bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jesus and violence during Tabernacles: Wit, mercy, and accountability in John 7–8
Authors: Brown Sherri
Published: September 2023

John 7–8 narrates Jesus’s dialogues with his opponents and the crowds during the annual Jewish festival of Tabernacles. Through this sensory backdrop, Jesus makes exceptional claims both for himself and for how God’s people should respond (e.g., 8:12). Across John’s narration of Jesus’s public ministry, Jesus challenges mainstream closedness by opening covenantal relationship with God to all those who can respond accordingly to what God as Father is doing in this world through Jesus who is Christ and Son. Such confrontation peaks in John 7–8 through a particularly violent interaction between Jesus’s radical acceptance and the resulting discontent in those who prefer the status quo. At the heart of this conflagration, the intrusive encounter between Jesus and the woman ensnared by the Pharisees (7:53–8:11) models a call for mercy and unity in community amid conflict. Despite the textual instability of its foundation, this passage must be given its due as an alternative of mercy to the violence that surrounds it in the final form of John’s Gospel. The presence of this passage in John’s canonical narrative presents a powerful antidote to the chaotic violence that surrounds it.
Revisiting and Extending: “Who Should You Market to in a Crisis? Examining Plog’s Model During the COVID-19 Pandemic”
Authors: Litvin Stephen W. , Guttentag Daniel , Smith Wayne W. , Pitts Robert E.
Published: September 2023

This Letter updates and expands a study conducted during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. That study confirmed the applicability of Plog’s model of Allocentricity and Psychocentricity within the context of the pandemic, as Allocentrics were found to be much more open to travel during the first 4 months of the pandemic, as the theory would predict. The current research, employing the identical survey instrument and research method, extended the data collection for an additional year as the pandemic evolved. This has allowed a far more extensive examination that confirmed and expanded the earlier findings, providing significant value to both academics and practitioners while again affirming the value of Plog’s model for destination marketers during a period of crisis.
Prevalence of vascular thrombosis in patients with liver abscess
Authors: Rajesh Rayidi , Gupta Monica , Kaur Narinder , Lehl Sarabmeet Singh , Tahlan Anita , Kaur Daljinderjit
Published: September 2023

Thrombotic complications in liver abscess are less commonly identified in the literature. In this prospective observational study, vascular thrombosis was detected in 21.9% cases. However, there was no significant difference in outcome with or without vascular thrombosis, properly treated.
Hegemonic listening and doing memory on right-wing violence: Negotiating German political culture in public spheres
Authors: Thomas Tanja , Virchow Fabian
Published: September 2023

The first section of this chapter illustrates that the pogrom in Rostock-Lichtenhagen in 1992 has not been categorized sufficiently as a substantial milestone of right-wing violence in postwar Germany. This pogrom led to historically significant limitations in the right to asylum, ultimately resulting in a change to the German constitution. We propose to look at Rostock-Lichtenhagen as an example to explain that practices of remembering right-wing violence, a process that we describe with the term ‘Doing Memory on right-wing violence’, is a central part of creating a society’s basic story. This basic story, in turn, contributes to how a society understands itself. In this chapter’s second section, we argue first that analyzing practices of memory of right-wing violence, be they acknowledging, forgetting or suppressing those practices, actually make it possible to even expose the persistence of the basic story as a central element of political culture. Second, we want to uncover how potential and publicly effective interventions of and changes to the basic story might look like. Here, we build on Habermas’ model of democracy, utilize Susan Bickford’s work on listening as an important element in her political philosophy and refer to Benjamin Barber, who articulates that a participatory democracy requires political listening. As a result, our chapter’s third section demonstrates how listening can be conceptualized from a supra-individual perspective and how questions that are critical of existing hegemonic structures can prioritize a focus on hegemonic (non)listening. Lastly, we will sketch out strategies to intervene in hegemonic (non)listening. These strategies connect theoretically with concepts of ‘counter publics’ and ‘opinion forming publics’ and reference, among others, the work of Seyla Benhabib and Iris Marion Young, thus enabling the creation and execution of resistance practices of Doing Memory on right-wing violence.
When Twitter blocked Trump: The paradox, ambivalence and dialectic of digitalized publics
Authors: Seeliger Martin , Baum Markus
Published: September 2023

In our text, we follow the traces of a (1) paradox, (2) an ambivalence and (3) a dialectic that constitute digitalized public spheres and discuss the resulting tensions in discourse-ethical and political-theoretical perspectives using the blocking of Donald J. Trump’s Twitter account as an example. Starting from this, we determine the conditions of constitution of the digital public sphere and locate the dynamics of its development in the dialectical tension between private and public: The fact that the two other relations of autonomy and heteronomy, intensification and polarization come to such a head is based on an insufficient socialization of all those means of production that produce the current digital public sphere. Using the example of Donald J. Trump’s recently suspended Twitter account and with a view to Habermas’s discourse ethics, we illustrate the extent to which Trump’s partly racist and conspiracy-theoretical post violates discourse ethics standards and is also highly problematic with regard to the political; however, banishment from a part of the digital public sphere is certainly not an act that should be incumbent on a private company. From this, we conclude that the normative potentials of digital public spheres can only be vol.
Ambition, meet reality: The European Union’s actorness in the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Grgić Gorana
Published: September 2023

The European Union is undergoing a major transformation as it strives to be perceived as a credible geopolitical actor, along with being an economic and normative superpower. Its ‘Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’ is symptomatic of this change as it far surpasses strategic outlooks it has for other developing regions. This article builds on the actorness literature as it examines the nature of the European Union’s growing ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. It focuses on the economic, security, and normative aspects of the Strategy, and it identifies the tensions, opportunities and challenges in its vision and implementation. The article concludes by arguing that although there are opportunities for greater engagement with the region, they have grown more complicated given the war in Ukraine. Moreover, much will also depend on recalibrating the European Union’s relationship with China, as well as finding the most effective way to leverage the affordances of transatlantic cooperation.
Online Schooling, Race, and the Supervision of Children at the Height of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Thomas Kevin J.A. , Larsen Gibby Ashley
Published: September 2023

At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a shift from in-person to online schooling as the primary mode of instruction for children. This study examines racial/ethnic inequalities in children’s participation in online schooling at the height of the pandemic, and how their families adjusted to the process. The analysis was conducted using data from the 2022 Covid-19 in American Communities-2 study. The results indicate that the children of Black respondents were the most likely to report online schooling and non-enrollment as their primary modes of learning at the height of the pandemic. However, the outcomes were part of a broader pattern of disadvantage. The children of Black respondents also faced unique constraints by experiencing decreases in school supervision if a household member was infected with COVID-19. Additionally, the results showed that mothers supervised online schooling more frequently than other adults, except among Hispanics.
Integrative Review of Black Birthing People’s Interactions With Clinicians During the Perinatal Period
Authors: Salahshurian Erin , Moore Tiffany A.
Published: September 2023

Maternal morbidity and mortality disproportionately affect Black birthing people. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, including variations in quality health care, structural racism, and implicit bias. Interactions between Black patients and perinatal clinicians could further affect perinatal care use and subsequent perinatal outcomes. This integrative review aims to synthesize quantitative and qualitative literature published in peer-reviewed journals in English within the past 10 years that address patient-clinician interactions during the perinatal period for Black birthing people in the United States. A systematic search of CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Embase recovered 24 articles that met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review. The following themes emerged from synthesizing Black patients’ interactions with perinatal clinicians: Care Quality, Communication, Power Dynamic, and Established Relationships. Mutual respect, effective communication, and shared decision-making may be key modifiable factors to address through clinician education to improve perinatal care for many Black persons.
Exploring Psychiatrists’ Experiences During Transition from Mental Health Act, 1987 to Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 in Goa, India
Authors: Vanagundi Rohan , Pokle Sneha , Walwaikar Rohit , Waikar Shilpa
Published: September 2023

Background:

Mental Healthcare Act 2017 (MHCA) came into force on 29 May 2018. Goa State Mental Health Authority (GSMHA) notified the Mental Health Review Board on 8 February 2022, completing the important process of implementation of the act. The transition comes with challenges.

Methods:

A qualitative study was conducted with 18 practicing psychiatrists who had worked under Mental Health Act 1987 as well as MHCA 2017 through purposive sampling across Goa. Data was collected through individual interviews; analysis was done by Braune and Clarke’s framework of Thematic Analysis.

Results:

Eighteen psychiatrists participated: 4 private, 3 secondary and 11 from tertiary levels. The themes extracted were work during MHA 1987, transition, and after the implementation of MHCA 2017. Some participants reported difficulties, felt an increase in workload, and had negative emotions, while a few were neutral, indicating mixed perceptions.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the administrative struggles and moral dilemmas faced by psychiatrists in handling the new legislation. It’s imperative that the implementation of new act should be carried out with sufficient resource allocation and monitoring mechanisms.
A comparative study of the effect of two different delivery techniques (conventional versus microplegia) of del Nido cardioplegia on myocardium in paeditric congenital heart disease
Authors: Kulkarni Subhash Rao , Bishnoi Saveena
Published: September 2023

Introduction

del Nido cardioplegia was developed for immature myocardium to prevent myocardial damage by Ca+2 in traditional blood cardioplegia. But due to increased hemodilution and decreased colloid oncotic pressure it may cause myocardial edema and increased cardiac morbidity. Microplegia may have better cardioprotection in comparison to del Nido as there is less hemodilution.

Material and methods

60 patients from the age group of 1 to 14 years were divided into two groups i.e. del Nido based microplegia group and conventional del Nido group for studying two different cardioplegia technique. Data were collected and compared for intraoperative Hb, CPK-MB and Trop-I levels changes and requirement for defibrillation in intraoperative period. Demographic data, CPB time and ACC time were also collected.

Results

Marked elevation in CPK-MB and Trop-I levels were seen in both groups. Statistically significant difference was seen in CPK-MB levels after 6 h of surgery where del Nido group has higher value in comparison to microplegia group. No statistical difference was seen in Trop-I levels in both groups. Strength of correlation (r) was also stronger for CPK-MB rise in association with CPB time and ACC time, in del Nido group but not for Trop-I. Significantly higher hemodilution was also seen in del Nido group after delivering cardioplegia. None of the patients required defibrillation in any group.

Conclusion

Lesser hemodilution was seen in microplegia group. Significant cardioprotection is associated with use of microplegia solution in pediatric age group.
Postoperative urinary leakage after bilateral totally extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy in a patient with a healed cystostomy and appendectomy: A case report
Authors: Chen Jin-Shui , Shi Lu-Lu , Zheng Kai-Fu , Zhu Xiao-Lu , Li Zheng-Ping
Published: September 2023

We report a case of postoperative urinary leakage after bilateral laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) herniorrhaphy. A man in his upper 80s with a healed cystostomy and appendectomy underwent bilateral TEP herniorrhaphy. Urinary leakage was noted by ultrasound examination 4 days after bilateral TEP. Cystography and computed tomography conclusively confirmed a 6-mm extraperitoneal fistula at the site of the previous cystostomy. The fistula involved the anterior bladder wall and was associated with an extended urinoma. The patient was treated by indwelling catheterization using a Foley catheter and repeated ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration of the inguinal effusion at the bedside. The patient was completely healed 69 days after the operation with no mesh infection or bladder dysfunction. We believe that urinary leakage is possible after TEP herniorrhaphy in patients with a healed suprapubic cystostomy. Therefore, indwelling catheterization using a Foley catheter should be implemented before surgery, and the Foley catheter can be removed within 1 week after surgery if no postoperative urinary leakage is observed. A history of suprapubic cystotomy should not be regarded as a contraindication for TEP surgery. This is the first report of urinary leakage after bilateral TEP herniorrhaphy in a patient with a healed cystostomy and appendectomy.
Evolution to Critical Race Theory: Kentucky Legislative Curriculum Bans in 1922 and 2022
Authors: Brake Nicholas
Published: September 2023

This article draws from primary and secondary historical sources such as public policy documents, speeches, and media reports to trace attempts made by the Kentucky legislature to ban controversial topics in public school curriculum—evolution in 1922 and critical race theory in 2022. Kingdon’s multiple streams framework (MSF) serves as the model for this historical and contemporary comparative education policy analysis.
Depression, Anxiety, Energy, and Fatigue Among Nurses Who Cared for Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Soylu Tulay G. , Roess Amira , Boolani Ali , Wilson Alyssa N. , Huddleston Kathi C. , Lawrence Grace N. , Oetjen Cheryl
Published: September 2023

Purpose of Study: Nurses around the world have faced challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study examined the association between depression and anxiety and trait energy and trait fatigue, and baseline health status and work characteristics. Design of Study: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A survey was conducted to collect self-reported data from nurses involved in patient care in Northern Virginia. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression and anxiety scales. To measure trait energy and trait fatigue, the Mental and Physical State and Trait Energy and Fatigue Scale (MPSTEFS) was used. Findings: There was a significant association between depression and energy ( b=−0.46, t = −1.78, p < .001) and loneliness ( b=1.38, t = 4.00, p < .001) and increased alcohol use ( b=2.11, t = 2.04, p = .045). We also found that nurses with depression were significantly more likely to seek mental health counseling ( b=−2.91, t = 2.54, p = 0.013), which was also the case for anxiety ( b=3.13, t = 2.14, p = .036). Conclusions: Our study highlights the mental health burden among nurses who worked in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with increased alcohol use and loneliness. The findings may help healthcare leaders identify early signals of deterioration in nurses’ well-being.
Consent and Contestation: How Platform Workers Reckon with the Risks of Gig Labor
Authors: Schor Juliet B , Tirrell Christopher , Vallas Steven Peter
Published: September 2023

How do gig workers respond to the various financial, physical, and legal risks their work entails? Answers to this question have remained unclear, largely because previous studies have overlooked structurally induced variations in the experience of platform work. In this article, we develop a theory of differential embeddedness to explain why workers’ orientations toward the risks of gig work vary. We argue further that because platforms define themselves merely as mediators of exchanges between workers and customers, they systematically expose workers to various forms of customer malfeasance, ranging from fraud and tip baiting to harassment and assault. We develop this perspective using interviews with 70 workers in the ride-hail, grocery shopping, and food delivery sectors. The structure of labor platforms indirectly invites workers to exhibit distinct normative orientations toward the risks that gig work entails while also multiplying the sources of these risks.
Forecasting cross-tie condition based on the dynamic adjacent support using a theory-guided neural network model
Authors: Soufiane Kenza , Zarembski Allan M. , Palese Joseph W.
Published: September 2023

Cross-ties represent a key infrastructure asset of the railroad industry. Recent research has shown that the cross-tie life is not only affected by the traditionally defined load and track design parameters but also by support condition, and in particular, support condition as represented by the condition of adjacent cross-ties. This paper builds upon the recent research and is focused on predicting a cross-tie’s future condition as a function of the changing condition of the surrounding cross-ties. As accurate cross-tie condition information becomes available from automated inspection systems, this data allows for the development of a theoretical framework for predicting cross-tie degradation and corresponding cross-tie life. This theoretical framework allows for the modeling of the interactions between adjacent cross-ties as a complex and dynamic system. Thus, the objective of this paper is to develop a model that uses theory guided machine learning framework as supported by well-defined railroad engineering relationships, such as the Beam on Elastic Foundation theory, to forecast the cross-tie condition as a function of its adjacent cross-ties and their corresponding degradation rates. The resulting model outperformed a more conventional traditional neural network model. The theory guided machine learning model showed very good correlation with actual data exhibiting an R2 of 88.6% and an a20-index of 91% suggesting that the incorporation of domain knowledge into the machine learning model leads to demonstrably better cross-tie life prediction results.
A Propensity Score Matched Exploration of Infection in Primary Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Anastasio Albert T. , Wu Kevin A. , Kim Billy I. , Nunley James A. , DeOrio James K. , Easley Mark E. , Adams Samuel B.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Infection is a serious complication of primary total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and can lead to implant failure and revision surgery. Various demographic, comorbidity, and surgical factors have been associated with an increased risk of infection. However, the evidence base remains limited, and further research is needed regarding infection in TAA. This study aims to analyze risk factors of infection and explore outcomes following infected TAA.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a single institution from 2002 to 2022. Patients who underwent primary TAA and had subsequent infection were identified through annual registry surveillance and matched using propensity score matching (PSM) based on various demographic, comorbidity, and surgical factors. Demographics were compared between the matched groups using Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. The outcomes following infection were identified and summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results:

A total of 1863 patients who underwent primary TAA were identified, and 19 were diagnosed with an infection. The identifiable overall infection rate was 1.0%. After PSM, there were no significant differences in the difference in age, gender, BMI, and smoking status between the infected and control cohort. There was a statistically significant increase in the rate of diabetes in the infected cohort. The subsequent surgical intervention resulted in limb salvage in 18 (94.7%) cases. Out of the total number of cases, 2-stage revision to total ankle replacement was performed in 7 cases, whereas revision to arthrodesis and isolated polyethylene exchange were each carried out in 4 cases. One patient had to undergo amputation; however, at the time of the most recent follow-up, all patients were found to be free of infection.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated high rates of a history of smoking and diabetes in the infected TAA cohort. The diabetes rate in the infected group was significantly higher than the noninfected controls. Two-stage revision to total ankle replacement was performed in 7 cases, and revision to arthrodesis and isolated polyethylene exchange were each carried out in 4 cases. Overall, a high rate of limb salvage was reported.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, case-control study.
Outpatient Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) as a Rising Alternative to Inpatient TAA: A Database Analysis
Authors: Wolfe Isabel , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Ellis Scott J. , Conti Matthew S.
Published: September 2023

Background:

There is growing evidence that total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) can safely be performed as an outpatient procedure, with the benefit of decreased health care expenses and improved patient satisfaction. The purpose of our study was to compare readmissions, arthroplasty failures, infections, and annual trends between outpatient and inpatient TAA using a large publicly available for-fee database.

Methods:

The PearlDiver Database was queried to identify outpatient and inpatient TAA-associated claims for several payer types from January 2010 to October 2021. Preoperative patient characteristics and annual trends were compared for inpatient and outpatient TAA. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision, diagnosis codes were used to identify infections and arthroplasty failures. Complications rates were compared after matching patients by age, gender, and the following comorbidities: diabetes, smoking, congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension (HTN), obesity, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Results:

A total of 12 274 patients were included in the final exact-matched analysis for complications, with 6137 patients in each group. Outpatients had a significantly lower rate of readmission within 90 days (2.6% vs 4.0%, P < .001), arthroplasty failure (4.1% vs 6.9%, P < .001), and infection (2.4% vs 3.1%, P = .015). Among database enrollees, outpatient TAA has risen in proportion to inpatient TAA from 2019 to 2021.

Conclusion:

Outpatient TAA had lower rates of risk-adjusted readmission, arthroplasty failure, and infection compared to inpatient TAA.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative database study.
The Scientific Observation Experiences of Gifted/Talented Students: Observing Circadian Rhythm in the Common Bean Plant
Authors: Yurumezoglu Kemal , Oztas Cin Merve , Demir Semra , Bacakoglu Gözde
Published: September 2023

The activity described here was designed to center on the observation of circadian rhythms in plants through the example of growing beans. The aim was to develop students’ skills of systematic observation of various variables in the long-term. Our study took place at a Science and Arts Center with 17 gifted students in the third and fourth grades who were receiving supplementary education at the center. In the first stage of the study, the teacher initiated the cultivation of the plant and the process of observation 2 weeks ahead of the class and based on the experience of the observation, set up a detailed plan for a classroom activity. The activity was carried out in three phases. The first phase involved the planting and germination of the beans in pots. The second phase focused on the first appearance of the plant’s leaves, while the third phase comprised the process of observing the effects of the intensity of light and the changes in temperature in the environment on the opening and closing movements of the leaves. It was found that the gifted students were successful in making long-term, systematic observations of various variables, and that as time passed, their dedication to the project increased. This motivation led them to delve deeper using different individual skills of scientific observation to discover how circadian rhythm is manifested in different plants, thus expanding their framework of accurate observation. We recommend the widespread use of this activity in the education of gifted students.
Head Start Funding Expansions and Program Inputs
Authors: Herbst Chris M. , Kose Esra
Published: September 2023

This paper provides some of the first evidence on the relationship between Head Start funding expansions and program inputs. We take advantage of the county–year variation in funding increases that were implemented due to a number of legislated policy changes in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s. By focusing on the period between 1988 and 2007, we show that the funding increases were directed at increasing total and full-time enrollment. We also show that the funding expansions were used to make several quality-related investments, including increasing the number of teachers and staff and upgrading the skill level of teachers.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal
Authors: Burnett Christina L. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Cohen David E. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Rettie Allan E. , Ross David , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Tilton Susan , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: September 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety reviewed updated information that has become available since their original assessment from 1983, along with updated information regarding product types, and frequency and concentrations of use, and reaffirmed their original conclusion that Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal is safe for topical application to humans in the practices of use and concentration as described in this report.
Fast-Access Multidisciplinary Approach to Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: The Diabetic Rapid Evaluation and Lower Limb Amputation Management (DREAM) Clinic
Authors: Tang Fengjie , Abdul Razak Siti Nurfarahdillah Binte , Tan Jerilyn Xiling , Choke Edward Tieng Chek , Zainudin Sueziani Binte
Published: September 2023

Background:

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are debilitating to the patient and costly for the healthcare system. We set up the Diabetic Rapid Evaluation and lower limb Amputation Management (DREAM) clinic with the aim of providing early directed specialist care to patients with DFUs. With early management, we hope to treat DFUs in its early stages, reducing the need for and associated morbidity of major and minor lower limb amputations.

Objectives:

We evaluated the outcomes of the fast-access DREAM clinic with multi-disciplinary evaluation for patients with DFUs. Outcomes include time from the point of referral to DREAM clinic evaluation, amputation rates and wound healing rates.

Design;

Patients presenting with DFU to the DREAM clinic were enrolled. A podiatrist made the first assessment, followed by immediate specialist consultation with Endocrinologists, Vascular surgeons or Orthopaedic surgeons as required.

Methods:

Data on baseline demographics and DFU characteristics were collected. Outcomes evaluated were wound healing at 12 weeks, wound salvage rates, time to DREAM clinic access and time to specialist referral.

Results:

Sixty-eight patients were enrolled, with 57.3% males, and mean age of 63 ± 13.0 years. Majority of ulcers were classified as neuropathic (41.3%) and located at the digits (40%). At 12-weeks follow-up, 1 had undergone major amputation, 9 minor amputations and 4 surgical debridements. The median time to DREAM clinic evaluation from first presentation was 3 days (IQR 7). Eleven (16.2%) required >1 specialist consult. Twenty (29.4%) were hospitalised for treatment. Twelve underwent revascularisation within 4 days (IQR 3.5). Twenty-four patients (35.3%) continued podiatry follow-up, having 28 DFUs in which 20 (71.4%) healed within 12 weeks.

Conclusion:

The fast-access multidisciplinary DREAM clinic shows promising outcomes with lower major amputation rates and exemplary DFU healing outcomes.
Abnormal functional connectivity in radiologically isolated syndrome: A resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Benito-León Julián , del Pino Ana Belén , Aladro Yolanda , Cuevas Constanza , Domingo-Santos Ángela , Galán Sánchez-Seco Victoria , Labiano-Fontcuberta Andrés , Gómez-López Ana , Salgado-Cámara Paula , Costa-Frossard Lucienne , Monreal Enrique , Sainz de la Maza Susana , Matías-Guiu Jordi A , Matías-Guiu Jorge , Delgado-Álvarez Alfonso , Montero-Escribano Paloma , Martínez-Ginés María Luisa , Higueras Yolanda , Ayuso-Peralta Lucía , Malpica Norberto , Melero Helena
Published: September 2023

Background:

Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) patients might have psychiatric and cognitive deficits, which suggests an involvement of major resting-state functional networks. Notwithstanding, very little is known about the neural networks involved in RIS.

Objective:

To examine functional connectivity differences between RIS and healthy controls using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods:

Resting-state fMRI data in 25 RIS patients and 28 healthy controls were analyzed using an independent component analysis; in addition, seed-based correlation analysis was used to obtain more information about specific differences in the functional connectivity of resting-state networks. Participants also underwent neuropsychological testing.

Results:

RIS patients did not differ from the healthy controls regarding age, sex, and years of education. However, in memory (verbal and visuospatial) and executive functions, RIS patients’ cognitive performance was significantly worse than the healthy controls. In addition, fluid intelligence was also affected. Twelve out of 25 (48%) RIS patients failed at least one cognitive test, and six (24.0%) had cognitive impairment. Compared to healthy controls, RIS patients showed higher functional connectivity between the default mode network and the right middle and superior frontal gyri and between the central executive network and the right thalamus ( pFDR < 0.05; corrected). In addition, the seed-based correlation analysis revealed that RIS patients presented higher functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex, an important hub in neural networks, and the right precuneus.

Conclusion:

RIS patients had abnormal brain connectivity in major resting-state neural networks and worse performance in neurocognitive tests. This entity should be considered not an “incidental finding” but an exclusively non-motor (neurocognitive) variant of multiple sclerosis.
Depression symptoms and cognition in multiple sclerosis: Longitudinal evidence of a specific link to executive control
Authors: Anderson Jordyn R , Fitzgerald Kathryn C , Murrough James W , Katz Sand Ilana B , Sorets Tali R , Krieger Stephen C , Riley Claire S , Fabian Michelle T , Sumowski James F
Published: September 2023

Background:

Depression symptoms are prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) and associated with poorer cognition in cross-sectional studies; it is unknown whether changes in depression symptoms track with cognitive changes longitudinally.

Objective:

Investigate whether changes in depression symptoms correspond with cognitive changes over time in MS, and identify specific cognitive functions related to depression symptoms.

Method:

Persons with early relapse-onset MS ( n = 165) completed a depression questionnaire (Beck Depression Inventory FastScreen) and tests of cognitive speed, executive control, and memory at baseline and 3-year follow-up. One-way ANOVAs assessed differences in cognitive change across participants with worsened, stable, or improved depression symptoms from baseline to year 3.

Results:

Change in depression symptoms was related to change in executive control ( p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.08; worsened mood with worsened executive control; improved mood with improved executive control), even when adjusting for cognitive speed ( p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.08). There were no links to cognitive speed ( p = 0.826) or memory ( p = 0.243). Regarding individual depression symptoms, executive control was related to loss of pleasure and suicidal thoughts.

Conclusions:

Executive control tracks with depression symptoms, raising hope that management of mood may improve executive control. The specific link between executive control and anhedonia implicates dysfunctional reward processing as a key component of MS depression.
The politics of human rights trade sanctions: evidence from the African Growth and Opportunity Act
Authors: Curtice Travis , Reinhardt Eric
Published: September 2023

Scholars contend that embedding human rights conditionality in trade agreements can improve human rights. We argue that human rights interests may collide with trade, investment, and security interests. We examine these claims in the context of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a unilateral trade preference program with robust human rights conditions, created in 2000 by the United States for up to 49 potentially eligible sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) states. US decisions to terminate AGOA beneficiary status are determined strongly by US trade, investment, and security interests. The country’s human rights record, including state-sponsored killings and other violations of physical integrity rights, has a less consistent and weaker effect.
The potential of consecutive qualitative comparative analysis as a systematic strategy for configurational theorizing
Authors: Krupnik Seweryn , Szczucka Anna , Woźniak Monika , Pattyn Valérie
Published: September 2023

Qualitative comparative analysis is gradually becoming more established in the evaluation field. The purpose of this article is to highlight the potential for evaluation research of engaging in consecutive rounds of this analysis. This is possible when approaching qualitative comparative analysis as a systematic strategy for configurational theorizing. To substantiate this potential, we present two evaluation studies on Research and Development subsidies for companies in Poland. Compared with the results of the first study, the findings of the subsequent consecutive qualitative comparative analysis studies were much more nuanced and helped in developing a full-fledged configurational program theory. In addition to elaborating on the strengths of a consecutive qualitative comparative analysis approach and the relevance of configurational program theories for evaluators, this article shares the main lessons learned in overcoming challenges common to such designs. Thus, concrete guidance is offered to researchers and evaluators who are willing to take configurational theorizing seriously.
Is Okun’s Law Valid in Bangladesh? A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Sakib Arfanul Ibna Mustafa
Published: September 2023

Using the data from 1991 to 2019, this study attempts to verify Okun’s law by utilizing both ‘The difference and the dynamic versions’ of Okun’s law in Bangladesh and tries to find the value of Okun’s coefficient. The autoregressive-distribution lag (ARDL) bounds test is applied to determine the existence of a long-term relationship between the variables, and then the ordinary least squares (OLS) approach is used to estimate the findings. The findings show that Okun’s coefficient is –0.058 for the difference version of Okun’s law, which is statistically insignificant. In addition, for the dynamic version of Okun’s law, findings show that the effect of the ‘immediate past economic growth rate’ on ‘current change in the unemployment rate’ is 0.15, and it is statistically insignificant too. However, the effect of the ‘current economic growth rate’ on ‘current change in the unemployment rate’ is –0.22, and it is statistically significant at 10% significance level. In both versions of Okun’s law, R2 values, F-statistic and cumulative sum of squares show the instability of the models. Due to statistically insignificant coefficients and model instability, it can be concluded that Okun’s law is invalid in Bangladesh.

JEL Codes: E24, C22, B23, C87
Artificial intelligence for treatment planning and soft tissue outcome prediction of orthognathic treatment: A systematic review
Authors: Salazar Daisy , Rossouw Paul Emile , Javed Fawad , Michelogiannakis Dimitrios
Published: September 2023

Background:

The accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) in treatment planning and outcome prediction in orthognathic treatment (OGT) has not been systematically reviewed.

Objectives:

To determine the accuracy of AI in treatment planning and soft tissue outcome prediction in OGT.

Design:

Systematic review.

Data sources:

Unrestricted search of indexed databases and reference lists of included studies.

Data selection:

Clinical studies that addressed the focused question ‘Is AI useful for treatment planning and soft tissue outcome prediction in OGT?’ were included.

Data extraction:

Study screening, selection and data extraction were performed independently by two authors. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s RoB and ROBINS-I tools for randomised and non-randomised clinical studies, respectively.

Data synthesis:

Eight clinical studies (seven retrospective cohort studies and one randomised controlled study) were included. Four studies assessed the role of AI for treatment decision making; and four studies assessed the accuracy of AI in soft tissue outcome prediction after OGT. In four studies, the level of agreement between AI and non-AI decision making was found to be clinically acceptable (at least 90%). In four studies, it was shown that AI can be used for soft tissue outcome prediction after OGT; however, predictions were not clinically acceptable for the lip and chin areas. All studies had a low to moderate RoB.

Limitations:

Due to high methodological inconsistencies among the included studies, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis and reporting biases assessment.

Conclusion:

AI can be a useful aid to traditional treatment planning by facilitating clinical treatment decision making and providing a visualisation tool for soft tissue outcome prediction in OGT.

Registration:

PROSPERO CRD42022366864.
Whiteness Makes the Laughs Possible: A Sitcom’s Representations of Sexual Violence
Authors: Moorti Sujata
Published: September 2023

The award winning, Netflix comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2019) broke new ground in representations of sexual violence. Recalibrating the energies of the sitcom to address issues of trauma, memory and witnessing, Unbreakable has helped craft a new esthetic of the genre. The four-season series replicates key features of the historical captivity narrative and the contemporaneous #MeToo movement. Ignoring the slave narrative of captivity and dispossession allows the series to sidestep the racialized dimensions of sexual assault. The narrative’s resolute focus on white survivors permits the series to mobilize trauma for comedic effect.
Impact of Respiratory Motion on the Skin Dose for Breast Cancer in Tomotherapy: A Study in the In-house Moving Phantom
Authors: Nobnop Wannapha , Lertananpipat Nattaphol , Watcharawipha Anirut , Kongsa Anupong , Tippanya Damrongsak , Thongsuk Warit , Chitapanarux Imjai
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The dose expansion methods as the skin flash and virtual bolus were used to solve intrafraction movement for breast planning due to breathing motion. We investigated the skin dose in each planning method by using optically stimulated luminescence on an in-house moving phantom for breast cancer treatment in tomotherapy. The impact of respiratory motion on skin dose between static and dynamic phantom's conditions was evaluated. Methods: A phantom was developed with movement controlled by the respirator for generating the respiratory waveforms to simulate respiratory motion. Five optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters were placed on the phantom surface to investigate the skin dose for the TomoDirect and TomoHelical under static and dynamic conditions. Eight treatment plans were generated with and without skin flash or virtual bolus by varying the thickness. The difference in skin dose between the two phantom conditions for each plan was explored. Results: All plans demonstrated a skin dose of more than 87% of the prescription dose under static conditions. However, the skin dose was reduced to 84.1% (TomoDirect) and 78.9% (TomoHelical) for dynamic conditions. The treatment plans without skin flash or virtual bolus showed significant skin dose differences under static and dynamic conditions by 4.83% (TomoDirect) and 9.43% (TomoHelical), whereas the skin flash with two leaves (TomoDirect 2L) or virtual bolus of at least 1.0 cm thickness (VB1.0) application compensated the skin dose in case of intrafraction movements by presenting a skin dose difference of less than 2% between the static and dynamic conditions. Conclusion: The skin dose was reduced under dynamic conditions due to breathing motion. The skin flash method with TomoDirect 2L or virtual bolus application with 1.0 cm thickness was useful for maintaining skin dose following the prescription by compensating for intrafraction movement due to respiratory motion for breast cancer in tomotherapy.
Utility of Renal Artery Duplex Ultrasound for Screening and Diagnosis of Coarctation of the Aorta in Adults
Authors: Ayoub Kathryn , Abuhalimeh Batool Jamal , Gomes Marcelo
Published: September 2023

Renal artery duplex ultrasound has been very successful in assessing renovascular hypertension. When renal artery velocities are within normal limits, but the Doppler spectral waveform is of small amplitude with a prolonged systolic rise, a more proximal arterial stenosis is suspected. We describe 2 cases of coarctation of the aorta in adults that were diagnosed with the assistance of aortic and renal artery duplex ultrasound.
Visual Exploration While Walking With and Without Visual Cues in Parkinson’s Disease: Freezer Versus Non-Freezer
Authors: Graham Lisa , Armitage Jordan , Vitorio Rodrigo , Das Julia , Barry Gill , Godfrey Alan , McDonald Claire , Walker Richard , Mancini Martina , Morris Rosie , Stuart Samuel
Published: September 2023

Background

Visual cues can improve gait in Parkinson’s disease (PD), including those experiencing freezing of gait (FOG). However, responses are variable and underpinning mechanisms remain unclear. Visuo-cognitive processing (measured through visual exploration) has been implicated in cue response, but this has not been comprehensively examined.

Objective

To examine visual exploration and gait with and without visual cues in PD who do and do not self-report FOG, and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

17 HC, 21 PD without FOG, and 22 PD with FOG walked with and without visual cues, under single and dual-task conditions. Visual exploration (ie, saccade frequency, duration, peak velocity, amplitude, and fixation duration) was measured via mobile eye-tracking and gait (ie, gait speed, stride length, foot strike angle, stride time, and stride time variability) with inertial sensors.

Results

PD had impaired gait compared to HC, and dual-tasking made gait variables worse across groups (all P < .01). Visual cues improved stride length, foot strike angle, and stride time in all groups ( P < .01). Visual cueing also increased saccade frequency, but reduced saccade peak velocity and amplitude in all groups ( P < .01). Gait improvement related to changes in visual exploration with visual cues in PD but not HC, with relationships dependent on group (FOG vs non-FOG) and task (single vs dual).

Conclusion

Visual cues improved visual exploration and gait outcomes in HC and PD, with similar responses in freezers and non-freezers. Freezer and non-freezer specific associations between cue-related changes in visual exploration and gait indicate different underlying visuo-cognitive processing within these subgroups for cue response.
Combined Pericapsular Nerve Group Block and Intrapelvic Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block Is Associated With Decreased Opioid Consumption After Hip Arthroscopy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim David H. , Hong Genewoo , Lin Edward , Kim Sang Jo , Beathe Jonathan , Wetmore Douglas , Liu Jiabin
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Ambulatory hip arthroscopies are associated with moderate-to-severe pain often requiring opioid analgesia. Novel motor-sparing blocks, the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) block, have shown efficacy in hip surgery.

Purpose:

We sought to investigate the analgesic benefits of these novel blocks in terms of opioid-sparing and discharge efficiency.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching of 224 patients who underwent ambulatory elective unilateral hip arthroscopy. One group received a combined PENG and LFCN block (PENG/LFCN, n = 86), while a second group received only a PENG block (n = 26). A control group (n = 112) received no blocks. The primary outcome was postanesthesia care unit (PACU) mean opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes were maximum numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, intravenous rescue analgesia, and PACU readiness-for-discharge times.

Results:

The PENG/LFCN-block group required significantly less opioids than the control group in the PACU (25.98 ± 13.04 vs 14.58 ± 5.77, respectively) and were discharged earlier 2.72 ± 1.16 vs 4.42 ± 1.63 hours, respectively). The combined PENG/LFCN group also used less intravenous rescue opioids than the control group (0.47 ± 1.18 vs 1.44 ± 2.1 mg, respectively) and showed a significant difference in the highest NRS pain scores than the control group (6.01 ± 2.38 vs 6.77 ± 2.1 respectively). The PENG block alone group did not show a significant difference in opioid reduction (21.95 ± 15.83 vs 27.72 ± 15.01, respectively).

Conclusions:

This retrospective study found that in patients who underwent ambulatory elective unilateral hip arthroscopy, a combined PENG and LFCN block was associated with expedited PACU discharge and a clinically significant reduction in postoperative opioid use. Further study is warranted.