehru K , Tamilselvam P
Published: August 2024

In the present work, egg shell and Tungsten disulphide particles are reinforced in AZ31B alloy using friction stir process. Initially, the ES and WS2 particles are mixed at different weight ratios (25/75, 50/50 and 75/25) then are reinforced in AZ31B plates using a taper threaded FSP tool at rotation speed of 1000 rpm, axial load of 6 kN and traverse speed of 10 mm/min in hole method. The post macroscopic analysis showed that defect free hybrid surface composite is obtained with 75wt %ES and 25wt % WS2 particles reinforced in AZ31B alloy. The grain size is reduced from 15 µm to 5 µm due to the addition of 75wt% ES and 25wt% WS2 particles through FSP. The mechanical, corrosion and tribological responses of AZ31B/75ES/25WS2 hybrid surface composite are observed and are compared with FSPed AZ31B alloy without reinforcements and AZ31B base alloy. The microhardness is improved by 66% and 83% in FSPed AZ31B alloy and AZ31B/75ES/25WS2 hybrid surface composite respectively compared to the AZ31B base alloy. Similarly, the ultimate tensile strength is improved by 16% and 31% in FSPed AZ31B alloy and AZ31B/75ES/25WS2 hybrid surface composite respectively compared to the AZ31B base alloy but the % of elongation is decreased by 70% and 78% in FSPed AZ31B alloy and AZ31B/75ES/25WS2 hybrid surface composite respectively compared to the AZ31B base alloy. The corrosion rates of FSPed AZ31B alloy and AZ31B/75ES/25WS2 hybrid surface composite are decreased by 22% and 48% respectively compared to AZ31B base alloy. The dry sliding friction and wear responses are observed for AZ31B base alloy and AZ31B/75ES/25WS2 hybrid surface composite by varying the applied load (10 N, 20 N and 30 N) and sliding velocity (1.5 m/s, 2.6 m/s and 3.6 m/s) with constant sliding distance of 2000 m. In AZ31B base alloy, the wear mechanism is initially dominated by delamination and ploughing phenomena but at high sliding condition, the delaminated and worn out debris based tribolayer reduced the wear rate. In AZ31B/75ES/25WS2 hybrid surface composite, the wear mechanism is dominated by adhesive and delamination phenomena and the formed tribolayer decreased the wear rate at high sliding condition.
Transcriptomics Reveals the Mechanism of Platycodin D Targeting TGFβ for Anti-Lung Cancer Activity
Authors: Feng Mei , Wang Xue Jing , Liu Yi , Zhang Wei , Wang Ying , Zhang Chuchu , Bao Shengchuan
Published: August 2024

Lung cancer is the most prevalent and lethal malignant tumor in China, primarily categorized into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for more than 80% of all lung cancer cases, with current treatments primarily consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, these treatments often come with various adverse effects and drug resistance issues, highlighting the urgent need for new NSCLC therapies. Traditional Chinese medicine serves as a natural treasury of medicinal compounds and an important avenue for discovering novel active compounds. Platycodin D (PD) is a triterpenoid saponin isolated from the roots of Platycodon, possessing various pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of PD’s anti-lung cancer activity remains unclear. In this study, 3 lung cancer cell models, A549, NCI-H1299, and PC-9, were employed. After intervention with Platycodin-D, tumor cell proliferation and migration were assessed. Cell migration ability was assessed through transwell assays, while transcriptomics was employed to explore the mechanism of PD’s anticancer activity. Bioinformatic analysis revealed significant enrichment of apoptosis and the TGFβ pathway following PD intervention, as shown in gene expression heatmaps, where genes associated with cancer were significantly downregulated by PD intervention. Subsequently, we used immunofluorescent labeling of KI-67 to evaluate cell proliferation, flow cytometry to assess apoptosis, and Western blot to detect protein expression of TGFβ and P-SMAD3. Immunofluorescence was also employed to investigate E-cadherin, vimentin, and N-cadherin. Finally, molecular docking and dynamic simulations were utilized to study the interaction between PD and TGFβ proteins. The results of this study indicate that PD exhibits robust anti-lung cancer pharmacological activity, with its primary target being TGFβ. PD may serve as a potential TGFβ inhibitor and a candidate drug for NSCLC treatment.
Analysis of Sex Diversity Within Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Fellowship Programs
Authors: Cho Elizabeth , Bialek Samantha E. , Levack Ashley E.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Women continue to be underrepresented in orthopedic surgery and in orthopedic fellowship programs, especially in orthopedic trauma.

Purpose:

We aimed to assess sex diversity among faculty and trainees in orthopedic trauma surgery fellowship programs and investigate whether the presence of female faculty in those programs is associated with the recruitment of female fellows.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional analysis of 63 orthopedic trauma surgery fellowship programs. Information regarding program faculty (as of October 2023) and fellows from 2018 to 2024 was gathered. For programs without publicly accessible information, fellowship coordinators were e-mailed for de-identified sex breakdown of fellows categorized by year. The sex of each fellow and faculty member was categorized as male or female and determined by inference from the fellow’s first name and confirmed via Internet search using photos, biographies, and preferred pronouns when available.

Results:

Of 63 programs with 323 orthopedic trauma faculty, 30 (47.6%) programs had at least 1 female faculty member, with only 4 (6.4%) programs having female fellowship directors. Women made up 12% ( n = 39) of orthopedic trauma faculty. Of 399 total fellows identified over the 6-year period, 67 (16.7%) were women, with a notable increase in the representation of female fellows over time, from 10.8% in 2018 to 25.4% in 2024. Although programs with female faculty had a similar proportion of female fellows over the 6-year period as those without, in the most recent fellowship year (2023–2024), programs with female faculty had a higher proportion of female fellows than those without (38.2% vs 13.5%, respectively).

Conclusion:

This cross-sectional, observational study suggests that female surgeons remain underrepresented in orthopedic trauma fellowship director roles, although we observed an increasing number of female trainees entering orthopedic trauma surgery fellowship programs in recent years. In the most recent fellowship class studied, programs with female faculty had more than double the proportion of female fellows compared to programs without any female faculty.
Unlocking the Potential of Submental Intubation - Redefining Airway Management in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Patients
Authors: Mahajan Amit Dharamvir , Daithankar Sharvari Prakash , Dholabhai Pratesh Nitin , Singh Aniruddh Pratap , Shah Aditya Rajesh , Shah Nirvani Pinkesh
Published: August 2024

Study Design

Submental intubation is and underutilized alternative to traditional techniques of intubation. Complications associated can indeed deter surgeons and anesthesiologist from performing it. Surgeons may opt for submental intubation if they believe that its advantages outweigh the potential risks of the procedure. Identifying the reasons of complications and implementing of proper strategies to address them can help mitigate risks.

Objective

This study aims to compare and analyze the complications experienced during and after submental intubation to comment on its safety, efficacy. Revisiting literature, will help us to comment on diagnosis in trauma and associated perioperative and intraoperative complication with it. It will also help us deduce most preferred way of performing submental intubation and various methods to manage complications.

Methods

Submental intubation in patients experiencing craniofacial trauma was reviewed retrospectively for 9 years from January 2015 to August 2023. Common diagnosis sites were analyzed for perioperative and postoperative complications.

Results

It was found that there were no much complications faced perioperatively and also notes methods used for management of complications. Most commonly encountered postoperative complication was scar. Literature of past years was reviewed, during process we also came out with novel method for safe extubation for which we have got copyright from Government of India.

Conclusions

Submental intubation is a safe and efficient intraoperative airway management technique for patients with craniomaxillofacial injuries when there is concurrent facial trauma. This study findings would underscore the safety and efficacy of SEI, making it a promising unparalleled method of airway management worth considering.
The Game Within the Game: The Potential Influence of Demand Characteristics and Participant Beliefs in Violent Video Game Studies
Authors: Seetahul Yashvin , Greitemeyer Tobias
Published: August 2024

In two experiments, we examined the potential impact of demand characteristics in violent video game (VVG) research. Study 1 ( N = 788) measured behavioral aggression, while Study 2 ( N = 1,182) measured trait aggression. Participants were informed either that researchers wanted to confirm that VVGs increase aggression (“Positive Hypothesis”) or that VVGs have no effect (“Null Hypothesis”). Study 2 included a third condition where participants were given no information. In both studies, the interaction between VVG exposure and experimental conditions was significant. Whereas VVG exposure was significantly positively associated with aggression in the “Null Hypothesis” condition, it was not in the “Positive Hypothesis” condition. These effects were driven by habitual players responding differently based on the presented hypothesis, appearing less aggressive in the “Positive Hypothesis” condition than in the other two conditions. These findings highlight the importance of addressing demand characteristics in VVG studies.
Exploring the Effects of Written Corrective Feedback Types on Grammatical Accuracy in L2 Writing: Evidence From Ethiopian High School Students
Authors: Gebremariam Hailay Tesfay
Published: August 2024

Although, written corrective feedback (hereafter referred to as CF) is applauded in many writing courses for fostering students’ quality writing, its impact on grammatical accuracy in L2 students’ writing remains a debated topic. Thus, this study looked into the effect of CF types on L2 students’ grammatical accuracy in writing. To achieve this objective, the design of this study was quasi-experiment. During the intervention of the study three groups: two experimental groups and one control group were participated with a total of 150 students. Over the intervention of 8 weeks, the students received pretest, immediate post-test and a delayed post-test was given. The data collected through the writing tests was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc tests. The findings indicated that although CF types have positive effects during the immediate posttest scores, they did not have any positive effect on L2 students’ grammatical accuracy in writing context in the delayed posttest scores. This implies that CF alone is not sufficient for improving the grammatical accuracy of high school students in Ethiopia. Although the CF literature discussed its importance in the language acquisition, teachers are advised to focus on students’ additional exposures in writing accuracy rather than grammatical correction in their writing classes and use longer treatment to allow language learners’ engagement with the CF types provided.
Revision Surgery after Single Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With Plate vs Stand-Alone Cage over 2 to 5 Year Follow-Up
Authors: Durand Wesley M. , Khanna Rajan , Nazario-Ferrer Gabriel I. , Lee Sang H. , Skolasky Richard L. , Jain Amit
Published: August 2024

Study Design

retrospective study.

Objective

To investigate the incidence of all-cause revision surgery between plated vs stand-alone cage constructs for single level ACDF.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a commercial insurance claims database. Patients 18–65 years-old were included if they underwent single-level inpatient ACDF (defined with CPT codes) from 2010 – 2018, with a minimum of 2-year continuous insurance enrollment. The primary independent variable was the use of anterior plating vs zero profile device or stand-alone cage. Synthetic (ie, metal, PEEK, etc.) vs allograft interbody was a secondary independent variable. The primary outcome variable was revision cervical arthrodesis after the index operation.

Results

In total, 21092 patients undergoing single-level inpatient ACDF were included. 10.0% received a stand-alone cage during the index operation. Mean follow-up duration was 4.5 years. Revision arthrodesis occurred in 8.2% of patients overall, at a mean of 2.4 years after the index surgery. Patients with anterior plating had a lower rate of all-cause revision surgery in unadjusted (overall rate 8.1% vs 9.6%, P = 0.0185) and adjusted analysis (OR 0.78, P = 0.0016) vs stand-alone cages. Patients with stand-alone cages had higher rates of revision with a posterior approach than did patients with plated constructs. In sub-analysis, the combination of a stand-alone interbody device with an allograft had significantly higher odds of revision than other combinations of devices.

Conclusion

Among commercially insured patients ≤65 years-old undergoing single-level ACDF, anterior plating was associated with a reduced incidence of revision surgery compared to stand-alone cages within the follow up period of our study.
Arthroscopic Percutaneous Fixation of Mason Type 2 Radial Head Fractures
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa Raafat Kamal , Semaya Ahmed Elsayed , Hasan Mohammad , Morsy Hany Adel
Published: August 2024

Background:

Management of radial head fractures around the elbow with open techniques can predispose to edema, postoperative pain, and adhesions. The resultant limitation in elbow range of motion negatively affects functional outcomes. Rehabilitation is then rendered a challenge in a joint with proneness to stiffness.

Hypothesis:

Arthroscopic percutaneous fixation of Mason type 2 radial head fractures would provide satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 24 patients diagnosed with isolated Mason type 2 radial head fractures at a single institution between February 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, received arthroscopic percutaneous fixation by headless screws. Functional evaluation included Mayo Elbow Performance Score and postoperative elbow range of motion measurements. Radiological evaluation was performed using elbow radiographs and computed tomography scans. Patients were evaluated for a minimum of 24 months.

Results:

This study included 12 male and 12 female participants with a mean age of 37.29 ± 11.93 years. At the end of the follow-up period (mean, 27.75 months; range, 24-32 months), the mean elbow flexion was 140.17° ± 8.21° and the extension deficit was 4.17° ± 3.81°. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score revealed 21 patients with excellent results and 3 patients with good results. All patients returned to preinjury activities at a mean time of 3.1 months (range, 2-6 months) postoperatively. Union was reached in all patients at a mean time of 7.63 weeks (range, 6-10 weeks). No neurological complications or reoperations were reported at the end of the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic fixation was demonstrated to be a valid and valuable technique for managing isolated Mason type 2 radial head fractures. It allowed for accurate reduction without the need for soft tissue dissection, resulting in excellent clinical outcomes.
Evaluation of Patellar Dysplasia and Postoperative Pain After Mini-Open, Thin-Flap Trochleoplasty: A Retrospective Analysis of 75 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Waaler Per Arne Skarstein , Kjellsen Asle Birkeland , Hysing-Dahl Trine , Inderhaug Eivind
Published: August 2024

Background:

The association between inherent patellar anatomy and postoperative pain after trochleoplasty in patients with patellar instability is poorly understood.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The study purpose was to evaluate outcomes after mini-open, thin-flap trochleoplasty. The hypothesis was that more severe patellar dysplasia would be correlated with increased postoperative pain after trochleoplasty.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence 4.

Methods:

Patients with patellar instability who underwent mini-open, thin-flap trochleoplasty in combination with other individualized procedures between 2013 and 2022 were included. Patellar dysplasia was evaluated by calculating the Wiberg index at the widest and most distal cartilaginous parts of the patella on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. At the postoperative follow-up, participants completed the visual analog scale for usual pain (VAS-U), Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII), global rating of change scale, and an evaluation of their current symptom state. Redislocations and complications were recorded. The correlation between the Wiberg index and the VAS-U was calculated with the Spearman rho. Between-group analyses based on demographic and pathoanatomic features were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test, independent-samples t test, and chi-square test.

Results:

Included were 75 knees in 63 patients (median age at surgery, 19.1 years; IQR, 16-22 years) with a median follow-up of 44 months (IQR, 23.8-83.2 months). The median BPII score was 78.2 (IQR, 54.8-92.5), with 88% reporting an improvement in knee function relative to before surgery, but 21.1% remained dissatisfied with their current knee symptom state. New episodes of patellar dislocation were seen in 3 knees (4%), and 14 knees (18.7%) underwent reoperation with either revision surgery (n = 7; 9.3%) or arthroscopic synovectomy (n = 7; 9.3%). A weak positive, nonsignificant correlation was found between increased postoperative pain and a higher Wiberg index, both at the widest ( rS = 0.16; P = .23) and most distal ( rS = 0.02; P = .89) parts of the patella. Significantly worse VAS-U scores were seen in female versus male patients ( P = .013).

Conclusion:

Good patient-reported results with a low risk of redislocation were seen in the study cohort, but reoperation rates were high, and 21% of the patients remained dissatisfied with their current symptom state. More pronounced patellar dysplasia (increased Wiberg index) had only a poor association with more severe postoperative pain in the current study.
Caregiver Characteristics and Barriers to Resource Use: Findings From a Rural State Caregiver Survey
Authors: Reblin Maija , Gell Nancy , Melekis Kelly , Proulx Christine M.
Published: August 2024

Background: Despite the key role family caregivers play in the US healthcare system, they are not systematically identified and tracked, limiting our knowledge about this important group. Objective: Our objective was to identify caregiver characteristics and barriers to service delivery in a primarily rural state. Methods: As part of a quality improvement project, a cross-sectional online survey was fielded in clinical and community settings. Participants included 85 self-identified adult caregivers of another adult with an illness, condition, or disability from within a US state healthcare network. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and inferential statistics were used to compare urban versus rural respondents and older versus younger respondents. Results: Caregivers were responsible for a wide range of care activities and particularly older caregivers spent a significant amount of time providing care. Older caregivers also reported significantly lower levels of burden compared to younger caregivers, yet both groups had clinically high levels on average. Caregivers reported receiving helpful emotional support, but needed more tangible support and were limited by availability and cost. Conclusions: There is a need to fund comprehensive caregiver programing and address caregivers’ own social and physical health needs to reduce caregiver burden.
A New Platform for Integrating and Improving Management Research and Practice
Authors: Hopp Wallace , Ittner Christopher , Singhal Kalyan
Published: August 2024

Management and Business Review (MBR) is not just a new journal, it is a new kind of journal, one that empowers business to change the world for the better by facilitating more and deeper communication between management professionals, scholars, and students. This bold aspiration raises many questions for discussion, which we will explore in future editorials. But there are three which we feel it important to address in this inaugural issue.
Reimagining Capitalism
Authors: Henderson Rebecca
Published: August 2024

What is capitalism? Is it the greatest source of prosperity and freedom the world has ever seen or a menace on the verge of destroying the planet and our society? Rebecca Henderson argues that capitalism is the only solution to the massive problems that we face and explores the ways in which the private sector can help to reimagine capitalism so that it works for everyone.
Seizing the Moment: Having Difficult Conversations about Race in the Workplace
Authors: Creary Stephanie J.
Published: August 2024

Conversations about race in the workplace have long been silenced. Recently, though, leaders have begun to fervently embrace such conversations. Drawing upon academic research, Stephanie Creary provides a framework for having difficult conversations about race in US workplaces.
A MANAGER’S DILEMMA: SOW OR HARVEST
Authors: Govindarajan Vijay , Sood Ashish , Srivastava Anup , Enache Luminita , Mishra Barry
Published: August 2024

Vijay Govindarajan, Ashish Sood, Anup Srivastava, Luminita Enache, and Barry Mishra have found that companies must focus relentlessly on building long-term competencies, even if doing so reduces immediate profits. Nonetheless, it is vital to shift focus when your product or idea becomes unexpectedly successful, so that you can milk that opportunity’s profits before it vanishes in the face of competition and technological progress.
Boards and Sustainability: From Aspirations to Action
Authors: Smith N. Craig , Soonieus Ron
Published: August 2024

Boards of directors can play a critical role in determining how much attention their firms pay to sustainability. Craig Smith and Ron Soonieus explain how boards can turn their aspirations for sustainability into meaningful action, particularly in light of the fundamental questions boards should be asking in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
THE CASE FOR CLIMATE OPTIMISM: A Response
Authors: Mayers Kieren , Koomey Jonathan G.
Published: August 2024

In response to Yossi Sheffi’s article, “The Real Inconvenient Truth,” Mayers and Koomey argue for the use of a variety of urgent measures to address climate change, rather than focusing primarily on long-term development and dependency on carbon capture and storage. Citing the now competitive cost of renewable power and the success of several countries in enacting programs that address climate change, they urge the need for optimism.
Value Lab: A Tool for Entrepreneurial Strategy
Authors: Felin Teppo , Gambardella Alfonso , Zenger Todd
Published: August 2024

Teppo Felin, Alfonso Gambardella, and Todd Zenger argue that managers and entrepreneurs should develop their own theory of value. They present Value Lab, a tool which provides the framework to help businesses create such theories. Their purpose is to help start-ups and established firms to be more scientific and experimental in creating new value.
Genetic variants in canonical Wnt signaling pathway associated with pediatric immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Kim Taylor Olmsted , Geris Jennifer M. , Flanagan Jonathan M. , Grace Rachael F. , Lambert Michele P. , O’Farrell Candelaria , Rose Melissa J. , Shimano Kristin A. , Niss Omar , Neunert Cindy , Nakano Taizo A. , MacMath Derek , Dinu Bogdan , Kirk Susan E. , Neufeld Ellis J. , Despotovic Jenny M. , Scheurer Michael E. , Grimes Amanda B.
Published: August 2024

Through the use of genetic sequencing, molecular variants driving autoimmunity are increasingly identified in patients with chronic and refractory immune cytopenias. With the goal of discovering genetic variants that predispose to pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) or increase risk for chronic disease, we conducted a genome-wide association study in a large multi-institutional cohort of pediatric patients with ITP. A total of 591 patients were genotyped using an Illumina Global Screening Array BeadChip. Six variants met genome-wide significance in comparison between children with ITP and a cohort of healthy children. One variant in NAV2 was inversely associated with ITP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.52; P = 3.2 × 10−11). Two other variants in close proximity to NKD1 were also inversely associated with ITP (aOR, 0.43; P = 8.86 × 10−15; aOR, 0.48; P = 1.84 × 10−16). These genes have been linked to the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. No variants met genome-wide significance in comparison of those with ITP that self-resolved in <1 year versus those who developed chronic ITP. This study identifies genetic variants that may contribute to ITP risk and raises a novel pathway with a potential role in ITP pathogenesis.
Risk of hospitalization with infection in adults with primary AIHA treated with rituximab: a French nationwide study
Authors: Zadro Yoann , Lafaurie Margaux , Michel Marc , Lapeyre-Mestre Maryse , Moulis Guillaume
Published: August 2024

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare and sometimes life-threatening disease. Infections are frequent and often severe during the course of AIHA. Rituximab is commonly used to treat patients with AIHA. This study aimed to assess the risk of hospitalization with infection after rituximab in patients with primary AIHA. We selected all adult patients newly diagnosed for primary AIHA and treated with rituximab between 2012 and 2018 in the French national health database. Patients were considered exposed to rituximab within 6 months after the first infusion. The main outcome was hospitalization with infection, identified by a discharge diagnosis of infection during the rituximab exposure. The cohort consisted of 959 patients (mean age of 67 years, standard deviation of 17.8 years; 60.5% of women). The 6-month cumulative incidence of hospitalization with infection was 17.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.2-20.0). The most frequently characterized infections were pulmonary (40.2%). Opportunistic infections were observed in 28 (16.6%) patients, including 11 cases of pneumocystosis. All cases of pneumocystosis occurred in patients concomitantly exposed to corticosteroids, none of them had prophylaxis and all but 2 were aged ≥70 years. Overall, the main factors associated with hospitalization with infection were an age ≥70 years and the exposure to corticosteroids. The 30-day overall mortality after hospitalization with infection was 12.5% (95% CI, 8.0-18.0). In conclusion, the incidence of hospitalizations with infection, including opportunistic infections, as well as the subsequent mortality, are high in adult patients with primary AIHA treated with rituximab. Pneumocystosis prophylaxis should be encouraged in older patients exposed to corticosteroids.
Mortality from prostate cancer in the years 2007–2021 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Authors: Claaßen Kevin , Karpinski Madeleine , Kajüter Hiltraud , Hüsing Johannes , Möller Lennart , Wellmann Ina , Grünwald Viktor , Hadaschik Boris , Albers Peter , Stang Andreas
Published: August 2024

Background

The crude mortality rate and the lifetime mortality risk from prostate cancer in Germany are above international average. However age-standardised mortality and years of life lost per capita from prostate cancer are declining. This study analyses the mortality-related measures for the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in Germany.

Methods

Based on the cause of death statistics and data from the NRW State Cancer Registry on 45,300 deaths in the years 2007–2021, mortality rates, the lifetime mortality risk from prostate cancer, median age at death and years of life lost are presented. Additionally, the 15 most frequent causes of death of 95,013 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer are reported.

Results

With a stable lifetime mortality risk from prostate cancer, age-standardised mortality and years of life lost per capita are decreasing while crude mortality and median age at death are increasing in NRW. Less than half of the patients die from their prostate cancer. Cancers of the urinary bladder and other urinary organs also occur more frequently as a cause of death than it would be expected based on the age-specific risk in the total population.

Conclusions

More people in North Rhine-Westphalia are dying of prostate cancer over time due to demographic ageing alone. At the same time, the age-specific mortality risk has not increased and when patients die of prostate cancer, it is at an increasingly older age. However, there is a statistical association with deaths from cancers of the lower urinary tract in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, which demands further evaluation.