bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Hidden Blood Loss Between Multilevel Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Adult Spinal Deformity Patients
Authors: Kinoshita Hayato , Abe Eiji , Kobayashi Takashi , Hongo Michio , Kasukawa Yuji , Kikuchi Kazuma , Kudo Daisuke , Kimura Ryota , Miyakoshi Naohisa
Published: December 2023

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare transfusion and blood loss volumes, particularly hidden blood loss volume, in adult spinal deformity patients undergoing lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). Corrective surgery for adults with spinal deformity patients can be performed via the traditional posterior approach (PLIF) or minimally invasive lateral approach (LLIF). LLIF is associated with longer or comparable operation times and lower intraoperative blood loss. However, hidden blood loss has not been compared between the two procedures.

Methods

We compared hidden blood loss and other blood loss volumes, transfusion volume, operation time, and radiographic surgical outcomes between LLIF patients (n = 71) and PLIF patients (n = 33) who underwent surgery in our institution from September 2011 to June 2018. All patients provided informed consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Institutional ethics committee conducted this study approval was obtained.

Results

Transfusion volume and intraoperative and total blood loss volumes were significantly higher in the PLIF group. Operation time and HBL did not significantly differ. The hidden blood loss-to-intraoperative blood loss ratio was significantly higher in the LLIF group (113% vs 60%; P = .004). Radiographic measures of outcome were significantly better after surgery than before in both groups.

Conclusions

Although intraoperative blood loss was less with LLIF than PLIF, HBL was similar between the approaches. Patients undergoing LLIF should be followed closely for postoperative anemia even if intraoperative blood loss is low.
Evaluation of the biocompatibility of fish skin collagen with the mesenchymal stem cells in in vitro cultures
Authors: Rusinek Kinga , Słysz Anna , Dębski Tomasz , Siennicka Katarzyna , Zołocińska Aleksandra , Miszkiewicz-Jasińska Justyna , Aleksandrowicz Anna , Pojda Zygmunt
Published: December 2023

There are scarce published data suggesting, that collagen extracted from fish skin may be an attractive alternative to mammalian-derived collagen for the in vitro cell cultures. In this study, we investigated proliferation potential and differentiation capability into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages of rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rASCs) and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) cultured on collagen extracted from silver carp and African sharptooth catfish skins, compared with commercially available mammalian collagen and collagen-free culture dishes. Our results revealed no significant differences between fish collagen and mammalian collagen in supporting cell viability and proliferation capacity. Fish-derived collagen is a cheap material derived from production waste, does not contain transmissible pathogens of mammalian origin, supports human cell cultures at comparable level to conventional collagen sources, and may be considered as the product of choice for the in vitro cell cultures.
Clinical Presentation of Schnitzler’s Syndrome: A Rare Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Patel Vishal , Balasubramaniam Darshana , Cavero-Chavez Vanessa , Cuervo-Pardo Lyda , Sanchez-Alvarez Catalina
Published: December 2023

Schnitzler’s Syndrome (SS) is a rare late-onset acquired autoinflammatory disorder which consists of chronic urticaria associated with a monoclonal IgM-kappa gammopathy, arthralgias, skeletal hyperostosis, lymphadenopathy, and recurrent constitutional symptoms. The average age of diagnosis is 51 years with a slight male predominance with a male to female ratio of 1.6. Diagnosis of SS requires the presence of 2 major criteria including chronic urticaria and monoclonal IgM along with at least two of the following minor criteria: recurrent intermittent fevers, bone pain, arthralgias, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neutrophilic dermal infiltrate on skin biopsy, and leukocytosis or elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). Early diagnosis and clinical awareness are paramount in SS as it is associated with a 15-20% risk of lymphoproliferative malignancy. The median overall survival is 12.8 years. We present a case of a 39-year-old female with new onset urticaria associated with recurrent fevers and joint pain. Symptoms were refractory to steroids, and high dose antihistamines. Multi-disciplinary evaluation resulted in the ultimate diagnosis of Schnitzler’s Syndrome. The patient was ultimately treated with canakinumab (Il-1 inhibitor), with near resolution of symptoms. This case demonstrates the importance of a broad differential diagnosis and maintaining a high clinical suspicion for rare diseases when presented with a complex form of an otherwise common condition.
Assessing Social Inequalities in Older Family Caregivers’ Frailty Conditions, Comorbidity, and Cognitive Functioning: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Savela Roosa-Maria , Välimäki Tarja , Kiljunen Outi , Nykänen Irma , Koponen Sohvi , Suominen Anna Liisa , Schwab Ursula
Published: December 2023

We aimed to assess the social inequalities in older family caregivers’ frailty conditions, comorbidity, and cognitive functioning. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Study participants were recruited in 2019 in Finland. First, cognitive functioning was assessed with a Mini-Mental State Examination, comorbidity with the modified Functional Comorbidity Index, and frailty conditions were evaluated using the abbreviated Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. Study participants were also interviewed on socioeconomic factors. The social inequalities in these health outcomes were assessed using the Independent Samples t-test, Pearson Chi-square test, and Binary Logistic Regression Analysis. Family caregivers’ ( n = 125) mean age was 74, and 73% had frailty conditions. Family caregivers’ social inequalities in frailty conditions were linked to their older age and the lowest caregiving cash benefit. Family caregivers’ low educational attainment was also the main factor predicting their minor cognitive impairment. Family caregivers’ social determinants of health should be fully assessed in their health assessment, policies, and programs to ensure healthy aging for both family caregivers and care recipients in the future.
Aunties, Aunts, and Tías: The Forgotten Othermother Supporting and Housing LGBTQ Youth
Authors: Robinson Brandon Andrew , Stone Amy L. , Webb Javania Michelle
Published: December 2023

Research on youth can miss important aspects of their lives if this work focuses only on the parent-child relationship. This focus can also overlook Black feminist interventions to understanding the roles of othermothers and can miss how nonparental relatives such as aunts may provide support, housing stability, and safety for youth. On the basis of a mixed-methods longitudinal study with 83 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth in South Texas and the Inland Empire of California, the authors intervene through examining how aunts’ supportive practices shape LGBTQ youth’s experiences of housing stability and safety. The findings empirically demonstrate how LGBTQ-supportive aunting practices, such as educating other family members about LGBTQ people and housing an LGBTQ nibling, actively challenge cisheteronormativity. This study moves forward research on family processes by not focusing on parent-child relationships or LGBTQ “families of choice” to instead examining how aunts can support LGBTQ youth, disrupt cisheteronormativity, and prevent LGBTQ youth from becoming unhoused.
Predictors of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) outcomes
Authors: Koudys Julie , Perry Adrienne , Magnacca Carly , McFee Kristen
Published: December 2023

Background & aims

Although the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention to teach people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder a functional communication system, the research indicates variability in PECS outcomes across people and studies. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore child characteristics and treatment variables that may explain the variation in, and potentially predict, PECS outcomes.

Method

A total of 22 children and youth diagnosed with autism or a related developmental disorder, all of whom scored substantially below average on standardized measures of cognitive and adaptive abilities, participated in a PECS intervention.

Results

Participants who achieved high phases of PECS (≥PECS phase IIIb) differed significantly from those who mastered lower PECS phases (≤PECS phase IIIa) in terms of overall, verbal, and nonverbal mental age, matching abilities, and adaptive behavior level. Stimulus generalization was also associated with significant variation in PECS outcome. PECS outcomes could be predicted with good accuracy using a combination of these child characteristics and treatment variables.

Conclusions

The findings from the current study suggest that children with relatively higher cognitive and adaptive skill levels are more likely to achieve higher phases of PECS; further, approaches to generalization training also play a role. Factors such as autism symptom severity and parental ratings of maladaptive behavior were not associated with significant differences in PECS outcomes. However, more research is needed.

Implications

Gaining a better understanding of predictors of PECS outcomes is important to inform intervention, provide more accurate outcome expectations for families, and guide PECS teaching procedures. Although participants were more likely to achieve higher phases of PECS if they had a higher mental age, adaptive skill level, and matching skills, the average scores for these measures were well below those expected for same age peers. These results indicate that PECS is appropriate for use with children with clinically significant deficits in cognitive and/or adaptive abilities. Further, results suggest that even children who demonstrate more severe symptoms of autism and exhibit more challenging behavior can achieve higher phases of PECS.
Intersection of claim for Scheduled Tribe Status and Identity Politics among the Kurmi Mahto of Chotanagpur Region in India
Authors: Prasad Sachchidanand , Mitra Abhijit
Published: December 2023

Various forms of protest such as rail-road roko and election boycott have been displayed by the Kurmi community to show their strength and legitimacy in their claim for Scheduled tribe status. By analysing pre-independence census data by British anthropologists, their study of culture and tribal way of life, and current socio-economic and political standing, the authors have attempted to trace the location of Kurmis (Mahto) of Chotanagpur region in the indigeneity discourse and their claim for ST status.
Prospective Clinical and Computed Tomography Evaluation of Calcaneus Fractures Treated Through Sinus Tarsi Approach
Authors: Mastracci Julia C. , Dombrowsky Alexander R. , Cohen Bruce E. , Ellington J. Kent , Ford Samuel E. , Shawen Scott B. , Irwin Todd A. , Jones Carroll P.
Published: December 2023

Background:

The traditional lateral extensile approach to the calcaneus allows for excellent visualization but is associated with high wound complication rates. The sinus tarsi approach has been shown to produce similar radiographic outcomes with much lower rates of wound complications. The purpose of this study is to prospectively determine clinical and radiographic outcomes in calcaneus fractures treated with a sinus tarsi approach.

Methods:

Twenty-nine patients with 30 calcaneus fractures underwent operative fixation through a sinus tarsi approach and were prospectively evaluated. Routine pre- and postoperative radiographs were obtained, in addition to computed tomography (CT) scans at 6 weeks and 12 months after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), and Foot Functional Index (FFI) were recorded. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year postoperation.

Results:

Twenty-one patients with 22 calcaneus fractures completed 1 year of follow-up. At 12 months postoperation, 20 of 22 patients (91%) had 0 to 2 mm of fracture displacement at the posterior facet on CT scans whereas 2 of 22 patients had 2 to 4 mm of fracture displacement. There was no significant change in posterior facet fracture displacement comparing 6-week and 12-month postoperative CT scans ( P > .99). Mean postoperative Bohler angle was 26.1 degrees compared to 13.2 degrees preoperatively. All patients had complete union of fracture site. There were no major wound complications. Four of 22 patients (18.2%) had minor wound complications. AOFAS, FFI, and VAS pain scores improved postoperatively but were not found to correlate with Bohler angle or critical angle of Gissane.

Conclusion:

We found that in select patients excellent anatomic alignment and good clinical outcomes with low wound complication rates can be achieved when fixing calcaneus fractures through the sinus tarsi approach.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective cohort study.
Intraarticular Injections in the Foot and Ankle: Medication Selection Patterns and Perceived Risk Of Chondrotoxicity
Authors: Parker Emily B. , Hering Kalei A. , Chiodo Christopher P. , Smith Jeremy T. , Bluman Eric M. , Martin Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Intraarticular corticosteroid injections (ICIs) are widely used to treat foot and ankle conditions. Although laboratory studies indicate certain corticosteroids and local anesthetics used in ICIs are associated with chondrotoxic effects, and selected agents such as ropivacaine and triamcinolone may have less of these features, clinical evidence is lacking. We aimed to identify the patterns of drug selection, perceptions of injectate chondrotoxicity, and rationale for medication choice among surgeons in the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).

Methods:

An e-survey including demographics, practice patterns, and rationale was disseminated to 2011 AOFAS members. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for demographic data, anesthetic and steroid choice, rationale for injectate choice, and perception of chondrotoxicity. Bivariate analysis was used to identify practice patterns significantly associated with perceptions of injectate risk and rationale.

Results:

In total, 387 surveys were completed. Lidocaine and triamcinolone were the most common anesthetic and corticosteroid used (51.2% and 39.3%, respectively). Less than half of respondents felt corticosteroids or local anesthetics bear risk of chondrotoxicity. Respondents agreeing that corticosteroids are chondrotoxic were more likely to use triamcinolone ( P = .037). Respondents agreeing local anesthetics risk chondrotoxicity were less likely to use lidocaine ( P = .023). Respondents choosing a local anesthetic based on literature were more likely to use ropivacaine ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Corticosteroid and local anesthetic use in ICIs varied greatly. Rationale for ICI formulation was also variable, as the clinical implications are largely unknown. Those who recognized potential chondrotoxicity and who chose based on literature were more likely to choose ropivacaine and triamcinolone, as reflected in the basic science literature. Further clinical studies are needed to establish guidelines that shape foot and ankle ICI practices based on scientific evidence and reduce the variation identified by this study.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, cross-sectional survey study.
Kia India: Foray Into Electric Passenger Vehicle Market
Authors: Singh Jagandeep
Published: December 2023

Kia India, the wholly owned subsidiary of South Korea based Kia Corporation, was unquestionably a late entrant in the highly competitive Indian passenger vehicle (PV) industry. Its ingress was nonetheless well planned and its strategic initiatives were adeptly executed. A well-conceived product portfolio juxtaposed with an astute segmentation, targeting and positioning strategy enabled Kia India establish itself as an inspiring brand in a hyper competitive Indian automobile marketplace. Timely launch of trend-leading PVs formed part of Kia India’s growth story. Kia drove into the electric PV (E-PV) segment with the launch of EV6. Will the recent product launches enable Kia India add more superlatives to its name? Is there a need to revisit the product portfolio and analyse the status of different models that the company has hitherto launched in the country? How can Kia India continue its storied journey in India?
Organizing Half-Things: Knowing, Theorizing and Studying Atmospheres
Authors: Jørgensen Lydia , Beyes Timon
Published: December 2023

Prompted by the recent prominence of the notion of atmosphere in the study of organization, in this paper we take a step back to discuss and reflect the underpinnings of atmospheric theory and their implications for knowing, theorizing and studying organizational atmospheres. To do so, we sketch a genealogy of the atmospheric. Drawing upon the wider remit of atmospheric thought in social and cultural theory, we then discuss the onto-epistemological, methodological and political implications of organizational atmospherics, suggesting a vocabulary and sensibility for future atmospheric inquiries.
Simultaneously Here and There: Situating online organizing in our embodied material practices
Authors: Whyte Jennifer , Comi Alice , Mosca Luigi
Published: December 2023

Online organizing is situated in offline practices. Recent theorizing has examined how online and offline practices co-evolve over time, but given limited attention to how they co-exist in time. Yet, without being ‘here’ in an embodied material practice, we cannot experience being ‘there’ online. Understanding the co-existence of online and offline practices is important as organizing becomes actively negotiated in the moments of being simultaneously here offline and there online. In this article, we pull the field of view back from the computer screen to theorize the simultaneity of online organizing with multiple offline practices in which participants are embodied and engage materially. We articulate how, in the case of the video conference, the shared experience of presence, proximity and participation in online organizing is constituted in relation to multiple – but mostly unshared – offline practices. We argue that this interconnection with multiple offline practices can blur boundaries, divert purposes and lead to glitches and breakdowns in online organizing. We make two contributions. First, we recast online organizing as embedded in multiple, mostly unshared, offline practices. Second, we develop understanding of the co-existence of online and offline in time, and its implications for interacting and organizing online. We conclude by suggesting new directions for research on organizing across simultaneously co-existing online and offline practices.
The Iron Cage Redux: Looking Back and Forward
Authors: Powell Walter W. , DiMaggio Paul J.
Published: December 2023

This seems an opportune time to reflect on our paper, The Iron Cage Revisited, some 40 years after its original publication. In this essay, we recall the influences on us at the time, speculate on factors that shaped its subsequent reception, and assess selective strands of work that it may have influenced. By today’s standards, it was a relatively short paper, only 14 pages, yet it has had a long life and a generous audience (68,624 citations according to Google Scholar on Oct. 15, 2023). We divide the essay into four parts: (a) our experiences at Yale in the early 1980s and the influences on us; (b) thoughts on the reception of the paper shortly after it was published; (c) reactions to the attention it subsequently received; and (d) brief reflections on subsequent institutional lines of work that we have followed. We conclude with thoughts on theorizing in organization studies.
The surface characteristics of natural heulandites/clinoptilolites with different extra-framework cations
Authors: Esenli Fahri , Ekinci Şans Bala , Erdoğan Burcu , Sirkecioğlu Ahmet
Published: December 2023

Natural tuff samples in western Anatolia (Türkiye) originating from Miocene rhyolitic–pyroclastic rocks with >80 wt.% heulandite/clinoptilolite zeolites were investigated for their surface characteristics determined according to nitrogen adsorption after degassing at 150°C (specific surface area, pore volume and pore diameter). Additionally, these surface characteristics were correlated with the cationic compositions of the heulandite/clinoptilolite group minerals. The examined samples were characterized by two main pore diameters that were not related to specific surface area and pore volume but were partially related to the types and occupancy of extra-framework cations. One set of samples has a pore diameter of ~24 Å, total cation content (Na + K + Ca + Mg) ranging from 3.46 to 4.40 and a (Na + K)/(Ca + Mg) ratio ranging from 0.34 to 0.92. The total cation contents and (Na + K)/(Ca + Mg) ratios of the remaining samples with a pore diameter of ~37 Å are 4.30–5.08 and 1.48–2.85, respectively. After degassing at 300°C, there is a slight difference in the pore diameters of these two sets of samples (~37 and 38 Å). The pore sizes of the samples with a (Na + K)/(Ca + Mg) ratio < 1 (heulandite composition) increased from 24 to 36–38 Å with increasing degassing temperature, whereas the pore sizes of the samples with a (Na + K)/(Ca + Mg) ratio > 1 (clinoptilolite composition) increased from 37 to only 38–39 Å. However, there is no correlation between the Si/Al ratios and the cation-exchange capacities of the samples and their surface characteristics obtained by degassing at the two temperatures.
Long-term outcomes of pulmonary embolism in children and adolescents
Authors: Bastas Denise , Brandão Leonardo R. , Vincelli Jennifer , Wilson David , Perrem Lucy , Guerra Vitor , Wong Gina , Bentley Robert F. , Tole Soumitra , Schneiderman Jane E. , Amiri Nour , Williams Suzan , Avila M. Laura
Published: December 2023

Knowledge regarding the long-term consequences of pulmonary embolism (PE) in children is limited. This cohort study describes the long-term outcomes of PE in children who were followed-up at a single-center institution using a local protocol that included clinical evaluation, chest imaging, echocardiography, pulmonary function tests, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests at follow-up, starting 3 to 6 months after acute PE. Children objectively diagnosed with PE at age 0 to 18 years, who had ≥6 months of follow-up were included. Study outcomes consisted of PE resolution, PE recurrence, death, and functional outcomes (dyspnea, impaired pulmonary or cardiac function, impaired aerobic capacity, and post-PE syndrome). The frequency of outcomes was compared between patients with/without underlying conditions. In total, 150 patients were included; median age at PE was 16 years (25th-75th percentile, 14-17 years); 61% had underlying conditions. PE did not resolve in 29%, recurrence happened in 9%, and death in 5%. One-third of patients had at least 1 documented abnormal functional finding at follow-up (ventilatory impairments, 31%; impaired aerobic capacity, 31%; dyspnea, 26%; and abnormal diffusing capacity of the lungs to carbon monoxide, 22%). Most abnormalities were transient. When alternative explanations for the impairments were considered, the frequency of post-PE syndrome was lower, ranging between 0.7% and 8.5%. Patients with underlying conditions had significantly higher recurrence, more pulmonary function and ventilatory impairments, and poorer exercise capacity. Exercise intolerance was, in turn, most frequently because of deconditioning than to respiratory or cardiac limitation, highlighting the importance of physical activity promotion in children with PE.
CPAP resumption after a first termination and impact on all-cause mortality in France
Authors: Pépin Jean-Louis , Tamisier Renaud , Benjafield Adam V. , Rinder Pierre , Lavergne Florent , Josseran Anne , Sinel-Boucher Paul , Cistulli Peter A. , Malhotra Atul , Hornus Pierre , Bailly Sébastien
Published: December 2023

Background

Continuation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy after initial prescription has been shown to reduce all-cause mortalityversustherapy termination. However, there is a lack of data on the rates and impact of resuming CPAP in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This analysis determined the prevalence of CPAP resumption in the year after termination, characterised determinants of CPAP resumption, and examined the impact of CPAP resumption on all-cause mortality.

Methods

French national health insurance reimbursement system data for adults aged ≥18 years were used. CPAP prescription was identified by specific treatment codes. Patients who resumed CPAP after first therapy termination and continued to use CPAP for 1 year were matched with those who resumed CPAP then terminated therapy for a second time.

Results

Out of 103 091 individuals with a first CPAP termination, 26% resumed CPAP over the next 12 months, and 65% of these were still using CPAP 1 year later. Significant predictors of CPAP continuation after resumption included male sex, hypertension and CPAP prescription by a pulmonologist. In the matched population, the risk of all-cause death was 38% lower in individuals who continued using CPAP after therapy resumptionversusthose who had a second therapy discontinuation (hazard ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.48–0.79; p=0.0001).

Conclusion

These data suggest that individuals with OSA who fail initial therapy with CPAP should be offered a second trial with the device to ensure that effective therapy is not withheld from those who might benefit.
A scoping review of the globally available tools for assessing health research partnership outcomes and impacts
Authors: Mrklas Kelly J. , Boyd Jamie M. , Shergill Sumair , Merali Sera , Khan Masood , Moser Cheryl , Nowell Lorelli , Goertzen Amelia , Swain Liam , Pfadenhauer Lisa M. , Sibley Kathryn M. , Vis-Dunbar Mathew , Hill Michael D. , Raffin-Bouchal Shelley , Tonelli Marcello , Graham Ian D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Health research partnership approaches have grown in popularity over the past decade, but the systematic evaluation of their outcomes and impacts has not kept equal pace. Identifying partnership assessment tools and key partnership characteristics is needed to advance partnerships, partnership measurement, and the assessment of their outcomes and impacts through systematic study.

Objective

To locate and identify globally available tools for assessing the outcomes and impacts of health research partnerships.

Methods

We searched four electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL + , PsychINFO) with an a priori strategy from inception to June 2021, without limits. We screened studies independently and in duplicate, keeping only those involving a health research partnership and the development, use and/or assessment of tools to evaluate partnership outcomes and impacts. Reviewer disagreements were resolved by consensus. Study, tool and partnership characteristics, and emerging research questions, gaps and key recommendations were synthesized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

We screened 36 027 de-duplicated citations, reviewed 2784 papers in full text, and kept 166 studies and three companion reports. Most studies originated in North America and were published in English after 2015. Most of the 205 tools we identified were questionnaires and surveys targeting researchers, patients and public/community members. While tools were comprehensive and usable, most were designed for single use and lacked validity or reliability evidence. Challenges associated with the interchange and definition of terms (i.e., outcomes, impacts, tool type) were common and may obscure partnership measurement and comparison. Very few of the tools identified in this study overlapped with tools identified by other, similar reviews. Partnership tool development, refinement and evaluation, including tool measurement and optimization, are key areas for future tools-related research.

Conclusion

This large scoping review identified numerous, single-use tools that require further development and testing to improve their psychometric and scientific qualities. The review also confirmed that the health partnership research domain and its measurement tools are still nascent and actively evolving. Dedicated efforts and resources are required to better understand health research partnerships, partnership optimization and partnership measurement and evaluation using valid, reliable and practical tools that meet partners’ needs.
Investigating the reliability and validity of subacromial space measurements using ultrasound and MRI
Authors: Boulanger Stephen M. , Mahna Alexandra , Alenabi Talia , Gatti Anthony A. , Culig Oriana , Hynes Loriann M. , Chopp-Hurley Jaclyn N.
Published: December 2023

Background

While ultrasound (US) measures of the subacromial space (SAS) have demonstrated excellent reliability, measurements are typically captured by experts with extensive ultrasound experience. Further, the agreement between US measured SAS width and other imaging modalities has not been explored. This research evaluated the agreement between SAS measures captured by novice and expert raters and between US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study also evaluated the effect of US transducer tilt on measured SAS.

Methods

Nine men and nine women participated in this study. US images were captured by a novice and expert with the participant in both seated and supine positions. An inclinometer was fixed to the US probe to measure transducer tilt. SAS width was measured in real time from freeze framed images. MRI images were captured, and the humerus and acromion manually segmented. The SAS width was measured using a custom algorithm.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between novice and expert raters were 0.74 and 0.63 for seated and supine positions, respectively. Intra-rater agreement was high for both novice (ICC = 0.83–0.84) and expert (ICC ≥ 0.94) raters. Agreement between US and MRI was poor (ICC = 0.21–0.49) but linearly related.

Conclusions

Moderate agreement between novice and expert raters was demonstrated, while the agreement between US and MRI was poor. High intra-rater reliability within each rater suggests that US measures of the SAS may be completed by a novice with introductory training.
An investigation of a new Lyapunov-type inequality for Katugampola–Hilfer fractional BVP with nonlocal and integral boundary conditions
Authors: Thabet Sabri T. M. , Kedim Imed
Published: December 2023

In this manuscript, we focus our attention on investigating new Lyapunov-type inequalities (LTIs) for two classes of boundary value problems (BVPs) in the framework of Katugampola–Hilfer fractional derivatives, supplemented by nonlocal, integral, and mixed boundary conditions. The equivalent integral equations of the proposed Katugampola–Hilfer fractional BVPs are established in the context of Green functions. Also, the properties of these Green functions are proved. The LTIs are investigated as sufficient criteria for the existence and nonexistence of nontrivial solutions for the subjected problems. Our systems are more general than in the literature, as a consequence there are many new and known specific cases included. Finally, our results are applied for estimating eigenvalues of two given BVPs.
Slab Reinforcement Contributions to Negative Moment Strength of Reinforced Concrete T-Beam with High Strength Steel at Exterior Beam-Column Joints
Authors: Mamesh Zhamilya , Sailauova Dilnura , Zhang Dichuan , Ju Hyunjin , Lee Deuckhang , Kim Jong
Published: December 2023

Previous studies have revealed that the contribution of slab reinforcement to the T-beam flexural strength in negative moment regions are not negligible for the seismic capacity design. An effective slab width (i.e., effective width of flanged section) has been proposed, within which the slab reinforcement needs to be included in the calculation of the beam nominal flexural strength in negative moment regions. These studies mainly focused on the cases using normal-strength steel in moment resisting frames. However, recently high-strength steel has been widely used in reinforced concrete moment resisting frames in high seismic regions to avoid congestion near beam-column joints. The use of high-strength steel may affect the beam stiffness due to the fact that it will require less amount of reinforcement, and result in a different normal stress distribution compared to the case with normal-strength steel. Therefore, this paper investigates the slab reinforcement contribution to the flexural strength of the reinforced concrete T-beam designed with high-strength steel in negative moment regions at exterior beam-column joints, for which nonlinear pushover analyses were conducted. Beam reinforcement grade was considered as a primary parameter with several other design variables including slab thickness, height, and span length of the beam. Analytical results show that the use of high-strength steel can result in a wider effective slab width than the case of normal-strength steel for calculating the beam nominal flexural strength under the negative moment. Based on these results, new design equations were proposed.
Features of immunometabolic depression as predictors of antidepressant treatment outcomes: pooled analysis of four clinical trials
Authors: Vreijling Sarah R. , Chin Fatt Cherise R. , Williams Leanne M. , Schatzberg Alan F. , Usherwood Tim , Nemeroff Charles B. , Rush A. John , Uher Rudolf , Aitchison Katherine J. , Köhler-Forsberg Ole , Rietschel Marcella , Trivedi Madhukar H. , Jha Manish K. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Jansen Rick , Lamers Femke
Published: December 2023

Background

Profiling patients on a proposed ‘immunometabolic depression’ (IMD) dimension, described as a cluster of atypical depressive symptoms related to energy regulation and immunometabolic dysregulations, may optimise personalised treatment.

Aims

To test the hypothesis that baseline IMD features predict poorer treatment outcomes with antidepressants.

Method

Data on 2551 individuals with depression across the iSPOT-D (n = 967), CO-MED (n = 665), GENDEP (n = 773) and EMBARC (n = 146) clinical trials were used. Predictors included baseline severity of atypical energy-related symptoms (AES), body mass index (BMI) and C-reactive protein levels (CRP, three trials only) separately and aggregated into an IMD index. Mixed models on the primary outcome (change in depressive symptom severity) and logistic regressions on secondary outcomes (response and remission) were conducted for the individual trial data-sets and pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.

Results

Although AES severity and BMI did not predict changes in depressive symptom severity, higher baseline CRP predicted smaller reductions in depressive symptoms (n = 376, βpooled = 0.06, P = 0.049, 95% CI 0.0001–0.12, I2 = 3.61%); this was also found for an IMD index combining these features (n = 372, βpooled = 0.12, s.e. = 0.12, P = 0.031, 95% CI 0.01–0.22, I2= 23.91%), with a higher – but still small – effect size compared with CRP. Confining analyses to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor users indicated larger effects of CRP (βpooled = 0.16) and the IMD index (βpooled = 0.20). Baseline IMD features, both separately and combined, did not predict response or remission.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms of people with more IMD features improved less when treated with antidepressants. However, clinical relevance is limited owing to small effect sizes in inconsistent associations. Whether these patients would benefit more from treatments targeting immunometabolic pathways remains to be investigated.
Normal Levels of Ionized Calcium Despite Persistent Increase in Total Calcium in a Patient With IgA Paraproteinemia
Authors: Portales-Castillo Ignacio , Jalal Abdullah , Kendall Peggy L , Parks Deborah
Published: December 2023

Approximately half of the calcium in the blood circulates in the ionized, free form; which is critical for cellular function. As a result, its levels are tightly regulated by homeostatic mechanisms dependent on hormones such as PTH, vitamin D, and fibroblast growth factor-23. The other half of the total calcium is in a complex with anions, predominantly albumin. Clinically, the levels of albumin are known to influence the relationship of total calcium to free calcium. However, the relevance of changes in other serum proteins on calcium homeostasis is less appreciated. We present the case of a 70-year-old woman who was followed over 5 years with persistently elevated total calcium levels but with normal ionized calcium levels. Her evaluation was notable for IgA paraprotein, which paralleled her history of elevated total serum calcium. Extensive clinical investigations did not reveal hyperparathyroidism or cancer-mediated hypercalcemia. Additional in vitro analyses comparing the plasma containing the IgA paraprotein against a healthy control revealed that a high-molecular-weight IgA paraprotein in the patient has increased capacity to reduce the amount of free calcium in solution, thus providing a direct mechanistic explanation for the clinical findings.
Inescapable foot shock induces a PTSD-like phenotype and negatively impacts adult murine bone
Authors: Sidles Sara J. , Kelly Ryan R. , Kelly Kirsten D. , Hathaway-Schrader Jessica D. , Khoo Stephanie K. , Jones Jeffrey A. , Cray James J. , LaRue Amanda C.
Published: December 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with osteopenia, osteoporosis and increased fracture risk in the clinical population. Yet, the development of preclinical models to study PTSD-induced bone loss remains limited. In this study, we present a previously unreported model of PTSD in adult female C57BL/6 mice, by employing inescapable foot shock and social isolation, that demonstrates high face and construct validity. A subset of mice exposed to this paradigm (i.e. PTSD mice) display long–term alterations in behavioral and inflammatory indices. Using three–dimensional morphometric calculations, cyclic reference point indentation (cRPI) testing and histological analyses, we find that PTSD mice exhibit loss of trabecular bone, altered bone material quality, and aberrant changes in bone tissue architecture and cellular activity. This adult murine model of PTSD exhibits clinically relevant changes in bone physiology and provides a valuable tool for investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying PTSD-induced bone loss.
Η δημοσιονομική πολιτική των τελευταίων Παλαιολόγων (1354-1453)
Authors: Γετίμη Ζωή
Published: December 2023

Αντικείμενο της διατριβής είναι η δημοσιονομική πολιτική των τελευταίων Παλαιολόγων (1354-1453). Στην παρούσα μελέτη ερευνούμε ποια φορολογική πολιτική ακολούθησαν οι αυτοκράτορες από τα μέσα του 14ου αιώνα και εξής και εάν εξακολουθούσε να λειτουργεί ένα οργανωμένο φορολογικό σύστημα ή η επιβολή τακτικών και έκτακτων φόρων αποτελούσε απόρροια των εκάστοτε συνθηκών. Στο πρώτο μέρος της διατριβής μελετώνται οι δαπάνες του κράτους και στο δεύτερο μέρος τα έσοδα του κράτους. Στις δαπάνες του κράτους περιλαμβάνονται πρωτίστως οι στρατιωτικές δαπάνες, καθώς η μισθοδοσία των μισθοφόρων, οι απολαβές των αξιωματούχων και των στρατιωτών, ο εξοπλισμός και η οχύρωση που κρινόταν αναγκαία σε κάποιες περιοχές απορροφούσαν το μεγαλύτερο μέρος των κρατικών εσόδων. Στο μέρος αυτό μελετώνται ακόμη οι δαπάνες της εξωτερικής πολιτικής και της διπλωματίας, οι οποίες αποτελούσαν έναν σημαντικό τομέα των κρατικών δαπανών, αφού αποσκοπούσαν στην αποφυγή των πολυδάπανων πολεμικών αναμετρήσεων. Ακολουθεί η μελέτη των δαπανών που αφορούσαν στη μισθοδοσία των αυτοκρατορικών αξιωματούχων, και στη συνέχεια η μελέτη των δαπανών αποπληρωμής του δημόσιου χρέους που απέρρεε από τα δάνεια που συνήπταν οι αυτοκράτορες με δυτικές ηγεμονίες και από την υποχρέωση καταβολής αποζημιώσεων στους Δυτικούς που υφίσταντο οικονομικές απώλειες στα βυζαντινά εδάφη. Στο δεύτερο μέρος της διατριβής μελετώνται τα έσοδα του βυζαντινού κράτους που προέρχονταν κατά κύριο λόγο από τη φορολόγηση των αγροτικών και αλιευτικών δραστηριοτήτων και δευτερευόντως από τους δασμούς και τους φόρους που επιβάλλονταν στις εμπορικές δραστηριότητες. Έσοδα αποκόμιζε το βυζαντινό κράτος και από διάφορα πρόστιμα και ποινές που δεν επιβάλλονταν σε τακτά διαστήματα. Τέλος, ερευνάται η δυνατότητα των αυτοκρατόρων να προσπορίζονται οικονομικούς πόρους από τις ημιαυτόνομες επικράτειες του κράτους.
The problem of income distribution between labor and capital
Authors: Basovskaya Elena , Basovskiy Leonid
Published: December 2023

The work is devoted to an attempt to give a quantitative assessment of trends

in the distribution of income between labor and capital in modern Russia.

The work uses Rosstat data on the structure of primary income for the totality of Russian regions as a whole and data on the value of the gross regional product and the value of VIP for 2004–2022. The influence of the per capita gross regional product (GRP) on the distribution of primary income — wages of employees and the aggregate of gross profit of the economy and gross mixed income was assessed. Estimates were given based on the identification of correlations. Linear econometric models were built for the dependence of the share of wages of employees, the share of gross profit of the economy and gross mixed income in GRP on the value of per capita GRP, as well as models of trends in changes in the share of wages and the share of profit and gross mixed income in GDP. The results of the study indicate that the growth of per capita GRP contributes to a decrease in the share of wages of employees and an increase in the share of gross profit of the economy and gross mixed income. In modern Russia, over the past decade, there has been a decrease in the share of wages paid to employees and an increase in the total share of gross profit and gross mixed income. The identified trends do not correspond to the basic principles of development of the post-industrial economy and may be due to the ineffectiveness of economic policies that impede economic development and limit the rate of economic growth.
Prospects and Trends for Ecosystems Development in the RF
Authors: Shishkin Andrey
Published: December 2023

The article presents a study devoted to a relatively new direction of the formation of cooperation of various forms of ownership in order to increase joint efficiency based on a synergetic effect. The interests of the participants of business ecosystems and the possibilities of their effective interaction to achieve a common goal are considered. The analysis of the definition of the business ecosystem concept is carried out and various approaches are considered. The factors that can influence the efficiency of the business ecosystem are considered. The potential of ecosystem formation is determined based on already available forecasts in the field of their formation and functioning efficiency. The relationship between the processes of ecosystem formation and its brand is determined. The transition from the company brand to the ecosystem brand is justified.
Organization of sexual education of parents in a preschool education institution
Authors:   Luhansk Regional In-service Teacher Training Institute, Larionova Nataliia
Published: December 2023

The article, based on the analysis of scientific literature, developed and substantiated the essential characteristics of the organization of sexual education of parents in a preschool education institution: content, method and forms. The content of the study is determined by the following main problems: the role of the family in the psychosexual development of a child of parapuberty age (from birth to 5–7 years); peculiarities of the child’s sexual development in this period: markers of normal sexual development and minimization of risks of deviation from the norm. It has been proven that the optimal method is subject-subject interaction on the basis of empathy, proactivity, voluntary inclusion of parents in the education system. A system of forms has been developed (parent mail, training “School of modern parents”, bookcrossing, electronic page (website) “Friendly advice”, book trailer, video libraries, electronic mini-libraries, audio letters-booklets, “interaction room”), which provides diversification, flexibility of work, freedom of individual choice for parents.
Peculiarities of socio-pedagogical work with orphans and children deprived of parental care in a social hostel
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Kharchenko Liudmyla , Shabaeva Nataliia ,   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: December 2023

The scientific article presents the results of a meaningful analysis of the features of social and pedagogical support of orphans and children deprived of parental care in the conditions of a social dormitory. It was determined that the social hostel belongs to the general system of specialized institutions and formations of the state maintenance of youth of Ukraine, the activities of which allow to ensure the fulfillment of state tasks to overcome the consequences of family troubles – social orphanhood, violence in the family, the spread of deviant and delinquent behavior, alcohol and drug addiction dependencies A social pedagogue in a social hostel is a social work specialist who implements specific functions of social assistance, social support, accompaniment and control of young people living in a social service institution. The most effective and appropriate forms and methods of socio-pedagogical work in a social dormitory are: individual and group conversations, conversations with elements of training, role-playing games, theatrical forms of work, viewing and discussion of social films and videos, modeling and consideration of various life situations, development resolution of conflict situations that are of a personal nature, street work, street actions, street procession.
Rehabilitation of military personnel prone to addictive behavior
Authors:   ME ", Chernetska Yuliia ,   Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy",   of the Kharkiv Regional Council, Gorelov Ihor ,   ME "Kharkiv Humanitarian and Pedagogical Academy" of the Kharkiv Regional Council
Published: December 2023

The article deals with the problem of rehabilitation of servicemen prone to addictive behavior. Social rehabilitation of servicemen is defined as a complex of state, social and military measures aimed at creating and ensuring conditions for the social integration of a serviceman with a disability or any mental trauma into society and the military team, restoration of his social and military status and ability to independent social and family life – household activities. It has been established that the following are the main types of social rehabilitation of servicemen: medical (including medical), physical, military-professional, psychological. Military-professional rehabilitation involves the adoption of measures to restore professional skills, the most important functions that ensure the performance of duties as assigned. Medical rehabilitation involves the restoration of body functions after physical injuries. A psychological rehabilitation is the system of the measures, sent to renewal, correction or indemnification of the broken psychical functions, states, personality and military status of serviceman. A Military professional rehabilitation envisages the acceptance of measures from renewal in the earliest possible dates after injuring of psyche of servicemen of their professional skills, major functions that provide implementation of duties after the regular setting. Effective rehabilitation influence on a serviceman comes true by psychotherapy and programs of domestic rehabilitation.