bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Animal Companions in the Bereavement Experiences of Australian Lesbians and Gay Men
Authors: Riggs Damien W. , Patlamazoglou Lefteris , Simmonds Janette G. , Snell Tristan
Published: February 2024

All too often, humans who experience the death of a partner are directed towards other humans for support, ignoring the important role that animal companions play in the lives of many humans. For lesbians and gay men specifically – whose grief may be disenfranchised – animal companions may play a particularly important role. This paper reports on a secondary analysis of interviews with 10 Australian lesbians or gay men who had lost a partner due to non-HIV related issues. Six of the participants spoke impromptu about the importance of animal companions following the death of a partner. Thematic analysis resulted in the development of three themes: (1) animals provide comfort and company, (2) animals serve as a reminder of partners, and (3) animals give people a reason to go on. The paper concludes by considering the importance of speaking about animals in the context of research and practice related to human bereavement.
Effective numerical simulations of synchronous generator system
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Zhu Aiqing , Ji Feng , Lin Chang , Tang Yifa
Published: February 2024

Synchronous generator system is a complicated dynamic system for energy transmission, which plays an important role in modern industrial production. In this article, we propose some predictor-corrector methods and structure-preserving methods for a generator system based on the first benchmark model of subsynchronous resonance, among which the structure-preserving methods preserve a Dirac structure associated with the so-called port-Hamiltonian descriptor systems. To illustrate this, the simplified generator system in the form of index-1 differential-algebraic equations has been derived. Our analyses provide the global error estimates for a special class of structure-preserving methods called Gauss methods, which guarantee their superior performance over the PSCAD/EMTDC and the predictor-corrector methods in terms of computational stability. Numerical simulations are implemented to verify the effectiveness and advantages of our methods.
The English Workday Lunch: The Organisation, Understandings and Meaning of the Meal
Authors: Whillans Jennifer
Published: February 2024

The English workday lunch receives heavy criticism. Given this, why do people eat the way that they do? Using in-depth interview data, findings represent an ‘instruction manual’ to the meal detailing (1) variation in the organisation of the workday lunch and standards for competent performance; (2) shared understandings of the meal; and (3) the guiding principle or meaning of the practice. The workday lunch takes much of its meaning from the practice of work. In conclusion, the workday lunch does not simply reflect weakening rules for a ‘proper’ meal, but contradictory orders sustaining the practices of eating and working.
Psychometric evaluation of the bottom-up developed Experiencing Grace Scale
Authors: Schellekens Tine , Dillen Annemie , Toussaint Loren , Dewitte Laura , Dezutter Jessie
Published: February 2024

The experience of grace is currently attracting increased empirical interest. Validated instruments to assess aspects of the experience of grace in a secularized context are scarce which limits current psychological research on grace in other than highly religious populations. We present a bottom-up construction of the Experiencing Grace Scale (EGS) and evidence supporting its reliability and validity. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit for the four subscales: Appraising Grace, Giving Grace, Receiving Grace, and Divine Grace. Reliability analysis showed overall good internal consistency and test–retest stability. Convergent validity was demonstrated by means of expected associations between subscales of the EGS and other relevant measures. Predictive validity was confirmed by associations between subscales of the EGS at measurement Wave 1 with mental well-being scales at Wave 2. The EGS contributes to further research on the experience of grace and its relationship to other psychosocial variables in the field of positive psychology.
The Significance of Potential Volunteering in Late Adulthood: A Janus-Faced Perspective
Authors: Micheel Frank
Published: February 2024

This article examines the efficacy of volunteering potential regarding actual volunteering at a later point in time. Volunteering potential consists of two components: past volunteering and the intention to do so in the future. Using two-wave panel data from the German Transitions and Old Age Potential (TOP) study with 1,196 respondents born between 1942 and 1958, binary logistic regression estimates reveal significant adjusted average marginal effects of both potential components on actual volunteering at a later stage (intention: +8.4 percentage points, past volunteering: +6.3 percentage points). Considering both components as an interaction term, analyses provide mixed results. By taking greater account of the potential volunteers, scholars and policy-makers will have better insights into how to assess recruitment potential among older adults.
Femoral vein stenting versus endovenectomy as adjuncts to iliofemoral venous stenting in extensive chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction
Authors: Alhewy Mohammed Alsagheer , Abdelhafez Abdelaziz Ahmed , Metwally Mohammed Hamza , Ghazala Ehab Abd elmoneim , Khedr Alhussein M , Khamis Ahmed Atef , Gado Hassan , Abd-Elgawad Wael Abdo Abdo , El Sayed Abdullah , Abdelmohsen Abdelhalim A
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To compare femoral endovenectomy with the creation of an arteriovenous fistula (FE + AVF), versus iliofemoral endovenous stenting with the concurrent extended femoral vein (FV-S) stenting in patients with chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction (IFVO).

Materials and Methods

In a randomized prospective single-center study, 48 received (FV-S), while the other 54 had (FE + AVF).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the primary outcomes between the two groups (FV-S) and (FE + AVF) (59% vs 56.8%, 75% vs 79.1%, respectively). At a median of 13 months after the treatment. However, the FV-S group’s patients experienced fewer postoperative problems ( p = .012), shorter procedures ( p = .001), and shorter stays in the hospital ( p = .025).

Conclusion

There is no difference between the efficacy and symptomatic resolution of the FV-S group and the FE + AVF group at the same time, FV-S has lower postoperative complications and a shorter procedure duration and hospital stay.
Sporadic cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive decline in healthy older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jansma Alexander , de Bresser Jeroen , Schoones Jan W , van Heemst Diana , Akintola Abimbola A
Published: February 2024

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on prospective studies that provided risk estimates for the impact of 3 different MRI markers of small vessel disease (SVD), namely white matter hyperintensities (WMH), cerebral microbleeds (CMB) and lacunes, on cognitive decline in relatively healthy older adults without cognitive deficits at baseline. A total of 23 prospective studies comprising 11,486 participants were included for analysis. Extracted data was pooled, reviewed and meta-analysed separately for global cognition, executive function, memory and attention. The pooled effect size for the association between cerebral SVD and cognitive decline was for global cognition −0.10 [−0.14; −0.05], for executive functioning −0.18 [−0.24; − 0.11], for memory −0.12 [−0.17; −0.07], and for attention −0.17 [−0.23; −0.11]. Results for the association of individual MRI markers of cerebral SVD were statistically significant for WMH and global cognition −0.15 [−0.24; −0.06], WMH and executive function −0.23 [−0.33; −0.13], WMH and memory −0.19 [−0.29; −0.09], WMH and attention −0.24 [−0.39; −0.08], CMB and executive function −0.07 [−0.13; −0.02], CMB and memory −0.11 [−0.21; −0.02] and CMB and attention −0.13 [−0.25; −0.02]. In conclusion, presence of MRI markers of cerebral SVD were found to predict an increased risk of cognitive decline in relatively healthy older adults. While WMH were found to significantly affect all cognitive domains, CMB influenced decline in executive functioning over time as well as (in some studies) decline in memory and attention.
Dysmaturation of sleep state and electroencephalographic activity after hypoxia-ischaemia in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Lear Christopher A , Lear Benjamin A , Davidson Joanne O , King Victoria J , Maeda Yoshiki , McDouall Alice , Dhillon Simerdeep K , Gunn Alistair J , Bennet Laura
Published: February 2024

Antenatal hypoxia-ischaemia (HI) in preterm fetal sheep can trigger delayed evolution of severe, cystic white matter injury (WMI), in a similar timecourse to WMI in preterm infants. We therefore examined how severe hypoxia-ischaemia affects recovery of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. Chronically instrumented preterm fetal sheep (0.7 gestation) received 25 min of complete umbilical cord occlusion (UCO, n = 9) or sham occlusion (controls, n = 9), and recovered for 21 days. HI was associated with a shift to lower frequency EEG activity for the first 5 days with persisting loss of EEG power in the delta and theta bands, and initial loss of power in the alpha and beta bands in the first 14 days of recovery. In the final 3 days of recovery, there was a marked rhythmic shift towards higher frequency EEG activity after UCO. The UCO group spent less time in high-voltage sleep, and in the early evening (7:02 pm ± 47 min) abruptly stopped cycling between sleep states, with a shift to a high frequency state for 2 h 48 min ± 40 min, with tonic electromyographic activity. These findings demonstrate persisting EEG and sleep state dysmaturation after severe hypoxia-ischaemia. Loss of fetal or neonatal sleep state cycling in the early evening may be a useful biomarker for evolving cystic WMI.
Justice for whom? A dynamic interpretation of Isaiah 51.1–8
Authors: Zimran Yisca
Published: February 2024

This article offers an analysis of Isaiah 51.1–3, 4–6, 7–8. These units contain multiple similarities that emphasize the fundamental tension between the units, primarily regarding the nature of divine tidings and the identity of their beneficiaries. The first part of the article demonstrates the unique content and design of each unit through a literary analysis; however, since the reading process constantly reveals new content, the underlying tension is further intensified in the second part of the article, which leads to the conclusion that the units are deliberately ambiguous and multivalent. The multifaceted content facilitates an understanding of the units, and Deutero-Isaiah as a whole. The article demonstrates that the dynamic literary-rhetorical design and its interpretive consequences reflect the existence of various groups (which serve as the ‘rhetorical situation’ of these units), the prospective connections between these groups, and their potential for social, geographical, and ethnic mobility.
Stillness and salvation: Reading Psalm 46 in its context
Authors: O’Kelly Matthew A.
Published: February 2024

A society is significantly shaped by the myths it perpetuates. These myths serve as lenses for how its people see and make sense of the world around them. Myths, particularly origin myths like Enuma Elish, offer a perspective on the world that legitimates the way a society structures itself and responds to crisis, as opposing forces threaten to undermine its conception of order. This essay proposes to read Psalm 46 against the backdrop of Israel’s own origin myths which undergird and shape their own conceptions of order and in Psalm 46 are called to mind to bolster hope in the midst of crisis. This is argued on the basis of numerous literary parallels with the so-called ‘Song of the Sea’ in Exodus and the creation accounts in Genesis. In addition, parallels with First Isaiah suggest the likelihood of Sennacherib’s siege of Jerusalem as the crisis to which the psalmist responds.
Quantifying sensory thresholds along the migraine cycle: An exploratory longitudinal study
Authors: Ikumi Nara , Marti-Marca Angela , Torre-Suñe Anna de la , Cerda-Company Xim , Vilà-Balló Adrià , Gallardo Victor J , Caronna Edoardo , Alpuente Alicia , Pozo-Rosich Patricia
Published: February 2024

Background

To date, a number of studies on migraine have cross-sectionally evaluated sensory sensitivity with aversion thresholds/scores along the migraine cycle, reporting a decreased tolerance to sensory stimuli in different sensory modalities. Our hypothesis was that patients with migraine would exhibit heightened sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell on days where they reported greater headache intensity.

Methods

This is an exploratory, longitudinal study, carried out over the course of 27 days. Aversion thresholds or scores to sound, light, touch and smell were quantified in six patients with migraine (11.33 ± 6.53 headache days/month).

Results

Patients reported an increased sensitivity to light ( padj = 0.0297), touch ( padj = 0.0077), and smell (padj = 0.0201) on days with higher headache intensity. However, a greater sensitivity to sound on days with higher headache intensity was only reported when anxiety levels were high ( padj = 1.4e−06). Interestingly, variable levels of tolerance to bothersome light over time can also influence the correlation between light sensitivity and headache intensity ( padj = 1.4e−06).

Conclusions

Based on the present findings, future longitudinal studies evaluating sensory threshold changes along the migraine cycle in patients with migraine should account for the increased tolerance to bothersome light over time as well as the effect of anxiety on auditory sensitivity.
“A Major Issue”: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on How Home Care Leaders Perceive and Promote Aides' Mental Health and Well-Being
Authors: Tsui Emma K. , LaMonica Marita , Boerner Kathrin , Baron Sherry
Published: February 2024

Home care aides play a critical role in the care of older adults, but they do this under difficult working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated aides’ stress and worsened their mental health, raising the question of how agencies can better support aides. We explore how home care industry leaders in New York perceived and addressed home care aides’ mental health and well-being prior to and during the pandemic through in-depth interviews conducted in 2019 ( n = 8 agencies) and 2022 ( n = 14 agencies). We found that these topics became more central in leaders’ thinking, reflected in a range of new internally and externally funded agency actions, albeit limited by ongoing financial constraints. Maintaining a skilled and reliable aide workforce is critical to societal health but will remain challenging without continued investment in aide support of the kind described in the Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being.
Pearls and Pitfalls of Imaging Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Feister Katharina , Konstantinoff Katerina , Hamade Mahdi , Mellnick Vincent
Published: February 2024

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common condition encountered by radiologists in the evaluation of patients with abdominal pain, and is an important diagnosis to be comfortable with given substantial associated morbidity and mortality. In this review, we summarize an imaging approach to evaluating patients with suspected SBO, discuss the role of certain imaging modalities such as radiography and small bowel follow through, CT, and MRI, as well as review some common and also less common causes of SBO such as internal hernia. We will also discuss tailoring the imaging approach to address specific clinical questions and special patient populations such as imaging the pregnant patient with suspected SBO, and the inflammatory bowel disease patient.
The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle: The Extent of Overhead Ratios’ Manipulation, Distrust, and Ramifications
Authors: Kim Mirae , Charbonneau Étienne , Sowa Jessica
Published: February 2024

While little evidence supports the notion that financially responsible nonprofits must maintain low overhead ratios, the persistent preference for reduced overhead costs endures. Our study explores (a) the extent of underreporting behaviors, (b) the level of trust (or distrust) that nonprofit leaders have in overhead ratio reports, and (c) the motivations perceived by managers that drive nonprofits to adjust their overhead ratios and the resulting consequences. Experiment results from the “item sum double-list technique” (ISDLT) reveal that nonprofit managers may artificially lower their overhead ratios by approximately 10 percentage points, a range spanning from 7 to 16 percentage points. This adjustment aims to enhance their competitiveness in the funding market. Our vignette-based experiment uncovers significant trust issues related to reported low overhead ratios, potentially indicating accounting manipulation within the field. Complemented by open-ended survey responses from nonprofit managers, our research offers valuable insights into this domain.
Dynamic vibration absorber for the mitigation of potential wheel polygonization at trams
Authors: Zehetbauer Florian , Edelmann Johannes , Steindl Alois , Plöchl Manfred
Published: February 2024

Polygonal wheels are a widespread problem in the railway industry. Oscillation phenomena appearing at the wheelset may provide an environment where the wheel polygonization is promoted essentially. The flexibility of the wheelset was highlighted as an important influence on these phenomena in curves with a small radius of curvature at trams in recent studies. A dynamic vibration absorber applied on the wheelset may reduce oscillations at the wheelset significantly and is studied as a potential mitigation measure of wheel polygonization. A basic system model, representing a wheelset with non-driven independently rotating wheels, is used to investigate the mechanism and performance of this passive remedy. Influences of different parameter combinations of the absorber are discussed systematically. The efficiency of the dynamic vibration absorber is analysed further with a more detailed multibody system model of a two-axle tram bogie. Results reveal that an adequately tuned absorber might significantly reduce the possible development and further evolution of predominant polygonal orders. Additionally, basic guidelines for the design of the dynamic vibration absorber applied at the wheelset are pointed out.
Analysis of tire frictional energy loss based on longitudinal slip test
Authors: Chen Lu-Wen , Sun Peng-Fei , Zhou Shui-Ting , Li Yue , Qian Chao , Sun Xin
Published: February 2024

Longitudinal slip tests of the 215/55 R17 tire were carried out using a six-component tire bench test instrument. By comparing with Abaqus simulation data, the longitudinal forces and slip ratios of the tire with a constant tire pressure under different speeds and vertical loads were analyzed. A tire finite element model was established, and the energy loss of the tire under the action of ground friction was examined using the model. It was predicted that the heat loss of the tire was mainly caused partially by the sliding of the tire against the ground and partially by rolling friction. The friction force of the tire is concentrated at the shoulder position. The results showed that the longitudinal force increased with the increase in the vertical load at the same slip ratio, but the velocity had little effect on the longitudinal force. In the braking slip stage, the heat loss due to friction was greater than that in the driving slip stage. The energy loss due to friction increased with the increase in the velocity and vertical load. In the whole sliding process, the energy release due to frictional work was the largest at 80 km/h and 6396 N.
Extrusion and characterization of eggshell-based composite filaments for sustainable development in additive manufacturing
Authors: Ravikumar Kishore , Pathinettampadian Gurusamy , Subramaniyan Mohan Kumar
Published: February 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an extending manufacturing method which has many advantages such as minimalistic material wastage, less fabrication time and so on, over other manufacturing technologies such as subtractive, moulding, casting, etc. Strength enhancement of additively fabricated structures is an active area of study and much research was evolved in terms of developing innovative feedstock for AM. Polymers and their composites gain great attention in the research community. Even though many composites available commercially were observed with enhanced properties, most of them are not sustainable and recyclable in nature. Eggshell is a naturally available calcium carbonate, which gets wasted in a huge amount. Such eggshells were synthesized and transformed into nanosized for inclusion of filler in polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. PLA is a bio-degradable polymer with numerous applications and is one of the popular feedstocks for fused deposition modelling. This study explains the proper procedure to extrude commercial-grade eggshell-based composite filaments and qualities of such composites would be elaborately discussed with the help of single fibre tensile test, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Totally five filaments such as PLA, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt % of eggshell in composites were extruded by following proper sonication and suitable filament extrusion process. 15 wt % composite seems to be the best among all filaments and possesses better characteristics than all other filaments.
Critical analysis of the energy and exergy performance of an air heater duct with perforated 60-degree V-down baffles affixed to the heated surface
Authors: Pandey Rajeev
Published: February 2024

The indirect-mode solar dryer, with a solar air heater as a vital component, is commonly preferred for enhancing agricultural product quality. Energy and exergy analyses for an air heating system assess thermal gain and irreversibility in energy conversion. According to the literature, the easiest way to enhance the SAH’s energy and exergy performance is by incorporating flow-modifying elements or turbulators in the air passage. And the effective-energy assessment accounts for the increased airflow pumping power demands. This work aims to experimentally compare the energy and exergy performance of a smooth air heater duct with one integrated with perforated V-shaped baffles while critically examining the factors leading to the efficiency variations. The racetrack-shaped perforated V-baffles with 60-degree air attack angles are installed on the heated surface with V-down and staggered hole arrays, covering a turbulent flow Reynolds number (Re) range of 5400–13,100 during experimentation. The investigation involves varying the pitch-to-duct depth ratio (p/H) of baffles (with values of 1, 2 and 3) and considering two different hole-aspect ratio (w/d) values of 5.04 and 2.68, with the same open area ratio. The results reveal that baffles with w/d of 2.68 at p/H of 3, causing enhanced airflow turbulence and momentum diffusivity, provide the highest effective-energy ([Formula: see text]) and exergy ([Formula: see text]) efficiencies values of 88.7% and 12.44%, respectively, at Re of 11,816 and 8765. Based on the operating and geometrical parameters used in the experiments, the correlations of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] developed demonstrate good accuracy. The values for mean absolute error, root mean squared error and R 2 (coefficient of determination) in the correlations, developed using the statistical computing R software, are 0.012427, 0.014837 and 0.9913 for [Formula: see text] and 0.004332, 0.005047 and 0.9557 for [Formula: see text], respectively.
Predictive and experimental analysis of forces in die-less forming using artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Shrivastava Virendra Kumar , Kumar Parveen , Kumar Ashwini , Gulati Vishal
Published: February 2024

The use of a novel technology for producing the components of lightweight materials and to reduce the requirements of power utilized during manufacturing processes can be a great aspect to decrease pollution and save resources. Single point incremental forming (SPIF) is the viable and novel approach for manufacturing the parts of high strength and lightweight materials without involving dedicated tools and dies economically. This die-less forming technique outperforms the conventional forming techniques by saving the energy and materials. In this work, the estimation and investigation of forming forces have been accomplished to ensure the secure uses for the SPIF machines for performing this process for the designed conditions on AA2024 sheets which is a lightweight aluminum alloy being widely used in aerospace and automotive sectors. To predict the peak deforming load, machine learning (ML) techniques are employed in the current work along with the artificial neural network (ANN) by taking experimental results as the input dataset. The proposed ML model revealed better accuracy (99%) than previous work performed using similar approaches. The proposed ANN model produced lower mean absolute percentage error 4.35 as compared to other models. Authors also calculated the computing time taken during estimation of forming force. Combination of the Flatend-R1 tool and the 1.6 mm blank thickness increased the deforming loads drastically and can become the limiting factor for forming machine which should be avoided whereas the combination of hemispherical tool and lower blank thickness (0.5 mm) reduced the deforming loads that are needed to manufacture the conical frustum. It was also noticed that as the tool shape was changed from hemispherical-end to Flatend-R1, the axial peak forces were increased by 13.16%, 16.59%, 20.43%, and 22.78% for the levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the blank thickness, respectively.
Adaptive multi-dimensional Taylor network tracking control of time-varying delay nonlinear systems subject to input saturation
Authors: Zhai Lian-Lian , Zhu Shan-Liang , Han Yu-Qun
Published: February 2024

For the tracking control problem of a class of nonlinear systems with input saturation constraint and time-varying delay, an adaptive tracking control scheme based on multi-dimensional Taylor network (MTN) is designed, and the proposed control scheme has the advantages of simple structure and small computation. A Gaussian error function is introduced to transform the input saturation into a linear model with bounded error. The Lyapunov-Krasovskii function is constructed, and the nonlinearity of the system is approximated using MTN, and an adaptive control strategy is constructed based on the backstepping method. The results show that the proposed control method can both ensure that all signals in the closed-loop system are bounded and achieve convergence of the tracking error to a small neighborhood near the origin. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of the method.
Prescribed time group output consensus for multiagent system via an observer-based approach
Authors: Chen Xin , Dai Lingfei , Guo Liuxiao
Published: February 2024

This paper deals with the problem of prescribed-time group output consensus for multi-agent systems via an observer-based approach. Distributed observers are designed to estimate the output information when the agents’ states are not easy to measure or unavailable. The multi-agent systems can achieve group output consensus within a user-preset time, which is independent of the system parameters and initial states. By using algebraic graph theory, Lyapunov stability and matrix theory, sufficient conditions with designed parameters are given to realise prescribed time group output consensus. Finally, a numerical example is conducted to verify the results.
Life expectancy and death pattern associated with systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis in Brazil between 2000 and 2019
Authors: Reis-Neto Edgard Torres dos , Monticielo Odirlei Andre , Daher Milena , Lopes Flávia , Angrimani Daniel , Klumb Evandro Mendes
Published: February 2024

Objectives

to evaluate the main factors associated with mortality and determine the life expectancy of SLE patients between 2000 and 2019 years in Brazil.

Methods

death data related to SLE available in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) (DATASUS) were evaluated in all Brazilian states. Three groups of death causes potentially associated from SLE were evaluated: cardiovascular and kidney diseases and infections.

Results

The main causes of death associated with SLE were infection and kidney disease. Most SLE patients died between 19 and 50 years of age. Deaths associated with kidney disease were proportionally higher than in the general population with progressive decrease during the period. Instead, there have been an increase in the proportion of deaths due to infections both in SLE and in the general population.

Conclusions

SLE patients presented higher mortality compared to the general population matched for sex and age and the main causes associated with death were infection and kidney disease. Public health policies that promote early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of damage are necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality in SLE patients.
Feminist retroviruses to white Sharia: Gender “science fan fiction” on 4Chan
Authors: Iturriaga Nicole , Panofsky Aaron , Dasgupta Kushan
Published: February 2024

This article demonstrates—based on an interpretive discourse analysis of three types of memes (Rabid Feminists, Women’s Bodies, Policy Ideas) and secondary thread discourse on 4chan’s “Politically Incorrect” discussion board—two key findings: (1) the existence of a gendered hate based scientific discourse, “science fan fiction,” in online spaces and (2) how gender “science fan fiction” is an outcome of the male supremacist cosmology, by producing and justifying resentment against white women as being both inherently untrustworthy (politically, sexually, intellectually) and dangerous. This perspective—which combines hatred and distrust of women with white nationalist anxieties about demographic shifts, racial integrity, and sexuality—then motivates misogynist policy ideas including total domination of women or their removal. 4chan users employ this discourse to “scientifically” substantiate claims of white male supremacy, the fundamental untrustworthiness of white women, and to argue white women’s inherent threat to white male supremacist goals.
Two Chinese Patients of Auriculocondylar Syndrome 2: A Novel PLCB4 Splicing Variant and 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Lin Yunting , Zhang Ye , Ma Jian , Liu Shu , Liu Yongxi , Yang Chaoxiang , Zeng Chunhua , Luo Xianqiong
Published: February 2024

Objective

Auriculocondylar syndrome (ARCND) is a set of rare craniofacial malformations characterized by variable micrognathia, ear malformations, and mandibular condyle hypoplasia, and other accompanying features with phenotypic complexity. ARCND2 caused by pathogenic variants in the PLCB4 gene is a very rare disease with less than 50 patients reported and only 36 different variants of the PLCB4 gene recorded in HGMD. This study aims to enrich the patient resources, clinical data and mutational spectrum of ARCND2.

Design

Case series study.

Setting

Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center and Guangdong Women and Children Hospital.

Patients

Two Chinese patients with ARCND2.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical, radiological and molecular findings.

Results

Both the two patients presented with craniofacial and ear malformations, and feeding difficulties. Whole exome sequencing identified two different variants of the PLCB4 gene in these two patients with a heterozygous allele and a de novo mode of inheritance respectively. Patient 1 carried a known pathogenic c.1861C > T(p.Arg621Cys) missense variant, whereas Patient 2 had a novel c.225 + 1G > A splicing variant. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of PLCB4 variants in the proband and absence in the unaffected parents. These two PLCB4 variants were suggested as disease-causing candidates for these two patients. During a 5-year follow-up, Patient 2 gradually manifested crowded teeth, underweight, motor delay and intellectual disability.

Conclusions

In this study, we report two Chinese patients with ARCND2, describe their clinical and mutational features, and share a 5-year follow-up of one patient. Our study adds two additional patients to ARCND2, reveals a novel PLCB4 variant, and expands the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum.
Cleft Laterality Dental Arch Relationship Outcomes for Children with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate in New Zealand
Authors: Fowler Peter V. , Keall H. , Kennedy D. , Healey D. , Thompson J.M.D.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To investigate cleft laterality dental arch relationship outcomes of children with non-syndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) in New Zealand.

Design

A retrospective nationwide study.

Settings

Virtual 3D orthodontic study models collected prior to undertaking secondary alveolar bone grafting.

Participants

A total of 104 patients with UCLP (L = 80: R = 24).

Outcome measures

Four calibrated assessors used the GOSLON Yardstick and 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to score the randomised models on 2 separate assessment sessions. Weighted Kappa were used to determine the intra/inter-rater reliability for the GOSLON and correlations for the VAS.

Results

Intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.57-0.88 (GOSLON) and 0.45-0.93 (VAS). Inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.62-0.86 (GOSLON) and 0.64-0.93 (VAS). GOSLON scores for the left UCLP were 31.2% for good/very good; 26.3% for fair; 42.5% for poor/very poor while the right UCLP scored 8.3% for good/very good; 37.5% for fair; 54.2% for poor/very poor. The mean VAS for left and right UCLP were 53.4 (sd 22.5) and 44.6 (sd 17.1) respectively. Neither the GOSLON nor VAS differences reached statistical significance (both P = .08).

Conclusions

From a clinical perspective right UCLP had worse dental arch relationship outcomes, however, these differences failed to reach statistical significance. Further studies using larger sample sizes are required to determine if cleft laterality is an important consideration when investigating UCLP dental arch outcomes.
A Case Series of Three Patients with Cleidocranial Dysplasia: Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic Considerations
Authors: Berber Uğur , Gül Şıraz Ülkü , Yakubi Mustafa , Gök Ebru , Kara Leyla , Kiraz Aslihan , Dündar Munis , Hatipoglu Nihal
Published: February 2024

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare genetic condition that affects the bones and teeth. In our study, we presented three cases of CCD, including one with a new mutation and two with a family history. Case 1 had a unique heterozygous frameshift mutation (NM_001015051,c.762del, p.(Ser256Valfs*2)), while Case 2 and her brother (Case 3) had a common pathogenic missense mutation (NM_001015051,c.674G, p.Arg225Gln), which was also found in their father. The mutation in Case 1 was not reported before. Interestingly, the symptoms in Case 1, with the new mutation, were less severe than the other cases and the previous reports.
Minimally Invasive Surgery vs Nonoperative Treatment for Displaced Intraarticular Calcaneal Fracture: A Prospective Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study With 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Ahluwalia Raju , Lewis Thomas Lorchan , Musbahi Omar , Reichert Ines
Published: February 2024

Background:

Optimal management of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures remains controversial. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of minimally invasive surgery vs nonoperative treatment in displaced intraarticular calcaneal fracture up to 2 years.

Methods:

All displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures between August 2014 and January 2019 that presented to a level 1 trauma center were considered for inclusion. The decision to treat was made by a multidisciplinary team consisting of fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. Operative treatment protocol involved sinus tarsi approach or percutaneous reduction and internal fixation. Nonoperative protocol involved symptomatic management with no attempt at closed reduction. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and EuroQol–5 Dimensions–5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) patient-reported outcome measures were used to assess foot and ankle and general health related quality of life outcomes, respectively, at 2-year follow-up. Radiographic assessment was performed based on preinjury and 12-week postinjury radiographs.

Results:

A total of 101 patients were included for analysis between August 2014 and January 2019. We propensity score matched 46 patients in the surgical cohort to 46 patients in the nonsurgical cohort. At 24 months, there was no significant difference in the MOXFQ Index score ( P > .05); however, the surgical cohort had a significantly higher EQ-5D-5L Index score ( P < .05) and return to work (91% vs 72%, P < .05) and physical activity rate (46 vs 35%, P < .05) despite a higher proportion of more complex fractures in the surgical cohort. The wound complication rate following surgery was 16%. In addition, 14% of patients in the nonoperative cohort subsequently underwent arthrodesis compared with none of the patients in the surgical cohort.

Conclusion:

In this study, we found that operative treatments were associated with low rates of surgical complication at 2 years and long-term pain improvement, facilitating earlier and better functional outcomes for complex injury patterns compared with nonoperative treatment for less severe fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort.
Examining Muslims’ Opinions Toward Cultured Meat in Singapore: The Influence of Presumed Media Influence and Halal Consciousness
Authors: Ho Shirley S. , Wijaya Stanley Arvan , Ou Mengxue
Published: February 2024

This study examines how halal consciousness acts as a precursor to the influence of presumed media influence model to explain Muslims’ views (i.e., attitudes and behavioral intentions) toward cultured meat. A survey of 658 Muslim Singaporeans found that halal consciousness positively correlated with Muslims’ attention to media messages on the benefits of cultured meat, which subsequently shaped their presumed attention to these messages by family members, friends, and social media influencers. Presumed attention from family members and social media influencers was positively associated with Muslims’ attitudes toward cultured meat and subsequently their consumption intentions. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Toward New Understandings: An Overview of Field Development Through Critical Poetic Inquiry Research Methods
Authors: Hockett Jericho , Walter Muffy
Published: February 2024

This literature review demonstrates that conducting and writing critical poetic inquiry research helps develop research representation, writing, and communication toward new understandings of phenomena—especially in research areas examining issues related to identity. Toward these ends, we first briefly describe philosophies and theories underlying poetic inquiry, beginning with a contrast between traditional research philosophies and those originating critical poetic inquiry. Then, we elaborate six specific benefits of critical poetic inquiry (i.e., representation, accessibility, nuance, pattern recognition, high-level thinking, and healing) with examples from across several research fields. Finally, we imagine additional possible benefits of poetic inquiry for further exploration in future research, making recommendations for specific topics and development of critical poetic inquiry processes, theory, and ethics.
GDF11 level and its effect on prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Aslan Nevin Alayvaz , Avcı Esin , Şenol Hande , Güler Nil
Published: February 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the proliferation of CD34 positive self-renewing malignant hematopoietic stem cells. Previous studies have shown that the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway plays a role in AML pathogenesis, especially by affecting the microenvironment. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a member of the TGFβ superfamily, involved in embryological development and known as rejuvenating factor. In this study, our aim was to determine the serum GDF11 level in patients with AML, to compare it with the control group, to determine its relationship with follistatin, vimentin, and E-cadherin levels, and to determine whether GDF11 influences AML prognosis. Serum GDF11, vimentin, follistatin, and E-cadherin levels of newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory AML patients and age- and gender-matched control group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum GDF11 level was higher in the patient group (263.87 ± 126.54 ng/L) compared to the control group (211.54 ± 61.47 ng/L; p = 0.035). GDF11 level did not change according to age, gender, hemoglobin level, and bone marrow blast rate. No correlation was found between GDF11 level, response rates, and survival status of the patients. A positive correlation was detected between GDF11, E-cadherin, and vimentin levels. As a conclusion, increased serum GDF11 levels in AML patients may be linked to the regeneration ability of leukemic stem cells. There is a need for studies investigating GDF11 expression in myeloblasts.
Comparison of osteolysis around 3 different cement restrictors in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Prins Wybren , Cornelissen Maarten P , Goudriaan W Alexander , Edens Mireille A , Amaya Jeremy , Zollinger Paul E , Verheyen Cees C P M , Ettema Harmen B
Published: February 2024

Background and aim:

Several studies reported osteolysis around polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephthalate (PEG/PBT) based femoral cement restrictors. Our goal was to evaluate and compare osteolysis around 3 different plug designs: the slow biodegradable PEG/PBT cement restrictor; the fast biodegradable gelatin cement restrictor; and the non-biodegradable polyethylene plug.

Patients and methods:

In a retrospective multicentre cohort study chart data were extracted of patients who received a total hip arthroplasty between 2008 and 2012. A total of 961 hips were included. Cortical ratio between inner and outer cortices at the centre of the plug was measured on routine postoperative follow-up moments. Median follow up of all 3 hospitals was 3.5 years (1.4–7.3). The primary outcome was evidence of osteolysis (i.e. the difference in cortical ratio [CR]) on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs at final follow-up.

Results:

Progressive osteolysis was found around the PEG/PBT cement restrictor represented by a significantly increasing cortical ratio (ΔCR 0.067 (95% CI, 0.063–0.071). Distance from tip prosthesis to plug and size of the plug were found to be independent factors in predicting increased cortical ratio.

Conclusions:

Our multicentre cohort shows increase of cortical ratio around the PEG/PBT cement restrictor which progresses over time. Physicians should be aware of this fact and are advised to intensify follow-up of patients who received this cement restrictor.
Evaluating the Role of Methylated Circulating Tumor DNA in Combination With Pathological Prognostic Factors for Predicting Recurrence of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Al Naji Hiba , Winter Jean M , Pedersen Susanne K , Roy Amitesh , Byrne Susan E , Young Graeme P , Symonds Erin L
Published: February 2024

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high rate of recurrence, in particular for advanced disease, but prognosis based on staging and pathology at surgery can have limited efficacy. The presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at diagnosis could be used to improve the prediction for disease recurrence.

Objectives:

To assess the impact of detecting methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 ctDNA at diagnosis in combination with demographic, lifestyle, clinical factors and tumor pathology, to assess predictive value for recurrence.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

The cohort included 180 patients (36 with recurrent CRC), who had undergone complete treatment and surveillance for a minimum of 3 years. Participant clinical details and ctDNA methylated BCAT1/ IKZF1 results were compared between those with and without recurrence, and cox regression analysis assessed each factor on disease-free survival.

Results:

Clinical factors independently associated with reduced disease-free survival included nodal involvement (HR = 3.83, 95% CI 1.56-9.43, P = .003), M1 stage (HR = 4.41, 95% CI 1.18-16.45, P = .027), a resection margin less than 2 mm (HR = 4.60, 95% CI 1.19-17.76, P = .027), perineural involvement (HR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.01-6.17, P = .047) and distal tumors (HR = 3.13, 95% CI 1.07-9.18, P = .037). Methylated BCAT1/ IKZF1 was detected in 51.7% (93/180) of pre-treatment plasma samples. When a positive ctDNA finding was considered in combination with these clinical prognostic factors, there was improved predictive power of recurrence for patients with perineural involvement (HR = 4.44, 95% CI 1.92-10.26, P < .001), and it marginally improved the predictive factor for M1 stage (HR = 7.59, 95% CI 2.30-25.07, P = .001) and distal tumors (HR = 5.04, 95% CI 1.88-13.49, P = .001).

Conclusions:

Nodal invasion, metastatic disease, distal tumor site, low resection margins and perineural invasion were associated with disease recurrence. Pre-treatment methylated ctDNA measurement can improve the predictive value for recurrence in a subset of patients, particularly those with perineural involvement.

Registration:

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry #12611000318987.
Managing stigma together: Relationality in the wound clinic
Authors: Galazka Anna Milena , Al-Amoudi Ismael
Published: February 2024

Our paper contributes to studies of stigma and dirty work by asking ‘how can workers and clients of dirty work manage stigma together?’ With the purpose of appreciating the worker/client relational dynamics in an organisation characterised by stigma, we conducted an ethnography in a wound healing clinic where clinicians do the dirty work of caring for patients with socially stigmatising wounds. To guide and subsequently interpret our ethnographic observations, we developed an original theoretical framework informed both by realist social theory and by extant studies of how people cope with dirty work through techniques of refocusing, reformulating and recalibrating stigma. Our findings point at three types of patient-clinician relationships: of familiality, scripted compliance and obstruction. For each type of relationship, we trace the conditions of possibility (theorised as a relational configuration) and the plausible effects (theorised as relational goods and evils) on patients’ and clinicians’ capacity to cope with stigma together. Overall, we find that the types of relations threaded by workers and clients over time can be a powerful resource (or obstacle) for managing stigma together. Our paper points to future avenues for research on the materiality of social relations and on the significance of the broader sociological context in which specific relationships are threaded between relational subjects.