bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in the Terminal Branches of the Brachial Plexus in the Axillary Fossa
Authors: Bozhikova Elena , Novakov Stoyan , Petleshkova Tsvetanka , Harizanova Zdravka , Uzunov Nikolay
Published: January 2025

Background: The brachial plexus is the primary nerve source for the upper limb. Variations in its anatomy can alter the nerve supply to the upper extremity. Such deviations are clinically important, as they can change the symptomatology of various pathologic conditions, leading to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and surgical failures as a consequence.

Materials and Methods: The upper limbs of 16 human cadavers (32 extremities) were dissected at the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Medical University–Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Eight cadavers were male and eight female, with age ranging 40–95 years (mean age: 72.63 years).

Results: Three variations (18.8%) were identified unilaterally, exclusively in male cadavers; however, no statistically significant sex‐based distribution was observed. The first variation involved a communicating branch between the musculocutaneous nerve and median nerve. The second was a high bifurcation of the radial nerve in the axillary fossa into two divisions. The third one was a communicating branch between the axillary nerve and the radial nerve, forming a loop beneath the subscapular artery.

Conclusion: Our study identified greater variability in the branches of the posterior cord compared to the existing literature. These variations must be taken under clinical consideration to prevent diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical errors.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effects of Almond (Prunus amygdalus) Green Skin Extract on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Isolates
Authors: Keshavarz Fatemeh , Gharibi Shima , Poursina Farkhondeh , Fakhim Hamed
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Given the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria and the therapeutic potential of plant extracts against various bacterial strains, this study aims to investigate the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and combined antibiotic effects of lyophilized almond (Prunus amygdalus) green skin extract on both clinical and standard isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Method: This study examined the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of almond green skin extract on standard strains of P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and S. aureus (resistant ATCC 25923), along with 20 clinical isolates (10 of each strain). Iranian almond green skin was collected, dried, and prepared for extraction. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds in the extract. A checkerboard assay was performed to evaluate the effects of combining antibiotics with the lyophilized almond green skin extract. The antibiofilm assay was conducted for each compound individually and in combination, at various concentrations. The MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxic effects of the lyophilized extract.

Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for cefoxitin, meropenem, and the almond green skin extract were found to be 1–128 μg/μL, 0.25–32 μg/μL, and 8–16 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, checkerboard results for the extract combined with the antibiotic meropenem on clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa showed an additive effect in five isolates and a synergistic effect in another five. The highest biofilm inhibition rate of cefoxitin alone on MDR S. aureus isolates was observed at a concentration of 2xMIC (16 μg/mL), with 95% inhibition. MTT results indicated that the lowest cell viability (84%) occurred at a concentration of 64 μg/μL of cefoxitin with 0.512 mg/mL of the extract, while the highest cell viability (94%) was observed at 25 μg/μL of cefoxitin with 0.512 mg/mL of the extract.

Conclusion: The combination of antibiotics with almond green skin extract enhances bactericidal and antibiofilm properties against clinical isolates of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.
Salinity and Sugar Content Detection by Wideband Microwave–Based Patch Antenna Sensor
Authors: Rahman M. N. , Islam S. M. Taohidul , Maniruzzaman Md. , Islam M. T.
Published: January 2025

This article studies a dielectric microwave sensor to identify salinity and sugar concentration. The lightweight patch‐antenna–based wideband sensor is designed to propagate the electromagnetic wave for the transmission and reception. With a broken‐heart‐shaped patch, the sensor is printed on common FR4 material. The size of the antenna sensor size is measured in electrical length which is expressed in wavelengths. The sensor occupies an electrical size of 0.29λ × 0.17λ at 2.90 GHz in terms of lower band. The antenna‐based microwave sensor attains a bandwidth of 7.80 GHz. In salt and sugar content detection, the sensor operates at 3.50 GHz, 5.80 GHz, and 9.30 GHz, where the reflection coefficients (S11) are −19 dB, −30 dB, and −19.50 dB, respectively, in the free space. The reflection coefficient gradually reduces when the percentages of salt and sugar increase as the dielectric constants of the solution decrease. For the salinity concentration measurement, the microwave sensor shows the sensitivity of 0.095 dB/(mg/mL), 0.1875 dB/(mg/mL), and 0.071 dB/(mg/mL) at 3.50 GHz, 5.80 GHz, and 9.30 GHz, respectively, where, for the sugar content measurement, the microwave sensor shows the sensitivity of 0.086 dB/(mg/mL), 0.216 dB/(mg/mL), and 0.071 dB/(mg/mL), respectively. The patch antenna sensor exhibits remarkable sensitivity to measure the salt and sugar contents in water.
Navigating Rural Care Transitions: A Qualitative Study of Nursing Leaders’ Unit‐Focused Approaches
Authors: Winqvist Idun , Näppä Ulla , Häggström Marie
Published: January 2025

Background: Leadership is vital for well‐coordinated healthcare and affects the quality of care and patient safety. Nursing leaders are crucial in creating appropriate structures and processes to enhance patient outcomes during care transitions in a rural context. Despite their importance to care transitions, there is limited research on nursing leaders’ perspectives in rural settings. This study explored nursing leaders’ concerns regarding the provision of quality care during transitions from hospital care to home healthcare in rural areas and their experiences in improving these processes.

Methods: A qualitative study using constructivist grounded theory methodology was conducted. Twenty nursing leaders in hospital and rural municipal care in Sweden were interviewed. All were educated in social care or healthcare, most in nursing, and most had a master’s degree. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis.

Results: Nursing leaders’ main concern about creating quality care in transitions was a lack of clearly defined, shared goals for a high-quality care transition. The core category explaining their approach was minding one’s unit by working within organizational unit borders. Three categories further explained this: (I) promoting nursing competence by recruiting and training nurses, emphasizing patient involvement, (II) ensuring continuous care flow by collaborating within one’s organization and clarifying rights and obligations, and (III) evaluating collaboration within each unit.

Conclusions: Seamless care transitions are challenging when nursing leaders lack clear, mutually shared quality goals for care transitions. Implications for nursing management include improving collaborative routines, establishing common platforms, and integrating patient input throughout the process, as these measures are essential for enhancing interorganizational collaboration in rural care transitions.
Unusual Presentation of a Rare Case of Immunotherapy Combination-Induced Encephalitis: A Case Report
Authors: Sfeir Pamela , Kamar Francois
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment owing to their ability to activate cellular immune checkpoint pathways and mediate an antitumor activity. Due to their immunological actions, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have become a concern. Neurological adverse events are rarely seen whether in the central or peripheral nervous system and can be potentially life-threatening. We present a rare case of occipital encephalitis following dual immunotherapy treatment in a patient with melanoma. Case Presentation: A 41-year-old man diagnosed with nodular melanoma of the right torso with axillary lymphadenopathies was treated with dual immunotherapy: nivolumab and ipilimumab. After 24 weeks, patient developed right homolateral hemianopia, and imaging findings correlated with occipital encephalitis. Autoantibodies were not detected. The patient was treated with steroids and exhibited radiological improvement of his encephalitis but maintained his right hemianopia. Conclusion: Neurological side effects of immunotherapy are not very common and range from mild to severe life-threatening symptoms. Previous analyses have shown that combination immunotherapy has a higher risk of side effects than monotherapy. Diagnosis of neurological manifestations is usually made by imaging, mainly brain magnetic resonance imaging or detection of autoantibodies in the CSF. The gold standard treatment is usually corticosteroids or rarely other molecules such as IVIg or monoclonal antibodies. The prognosis is usually favorable.
Endocuff Vision-Assisted Colonoscopy Significantly Improves Adenoma Detection In A Shorter Withdrawal Time Compared With Standard Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Quach Duc Trong , Nguyen Thu Anh , Luu Mai Ngoc , Vo Uyen Pham-Phuong , Tran Vy Ly-Thao , Tran Truc Le-Thanh , Nguyen Tai Duy , Le Nhan Quang , Hiyama Toru , Tanaka Shinji
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Although several studies in Western countries have shown that Endocuff Vision-assisted colonoscopy (EC) can improve the colorectal adenoma detection rate (ADR), such evidence in Asia is still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of EC in detecting colorectal adenomas in Vietnamese patients.
Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam. Subjects aged ≥ 18 years referred for colonoscopy for symptomatic investigation or screening were randomly assigned to the EC group or standard colonoscopy (SC) group. The primary outcome was the ADR. The secondary outcomes included the mean number of adenomas per procedure (MAP), caecal intubation time, and withdrawal time.
Results: There were 476 participants (241 in the EC group, 235 in the SC group) with a median age of 52 (interquartile range [IR]: 46, 58) years. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age, sex, smoking status, family history of colorectal cancer or indications for colonoscopy. Compared with the SC group, the EC group had significantly higher ADRs (35.7% vs. 22.6%, p = 0.002) and MAPs (0.68 vs. 0.39, p = 0.004). The intubation durations were comparable between the two groups. The withdrawal time in the EC group was shorter than that in the SC group (median [seconds]: 266 [IR: 224, 314] vs. 360 [IR: 310, 390], p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Compared with SC, EC significantly increased both the ADR and MAP in a shorter inspection time and could be a better choice for colonoscopy screening.
Trapped in Time and Place
Authors: Olumba Ezenwa E. , Gola Alessandra , Mfon Lowe E.
Published: January 2025

This article adopts the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach to explore the phenomenon of cognitive immobility, where individuals remain cognitively trapped in experiences or locations despite elapsed time and physical distance from those events and places. It explores how (im)mobility and life transitions hold people in the past. The study focuses on the cognitive experiences of Mrs Eve, an African-American woman who on her first visit to Dakar, Senegal, felt a deep, unexplained connection to the place. The article triangulates Mrs Eve’s experiences against those shared by other individuals in previously published peer-reviewed narratives to reveal how (im)mobility and life transitions can lead to cognitive immobility. It underscores that traumatic or memorable life experiences can result in cognitive immobility under certain circumstances and thus enriches the discourse on people who are cognitively trapped in their past.
Three-dimensional design and simulation of carbon foam
Authors: Sahoo Manas K. , Mandal Animesh
Published: January 2025

Carbon foams are versatile materials with a wide range of properties, making them suitable for many engineering applications. Like other cellular solids, the topology of carbon foam structures significantly influences their mechanical properties. To accurately assess the mechanical properties of the carbon foam, it is imperative to model the foam structure in a manner that closely resembles the foam’s actual three-dimensional geometry. The goal of this study is to accurately show the actual topology of carbon foams by using a computer model to capture the three-dimensional geometry of carbon foam based on real microstructures. Subsequently, finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to determine the effective mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. We further compare the FEA results with previously established open- and closed-cell models documented in the literature. The findings show how microstructural topology and relative density affect the mechanical properties of carbon foams, such as Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus. The findings indicate a close agreement between the finite element outcomes and the results documented in existing literature.
Wave propagation in a nonlocal microstretch saturated porothermoelastic medium under Moore-Gibson-Thompson heat conduction model
Authors: Jangra Amit , Sheokand Parmender , Deswal Sunita
Published: January 2025

In this article, a model of two dimensional problem of generalized thermoelasticity for a homogeneous isotropic nonlocal microstretch saturated porous medium with variable thermal conductivity is established. The enunciation is applied to generalized thermoelasticity theory based on Moore-Gibson-Thompson heat conduction model. The formulae for amplitude ratios and energy ratios corresponding to various reflected waves have been presented, when a set of coupled waves strikes obliquely at the boundary surface of the assumed model. The numerical values of modulus of reflection coefficients are presented graphically to depict the effects of microstretch parameter, porosity, variable thermal conductivity, and non local parameter. Expressions of energy ratios have also been obtained in explicit form and are shown graphically as functions of angle of incidence. It has been verified that during the reflection phenomenon, the sum of energy ratios is equal to unity at each angle of incidence. Results of some earlier workers have been deduced from the present formulation.
Time-varying formation tracking for multi-agent systems based on prescribed-time control
Authors: Hou Tianle , Bi Wenhao , Huang Zhanjun , Yang Pan , Zhang An
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a time-varying formation tracking method based on prescribed-time control is presented for second-order multi-agent systems. The control objective is that the formation system forms and maintains the desired time-varying configuration within an arbitrarily specified time. Addressing the problem that the existing prescribed-time control theorem may lead to divergence of system caused by infinite control input, a novel prescribed-time control theorem based on a novel time-varying scale function is proposed. Different from the existing prescribed-time control results, the proposed theorem introduces convergence time, lead time and prescribed time to avoid the occurrence of the infinite control input. Meanwhile, it can estimate the actual convergence time and has faster convergence rate. Based on proposed theorem, a distributed prescribed-time observer is designed to estimate leader’s states for each follower (suppose that only a few followers can obtain the states of leader) and a prescribed-time formation tracking controller is designed with the estimations of the observer to track leader. Both the observer and controller achieve the prescribed-time stability. Finally, a simulation example is proposed to verify the efficiency of the main results.
Who is a Good Citizen? Evidence From a Conjoint Experiment in Three Democracies
Authors: Goodman Sara Wallace
Published: January 2025

What does it mean to be a good citizen, and who can fulfill the obligations of citizenship? There is widespread agreement on how individuals understand how to perform good citizenship, with emphasis on behavioral and liberal democratic norms, but little work on who they think can or should perform it. It also remains unclear how growing polarization challenges this consensus, where divisions are reified along partisan lines. This paper uses a conjoint experiment in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany to explore attributes and characteristics of good citizenship. It finds behavioral norms and liberal values, from voting to tolerance, remain essential to good citizenship across democracies. Yet, we observe variation by partisanship over who can be a good citizen, where right-wing party voters prefer Christian over Muslims and native-born over naturalized citizens in all three cases. It concludes by discussing the consequences of civic differentiation and hierarchy for democracy.
Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes Following Autologous Osteochondral Transplantation for Lateral Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Kim Sung-Hoo , Cho Byung-Ki , Choi Seung-Myung , Kim Sun-Ho
Published: January 2025

Background:

Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is an option to treat large osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs), accompanying subchondral cyst, and previous unsuccessful bone marrow stimulation (BMS) procedures. Although there is extensive literature on the outcomes of surgical interventions for medial osteochondral lesions, research focusing on lateral lesions remains limited. This article presents the intermediate-term clinical and radiologic outcomes following AOT for lateral OLTs.

Methods:

Twenty-eight patients with lateral OLTs were followed up for a minimum of 3 years after AOT. Clinical evaluations included the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Radiographic assessments evaluated articular surface (subchondral plate) irregularity, progression of degenerative arthritis, and changes in talar tilt and anterior talar translation. The quality of osteochondral graft was evaluated using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score.

Results:

The average FAOS and FAAM scores significantly increased from 39.6 to 91.2 and from 37.8 to 89.8 points, respectively, at the final follow-up ( P < .001). Radiologic assessments revealed 2 patients (7.1%) with articular step-off ≥2 mm and 1 patient (3.6%) with progressive arthritis. The average MOCART score reached 92.8 points. Postoperative complications included 2 patients with wound problems, 1 with a superficial peroneal nerve injury, and 1 with donor site morbidity. The rate of return to preinjury level of sports activity was 82.1%. At a mean follow-up of 68.5 months, no patient required reoperation for OLT or recurrent ankle instability.

Conclusion:

AOT for lateral OLTs demonstrated favorable intermediate-term clinical and radiologic outcomes. Most lateral OLTs were accessible via lateral ankle ligament division and capsulotomy, with minimal occurrence of iatrogenic complications such as recurrent ankle instability. AOT appears to be an effective surgical option for patients with large lateral osteochondral lesions unresponsive to conservative treatment, large subchondral cysts, and prior unsuccessful BMS procedures.
Has the web promoted diversity? Ownership concentration and online news traffic in Greece
Authors: Spyridou Paschalia (Lia) , Manavopoulos Vasilis
Published: January 2025

News media concentration raises concerns associated with the power to influence policy, political developments and public debates. Low entry-barriers and reduced production and distribution costs in the web era promised a more pluralistic media landscape, which has thus far failed to materialise as reputational, technical and financial resources tend to confer cumulative advantages for larger and more established media organisations. In this study, we examine economic and ownership concentration for the 80 most popular news websites in Greece. Contrary to the traditional news media industry of the country and its European counterparts we find the Greek online news market to exhibit relatively low levels of concentration. Deep distrust towards the media along with an emerging and populous web-native news market can explain the findings. However, we find that in terms of ownership type, a considerable amount of traffic is directed toward websites owned by conglomerate companies whose economic interests lie outside the media industry. Specifically, websites belonging to traditional media houses share about one third of traffic and an emergent new type of conglomerate ownership coming from web-native media captures about another third. The findings raise concerns regarding the large ‘market share’ controlled by media owned by conglomerate companies suggesting that the digital landscape can also facilitate media capture despite hopes of the opposite effect.
Unlocking organizational ambidexterity via the role of cross-functional coopetition in quick-service restaurants
Authors: Salem Islam Elbayoumi , Fathy Eslam Ahmed , Magdy Ahmed , Elsaqqa Mostafa Abdelaziz , Kamal Abdien Mohamed
Published: January 2025

The study seeks to understand the antecedents influencing the effectiveness of cross-functional coopetition and the consequences that go deeper into the significance of cross-functional coopetition within Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) by examining its impact on organisational ambidexterity, specifically exploitative and exploratory innovation. Using partial least structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), data was collected from 336 employees in QSRs. While the results confirmed the hypothesized relationships, development culture and hierarchy culture have no relationship to cross-functional coopetition. There is a link between cross-functional coopetitive ability and competition in (a) exploitative innovation and (b) exploratory innovation, but social cohesion makes that link stronger. Cross-functional coopetition partially mediates the relationship between both ‘organisational structure and culture’ and organisational ambidexterity. General implications of the findings for coopetition and research on both ‘organisational structure and culture’ and organisational ambidexterity are discussed.
Early Postoperative Outcomes of Surgical Fixation of Proximal Phalanx Fractures With Intramedullary Nails Versus Kirschner Wires
Authors: Schmidt Gregory J. , Dent Craig , Nguyen Andy , Nydick Jason
Published: January 2025

Background:

Kirschner wire (K-wire) and intramedullary (IM) screw fixation are accepted techniques for treatment of unstable proximal phalanx fractures, but comparative reports are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate early clinical outcomes following treatment with K-wire or IM fixation.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all proximal phalanx fractures treated surgically at a single center by multiple surgeons was performed from May 1, 2019 to March 1, 2024. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients above 18 years of age with transverse or short-oblique proximal phalanx fractures, without associated soft-tissue injury or involvement of multiple digits, who were treated with IM screw or K-wire fixation. Outcomes were available for 49 patients (27 K-wire, 22 IM nail). Chart review was performed to assess range of motion (ROM) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand outcomes 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results:

A significant difference was found in total active motion (TAM) (207.4° vs 150.8°, P = .03) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint motion (71.8° vs 54.5°, P = .04) between the IM and K-wire cohorts 12 weeks after surgery. Proximal interphalangeal motion was also significantly different (57.6° vs 34.3°, P = .03) 6 weeks after surgery with no significant difference in TAM (176.6° vs 122.1°, P = .13) at that time point. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores 12 weeks after surgery were not significantly different between the IM ( M: 15.8) and K-wire ( M: 28.15) groups ( P = .13).

Conclusions:

Total active motion and PIP joint motion were found to be significantly higher 12 weeks postoperatively following IM fixation compared to K-wire fixation for extra-articular proximal phalanx fractures.
Flow of SWCNT and MWCNT based hybrid nanofluids in a semi-circular enclosure with corrugated wall
Authors: Nadeem Sohail , Siddiqua Ayesha , Alzabut Jehad
Published: January 2025

Heat transfer mechanisms participate to fulfill the necessities of modern technologies. The phenomenon of heat transport has implementations in multiple fields including metal working, heating systems, thermal management in spacecraft, solar energy, and automobile engines. In the current novel work, heat transfer mechanism in a semi-circular enclosure with corrugated circular wall is studied numerically. A hybrid nanofluid consisting of water as the base fluid and solid particles of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is considered. Prevailing mathematical equations are explained by finite element method with the help of COMSOL Multiphysics. The study examines various volume fractions of solid particles over a broad range. The SWCNT volume fraction is adjusted from 0.02% to 0.1%, while the MWCNT volume fraction ranged from 0.01% to 0.04%. Velocity, temperature, and pressure contours are imagined. Local and average Nusselt numbers are studied for each of the cases. The results indicate that heat transfer in the semi-circular enclosure improves with higher volume fractions of solid particles. As the volume fraction of solid particles increases, the average Nusselt number over the heated surface decreases.
Informed choices for some, but not for others: An exploration of Australian midlife women’s participation in mammography screening by social class
Authors: Batchelor Samantha , Lunnay Belinda , Macdonald Sara , Ward Paul R
Published: January 2025

Background:

Population-level mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer is a secondary prevention measure well-embedded in developed countries, and the implications for women’s health are widely researched. From a public health perspective, efforts have focused on why mammography screening rates remain below the 70% screening rate required for effective population-level screening. From a sociological perspective, debates centre on whether ‘informed choice’ regarding screening exists for all women and the overemphasis on screening benefits, at the cost of not highlighting the potential harms. We dovetail these disciplinary agendas to contextualise the factors that impact mammography screening choices, interpreting screening status through a social class lens.

Objective:

To understand how social class impacts informed choice-making among midlife women (45–64 years), regarding (non) participation in mammography screening.

Design:

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Methods:

We interviewed 36 Australian midlife women from differing social class groups who were ‘screeners’ or ‘non-screeners’. We conducted a theory-informed thematic analysis and used Bourdieu’s relational social class theory to consider how women’s access to social, cultural and economic capital influenced their screening identities. We conducted matrix and crosstab queries across themes to identify patterns by social class. We extend the findings from Friedman’s study of women’s screening perspectives as ‘attentional’ types utilising the ‘sociology of attention’.

Results:

Our results map to Friedman’s four ‘attentional’ types (default or conscious interventionists, conflicted or conscious sceptics), and we show how social class impacts women’s attention to screening and participation. We show for middle-class women screening is a ‘given’, they align closely with normative screening expectations. Working-class women who screen, do so out of a sense of compliance. Affluent non-screeners make informed choices, while working-class women are more passive in their non-screening choices, being a group that sits outside of Friedman’s four attentional types.

Conclusion:

Current approaches to screening communication and programme delivery can be improved by tailoring approaches to reflect the impacts of social class in shaping women’s ’choices’. Subsequently, equitable breast cancer prevention may be afforded, which impacts positively on population-level screening rates.
Framing victims and perpetrators: Local and international reporting on the International Criminal Court case against Dominic Ongwen
Authors: Trisko Darden Jessica , Steflja Izabela , Wintersieck Amanda
Published: January 2025

Building on research on victims and perpetrators of political violence and their depiction in the media, this article highlights the conceptual and practical challenge of specifying the process by which individuals acquire a morally ambiguous or ‘complex’ status in conflict. The authors conduct a content analysis of English-language print reporting on Dominic Ongwen’s International Criminal Court case and ambiguous status as a child soldier and victim–perpetrator. They identify important variation in how different news media frame the processes through which an individual becomes a victim–perpetrator and how these depictions relate to understandings of agency as well as transitional justice and post-conflict societal transformations. The article presents a framework for understanding how individuals are seen as ‘turning’ from one category of conflict-affected individual to another category as depicted in the news media.
Management of traumatic brain injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome—What evidence exists? A scoping review
Authors: Kelly-Hedrick Margot , Liu Sunny , Hatfield Jordan , Soto Alexandria L. , Bartlett Alyssa M. , Heo Helen J. , O’Callaghan Ellen , Arulraja Evangeline , Kaplan Samantha , Ohnuma Tetsu , Krishnamoorthy Vijay , Colton Katherine , Komisarow Jordan
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Up to 20% of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is associated with increased odds of mortality. Guideline-based treatment for ARDS includes “lung protective” ventilation strategies, some of which are in opposition to “brain protective” strategies used for ventilation with patients with TBI. We conducted a scoping review of ventilation management strategies with clinical outcomes among patients with TBI and ARDS.

Methods:

We searched three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science) using a systematic search strategy. We included any studies of patients with TBI and ARDS with ventilation strategies including PEEP, oxygenation, prone positioning, recruitment maneuvers, pulmonary vasodilators (e.g., nitric oxide), high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). All clinical outcomes were included. Extracted data included details about sample (age, gender), study design, inclusion/exclusion criteria, intervention details, and outcomes.

Results:

The search returned 10,514 articles, 35 of which met final inclusion criteria. Interventions studied included ECMO ( n = 13 articles), HFOV ( n = 4), PEEP interventions ( n = 3), prone positioning ( n = 3), vasodilators ( n = 4), and other lung recruitment maneuvers ( n = 9). No randomized controlled trials were identified; studies were mostly case reports ( n = 18/35, 51%) and series ( n = 7/35, 20%), with some cohort studies ( n = 5/35, 14%) and non-randomized experimental trials ( n = 5/35, 14%), all at single institutions. Outcomes included physiologic changes (e.g., change in cerebrodynamics or hemodynamics with intervention) and clinical outcomes such as mortality, complications, or neurologic recovery. Five studies (14%) included pediatric patients.

Discussion:

In this scoping review of ventilatory strategies for patients with concurrent TBI and ARDS, we found variation in heterogeneity of study design, interventions, and outcomes. Studies were mostly case report/series and observational studies, seriously limiting our ability to draw conclusions about effectiveness of interventions. Targeted areas of further research are discussed.
Influences of multi-pass friction stir alloying on characterization of AZ91D alloy-based dual reinforcement bio-ceramic nano-composites
Authors: Patel Surendra Kumar , Dai Guoxin , Liu Lu , Sun Zhen , Shi Lei
Published: January 2025

In current study, microstructural, mechanical and corrosion behaviour were investigated with incorporation of dual reinforced AZ91D surface composites. This research was carried out for enhancement of the bio-degradability in biological environment. The surface composites were successfully fabricated by friction stir processing method with a rotation speed of 800 rpm, travel speed of 80 mm/min and 2.5° tilt angle at multi-passes. The surface properties were characterized via optical, SEM, EDS, XRD and EBSD techniques. The microstructure showed that the reinforcements were equally distributed into the surface matrix after 3-passes for sets of composites. After 3-passes FSP average grain diameter of the composite C (1.61 μm) was smaller than that of composite A (1.86 μm) and composite B (1.63 μm), because of the strong shear deformation and generated friction heat, which occurred via dynamic recrystallization between grains in the processed zones. The microhardness of Composite C (162 Hv) has a higher than the composite A (125.2 Hv) and composite B (146.2 Hv). The ultimate tensile strength of composite A (152.7 MPa) was greater than that of composite B (133 MPa) and composite C (111.3 MPa). Furthermore, the corrosion resistance at 7, 15 and 30 days of immersion of composite C was higher than that of composite A and composite B, because of the domino effects and better bio-mineralization with the addition of Y2O3 and ZrO2 particles. The typically worn surface revealed reduced deep pits, pits and cracks due to better ionization of the hydrogen generated during immersion. Finally, this research was carried out for treatment of bone defects and fractures as well as improving corrosion resistance of the mg-containing biocompatible implants.
(Ac)counting for night shift workers: Insights from Australian cities.
Authors: Acuto Michele , Edwards Anna , Mentha Jesse , Young Alison
Published: January 2025

Recognition for the importance of the night-time economy (NTE) in cities is mounting in both academia and policy. Yet, much of this discourse is centred on the consumption side of the NTE. Analytical and policy insights into the role of those who work to keep our cities ticking 24/7 and the NTE flourishing is still severely limited. Just how many people work at night? And how can we count them? Current assessments, where at all present, often diverge drastically, whilst cities and countries step up more and more policy efforts to grow the NTE. We present here a case study, centred on the task of assessing the Australian night-time economy’s workforce, to underscore continuing challenges in accounting for night shift workers. We underline how counting night shift workers provides for a more effective evidence base for urban policy. We demonstrate both definitional difficulties and data limitations, arguing for the pressing need for more precise urban science of the night, and of the NTE specifically, as a precondition to stepping up our engagement with night shift workers, in order to account for them in policymaking.
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma-NOS in Children and Adolescents: a Review from the Children's Oncology Group NHL Committee
Authors: Devine Kaitlin J. , Schwartz Lindsay F , El-Mallawany Nader Kim
Published: January 2025

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) is a rare mature T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) seen in both children and adults. While it is the most common non-anaplastic mature T-cell lymphoma of childhood, it is quite rare and therefore, the standard of care remains largely undefined. It is a disease characterized by clinical and pathological heterogeneity and is generally associated with an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis in adults. Retrospective reports on treatment outcomes for pediatric PTCL-NOS are limited by small cohorts, variable clinical presentations, and heterogeneous treatment regimens. Though published survival rates in children appear encouraging compared to those from prospective studies in adults, the prognosis is guarded, and relatively low curative outcomes are in stark contrast to more common pediatric NHL. While recent landmark gene profiling studies have shed light on the molecular landscape of the disease in adults-identifying molecular subgroups with prognostic significance-the biology of PTCL-NOS remains unclear in children. Here we review the clinical presentation and diagnosis, historical treatment approaches, current knowledge of the disease biology and the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in PTCL-NOS in children to pursue a better understanding of this heterogenous condition and empower physicians to use this information to best support our pediatric population. Studies focusing on pediatric PTCL-NOS are required to unravel the disease biology in children, improve risk stratification, and better define upfront treatment through the role of targeted agents and HSCT, as we look to future directions of the care of children with PTCL-NOS.
Living Lab Dementia: process evaluation of an academic-practice partnership in German long term care for people living with dementia - study protocol
Authors: Leinen Andrea , Bühler Felix , Köpke Sascha , Löbberding Mareike , Meyer Gabriele , Schneider-Schelte Helga , Wilm Stefan , Bieber Anja , Dichter Martin N.
Published: January 2025

Background

Living Labs, as a type of academic-practice partnerships, possess the potential to transform care and research into a participatory partnership and narrow the research-practice gap to improve evidence-based and Person-centred care. Given the lack of systematic investigations of Living Labs in healthcare, we will establish a dementia-specific academic-practice partnership (Living Lab Dementia) in Germany and conduct a process evaluation. The aim of this study is to gain insights into the intervention itself (mechanisms of impact) and its implementation process (degree of implementation, barriers, and facilitators).

Methods

This process evaluation of the multi-center research project PraWiDem (German acronym for linking professional nursing practice and research in dementia) will be conducted applying a convergent mixed methods design and will be based on the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the development and evaluation of complex interventions. The intervention is presented in a logic model which describes relevant basic theoretical assumptions, intervention components, implementation aspects, mechanisms of impact, relevant outcomes, and the context in which the intervention is delivered. Data will be collected before the intervention (T0), during the intervention period, and at follow-up after 18 months (T1). Qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Quantitative data sources will be process documents and questionnaires.

Discussion

Our study will provide important insights into the Living Lab Dementia intervention and its implementation processes. The results of this evaluation will contribute to the refinement of the intervention and its implementation processes, and will enable to measure the impact of these processes in future studies.
Effects of group communication norms on daily steps in a team-based financial incentive mobile phone intervention in Shanghai, China
Authors: Jia Yingnan , Xiao Yingcheng , Chen Hao , Gebel Klaus , Li Chengshu , Sun Shuangyuan , Yang Qinping , Wang Siyuan , Zhang Li , Wang Jing , Cheng Minna , Gu Dantong , Shi Yan , Ding Ding
Published: January 2025

Background

Mobile technology offers great potential for physical activity promotion, especially by facilitating online communication, however, the impact of group communication norms on intervention effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect on daily steps of a team-based social norms-related intervention using a mobile application.

Methods

The 13-week quasi-experimental study was conducted in Shanghai, China, from September to November 2019, involving 2,985 employees from 32 worksites. For the intervention group (n = 2,049), participants set a goal of 10,000 steps per day. The teams and individual members would receive points for meeting the daily goal, contributing to team-based rankings and financial rewards for the teams and their members. In addition, the intervention teams created dedicated WeChat groups to facilitate communication, which were also used to collect group chat messages. The communication type in these groups was classified into four types: (1) nudging – encouraging team members to be more active, (2) sharing – exchanging the completion of daily step goals, (3) feedback – providing responses or suggestions to team members, and (4) other -diverse topics that could not be classified otherwise. The control group only tracked their steps online.

Results

The weekly average steps of the intervention group increased by 2,523 steps, while the control group increased by 470 steps. In the first 3 weeks of follow-up, the frequency of nudging of 7–18 times/week had a positive cumulative effect on the step counts. Sharing more than 3 times/week had a positive cumulative effect. Over 6 and 13 weeks of follow-up, nudging 19 times/week or more had a positive cumulative effect while sharing and feedback at any frequency negatively affected average weekly steps.

Conclusions

Communication types within a team affected team-based step counts in a financial incentive intervention. The team-level social norms related to communications might have different cumulative effects on team-level physical activity. ‘nudging’ messages had a significant association with the change in individual-level step counts in the medium or long term.

Trial registration

Pilot Project of the application of walking incentive technology in occupational groups, 2019, ChiCTR1900023813. Registered 13 June 2019, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=39858.
Community pharmacy’s role in dispensing androgens and supporting harm reduction amid current policy dilemmas
Authors: Piatkowski Timothy , Ayurzana Lkhagvadulam , King Michelle , Hattingh Laetitia , McMillan Sara
Published: January 2025

Background

Legitimate androgen use, such as testosterone replacement therapy, requires a legal prescription. Off-label use for reasons like wellness and aesthetics continues to grow. Recent regulatory changes in Australia aim to curb non-prescribed androgen use, potentially intensifying stigma, however seeking prescriptions through legal channels persists. This study aimed to explore community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding individuals who use androgens.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 community pharmacists, to explore knowledge and experiences related to the dispensing of androgens. The data analysis followed an iterative process, developing a codebook for thematic analysis and aligning findings with relevant literature.

Results

Pharmacists face challenges when meeting the needs of individuals using androgens. They often made judgments based on appearance, leading to stigmatisation and potential refusal of prescription supply. However, this is tempered by the complex environment that pharmacists work in with respect to professional and legal requirements. Limited knowledge about androgens and varying exposure to people who use androgens were evident, prompting a unanimous desire for tailored training, especially in communication skills and interaction strategies.

Conclusions

Facilitating androgen use within regulated healthcare settings, under professional medical supervision, is crucial to mitigating health risks. Varied pharmacist knowledge underscores the urgent need for targeted training, emphasising education initiatives to address structural stigma and inform healthcare policies globally.
Superior biomechanical stability of pedicle screws compared to lateral mass screws: recommendations for bicortical positioning and enhancing bone contact in geriatric C1 vertebrae
Authors: Leonhardt Leon-Gordian , Rörup Leonie , Kammal Anna Lena , Hahn Michael , Dreimann Marc , Ondruschka Benjamin , von Brackel Felix Nikolai , Rolvien Tim , Viezens Lennart , von Kroge Simon
Published: January 2025

Background

In atlantoaxial instabilities, posterior C1/C2 fusion using lateral mass screws (LMS) or pedicle screws (PS) in a mono- or bicortical position in the atlas is a typical treatment. The bone microstructure and positioning of the screw trajectories appear to be of significant relevance for stability.

Purpose

The aim of this study was a comparative analysis of the mechanical durability of screw fixation concerning microstructural characteristics of the trajectories of LMS and PS in mono- and bicortical position.

Methods

Human C1 from geriatric body donors (n = 28; 50% female, age 80.8 ± 13.9 years) were collected and characterized based on their bone microstructure. Additionally, the mechanical stability of LMS and PS fixation in mono- and bicortical positioning was tested by mechanical loading. High-resolution quantitative computed tomography was used to analyze the bone microstructure of cylinders corresponding to the trajectories of PS and LMS in mono- and bicortical locations in each C1. After instrumentation with both screw types and types of fixation, the mechanical stability was tested by increased cyclic loading in cranio-caudal direction.

Results

Trajectories of PS presented with more bone volume and a higher contact length to cortical bone. Simultaneously, a higher number of cycles and a higher maximum force was needed to loosen PS compared to LMS, while the loose by torque at the experiment end was still greater in PS. Differences between mono- and bicortical positioning of PS and LMS have only been observed in the initial stiffness of screws. When comparing microstructural and mechanical properties, the cortical contact length and bone volume in screw trajectories were strongest associated with a high loose and cycle count.

Conclusions

This study suggests that mono- and bicortical positioning of PS is similarly efficient in creating a stable basis for screw fixation in the atlas. While PS are superior to LMS, the contact with cortical bone is of major relevance for a stable foundation.