bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton therapy for pediatric malignancies: Indications and challenges focusing on the oncological landscape
Authors: Vennarini Sabina , Colombo Francesca , Filippi Andrea R , Orlandi Ester
Published: October 2024

Advances in therapeutic techniques and multimodal approaches have significantly improved the success rates of treatment for pediatric malignancies, with cure rates now close to 80%. This has led to an increase in long-term survival, with 0.10-0.15% of the general population being survivors of childhood cancer. In Italy, cancer registry data suggest that 75% of treated children become long-term survivors. However, these survivors face significant risks of late adverse events, including chronic diseases and severe conditions, highlighting the need for specialized follow-up care.

Radiotherapy, a cornerstone of pediatric cancer treatment, contributes to late toxicities due to the susceptibility of growing tissues. Proton therapy offers advantages in reducing treatment-related toxicity, reducing the risk of secondary cancers, and allowing dose escalation for radioresistant tumors. Comparative studies suggest that proton therapy is superior in sparing healthy tissues and reducing long-term toxicities.

Despite these benefits, challenges such as the high cost, limited proton therapy centers, and the need for clinical trials hinder the widespread adoption of proton therapy. Efforts to centralize care in high-ranking centers and ensure equitable access to proton therapy are crucial. In Italy, pediatric solid tumors are now eligible for proton therapy under national health policies, ensuring free access for all children.

Dedicated proton therapy centers must provide comprehensive care involving multidisciplinary teams and supportive environments for pediatric patients and their families. Addressing current limitations and enhancing care environments are essential for improving outcomes for pediatric oncology patients.
A Most Neoliberal Encounter: When Covid-19 Met the British Welfare State
Authors: Fourton Clémence
Published: October 2024

This article explores how the British welfare state was mobilized in the United Kingdom’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the context of neoliberal capitalism. This response was conditioned by neoliberal dynamics that had previously shaped the British welfare state, with low investment in healthcare as a case study. The crisis response itself reproduced and amplified neoliberal dynamics, such as poorly accountable contracting out in healthcare. The pandemic context allowed some of these dynamics to be made more visible to the general public, and therefore more questionable, although, as is shown with the example of the benefit system, no overhaul of the system ensued. Ultimately, the Covid-19 pandemic has not been a game changer for the British neoliberal welfare state.

JEL Classification: P1, I1
NFL Quarterback Development—The Role of Competing Quarterbacks, Rookie Playing Time, and Team Quality
Authors: Evans Brent A. , Adams Colin , Pitts Joshua D. , Lingerfelt Donavan
Published: October 2024

Using data from 1994 to 2017, we consider characteristics that affect quarterback (QB) development in the National Football League. Our analysis leads to three key findings. Firstly, we show that a young QB’s career is worsened when he plays alongside a Pro Bowl QB. Secondly, we find that QB’s career outcomes are better when they are drafted by a bad team. Finally, we investigate the role of rookie playing time and find evidence that playing as a rookie reduces career outcomes. In all three cases, the effects are largest in the latter portion of a QB’s career.
Immigrant Status, Social Support From Children, and Resilience for Older Parents’ Perceived Oral Health Among Chinese Americans
Authors: Jiang Nan , Wu Bei , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2024

Background: Improving the oral health of older immigrants is an important public health priority in the United States, but the role of children’s support has received little attention. This study investigated the relationship between support from adult children and perceived oral health among foreign-born and U.S.-born Chinese Americans. We also examined the mediating role of resilience. Methods: Data were derived from a sample of 377 Chinese American older adults aged 55 or older in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Using a path analysis with structural equation models, we conducted a comparison of self-rated oral health and oral health problems between foreign-born and U.S.-born Chinese Americans. Results: For foreign-born participants, more emotional support from children was directly associated with better perceived oral health and indirectly linked to perceived oral health via resilience. For U.S.–born Chinese Americans, financial support from children was directly related to worse perceived oral health. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for resilience pathways linking social support from children and older immigrants’ oral health, which can help health professionals and family counselors develop culturally tailored interventions.
The Ecstasy of Desire: Some Notes on Asceticism and the Church of England's Living in Love and Faith
Authors: Aakko Maikki
Published: October 2024

Recently the General Synod of the Church of England agreed to approve liturgical resources— Prayers of Love and Faith—for blessing same-sex couples. This decision was the result of a long process of discernment concerning matters of sexuality and identity called Living in Love and Faith. This article aims to critique some of the background ethical and theological assumptions at work in the Living in Love and Faith resources, specifically the way the role of asceticism is conceived in them. I argue that while there are promising references to formation of desire through discipline and restraint in the LLF resources, their ascetic intuitions remain limited to world-related goods, neglecting the significance of bodily practices for God-related goods and for our final flourishing. Paying attention to the theological dimensions of Christian ascetic practice will also reveal the importance of concrete limitations for ascetic formation of desire. I argue that such limits are required for unravelling the transcendent capacities of human desire. At the end of the article, I make some suggestions as to how the revitalisation of not just ethical but theological ascetic praxis can be helpful in navigating the Church of England's current disagreement with respect to same-sex unions.
Peripheral mononuclear cells and systemic lupus erythematosus association: Integrated study of single-cell sequencing and mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Jian Shi , Li Han
Published: October 2024

Objective

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease predominantly affecting women. Despite advances in treatment, recent developments in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and Mendelian randomization (MR) continue to facilitate the need for precision medicine.

Methods

Data obtained from the GSE135779 dataset underwent quality control, normalization, and dimensionality reduction using Seurat and MonacoImmuneData. Marker genes identified subgroups for analysis with CellChat and ClusterProfilerR. MR analysis of these genes’ eQTLs was performed to establish causal relationships with SLE using IEU Open GWAS project data.

Results

Single-cell analysis revealed distinct cellular subtypes and highlighted increased monocyte levels in patients with SLE. MR analysis revealed 12 genes, particularly interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3), causally related to SLE. Gene ontology and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analyses identified pathways significant to SLE pathogenesis. Visualization of these genes at the single-cell level revealed their role in disease progression. Cell communication differences between IFIT3-positive and -negative groups were also observed.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential of scRNA-seq and MR in identifying critical factors in SLE pathogenesis, thereby supporting the need for targeted therapies. Identifying IFIT3, among other genes, as central to SLE progression opens new avenues for precision medicine approaches in SLE management.
Safety of Peripherally Infused Sympathomimetic Vasopressors in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department
Authors: Zichichi Albert , Wallace Ryan , Daniell Jessica , Rouse Ginger , Ahearn Paul , Ammar Mahmoud
Published: October 2024

Background:

Sympathomimetic vasopressors may be administered through a peripheral catheter, but there are limited data available on the safety of peripheral use.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety of peripherally infused sympathomimetic vasopressors.

Methods:

A multicenter, retrospective observational study was conducted to evaluate patients who received peripheral vasopressors. The study’s primary outcome was to assess the incidence of extravasation during the administration of peripheral vasopressors. Secondary outcomes include avoidance of central venous catheter (CVC) placement and institution protocol deviations.

Results:

There were 198 patients included in the study, of which 142 patients received norepinephrine, 48 patients received phenylephrine, and 8 patients received epinephrine peripherally. Extravasation events occurred in 11 (5.6%) patients. Seven patients required a pharmacologic antidote and 10 patients required a warm compress. No significant differences were seen in characteristics of patients who extravasated compared with those who did not. Protocol deviations identified during the study included 24 (12.1%) patients receiving doses above the protocol maximum, 19 (9.6%) with a body mass index above the protocol maximum, and 45 (22.7%) patients receiving peripheral vasopressor over 24 hours. The majority of patients were able to avoid CVC placement (59.1%).

Conclusion and Relevance:

Peripherally infused sympathomimetic vasopressors are safe to administer up to 24 hours with a low incidence of extravasation events while avoiding CVC placement in the majority of patients.
Child Preparedness for Infertility Disclosure: A Diagnostic Tool for Supporting Parent and Child Mental Health
Authors: Hall Tabitha Y. , Thompson Sharon
Published: October 2024

Infertility, often perceived as an adult issue, can also manifest in childhood, presenting unique challenges. Improper handling of infertility disclosures can strain parent–child relationships and potentially lead to significant psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and long-term impacts on self-image. Despite the critical nature of these conversations, parents often report receiving little or no guidance from professionals on how or when to disclose this information to their child. This article introduces the Child Readiness for Infertility Disclosure (CRID) Assessment Tool, designed to empirically guide parents and marriage and family counselors in assessing a child's readiness for receiving information about infertility. The CRID tool integrates the concepts of Tiered Priming and Cognitive Preparedness strategies, providing structured recommendations grounded in Erickson's Stages of Psychosocial Development for age-appropriate and developmentally suitable disclosure along with an applied case study.
Eating Problems in Young Adults: The Role of Unbalanced Family Cohesion and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation
Authors: Illyas Hina , Mushtaq Rehana , Saleem Sadia
Published: October 2024

Strong emotional bonds with the family often result in many positive consequences for human functioning, including emotional regulation and eating patterns. The study aimed to determine the relationship between unbalanced family cohesion, emotion regulation, and eating problems in young adults. A correlation research design was used with a non-probability purposive sampling technique to recruit a sample consisting of 300 university students, 50% men and 50% women, with an age range from 18 to 25 years ( M = 21.60, SD = 1.95) from the four universities of Lahore. Demographic performa, Family Cohesion Scale (FCS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Eating Problem Scale (EPS) were used to explore the study variables. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21. Pearson product-moment correlation indicated a significant positive relationship between unbalanced family cohesion, difficulties in emotion regulation, and eating problems. It also revealed that a positive relationship was found among unbalanced family cohesion, difficulties in emotion regulation, and eating problems in young adults. Mediation analysis shows that emotion regulation fully mediates the relationship between unbalanced family cohesion and eating problems in young adults. The findings will help students and family counselors identify risk factors of eating problems and its impact on their transition into marriage life. They will contribute to a deeper understanding of unbalanced family dynamics, difficulties in emotion regulation, and eating problems.
Predictive Validity of Tools for Assessing Recidivism Risk in Men Convicted of Sex Offending: Static-99R, Static-2002R and BARR-2002R
Authors: Ducro Claire , Pham Thierry H.
Published: October 2024

Recidivism risk assessment is crucial for effective case management of men convicted of sex offending. The use of empirical actuarial risk tools has become routine in the field. However, the development of actuarial risk scales for assessing general, violent and/or sexual recidivism in these men is ongoing: The Static-99 led to the Static-99R and the Static-2002R, and the BARR-2002R emerged to assess violent recidivism risk. A study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the inter-rater and predictive validity of the Static-99R, the Static-2002R, and the BARR-2002R in a sample of 328 men convicted of sex offending released from prison in French Belgium. When the instruments were considered integrally, the two versions of the Static—the Static-99R and the Static-2002R—proved better at predicting sexual recidivism and the BARR-2002R was better at predicting violent recidivism. And, the predictive and incremental predictive validity of the factor structure identified by Brouillette-Alarie et al. (2016) was examined. Results proved consistent in that the Youthful stranger aggression and General criminality factors were better at predicting general recidivism and violent non-sexual recidivism while the Persistence/paraphilia factor was better at predicting sexual recidivism.
Planning’s ecologies: Democratic planning in the age of planetary crises
Authors: Nishat-Botero Yousaf
Published: October 2024

The idea of planning has reappeared as an object of interest for critical research on post-capitalist organizational futures. This article offers a critical review of the emerging scholarship on planning, with reference to historical and contemporary precursors to democratic planning. Building on this review, the article develops a critical political ecology of planning that situates planning thought and practice within the matrix of the oikos. This encompasses not only the sphere of production and commodity exchange, but also the household of reproductive labor and the planetary household of the natural world. In this way, it is argued that democratic planning is indispensable for generating the forms of collective intelligibility and power needed to heal the metabolic relations of society and nature. By reimagining and reframing planning, the article aims to expand “the archive” of social imaginaries, as part of broader efforts to envision and develop more desirable organizational futures.
Affiliation to the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community: A qualitative study on differences between highly affiliated and low/non-affiliated individuals
Authors: Bulumac Adriana Lavinia
Published: October 2024

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and elucidate the differences between highly affiliated and low/non-affiliated participants in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. Methods: A qualitative study of 24 participants was conducted in Romania between March and June 2021. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to obtain a comprehensive synthesis of the data collected. Findings: Highly affiliated individuals are those who identify themselves as AA members, are sober, have worked the 12 Steps, are satisfied with their lives, experience a state of well-being, accept the Higher Power, have hit the bottom, have a strong desire for abstinence, attend AA meetings on a regular basis, and are committed to both AA and their sobriety. Conclusion: Although there are common themes among both highly and low/non-affiliated individuals, the results suggest that addiction specialists should pay more attention to organisational commitment, spirituality, well-being and addiction-related concepts as it seems some of them may determine successful AA affiliation, while others may reflect on recovery outcomes. These findings could prove useful to motivate individuals who struggle with alcohol addiction and are reluctant in joining AA, since high AA affiliation is associated with a wide range of recovery benefits.
Dynamic response characteristics of variable hyperbolic circular-arc-tooth-trace cylindrical gear transmission system considering wear effect
Authors: Wei Yongqiao , Jiang Bing , Ma Dengqiu , Guo Rui , Luo Lan , Wang Yulin
Published: October 2024

To illustrate the impact of tooth surface wear on the dynamic response of the cylindrical gear transmission system with variable hyperboloid circular-arc-tooth-trace (VH-CATT), a nonlinear dynamic model of VH-CATT cylindrical gear that considers wear effect was developed in this article. Firstly, according to the analysis conducted through the finite element method, the time-varying meshing stiffness of VH-CATT cylindrical gear is calculated, and the time-varying meshing stiffness considering wear is characterized by introducing wear fault characteristics. Then, the load ratio is introduced to represent the relationship between the error amplitude and the excitation load. By using the error amplitude as the bifurcation parameter, this parameter describes how the excitation load affects the dynamic characteristics of the VH-CATT cylindrical gear. Finally, the bifurcation diagram and maximum Lyapunov exponent of the VH-CATT cylindrical gear transmission system under various wear depths are computed using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. At the same time, the response state of the VH-CATT cylindrical gear is verified by phase diagram, Poincaré mapping and time history diagram. The findings indicate that the vibration amplitude of the VH-CATT cylindrical gear system increases as the error amplitude increases. The vibration phenomenon of VH-CATT cylindrical gear transmission system with wear fault is more obvious, and the system enters the bifurcation and chaos effect state in advance. Therefore, the wear of the tooth surface will lead to the decrease of the gear meshing stiffness, which will lead to the increase of the vibration amplitude of the system, resulting in the phenomenon that the dynamic response state of the system is advanced. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for high-quality VH-CATT cylindrical gear transmission and gear nonlinear dynamics research.
Are we advancing the quality of social work research?: An assessment of quantitative research published in social work journals
Authors: Hendrix Elizabeth , Koelling Elisabeth , Barusch Amanda , Abu-Bader Soleman , Gringeri Christina
Published: October 2024

Social work has grappled with quality of its knowledge base for over a hundred years. In the tradition of critical self-examination, this study was conducted to describe the methods employed in quantitative studies published in social work journals and to assess the extent to which they conform to widely accepted standards of quality. A random sample of 120 articles published in the top thirteen social work journals from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed to identify indicators of quality and rigor. Additional data on citations per year were collected through July 2022.

Findings

Most studies were cross-sectional and descriptive in nature (62%). While the majority of articles addressed the limitations of the study, only 40% contained reference to theory and 15% described how missing data were handled. Citations per year averaged 4.82, and citations per year exhibited a small, statistically significant positive association with quality indicators and reviewer global evaluations, but not with journal impact factor. Results did underscore the role of doctoral programs in promoting quality research.

Applications

Social work education programs should continue emphasizing quality social work research methodologies, particularly given the move toward postpositivism as a profession. We note a cycle of disincentivization may be occurring, where social work researchers take their best work to higher impact factor, non-social work journals. We also suggest lack of traditional indicators of rigor may be the result of “concerted resistance” to borrowed epistemologies; we call for consensus-based measures of rigor that reflect the realities of the social work profession.
Breathable polyvinyl alcohol reinforced sodium alginate hydrogel fiber knitted fabric containing curcumin as wound dressing for real-time pH monitoring
Authors: Liu Lele , Zhu Qiling , Zhang Qianyu , Dong Zhijia , Chen Chaoyu , Zhao Gang , Ma Pibo
Published: October 2024

Due to the shortcomings of traditional medical dressings, the development of new dressings has become a hot topic. However, the mechanical properties of hydrogel fibers are relatively poor, so they are rarely spun and knitted, and tend to be in the state of sheet gels or laminated with fabrics as dressings. In this study, a novel fiber-type medical dressing with excellent biocompatibility, pH-monitoring function, drug slow-release effect, and fluid-absorbing ability was created using sodium alginate (SA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and curcumin (CUR) based on wet spinning technology and weft-knitting technique. The X-ray diffraction and the tensile tests demonstrated that PVA could enhance the crystallinity and the tensile properties of the fiber, facilitating the formation of fabrics. In addition, CUR gave the dressing the ability to monitor wound pH in real-time. Moreover, the tests indicated that the SA/PVA/CUR hydrogel fiber fabrics studied in this paper have good swelling properties, drug retardation function, air permeability, moisture permeability, and bio-tissue compatibility, thus demonstrating the potential of this SA/PVA/CUR hydrogel fiber fabrics as medical dressings.
Are High-Frequency Activities Reliable Biomarkers of the FCDII Lesion?
Authors: Padmasola Guru Prasad , Lignani Gabriele
Published: October 2024

[Box: see text]
When Considering Supplemental SEEG, Remember the Die is Cast Before the First Implantation
Authors: Punia Vineet
Published: October 2024

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The Need for Speed; Investigating Channelopathy-Associated Epilepsy Using High Throughput Electrophysiological Approaches
Authors: George Alfred L. , Kiskinis Evangelos
Published: October 2024

Pathogenic variants in genes encoding ion channels are frequently discovered in monogenic disorders associated with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders. This review covers advances in the use of automated patch clamp recording for determining the functional consequences of epilepsy-associated ion channel variants and the use of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neurons for in-depth investigations of the physiological consequences of such variants. The combination of these advanced technologies was a focus of the recently completed NINDS-funded Channelopathy-associated Epilepsy Research Center without Walls.
KCN Channels “Cue” Up GABA Release from Astrocytes
Authors: Weston Matthew C.
Published: October 2024

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Impairments in Proprioceptively-Referenced Limb and Eye Movements in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Tulimieri Duncan T. , Decarie Amelia , Singh Tarkeshwar , Semrau Jennifer A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Upper limb proprioceptive impairments are common after stroke and affect daily function. Recent work has shown that stroke survivors have difficulty using visual information to improve proprioception. It is unclear how eye movements are impacted to guide action of the arm after stroke. Here, we aimed to understand how upper limb proprioceptive impairments impact eye movements in individuals with stroke.

Methods

Control (N = 20) and stroke participants (N = 20) performed a proprioceptive matching task with upper limb and eye movements. A KINARM exoskeleton with eye tracking was used to assess limb and eye kinematics. The upper limb was passively moved by the robot and participants matched the location with either an arm or eye movement. Accuracy was measured as the difference between passive robot movement location and active limb matching (Hand-End Point Error) or active eye movement matching (Eye-End Point Error).

Results

We found that individuals with stroke had significantly larger Hand (2.1×) and Eye-End Point (1.5×) Errors compared to controls. Further, we found that proprioceptive errors of the hand and eye were highly correlated in stroke participants ( r = .67, P = .001), a relationship not observed for controls.

Conclusions

Eye movement accuracy declined as a function of proprioceptive impairment of the more-affected limb, which was used as a proprioceptive reference. The inability to use proprioceptive information of the arm to coordinate eye movements suggests that disordered proprioception impacts integration of sensory information across different modalities. These results have important implications for how vision is used to actively guide limb movement during rehabilitation.
Assessment of Surgical Competences for Neck Dissection and Total Laryngectomy on Revascularized Cadaver Models: Onco-Neck-Score and Onco-Larynx-Score
Authors: Rullière Anne , Danion Jérôme , Dufour Xavier , Oriot Denis , Faure Jean-Pierre , Favier Valentin , Carsuzaa Florent
Published: October 2024

Background

In surgical simulation, evaluation tools are necessary to allow the overall and specific level of each gesture to be assessed for learners, to allow active feedback and follow-up. The aim of this study was to create and validate a scale for the assessment of competences for neck dissection (ND) and total laryngectomy (TL) in head and neck surgical oncology simulation specific for revascularized cadavers’ models.

Methods

Two independent scales were created for ND and TL based on a two-round Delphi method. The scales were used during ND and TL simulation sessions on SimLife® (Symedis, Poitiers, France) model. Surgical steps were scored by 2 independent observers. To assess its ease of use, a questionnaire was answered by senior surgeons (SS) at the end of the sessions.

Results

Fifteen items were included in the final version for ND scale and 20 for TL scale. The results of 14 lateral ND and 8 TL were included. The mean score was higher for SS (69 ± 6.4; 87.5 ± 8.5) than for residents (36.5 ± 11; 57.5 ± 13.2) for ND ( P = 0.0006) and TL ( P = 0.028) respectively. Six SS strongly agreed that this tool had a positive impact on resident training with stepwise feedback and accurately represented their competences.

Conclusion

We developed a pedagogic tool built to assess surgical competence for head and neck surgical oncology on revascularized cadaver models. This tool has a good construct validity thanks to the expert reviewing with Delphi method and appears to have fine acceptability by the SS.
Creative health in the urban Global South: barriers and facilitators in the cases of Cochabamba and Salvador
Authors: Shaughnessy C , Santiago D , Donoso PP , Perkins R , Lisboa T
Published: October 2024

Aims:

The Global South has some of the world’s largest cities, where rapid, ad hoc development of urban centres and ‘megacities’ has fuelled major socio-economic, environmental, and public health concerns. These urban environments can generate feelings of loneliness, with multiple barriers for access and participation in socio-cultural infrastructures. An inclusive future agenda for global creative health must, therefore, consider how urbanisation impacts social public health, what creative health approaches can do to alleviate this, and what the barriers are to access. This article explores barriers and facilitators to accessing socio-cultural urban infrastructures in two case-study cities: Salvador in Brazil and Cochabamba in Bolivia.

Methods:

Data were collected as part of a survey examining access to, and engagement in, arts and cultural activities undertaken between 25 January and 1 May 2023. This article focuses on two questions: What helps you to access artistic and cultural events in your city? and What barriers do you face in accessing artistic and cultural events in your city? 239 open responses from adults, in Portuguese and Spanish, were analysed using descriptive thematic analysis.

Results:

Findings highlight how emergent issues around existing economic inequality, safety, and accessibility can limit residents’ capacity to engage in creative health activities. While preliminary in scope, this raises wider public health implications for how creative health approaches may be leveraged within urban, Global South contexts.

Conclusions:

Findings highlight how greater dialogue is needed between the urban development, public health, and creative health sectors. Given the emerging evidence of the role of creative engagement to alleviate loneliness, integrating creative health approaches within urban public health may further strengthen connections with the most vulnerable communities, and help to build healthier cities. The article ends by outlining an approach that incorporates both local and city-wide creative encounters, highlighting how future interventions could be appropriately designed that gradually scale these types of interventions from tailored local offerings to larger, city-wide activities.
Effects of pre-operative patient expectations on the outcome after total shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review
Authors: Claes Anke , Mesel Annelien De , Verborgt Olivier , Struyf Filip
Published: October 2024

Aim

To synthesize the evidence considering effects of pre-operative patient expectations on the post-operative outcomes in patients with total shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched for relevant studies. Studies before 2000 were excluded. Studies examining effects of pre-operative patient expectations on post-operative outcome in adults who had undergone total shoulder arthroplasty were included if at least one of the following treatment outcomes should have been measured: shoulder function, range of motion, shoulder pain, activities of daily living, muscle strength, patient satisfaction, or quality of life. After screening 875 studies four studies were included. Relevant data was extracted in a standardized way. Quality assessment was performed through QUIPS and EBRO methods. Both were performed by two independent reviewers.

Results

All 4 studies had a high risk of bias and level of evidence B. Moderate evidence was found regarding the absence of an association between greater pre-operative patient expectations and numerous outcome measures. All other associations yielded conflicting or preliminary evidence.

Discussion

Informing patients about what can be expected can be of great importance. Evidence lacking. To confirm or reject the findings of this systematic review, future research should focus on high-quality research with validated research protocols.
Party Cohesion, Congruence, and Foreign Powers: Latin American Views About China and the United States
Authors: Bohigues Asbel , Cui Shoujun , Morgenstern Scott
Published: October 2024

While Latin America's parties suffer from notoriously incongruent relations between legislators and voters, we use mass and legislator-level surveys to show that many parties’ voters and/or legislators coalesce around a singular view about the United States and China. The data indicate frequent congruence between the two levels, and in most of those cases, attitudes towards both countries are positive. Presuming that policies towards the superpowers are not valence issues, this suggests that attitudes towards the powers do help to structure party politics, although the rivalry between the powers is seldom salient. In explaining the correlates of intra-partisan agreement, we focus on ideology, party system structuration, and economic ties. Among the findings is that because attitudes towards the United States are more likely to polarize the left and right, China has extra potential for growing its support. A warning, however, is that legislators in several rightist parties do share a negative perspective about China.
Public opinion on types of voice systems for older adults
Authors: Qu Noah Zijie , Li Jamy , Kongmanee Jaturong , Chignell Mark
Published: October 2024

Public opinion may influence the adoption of technologies for older adults, yet studies on different contexts of technology for older adults is limited. In an online YouGov survey ( N = 500) with text-and-image vignettes, participants gave more positive ratings of social acceptability, trust, and perceived impact on eldercare when the voice assistant (“VA” system) shown in the vignette performed a functional task (medication adherence) versus when it performed a social task (companionship). The VA received more positive sentiment comments when it appeared to use a machine learning (ML)-based dialogue system compared to when it appeared to be using a rule-based dialogue system. These results may assist designers and stakeholders select what type of voice system to develop or use with older adults.
Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears in Older Adults: A Retrospective Case-Series Study
Authors: Baytoon Danyal , Schmidt Viktor , Bazan Aleksander , Wadsten Mats , Sayed-Noor Arkan
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are a common source of pain in the shoulder girdle. There is still debate about the optimal treatment for older adults with RCTs. In clinical practice, patients who do not respond well to non-surgical management may still be eligible for operative treatment. In this study, we assessed the outcome of arthroscopic repair of RCTs in patients ≥60 years old.

Material and method

A retrospective case series was conducted to include patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of RCTs from 1 January 2018 to 1 January 2021. The study included individuals aged ≥60 years who had radiologically confirmed RCTs (verified by MRI) and clinical findings including sleep-disturbing pain and reduced range of motion. Preoperative treatment included physiotherapy for at least 6 months and one subacromial corticosteroid injection.

Results

Fifty-three RCTs were treated during the study period. After exclusion because of incomplete documentation, 45 patients remained. The mean age was 66 years and 80% had isolated supraspinatus tears and 25% had variable degrees of fatty infiltration (Goutallier grade 1-3) on MRI examination with positive tangent sign. There were no surgical site infections and three symptomatic re-ruptures (6%). At follow-up, (71%) reported no remaining sleep-disturbing shoulder pain. Abduction improved from 62° to 122°. Flexion improved from 68° to 135°. This study found that people aged 60 years and older who underwent repair of RCTs showed statistically significant clinical improvement in shoulder flexion and abduction with less sleep-disturbing shoulder pain. These encouraging results may contribute to the existing literature, favoring the choice of surgical treatment for symptomatic RCTs in this age group with failed nonoperative treatment.

Conclusion

The arthroscopic repair of RCTs in patients 60 years and older yielded a substantial increase in shoulder flexion and abduction, significantly reducing sleep-disturbing shoulder pain. Postoperative complications were minimal.
The Importance of Accounting for the Dead in Migration
Authors: Bird Cate E. , Shangraw Austin
Published: October 2024

Executive Summary

This article highlights the importance of accounting for the dead in migration contexts, from international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL), and forensic perspectives. Starting by reviewing obligations under IHL and IHRL for the processes of accounting, the article discusses forensic action and the role that accounting can play to protect the dead and clarify the fate and whereabouts of the missing for their families. Considering the complexity of missing and deceased migrant cases, this problem must be approached from several complementary angles, including States codifying international legal obligations related to accounting for the dead in domestic legal or policy frameworks; developing national mechanisms to collect, centralize, and report disaggregated information on migrant deaths; addressing migrant deaths from a public health perspective; pursuing identification efforts including participating in transnational coordination mechanisms; developing strong partnerships with civil society actors; and coupling accounting initiatives with policies that promote the search for missing migrants.
Excessive Use of Force and Migrant Death and Disappearance in Southern Arizona
Authors: Reineke Robin C. , Martinez Daniel E.
Published: October 2024

Executive Summary

In this article, we present a qualitative analysis of the events surrounding death or disappearance in autopsy and missing person reports from the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner (PCOME) in Arizona to highlight how interactions between border enforcement personnel and migrants can be deadly. We reviewed PCOME records of undocumented border crosser deaths between 2000 and 2023 and observed three main types of deadly U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) practices: reckless motor vehicle pursuits, aggressive strategies used to detain individuals who are on foot, and the use of lethal force. Our findings reveal that these tactics, which we argue constitute forms of “excessive use of force,” represent significant yet overlooked factors contributing to migrant death and disappearance in southern Arizona. We make the following policy recommendations:

1. Immediate measures to prevent the loss of life

(A). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should mandate a ban on border enforcement methods that provoke fear, panic, or confusion.

(B). DHS should take measures to substantially reduce the use of high-speed motor vehicle pursuits by USBP and other immigration enforcement officials.

(C). DHS should ensure that USBP officers are compliant with Department of Justice (DOJ) standards on use of deadly force, in particular the policy that “Deadly force may not be used solely to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect.”

2. Investigate Border Fatalities Involving Border Enforcement Officers

(A). We call on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct an official review of all medical examiner and coroner records along the U.S.-Mexico border for fatality cases in which border enforcement personnel were involved in any way in the circumstances surrounding death.

(B). We encourage the formation of civilian review boards in border regions to review medical examiner and coroner records of migrant fatalities involving immigration officials as well as immigration officials’ apprehension strategies immediately preceding fatal encounters with migrants.
Variable Admittance Control of High Compatibility Exoskeleton Based on Human–Robotic Interaction Force
Authors: Cao Jian , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Chang , Li Kexiang , Zhang Jianjun , Wang Guihua , Ren Hongliang
Published: October 2024

The wearable exoskeleton system is a typical strongly coupled human–robotic system. Human–robotic is the environment for each other. The two support each other and compete with each other. Achieving high human–robotic compatibility is the most critical technology for wearable systems. Full structural compatibility can improve the intrinsic safety of the exoskeleton, and precise intention understanding and motion control can improve the comfort of the exoskeleton. This paper first designs a physiologically functional bionic lower limb exoskeleton based on the study of bone and joint functional anatomy and analyzes the drive mapping model of the dual closed-loop four-link knee joint. Secondly, an exoskeleton dual closed-loop controller composed of a position inner loop and a force outer loop is designed. The inner loop of the controller adopts the PID control algorithm, and the outer loop adopts the adaptive admittance control algorithm based on human–robot interaction force (HRI). The controller can adaptively adjust the admittance parameters according to the HRI to respond to dynamic changes in the mechanical and physical parameters of the human–robot system, thereby improving control compliance and the wearing comfort of the exoskeleton system. Finally, we built a joint simulation experiment platform based on SolidWorks/Simulink to conduct virtual prototype simulation experiments and recruited volunteers to wear rehabilitation exoskeletons to conduct related control experiments. Experimental results show that the designed physiologically functional bionic exoskeleton and adaptive admittance controller can significantly improve the accuracy of human–robotic joint motion tracking, effectively reducing human–machine interaction forces and improving the comfort and safety of the wearer. This paper proposes a dual-closed loop four-link knee joint exoskeleton and a variable admittance control method based on HRI, which provides a new method for the design and control of exoskeletons with high compatibility.
Sequence Flow: interactive web application for visualizing partial order alignments
Authors: Zdąbłasz Krzysztof , Lisiecka Anna , Dojer Norbert
Published: October 2024

Background

Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) has proven extremely useful in computational biology, especially in inferring evolutionary relationships via phylogenetic analysis and providing insight into protein structure and function. An alternative to the standard MSA model is partial order alignment (POA), in which aligned sequences are represented as paths in a graph rather than rows in a matrix. While the POA model has proven useful in several applications (e.g. sequencing reads assembly and pangenome structure exploration), we lack efficient visualization tools that could highlight its advantages.

Results

We propose Sequence Flow – a web application designed to address the above problem. Sequence Flow presents the POA as a Sankey diagram, a kind of graph visualisation typically used for graphs representing flowcharts. Sequence Flow enables interactive alignment exploration, including fragment selection, highlighting a selected group of sequences, modification of the position of graph nodes, structure simplification etc. After adjustment, the visualization can be saved as a high-quality graphic file. Thanks to the use of SanKEY.js – a JavaScript library for creating Sankey diagrams, designed specifically to visualize POAs, Sequence Flow provides satisfactory performance even with large alignments.

Conclusions

We provide Sankey diagram-based POA visualization tools for both end users (Sequence Flow) and bioinformatic software developers (SanKEY.js). Sequence Flow webservice is available at https://sequenceflow.mimuw.edu.pl/. The source code for SanKEY.js is available at https://github.com/Krzysiekzd/SanKEY.js and for Sequence Flow at https://github.com/Krzysiekzd/SequenceFlow.
Increased thyroid hormone sensitivity is correlated with visceral obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yu Lu , Liu Yujia , Wang Yingxuan , Wang Gang , Xiao Xianchao , Wang Huan , Wang Hanyu , Sun Hui , Wang Guixia
Published: October 2024

Objective

The study aimed to assess whether thyroid hormone (TH) sensitivity is related to visceral fat area (VFA) and visceral obesity in euthyroid subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

750 euthyroid patients with T2D were enrolled. A VFA of 80 cm2 or more was considered visceral obesity. Central TH sensitivity was conducted using thyrotrophic thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI), thyrotropin index (TSHI), and thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI). Free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) was utilized for assessing peripheral TH sensitivity.

Results

The subjects had a mean age of 51.5 ± 11.1 years, and 540 (72.0%) of them were men. In multivariable regression analyses, there was a positive correlation of FT3/FT4 tertile with visceral obesity, after full adjustment for confounding variables (P < 0.05). The middle and highest FT3/FT4 tertiles were correlated with a 134% [95% CI (1.24, 4.44)] and 98% [95% CI (1.04, 3.78)] higher prevalence of visceral obesity than the lowest tertile, respectively. Conversely, elevated TFQI levels were linked to a decreased prevalence of visceral obesity. Stratified analysis revealed that these associations were particularly pronounced in participants who are neither overweight nor obese and those aged less than 60 years (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Higher TH sensitivity is correlated with visceral obesity and elevated VFA in euthyroid patients with T2D, particularly among those younger than 60 years and individuals who are neither overweight nor obese.
Resource-optimized cnns for real-time rice disease detection with ARM cortex-M microprocessors
Authors: Nugroho Hermawan , Chew Jing Xan , Eswaran Sivaraman , Tay Fei Siang
Published: October 2024

This study explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), for detecting rice plant diseases using ARM Cortex-M microprocessors. Given the significant role of rice as a staple food, particularly in Malaysia where the rice self-sufficiency ratio dropped from 65.2% in 2021 to 62.6% in 2022, there is a pressing need for advanced disease detection methods to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The research utilizes two extensive datasets for model training and validation: the first dataset includes 5932 images across four rice disease classes, and the second comprises 10,407 images across ten classes. These datasets facilitate comprehensive disease detection analysis, leveraging MobileNetV2 and FD-MobileNet models optimized for the ARM Cortex-M4 microprocessor. The performance of these models is rigorously evaluated in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. MobileNetV2, for instance, demonstrates a high accuracy rate of 97.5%, significantly outperforming FD-MobileNet, especially in detecting complex disease patterns such as tungro with a 93% accuracy rate. Despite FD-MobileNet’s lower resource consumption, its accuracy is limited to 90% across varied testing conditions. Resource optimization strategies highlight that even slight adjustments, such as a 0.5% reduction in RAM usage and a 1.14% decrease in flash memory, can result in a notable 9% increase in validation accuracy. This underscores the critical balance between computational resource management and model performance, particularly in resource-constrained settings like those provided by microcontrollers. In summary, the deployment of CNNs on microcontrollers presents a viable solution for real-time, on-site plant disease detection, demonstrating potential improvements in detection accuracy and operational efficiency. This study advances the field of smart agriculture by integrating cutting-edge AI with practical agricultural needs, aiming to address the challenges of food security in vulnerable regions.