bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the surface contamination of the primary packaging of oral antineoplastic drugs and secondary packaging of chemotherapy preparations at a Swiss hospital
Authors: Nguyen Nathalie , Vallet Virginie , Bouchoud Lucie , Falaschi Ludivine , Rudaz Serge , Bonnabry Pascal , Fleury-Souverain Sandrine
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Due to the high toxicity of antineoplastic drugs, handling their packaging could lead to the chemical contamination of hospital environments and exposure risks to healthcare professionals and patients. This study aimed to assess the contamination of two main surfaces: the outer primary packaging of oral antineoplastic drug formulations ( n  =  36) available on the Swiss market and the surface of secondary packaging of injectable antineoplastic drug preparations ( n  =  60) produced by the pharmacy of a Swiss hospital and carriers used for transport ( n  =  5).

Methods

Samples were collected using a validated wipe sampling method. The simultaneous analysis of 24 antineoplastic drugs: 5-fluorouracil, busulfan, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, dacarbazine, daunorubicin, docetaxel, doxorubicin, epirubicin, etoposide, gemcitabine, idarubicin, ifosfamide, irinotecan, methotrexate, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, pemetrexed, raltitrexed, topotecan, treosulfan, vinblastine, vincristine) and 1 antiviral compound (ganciclovir) was performed by UHPLC–MS/MS.

Results

A total of 58% and 90% positive results were obtained for the primary packaging of oral chemotherapies and for the secondary packaging of injectable preparations, respectively. The highest quantities found on the primary packaging for oral chemotherapies and on the surface of closed leak-proof bags were 111 ng of methotrexate and 19 ng of gemcitabine, respectively. Gemcitabine (69%) and cyclophosphamide (38%) were the two most common contaminants found on the packaging of injectable preparations and carriers, regardless of the chemotherapy preparations.

Conclusion

Trace levels (ng) of antineoplastic drugs can be found on most surfaces of all evaluated pharmaceutical products. Thus, suitable personal protective equipment is mandatory for healthcare professional handling antineoplastic drugs.
A meta-analysis of the association between high-sensitivity c-reactive protein level and glaucoma
Authors: Al-Namaeh Mashael
Published: May 2024

Objective

Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the US for people over the age of 40; the most common form is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). It has been suggested that inflammatory markers have a role in the development and the progression of glaucoma (GL). High-sensitivity C reactive protein (HsCRP) is an inflammatory marker that has been linked to cardiovascular disease and a possible link to GL. Although a number of studies have found a link between CRP and GL; POAG, normal tension glaucoma (NTG), exfoliation glaucoma (XFG), Exfoliation syndrome (XFS), other research has shown the opposite.

Purpose

This systematic review is to determine the association between HsCRP and GL.

Methodology

A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE database. We identified thirty-six peer-reviewed studies.

Results

Five retrospective studies were included and summed up to 164305 study participants, 161759 POAG patients, and 2546 controls. The pooled result of all studies revealed that HsCRP (SMD: 0.44 mg/dl; [95% confidence interval −0.10 to 0.99]; P = 0.11, I2 89%) concentration was not significantly higher in POAG patients compared to the healthy controls. The SMD for NTG, XFG and XFS; 0.64 mg/dl; 0.03 mg/dl, 0.03 mg/dl respectively. The pooled result revealed that HsCRP concentration was not significantly higher in POAG, NTG, XFG, and XFS. No publication bias was found using the funnel plot.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis concluded that there is no correlation between the elevated plasma levels of HsCRP and GL. Future studies should be conducted.
Sildenafil-induced bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome: Case report
Authors: Yan Quan , Fu Mingshui , Zhou Xinrong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To report a case of bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome associated with sildenafil use.

Case report

A 41-year-old male presented with a five-day history of bilateral blurred vision, elevated intraocular pressure, and myopic shift. Ultrasound biomicroscopy radial scans showed closed angles and 360 degrees of ciliochoroidal effusion in both eyes. Anterior segment coherence tomography angiography showed bilateral shallow anterior chamber. Further questioning revealed that the patient had taken sildenafil several times just a few days before symptoms appeared. Since then, the patient stopped dosing sildenafil. After treatment of anti-inflammation and shifting the lens-iris diaphragm posteriorly, the patient's visual acuity improved and intraocular pressure decreased. Follow-up ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment coherence tomography angiography revealed resolution of ciliochoroidal effusion and increase of anterior chamber depth in both eyes.

Conclusions

The patient demonstrated a rare case of sildenafil-induced bilateral ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome. This case report shows that sildenafil should be added to the possible causative agents of ciliochoroidal effusion syndrome.
Investigating the Antimicrobial Effects of a Novel Peptide Derived From Listeriolysin S on S aureus, E coli, and L plantarum: An In Silico and In Vitro Study
Authors: Nobakht Mojgan Sarabi , Bazyar Kaveh , Langeroudi Mohammad Sadegh Ghalyanchi , Mirzaei Mandana , Goudarzi Mehdi , Shivaee Ali
Published: May 2024

Aims:

The emergence of antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant issues today. Modifying antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can improve their effects. In this study, the active region of Listeriolysin S (LLS) as a peptidic toxin has been recognized, and its antibacterial properties have been evaluated by modifying that region.

Methods:

After extracting the sequence, the structure of LLS was predicted by PEP-FOLD3. AntiBP and AMPA servers identified its antimicrobial active site. It was modified by adding arginine residue to its 3- and N-terminal regions. Its antimicrobial properties on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Lactobacillus Plantarum were estimated.

Findings:

The results of AntiBP and AntiBP servers demonstrated that a region of 15 amino acids has the most antimicrobial properties (score = 1.696). After adding arginine to the chosen region, the physicochemical evaluation and antimicrobial properties revealed that the designed peptide is a stable AMP with a positive charge of 4, which is not toxic to human erythrocyte cells and has antigenic properties. The results of in vitro and colony counting indicated that at different hours, it caused a significant reduction in the count of S aureus, E coli, and L Plantarum compared with the control sample.

Conclusions:

Upcoming research implies that identifying and enhancing the active sites of natural peptides can help combat bacteria.
Ginger Root Bioactive Compounds Specifically Inhibits Growth of Colon Cancer Cells in Culture
Authors: Lin Shelley , Lu Peiran
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Colon cancer is affluent among many people, and having cancer greatly impacts the lives of many. Ginger is a common food, particularly in Asian cuisine. However, the health benefits of ginger as a whole food and 6-gingerol, its bioactive compound in prevention of colon cancer have not been fully addressed. This experiment investigated effects of ginger juice and 6-gingerol on colon cancer cell growth and death.

Methods:

Fresh ginger roots were homogenized for juice preparation. Total phenolic contents of ginger juice were measured using Folin-C assay. Colon cancer SW480 cells and normal colon epithelial cells CCD-18Co were treated with ginger juice and/or 6-gingerol. Cell metabolic activity was assessed by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were accessed by immunoblotting. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA with a Tukey post-hoc test and statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

The results showed that ginger juice selectively inhibited SW480 cell growth at 25 µL/mL for 40 hours. High doses of ginger juice (at 50 and 100 µL/mL for 40 hours) inhibited the growth of both cell types. This was independent of caspase-3 activation. Six-gingerol specifically inhibited SW480 cell growth starting at 0.5 µmoL/L ( P < .01). More than 1 µmoL/L 6-gingerol did not give more power to inhibit SW480 cell growth. The results also showed that CCD-18Co cell growth rates were not changed after 6-gingerol treatments (up to 10 µmoL/L, P > .1). Immunoblotting results revealed that the elevation of Myt1 levels and decreases in CDK1, p21 Wafl/Cip1 and pSer642-Wee1 only occurred in SW480 but not CCD-18Co cells when treated with 1 and/or 2.5 µmoL/L 6-gingerol for 40 hours.

Conclusion:

6-gingerol can specifically inhibit SW480 cancer cells without killing normal CCd-18Co cells, through cell cycle arrest. Ginger juice can selectively inhibit colon cancer cell growth in a narrow window at ~25 µL/mL.
The precarities of cultural and creative work through pandemic times
Authors: Pertierra Anna Cristina , Molina Ahtziri E. , Garduño Bianca
Published: May 2024

In recent years, we have experienced a renewed public awareness of the importance of creative and cultural work for personal and national wellbeing. Contributors to this special issue turn their attention to the diverse experiences of creative and cultural workers, to understand how creative work has been disrupted, abandoned, transformed or reinvented across distinct cultural and economic contexts. In various circumstances reshaped by the pandemic, creative and cultural workers soon realized that paid work as they knew it would no longer be possible, and they had to quickly recalibrate their breadwinning strategies, in turn affecting their understandings of labour and value. This special issue considers the experiences of workers across Europe, Latin America, Africa and Australia, adding still-needed geographic diversity as part of ongoing efforts in research on creative and cultural work in pandemic times.
Police recruitment and positive action: The social building blocks of service
Authors: Hesketh Ian , Stubbs Gareth
Published: May 2024

Police recruitment in England and Wales has seen a large upsurge in recent years, with a government mandate to raise officer numbers by 20,000. Alongside this request, considerable pressure remains for the police service to diversify and recruit an increasing number of officers from under-represented groups. Although there are signs that the diversity of police forces in England and Wales is increasing, there is a paucity of available information and research on how this is happening. Existing research on current positive action programmes is underdeveloped. This study considers evidence gained from 26 long-form phenomenological interviews with new policing recruits in a single police force from the north of England. The interviews were structured using social network theory, allowing in-depth exploration of how recruits socially navigated their respective recruitment journeys. The sample provided comparative data on the journey for those experiencing positive actions and those without access to these initiatives. The data gathered offer a picture of recruits’ experiences during recruitment, allowing significant insight into the levels of social support they received. Social support is a critical element of well-being and retention. Empirical findings indicate that particular police recruitment stages exist as social building blocks for policing identity. These building blocks can be unequal depending on existing social resources. This differential identity-building during pre-socialization leads to a proposal for services to consider their positive action initiatives in a different light and ensure that they lead to the development of longer-term, supportive relationships for under-represented recruits.
Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in rural India: A mixed-method study on perception
Authors: Aravamudhan Varadaraj , Sivakumar K. , Vishnu C. R. , Mohanasundaram K.
Published: May 2024

Women entrepreneurs confront myriad issues related to economic, social, familial, market environments, and regulatory challenges in the rural Indian setting. These issues must be identified and characterized for designing policies/strategies to promote women's entrepreneurship. Accordingly, the key objective of this research is to identify and discuss challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India, with a particular focus on rural areas of Rajasthan. Furthermore, the present research also investigates the inter-relationships between the challenges to determine the impact potential of individual challenges and issues. A mixed-method approach is adopted in the present article. Initially, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted to identify significant challenges and barriers confronted by women entrepreneurs in the selected region. A total of 120 responses were collected based on a purposive sampling procedure. The significant issues are further characterized using Interpretive Structural Modeling and MICMAC analysis. The research discloses that a lack of cooperation from male family members, weak bargaining power, self-esteem issues, psychological barriers, lack of government support, absence of adequate regulatory policies, problems in attracting customers, corruption, and other market behaviors as the major challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The article also reports the impact potential of these challenges through a hierarchical model.
Low-velocity impact behavior of woven fabric-reinforced natural rubber composites
Authors: Wang Xin , Wong Shing-Chung , Gao Xiaosheng , Moon Soon W.
Published: May 2024

The progressive damage behaviors of woven fabric-reinforced natural rubber panels under low-velocity impact were studied by the drop-weight tests. The woven fabrics considered include nylon, Kevlar, and carbon. The impact force, impact energy, and delamination area were analyzed, and the damaged samples were observed using an optical microscopy and an X-ray scanner to investigate the damage mechanisms. The results show that the peak force of impact increases while the absorbed energy decreases as the fiber strength/stiffness and fiber content increase. Based on the peak force and the delamination area results, the natural rubber/Carbon/2 specimen, which consists of two carbon fabric layers inside the natural rubber, displays the best impact performance among the composites considered in this study.
The multiple faces of graphene on anticorrosion: Advances and prospects
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhao Xiaoqian , Qu Yan , Zhong Bingwei , Tan Huabing , Zheng Yaxuan , Yang Xuezheng , Shichao Ge , Hu Jingzhi , Yuan Hua
Published: May 2024

In recent years, graphene has remarkably enhanced the protective performance of anticorrosive organic coatings, yielding increasingly frequent exciting results and perspectives. This paper reviews the latest research advancements that we have gathered on the influences of conductivity, modification, dispersion methods and controllable orientation of graphene; the graphene-based smart anticorrosive coatings; the current understandings on the designs of the anticorrosive coating and the action mechanisms of graphene in the coating. It is concluded that there would be greater opportunities for the gravitational field-induced method to play the shielding effect of graphene; noncovalent modification methods may not ensure satisfactory attachment of the modifiers to the surface; green modification methods are expected to reduce the electrical conductivity of graphene and covalently modify graphene; the self-healing and early-warning graphene-based anticorrosive coatings are becoming a trend in the development of anti-corrosive coatings. The current-faced challenges and the future development prospects of the graphene-based anticorrosive coating were also proposed. Although graphene performs well in anticorrosive coatings, there is still considerable room to improve the performance, and a new round of industrial optimisation and upgrading in the anti-corrosion coating industry is inevitable with the rapid development of the anticorrosive graphene-based filler.
Emotions and Meaning in Transformative Learning: Theory U as a Liminal Experience
Authors: Briciu Bianca
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the protective role of edge emotions in the process of transformative learning through the case study of the Theory U process. It explores the importance of learning strategies that foster emotional awareness and help learners cross the edge of their known meaning-making system into a liminal space of openness to unknown possibilities and discovery of new meaning. Self-reflective, contemplative, dialogue-based, and embodied pedagogies practiced in a safe community lead to emotional transformation. Relying on autoethnographic accounts and interviews with participants in the Theory U foundations program, we show how new meaning emerges through reflexive engagement with the edge emotions of fear, frustration, and sadness.
Surface modification of bamboo fibers through alkaline treatment: Morphological and physical characterization for composite reinforcement
Authors: Geremew Anteneh , De Winne Pieter , Demissie Tamene Adugna , De Backer Hans
Published: May 2024

This study primarily emphasizes the effect of alkaline treatment on the surface morphology, and the physical properties of extracted bamboo fibers were investigated in detail. The bamboo fibers were extracted from raw bamboo culms using a mechanical extraction process followed by roller-milling techniques. The physical properties of the extracted bamboo fibers and their chemical composition were examined based on standard requirements. The extracted and sun-dried bamboo fibers were subjected to surface modifications by treating them with a 5 wt.% NaOH solution. The process involved soaking the extracted bamboo fibers for 1 day at ambient temperature; subsequently, the alkali-treated fibers were washed with distilled water several times to remove alkali content from the fiber surface until it became neutral. Finally, the fibers were dried under the sun for a week. The alkali-treated and untreated extracted bamboo fibers underwent characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The investigation revealed an improvement in the surface morphology of the alkali-treated extracted bamboo fibers, with a significant reduction in surface roughness, as illustrated by SEM. Test results from FTIR, XRD, and TGA indicated that the alkali-treated fibers had removed lignin and hemicellulose from their surface. This study strongly suggests that bamboo fibers prepared using these techniques could be utilized as reinforcing material in composite production.
Early Outcomes of Orthopedic Pre-surgical Patients Enrolled in an Intensive, Interprofessional Lifestyle Medicine Program to Optimize Health
Authors: Prather Heidi , Leupold Olivia , Suter Cara , Mehta Nartana , Griffin Karen , Pagba Mark , Hall Kelyssa , Taverna-Trani Alessandra , Rose Dana , Jasphy Laura , Yu Su Xiao , Cushner Fred , Della Valle Alejandro Gonzalez , Cheng Jennifer
Published: May 2024

Recently, lifestyle medicine (LSM) application has shown feasibility for musculoskeletal pain patients with co-existing lifestyle-related chronic diseases. This study describes early results of a LSM program for musculoskeletal patients with goals to optimize health prior to orthopedic surgery. Fifty-four patients (age: 61 ± 11 years; 39 [72%] females) completed the program from 3/8/22-12/1/23. Data included patient goals, utilization, goal attainment, and patient outcomes. Most patients (41/54 [76%]) enrolled with established surgical dates. Mean BMI was 43.2 ± 5.3 kg/m2, and 89% had ≥2 lifestyle-related chronic diseases. The majority reported impaired sleep (79%) and zero cumulative minutes of physical activity/week (57%). Mean program duration was 13 ± 8 weeks involving 5 ± 4 visits with members of the interprofessional team. Fifty-two (96%) patients successfully attained pre-program goals, and 49/54 (91%) met their surgical goal. Of the patients enrolled without surgical dates, 11/13 (85%) optimized their health and proceeded to surgery. Forty-two (78%) patients reported decreases in weight and BMI, averaging 11 ± 7 lbs and 1.8 ± 1.3 kg/m2, respectively. Rates of improvement in pain, PROMIS-10 physical and mental health, and PHQ-4 were 52%, 37%, 45%, and 47%, respectively. These data demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a LSM program to address whole-person health optimization and enable orthopedic patients to improve lifestyle behaviors and proceed to orthopedic surgery.
Clinical study of 57 cases of endovascular treatment for total subclavian artery occlusion
Authors: Liang Shuangchao , Zhang Andong , Li Fangkuan , Xia Youchuan , Feng Guilin , Xu Bei , Wang Haoran
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for totally occlusive lesions of the subclavian artery (SCA).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 57 patients treated with angioplasty and stenting, including 42 males and 15 females, with an average age of 61.8 years (range: 49 to 81 years). Efficacy, safety, and complications were evaluated.

Results

Procedural success was achieved for 47/57 patients and symptoms were relieved. Rat-tail occlusion is the most common type, and all cases were successfully recanalized. Plain type occlusion is less common with a recanalization rate of 55.6%. Hilly and plain occlusions are the main types of stent implantation failure. Through univariate analysis and trend matching analysis, the type of SCA occlusion and surgical approach had statistical significance on the success rate of surgery. The mean follow-up time was 34.6 ± 16.2 months. The cumulative stent patency rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 95.5%, 86.4%, and 77.3% in the calcified plaque group and 92.0%, 76.0%, and 68.0% in the non-calcified plaque group, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year patency rates in the calcified plaque group were higher than those in the non-calcified plaque group ( p < .05).

Conclusion

Different occlusion types and surgical approaches can affect the surgical success rate. The combined femoral and brachial approach can improve the rate of recanalization of SCA occlusions. The patency rates at 3 and 5 years in the calcified plaque group were higher than those in the non-calcified plaque group.
Enormous myxoid/round cell liposarcoma: A case report
Authors: Finlay Joshua R. , Vijayakumar Gayathri , Braun Ankica , Almajnooni Abdullah , Yu Austin , Miller Ira , Kokosis George , Wang Dian , Blank Alan , Gitelis Steven
Published: May 2024

Myxoid/round cell liposarcomas (MRCLPS) are a rare soft tissue sarcoma. We report the largest sarcoma in our institutional history. We discuss the patient’s surgical management and treatment of the tumor and challenges given its dimensions. Several complications arose following primary resection that were managed by a multidisciplinary team. Although MRCLPS can vary in size, large MRCLPS must be treated cautiously given the potential for complications. Additionally, multidisciplinary treatment of MRCLPS is essential in diagnosing and treating these complex cases.
Distant time: The future of urbanisation from ‘there’ and ‘then’
Authors: Datta Ayona
Published: May 2024

Recent geographical scholarship has mainly focussed on the disjunctures between linear and cyclical time in urban development. This paper proposes a notion of distant time as a metaphor of temporal power that keeps marginal citizens at a governable distance from the state. Taking the case of Shimla, an erstwhile Summer Capital of colonial India and a popular tourist town in the Himalayas, it argues that distant time emerges from the temporal reordering of ‘native’ settlement on a fragile ecological landscape ravaged by the colonial state, that is then repeated in postcolonial imaginaries of smart urban futures. Reading ‘along the grain’ of colonial archives of incremental housebuilding by the ‘natives’, as well as interviews with current working class residents of Shimla living under threat of demolition from proposed smart city projects, this paper suggests that distant time is also a space for marginal citizens to claim temporal justice. Even as the state engages in temporal distancing through post/colonial planning, marginal citizens use waiting, confusing, and circumventing as tools of temporal arbitrage. They highlight that aspirations for smart urban futures are not just produced in the ‘here and now’ of the present, but also from the ‘there and then’ of different pasts and futures.
Terrestrial bodies
Authors: Clare Nick , Habermehl Victoria
Published: May 2024

As socio-ecological crises deepen, it is increasingly important that analyses of territory consider the other-than-human. Through a detailed engagement with a range of territorial currents, Gonin et al. do just this, introducing the idea of ‘terrestrial territories’ as a way forward, shifting the focus of analysis from the ‘Globe’ to ‘Gaia’. While we welcome the diverse engagement with non-Anglophone understandings of territory, in this commentary, we suggest that decolonial feminist work on Cuerpo-Territorio (body territory) may offer a more grounded, praxis-focused way forward. In particular, we argue that this focus on embodiment over the terrestrial is potentially better placed to address powerful feminist critiques of the Gaia hypothesis.
Quality improvement project – Reducing the inadvertent prescribing of unopposed estrogen in primary care Dr Liz Horrocks Banstead PCN
Authors: Horrocks Liz , Holloway Debra , Rymer Janice , Bruce Deborah
Published: May 2024

Objective

The aim of the project was to reduce the risk of patients using the estrogen only part of their hormone replacement therapy (HRT) inadvertently in Banstead PCN. Although understanding about the risk of unopposed estrogen is well understood by prescribers, there are numerous flash points where this exposure can occur which was highlighted by several cases encountered during a study period of 3 months.

Study design

Cases encountered revealed numerous reasons for this exposure which were split into three areas: Prescribing factors, dispensing checks and patient understanding.

Main outcome measures

Quality improvement suggestions were tailored to the factors involved. IT system changes to EMIS, our main computer software provider, were proposed to enable safer prescribing. Following discussion with key stakeholders, increased education for pharmacists was proposed alongside an alert sticker system at the dispensing end point. Patient understanding and education for all parties was delivered through various routes.

Results

The IT system alterations required are complex and still awaited. Funding was obtained and stickers distributed. The results from a re-audit from this intervention are awaited. Interim education measures at an individual level were meantime explored and the impact of them assessed. Patient education and the role of social media were explored. I produced a short video which was circulated to doctors with the plan to distribute via other clinician social media accounts.

Conclusions

A key discovery through this study is that many of the flash points identified can be difficult to detect and many are not measurable. The increasing number of HRT prescriptions, time pressures in primary care and the known risk from using unopposed estrogen of endometrial cancer means these changes are of potential great value.
Real-time personalized feedback in mHealth for adolescents
Authors: Dietvorst Evelien , Hillegers Manon HJ , Legerstee Jeroen S , Vries Lianne P De , Vreeker Annabel , Keijsers Loes
Published: May 2024

Mobile Health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to improve early identification, prevention, and treatment of mental health problems. Grow It! is a multiplayer smartphone app designed for youth aged 12–25, allowing them to monitor their emotions and engage in daily challenges based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. Recently, a personalized mood profile was added to improve the app. We investigated whether real-time personalized feedback on mood enhances app engagement, user experience, and the effects on affective and cognitive well-being.

Sample A ( N = 1269, age = 18.60 SD = 3.39, 80.6% girls, 95.4% Dutch) played the original app without feedback on their mood, and an independent Sample B ( N = 386, age = 16.04 SD = 3.21, 67.6% girls, 82.9% Dutch) received the renewed version with personalized real-time feedback on their mood.

Participants who received personal feedback did not have higher app engagement ( t(1750,400) = 1.39, P = .206, d = 0.07; t(692,905) = 0.36, P = .971, d = 0.0) nor higher user experience ( t(177,596) = 0.21, P = .831, d = 0.02; ( t(794) = 1.28, P = .202, d = 0.12; χ2 (659,141) = 2.83, P = .091). Players of the renewed version (Sample B) experienced significant improvements in affective ( t(175) = 3.01, P = .003, d = 0.23) and cognitive well-being ( t(175) = 3.48, P = <.001, d = 0.26) over the course of three weeks.

The renewed version Grow It! has the potential to enhance youths’ affective and cognitive well-being. However, adding real-time insights did not seem to affect app engagement nor user experience.
Failures and fallacies of eHealth initiatives: Are we finally able to overcome the underlying theoretical and practical orthodoxies?
Authors: Stanimirovic Dalibor
Published: May 2024

The growing and ubiquitous digitalization trends embodied in eHealth initiatives have led to the widespread adoption of digital solutions in the healthcare sector. These initiatives have been heralded as a potent transformative force aiming to improve healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes and increase the efficiency of healthcare systems. However, despite the significant potential and possibilities offered by eHealth initiatives, the article highlights the importance of critically examining their implications and cautions against the misconception that technology alone can solve complex public health concerns and healthcare challenges. It emphasizes the need to critically consider the sociocultural context, education and training, organizational and institutional aspects, regulatory frameworks, user involvement and other important factors when implementing eHealth initiatives. Disregarding these crucial elements can render eHealth initiatives inefficient or even counterproductive. In view of that, the article identifies failures and fallacies that can hinder the success of eHealth initiatives and highlights areas where they often fall short of meeting rising and unjustified expectations. To address these challenges, the article recommends a more realistic and evidence-based approach to planning and implementing eHealth initiatives. It calls for consistent research agendas, appropriate evaluation methodologies and strategic orientations within eHealth initiatives. By adopting this approach, eHealth initiatives can contribute to the achievement of societal goals and the realization of the key health priorities and development imperatives of healthcare systems on a global scale.
Shaping Brand Loyalty through Social Media Influencers: The Mediating Role of Follower Engagement and Social Attractiveness
Authors: Ahmed Suhaib , Islam Tahir , Ghaffar Abdul
Published: May 2024

This study explores the relationship between social media influencers (SMIs) and followers’ engagement, social attractiveness, and establishing brand loyalty. The study seeks to redefine current theoretical frameworks and provide practical insights for marketers by investigating the mediating role of followers’ engagement (FE) and social attractiveness (SA) and the moderating influence of parasocial interactions. The present study utilized a quantitative research methodology. The researchers employed the Smart PLS 4 structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to analyze the data. The data was obtained from the participants using the convenience sampling technique. This study’s findings reveal that the sole influence of social media influencers’ homophily on brand loyalty was insignificant; the presence of a substantial mediator, namely consumer engagement, suggests that engagement plays a role in channeling the impact of homophily on brand loyalty. Furthermore, the SA played a crucial role in mediating, emphasizing the significance of aesthetic and emotional appeal. The study revealed that parasocial relationships did not have a significant moderating effect on FE. However, they significantly modified the association between SMIs’ homophily and brand loyalty. These study findings highlight that marketers operating within the laptop industry specifically utilize engagement activities, emphasize visual harmony, and foster parasocial relationships to maximize the influence of influencers on brand loyalty.
A Bibliometric Approach to the Thesis of the Happy-Productive Worker—A Journey Through the Concepts and Measurement
Authors: Costa Natália , Ferreira Pedro , Miguel Oliveira Carlos
Published: May 2024

In an organizational context marked by a concern for well-being, decent working conditions, and the proliferation of events associated with happiness, a theory called the happy-productive worker thesis (HPW) emerged. This thesis is based on the premise that happy workers are more productive than their opposites. Therefore, managing organizations focusing on the internal customers (employees) seems a win-win situation for both parties. In this sense, this study aims to analyze the extent to which the HPW thesis has been explored theoretically and empirically, as well as the forms of measurement used to evaluate happiness and performance. This study presents a systematic literature review that defines the “happiness productive worker” as the key term to search on the Web of Science and Scopus databases. This study analyzes seven literature reviews and 38 articles. With these articles, the investigators used the VOSviewer to develop a keyword co-occurrence analysis. This methodology analyzes the strength between keywords, establishing an association between them. The results made it possible to divide the articles analyzed into three clusters: HPW and positive psychology, HPW and happiness measurement, and HPW and the association between the measurement of happiness and performance. This work concluded that of the 38 articles and seven reviews analyzed, all approved empirically and theoretically the premise that happy employees are more productive than their opposites and listed the main scales used.
Messing with the Master Narrative: The Challenges of Challenging Meritocracy in Undergraduate Education “Diversity” Coursework
Authors: Goldin Simona , Alston Chandra L. , Hammond J. W.
Published: May 2024

Higher education is working to diversify the undergraduate curriculum to support critical thinking and promote racial justice—pressing work, particularly at predominantly white colleges and universities. To support students’ critical thinking, we need to better understand their awareness of systemic inequities as they enter and exit undergraduate diversity courses. To inform the development of undergraduate curricula, we use iterative comparative analysis of students’ written work to investigate patterns in their thinking regarding issues of systemic inequalities in U.S. public schools before and after an undergraduate diversity course. We examine patterns in student language as they make sense of systemic inequities using course data that centers historic and systemic inequities in U.S schools. We find that students consider these data within their already-held narratives of meritocracy and individuality, resulting in troubled text regarding the role of race and class privilege, and the responsibility/culpability of systems versus individuals in educational attainment.
Travel Cost on Election Day and Voter-Turnout in Chile: Exploring University Students’ Willingness to Cast a Hypothetical Online Vote
Authors: Acuña-Duarte Andrés A. , Salazar César A.
Published: May 2024

An i-voting system may promote electoral participation by reducing travel cost and time to polling places, especially among youth who are more accustomed to technological changes. We study the linkage between travel costs on election day and voter turnout by comparing past electoral participation with stated voting behavior in a hypothetical i-voting system. We believe that the link between transportation costs, i-voting, and voter-turnout emerges as an interesting opportunity to disentangle the mechanism behind the expected increase in political participation after diversifying voting channels. Data were collected using an online questionnaire that was disseminated among Chilean university students. Binary and bivariate probit estimates show that conventional turnout probability among university students is negatively affected by travel costs on election day. Interestingly, whereas political interest and democracy valuation still augment the probability of voter turnout with i-voting, travel-to-polling-station costs are not statistically relevant.
The Politics of the Status Quo in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sahadevan P.
Published: May 2024

Resistance to political change is a hallmark of Sri Lankan politics since the 1980s. Thus, the polity has been able to sturdily maintain the status quo. Linking contemporary politics with the political legacies of the 1980s, the article argues that by providing continuity to the 1978 constitution, Sri Lanka’s political system has become a hostage to the status quo. This is shown in the analysis of the functioning of democracy, and ethnic conflict and peace-making. The rise of illiberal democracy is traced to the present constitution and the centralizing tendencies of the J.R. Jayewardene regime. While some successive power-crazed leaders have nurtured illiberalism, others have undertaken a limited constitutional reform. Yet, none of them have rejected illiberalism altogether and shown commitment to a liberal constitutional order. Likewise, the debate on political solution is centred on the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution. Both the government and opposition leaders have a shared interest in failing every peace initiative and denying a permanent political solution. Together they form a barrier to comprehensive political reform in the country.
The Burden of Managing Medicines for Older People With Sensory Impairment: An Ethnographic-Informed Study
Authors: Fuzesi Peter , Broadfoot Kirsten , Lennon Marilyn , Jacob Sabrina Anne , Macaden Leah , Smith Annetta , Welsh Tomas , Watson Margaret C.
Published: May 2024

Background: Older age is associated with increased prevalence of sensory impairment and use of medicines. Objectives: To explore the daily “medicine journey” of older people with sensory impairment. Methods: The study used ethnographic-informed methods (using audio-, photo- and video-recordings, diary notes and semi-structured interviews with researchers) and involved community-dwelling adults (aged > 65) in Scotland, with visual and/or hearing impairment and using >4 medicines. Data analysis used the constant comparative method. Results: Fourteen older people with sensory impairment participated and used a mean of 11.0 (SD 5.0) medicines (range 5–22). Participants reported difficulties with medicine ordering, obtaining, storage, administration and disposal. They used elaborate strategies to manage their medicines including bespoke storage systems, fixed routines, simple aids, communication, and assistive technologies. Conclusion: Older people with sensory impairment experience substantial burden, challenges and risk with medicines management. Tailored medicine regimens and assistive technologies could provide greater support to older people with sensory impairment.
Does Dietary Intake Differ in Kidney Failure Patients With Sarcopenia and Frailty Treated by Hemodialysis
Authors: Shaaker Haalah , Davenport Andrew
Published: May 2024

Background: Inadequate nutrition is common for both sarcopenia and frailty. We investigated whether hemodialysis patients with sarcopenia and frailty have reduced dietary intakes. Methods: Dietary intake, and physical activity were analyzed, along with body composition and relevant clinical data. Results: We studied 51 hemodialysis patients; 52.9% male, age 60 ± 15 years; 33.3% sarcopenic, and 72.5% frail. Dietary protein and calories were similar for sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients 0.68 (0.38–3.5) vs. 0.68 (0.18–2.9) g protein/kg/day and 19.2 (8.2–77.5) vs. 15.2 (6.2–38.5) kcal/kg/day. More sarcopenic patients had low physical activity (88.2% vs. 58.8%, X2 4.6, p = .03). Frail and non-frail patients had similar intakes 0.67 (0.28–3.5) versus 0.83 (0.18–1.6) g protein/kg/day and 15.5 (8.1–77.5) vs. 18.8 (6.2–45.4) kcal/kg/day. Sarcopenia was associated with age [Odds ratio (OR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.02, 1.18], p = .017], body mass index [OR 0.84, 95% CI [0.71, 0.99], p = .042] and lack of exercise [OR 7.62, 95% CI [1.16, 50.29], p = .035]. Frailty was associated with female gender [OR 17.79, 95% CI [2.09, 151.59], p = .008], age [OR 1.13, 95% CI [1.04, 1.22], p = .006], and dialysis vintage [OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.06, 2.26], p = .024]. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients with sarcopenia and frailty did not have lower dietary protein and calorie intake. Frailty was associated with age and sarcopenia with a sedentary lifestyle.
Social Determinants of Health Impacting the Experience of Young Adults With Cancer at a Single Community Urban Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cunningham John M , Ferraro Kelly , Durfee Joshua , Indovina Kimberly A
Published: May 2024

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients receive palliative medicine consultation at a late stage and face diagnostic delays. Failure to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and AYA-specific needs can adversely impact patient experience. This retrospective observational cohort study used data from chart review to assess the frequency of SDOH impacting AYA patients and setting of initial diagnosis at a US urban safety-net hospital. The association of SDOH variables with delays in treatment, loss of follow-up, and no-shows was tested using Chi-square and t-tests. One hundred seventy five patient charts were reviewed. Sixty-two percent were diagnosed in acute care settings. Substance use disorders, financial, employment, and insurance issues were associated with delayed treatment, with weak to moderate effect sizes. Mental health diagnoses, substance use disorder, homelessness, and financial burdens were associated with patient no-shows, with moderate to large effect sizes. Twenty-five percent of patients received palliative medicine consultation; 70% of these occurred at end of life. This study demonstrates the impact of SDOH on AYA cancer care and the need for policy allowing for intervention on SDOH.
Evaluation of a digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programme for prison residents with histories of substance misuse (“Breaking Free”): Comparison of delivery models employed in the United Kingdom and the United States
Authors: Elison-Davies Sarah , Davies Glyn , Ward Jonathan , Pittard Lauren , Judge Chris
Published: May 2024

Substance misuse is a criminogenic risk factor—however, substance-involved prison residents may have limited access to support and services that might be able to help them overcome their substance misuse. Research around the efficacy of the “Breaking Free” digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programme for substance-involved prison residents demonstrates that this digital technology may overcome barriers to support. Breaking Free is the first digital programme for substance misuse that has been implemented in prisons. In the United Kingdom (U.K.) the programme is delivered via secure desktop and laptop computers in staff-facilitated group sessions, and in the United States (U.S.) is delivered via individual secure tablets that prison residents can access independently, without staff support. This study compares U.K. and U.S. prison residents who have engaged with Breaking Free on a number of baseline measures (sociodemographic factors, types of problem substances reported, clinical complexity, and criminogenic risk factors). The delivery models employed in these two jurisdictions are compared in relation to their associations with prison residents’ engagement with the programme and the clinical outcomes experienced. Differences between U.K. and U.S. prison residents in baseline clinical and psychosocial factors were identified, including greater clinical complexity in the U.K. group. U.K. prison residents, who were supported by staff when using Breaking Free, demonstrated higher levels of engagement with the programme than U.S. prison residents who were not supported by staff. The different delivery models employed in the United Kingdom and United States appeared to be associated with group differences in clinical outcomes. Guidance for the optimal implementation of Breaking Free, based on findings from this study, is provided. Further analyses will explore how the different approaches to the delivery of Breaking Free might interact with the differences in prison resident characteristics identified in this study (sociodemographic, clinical and criminogenic), in order to influence prison resident engagement with the programme and clinical outcomes.
Fibrin Clot–Augmented Meniscal Repair
Authors: Anis Tebourbi , Rami Triki , Mouadh Nefiss , Gharbi Mohamed Amine , Ramzi Bouzidi
Published: May 2024

Background:

Failure rate of meniscal repair can reach 25%. Multiple techniques have been used to increase meniscal healing, notably biological augmentation techniques. One of them is fibrin clot–augmented meniscal repair, which will be described in this video.

Indications:

This technique is indicated mainly for the lesions with a high failure rate. This includes large, horizontal, and radial tears and even for meniscal cysts, especially in a stable knee. This technique can also be used in revision meniscal suture when failure is no longer an option.

Surgical Technique:

Fibrin clot is prepared from sterile peripheral venous blood from the patient. A plastic syringe is used to stir the blood in a sterile glass container. The fibrin clot is then formed and washed rigorously with saline solution. Rolling the fibrin clot which is fixed to the syringe allows to give the fibrillar aspect of the clot. The formed fibrin clot is now solid enough to be manipulated and can be fixed to a vicryl suture thread allowing it to enter the knee and be fixed inside the meniscal lesion. The clot is wrapped inside the meniscal lesion with inside-out or outside-in suture technique.

Results:

We used this technique for multiple types of lesions, like bucket handle meniscal tear, horizontal meniscal cleavage, parrot beak tear, and even in lesions within white-white zone. The postoperative protocol is the same as standard inside-out meniscal repair. This technique has been used in the literature with promising results.

Conclusion:

The fibrin clot–augmented meniscal repair is a demanding but promising technique. We need further follow-up to confirm its effectiveness.

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.