bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher Agency for Change and Development in Higher Education: A Scoping Literature Review
Authors: Cong-Lem Ngo
Published: January 2024

This paper reviews 42 empirical studies on tertiary educators’ professional agency, identifying five key practices: pedagogical innovation, research engagement, professional learning, curriculum change, and maintaining well-being. Teacher agency has been variably conceptualized as being influenced by internal and external factors, such as curriculum reforms, social relationships, personal identities, beliefs, and emotions. Individual capacities and enactment strategies, along with contextual conditions like leadership and support, are crucial for effective teacher agency. Implications for policy-making and teacher professional development to foster effective change are discussed, with a conceptual framework proposed for investigating teacher agency holistically in its complexity.
An Unusual Case of Clear Cell Chondrosarcoma With Early Metastatic Recurrence
Authors: Kasson Lucas , Vijayakumar Gayathri , Lee Linus , Gusho Charles , Braun Ankica , Miller Ira , Colman Matthew W. , Blank Alan T.
Published: January 2024

We present a case of a 58-year-old male who presented following 4 months of progressively worsening right upper extremity pain. Initial pathology demonstrated pleomorphic chondroblasts with increased mitotic activity indicating an intermediate grade (Grade 2) clear cell chondrosarcoma of the proximal humerus. Following surgical resection, the primary lesion demonstrated aggressive behavior and early metastasis to the cervical and thoracic spine. The patient unfortunately expired 30 months after initial presentation. Although clear cell chondrosarcoma has been historically regarded as low grade, we present a unique example of an aggressive clinical course of clear cell chondrosarcoma.
Essentials of Writing Pedagogy for Preservice Teachers With Considerations for Those Teaching Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: McKeown Debra , Williams Michael R.
Published: January 2024

Preservice teacher candidates acquire and develop numerous competencies in their teaching programs, including how to teach writing. Effective writing instruction is critical across all ages and content areas, especially when working with students with and at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders, making it an important aspect of teacher preparation. This article outlines what preservice teachers should know about writing instruction at the conclusion of their program, including resources and ideas for advocating for professional development.
Pembrolizumab-induced agranulocytosis
Authors: Fernández Martínez Víctor , García-Avello Fernández-Cueto Adela , Valencia Soto Carmen María , Barbadillo Villanueva Sara , Ochagavía Sufrategui María , Rioja Carrera María , Alonso Buznego Lucía Andrea , Valero Domínguez Marta
Published: January 2024

Introduction

With the widespread use of anti-programmed death-1 monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, rare side effects appear in clinical practice.

Case report

We report the case of a man diagnosed with non-keratinizing squamous lung carcinoma stage IVB with programmed death-ligand 1 70% who developed agranulocytosis 10 days after a single dose of pembrolizumab as monotherapy.

Management and outcome

Pembrolizumab was discontinued immediately. Grade 4 neutrophil decrease is mentioned in the product information sheet as a rare side effect. The patient was admitted in poor physical condition with grade 4 neutropenic fever, mucositis and anemia. Agranulocytosis did not improve despite treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, intravenous corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. He experienced a rapid worsening and died 3 weeks after admission. The causal relationship between pembrolizumab and the appearance of agranulocytosis was determined as possible according to Naranjo's modified Karch and Lasagna's imputability algorithm.

Discussion

Hematologic immune-related adverse events are uncommon but important side effects among patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Agranulocytosis and neutropenia are infrequently reported but can be life-threatening. The main approach for agranulocytosis consists of intravenous corticosteroids, granulocyte colony-stimulating factors and blood products. Depending on bone marrow characteristics, treatments for refractory patients include intravenous immunoglobulins or cyclosporine. After an immune-related adverse event, benefits and risks must be considered before continuation with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Detection and communication of adverse drug reactions to the Pharmacovigilance Systems have special relevance for rare side effects.
A Qualitative Analysis of Perspectives on Self-directed Violence in a Prospective Longitudinal Study of Young Women With and Without Childhood ADHD
Authors: Ahmad Shaikh I. , Hinshaw Stephen P.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Non-suicidal self-directed violence (NSSDV) is a significant and growing youth public health crisis. Girls with ADHD are at increased risk of engaging in NSSDV, yet qualitative studies with this population—to better understand manifestations, motivations, and developmental course—are lacking.

Method:

We conducted semi-structured, qualitative interviews with a sub-sample of 57 young women (32 with childhood ADHD, 25 neurotypical comparisons; mean age of 27 years, part of a larger prospective longitudinal study) regarding histories and manifestations of NSSDV.

Results:

Inductive and deductive analysis revealed several key themes, including self-perceived reasons for engaging in NSSDV (affect regulation, attention seeking, self-punishment, asserting control), impulsivity, secretiveness, and in some cases motivations for desistance.

Conclusion:

Findings underscore the importance of early education and screening, especially among high-risk clinical populations. Increased resources and supports for professionals, parents, and peers are indicated, along with countering the persistent stigma associated with ADHD and NSSDV.
Lifestyle factors associated with age-related macular degeneration: Case-control study
Authors: Kráľová Jana Šalková , Kolář Petr , Kapounová Zlata , Veselý Petr , Brázdová Zuzana Derflerová
Published: January 2024

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major causes of vision loss in individuals aged ≥ 65 years in developed countries. This study aimed to determine the associations between modifiable risk factors and AMD. This is the first study describing the relationship between lifestyle factors and AMD in the Czech Republic.

Methods

In this cross-sectional case-control study, 93 AMD cases and 58 controls without AMD and cataract were included. All participants were examined by Optical coherence tomography at the Clinic of Eye Treatment at the University Hospital Brno. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-report questionnaire in a face-to-face interview.

Results

We found significant associations between those who were living in the city (OR 95% CI: 2.19 (1.0–4.6); p = 0,039), with a positive family history of AMD (OR 95% CI: 12.75 (1.6–98.6); p = 0,015), exposure to cigarette smoke (OR 95% CI: 2.72 (1.4–5.4); p = 0,004), and daily exposure to passive smoking (OR 95% CI: 2.29 (1.0–5.1); p = 0,045) and AMD. In men, we found significant associations between daily sunlight exposure (OR 95% CI: 2.98 (1.0–8.5); p = 0,041), short or long sleep duration (OR 95% CI: 3.98 (1.2–13.2); p = 0,024) and AMD. Men daily exposed to sunlight were at a 2.98 times higher risk of AMD than men with less than daily sunlight exposure. Men with short or long sleep duration (< 6 and > 8 h) were at a 3.98 times higher risk of AMD than men with recommended sleep duration of 6–8 h.

Conclusions

An increased risk of AMD was observed for living in the city, family history of AMD, exposure to cigarette smoke, and daily exposure to passive smoking. Increased risk of AMD was observed for daily sunlight exposure and short or long sleep duration; however, only in men.
Screening and Validation of Key Genes of Autophagy in Acute Myocardial Infarction Based on Bioinformatics
Authors: Geng Yingjie , Han Yu’e , Wang Shujuan , Qi Jia , Bi Xiaoli
Published: January 2024

Aims:

Autophagy plays a significant role in the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and cardiomyocyte autophagy is of major importance in maintaining cardiac function. We aimed to identify key genes associated with autophagy in AMI through bioinformatics analysis and verify them through clinical validation.

Materials and Methods:

We downloaded an AMI expression profile dataset GSE166780 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Autophagy-associated genes potentially differentially expressed in AMI were screened using R software. Then, to identify key autophagy-related genes, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and correlation analysis were performed on the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes in AMI. Finally, we used quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to verify the RNA expression of the screened key genes.

Results:

TSC2, HSPA8, and HIF1A were screened out as key autophagy-related genes. qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of HSPA8 and TSC2 in AMI blood samples were lower, while the expression level of HIF1A was higher than that in the healthy controls.

Conclusions:

TSC2, HSPA8, and HIF1A were identified as key autophagy-related genes in this study. They may influence the development of AMI through autophagy. These findings may help deepen our understanding of AMI and may be useful for the treatment of AMI.
Exploring Talarozole as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Osteoarthritis: Insights From Experimental Studies
Authors: Iqbal Laraib , Zameer Ushna , Iqbal Malick Maheen
Published: January 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by the slow degeneration of joint components that primarily affects the elderly. There is currently no cure for OA; thus, treatment focuses on symptom reduction. This article investigates the potential of talarozole, a retinoic acid metabolism-blocking agent (RAMBA), as a new treatment for hand OA. Talarozole showed promising results by inhibiting retinoic acid degradation and increasing its levels in the body. Six hours after destabilization of the medial meniscus, talarozole significantly reduced inflammation in mice’s cartilage. The findings underscore the importance of the protein encoded by the ALDH1A2 gene in retinoic acid metabolism, shedding light on its potential implications for the management of OA. Maintaining adequate retinoic acid levels may help to reduce mechano-inflammatory gene regulation. Furthermore, RAMBAs like talarozole may emerge as disease-modifying OA therapies, promising improved symptom control and slower disease progression. In conclusion, this research provides critical genetic insights into severe hand OA and promotes talarozole as a prospective therapy option. These findings pave the door for additional research that could revolutionize OA treatment by targeting retinoic acid metabolism to reduce symptoms and slow disease progression.
Playing in the “Third Place”: How Games and Play Are Transforming Public Libraries
Authors: Wyatt Danielle , Leorke Dale
Published: January 2024

Games and play are a growing presence in public libraries, part of a suite of new spaces and services that respond to digitization and new urban policy imperatives. Drawing on observation of library spaces and interviews with library staff in Australia, Finland, and Singapore ( n = 27), we examine the myriad ways games and play are transforming the library: from its architectural design and furnishings to its daily rhythms, atmosphere, and acoustics. Games and play, we argue, are more than adjuncts to traditional library services. Often spilling out of designated zones and beyond the library’s walls, they mirror the wider integration of libraries into urban policy agendas and the city’s economic and cultural life. This trend underscores the growing tensions libraries face in balancing their conscription into instrumental objectives with their traditional role as “third places” bounded by the utilitarian demands of work and home.
Narratives of experts by experience: A journey from criminal to expert
Authors: Lindström Janika , Rantanen Teemu , Toikko Timo
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the narratives of participants of a long-term expert-by-experience training programme for people with a history of crime about their past, and how they use their life experience in their work as experts by experience. The research data was collected during interviews of respondents with a history of crime (N=19). The interviews were analysed using a narrative identity framework, and the data further examined in light of various studies focused on a desistance from crime.

Findings

The transformation process from service user or client to expert by experience provided people with a history of crime with a chance to come to terms with their past, and to and gain a sense of closure. Expertise by experience gave their difficult life experiences a new meaning, and thus promoted their overall rehabilitation and offered them opportunities through which they could gain the appreciation and acceptance of other people. The new relationships presented to them as experts by experience also paved the way to a new kind of self-concept that strengthened the desister's self-confidence and optimistic outlook on the future.

Applications

This study offers perspectives on how people with a history of crime can re-enter society. Through their survival stories and their journey to become experts by experience, desisters can earn the acceptance and approval of others and gain a more positive perception of themselves. The new identities of people with a history of crime are dependent on society's approval as they continue to desist from crime and re-enter mainstream society.
Analyzing the Finnish University funding system through system-based simulation
Authors: Rissanen Miia , Savolainen Jyrki , Collan Mikael
Published: January 2024

This research explores the suitability of system-based simulation analysis for higher education (HE) policy-planning. A dynamic system model of the Finnish university funding system covering bachelor-level students is presented. The results show that the model captures the nature of the current funding system, which can be considered a zero-sum game, where the funding an individual university can only be improved at the cost of others. Based on the simulations, it seems that in the Finnish HE system increasing the importance of target time graduations in the funding model would favour the small universities. The generalizability of the used model´s and methods’ suitability outside the Finnish context is evaluated and discussed.
Effectiveness of Community-Based Programs on Aggressive Behavior Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Shan , Chen Yinglin , Wang Lin
Published: January 2024

Adolescent aggressive behavior has increasingly become a central issue affecting the safety of both school campuses and the broader society. Despite the existence of numerous community interventions targeting this issue, there has been a paucity of efforts to consolidate the findings on the effectiveness of community-based programs in preventing aggressive behavior. This meta-analysis sought to address this gap by reviewing and assessing the impact of community-based initiatives on reducing adolescent aggression. A thorough search was carried out on 12 electronic databases: EBSCO, ERIC, PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, the China National Knowledge, Wanfang Databases, and China Science and Technology Journal Database. Sixteen studies were finalized, and meta-analyses were performed using a random effect model on RevMan v5.4 software developed by Cochrane. The analysis encompassed 16 published studies, involving a total of 2,585 participants. The key components of existing programs for aggression reduction included providing behavioral skills and training for adolescents, employing a problem-solving approach to address behavioral issues, offering psychological treatment, and emphasizing community supervision. The results indicate a significant positive effect of community-based interventions on aggression reduction (standardized mean difference = −0.26, 95% confidence intervals [−0.39, −0.13], Z = 3.84, p < .001). The subgroup analyses revealed that the intervention’s effectiveness was moderated by the duration of the intervention, its theoretical foundation, and the sample size. This study furnishes empirical evidence supporting the enhancement of policies and practices to foster community engagement in mitigating aggressive behavior.
Fault data enhancement and real-time diagnosis using optimized ViT ++ algorithm for electric drive system
Authors: Zheng Lihui , Fang Xiaofen , Jin Xinjun , Li Qiang , Chen Weidong
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of electric drive technology for new energy vehicles, fault data identification of key components of electric drives has become a crucial issue in improving the stability and safety of electric systems. However, traditional fault data recognition methods have many limitations in dealing with complex and variable operating fault situations. To address this problem, this paper proposes a deep learning model, Vision Transformer Plus (ViT++), based on the self-attention mechanism and combined with data enhancement strategies for fault identification of energy vehicle electric drive system. Accurately identifying fault types is achieved by transforming the electric drive system fault data into an image matrix and performing feature extraction and learning with the help of the ViT model. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we conducted extensive cross-experiments using a large amount of actual electric drive key component fault data and applying a data enhancement strategy. The experimental results show that the fault data recognition method based on the ViT algorithm has higher accuracy and robustness than the traditional convolutional neural network (CNN)-based method. Therefore, the proposed method in this paper is conducive to improving the accuracy and efficiency of fault data identification for key components in electric vehicles, thus playing a critical role in analyzing electric drive system faults.
Trabectedin and low-dose radiation therapy in patients with advanced leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Martin-Broto Javier , Olarte-García Alicia , Fernandéz-Rodríguez Ricardo , Ferreira Marta Ribeiro , Carrasco-García Irene , Galvez-Montosa Fernando , Rincon-Perez Inmaculada , Peinado-Serrano Javier , Azinovic Ignacio , Guzman-Gomez Laura , Salgado Lurdes , Sevillano Alberto , Ortega Justo , Alvarez Cristina , Gutierrez Antonio , Moura David S. , Hindi Nadia
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives:

Dimensional response is an unmet need in second lines of advanced soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Indeed, the three approved drugs, pazopanib, trabectedin, and eribulin, achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of less than 10%. This fact potentially hinders the options for fast symptomatic relief or surgical rescue. The combination of trabectedin plus low-dose radiation therapy (T-XRT) demonstrated a response rate of 60% in phase I/II trial, while real-life data achieved 32.5% ORR, probably due to a more relaxed timing between treatments. These results were obtained in progressing and advanced STS. In this study, the merged databases (trial plus real life) have been analyzed, with a special focus on leiomyosarcoma patients.

Design and methods:

As responses were seen in a wide range of sarcoma histologies (11), this study planned to analyze whether leiomyosarcoma, the largest subtype with 26 cases (30.6%) in this series, exhibited a better clinical outcome with this therapeutic strategy. In addition, four advanced and progressing leiomyosarcoma patients, all with extraordinarily long progression-free survival of over 18 months, were collected.

Results:

A total of 847 cycles of trabectedin were administered to 85 patients, with the median number of cycles per patient being 7 (1–45+). A trend toward a longer progression-free survival (PFS) was observed in leiomyosarcoma patients with median PFS (mPFS) of 9.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–18.7] versus 5.6 months (95% CI: 3.2–7.9) for the remaining histologies, p = 0.25. When leiomyosarcoma and liposarcoma were grouped, this difference reached statistical significance, probably due to the special sensitivity of myxoid liposarcoma. The mPFS for L-sarcomas was 12.7 months (95% CI: 7–18.5) versus 4.3 months (95% CI: 3.3–5.3) for the remaining histologies, p = 0.001. Cases with long-lasting disease control are detected among leiomyosarcoma patients.

Conclusion:

Even when extraordinarily long-lasting responses do exist among leiomyosarcoma patients treated with T-XR, we were unable to demonstrate a significant difference favoring leiomyosarcoma patients in clinical outcomes.
Populism as “Truth”: How Mediated Authenticity Strengthens the Populist Message
Authors: Enli Gunn
Published: January 2024

The rise of populism is often explained by political factors, economic factors, and media and communication factors. This article analyzes populism in the context of an increased focus on authenticity in political communication. The main aim is to discuss to what degree mediated authenticity strengthens the populist message and what consequences the nexus between authenticity and populism might have for the quality of democratic governance. As a theoretical backdrop, the article discusses the implications of increased valorization of authenticity in times of distrust, and how perforned truth is a key appeal of populism in representative democracies. The methodological approach is a systematic analysis of seven authenticity strategies identified in previous research: consistency, spontaneity, ordinariness, confession, immediacy, ambivalence, and imperfection. In addition to the theoretical analysis, the article offers a case study of the performance of Donald Trump, focusing on how mediated authenticity strengthens the populist message. The study is conducted in a mainly U.S.-context and includes material collected between 2016 and 2023. A key argument is that although performed authenticity can be both advantageous and disadvantageous, depending on the status of the candidate, there is lower risk involved for populist politicians than mainstream politicians because the strategies correspond more with the ideology. In conclusion, the article argues that performed authenticity might legitimize hate speech, conspiracy theories, and post-truth politics because populists claim to have a particular relation to the truth.
Beyond Media Systems: Corporate-Consensus and Confrontational Media Regimes in Three Latin American Cases
Authors: Guerrero Manuel Alejandro , Sanchez-Santos Mariana , Pérez Otaño Eduardo
Published: January 2024

The term captured-liberal has been proposed as an approach to Latin American media systems. Here, we contend these systems result from the region’s particular democratization path (i.e., competitive and open access to power but a flawed exercise of power). We also contend that since media systems operate at structural levels, the concept does not seem flexible enough to explain conjunctural variations and particular dynamics in the media landscape. We propose that these aspects are better explained by looking at regimes (roles) rather than systems (structures). Thus, we advance the concept of media regimes, which, by responding to the political orientation of the government in office, incarnates into two forms in some Latin American cases: a corporate-consensus or a confrontational media regime.
Actual and Perceived Partisan Bias in Judgments of Political Misinformation as Lies
Authors: Reins Louisa M. , Wiegmann Alex
Published: January 2024

In times of what has been coined “post-truth politics,” people are regularly confronted with political actors who intentionally spread false or misleading information. The present article examines (a) to what extent partisans’ judgments of such behaviors as cases of lying are affected by whether the deceiving agent shares their partisanship (actual bias) and (b) to what extent partisans expect the lie judgments of others to be affected by a bias of this kind (perceived bias). In two preregistered experiments ( N = 1,040), we find partisans’ lie judgments to be only weakly affected by the partisanship ascribed to political deceivers, regardless of whether deceivers explicitly communicate or merely insinuate political falsehoods. At the same time, partisans expect their political opponents’ lie judgments to be strongly affected by the deceiving agents’ partisanship. Surprisingly, misperceptions of bias were also present in people’s predictions of bias within their own political camp.
Autistic People Are Believed to Feel More Pain than Non-Autistic People
Authors: Basargekar Abha R. , Rodi Chelsea E. , Swisher Valerie S. , Jaswal Vikram K.
Published: January 2024

Members of some marginalized groups are erroneously considered relatively insensitive to pain, an assumption that seems to reflect beliefs that they have been toughened up by the hardship they have endured. Autistic people represent a marginalized group, and some clinical accounts erroneously suggest that they, too, are relatively insensitive to pain. In two pre-registered studies involving college students and Prolific workers in the United States ( N = 287), we found that both autistic and non-autistic participants believed that an autistic target had experienced more hardship than a non-autistic target and (unexpectedly) would feel more pain than the non-autistic target or themselves. We speculate that our findings may reflect that autistic people are infantilized, viewed as vulnerable, and as lacking the agency to toughen up from life hardship.
Private international law regulation of individual employment relationships within the European Union
Authors: Grušić Uglješa
Published: January 2024

This article is a revised version of a concept paper written for the European Commission on the private international law regulation of individual employment relationships within the EU. It aims to assess the regulation of such relationships from the perspective of European private international law and indicate potential avenues for reform.
Medication errors by caregivers in the homes of children discharged from a pediatric department in Ghana
Authors: Sabblah George Tsey , van Hunsel Florence , Taxis Katja , Duwiejua Mahama , Seaneke Seth Kwaku , van Puijenbroek Eugène
Published: January 2024

Background:

Medication errors (MEs) by caregivers at home are a cause of morbidity and mortality, shortly after discharge from the hospital.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine the rate and types of MEs at the homes of children discharged from a hospital in Ghana and to explore the factors associated with these errors.

Design:

This was a cross-sectional study of infants and children discharged from the hospital to review medication administration practices.

Methods:

Caregivers of children discharged from the hospital after at least 24 hours of admission were interviewed at their homes about medication administration practices. The study assessed potential harm associated with MEs made by caregivers using the Harm Associated with Medication Error Classification tool. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression were used to identify the variables associated with MEs.

Results:

A total of 95 children (mean age: 28.6 months, 52.6% female) and their caregivers were included. Overall, 65 (68.4%) children experienced one or more MEs. Out of a total of 232 medications reviewed, 102 (44.0%) (95% CI: 37.6–50.4) were associated with a ME. The top two errors, wrong time errors and errors in the frequency of dosing were, 45.1% and 21.6%, respectively. Understanding the information on the disease condition being treated and the medicines dispensed was associated with committing fewer MEs. The number of medicines prescribed was associated with a higher likelihood of MEs. Out of 102 MEs, 48 (47.1%) were assessed as posing potentially no harm, 26 (25.5%) minor harm, 15 (14.7%) moderate harm, and 13 (12.8%) serious harm to the patients. Importantly, none of the MEs were assessed as posing potentially severe or life-threatening harm to the patients.

Conclusion:

MEs in children following discharge are high, and systems should be developed to prevent these errors.
Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis
Authors: Rose Jessica , Hulscher Nicolas , McCullough Peter A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Following the roll-out of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2, Moderna mRNA-1273, and Janssen Ad26.COV2.S coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) injections in the United States, millions of individuals have reported adverse events (AEs) using the vaccine adverse events reports system (VAERS). The objective of this analysis is to describe the myocarditis data in VAERS and the COVID-19 vaccines as potential determinants of myocarditis.

Methods:

We used VAERS data to examine the frequency of reporting myocarditis since the beginning of the mass vaccination campaign and compared this with historical values in VAERS and COVID-19 vaccine administration data from the Our World in Data database. We examined myocarditis reports in VAERS in the context of sex, age, and dose. Statistical analysis was done using the Student’s t-test to determine statistically significant differences between ages among myocarditis adverse events (AEs) and the chi-square test to determine relationships between categorical variables with statistical significance.

Results:

We found the number of myocarditis reports in VAERS after COVID-19 vaccination in 2021 was 223 times higher than the average of all vaccines combined for the past 30 years. This represented a 2500% increase in the absolute number of reports in the first year of the campaign when comparing historical values prior to 2021. Demographic data revealed that myocarditis occurred most in youths (50%) and males (69%). A total of 76% of cases resulted in emergency care and hospitalization. Of the total myocarditis reports, 92 individuals died (3%). Myocarditis was more likely after dose 2 ( p < 0.00001) and individuals less than 30 years of age were more likely than individuals older than 30 to acquire myocarditis ( p < 0.00001).

Conclusion:

COVID-19 vaccination is strongly associated with a serious adverse safety signal of myocarditis, particularly in children and young adults resulting in hospitalization and death. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis is imperative to create effective mitigation strategies and ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccination programs across populations.
Feline herpesvirus-1-related multiple respiratory eosinophilic nodules in an adult cat receiving long-term oral prednisolone
Authors: Philp Helen S , Johnson Lynelle R , Choi Eunju April , Brosnan Robert J , Slater Robert T
Published: January 2024

Case summary

A 10-year-old male castrated domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of a 3-day history of increased inspiratory effort. The cat had received prednisolone 1 mg/kg PO q24h for 1 year due to chronic diarrhea. On physical examination, the patient exhibited severe stridor, intermittent open-mouth breathing and bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. Subcutaneous emphysema was palpated over the dorsal cervical region. Mild hypoventilation (PvCO2 55.1 mmHg; approximate reference interval 35–45 mmHg) was identified. Cervicothoracic radiographs showed marked gas tracking within cervical soft tissues with concurrent laryngeal thickening, pulmonary nodules, a bronchial pulmonary pattern, pneumomediastinum and aerophagia. The cat was hospitalized and treated overnight with oxygen and intravenous fluid therapy before anesthesia the next day. On laryngoscopy, a large tracheal mass was observed arising from the right subglottic region and was removed using biopsy forceps. CT revealed an additional mass at the level of the tracheal bifurcation causing marked luminal narrowing of the trachea and proximal main bronchi. The cat made a good initial recovery, although moderate stridor persisted. Five days later, the cat was re-examined due to recurrence of respiratory distress and orthopnea, and the owner elected euthanasia. Histopathology revealed severe nodular obstructive eosinophilic plasmacytic laryngotracheitis with intranuclear inclusion bodies positive for feline herpesvirus-1 on immunohistochemistry.

Relevance and novel information

This report describes the presentation and management of a cat with respiratory distress secondary to intratracheal eosinophilic masses caused by feline herpesvirus-1. Although the outcome was ultimately unsatisfactory, to the authors’ knowledge, this clinical presentation has not been previously reported.
Sustainable and smart: Exploring the nexus between blockchain and sustainability in inter-organisational collaboration
Authors: Ishibashi Yuko , Shiva Mehdi , Rosenbach Franziska
Published: January 2024

This exploratory study examines the nexus between blockchain and collaboration towards sustainability, which has been largely understudied despite advances in understanding blockchain technology. The urgency of sustainability objectives presents an opportunity to explore blockchain’s potential as a collaboration enabler. The study investigates the opportunities and challenges associated with blockchain’s use in this context to understand the relevance and conditions for its adoption. The research draws on original survey data and insights from expert interviews, making two significant contributions: (i) expanding on the limited literature on stakeholder perceptions of blockchain, and (ii) providing a framework outlining the conditions under which blockchain may support stakeholders initiate, manage and evaluate collaborative activities. The study’s findings are illustrated with reference to the challenges of broadening and deepening collaboration towards sustainability and can inform decision-making processes related to the adoption of blockchain technologies.
Breathing Against the Conducting Gesture? The Effect of Congruent and Incongruent Gesture-Task Combinations on Breathing Behavior and Resulting Loudness of Choral Singers
Authors: Platte Sarah Lisette , Gollhofer Albert , Gehring Dominic , Willimann Joseph , Schuldt-Jensen Morten , Lauber Benedikt
Published: January 2024

Previous research suggests that the conductor's choice of preparatory gesture affects choral singers’ breathing behavior as well as the corresponding loudness and sound quality. As these gestures are in choral practice often combined with instructions on the desired breathing technique, the aim of this study was to explore whether congruent and incongruent combinations of preparatory gestures with breathing instructions affect the breathing behavior and resulting loudness in choral singers. In our within-subjects study design, 18 healthy choral singers were asked to sing a tone in response to 4 different video stimuli, consisting of two congruent and two incongruent gesture-instruction combinations. We recorded chest wall kinematics via three-dimensional motion capture and voice samples. The results show that the used preparatory gesture has an influence on the predetermined inhalation type. Particularly, the most common inward-upward gesture combined with an abdominal inhalation results in a significantly reduced chest wall expansion and loudness of the resulting tone. Furthermore, the moment of maximum inhalation and onset are delayed after inward-upward gestures. Consequently, in choral practice, it is essential to generally consider that the selected preparatory gesture has significant influence on the resulting sound and should therefore be chosen according to the desired type of inhalation.
Melodic Differences Between Styles: Modeling Music With Step Inertia
Authors: Chiu Matt , Temperley David
Published: January 2024

A well-known phenomenon in melodic structure is “step inertia”: the tendency for a step to be followed by another step in the same direction. There is strong evidence of step inertia in three corpora of Western common-practice melodies: European folk songs, classical instrumental themes, and English hymn tunes. Surprisingly, modern Western popular music does not reflect step inertia. In Billboard’s Hot 100, and Rolling Stone magazine's list of “greatest songs,” inertial (same-direction) steps are less likely than non-inertial ones. To further explore the role of step inertia in different corpora, we created a generative model that assigns probabilities to melodies, considering just four factors: range, pitch proximity, scale-degree frequency within a key, and step inertia. We optimized the weights of these factors for the Essen Folksong Collection and the Billboard corpus, and compared them with n-gram models. The optimal (normalized) weight of the inertia factor is large and positive for the Essen collection (.51) and small for the Billboard corpus (.02). This is further evidence that step inertia plays a much smaller role in popular melodies than common-practice ones, and that non-inertial steps are slightly favored.
“Being pretty does not help your success”: Self-representation and aspiration of China’s female showroom livestreamers
Authors: Ye Zhen , Krijnen Tonny
Published: January 2024

China’s showroom livestreaming is highly gender-segregated, in which young women working as showroom livestreamers are often stigmatized and criticized as hypersexual or vulgar. Situating female streamers’ practices in the sociocultural environment of contemporary China and comparing them to other wanghong creators such as fashion or beauty bloggers in China’s digital economy, we investigate how female streamers construct a particular type of gendered entrepreneurial subjectivity. In this research, we selected 90 short videos that are produced by three female streamers on the social media platform Douyin to examine their self-representations and discursive practices around showroom livestreaming production. In the analysis, we unravel three major interconnected narratives: enduring the behind-the-screen hardship of livestreaming is worthy; navigating heterosexual relationships with viewers is part of showroom livestreaming work; and professional skills and knowhow are provided for those who truly aspire to success. These narratives commonly form a discourse of showroom livestreaming as good work for ordinary working-class or underclass women to achieve social and economic advancement in contemporary China. Moreover, these narratives render young women as autonomous agents with free choices to hustle in the world of showroom livestreaming, normalizing the precarious working conditions as well as gender power imbalances.
Critical Evaluation: An Assessment Tool for Fostering a Creative Environment at Kyrenia Waterfront
Authors: Üzümcüoğlu Doğa , Polay Mukaddes
Published: January 2024

A vital goal of this article is to examine waterfront development and creative class roles. It also discusses the importance of critical evaluation for sustaining social inclusion on urban waterfronts. Testing took place on the Kyrenia waterfront upgrade for creative classes and other people to determine waterfronts’ physical, functional, social, and cultural suitability. To determine the preferences, needs, and satisfaction levels of urban waterfront users, a survey, along with structured observations, was conducted: cultural and creative places and activities, appropriate rules and regulations, motivated entrepreneurs, continuous fund opportunities, preserving the historical context, cultural heritage, and unique values, physical and functional sufficiency, social well-being, and adequate accessibility, as well as tolerance and open-mindedness. A survey was conducted (sample size = 250), and subsequent systematic observations were conducted to obtain the data. As the survey findings indicate, the Kyrenia Waterfront has physical, functional, cultural, and social barriers that challenge both creatives and prospective creatives, including students and employers. Physically, inadequate infrastructure and accessibility challenges were reported. Functionally, limited amenities and inefficient land use were identified. Culturally, a lack of preservation of historical elements was evident. Socially, a sense of exclusion and inadequate community spaces were noted. These obstacles result in reduced attractiveness, limited community engagement, and hindered economic potential for the Kyrenia Waterfront. While the severity may vary, similar issues likely extend across the city, suggesting a broader urban challenge rather than a unique problem specific to the Kyrenia Waterfront alone. Critical evaluation is an essential component of the design process. Critical evaluation should involve collaboration among design professionals, clients, users, communities, public officials, and relevant experts to ensure a holistic and practical design outcome. Comprehensive policies should address the results of such an evaluation. Hence, it should be considered when determining what is required to create a community inclusive of all creative class segments.
Quantifying the Impact of Auditory Deafferentation on Speech Perception
Authors: Liu Jiayue , Stohl Joshua , Lopez-Poveda Enrique A. , Overath Tobias
Published: January 2024

The past decade has seen a wealth of research dedicated to determining which and how morphological changes in the auditory periphery contribute to people experiencing hearing difficulties in noise despite having clinically normal audiometric thresholds in quiet. Evidence from animal studies suggests that cochlear synaptopathy in the inner ear might lead to auditory nerve deafferentation, resulting in impoverished signal transmission to the brain. Here, we quantify the likely perceptual consequences of auditory deafferentation in humans via a physiologically inspired encoding–decoding model. The encoding stage simulates the processing of an acoustic input stimulus (e.g., speech) at the auditory periphery, while the decoding stage is trained to optimally regenerate the input stimulus from the simulated auditory nerve firing data. This allowed us to quantify the effect of different degrees of auditory deafferentation by measuring the extent to which the decoded signal supported the identification of speech in quiet and in noise. In a series of experiments, speech perception thresholds in quiet and in noise increased (worsened) significantly as a function of the degree of auditory deafferentation for modeled deafferentation greater than 90%. Importantly, this effect was significantly stronger in a noisy than in a quiet background. The encoding–decoding model thus captured the hallmark symptom of degraded speech perception in noise together with normal speech perception in quiet. As such, the model might function as a quantitative guide to evaluating the degree of auditory deafferentation in human listeners.
Valid Indicators for Predicting Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Under Ongoing Exercise Intervention to Prevent Care Requirement
Authors: Sato Mitsuru , Yamashita Tomoko , Okazaki Daisuke , Asada Harumi , Yamashita Kazuhiko
Published: January 2024

Physical exercise interventions to prevent falls for older adults at risk of falling are widespread in many countries; however, there is insufficient knowledge of the impact of long-term exercise on the fall discriminating ability of existing fall-prediction indicators. This study measured physical and cognitive indicators of the fall risk, including the timed up and go (TUG), walking speed (WS), and plantar tactile threshold (PTT), in 124 community-dwelling older adults with care needs who were continuing an exercise program. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with falls in the 87 participants who could adhere to the exercise continuously for 12 months. The PTT was significantly higher in fallers, while the TUG and WS did not differ significantly between fallers and non-fallers. The only index significantly associated with falls was the PTT ( OR = 1.20). The fall identification ability was better for PTT (AUC = 0.63), whereas TUG (AUC = 0.57) and WS (AUC = 0.52) were lower than previously reported scores. In conclusion, long-term exercise was found to improve scores on the fallprediction indicators by physical performance, but to decrease their ability to identify future falls. PTT may complement the ability to identify falls in such elderly populations.
Transition to Residency Courses: Recommendations for Creation and Implementation
Authors: Heidemann Lauren A. , Rustici Matthew , Buckvar-Keltz Lynn , Anderson Andrea , Plant Jennifer , Morgan Helen K. , Goforth Jon , Atkins Katharyn M.
Published: January 2024

Transition to Residency (TTR) courses help ease the critical transition from medical school to residency, yet there is little guidance for developing and running these courses. In this perspective, the authors use their expertise as well as a review of the literature to provide guidance and review possible solutions to challenges unique to these courses. TTR courses should be specialty-specific, allow for flexibility, and utilize active learning techniques. A needs assessment can help guide course content, which should focus on what is necessary to be ready for day one of residency. The use of residents in course planning and delivery can help create a sense of community and ensure that content is practical. While course assessments are largely formative, instructors should anticipate the need for remediation, especially for skills likely to be performed with limited supervision during residency. Additionally, TTR courses should incorporate learner self-assessment and goal setting; this may be valuable information to share with learners’ future residency programs. Lastly, TTR courses should undergo continuous quality improvement based on course evaluations and surveys. These recommendations are essential for effective TTR course implementation and improvement.
Book review: Narayana Sukumar and Paul D’Souza (eds.), The Journey of Caste in India: Voices from Margins
Authors: Kumar Ankur
Published: January 2024

Narayana Sukumar and Paul D’Souza (eds.), The Journey of Caste in India: Voices from Margins. New York and London: Routledge Taylor & Francis, 2023, 222 pp., ₹11439 (Hardcover). ISBN: 978-1-032-31977-3, ISBN: 978-1-003-31717-3.