bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Modeling for Functional Outcomes After All-Inside Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair of Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Chen Ziyi , Zhao Yujie , Xue Xiao’ao , Gu Xicheng , Li Yi , Hua Yinghui
Published: May 2024

Background:

Arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair (AATFLR) is a surgical strategy to treat chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. This study identified risk factors that influenced the functional outcomes of AATFLR for CAI and developed prognostic nomogram for predicting functional outcomes in future AATFLR cases.

Methods:

Patients undergoing AATFLR from January 2016 to June 2022 with at least 10 months of follow-up were included in the study. The Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS) was evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up visit. A total of 15 potential predictors including age, sex, body mass index, side affected, time from injury to surgery, sports-related injury, osteophyte, loose bodies, distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, ATFL avulsion fracture, Outerbridge classification of osteochondral lesions, postoperative immobilization method, ambulation time, walking time, and follow-up time, were recorded. We first used univariate binary logistic regression analysis to select the potential significant prognostic features, which were then subjected to the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm for final feature selection. A nomogram based on the regression model was developed to estimate the functional outcomes of patients. Models were validated internally using bootstrapping and externally by calculating their performance on a validation cohort.

Results:

Overall, 200 ankles fit inclusion criteria. Of these 200, a total of 185 (92.5%) ankles were eligible and divided into development (n = 121) and validation (n = 64) cohorts. Four predictors were ultimately included in the prognostic nomogram model: age, sex, sports-related injury, and postoperative immobilization method.

Conclusion:

We found in our cohort that the significant predictors of poorer functional outcomes of AATFLR were postoperative immobilization with lower-leg cast, female sex, non–sports-related ankle sprain, and increasing age. Prognostic nomograms were created.
Lessons From Revision Total Ankle Replacement: Tibias Fail Earlier, and Taluses Fail Later (and Fail Again)
Authors: Henry Jensen K. , Teehan Emily , Deland Jonathan , Ellis Scott J. , Demetracopoulos Constantine
Published: May 2024

Background:

The literature on survivorship and outcomes after revision total ankle replacement (TAR) in the modern era is limited. This study aimed to describe the timing to revision and survivorship after revision TAR. We hypothesized that tibial-sided failures would occur earlier after the primary TAR, and secondary revisions after failure of revision TAR would occur more due to talar-sided failures than tibial-sided failures.

Methods:

This is a single-institution retrospective study of TAR patients with minimum 2-year follow-up. Revision TARs (defined as exchange of tibial and/or talar components) for aseptic causes with any implant were included. Etiology of failure necessitating revision and ultimate outcomes after revision (survival of TAR revision, additional revision, conversion to fusion, and below-knee amputation [BKA]) were recorded.

Results:

There were 46 revision TARs, with mean age of 60.6 (range: 31-77) years and mean 3.5 years’ follow-up postrevision. Revisions for tibial failure occurred significantly earlier (n = 22, 1.3 ± 0.5 years after index procedure) than those for talar failure (n = 19, 2.3 ± 1.7 years after index procedure) or combined tibial-talar failure (n = 5, 3.4 ± 3.4 years after index procedure) ( P = .015). Revisions for tibial-only failure had better survival (95.5%) than revisions for talar or combined tibial-talar failures: 26% of talar failures and 20% of combined tibial-talar failures underwent ≥1 revisions. Of the 6 additional revisions after failure of the talar component, 1 ultimately underwent BKA, 2 were converted to total talus replacement, 2 were revised to modular augmented talar components, and 1 was treated with explant and cement spacer for PJI after the revision.

Conclusion:

TAR tibial failures occurred earlier than talar failures or combined tibial-talar failures. Revisions for talar failures and combined tibial-talar failures were more likely to require additional revision or ultimately fail revision treatment. This is important given the consequences of talar implant subsidence, bone necrosis, loss of bone stock, and limited salvage options.
Competing Models of Personality Disorder: Relations With Psychosocial Functioning
Authors: Ro Eunyoe , Nuzum Hallie , Clark Lee Anna
Published: May 2024

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition ( DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), includes 10 categorical personality disorders (PD) in Section II (Section II PD) and a dimensional alternative model of PD (AMPD) in Section III. We compared the two models in explaining concurrent psychosocial functioning levels in psychiatric outpatients and community residents screened as at risk for PD pathology ( N = 600). The AMPD’s fully dimensional form showed stronger associations with psychosocial difficulties and explained more of their variance compared with the categorical Section II PD. AMPD Criterion A (personality functioning impairment) and Criterion B (pathological traits) incrementally predicted psychosocial functioning about equally with some unique predictions. Finally, AMPD’s six categorical PD diagnoses did not show stronger associations with psychosocial functioning than the corresponding Section II PD diagnoses. Findings directly comparing the two models remain important and timely for informing future conceptualizations of PD in the diagnostic system.
An Open-Label Study of Subcutaneous CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide (PF03512676) in Combination with Trastuzumab in Patients with Metastatic HER2+ Breast Cancer
Authors: Quiroga Dionisia , Wesolowski Robert , Zelinskas Sara , Pinette Ashley , Benner Brooke , Schwarz Emily , Savardekar Himanshu , Johnson Courtney , Stiff Andrew , Yu Lianbo , Macrae Erin , Lustberg Maryam , Mrozek Ewa , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari , Carson William E.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

CpG ODN is a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist with immunotherapeutic potential for many cancer types, including aggressive breast cancers. There is strong interest in utilizing CpG ODN as an adjuvant to improve clinical efficacy of current treatments and immunogenicity of breast cancers not traditionally responsive to active immunotherapy, such as those that are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive. This study aimed to study the efficacy and safety of combination CpG ODN plus anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab treatment in patients with advanced/metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

This single-arm, open-label phase II clinical trial treated patients (n = 6) with advanced/metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer with weekly subcutaneous CpG ODN and trastuzumab. Patients may have received any number of prior therapies to be enrolled (most enrolled at median 1 prior line of chemotherapy). Peripheral blood was collected at baseline and weeks 2, 6, 12, and 18 for immune analyses. Six patients were enrolled and 50% achieved stable disease (SD) response.

Results

Median PFS was 8.3 months. Three of the six patients enrolled opted to stop treatment due to tolerability issues. Multiplex assay for cytokine measurements revealed significantly higher VEGF-D levels at week 2 compared to baseline. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells analyzed by flow cytometry showed a significant increase in monocytic MDSC between weeks 6 and 12. Patients with progressive disease tended to have higher levels of week 6 monocytic MDSC and PD-1+ T cells than patients with SD. NK cell populations did not significantly change throughout treatment.

Conclusions

CpG ODN and trastuzumab treatment of metastatic HER2 + breast cancer was safe but was not tolerable for all patients. This combination did induce potentially predictive immune profile changes in treated patients with metastatic HER2 + breast cancer, the significance of which needs to be further explored.
New Considerations for Sista Circle Methodology: Applications in Relation to Beauty, Femininity, and Place
Authors: Poe Jocelyn , Reed Jaleesa , Nunley Racquel
Published: May 2024

Challenges to research methods rooted in colonialism, imperialism, and white supremacy have led to a reclamation of Black and Indigenous ways of knowing. In recent years, the Sista Circle Methodology emerged as a way of knowing created for and by Black women. In this article, we explore the application of the Sista Circle Methodology to the Black Beauty and Femininity Placed study, which examines how Black women conceive and operationalize beauty and femininity in relation to place. Using collective autoethnography and content analysis, we offer a reflective analysis detailing four themes that provide new considerations for the Sista Circle Methodology.
Thermal effect on the transient behavior of a piezomagnetic half-space subjected to dynamic anti-plane load
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Shui Guoshuang
Published: May 2024

Considering the importance of understanding the propagation of transient waves in the piezomagnetic solids, the thermal effect on the transient behavior of a piezomagnetic half-space subjected to dynamic anti-plane load is investigated analytically in this paper. Using one-sided, two-sided Laplace transformation and Cagniard–de Hoop (CH) technique, an efficient and accurate analytical derivation for the solution of the anti-plane displacement, shear stress, magnetic potential, and induction in Laplace domain is presented. The study shows that the thermal stresses developed in x-axis and y-axis directions have significant influence on the transient response of the half-space. The magnetic induction [Formula: see text] increases obviously when the thermal stress is applied in x-axis direction, while it decreases when the thermal stress is applied in y-axis direction. Approaching time of magnetic induction [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] will become longer with higher thermal stress in x-axis direction. With the growth of the thermal stress in x-direction, contribution from the electromagnetic–elastic head (EH) wave increases, while the contribution from the shear elastic (SE) wave and the static value of shear stress decrease.
Understanding the Effect of External and Internal Assets on Hazardous/Harmful Drinking Among Chinese College Students: A Serial Mediation Model
Authors: Ke Yuye , Chai Xiaoyun
Published: May 2024

Hazardous/harmful drinking among college students is increasingly becoming a global health concern. Previous studies have mostly paid more attention to the prevalence and risk factors of alcohol use disorder based on the public health approach, and less is understood about psychological mechanisms and protective factors of problem drinking behavior. Grounded in the framework of developmental assets, this study explored the predictive effect of external assets (i.e., social connectedness) and internal assets (i.e., self-concept clarity and drinking refusal self-efficacy) on hazardous/harmful drinking among Chinese college students. Participants were 598 college students with a mean age of 19.41 ( SD = 1.21) years. The results of structural equation modeling showed that social connectedness negatively predicted college students’ hazardous/harmful drinking. Moreover, our path analyses revealed a serial mediation among these variables: students with high social connectedness tended to report high self-concept clarity, which in turn increased drinking refusal self-efficacy, and consequently decreased the level of hazardous/harmful drinking. This study revealed the mechanisms underlying how external and internal assets predict risky drinking among college students. These findings made significant contributions to prevention and precision interventions for college-aged youth with drinking problems.
Influential factors on the echogenicity of peripheral venous catheters: Insights from an experimental phantom study
Authors: Slosse Côme , Hossu Gabriela , Micard Emilien , Hani Hind , Ambroise-Grandjean Gaëlle , Bouaziz Hervé
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Ultrasound-guided placement of peripheral venous catheters requires appropriate equipment. Among the devices used, peripheral venous catheters have different structure and properties. This study aimed to define the impact of these different factors on the echogenicity of peripheral venous catheters.

Method:

An open comparative study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023. Thirteen devices were introduced in a standardized manner along the longitudinal and transverse axes with the help of guides into a phantom at different angles. Two criteria defined the echogenicity of these devices: the surface occupied by the device in the image (composite criterion: length and diameter of the device and angle of insertion) and its brightness (average of the pixel intensity of gray). Sixty-five ultrasound images were recorded and postprocessed twice (blinded to the previous measurement) by an expert operator, for reproducibility purposes.

Results:

The intra-observer reproducibility of all measurements was excellent, with an intra-class coefficient of >0.90 over the entire dataset. On the longitudinal axis, echogenicity was significantly influenced by insertion angle ( p = 0.009), device length ( p = 0.006), and the interaction of cannula component and insertion angle ( p = 0.007). On the transverse axis, no factors significantly influenced the device’s echogenicity.

Discussion:

The echogenicity of a device is an essential component of successful ultrasound-guided peripheral venous catheter placement. Optimizing catheter intrinsic factors such as components of the cannula and length, and extrinsic factor like the insertion angle should be considered in their design and use to reduce puncture failure rates.
Evaluation of arteriovenous fistula maturation and early prediction of clinical eligibility, using ultrasound: The Fistula Maturation Evaluation (FAME) Study
Authors: Giannikouris Ioannis E , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Giannakopoulos Triantafyllos , Katsanos Konstantinos , Passadakis Ploumis , Georgiadis George
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

The study of time-related alterations of ultrasound-determined parameters during maturation, and the assessment of time to hemodynamic maturation, enabling early prediction of clinical eligibility, of hemodialysis autologous arteriovenous fistulae (AVF).

Methods:

This is an observational, prospective, study of only AVF-eligible patients referred for access creation, from 02/2019 to 02/2022 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0473687). Brachial artery diameter (dBA), access flow volume (FV), non-augmented efferent vein diameter (dEV), resistivity index (RI), and efferent vein total wall thickness (tEV), were assessed by ultrasound. Measurements were conducted daily in the first week and repeated on days 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90, postoperatively. The primary endpoint included the documentation of serial changes of flow and structural parameters related to AVF maturation in the first 90 days of the post-operative period and maturation early prediction. Secondary endpoints included the determination of factors affecting maturation.

Results:

One hundred one participants (mean age, 67 ± 6 years; 76 males) were enrolled. Average dBA and FV reached maximum on day 60 (5.64 ± 0.85 mm) and 90 (1.172 ± 617 mL/min), respectively. Day 7 values of dBA (5.48 ± 0.73 mm) and FV (1.039 ± 531 mL/min) did not alter significantly during the follow-up period. Parameters indicative of clinical functionality, dEV (5.82 ± 0.90 mm) and tEV (0.493 ± 0.10 mm), reached approximately 90% of maximum (6.66 ± 1.42 mm and 0.526 ± 0.11 mm), by day 14. RI reached minimum on day 30 (0.46 ± 0.09), without significant changes after day 2 (0.48 ± 0.09, p = 0.284). A significant correlation was identified, between day 7 FV and day 60 dEV ( r = 0.40, p = 0.0002). A FV cut-off value ⩾657.51 mL/min, on day 7, predicted successful fistula maturation with 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Multivariate analysis identified female gender, age >75, diabetes, and wrist access as independent predictors of decreased values of maturation parameters.

Conclusion:

Hemodynamic maturation is completed by the first postoperative week, while AVF is clinically functional, by the second. FV can be used for early prediction of maturation.
Inaction in Urban Climate Policy Undermines Health
Authors: Allam Zaheer , Soomauroo Zakia
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the critical intersection of urban climate policy and public health, emphasizing the pressing need for integrated strategies to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and health in urban settings. Despite cities being central to global emissions and energy consumption, a significant gap exists in the incorporation of health considerations into urban climate strategies, as evidenced by the analysis of urban content in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The paper highlights the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) initiative and the forthcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report as pivotal moments for integrating climate and health agendas. However, it also points out the underwhelming response from cities in adopting comprehensive climate strategies, which undermines potential public health benefits. With substantial investments required to bridge the gap in health-focused climate resilience, the paper calls for a redefined approach to urban climate policy. This approach should prioritize health outcomes, leverage opportunities like the 15-Minute City concept, and foster the development of infrastructures that support both climate resilience and public health. The upcoming NDC revision cycle is identified as a critical opportunity for embedding health imperatives into urban climate strategies, emphasizing the need for a holistic perspective that views urban areas as ecosystems where climate and health are intricately connected. This comprehensive view aims to promote policies that are mutually reinforcing, thus contributing to healthier, more livable cities.
A comparative tribological study on as-cast and heat-treated Inconel-718 superalloy at elevated temperature
Authors: Dubey Dhananjay , Kumar Arun , Mukherjee Rajdip , Kumar Singh Manjesh
Published: May 2024

The application of Inconel-718 ranges from structural components to engine parts such as turbine blades and compressor discs. Inconel-718 is an age-hardenable alloy. We are presenting a comparative tribological study on as-cast and heat-treated Inconel-718 superalloy. The wear behavior of both as-cast and aged Inconel-718 alloy was investigated using a linear reciprocating tribometer at [Formula: see text]C, [Formula: see text]C, and [Formula: see text]C against Si3N4 ball. The heat treatment of Inconel-718 alloy resulted in the improvement of the hardness of the alloy. All the tribological tests were conducted under a constant 20 N normal load. The observed coefficient of friction was found to be decreasing with the increase in temperature. The wear tracks were characterized by a three-dimensional optical profilometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The observed wear volume loss (mm3) of the aged alloy was less than that of the as-cast Inconel-718 alloy. SEM of the worn sample reveals that the main operating wear mechanism at [Formula: see text]C is delamination whereas at elevated temperatures of [Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text]C, the main operating wear mechanism is abrasion, adhesion, oxidation and spalling. SEM of the counter-surface was also conducted in order to understand the adhesion on its surface and it was found that the adhered oxide contained mainly Ni and Nb oxides.
In-silico approach to characterize the structure and function of a hypothetical protein of Monkeypox virus exploring Chordopox-A20R domain-containing protein activity
Authors: Hosen Md Iqbal , Mia Md Easin , Islam Md Nur , Khatun Most Ummay Salma , Emon Tanvir Hossain , Hossain Md Anwar , Akter Farzana , Kader Md Abdul , Jeba Sadia Hossain , Faisal ASM , Miah Md Abunasar
Published: May 2024

Background: Monkeypox has emerged as a noteworthy worldwide issue due to its daily escalating case count. This illness presents diverse symptoms, including skin manifestations, which have the potential to spread through contact. The transmission of this infectious agent is intricate and readily transfers between individuals.

Methods: The hypothetical protein MPXV-SI-2022V502225_00135 strain of monkeypox underwent structural and functional analysis using NCBI-CD Search, Pfam, and InterProScan. Quality assessment utilized PROCHECK, QMEAN, Verify3D, and ERRAT, followed by protein-ligand docking, visualization, and a 100-nanosecond simulation on Schrodinger Maestro.

Results: Different physicochemical properties were estimated, indicating a stable molecular weight (49147.14) and theoretical pI (5.62) with functional annotation tools predicting the target protein to contain the domain of Chordopox_A20R domain. In secondary structure analysis, the helix coil was found to be predominant. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of the protein was obtained using a template protein (PDB ID:  6zyc.1), which became more stable after YASARA energy minimization and was validated by quality assessment tools like PROCHECK, QMEAN, Verify3D, and ERRAT. Protein-ligand docking was conducted using PyRx 9.0 software to examine the binding and interactions between a ligand and a hypothetical protein, focusing on various amino acids. The model structure, active site, and binding site were visualized using the CASTp server, FTsite, and PyMOL. A 100 nanosecond simulation was performed with ligand CID_16124688 to evaluate the efficiency of this protein.

Conclusion: The analysis revealed significant binding interactions and enhanced stability, aiding in drug or vaccine design for effective antiviral treatment and patient management.
Experimental increase in lexical frequency improves morphological computation of Spanish
Authors: Durand-López Ezequiel M. , Garrido-Pozú Juan J.
Published: May 2024

Aims/Objectives:

The present study investigates whether lexical frequency can be increased experimentally, and whether an increase in lexical frequency facilitates L2 morphological processing.

Design:

English L2 learners of Spanish were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group. Both groups completed a pre/post lexical decision task containing L2 words with either two or three morphemes, and a pre/post lexical frequency task. In addition, the treatment group completed four sessions in which they read texts containing low frequency words.

Data/analysis:

Linear mixed models and Bayes factors were used to analyze participants’ performance.

Findings/Conclusions:

Both groups took significantly longer to process morphologically complex words with three than with two morphemes at pretest. While this pattern was observed also at posttest for the control group, the treatment group took roughly the same to process both types of words following training. Taken together, the findings suggest that an increased exposure to low-frequency L2 words switches learners’ morphological computation strategies from decomposition to whole word processing.

Originality:

While previous cross-sectional studies have assessed the role of frequency on L2 morphological decomposition, this has not been confirmed by longitudinal data.

Significance/Implications:

The results support hybrid word recognition models claiming that frequency modulates morphological computation.
‘I don’t want him to always be so far behind’: Parental perceptions of child independence in the context of extreme prematurity; a qualitative study
Authors: Suonpera Emmi , Gallagher Katie , Marlow Neil , Lanceley Anne
Published: May 2024

This study addresses the paucity of research on parents of extremely preterm adolescents (born <27 weeks of gestation) and their experiences within the framework of parental determinism. We conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty-two mothers and one father. Data were analysed thematically, revealing three overarching themes and eight subthemes shaping parental accounts. These themes centred on parental ambitions for their children, their perceptions of their child’s abilities, and the parenting behaviours employed to support parental aspirations. Parents’ actions were influenced by their ambitions and the belief that they could impact their child’s future independence. While some parents adopted ‘trusting’, non-intensive parenting behaviours, those anticipating challenges for their child’s future independence resorted to intensive parenting practices. These findings align with the concept of parental determinism, emphasising the perceived causal link between present parental actions and future child outcomes. In the context of extreme prematurity, a nuanced understanding of parental perceptions regarding their child’s future independence aligned with a delicate balance between hope and realistic aspiration is crucial for enhancing parental support and well-being.
The “Russian bots” between social and technological: Examining the ordinary folk theories of Twitter users
Authors: Obreja Dragoș M
Published: May 2024

The bots’ activity is already frequently documented in the literature, and the war between Russia and Ukraine accentuated this scholarly interest for users’ sensemaking. Applying folk theories framework on 56 semi-structured interviews with users who tweet about “Russian bots,” I examine how bots might be understood as structural-computational entities, with complex roles in shaping digitally mediated realities. Findings reveal several theories associated with Russian bots. First, participants believe that these bots actively endorse users’ political enemies, which are mainly politicians from the participants’ countries. Second, such bots are considered to increase animosities between users, as participants actively unfollow their peers on Twitter and unfriend them in real life, based on their opinions regarding the war in Ukraine. Third, bots boost users’ digital activity, given the fact that participants consider them responsible for artificially increasing the popularity of certain accounts or, on the contrary, for systematic and aggressive attacks against others.
Influence of temperature on dynamic contact characteristics of oil-jet lubricated rolling bearings
Authors: Tu Wenbing , Wang Hao , Liu Chenlu , Hu Dengliang , Yu Wennian
Published: May 2024

The temperature variation alters the contact state of each component during the operating process of oil-jet lubricated rolling bearings, which directly affects the dynamic performance of the bearing. However, previous studies on the dynamics of oil-jet lubricated rolling bearings do not comprehensively consider the influence of temperature factors. In addition, the impact of the temperature on the dynamic contact characteristics of the bearing is rarely investigated. To fill these gaps, this study develops a finite element model based on the mechanism of heat generation and transfer of the bearing to simulate the bearing temperature field and obtain the temperature of various components. On this basis, a dynamic model of an oil-jet lubricated axle box bearing is established to explore the influence of the radial clearance, internal temperature of the axle box and lubricating oil temperature on the contact force between the race and the rolling body by considering the influence of temperatures on the thermal deformation, lubricating oil parameters and equivalent stiffness. It was found that the influence of the temperature on bearings is primarily manifested in the elastic modulus, lubricating oil viscosity, oil film thickness, equivalent stiffness and thermal deformation. The contact force between the rolling body and the race increases significantly when the lubricating oil temperature is high, which may result in bearing pitting failure. These analysis results can provide a theoretical foundation for bearing parameter design and life research.
A phenomenological understanding of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults: Interpersonal experiences
Authors: Steward Andrew T , De Fries Carson M , Dunbar Annie Zean , Trujillo Miguel , Zhu Yating , Hasche Leslie
Published: May 2024

This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the lived experience of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults, with a focus on interpersonal experiences. Fifteen participants 60+ years of age (M = 67, SD = 7.45) in the U.S. Mountain West identifying as Black, Latino(a), Asian-American/Pacific Islander, or Indigenous engaged in a 1-hour interview. A three-cycle, inductive coding process involved five coders who independently coded interviews and engaged in critical discussion to resolve disagreements. An audit trail, member checking, and peer debriefing enhanced credibility.

Findings

The results detail four umbrella themes and nine subthemes. The subthemes demonstrate experiences of the intersectionality of ageism with racism reflected through (1) increased disrespect, (2) cultural differences in respect for elders, (3) tokenization, (4) physical appearance, (5) being ignored or discriminated against due to others’ discomfort, (6) intersecting experiences of pity, hate, and violence, (7) unspoken bias (including racial profiling), (8) microaggressions: questioning intelligence/ability, and (9) microaggressions: slurs. Multiple themes highlighted how ageism may be racialized through stereotypes related to mental (in)capability.

Applications

Social work practitioners and researchers can apply the findings from this study to explore interventions aimed at reducing interpersonal, racialized ageist microaggressions related to mental incapability. At the community level, anti-racism and anti-ageism initiatives should collaborate by applying an enhanced understanding of the ways ageism and racism intersect through pity, hate, and violence particularly in public settings such as shopping centers. The findings from this study can also help shape policies aimed at reducing racial profiling and hate crimes toward older adults of color.
The Skellam distribution revisited: Estimating the unobserved incoming and outgoing ICU COVID-19 patients on a regional level in Germany
Authors: Rave Martje , Kauermann Göran
Published: May 2024

With the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we became aware of the need for comprehensive data collection and its provision to scientists and experts for proper data analyses. In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has tried to keep up with this demand for data on COVID-19, but there were (and still are) relevant data missing that are needed to understand the whole picture of the pandemic. In this article, we take a closer look at the severity of the course of COVID-19 in Germany, for which ideal information would be the number of incoming patients to ICU units. This information was (and still is) not available. Instead, the current occupancy of ICU units on the district level was reported daily. We demonstrate how this information can be used to predict the number of incoming as well as released COVID-19 patients using a stochastic version of the Expectation Maximization algorithm (SEM). This, in turn, allows for estimating the influence of district-specific and age-specific infection rates as well as further covariates, including spatial effects, on the number of incoming patients. The article demon-strates that even if relevant data are not recorded or provided officially, statistical modelling allows for reconstructing them. This also includes the quantification of uncertainty which naturally results from the application of the SEM algorithm.
A critical policy analysis of the Australian Strategy for International Education 2021–2030
Authors: Fenton-Smith Ben , Gurney Laura
Published: May 2024

National internationalization strategies are produced by governments to frame and drive their internationalization agendas. They are relatively new, but growing in number. This paper contributes to an emerging strand of international education research: that of discursive policy analysis. We analyse the Australian Strategy for International Education (ASIE) 2021–2030, drawing on Bacchi and Goodwin’s ‘ What’s the problem represented to be?’ framework and ask what ‘problems’ are discursively constructed by the ASIE, what assumptions underlie these representations, and how the representations have come about. Our analysis reveals that deeply rooted assumptions govern the strategy in relation to six key themes: marketisation, sustainability, domestic labour, national security, international student wellbeing and international student identity. We demonstrate that the commercial orientation of the ASIE is historically contingent and precludes alternative ways of imagining international education.
Learning points about myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: Bridging the gap between research, clinical practice and awareness
Authors: Wahi-Singh Bhanu
Published: May 2024

This essay examines the complex landscape of myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome, highlighting its chronic and multisystemic nature with elusive causative factors. It discusses clinical challenges in diagnosis and management, emphasising the importance of increased education and awareness among healthcare professionals. The role of empathic, person-centred care in improving patient outcomes is underscored, urging for a paradigm shift towards understanding and addressing the profound impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome on patients’ lives.
Reflection as a Method: Asian Racialization in White Sport
Authors: Park Doo Jae
Published: May 2024

Building upon reflexive autobiography to theorize Asian racialization in a globalizing circumstance, this paper focuses on how race is constructed transnationally by global media, and how global interconnectedness continues to project white Americanness, racialized anti-Black aesthetics, and otherization of Asianness in and through sport. I trace three historical conjunctures to build a connection between the collective history and my self-reflection on social contexts: Americanization through global media, aspiration of whiteness, and the criminalization of Blackness. With this, I attempt to articulate sport as the most convenient identity-making apparatus in immigrant America. This article concludes by highlighting the importance of the intersectionality of the asymmetric power structures that redress the miseducation that elides Asian narratives from sport.
Effectiveness of Early Multimodal Non-pharmacological Interventions in Cognitive Preservation in the Elderly
Authors: Hsieh Sun-Wung , Hsiao Shih-Fen , Liaw Lih-Jiun , Huang Ling-Chun , Yang Yuan-Han
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Multimodal non-pharmacological interventions (MNPI) have been determined as effective in delaying cognitive deterioration. The effectiveness of timing of such interventions in elderly is less discussed. We compared the different effectiveness of MNPI in cognitive preservation in elderly subjects with and without dementia.

Methods

We enrolled volunteer the elderly subjects. Subjects were classified as dementia group and non-dementia group by instrument of ascertainment of dementia 8. All were assigned to attend 3 hours of MNPI (physical fitness training, Chinese capillary, and Chinese drawings and paintings) twice a week over a 16-week period. Neuropsychiatric tests, including Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cognitive Assessment Screening Instrument (CASI), clinical dementia rating (CDR), and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), were administered before and 1 year after MNPI. We demonstrated the changes of cognition and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) before and after MNPI. We compared the different effectiveness of cognition preservation between two groups.

Results

In total, there were 43 participants in our study, including 18 with non-dementia and 25 with dementia. The non-dementia group had a significantly higher proportion of cognitive preservation in remote memory (100.0% vs 68.0%, P = .007), orientation (94.4% vs 48.0%, P = .001), drawing (94.4% vs 64.0%, P = .021) and language (77.8% vs 48.0%, P = .049) than the dementia group. The highest proportion of preserved cognition after MNPI was remote memory (100%), followed by orientation (94.4%) and drawing (94.4%) in the non-dementia group. The highest proportion of preserved cognition after MNPI was attention (72%) followed by remote memory (68%), recent memory (64%) and drawing (64%) in the dementia group. Overall, their improved rate in behavioral and psychological symptoms was 55.6%.

Conclusion

Our study concluded the benefits of early MNPI in cognition preservation in the elderly, especially in the field of remote memory, orientation, drawing and language.
A Secondary Analysis of Jackson et al. (2022): The Impact of Educational Placement for Students with Complex Support Needs
Authors: Lansey Kirsten R. , Jackson Lewis , Agran Martin , Ryndak Diane , Jameson J. Matt
Published: May 2024

The least restrictive environment (LRE) mandate has driven classroom placement decisions for the last five decades. It has been measured as the percentage of time students spend in general education contexts (i.e., Placement A: >80%; Placement B: 40-79%; Placement C: <40%). The mandate and its continuum of placements are predicated on the assumption that students can transition to less restrictive contexts, and that each placement will provide students with the skills needed to succeed in less restrictive contexts and, ultimately, in Placement A. Results from this descriptive analysis of survey responses from a sample of teachers and administrators of 98 elementary students with complex support needs indicate that less time in general education (Placements B and C) results in decreased access to single-grade classes, educator expertise, grade-aligned instructional materials, and general education curriculum. Furthermore, for most of the variables analyzed, the data suggest that Placement B is more closely aligned with Placement C than with Placement A, suggesting that it may function as a restrictive placement. We argue that current LRE implementation is resulting in placement and progress stagnation. To allow students with complex support needs to have inclusive and equitable learning opportunities, LRE must shift away from the concept of percentage of time in general education to requirements of student access to instruction on state-adopted grade-level general education standards within general education contexts and curriculum.
Leadership Role Occupancy and Leader Self-Views Across 20 Years: Implications for Leader Development
Authors: Walker Dayna O. H. , Middleton Eric D. , Reichard Rebecca J. , Riggio Ronald E.
Published: May 2024

Despite the recognized importance of leader development as a lifelong process, it remains unclear whether adolescents who engage in leadership will continue to do so into adulthood. Moreover, to what extent does leadership role occupancy facilitate internalizing future leader self-views? Conversely, to what extent does internalizing leader self-views facilitate future leadership role occupancy? The current paper examines these questions across three epochs of the lifespan (i.e., adolescence, early adulthood, and mid-adulthood) with a quasilongitudinal design. Drawing from a prospective database of 107 participants spanning over 26 years, we test within and between system effects of the leader experience processing system (i.e., leadership roles at ages 17, 29, and 38) and the leader self-view system (i.e., general self-concept at age 12, leader self-efficacy at age 17, and leader identity at ages 29 and 38). Structural equation modeling results support consistency in both systems, with more support for consistency in the leader self-view system. In addition, both systems mediate the other over time, suggesting a dynamic interplay whereby leaders integrate and build on leadership experiences in a process we call spontaneous leader development. Contrary to theory, we only found evidence for bi-directional relationships between systems in adolescence and early adulthood; in mid-adulthood at age 38, leader identity informed leadership roles but not vice versa. Implications of these findings for leader development theory are discussed.
Sliding model control of active magnetic bearing rotor system based on state observer
Authors: Li Lingchun , Ouyang Huimin , Ou Meiying , Gao Laixin
Published: May 2024

This paper addresses a novel sliding mode control based on state observer for active magnetic bearing rotor system. Firstly, the state-space model of a radial AMB rotor system is established with considering unbalance disturbance and gyro effect for a vertical flywheel energy storage system. Then a sliding mode function and switching surface are constructed based on an observer. Meanwhile, a separation and decoupling strategy based on Finsler’s lemma is proposed. Through this method, the constraint relationship between the controller gain, active magnetic bearing matrices and the Lyapunov variables is eliminated. After that a method for chattering reduction in the sliding-mode controller is raised. Relied on these techniques, new sufficient conditions for the stability of AMB rotor system are given in the framework of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed sliding mode controller is validated on the experimental platform of the flywheel energy storage system.
Perceptions, awareness, and implementation surrounding the assessment of frailty amongst vascular surgeons in Italy: Results from a nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: D’Oria Mario , Giacomelli Elena , Fargion Aaron T , Dorigo Walter , Calvagna Cristiano , Campolmi Marco , Pulli Raffaele , Lepidi Sandro ,   for the Study Collaborators
Published: May 2024

Objectives

We conducted this survey to gain insight into the real-life application and perceptions regarding the importance of peri-operative frailty assessment amongst vascular surgeons in Italy.

Methods

Italian vascular surgeons were invited to participate in the survey using the list provided by the Italian Society for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (1050 invited participants). A dedicated link to the survey was emailed through Google Forms, and reminders were automatically sent on a bi-weekly basis for a total of 8 weeks before stopping data collection.

Results

The survey was completed by 225 respondents, thereby yielding an overall 21.5% response rate. While the vast majority of respondents stated they were aware of the meaning of frailty (93%) and agreed that its assessment was clinically relevant for patients undergoing vascular surgery (99%), only 44% of surveyed surgeons reported that they used a specific tool for peri-operative frailty assessment. However, most respondents indicated that routine evaluation of frailty was not performed at their institution (87%). The main limitations were identified as being the lack of confidence in choosing the best tool, followed by lack of awareness, lack of skilled operators, and lack of time.

Conclusions

Our study showed that whilst most vascular surgeons in Italy are aware of the importance of frailty in affecting surgical outcomes across various interventions in the elective and non-elective settings, there is poor implementation of formal frailty assessment.
Sonographic imaging of the genicular nerves of the knee
Authors: Fenech Michelle , Boyle Jerome , Roche Bridie
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

The genicular nerves are sensory nerves around the knee. With the improvements in ultrasound imaging resolution, these nerves can be identified sonographically.

Topic description:

Due to their small size, genicular nerves are often underappreciated and overlooked during routine sonographic imaging. Chronic pain associated with knee osteoarthritis, or postsurgical knee pain can be relieved by ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablations or nerve blockades targeting the genicular nerves.

Discussion:

To sonographically image these nerves, or guide nerve blocks or ablations, knowledge of the sonographic anatomy, technique and normal appearances of the genicular nerves and their surrounding structures is required and is unpacked in this pictorial essay.

Conclusion:

Enhanced knowledge of the anatomy and a systematic approach to sonographically image and assess the genicular nerves of the knee can enhance the diagnosis of pathology, nerve injury or entrapment, and sonographic guidance of interventional procedures for pain relief.
A pair epimers of eremophilane sesquiterpene from Ligularia macrophylla
Authors: Shen Tong , Zha Xiang-Tao , Yu Mei , Li Guo-Li , He Yi-Lin
Published: May 2024

Two oxygenated eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, possessing C21 skeleton, a pair epimers, have been isolated from the whole plants of Ligularia macrophylla (Compositae). Their structures were determined by analysis of infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry data, and electronic circular dichroism as well as comparison with literature data. Of the two compounds, the compound 1 is unknown, and the other is known. These compounds are evaluated for antibacterial activity of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus.
Identification of indicators that predict victory in the five main CONMEBOL and UEFA leagues
Authors: Jacinto André Luiz Braga , Praça Gibson Moreira , Pinheiro Guilherme de Sousa , da Costa Varley Teoldo
Published: May 2024

This study identified which key performance indicators that predict the probability of winning are similar and specific for the top CONMEBOL and UEFA leagues. The analysis covered 12,289 games from the 2017/2018 to 2021/2022 seasons, excluding draws to focus on decisive results. Performance metrics were extracted using the InStat Scout® web platform, evaluating 55 offensive and defensive performance variables from the CONMEBOL and UEFA leagues. For data analysis, binary logistic regression was performed with the Forward Stepwise method. 14 similar predictive variables were identified between the CONMEBOL and UEFA leagues. We also identified 6 win-predictor variables specific to CONMEBOL, 2 win-predictor variables specific to UEFA, and 1 contextual variable that was predictive of victory for the CONMEBOL and UEFA leagues. The KPIs that are associated with an increased likelihood of winning games were identified. These include offensive actions, such as creating scoring chances, entering the final third of the opponent's field, shooting on goal, and being effective in counterattacks, converting penalties, and direct free kicks and making important passes and passes. For defensive actions, it was found that fouls, recoveries, possession interceptions, and low block defensive pressures are also associated with an increased likelihood of winning in the five main CONMEBOL and UEFA leagues. Particularly, for CONMEBOL leagues, counter-attacking actions, ball possession (%), free-kicks and efficiency for high pressing can also be associated with increased probability of winning. Specific to UEFA leagues, advancing actions down the left flanks and efficiency for team pressing are associated with increased probability of winning.