bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4138014: Incidence and Association of Amyloidosis Found at Carpal Tunnel Release to Development of Cardiac Involvement
Authors: Santer Matthew , Berzingi Seher , Amin Shahrier , Patel Brijesh , Felpel Kevin , Caccamo Marco , Sokos George , Bianco Christopher
Published: November 2024

Background:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) associated with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) may manifest 5 to 10 years prior to cardiac diagnosis. Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) identification in the tenosynovium isolated during carpal tunnel release (CTR) may facilitate earlier ATTR-CA diagnosis and treatment.

Hypothesis:
Amyloid discovered at CTR will be associated with, and/or serve as a precursor for, cardiac involvement.

Aim:
We aimed to determine the frequency and type of amyloid found at CTR as well as the incidence of cardiac involvement and/or treatment indication.

Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of adults undergoing CTR from 01/05/2021 to 03/24/2023. Biopsy specimens with confirmed amyloid via Congo red staining were analyzed using mass spectrometry (MS) for subtyping. Patients with amyloid in tenosynovial tissue were offered cardiac evaluation with history and physical, electrocardiogram, B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin-I HS, echocardiogram, and TcPYP nuclear scintigraphy. Patients with light-chain amyloidosis (AL) were referred to oncology, while patients with ATTR were offered genetic testing.

Results:
A total of 578 patients underwent CTR with tenosynovial sample excision. Amyloid involvement by Congo red staining was found in 43 patients (7.4%), with a definitive subtype confirmed by MS in 30 patients (5.2%). Samples were insufficient to define subtypes in 13 patients. Sole ATTR was found in 27 patients (4.7%), both AL and ATTR were found in 1 patient, and sole AL was found in 2 patients. Of the 28 ATTR patients (the patient with both ATTR and AL included), 24 pursued genetic testing, revealing all had wild-type ATTR. Of these 28 patients, 21 underwent cardiac evaluation, for which 2 had cardiac involvement on TcPYP and started tafamidis therapy. The patients with concomitant ATTR and AL or sole AL did not have evidence of cardiac involvement, however, chemotherapy was initiated as indicated. Unfortunately, 1 patient with AL on CTR did not pursue an evaluation.

Conclusion:
Incidental amyloid tissue found at CTR is common and associated with occult involvement warranting therapy in a minority of cases. Future cardiac involvement is unknown, and this cohort will be followed to determine future incidence. A startling number of patients were found to have occult systemic AL discovered at CTR. These incidental diagnoses may trigger lifesaving interventions, which may otherwise go undiagnosed.
Abstract 4138030: Eustachian Valve Endocarditis Successfully Extracted Using the Angio-Vac Aspiration System
Authors: Schimmer Hannah , Howe William , Landau Jessica , Medamana John , Yarusi Brett , Kiefer Nicholas , Bernard Samuel , Alviar Carlos , Bangalore Sripal
Published: November 2024

Introduction:
Eustachian valve endocarditis is a rare right-sided endocarditis that is often poorly visualized on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Here is a case of eustachian valve endocarditis first identified on TTE. It was refractory to intravenous antibiotic therapy and was successfully treated using the AngioVac aspiration system for percutaneous debulking.

Case:
A 36-year-old female with a past medical history of depression, intravenous heroin use, and substance-induced mood disorder presented with altered mental status and respiratory distress. She was found to have methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia, a gluteal abscess, multiple septic pulmonary emboli, and a left-sided empyema. She was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics that were narrowed to cefazolin. Her gluteal abscess was drained, and a left-sided chest tube was placed with pleural cultures growing MSSA. TTE demonstrated a mass on the eustachian valve. Subsequent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) demonstrated two echogenic masses adherent to the eustachian valve, one measuring 17 by 9 millimeters and one measuring 15 by 8 millimeters, consistent with eustachian valve endocarditis. Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, she continued to have intermittent fevers with persistently positive blood cultures. The patient underwent TEE-guided extraction of the eustachian valve vegetation using the AngioVac aspiration system. TEE at the end of the case demonstrated complete removal of her eustachian valve masses. Blood cultures cleared post-procedure, and she was eventually discharged to acute rehabilitation.

Conclusion:
In cases of eustachian valve endocarditis refractory to appropriate antibiotic therapy, the AngioVac aspiration system offers an option for percutaneous extraction of eustachian valve vegetations.
Neurophysiological and Autonomic Dynamics of Threat Processing during Sustained Social Fear Generalization
Authors: Pouliot Jourdan J. , Ward Richard T. , Traiser Caitlin M. , Chiasson Payton , Gilbert Faith E. , Keil Andreas
Published: November 2024

Survival in dynamic environments requires that organisms learn to predict danger from situational cues. One key facet of threat prediction is generalization from a predictive cue to similar cues, ensuring that a cue-outcome contingency is applied beyond the original learning environment. Generalization has been observed in laboratory studies of aversive conditioning: Behavioral and physiological processes generalize responses from a stimulus paired with threat (the conditioned stimulus [CS+]) to unpaired stimuli, with response magnitudes varying with CS+ similarity. In contrast, work focusing on sensory responses in visual cortex has found a sharpening pattern, in which responses to stimuli closely resembling the CS+ are maximally suppressed, potentially reflecting lateral inhibitory interactions with the CS+ representation. Originally demonstrated with simple visual cues, changes in visuocortical tuning have also been observed in threat generalization learning across facial identities. It is unclear to what extent these visuocortical changes represent transient or sustained effects and if generalization learning requires prior conditioning to the CS+. The present study addressed these questions using EEG and pupillometry in an aversive generalization paradigm involving hundreds of trials using a gradient of facial identities. Visuocortical steady-state visual evoked potential sharpening occurred after dozens of trials of generalization learning without prior differential conditioning, but diminished as learning continued. By contrast, generalization of alpha power suppression, pupil dilation, and self-reported valence and arousal was seen throughout the experiment. Findings are consistent with threat processing models emphasizing the role of changing visucocortical and attentional dynamics when forming, curating, and shaping fear memories as observers continue learning about stimulus-outcome contingencies.
Linguistic Insights from a Bilingual Letter: The Malati Dialect of Zoroastrian Dari in Yazd
Authors: Gholami Saloumeh , Pouladi Mehraban
Published: November 2024

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of a rare written example of Zoroastrian Dari (Behdini), a traditionally spoken language, featured in a bilingual letter composed in the Perso-Arabic script. The linguistic evidence indicates that the dialect of this letter is the Malati dialect of Zoroastrian Dari, primarily spoken in the Priests’ quarter of Yazd. The article provides a detailed examination of the phonological, morphological, and syntactic features. Furthermore, it explores the challenges of using the Perso-Arabic script to capture the phonetic nuances of Zoroastrian Dari and analyses the adaptations made by the writer to overcome these obstacles. Through a combined historical and linguistic approach, the article offers valuable insights into the language contact and script practices in Zoroastrian communities. This research contributes to the broader understanding of endangered languages and the complexities of multilingualism in written texts.
Association between iron and vitamin intake and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents of both sexes
Authors: Pires L.V.M. , Pena A.M.F. , Silva L.V. , Souza M.V. , Silva G.L.O. , Pinto K.M.C. , Coelho D.B. , Oliveira E.C. , Bearzoti E. , Silva F.G.D. , Becker L.K.
Published: November 2024

Cardiovascular parameters and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents may be influenced by eating habits. The aim was to evaluate the association between the levels of some nutrients and micronutrients with blood pressure and VO2max in adolescents. A total of 60 adolescents (15.77 ± 0.96 years old) participated in the study, of whom 35 were girls and 25 were boys. Eating habits were assessed frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Before and after a cardiorespiratory fitness test (YOYO TEST), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were collected. A backward elimination method of multiple regression was performed to analyse the data. A positive association was found between VO2max and the intake of iron (), vitamin D (), vitamin B6 () and vitamin B12 () for girls. Additionally, no significant associations were found between sugar, fibre and fat intake and VO2max. There was a positive association between SBP and sugar intake () for girls and negative association between DBP after exertion and fibre intake () and body mass index () for boys. There is a positive association between the intake of iron, vitamins and VO2max in girls and intake of sugar with SBP for girls and negative association between fibres and DBP after exertion for boys.
Prescribing submaximal training based on the lactate threshold improved aerobic fitness in dogs with preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Restan A.Z. , Adams F.K. , Tristão A.P.P.A. , Loureiro B.A. , Sgarbiero T. , Ramos G.V. , Sousa M.G. , Camacho A.A. , Ferraz G.C.
Published: November 2024

Exercise intolerance may be a primary symptom of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and a significant factor in reducing the quality of a dog’s life. Aerobic training effectively improves oxygen uptake and life expectancy in human patients with chronic heart failure. Lactate threshold (LT) is used to prescribe training programs. We conducted a study with dogs diagnosed with asymptomatic MMVD (stage B1), using the velocity corresponding to the visual lactate threshold (VLTv) and an eight-week submaximal training program (STP), three times a week, with each session lasting 30 min, to improve their aerobic fitness. The dogs were assigned into two groups: a healthy control group and a MMVD group (stage B1). The treadmill-based graded exercise test (GXT) was used to determine the lactate-velocity curve (LVC) inflexion point. We utilised the velocity corresponding to 70% VLTv as the external load STP, representing a training zone between 145 and 157 bpm. Before the STP, VLTv and maximum velocity (Vmax) were lower in B1 dogs compared with the healthy group. The VLTv increased in the B1 dogs, resulting in rightward shifts of the LVC. The VLT values for healthy dogs were 3.62 ± 0.90 m/s and 4.75 ± 0.6 m/s; for B1 dogs were 3.03 ± 0.6 m/s and 3.8 ± 0.75 m/s in the pre-STP and post-STP. The Vmax values were 4.50 ± 0.70 m/s and 4.75 ± 1.04 m/s for healthy dogs, and 4.0 ± 0.53 m/s and 4.66 ± 0.74 m/s for B1 dogs. In both groups, changes in the relationship between lactatemia and exercise work may indicate improvements in aerobic and anaerobic capacities. VLTv, as an external training loading, should be considered when prescribing tailored training programs for dogs with asymptomatic myxomatous mitral valve disease to improve their muscular and cardiovascular function and exercise tolerance.
Freedom of Association in Peru
Authors: Orbegoso Silva Miluska
Published: November 2024

This research develops the analysis concerning the right or freedom of association in Peru. Its recognition in the Peruvian Constitutions from a historical analysis up to the current case-law from the Peruvian Constitutional Court. We will focus particularly on the analysis of the constitutionally protected content of the freedom and on some cases that have been of special interest in Peruvian legal debates. Freedom of association is recognized as a fundamental right in Peru, and its content and elements have been studied in depth by the Constitutional Court and by academic opinion. The analysis of this freedom in the Peruvian constitutional law has a long history, and its historical study allows us to understand its actual content.
Japonisme, New Japonisme, and Pop Japonisme in Italian Fashion
Authors: Dimitrio Laura
Published: November 2024

This article examines the profound impact exerted by Japanese fashion and culture on the evolution of Italian fashion. In Italy, the assimilation of Japanese clothing and aesthetics occurred particularly during three periods: 1870s–1920s (the era of Japonisme), 1970s–1990s (New Japonisme), and the early decades of the twenty-first century (Pop Japonisme). Throughout these periods, the kimono was a significant source of inspiration for Italian designers, who progressively reinterpreted this garment with increasing creativity. With the onset of New Japonisme, the influence of avant-garde Japanese fashion also became pronounced in Italian fashion, further evolving during Pop Japonisme to include inspiration from the kawaii style. In exploring the distinctive features of Japonisme in Italian fashion, this article offers a comparison with other forms of Japonisme in Europe, particularly in France.
Kimono in the Age of Japonisme: From Japanese Merchandising Strategies to Signs of British Women’s Liberty
Authors: Sapin Julia
Published: November 2024

In the early twentieth century, one could find kimono-like garments of various kinds in Britain: kimono made originally for Japanese consumers, contemporary robes made in Japan expressly for export, and kimono-inspired clothing made domestically. The present essay probes the merchandising of these new products in Britain, examining both British consumer tendencies and Japanese marketing practices, through analysis of Japanese trade statistics and reports on the international expositions of the day. Ultimately, this paper argues that kimono played a role, both literally and figuratively, in staging increased social justice for British women in the twentieth century, offering at least occasional relief from the debilitating fashions of the period, all of which required a corset, and providing a metaphor for a less restrictive social environment. While other scholars have hinted at such associations, this paper provides evidence, through analysis of contemporaneous journalism and advertising, that the women who wore these garments explicitly made such connections. More than an artistic stimulus of japonisme, the kimono and the fashions it subsequently inspired became symbols of the women’s suffrage movement in early twentieth-century Britain.
Two new species of genus Karschia Walter, 1889 (Solifugae, Karschiidae) from northwest China
Authors: FAN WENLONG , ZHANG CHAO , ZHANG FENG
Published: November 2024

Two new species of the solifugae genus Karschia Walter, 1889, are described from northwest China. A detailed morphological description, diagnostic features, and illustrations of Karschia (Karschia) latuis sp. nov. and Karschia (Karschia) wenquan sp. nov. are provided. The current distribution of all the known Karschia Walter, 1889 species from China is mapped.
A horntail wasp from the Upper Miocene of France closely related to an extant Eastern Palaearctic species (Hymenoptera: Siricidae)
Authors: BODERAU MATHIEU , ENGEL MICHAEL S. , JOUAULT CORENTIN , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: November 2024

The new siricid wasp Xeris muratensis sp. nov. is described from the Upper Miocene (ca. 5.60 ± 0.3 Ma) Konservat-Laggerstätte of Sainte-Reine (Cantal, France). Its wing venation characters closely resemble those of the extant Eastern Palaearctic siricid species Xeris malaisei Maa. The new species has a completely black body, vs. presence of yellow spots on head and thorax in X. malaisei. The entomofauna in this lacustrine maar consists of a mixture of extinct species or taxa lacking modern relatives that disappeared during the Pliocene-Pleistocene, and taxa with no discernible difference from their potential extant relatives.
Canada and the United Nations at a Political Turning Point
Authors: Dunton Caroline
Published: November 2024

In response to Kerry Buck and Michael W. Manulak's recommendations for the future of the UN, this essay highlights two problems that Canada faces in its current UN engagement. First, diplomacy and Global Affairs Canada are underfunded. Second, Canadian leadership has failed to adequately meet the political challenges of twenty-first century multilateralism. Focusing on the second, I argue that Canada must address key political difficulties to make a meaningful difference in the future of the UN. Without a politically sound vision and policy, increased Canadian investment in the UN is insufficient. I propose three areas where Canada can shift its engagement and recommend further actions. These include: (1) Canada-US relations; (2) the UN Charter and international law; and (3) Canada's relationship with the Global South.
Understanding the Relationship Between Trait Mindfulness and Perceived Stress: The Serial Multiple Mediating Roles of Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Psychological Flexibility
Authors: Li Pengyuan , Zhou Yanyun , Fang Yuan , Chen Zhiyan
Published: November 2024

Although research suggests that trait mindfulness has been negatively associated with perceived stress, an integrative examination of the underlying mechanisms is lacking. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to establish an integrative model within Monitor and Acceptance Theory (MAT). This model examined the relationship between trait mindfulness and perceived stress by assessing two important psychological resources: basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS) and psychological flexibility. A total of 679 young adults (Mage = 19.27 years, SD = 1.06) participated in this research. They completed a set of standardized instruments that assessed trait mindfulness, BPNS, psychological flexibility, and perceived stress. Serial multiple mediation analyses showed that trait mindfulness was associated with higher levels of BPNS and psychological flexibility, which in turn were associated with less perceived stress. Furthermore, the path coefficient of the serial multiple mediation was higher than other pathways. These findings demonstrate that BPNS and psychological flexibility are important mechanisms that underlie the relationship between trait mindfulness and perceived stress, particularly when they are synergistic.
What is Most and Least Enjoyable in the EFL Classroom? A Large-scale Inductive Qualitative Study
Authors: Tsang Art , Lee Koko For Kwong
Published: November 2024

The growing emphasis on learner well-being and the flourishing of positive psychology in foreign language (FL) education have caused a recent upsurge of research into enjoyment in FL learning. However, most existing studies are quantitative in nature and many focus on tertiary-level/adult learners. Featuring an inductive qualitative design, the current study investigated what 486 grade 7 English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners perceived to be most and least enjoyable in class in the context of Hong Kong. In total, 1031 aspect responses together with 1086 reasons were collated. The responses were categorized into 36 groups, leading to the emergence of five themes (from most to least popular): activities, classroom characteristics, teachers, students, and materials. The most commonly mentioned areas of highest enjoyment were use of multimedia and speaking-related activities, while those of least enjoyment were class exercises and assessments. Teacher-centred instruction was a popular category in both aspects of enjoyment. Activities accounted for close to 90% of the responses, in both the most and least enjoyable categories. This is noteworthy as activities are not very clearly represented in many existing FL classroom enjoyment scales, hence suggesting a need to reconceptualize what enjoyment in the FL classroom means for learners from their perspectives.
Perceived Age Discrimination has Different Effects on Japanese People's Wellbeing Based on Age Groups
Authors: Sugisawa Hidehiro , Harada Ken , Sugihara Yoko , Yanagisawa Shizuko , Shinmei Masaya , Kitajima Hiromi
Published: November 2024

This study elucidates the direct and indirect effects of perceived age discrimination on depressive symptoms and life satisfaction among young, middle-aged, and older adults—through the mediator variables of psychosocial resources and aging stereotypes. Data were collected through a web-based survey conducted in Japan. The total sample size was 2400: 400 men and women in each of the age groups 20 to 39, 40 to 59, and 60 to 79. Our findings indicate that perceived age discrimination is linked depressive symptoms, even among young adults, who report more age discrimination than older adults. Its effect on life satisfaction, however, is stronger among older adults. Across age groups, most of its effect on life satisfaction was explained by both psychosocial resources and aging stereotypes. By contrast, its effect on depressive symptoms did not differ significantly by age group, and was partly explained by the mediators. These differing results may be attributable to selection bias in the web survey.
Closed-loop control strategy design for Caputo–Fabrizio definition-based fractional-order Boost converters considering parametric uncertainties
Authors: Yu Donghui , Liao Xiaozhong , Wang Yong , Xia Jinhui
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a dual closed-loop adaptive PI control system based on parameter identification for Caputo–Fabrizio (C-F) definition-based fractional-order boost converters. First, a C-F definition-based fractional-order model of the Boost converter is derived. Afterward, an online component parameter identification method is proposed to obtain the values and orders of capacitors and inductors in the proposed model. Based on these identified parameters, a dual closed-loop adaptive PI control system considering parametric uncertainties for the Boost converters is designed using the frequency domain analysis method. Finally, simulation validations are conducted. The online parameter identification method can accurately identify the values and orders of capacitors and inductors. The identification error is less than [Formula: see text] for the capacitance value and [Formula: see text] for the other parameters. Moreover, the proposed control system can automatically adjust the parameters with changes in the component parameters, effectively improving the robustness. Compared to traditional PI controllers, when the parameters of components change, the proposed control system can reduce voltage overshoot by [Formula: see text] in the case of sudden changes in the input voltage. These results confirm the efficacy of the proposed online parameter identification method and the dual closed-loop adaptive PI control system.
Night Shift Work and Sleep Experiences in Older Night Shift Nurses
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Murphy Audra , Lammers-van der Holst Heidi M. , Barger Laura K. , Duffy Jeanne F.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Working at night leads to misalignment between the biological clock and the work/sleep schedule, resulting in sleepiness and impaired performance during the night shift and poor quality, shortened sleep during the day; this is greatly impaired in older individuals.

Objective:

To describe night work and sleep experiences from the perspective of older (aged 50-65) nurses.

Methods:

Seven virtual focus groups were formed comprising 19 older nurses who worked regular 8-hour night shifts (at least 6 consecutive hours between midnight and 6 am) to learn about their shift work and sleep experiences. Two facilitators and 2 research assistants independently reviewed and coded the transcripts using qualitative content analysis.

Results:

Nine themes were identified in 3 domains: (a) night shift challenges and difficulties, including first night shift is most difficult; never feel rested working nights; and personal health concerns and benefits from working nights; (b) sleep challenges and difficulties, including inconsistent sleep timing when switching between nights and days; extended (24+ hours) time awake before and after consecutive nights; difficulty maintaining long and sound daytime sleep; and napping before night shifts for better performance; and (c) family and social challenges and support, including childcare, family, personal obligations, and social activities affect sleep; aging of self and children influences sleep and prioritization of sleep.

Conclusions:

The findings help understand challenges and struggles to obtain adequate sleep and safe work performance in older night shift nurses. These insignts are critical for designing and implementing feasible and acceptable interventions to improve sleep in this high-risk occupational group.
Case report: targeted therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma with anaplastic lymphoma kinase receptor tyrosine kinase gene fusion mutation by crizotinib
Authors: Wu Yufeng , Zhao Yuhua , Yu Limeng , Wang Ruilin , Feng Wen , Wu Yingxi , Wang Lili , Chen Haiyang , He Zhen , Wang Qiming
Published: November 2024

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare highly invasive tumour originating from the mesothelial cells of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common type in all malignant mesothelioma. The onset of MPM is associated with exposure to asbestos and it can have an incubation period of up to 40 years. The incidence of MPM has been increasing worldwide in recent years, so more attention has been focused on its diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Activating mutations, amplifications and fusions/rearrangements of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase receptor tyrosine kinase ( ALK) gene are commonly seen in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. However, it is rare in MPM. This current case report describes a female patient with advanced MPM with an ALK gene fusion mutation. In this particular case, treatment with crizotinib demonstrated some initial efficacy, which suggests that this might be a promising strategy for patients with advanced MPM with an ALK gene mutation. This required further research and evaluation in the future.
User perceptions of aspects related to the use of the activity chair: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Bjørnskov Stina , Mortenson William Ben , Helle Tina
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Little is known about the use and aspects impacting the use of the activity chair, which is a device supporting seated activities in everyday life. The aim was to understand (a) purpose of provision, (b) frequency and magnitude of use, (c) barriers impacting use, (d) instruction provided and (e) overall satisfaction with the activity chair.

Method:

This is a cross-sectional study involving 141 adult activity chair users. Data were collected through telephone interviews using a study-specific questionnaire with 21 items. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the quantitative results, and data-driven text analysis was conducted to analyse open-ended question responses.

Results:

Most respondents (87%) were provided the activity chair for kitchen work, 87% used the device on a daily basis, 75% used the device for additional activities beyond the provision purpose, 65% experienced barriers impacting use, instructions varied, with 28% receiving none and 16% had received activity-based training, 85% were satisfied with the activity chair.

Conclusion:

The activity chair appears to be regularly utilised and appreciated by respondents. However, improved device provision, particularly concerning activity-based training in relevant context and systematic follow up, may be required to reduce barriers impacting use. Findings emphasise the importance of learning from users.
Comparing Computer-Assisted and Teacher-Led Instruction for Teaching Emergent Literacy Skills to Chinese Preschoolers With Autism
Authors: Li Huan , Huang Wenqiao , Ai Jun
Published: November 2024

Emergent literacy skills are critical for future reading development, but children with autism commonly struggle with these skills. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is increasingly utilized to enhance literacy skills in these children, yet research on the relative efficacy of CAI and traditional teacher-led instruction (TLI) for these children has yielded inconsistent findings. The varied implementation of CAI and TLI has further complicated efforts to determine their relative efficacy. This study combined a multiple probe and multitreatment design to compare the efficacy of CAI and TLI, incorporating consistent instructional strategies, in teaching Chinese emergent literacy skills to three preschoolers with autism. Results showed significant progress in emergent literacy skills for all children. Computer-assisted instruction slightly outperformed TLI in overall emergent literacy scores and character application scores, while differences in pronunciation-form-meaning were minimal. Recommendations are proposed to enhance CAI and emergent literacy intervention strategies for children with autism.
Preventing health care worker burnout in primary care settings through the trauma-informed CARES leadership competency model
Authors: Eastmond Christopher , Fernandes Samantha
Published: November 2024

Staff burnout, a pervasive and persistent issue in the Canadian primary care environment, demands urgent and immediate attention. The managerial response to this problem has been largely reactive, especially in the post-COVID era. The need for proactive approaches to equip health leaders to detect early signs of burnout in healthcare workers and intervene effectively is more pressing than ever. Health leaders are beginning to acknowledge the significant role that trauma plays in impacting workers’ propensity to experience burnout, leading to the growing recognition of trauma-informed best practices in healthcare management. This article will introduce the CARES model, a leadership competency framework that underscores the connections between leadership competencies and employee-leader engagement to detect early signs of burnout in primary care workers. The model, along with the proposed CARES toolkit, strongly emphasizes trauma-informed best practices and will enable health managers to better proactively prevent burnout through appropriate, empathetic, and efficient interventions.
Cancer Information Seekers’ Comprehension Level and the Association With Preventable Cancer Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis From a Nationally Representative U.S. Adult Survey
Authors: Cho Beomyoung , Pan Yining , German Mariel , Lee Sukwon , Stallings-Smith Sericea
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To examine the association between U.S. adult cancer information seekers’ comprehension level and preventable cancer risk factors.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

Health Information National Trends Survey-6, 2022.

Subjects

2,453 cancer information seekers.

Measures

Four cancer risk factors were dichotomized: cigarette smoking (have smoked ≥100 cigarettes and currently smoke every day/some days); experiencing sunburn (≥1 times/past 12 months); being overweight/obese (≥25 body mass index [kg/m2]); and binge drinking (≥5 [male] or ≥4 [female] alcoholic drinks on one occasion/past 30 days). Individuals who reported that cancer information was hard to understand were considered having comprehension difficulties.

Analysis

Binomial and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of cancer information comprehension level with individual and cumulative cancer risk factors, adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, age, annual household income, education level, metropolitan status, depressed mood, and cancer diagnosis history.

Results

Cancer information seekers with comprehension difficulties had higher odds of binge drinking (aOR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.46), being overweight/obese (aOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.96), and experiencing sunburn (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.11), as well as having ≥3 (aOR: 3.38, 95% CI: 1.87, 6.09) cancer risk factors concurrently than cancer information seekers without comprehension difficulties.

Conclusion

Dissemination of easy-to-understand cancer information would help better prevent cancer risk factors for cancer information seekers with comprehension difficulties.
Broadening the entrepreneurial mindset to meet sustainable goals – Introducing the 4-foci mindset
Authors: Sørensen Kirsten Bonde , Trolle Gronemann Sigurd
Published: November 2024

In the field of entrepreneurship education, the subject matter has changed from a focus on venture creation to one that encourages the development of broader skills and attitudes that prompt students to live in an entrepreneurial way. The emphasis on an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’ (EM) is increasing. However, global issues, such as climate change and the mental health crisis, require a transformation in the way we think and act. Our external environment is increasingly seen as a manifestation of deeply held beliefs, values, attitudes, and perceptions of the world—the inner dimensions of sustainability. Thus, we must reflect on individual values, increase inner capacities, and achieve sustainable life skills prior to creating more sustainable ventures and futures-an overlooked perspective in the current definition of EM. This paper introduces a design perspective and the 4-Foci Mindset, which includes both an outer focus aimed at sustainable value creation and connections with others and with nature, as well as an inward orientation that achieves inner capacities related to ‘being’. The paper presents the implementation and evaluation of the 4-Foci Mindset framework in an educational setting, concentrating on the inner focus as the most radical new perspective in education. The results reveal the clear necessity and value of addressing ‘the inner focus’.
Novel approaches in developing sustainable and cost-effective semi-active suspension systems for smart vehicles—A review
Authors: Subramanian Pottalputhur Muthuswami , Balamurugan Loganathan , Ashwin Prabhu Gnanasekaran
Published: November 2024

The dynamic evolution of automotive technology necessitates integrating intelligent systems in suspension systems to enhance vehicle dynamic performance and environmental sustainability. The major challenge in the vehicle suspension design is to achieve an optimum tradeoff between riding comfort and ground holding with the available rattle space. Semi-active suspension systems (SASSs), which meet these requirements more effectively than passive and active systems, have gained prominence for their potential. Different SA control strategies and dampers have been developed to enhance dynamic performance. The optimal control strategies and design parameters improve the responsiveness of SASSs in the vehicle dynamic performance. The algorithms attempt to avail the full potential of various dampers controlled electronically. The accurate representation of nonlinearities in mathematical modeling with noise mitigation enhances the practical implementation of novel controllers in SASSs. This review investigates the forefront of research and development in SASSs, focusing on innovative strategies to make these systems more sustainable, adaptive, and cost-effective for smart vehicles. Semi-active magnetorheological dampers have more commercial applications than other dampers, but the high cost makes them unaffordable for economical cars. Several researchers have attempted to develop inexpensive, high-performance dampers that can vary damping coefficients precisely for different road conditions. Real-time energy harvesting-based dampers for sustainable electric mobility are under development. Commercially available SASSs are less expensive than active suspensions but they have limited applications than passive suspensions. The low market share of existing SASSs and their regenerative inability are the major drawbacks in making it a sustainable suspension system. The novel strategies attempted to develop an effective smart suspension system and its limitations are discussed in this review. The next generation of SASSs that aligns with the global drive towards smarter, greener, and economical vehicles is identified.
Gender Disparities in Advanced Lung Diseases: do They Persist Towards the End of Life?
Authors: Chen Xinye , Goh Nicole , Dunn Sadie , Smallwood Natasha
Published: November 2024

Background

Advanced lung diseases are prevalent in women, yet are underrecognized and under-treated due to differing epidemiology and pathophysiology.

Aim

To investigate any gender differences in access to palliative care and end-of-life management for patients with advanced lung diseases.

Methods

A post-hoc analysis was conducted using three datasets that included information regarding the provision of palliative care to patients with advanced lung diseases - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (f-ILD) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in tertiary and regional hospitals in Victoria, Australia, from 2004 to 2019.

Results

343 patients with advanced COPD, 67 with f-ILD and 1022 with NSCLC were included. Compared to men, women with COPD (n = 126, 36.7%) were less likely to have smoked ( P = 0.024), had significantly worse lung function ( P < 0.001), and were more likely to receive non-invasive ventilation at end of life ( P = 0.021). Women with fibrotic ILDs (n = 30, 44.8%) had significantly worse lung function ( P < 0.001) and were more likely to experience exacerbations during their last two years of life ( P < 0.001). Women with NSCLC (n = 457, 44.7%) were significantly younger ( P< 0.001), less likely to have smoked ( P < 0.001) or had asbestos exposure ( P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between men and women with advanced lung diseases regarding referral to palliative care services ( P = 0.369), hospital place of death ( P = 0.915), or end-of-life management.

Conclusions

Despite differences in lung function, exacerbations and targeted therapies, men and women with advanced lung diseases received equal access to symptom palliation and palliative care services towards the end of life.
BCOR-ITD Rearranged Sarcoma in the Mandible of a 5-Year-Old Child: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Distinction From Odontogenic Fibromyxoma
Authors: Misra Sunayana , Rao Seema , Badwal Sonia , Kalra Manas
Published: November 2024

The 5th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of soft tissue and bone has recognized three distinct groups among Ewing-like sarcomas, namely, CIC-rearranged sarcoma, sarcomas with BCOR genetic alterations, and round cell sarcomas with EWSR1:: non-ETS fusions. Sarcomas with BCOR genetic alterations are a distinct clinicopathological group of high-grade tumors, representing 5% of small round cell tumors. BCOR-ITD rearranged tumors commonly manifest as spindle cell sarcomas and many of them display low cellularity with monomorphous cell morphology and myxoid background resembling benign fibroblastic tumors. We present an intriguing case report of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with a moderately cellular mandibular spindle cell tumor exhibiting BCOR-ITD rearrangement which was initially misdiagnosed as an odontogenic fibromyxoma. This case report illustrates the histological and immunophenotypic findings of BCOR-ITD rearranged sarcoma, requiring a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel and additional molecular tests for accurate diagnosis.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genotypes in Mixed Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis: A Study of 101 Tumors
Authors: Fernández-Nestosa María José , Sanchez Diego F. , Cañete-Portillo Sofia , Alemany Laia , Clavero Omar , Lloveras Belén , Rodriguez Ingrid , Lobatti Antonella , Urizar Cesar , Munoz Nubia , Quint Wim , de Sanjosé Silvia , Bosch Francisco X. , Cubilla Antonio L. ,   on behalf of the HPV VVAP Study Group
Published: November 2024

Squamous cell carcinomas with two or more coexisting clearly different histological subtypes of penile carcinomas are designated as mixed carcinomas in current classification models. They represent about 10% of all penile carcinomas. The aim of this study was to detect HPV genotypes in these unusual tumors. Tumors were selected from an international series of 1010 patients with penile carcinomas. Mixed carcinomas were grouped, according to WHO recommendations, as follows: 1. Carcinomas with warty/basaloid features mixed with HPV-independent carcinomas and 2. HPV-independent subtypes mixed with each other. HPV detection and p16INK4a immunostaining were performed. For HPV detection, whole tissue section-PCR analyses were performed by SPF10-DEIA-LiPA25 (version 1). As expected, HPV was detected more frequently in HPV-associated mixed carcinomas than in HPV-independent mixed carcinomas. Carcinomas with basaloid or warty features mixed with other SCC subtypes showed an HPV positivity rate of 46% (33 of 72 tumors) compared with 7% found in tumors with nonwarty/basaloid morphology (2 of 29 tumors). Eleven high-risk HPV genotypes were identified and the most common was HPV16 (65%) usually associated with basaloid morphology. p16INK4a immunostaining was positive in 76% of HPV-positive tumors. As in nonmixed carcinomas, although in lower proportion, a variable array of HPV genotypes was detected in mixed carcinomas. Apparently, the presence of a non-HPV component in an otherwise typical HPV-associated type tumor does adversely affect the prevalence of HPV positivity. Any amount of HPV-associated morphology superior to 20% in a mixed tumor is sufficient to classify them as HPV-associated, a WHO requirement.
Total hip arthroplasty in patients under 35 years: a systematic review of the last 2 decades studies
Authors: Zampogna Biagio , Ferrini Augusto , Zampoli Andrea , Talesa Giuseppe Rocco , Giusti Simone , Papalia Giuseppe Francesco , Vorini Ferruccio , Papalia Rocco
Published: November 2024

Background:

Patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) under the age of 35 represent a small and heterogeneous group of 1% of all THA performed. This systematic review aims to analyse the diagnosis, implant type, complications, and long-term results in these patients.

Methods:

A search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to 31 July 2023. We included observational prospective and retrospective studies published in the last 20 years, which evaluated diagnosis, implant types, long-term results, and return to sports in patients ⩽35 years who underwent THA. We excluded case reports, case series, and studies with <35 patients. We extracted age, diagnosis, surgical information, follow-up, complications, revision rate, implant survival, and clinical outcomes for each study. The methodology of the included studies was evaluated using the MINORS score.

Results:

18 studies with 1955 patients and 2383 THAs were included. Osteonecrosis (40.6%), posterior approach (81%), the uncemented press-fit implants (73.4%), metal-polyethylene bearings (31.3%) were the most frequently found items. All the clinical outcomes reported improvement from the preoperative to postoperative. The most frequent complication was aseptic loosening (4.3%). The survival rate was 92.4% at a mean follow-up of 10 years.

Conclusions:

THA is a good option for specific hip diseases in the young, but aseptic loosening still is the major point of concern.
Examining the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of an advocacy program for Latinx families of transition-aged autistic youth
Authors: Aleman-Tovar Janeth , Burke Meghan M , Monárrez Edwin , Zaldivar Nicole Espinosa
Published: November 2024

Families of autistic youth often support their children’s transition from adolescence to adulthood. During this time, families learn to navigate the complex shift from school-based to adult disability services. For Latinx (vs non-Latinx White) families of autistic youth, transition is especially difficult because of the systemic barriers (e.g. language) Latinx families face when accessing services. Unfortunately, few interventions aim to improve the transition among Latinx families of autistic transition-aged youth. This study examines the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of the ASISTIR (Apoyando a nueStros hIjo/as con autiSmo obTener servIcios de tRansición; Supporting our Children with Autism to Obtain Transition Services) program, a six-session program for Latinx families of autistic youth, with respect to increasing: school-based transition planning and adult disability services knowledge, empowerment, and advocacy. Twenty-nine participants were included in this single-group, intervention study. After completing the program, participants demonstrated significantly improved: knowledge of school-based transition planning and adult disability services, advocacy, and empowerment. In addition, participants were highly satisfied with the program, based on the formative and summative evaluations and individual interviews. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Lay abstract

To support Latinx families of autistic youth navigate school-based transition services and adult disability services, we provided a family advocacy program entitled, ASISTIR (Apoyando a nueStros hIjo/as con autiSmo obTener servIcios de tRansición; Supporting our Children with Autism to Obtain Transition Services). The ASISTIR program consisted of six, two-hour sessions and included the following topics: school-based transition planning, person-centered planning, Supplemental Security Income, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waiver. Twenty-nine Latinx family members completed the cohort-based ASISTIR program. After participating family members demonstrated increased knowledge of school-based transition planning and adult disability services. Participants also demonstrated increased empowerment and advocacy.
Need for belonging: Exploring subcultural identity in the Chinese Lolita online community
Authors: Zhao Jiayixiu , Zhu Yimei
Published: November 2024

This study explores the evolution of the Chinese Lolita fashion online communities. The inception of Lolita fashion in China began in the early 2000s and Lolita dressing culture has gained popularity with the development of digital media. We draw on 53 qualitative interviews, alongside ethnographic research, to understand Lolita participants’ perception of Lolita dressing culture and their experience with the Lolita online communities. We critique existing studies that classify Lolita dressing practice as a fashion or popular culture, and we argue that Chinese Lolita participants identify Lolita fashion participation as a subculture, with evidence of community building and identity construction involving rebellion against mainstream culture. This inquiry into the dynamics of digitally mediated communities formed by dedicated Lolita participants uncovers the evolution of Lolita online communities which exhibit a three-type typology: cohesive community, loose community and deconstructed community. We further critique the existing definitions and understanding of online communities. We argue that components such as a sense of belonging, alongside clear boundaries and rules, should still be integral to the definition of online communities. Lolita participants persistently desire a cohesive online community to attain a sense of belonging and to exhibit their subcultural identity.