bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sticking it out: Instability, regime type, and personnel withdrawals from UN peacekeeping operations
Authors: Melin Molly M. , Kathman Jacob D.
Published: January 2023

What explains UN member-state personnel withdrawals from peacekeeping operations? Withdrawals can occur at the behest of contributor states, as contributions are voluntary. We argue that withdrawal is motivated by violence in the peacekeeping operation host state. Research shows that well-resourced missions improve the prospects of success. Personnel withdrawals are dangerous, as they are more likely when continued deployments are needed. We thus need to understand why some states resist withdrawing in the face of instability. We argue that democracies are more stalwart than their counterparts given their constituency interests, the democratic benefits of peacekeeping and the political cover offered to democratic policymakers.
The Self-growth Process of Hospice Volunteers in Ningbo, China
Authors: Chen Shuang-Qin , Zhang Shu-Ying , Su Ji-Er , Xiang Qiao-Zhen
Published: January 2023

Objective: The development process of self-growth among Chinese hospice volunteers is poorly understood. This study aimed to explore and delineate their dynamic progression toward self-growth. Methods: This qualitative study used grounded theory to analyze semi-structured interview data using individual in-depth face-to-face interviews with 15 volunteers at a hospice care center in Ningbo, China, between January 2021 and January 2022. Data analysis was based on the open, axial, and selective coding stages of grounded theory and used the constant comparative method. Results: From the interview data, we extracted 1 core category (Death awakening life), 4 categories, and 19 subcategories that pertained to the process of self-growth. The 4 categories delineated the process of self-growth; respondents progressed through self-salvation, self-reflection, self-healing, and self-transcendence stages. The 19 subcategories are introduced and illustrated with interview extracts. Conclusions: The study findings can inform the development of training projects aimed at improving hospice care volunteer services.
Rhabdomyolysis Suspected to be Caused by Eravacycline Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Belk Madeline G. , Ku Pam M. , George David L. , Hobbs Athena L. V.
Published: January 2023

Eravacycline is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections. It is a novel, fully synthetic fluorocycline antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class with a broad-spectrum of activity and an appealing side effect profile. This report describes a 74-year-old female who presented to the hospital with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) requiring coronary artery bypass graft surgery. After surgery, she developed a sternal wound infection that grew multidrug resistant organisms, leading to a much longer than anticipated hospital stay. Eravacycline was eventually added to the antimicrobial regimen for the persistent infection. Shortly after therapy with eravacycline began, the patient started experiencing muscle pain and the creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level was noted to be elevated. Other causes, such as concomitant administration of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, were explored in this case but not thought to be the cause of rhabdomyolysis. The patient’s CPK dropped considerably upon discontinuation of the novel antibiotic, and symptoms resolved. The adverse drug event was reported to the drug manufacturer; however, there are no reports up until this time that address a possible relationship between eravacycline administration and the development of rhabdomyolysis.
Investigation of mechanical behavior of graphene nanoplatelets and carbon fiber-reinforced hybrid laminate composites under different environment aging conditions
Authors: Namdev Anurag , Telang Amit , Purohit Rajesh
Published: January 2023

In this study, the effect of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) of different amounts (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 wt.%) on the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites were investigated to determine mechanical properties under different environment aging conditions. The mechanical properties were examined under three different environment aging conditions (25°C, 55% RH (relative humidity); 25°C, 75% RH; and 75°C, 75% RH). Humidity and temperature are the main environmental factors discussed in this study to evaluate the mechanical characteristics. The results determine that the enhancement of GNP from 0.25 to 0.50 wt.% as a reinforcement improved the tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear strength, impact, and torsional strength of the developed hybrid composites. Further, an increase in wt.% of GNP in composites up to 1.0% reduces tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear strength compared to neat CFRP in all aging conditions. But the torsional and impact strength are higher at 0.75–1.0 wt.% GNP as compared to neat CFRP in all conditions. It is observed that there is a reduction in tensile, flexural, shear, torsional, and impact properties at higher temperature and humidity conditions. The nanoparticle dispersion, agglomeration, and fracture surface of composites is analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy.
Gendered employment patterns: Women’s labour market outcomes across 24 countries
Authors: Kowalewska Helen
Published: January 2023

An accepted framework for ‘gendering’ the analysis of welfare regimes compares countries by degrees of ‘defamilialization’ or how far their family policies support or undermine women’s employment participation. This article develops an alternative framework that explicitly spotlights women’s labour market outcomes rather than policies. Using hierarchical clustering on principal components, it groups 24 industrialized countries by their simultaneous performance across multiple gendered employment outcomes spanning segregation and inequalities in employment participation, intensity, and pay, with further differences by class. The three core ‘worlds’ of welfare (social-democratic, corporatist, liberal) each displays a distinctive pattern of gendered employment outcomes. Only France diverges from expectations, as large gender pay gaps across the educational divide – likely due to fragmented wage-bargaining – place it with Anglophone countries. Nevertheless, the outcome-based clustering fails to support the idea of a homogeneous Mediterranean grouping or a singular Eastern European cluster. Furthermore, results underscore the complexity and idiosyncrasy of gender inequality: while certain groups of countries are ‘better’ overall performers, all have their flaws. Even the Nordics fall behind on some measures of segregation, despite narrow participatory and pay gaps for lower- and high-skilled groups. Accordingly, separately monitoring multiple measures of gender inequality, rather than relying on ‘headline’ indicators or gender equality indices, matters.
Archaeological and stable isotope data reveal patterns of fishing across the food web on California’s Channel Islands
Authors: Elliott Smith Emma A , Braje Todd J , Gobalet Kenneth W , Campbell Breana , Newsome Seth D , Rick Torben C
Published: January 2023

How do human communities integrate within food webs? Studies characterizing the historical flow of energy among people and local environments can yield important insights into managing sustainable ecosystems. Here, we combine zooarchaeological, bulk tissue, and compound-specific stable isotope data from late Holocene Santa Rosa Island to investigate the ecological role of people within a southern California nearshore marine ecosystem. We show people foraged in diverse marine habitats, including kelp forests and pelagic waters, and consumed a wide range of species. However, zooarchaeological results reveal >50% of recovered fish remains came from presumed kelp forest carnivores of mid-trophic level (3.0–4.0) such as surfperches and rockfishes. Local fishing strategies thus did not involve the preferential removal of large-bodied, high trophic level species – a pattern known as “fishing down the food web” which has been documented in modern commercial fisheries and results in the collapse of marine ecosystems. Essential amino acid δ13C analysis revealed that the historical fish community relied on basal resources from kelps and phytoplankton. This coupling of benthic and pelagic energy sources suggests late Holocene coastal food webs in the region were in a relatively stable configuration immediately prior to first European arrival. This stability likely contributed to sustaining densely populated Chumash settlements, intensive fisheries, and high local faunal diversity. Our findings provide important pre-industrial data for marine ecosystems and document some of the mechanisms behind the intensive, yet sustainable long-term fisheries of the Island Chumash.
Antimicrobial Resistance, Phenotypic Characteristics, and Biofilm Production in Citrobacter freundii Isolates Obtained from Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Shinu Pottathil
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the link between phenotypic traits, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm-producing capacity of urinary isolates of Citrobacter freundii ( C. freundii).

Methods

Both pan-antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant C. freundii isolates ( n = 120) obtained from laboratory-confirmed urinary tract infections were analyzed for their link between antimicrobial resistance, phenotypic characteristics, and biofilm production.

Results

Of the total C. freundii isolates ( n = 120), 30% (37/120) of them formed large colonies. Among the total large colonies produced ( n = 37), they were present in 21.62%, 10.81%, 13.5%, 16.2%, 21.62%, and 16.21% in the control group, CIP-group, FOS-group, COT-group, Gent-group, and ESBL groups, respectively. Compared to the pan-susceptible isolates, the occurrence of large-sized-colony-forming strains was relatively reduced in most of the drug-resistant groups. The overall distribution of mucoid colonies produced ( n = 54) includes 9.25%, 18.51%, 16.66%, 18.51%, 20.3%, and 16.66% in the control group, CIP-group, FOS-group, COT-group, Gent-group, and ESBL groups, respectively. Of the total isolates that produced biofilm ( n = 51), 11.76% of isolates showed biofilm formation in the control group. Alternatively, the rate was found to be 15.68%, 11.76%, 25.49%, 19.6%, and 15.68% in the CIP-group, FOS-group, SXT-group, Gen-group, and ESBL-groups, respectively.

Conclusion

This study correlates the association between phenotypic characteristics, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm production, the three main characteristics of C. freundii.
Clinical audit of the Consultation-Liaison psychiatric service of a metropolitan hospital
Authors: Sharma Dr Varun Gautam , Gonzalez Dr Andres Eduardo Martinez
Published: January 2023

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to use clinical indicators to track changes in efficiency of a Consultation-Liaison service as part of a clinical audit cycle.

Methods

This was a clinical audit cycle. The auditing phase involved measuring the efficiency of the service. The ‘intervention’ was simply the team’s awareness and involvement in tracking these statistics. Subsequently, these indicators were re-audited.

Results

In the initial audit cycle, 315 referrals to the C-L service were audited over a 3 month period, showing a 24 hour time-to-seen rate of 80% and a 36 hour time-to-seen rate of 89.2%. Upon re-auditing of 112 referrals following our intervention, 24 hr timeliness had risen to 92% and 36 hr timeliness had risen to 96.4%.

Conclusion

The measuring of clinical indicators of efficiency in C-L may give service improvement personnel a reflection of the functionality of a C-L service. By involving team members in the measuring and tracking of these indicators, we may be able to boost overall clinical efficiency and outcomes.
Rogue Entrepreneurship
Authors: McBride Russ , Packard Mark D. , Clark Brent B.
Published: January 2023

We suggest a new category of “rogue entrepreneurship,” that describes entrepreneurial activity where the core business idea violates established or expert consensus, to be contrasted with “conforming entrepreneurship,” where it does not. There are large entrepreneurial rents hidden behind a bulwark of expert consensus that predicts doom for a venture based upon a rogue and unlikely claim. The “rogue” cases, where the predominant assessment context is different from the entrepreneur’s, result in broad skepticism against the entrepreneurial claim. We explain what rogue entrepreneurship is and how it works.
Exploring the Complexity of Telehealth Privacy Through a Lens of Adolescent Development
Authors: Rea Samantha , Mikesell Lisa , Cuddihy Catherine , Perry Martha , Allison Bianca
Published: January 2023

Many challenges exist related to ensuring adolescent privacy with health care providers (HCPs), and the rapid integration of telehealth visits has created additional complexities in organizing privacy for adolescents. Through interviews with adolescent patients and their parents ( n = 34), this qualitative analysis aimed to explore the complicated relationship and balance of adolescent alone time with HCPs, parental presence and support, and organization of privacy in order to consider how privacy during telehealth visits may contribute to adolescents’ healthy development. A framework by Blum et al. (2014) proposed four central goals of adolescent development: emotional security, engagement with learning, self-efficacy, and decision-making skills. This conceptual framework was used to outline the ways in which adolescent privacy during telehealth impacts adolescent development. Some adolescents reported that having their parents present during their telehealth visit afforded reassurance and comfort, and many parents explained that they served as a role-model during their adolescent’s telehealth visit. However, other adolescents felt higher emotional security when they could establish an independent relationship with their HCP, with many describing how privacy during their telehealth visit enabled them to have more sensitive discussions with their HCP. Adolescents and parents also reported that telehealth allowed increased experiential learning for adolescents, given their proficiency with technology and ability to access their health care visits autonomously. Furthermore, the organization of privacy was complicated by a lack of understanding whose responsibility it was to facilitate alone time between the adolescent and HCP, as well as external factors such as location and quality of technology and the proximity of family members in the home. By ensuring opportunities for private healthcare encounters, both in telehealth and in-person visits, HCPs and parents can help support adolescents in achieving successful and healthy development.
Acquired Hemophilia A: A Retrospective Multicenter Analysis of 42 Patients
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Ruan Xiang , Lei Pingchong , Shang Baojun , Zhu Zunmin , Chen Shengmei , Wang Dao , Wang Ruijuan , Li Xiqing , Xue Fei
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for acquired hemophilia A (AHA) results in remission within days to months in 60% to 80% of patients. However, little is known regarding the predictors of response.

Aim

This study aimed to identify the factors that influence response to treatment.

Methods

The data of 42 patients with AHA from three hospitals were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

All 42 AHA patients received IST; complete treatment data were available for 34 patients. The response rate was 60% among the 5/34 (14.7%) patients who received steroids alone, 70.8% among the 24/34 (70.6%) patients who received steroids plus cyclophosphamide, and 80% among the 5/34 (14.7%) patients who received steroids plus cyclophosphamide and rituximab. Overall, 29/34 (85.3%) patients achieved CR; 4/34 (13.8%) of them relapsed after a median time of 410 (21–1279) days. Adverse events occurred in 14/34 (41.2%) patients: 13/34 (38.2%) had infections and 1/34 (2.9%) developed pancytopenia. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, FVIII inhibitor titer ≥20 BU/mL was the only significant prognostic factor affecting time to CR. No variable had significant effect on OS.

Conclusion

FVIII inhibitory antibody titer ≥20 BU/mL appears to be an important predictor of time to complete response in patients with acquired hemophilia A treated with immunosuppressive therapy.
Sexual Recidivism During Treatment: Impact on Therapists
Authors: Raymond Michel , Proulx Jean , Ruest Geneviève , Brouillette-Alarie Sébastien
Published: January 2023

There are few studies of therapists’ reactions to working with individuals who have committed sexual offenses, and almost none on reactions following sexual recidivism by a patient who is currently in treatment. Consequently, the aim of the current study was to analyze the cognitive and emotional reactions, as well as the intervention strategies, of therapists who have learned of the sexual recidivism of a patient. A total of 59 participants from the province of Quebec (Canada) completed a questionnaire on their reactions to this event. Participants’ responses to their patient’s recidivism varied as a function of gender, experience, and the way they learned of the recidivism. The most common cognitions reported were thinking of the victim and thinking about the consequences of further judicialization for the patient and those close to them. The most common emotions reported were sadness for the victim and fear that the patient would reoffend again. The most common intervention strategies were being sensitive to the experience of the patient and asking the patient what drove them to offend. Support measures for therapists working with individuals who have committed sexual offenses during treatment are discussed.
Family health conditions and parental occupational status modify the relationship between pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis and parental health-related quality of life
Authors: O’Mahony Julia , Banwell Brenda , Laporte Audrey , Brown Adalsteinn , Bolongaita Lady , Bar-Or Amit , Yeh E Ann , Marrie Ruth Ann
Published: January 2023

Background:

The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with multiple sclerosis (MS) is mediated by the HRQoL of their parents. Understanding factors that modify the relationship between the child’s MS diagnosis and parental HRQoL would inform interventions to improve the HRQoL of both parents and children living with MS.

Objective:

We evaluated whether the association between an MS diagnosis during childhood and parental HRQoL is modified by the presence of a family health condition or low socioeconomic position (SEP).

Methods:

Parents of children with MS or the transient illness, monophasic-acquired demyelinating syndromes (monoADS), were enrolled in a prospective Canadian study. Multivariable models evaluated whether the association between a child’s MS diagnosis (vs. monoADS) and parental HRQoL was modified by ⩾1 family health conditions or low SEP.

Results:

Two hundred seven parents and their children with MS ( n = 65) or monoADS ( n = 142) were included. We found a synergistic effect of an MS diagnosis and a family health condition on parental HRQoL. We also found a synergistic effect of having MS and a low SEP on parental HRQoL.

Conclusion:

Parents of children with MS who have another family health condition or a low SEP are at particularly high risk for low HRQoL.
iSupport-Brasil: Cross-cultural adaptation of the content included in the iSupport program for caregivers of people who have dementia
Authors: Monteiro Diana Q. , Ottaviani Ana C. , Campos Camila R. F. , Barham Elizabeth J. , Oliveira Déborah , da Cruz Keila C. T. , Pavarini Sofia C. I. , de Souza Orlandi Fabiana , Zazzetta Marisa S. , Jacinto Alessandro F. , Corrêa Larissa , Gratão Aline C. M.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Examine the process of culturally adapting the content of the World Health Organization iSupport program for family caregivers of people living with dementia in Brazil.

Method

This is a multicenter and methodological study to cross-culturally adapt the iSupport program. Initially, the content of the iSupport program was translated into Brazilian Portuguese by professional translator trained in Psychology, with mastery of the original language of the content (English). Focus groups were then held with caregivers/former caregivers of people who have dementia ( n = 24) and health professionals specialized in aging ( n = 24). The participants had access to part of the iSupport material for analysis purposes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and September 2019. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed in full for subsequent analysis. All the ethical aspects were respected.

Results

The translator implemented some cross-cultural adaptations, such as substituting 69 proper names used in the original version by names of different Brazilian regions. In relation to the analysis of the material and comments from the focus groups, in general, all the participants had positive opinions about the material included in iSupport. Some changes were suggested in relation to the terminology and examples given in the modules to better fit the Brazilian culture and health systems, and links to relevant pages of the local Alzheimer’s association were included. All the linguistic and cultural adaptations proposed were systematically documented and duly justified in structured forms provided by the World Health Organization, which approved all of them after verification of fidelity.

Conclusion

The product of this research is the first version of the iSupport-Brasil program and the inclusion of its content in a digital platform. For the most part, the content offered in iSupport proved to be an important online tool to provide support and diverse information to the caregivers of people who have dementia.
Teaching Language Sample Analysis to SLPs: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Steele Sara C. , Gibbons L. Grace , Leigh Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

Previous research has indicated the benefits of language sample analysis (LSA) as well as significant limitations to wide-scale, standardized implementation. The purpose of this project was to advance this line of inquiry by documenting how school-based speech–language pathologists’ (SLPs) perception and use of one computerized LSA program was affected by an 8-month training program. In this descriptive qualitative study, participants completed rating scales before and after training. Data were triangulated with semi-structured interviews and field notes. A content analysis approach was used to develop codes, subthemes, and themes from interviews. Speech–language pathologists preferred their familiar protocols, though their perceptions of computerized LSA shifted by the end of the training. Ultimately, SLPs viewed the depth of information gained from LSA as a benefit for supporting their diagnostic decisions and communicating with the educational team. The primary implementation barrier was time. Results inform features to consider for future training programs.
Prehospital technologies for early stroke detection – A review
Authors: Agrawal Deepsha , Dhillon Permesh , Siow Isabel , Lee Keng Siang , Spooner Oliver , Yeo Leonard , Bhogal Pervinder
Published: January 2023

The rate of neural circuitry loss in a typical large vessel occlusion well emphasizes that ‘Time is Brain’. Every untreated minute in a large vessel ischaemic stroke results in loss of 1.9 million neurons and 13.8 billion synapses. As such, it is essential to optimize the flow-limiting steps in delivering the current standard of care. The current diagnostic model involves recognition of symptoms by patients, followed by access to Emergency Medical Services and subsequent physical examination and neuroimaging in the Emergency Department. With more than 50% of stroke patients using Emergency Medical Services as the first point of care contact, it can be deduced that the outcome of the ‘stroke chain of survival’ can be improved by addressing the bottleneck of prehospital stroke diagnosis. Here we present a review of the existing technologies.
Mental representation of equivalence and order
Authors: von Hecker Ulrich , Müller Elisabeth , Kirian Dill Stefan , Christoph Klauer Karl
Published: January 2023

With mental models based on relational information, the present research shows that the semantics expressed by the relation can determine the structural properties of the constructed model. In particular, we demonstrate a reversal of the classical, well-replicated symbolic distance effect (SDE), as a function of relational semantics. The classical SDE shows that responses are more accurate, and faster, the wider the distance between queried elements on a mentally constructed rank order. We replicate this effect in a study using a relation that expresses a rank hierarchy (“older than,” Experiment 4). In contrast, we obtain a clear reversal of the same effect for accuracy data when the relation expresses a number of equivalence classes (“is from the same city,” Experiments 1–3). In Experiment 3, we find clear evidence of a reversed SDE for accuracy and latency in the above standard condition, and flat curves of means, across pair distances, for accuracy and latency in a condition that makes equivalence classes salient from the beginning. We discuss these findings in the context of a process model of equivalence class formation based on learned piecemeal information.
Tenecteplase versus alteplase for stroke thrombolysis evaluation (TASTE): A multicentre, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint, controlled phase III non-inferiority trial protocol
Authors: Bivard Andrew , Garcia-Esperon Carlos , Churilov Leonid , Spratt Neil , Russell Michelle , Campbell Bruce CV , Choi Philip , Kleinig Timothy , Ma Henry , Markus Hugh , Molina Carlos , Hsu Chung , Tsai Chon-Haw , Meretoja Atte , Strbian Daniel , Butcher Kenneth , Wu Teddy , Davis Stephen , Donnan Geoffrey , Levi Christopher , Parsons Mark
Published: January 2023

Rationale:

Alteplase is the only approved thrombolytic agent for acute stroke. An alternative plasminogen activator, tenecteplase, has been previously shown to increase early biological effectiveness (reperfusion) resulting in early clinical recovery in acute stroke patients with target mismatch on perfusion imaging; however, phase III data are lacking.

Aim and hypothesis:

In this study, we assess the efficacy and safety of tenecteplase compared to alteplase in acute stroke patients with target mismatch on perfusion imaging.

Methods and Design:

Tenecteplase (0.25 mg/kg) versus alteplase (0.9 mg/kg) for Stroke Thrombolysis Evaluation (TASTE) is a multicentre, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint (PROBE), controlled phase III non-inferiority trial (2 arms with 1:1 randomization) with an adaptive sample size re-estimation in patients with acute ischemic stroke meeting target mismatch criteria on perfusion imaging.

Sample size estimates:

Recruiting 728 patients (1:1 tenecteplase vs alteplase) would yield 90% power (two-sided alpha 0.05) to detect a treatment effect of 8% (26% modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–1 in alteplase arm and 34% mRS 0–1 in tenecteplase arm), with an absolute non-inferiority margin of 3%. Following the pre-planned “promising zone” adaptive sample size re-estimation, the final sample size was set at 832 patients.

Study outcomes:

The primary outcome measure is the proportion of patients with an mRS score of 0–1 at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include the categorical shift in mRS at 3 months; the proportion of patients with: mRS 0–2, 5–6, and 6; reduction of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) by 8 or more points or reaching 0–1 at 24 h; symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 36 h; and death.

Discussion:

This pivotal trial will provide important data on the role of tenecteplase in acute ischemic stroke, and the use of imaging-based treatment decision-making for stroke thrombolysis.

Clinical trial protocol:

Trial Registration: ACTRN12613000243718, EudraCT 2015-002657-36
Rules of thumb, from Holocene to Anthropocene
Authors: Kaaronen Roope O , Manninen Mikael A , Eronen Jussi T
Published: January 2023

This article reviews how simple heuristics – ‘rules of thumb’ – have guided human adaptation and the evolution of complex cultures. First, we argue that rules of thumb have been important catalysts for the evolution of human knowledge systems in the Holocene past. Through a variety of examples and case studies, we discuss how human cultures have used simple heuristics in domains as diverse as foraging, agriculture, social learning, moral and legal judgement and technological development. We emphasise how rules of thumb are convenient units for cultural transmission, and how they can facilitate efficient decision making by making use of recurrent environmental features. Second, we caution that as Anthropocene environments rapidly change, many traditional heuristic problem-solving strategies will face challenges due to cultural evolutionary mismatch. Old rules may not function in new environments, creating potential challenges for traditional (ecological) knowledge.
Fairness Preference of Preschoolers and the Effects of Family Background in China
Authors: Huang (黄忠敬) Zhongjing , Shi (石岚) Lan , Wu (吴洁) Jie
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the fairness preference of five-year-old children in Shanghai, observing their distributive behaviors in both stakeholder and spectator games and showing how this behavior is linked to their family background.

Design/Approach/Methods

Participants had to make distributive choices in two experiments and distribute between themselves and another participant in the first choice. They had to distribute between two other participants in luck, merit, or efficiency situations in the second choice.

Findings

The results suggest that preschoolers showed a preference for splitting equally between themselves and another participant. The second choice showed a significant difference in fairness preference under a situation of luck between genders, and only children were more likely to accept an unequal allocation than those who had siblings.

Originality/Value

We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it illustrates the variety of factors that can influence a child's fairness preference and fairness behavior and suggests when and how these aspects develop in children. Further, this is an original study exploring the fairness preference of preschoolers in Shanghai using an experimental economics method.
From National Memory to Self-Referential Symbol: The Rebirth of the Phoenix Metaphors among Chinese Immigrant Women
Authors: Miao Wei , Shi Hua
Published: January 2023

This article focuses on the psychocultural perceptions and social interactions among a sample of 58 Chinese immigrant women in the Maricopa County, the metro area of the city of Phoenix, Arizona, and the manner in which they are able to negotiate multiple identity markers that in part influence and define their capacity to achieve and maintain self-referential growth. The sample of Chinese women living in the Phoenix area not only apply the metaphor of the phoenix to themselves, but also reference this mythical bird in their social media ID, clubs names, and themed events, and include it in oral traditions passed on to children. In comparison, they reject, negotiate, or resist the stigma and stereotypes attached to the “dragon” symbol which often convey qualities of overpowering and irrational oppression. Instead, they associate themselves with the heuristic of the phoenix as a tool for self-empowerment, virtue, well-being, and ethnic- self-representation. These spontaneous reconstructions of ethnic symbols and metaphors based on traditional cultural consensus allowed immigrants to develop cultural self-confidence because they believed that they had eliminated the possibility of discrimination, and eventually contribute to feasible solutions of silent symbolic violence.
The Role of Sex Hormones in Degenerative Disc Disease
Authors: Shelby Tara , Mills Emily S. , Ton Andy , Wang Jeffrey C. , Hah Raymond J. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Alluri Ram K.
Published: January 2023

Study Design

Narrative review.

Objectives

The purpose of this review is to outline the role of sex hormones, particularly estrogen, in the pathogenesis of degenerative disc disease (DDD).

Methods

A narrative review of studies discussing sex hormones and intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration was conducted through a search of bibliographic databases to identify various mechanisms involved in effectuating DDD.

Results

Estrogen-deficient states negatively impact various aspects of IVD function. These internal hormone environments reflect routine changes that commonly arise with physiologic aging and can compromise IVD structural integrity through a host of processes. Additionally, allosteric molecules such as micro-RNAs (mi-RNAs) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptors (GPER) antagonists can bind to estrogen receptors and inhibit protective downstream effects with estrogen receptor signaling. Furthermore, cursory studies have observed chondrogenic effects with testosterone supplementation, although the specific mechanism remains unclear.

Conclusions

Regulation of sex hormones, namely estrogen and testosterone, significantly impacts the structural integrity and function of IVDs. Uncovering underlying interactions driving these regulatory processes can facilitate development of novel, clinical therapies to treat DDD.
Fractured system, fractured care: The experiences of Canadian women with chronic pelvic pain waiting for interprofessional pain care
Authors: Bosma Rachael , Burke Emeralda , Mustafa Nida , Di Renna Tania , Wilson Rosemary
Published: January 2023

Background:

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common disorder in women that includes complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. Accessibility to interprofessional, biopsychosocial CPP care remains a challenge for many patients. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the experiences of women using health services for CPP care and the impact of waiting for interprofessional CPP care. This study explores the perceptions and experiences of Canadian women with CPP interacting with the health system while waiting for interprofessional CPP care.

Methods:

Our qualitative study included women with CPP waiting for interprofessional care in Ontario, Canada. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews which were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively using established methods for thematic analysis.

Results:

Ten women (median age of 38.5 years, age range 28–57) participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. Three main themes were identified: (1) feeling adrift in the health system, (2) feeling “On hold,” uncertain, and in need of guidance, and (3) feeling reliant on a system that does not understand. Within these themes, women with CPP describe tangible strategies and recommendations for improving health system navigation and care.

Conclusion:

Our study highlights the need for improved access to interprofessional CPP programs, enhanced and targeted training for health professionals in CPP management, and better health system navigation support. Specific recommendations were provided from the perspectives of women with CPP and included providing information on what to expect and prepare for their appointment and engaging patients in education resources while they wait.
Examining the variability of multiple daily symptoms over time among individuals with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC-M/multimorbidity): An exploratory analysis of a longitudinal smartwatch feasibility study
Authors: Kazi Khalid , Ali Syed Mustafa , Selby David A , McBeth John , van der Veer Sabine , Dixon William G
Published: January 2023

Introduction

People living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC-M) (multimorbidity) experience a range of inter-related symptoms. These symptoms can be tracked longitudinally using consumer technology, such as smartphones and wearable devices, and then summarised to provide useful clinical insight.

Aim

We aimed to perform an exploratory analysis to summarise the extent and trajectory of multiple symptom ratings tracked via a smartwatch, and to investigate the relationship between these symptom ratings and demographic factors in people living with MLTC-M in a feasibility study.

Methods

‘Watch Your Steps’ was a prospective observational feasibility study, administering multiple questions per day over a 90 day period. Adults with more than one clinician-diagnosed long-term condition rated seven core symptoms each day, plus up to eight additional symptoms personalised to their LTCs per day. Symptom ratings were summarised over the study period at the individual and group level. Symptom ratings were also plotted to describe day-to-day symptom trajectories for individuals.

Results

Fifty two participants submitted symptom ratings. Half were male and the majority had LTCs affecting three or more disease areas (N = 33, 64%). The symptom rated as most problematic was fatigue. Patients with increased comorbidity or female sex seemed to be associated with worse experiences of fatigue. Fatigue ratings were strongly correlated with pain and level of dysfunction.

Conclusion

In this study we have shown that it is possible to collect and descriptively analyse self reported symptom data in people living with MLTC-M, collected multiple times per day on a smartwatch, to gain insights that might support future clinical care and research.
Rectus Femoris Heterotopic Ossification: Combined Arthroscopic and Open Resection With Allograft Reconstruction and Concomitant Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Zacharias Anthony J. , Call Cory J. , Prince Samantha R. , Turner Elizabeth H. G. , Goodspeed David C. , Spiker Andrea M.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Heterotopic ossification (HO), or the abnormal formation of bone in extra-skeletal tissue, is a well-known complication of orthopedic trauma, tendon avulsions, chronic injuries, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue damage from surgery. Heterotopic ossification commonly develops at the direct or indirect head of the rectus femoris. Athletes are especially susceptible to chronic microtearing and acute tendon avulsion, which may result in HO. When HO develops in the setting of concurrent intra-articular hip pathology, it may be amendable to arthroscopic excision, depending on its size and location.

Indications:

Heterotopic ossification that develops adjacent to the hip joint can affect range of motion of the joint and is often a source of pain. Arthroscopic excision is indicated when the HO that develops within or about the hip joint is symptomatic and is of a location and size that it can be reached and excised arthroscopically.

Technique Description:

In this technical note, we describe our method to excise HO using initial arthroscopic surgery to address femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and perform initial dissection of the HO fragment. Heterotopic ossification resection was then completed via an anterior open approach followed by reconstruction of the rectus femoris origin with Achilles allograft. This is followed by our HO prophylaxis protocol of indomethacin 75 mg daily for 4 days, followed by naproxen 500 mg 2 times daily through postoperative day 30, although many other regimens exist for HO prophylaxis.

Results:

Using arthroscopy for the removal of symptomatic HO at the time of surgery allows for the management of concomitant intra-articular pathology and efficient and precise dissection of the undersurface of the HO fragment.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Heterotopic ossification is a well-characterized complication of soft tissue damage, including tendon avulsion, trauma, previous surgery, and chronic microtear of the hip musculature. Oftentimes, HO develops in a location that can be reached arthroscopically. Surgeons should consider combining intra-articular arthroscopic surgery with arthroscopic excision of HO when appropriate, noting that there are many advantages to arthroscopic removal when compared with open procedures.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Patient outcomes and return to play after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in overhead athletes: a systematic review
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Asparago Giovanni , Cuozzo Francesco , Oliva Francesco , Hildebrand Frank , Maffulli Nicola
Published: January 2023

Background

Rotator cuff tear injuries in overhead athletes are common and may lead to chronic pain and joint disability, impairing sport participation and leading to premature retirement. The improvement of the patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) was evaluated, as were the time and level of return to sport and the rate of complication in overhead athletes who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: the 2020 PRISMA statement. In September 2022, the following databases were accessed: Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Embase. No time constraints were used for the search. All the clinical trials investigating arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in overhead athletes were accessed.

Results

Data from 20 studies were collected. The mean length of the follow-up was 40 months. All PROMs improved at last follow-up: Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score (P = 0.02), visual analogue scale (P = 0.003), Constant score (P < 0.0001), University of California Los Angeles Shoulder score (P = 0.006) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons’ score (P < 0.0001). Elevation also improved (P = 0.004). No difference was found in external and internal rotation (P = 0.2 and P = 0.3, respectively). In total, 75.4% (522 of 692 of patients) were able to return to play within a mean of 6.4  ±  6.0 months. Of 692 patients, 433 (62.5%) were able to return to sport at pre-injury level. Fourteen out of 138 patients (10.1%) underwent a further reoperation. The overall rate of complications was 7.1% (20 of 280).

Conclusion

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the rotator cuff is effective in improving function of the shoulder in overhead athletes, with a rate of return to sport in 75.4% of patients within an average of 6.4 months.

Level of evidence

III, systematic review.

Trial registration : Not applicable.
Unraveling the phenotypic and genomic background of behavioral plasticity and temperament in North American Angus cattle
Authors: Alvarenga Amanda B. , Oliveira Hinayah R. , Turner Simon P. , Garcia Andre , Retallick Kelli J. , Miller Stephen P. , Brito Luiz F.
Published: January 2023

Background

Longitudinal records of temperament can be used for assessing behavioral plasticity, such as aptness to learn, memorize, or change behavioral responses based on affective state. In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic and genomic background of North American Angus cow temperament measured throughout their lifetime around the weaning season, including the development of a new indicator trait termed docility-based learning and behavioral plasticity. The analyses included 273,695 and 153,898 records for yearling (YT) and cow at weaning (CT) temperament, respectively, 723,248 animals in the pedigree, and 8784 genotyped animals. Both YT and CT were measured when the animal was loading into/exiting the chute. Moreover, CT was measured around the time in which the cow was separated from her calf. A random regression model fitting a first-order Legendre orthogonal polynomial was used to model the covariance structure of temperament and to assess the learning and behavioral plasticity (i.e., slope of the regression) of individual cows. This study provides, for the first time, a longitudinal perspective of the genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying temperament, learning, and behavioral plasticity in beef cattle.

Results

CT measured across years is heritable (0.38–0.53). Positive and strong genetic correlations (0.91–1.00) were observed among all CT age-group pairs and between CT and YT (0.84). Over 90% of the candidate genes identified overlapped among CT age-groups and the estimated effect of genomic markers located within important candidate genes changed over time. A small but significant genetic component was observed for learning and behavioral plasticity (heritability = 0.02 ± 0.002). Various candidate genes were identified, revealing the polygenic nature of the traits evaluated. The pathways and candidate genes identified are associated with steroid and glucocorticoid hormones, development delay, cognitive development, and behavioral changes in cattle and other species.

Conclusions

Cow temperament is highly heritable and repeatable. The changes in temperament can be genetically improved by selecting animals with favorable learning and behavioral plasticity (i.e., habituation). Furthermore, the environment explains a large part of the variation in learning and behavioral plasticity, leading to opportunities to also improve the overall temperament by refining management practices. Moreover, behavioral plasticity offers opportunities to improve the long-term animal and handler welfare through habituation.
Highly differentiated loci resolve phylogenetic relationships in the Bean Goose complex
Authors: Ottenburghs Jente , Honka Johanna , Heikkinen Marja E. , Madsen Jesper , Müskens Gerhard J. D. M. , Ellegren Hans
Published: January 2023

Background

Reconstructing phylogenetic relationships with genomic data remains a challenging endeavor. Numerous phylogenomic studies have reported incongruent gene trees when analyzing different genomic regions, complicating the search for a ‘true’ species tree. Some authors have argued that genomic regions of increased divergence (i.e. differentiation islands) reflect the species tree, although other studies have shown that these regions might produce misleading topologies due to species-specific selective sweeps or ancient introgression events. In this study, we tested the extent to which highly differentiated loci can resolve phylogenetic relationships in the Bean Goose complex, a group of goose taxa that includes the Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis), the Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris) and the Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus).

Results

First, we show that a random selection of genomic loci—which mainly samples the undifferentiated regions of the genome—results in an unresolved species complex with a monophyletic A. brachyrhynchus embedded within a paraphyletic cluster of A. fabalis and A. serrirostris. Next, phylogenetic analyses of differentiation islands converged upon a topology of three monophyletic clades in which A. brachyrhynchus is sister to A. fabalis, and A. serrirostris is sister to the clade uniting these two species. Close inspection of the locus trees within the differentiated regions revealed that this topology was consistently supported over other phylogenetic arrangements. As it seems unlikely that selection or introgression events have impacted all differentiation islands in the same way, we are convinced that this topology reflects the ‘true’ species tree. Additional analyses, based on D-statistics, revealed extensive introgression between A. fabalis and A. serrirostris, which partly explains the failure to resolve the species complex with a random selection of genomic loci. Recent introgression between these taxa has probably erased the phylogenetic branching pattern across a large section of the genome, whereas differentiation islands were unaffected by the homogenizing gene flow and maintained the phylogenetic patterns that reflect the species tree.

Conclusions

The evolution of the Bean Goose complex can be depicted as a simple bifurcating tree, but this would ignore the impact of introgressive hybridization. Hence, we advocate that the evolutionary relationships between these taxa are best represented as a phylogenetic network.