bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on the effects of residual carbon on ash fusion characteristics of high-alkali Zhundong coal under deep oxygen-staged condition
Authors: Wang Chang’an , Chen Yuanmao , Luo Maoyun , Zhao Lin , Zhao Pengbo , Che Defu
Published: August 2024

Due to the deep stage of oxygen, the pulverized coal cannot be burned completely in the primary combustion zone, resulting in a high content of residual carbon. The residual carbon in ash has a potential effect on the melting characteristics of ash, while there is a lack of specific research on the effects of residual carbon on ash fusion characteristics of high-alkali coals. In the present study, synthetic ash was blended with residual carbon to study the impacts of residual carbon content, graphitization level of the carbon, and atmospheric condition on ash fusion characteristics. Thermogravimetric analyzers and ash melting point testers were used to study the thermogravimetric behavior of ash and the characteristic temperatures of ash fusion, and then analyze the changes in the mineral composition and micromorphology of slag using X-ray diffractometers and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results reveal that the change in residual char content exerts a minor influence on the type of crystalline minerals within the ash, while it affects the relative content of various minerals. The softening temperature of the ash blended with activated carbon and graphite are 1234°C and 1242°C, respectively. The blending of activated carbon greatly promotes the generation of gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7, 1593°C) and inhibits the generation of merwinite (Ca3MgSi2O8, 1550°C), increasing the ash melting temperature. The ash fusion characteristic temperatures of the pure synthetic ash decrease with the enhancement of the reductive atmosphere. However, the ash fusion characteristic temperatures of the ash blended with carbon in strong reducing atmosphere are increased compared to those in weak reducing atmosphere because part of the carbon acts as a skeleton or reacts to form a carbon-silicon compound. The present study can offer improved knowledge to provide fundamental support for the combustion and utilization of high-alkali Zhundong coal under deep oxygen-staged conditions.
Inhibitory Effects of Dioscoreae Rhizoma and Polygalae Radix Mixture Combined with Sorafenib in Hepatoma Xenografts Model
Authors: Shin Mi-Rae , Choi Jeong Won , Roh Seong-Soo
Published: August 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity worldwide.

Objectives

This study evaluated the enhanced efficacy of a combination of herbal medicine with sorafenib (MIX) in a transplantation tumor model induced by HepG2 cells in HCC.

Materials and Methods

The HepG2 cell transplantation tumor model was established by injecting HepG2 cells subcutaneously into BALB/c nude mice. The impact of MIX on tumor growth was observed. Granzyme B was used to measure natural killer (NK) cell activity. Prognostic markers of HCC, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were analyzed via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, inflammation and apoptosis-related markers were assessed through serum analysis and Western blotting.

Results

Among the MIX groups, MIX25 (sorafenib 10 mg/kg + Dioscoreae rhizoma and Polygalae radix mixture 25 mg/kg) demonstrated the most significant effect. MIX25 effectively suppressed tumor volume and weight, enhanced apoptosis-promoting proteins (Bax, Cytochrome c, and Caspase-3), and reduced apoptosis-inhibiting proteins like survivin. Furthermore, MIX25 inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase inflammatory response and inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cyclooxygenase-2. The MIX25 group exhibited superior effects on NK cell activity and cancer marker genes (AFP and TERT) compared to other drug-treated groups.

Conclusion

MIX25 effectively suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 cell transplantation tumors in BALB/c nude mice. It not only inhibited inflammatory markers but also enhanced cell apoptosis. Additionally, MIX25 significantly increased NK cell activity and reduced mRNA expressions of AFP and TERT. Overall, the combination of MIX25 with sorafenib shows promise as a potential treatment for patients with HCC.
The Impact of Digitalization on International Remittances in Developing Economies: The Paradox of Institutional Development
Authors: Nguyen Van Bon
Published: August 2024

Digital technology significantly transforms economies by reducing transaction costs and promoting economic growth. Similarly, international remittances decrease poverty and improve employment. This article investigates whether digitalization increases international remittances in developing economies and how institutional development affects the nexus between digitalization and international remittances. The study employs internet users and fixed broadband subscriptions as proxies for digitalization and the difference generalized method of moments estimators to test the role of governance in the digitalization-international remittances nexus across 102 developing economies. The findings are counter-intuitive. First, digitalization and governance increase international remittances. Second, as a proxy for digitalization, the interaction term with internet users decreases international remittances, while the interaction term with fixed broadband subscriptions promotes them. Finally, trade openness, economic growth, and inflation are determinants of international remittances. From these findings, the article makes arguments to show the paradox of institutional development in developing economies and some policy lessons to improve institutional quality in promoting digital technology and attracting more international remittances.

JEL Classification C23, G21, O47
“We are Enemies of Law and Women”: The Manosphere and Victimized Masculinity on Twitter (Now X)
Authors: Demir Yavuz , Tiryaki Salih
Published: August 2024

In this study, the misogynistic discourses created by “victims of alimony” on twitter (now X), a significant subculture within the manosphere in Turkey, are analyzed. This study is significant as it is one of the pioneering works examining manosphere communities in Turkey. The study examined 10,398 X posts shared by this subgroup under various hashtags using the netnographic method. The results revealed that individuals identifying themselves as victims of alimony produced expressions of organized hostility towards “laws” ( n = 4582) and “women” ( n = 5816) on X. Focusing on the claim that existing laws “protect women” and “victimize men,” these groups develop hostile attitudes towards women through the image of male victims and use the image of “cheating” women to justify their discourse.
A Narrative Review of the Current Research in Cancer-Related Pain Inequities: The Necessity of Applying Intersectionality to Advance Cancer Pain Research
Authors: AuBuchon Katarina E. , Lyons Myla , Braun Erika , Groninger Hunter , Graves Kristi , Bowleg Lisa
Published: August 2024

Cancer-related pain has a significant impact on quality of life for patients with cancer. In populations without cancer, there are documented pain inequities associated with minoritized racial and/or ethnic groups, women, and low socioeconomic status. However, our understanding of pain inequities specifically among patients with cancer remains incomplete. We narratively synthesized published quantitative research on cancer-related pain inequities in the US in the past decade. A search identified 17 English-language articles examining pain for patients with various cancer types at different treatment stages. Our review revealed mixed findings comparing cancer-related pain by racial group (e.g., Black vs White) and sex (male vs female), but consistent findings indicating that people with lower (vs higher) socioeconomic status and younger (vs older) patients report more cancer-related pain. Research on cancer pain among sexual and gender minorities remains scant. Key research gaps include a need for more research that incorporates an intersectional perspective by exploring intersecting subgroups and measuring social and structural processes that drive pain inequities. These findings underscore an important need for researchers to use an intersectional approach to cancer pain to help elucidate key populations at-risk for exacerbated cancer-related pain and identify ways to mitigate social and structural processes that drive these inequities.
Validated Tools Used to Assess Musculoskeletal Injuries in Dancers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Panosso Isabela , Senger Danrlei , Delabary Marcela dos Santos , Angioi Manuela , Haas Aline Nogueira
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Dance is a physically demanding art form that often results in musculoskeletal injuries. To effectively treat these injuries, standardized and reliable assessment tools designed to the dancer’s needs are required. Thus, the aim of this review is to identify studies that have employed validated tools to assess musculoskeletal injuries in ballet, modern, and contemporary dancers, focusing on describing the content and psychometric quality of the tools used. Methods: This systematic review is registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022306755). PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus databases were searched by two independent reviewers. Articles assessing musculoskeletal injuries with validated tools in ballet, modern and/or contemporary dancers and written in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were included. Non-peer reviewed articles, books, conference abstracts, thesis/review articles, or case design studies were excluded. The original validation studies were compiled when necessary. Two independent reviewers conducted a standardized data extraction and evaluated the methodological quality using an adapted Downs and Black checklist. Results: From the 3933 studies screened, 172 were read to verify if they met the inclusion criteria, resulting in 37 studies included accounting for 16 unique validated tools. Two were imaging exams, one was an injury classification system, and 13 were self-reported injury questionnaires. Only four injury assessment tools were validated for dancers, emphasizing the need for further validation studies for the dance population. Most of the articles (57%) achieved high-quality methodological scores and the remaining (43%) reported medium-quality scores. Conclusions: Valid, reliable, and specific tools to assess dance injuries are lacking in general. For enhanced methodological rigor in future studies, the incorporation of validated tools is recommended to improve methodological quality and facilitate cross-study comparisons. Researchers may consider conducting validation studies, involving processes such as translation into another language, validation of modifications to the original tool, or reporting reliability within the article itself.
Differences in the Size of Individual Plantar Intrinsic Foot Muscles Between Ballet Dancers and Non-Dancers
Authors: Fukuyama Hiroshi , Maeo Sumiaki , Kusagawa Yuki , Sugiyama Takashi , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Isaka Tadao
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

In classic ballet, choreography often involves tiptoe standing. Tiptoe standing requires a high and stable foot arch structure, which is achieved by contraction of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles (PIFMs). Long-term repetitive loading with a specific movement can induce hypertrophic adaptation of the associated muscles. For dancers, however, limited information on the size of individual PIFMs is available from previous studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the sizes of 10 individual PIFMs between dancers and non-dancers.

Methods:

Muscle volumes (MVs) of 10 individual PIFMs were measured using magnetic resonance imaging in 15 female dancers and 15 female non-dancers. Muscles analyzed included abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor digiti minimi, quadratus plantae, lumbricals, flexor hallucis brevis, adductor hallucis oblique head, adductor hallucis transverse head, flexor digiti minimi, plantar/dorsal interossei. In addition to absolute MVs, relative MVs normalized to body mass (rMVBM) and the percentage of individual MVs relative to the sum of 10 individual PIFM MVs (%MVWHOLE) were calculated.

Results:

The absolute MVs of 6 individual PIFMs, including the flexor digitorum brevis and lumbricals, were +16% to 59% larger in dancers than in non-dancers (P ≤ .048). The rMVBM of all individual PIFMs were +35% to 95% larger in dancers than in non-dancers (P ≤ .019). The %MVWHOLE of the flexor digitorum brevis and lumbricals were +10% to 36% higher (P ≤ .014) and those of the abductor digiti minimi and adductor hallucis oblique head were +8% to 11% lower (P ≤ .037) in dancers than in non-dancers.

Conclusions:

For all 3 MV measures, only the flexor digitorum brevis and lumbricals, which are functionally specialized for flexion of the second to fifth metatarsophalangeal joints, were consistently larger in dancers than in non-dancers. This may be due to long-term repetitive loading on these PIFMs during ballet training involving tiptoe standing.
The anterior femoral cortical window as an alternative to an extended trochanteric osteotomy in revision hip arthroplasty surgery: the evolution of the surgical technique and outcomes in 22 consecutive cases
Authors: Morley David , Wyatt Michael C , van Dalen John
Published: August 2024

Background:

The anterior femoral cortical window is an attractive alternative to the extended trochanteric osteotomy when removing femoral cement in revision hip arthroplasty. CT-based additive manufacturing technology has now permitted the creation of patient-specific instrumented (PSI) jigs to facilitate this. The jig simplifies creation of the window, potentiating medullary exposure through an optimally-sized window and therefore cement removal. Between 2006 and 2021 this technique was used in 22 cases at a regional hospital in New Zealand (mean age 74; range 44 to 89 years). 16 cases were for aseptic loosening and 6 for infection. We describe the technique and our case series. Bone incorporation for the cortical window was assessed in all cases using CT imaging. Oxford scores were obtained at a minimum of 6 months after revision surgery. Of the 6 septic cases 5 went onto successful stage-2 procedures, the other to a Girdlestone procedure.

Results:

The mean rectangular shaped window size was 8 × 1.5 cm and in each case, this provided adequate intramedullary access. On average at minimum 5 months post-surgery, 84% bone incorporation of the cortical window occurred on CT (40–100%). The functional outcome Oxford hip score was 37 (range 22–48) for 10 cases. There were 2 cases with femoral component subsidence which then stabilised.

Conclusions:

This technique description and retrospective case series has shown the effectiveness of removing a distal femoral cement mantle in revision hip arthroplasty using an anterior femoral cortical window, recently optimised using a PSI jig. This technique is a straightforward alternative to a trochanteric osteotomy. Reliable bony integration of the cortical window occurred and functional outcomes were comparable with the mean score for revision hip procedures reported in the New Zealand Joint Registry.
Beyond the Ordinary: Paeniclostridium sordellii Osteomyelitis in a Young Male Patient From Pakistan
Authors: Khan Moiz Ahmed , Kamal Syeda Samiya , Zafar Summaiya
Published: August 2024

Paeniclostridium sordellii, a spore-forming anaerobic Gram-positive rod commonly found in soil samples, is rarely associated with human disease. The authors report a rare case of P. sordelli osteomyelitis of the left distal femur in a young male patient, which is the first reported case of P. sordelli from Pakistan. A 21-year-old male, laborer by profession, presented with low-grade fever, fatigue and lethargy since more than a month, which progressed in severity over the last 2 weeks. On CT scan, abnormal thickening of the cortical bone along with encroachment of the medullary cavity was observed in the left distal femur. A diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis was made and surgical intervention was performed to remove infected bone and soft tissue, which were sent for culture to the Microbiology laboratory. Bone and soft tissue cultures yielded no growth after 72 hours of aerobic incubation. However, bacterial growth was observed after anaerobic incubation, in bone culture, which was identified as P. sordellii using Vitek® 2 automated system. Penicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, vancomycin and metronidazole were susceptible whereas, clindamycin was resistant in the isolate. The patient was started on metronidazole and after he remained stable with a clean surgical wound and symptomatic management, was discharged on regular follow-up as an out-patient. Since, P. sordelli is rare and highly fatal in most cases, prompt reporting and insights from treated infections could pave the way for successful management.
Perspectives on advance care planning and related end-of-life care in people with heart failure: A Q methodology study
Authors: Kim JinShil , Hwang Yoon Young , Cho KyungAh , Shin Myoung Hwan , Shin Mi-Seung , Yang Jisun , An Minjeong , Heo Seongkum
Published: August 2024

Negative perspectives around advance care planning (ACP) prevent people with heart failure (HF) from preparing their end-of-life (EOL) effectively. A Q methodology study was conducted to identify types of ACP perspectives in Koreans with HF. The Q sample (31 statements representing ACP perspectives) was constructed through an extensive literature review and in-depth qualitative interview. The P sample (individuals with HF) completed each grid with a statement on the Q sorting table. The data were analyzed using the PQ program. Individuals with HF have both different and common perspectives on ACP. Three types of perspectives were identified: “ positive acceptance,” “ contemplative support,” and “ hesitancy in acceptance.” Common perspectives across types indicated that people with HF had positive attitudes toward ACP and emphasized their autonomy in EOL decisions. Clinicians need to consider these different and common perspectives on ACP to facilitate patients’ engagement and provide relevant support.
Effects of alkali-silane surface-grafted pineapple fibre on lamina delamination & drilling damage behaviour of aged epoxy composites under various water and temperature
Authors: Kumar P Senthil , S Satishkumar
Published: August 2024

The emergence of light-weight compounds has led to numerous research innovations in the field of composite materials. In order to find out how well materials work when they are exposed to different environmental conditions, this study looks at the mechanical and machining properties of natural fiber composite materials that have been chemically treated under different aging conditions. Epoxy resin and triethylenetetramine hardener were utilized to make composites, along with chemically treated pineapple fiber. Composite plates were fabricated using a manual layup method and post-cured under different aging conditions of 40 °C and 60 °C for 30 days, as well as immersion in sea water and rain water for the same duration. Despite undergoing aging conditions, the B-series specimens exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to untreated ones. The B-series specimens (B0, B1, B2, B3, and B4) showed rail shear and lap shear values ranging from approximately 19 MPa to 27 MPa and 15 MPa to 23 MPa, respectively. Additionally, the B-series specimens demonstrated higher fatigue life counts ranging from approximately 16,000 to 20,000 cycles, along with maximum stress values ranging from approximately 56 MPa to 70 MPa. Drilling macroscopic scans revealed that chemically treated specimens exhibited minimal fiber pull-out, dimensional stability, and improved bonding compared to untreated specimens. Overall, the study demonstrates that chemically treated fiber composites exhibit superior mechanical properties and machining characteristics, making them promising materials for various industrial applications, including automobiles, industrial, civil, and marine engineering, and the aviation sector.
The making of negative being: Religion, humiliation, and consumer vulnerability
Authors: Varman Rohit , Meshram Kanika
Published: August 2024

This study draws upon the lived experience of Sharankumar Limbale, a Dalit, as depicted in his autobiographical memoir, ‘The Outcaste’. Through Limbale’s narratives, we aim to understand how religion morphs consumption into a site of humiliation for Dalits. We examine Limbale’s caste-based market interactions and consumption to illuminate the reduction of Dalits to negative beings, subjected to interpellation as polluted individuals and to degrading consumption of waste. These negative beings endure ontological wounds and exist as degraded appendages to dominant social groups. This study calls attention to the recognition of the category of negative being within consumer research, as without it, the extreme vulnerability faced by certain consumer groups remains incomprehensible. Ultimately, this research advances the theoretical understanding of how religion plays a role in perpetuating and reinforcing conditions of extreme consumer vulnerability.
How conversations can empower and involve: Building the evidence for Approved Mental Health Professionals’ communicative practices
Authors: Hemmington Jill
Published: August 2024

Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) undertake Mental Health Act (MHA) interviews and they make the ultimate decision, based on doctors’ medical recommendations, to detain an individual in hospital without their consent. AMHPs are required to embed the statutory guiding principle of Empowerment and Involvement as well as to maximise service users’ self-determination and this is part of a broader policy orientation toward principles of participation, involvement, shared decision-making and supported decision-making. Yet there is very little research in this area and AMHP practice takes place in the absence of guidelines or clear evidence base. Consequently, more needs to be understood about effective techniques for communication and involvement. This study was conducted with AMHPs from an AMHP service in England. A qualitative methodology was employed to gather indepth information about AMHPs’ communicative practices. MHA assessments were observed and audio-recorded to enable Conversation Analysis to be used to analyse the content and style of communication within interactions. Findings suggest that at a micro, conversational level, AMHPs worked to address obstacles to communication as well as to maintain, or restore, affiliation and alignment in their relationships with service users. Evidence suggests that communicative techniques form part of AMHPs’ broader coordinating and empowering role. The study concludes that there is a need for a more deliberate and deliberative approach to re-engineer how AMHPs and service users work together, providing original evidence for AMHP practice and supporting future training.
Impact localization in composite structures with Deep Neural Networks
Authors: del-Río-Velilla Daniel , Pedraza Andrés , Fernández-López Antonio
Published: August 2024

This research looks at the application of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) for low-energy impact localization in composite structures, a key aspect of structural health monitoring in the aerospace sector. The methodology used in this study involves the generation of a consistent impact dataset using an autonomous impact machine, followed by meticulous data processing. The training of the DNN models was focused on minimizing the Euclidean distance between the predicted and actual impact positions employing custom loss functions. This study yielded several significant findings. First, it confirmed the feasibility of using DNNs for effective impact localization in complex composite structures, although with varying degrees of accuracy across different impact locations but with an average error of the same order as the labeling error. Second, it was observed that the performance of the models was considerably influenced by structural features, such as the presence of stringers and the placement of sensors. The architecture demonstrated consistent performance across multiple trained models, indicating their robustness and potential for generalization. The implications of these findings for structural health monitoring are substantial, suggesting that DNNs can be a valuable tool for early damage detection in composite structures.
Real-Life Data on Wound Healing Speed and Duration to Wound Closure by Different Aetiology in a Primary Care Centre in the Netherlands
Authors: Brekelmans Wouter , Borger van der Burg Boudewijn L.S. , Fischer Bart , Hesseling-Kuijpers Maartje , Hoencamp Rigo , Smit Harm Jaap
Published: August 2024

Correct classification of wounds is of paramount importance for diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. The aim of this study was to provide insight in the incidence of different aetiology of wounds and the healing time in a primary care setting. All patients with a wound presented in Primary Care (PC) practice from January 2017 through 2020 were included. A retrospective analysis related to age, sex, duration of wound healing, healing-rates, aetiology and comorbidity of the patients was performed. The prevalence of wounds in primary care was is 3.9 per 1000. In more than 90% of the wounds heal within 37 days. The wound healing speed and duration to closure differ significantly ( P = .002) between aetiology. This study shows that 90% of wounds that enter a Dutch GP practice heal within 37 days. This study provides unique data on wound healing rates differentiated by etiology.
A single-item Expectancy Measure’s Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness to Detect Changes in Clinical Efficacy Studies of Integrative Cancer Therapies: A Methodology Study
Authors: Efverman Anna
Published: August 2024

Background:

Expectations may modify outcomes. However, studies often fail to measure expectations. This raises the need for a brief valid and reliable expectancy measure.

Objectives:

To study treatment expectations in individuals entering acupuncture or rest, validity and test re-test reliability of a single-item expectancy measure graded on a category scale, a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and to identify psychometric differences between the scales.

Method:

In this methodology study, treatment expectations were measured in 363 participants before they received acupuncture (genuine traditional penetrating or non-penetrating telescopic sham acupuncture, n = 239, 98%, responded) or a control treatment involving just rest (n = 120, 100%, responded), aimed to improve level of relaxation. A treatment expectancy measure, graded on a five-grade category scale, an eight-grade NRS and a 100 mm VAS, was tested for test re-test reliability. Level of expectation and relaxation was measured at baseline, pre- and post-therapy (n = 729 expectancy measurements).

Results:

The participants scheduled for acupuncture or rest believed moderately (Inter Quartile Range, IQR, moderately-much) and much (IQR moderately-much) the treatment to be effective. The Intra-Class Correlation coefficient versus Kappa coefficient between test and re-test was .868/.868 for the category scale, .820/.820 for the NRS, and .856/.854 for the VAS. The middle step “Believe moderately the treatment to be effective” was equivalent with median 4 (IQR, 3-4) on NRS and median 52 mm (IQR 42-52) on VAS. The response rates were 708 (97%) on the category scale, 707 (97%) on the NRS, and 703 (96%) on the VAS. All three scales discriminated that pre-therapy expectations were more positive in the individuals who reported an improvement in relaxation level ( P < .001-.003). The VAS presented higher responsiveness to detect expectancy changes over time (71% increased expectation), compared to the NRS (52% increased) and the category scale (12% increased), P < .001.

Conclusions:

Individuals entering acupuncture, or a control intervention, presented positive treatment expectations, and the expectancy measure presented satisfactory reliability, validity, high response rates, sensitiveness, and responsiveness. Integrative cancer therapy researchers who want to control for expectancy-related bias in clinical trials should consider measuring expectation using the single-item expectancy measure.
Ethical considerations of children’s involvement in school-based research: balancing children’s provision, protection, and participation rights
Authors: Robinson Carol
Published: August 2024

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out the rights to which all children should have access. Included in the Convention is children’s right to participate and have a say in matters affecting them. This right is equally applicable within a research context as it is in children’s everyday lives. This desk-top study reviews published ethics guidelines and university ethics documents associated with research involving children in school contexts, to determine the presence of children’s participation rights. It draws attention to how growing understandings of children’s participation rights, and the ethical issues associated with these, are inadequately encompassed within ethics guidelines and documents.
Rejecting a robot’s offer: An analysis of preference
Authors: Tisserand Lucien , Baldauf-Quilliatre Heike
Published: August 2024

Since the development of commercial robots dedicated to service or social encounters, there have been numerous appearances of such devices in public spaces or corporate buildings. However, their purpose might not be self-evident and the modalities for using it might not be self-explainable. Moreover, ‘talking’ to a robot that imitates a receptionist could raise practical problems, given the fact that ‘talk’ among humans is an interactional resource for performing actions that carry social dimensions. This paper focuses on the dimension of ‘preference organization’; specifically, offer rejections that are dispreferred among humans. Based on conversation analysis of human-robot interactions recorded in a university library, we examined 95 occurrences of how library users rejected offers of assistance initiated by a humanoid robot, Pepper. We identified three embodied rejection practices embedded in other courses of activity among groups of library users. Such practices show how users index their own orientation towards the transposition (or not) of human interactional norms that are borne with rejections as marked social moves.
Implementation of postoperative opioid prescribing guidelines after carpal tunnel release: a quality collaborative study
Authors: Billig Jessica I. , Kotsis Sandra V. , Kong Lingxuan , Wang Lu , Chung Kevin C. ,   Michigan Collaborative Hand Initiative for Quality in Surgery, Adkinson Joshua , Fowler John , Gaston R. Glenn , Giladi Aviram , Gottschalk Michael , Hammert Warren , Katz Ryan , John Li Zhongyu , Rizzo Marco , Wagner Eric
Published: August 2024

Opioid prescribing after carpal tunnel release (CTR) is not well understood. We assessed CTR opioid prescribing within a quality collaborative after the dissemination of guidelines. Post guidelines, the odds of receiving a prescription decreased by 67%. Quality collaboratives can change practice patterns.

Level of evidence: III
Ultrasound therapy for pain reduction in musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guan Haiying , Wu Yilun , Wang Xiangyang , Liu Bo , Yan Ting , Abedi-Firouzjah Razzagh
Published: August 2024

Background:

Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive technique used to address a variety of health issues.

Objectives:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy in alleviating pain associated with musculoskeletal diseases.

Design:

This study was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, with relevant articles identified through comprehensive searches in electronic databases.

Data sources and methods:

We conducted searches across multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, ProQuest, Science Direct, CINAHL, AIM, and ELDIS. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies published between 2010 and 2023 that evaluated ultrasound therapy for knee and shoulder skeletal disorders. The selected data were analyzed qualitatively and synthesized, with the risk of bias assessed using the RoB2 tool.

Results:

Initially, 117 articles were reviewed using the search strategy, and 10 trials that met the inclusion criteria were identified. In seven of these studies, the primary musculoskeletal disorder was osteoarthritis, while three studies focused on shoulder pain and impingement. Most studies indicated that ultrasound therapy significantly reduced pain. The meta-analysis showed that ultrasound therapy was significantly more effective than other interventions for knee disorders ( I2 = 51%, Z = 2.65, p = 0.008). However, for shoulder disorders, both ultrasound and other intervention methods were found to be ineffective ( I2 = 93%, Z = 0.73, p = 0.46).

Conclusion:

The current evidence supports the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy in reducing pain and aiding rehabilitation for knee conditions. However, there are mixed results regarding its efficacy for shoulder conditions, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
CVVHDF combined with cytokine adsorption column ameliorates severe catheter-related bloodstream infection in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Shen Yingjing
Published: August 2024

In extracorporeal circulation, inflammatory mediators are eliminated through inflammatory cytokine adsorption. By interacting with inflammatory cytokines and removing them from the bloodstream, the adsorber’s adsorbent lowers levels of inflammatory mediators and the inflammatory response. We present the case of a 67-year-old Chinese man diagnosed with sepsis due to a bloodstream infection from a catheter. We promptly utilized a cytokine adsorption column in conjunction with continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), resulting in a decrease in interleukin-6 levels and complete removal of bascteria from the bloodstream. A critical turning point in illness management is reached as the levels of inflammatory cytokines drop and the dosage of patients’ vasoactive medications improves significantly. In hemodialysis patients with secondary septic shock in the context of catheter-associated bacteremia, the combination of CVVHDF with cytokine adsorption therapy in hemodialysis may be clinically useful and improve or accelerate the patient’s improvement.
Unexpected spontaneous expectoration of a grass bur: A case report
Authors: Alaniz Jacob A. , Armstrong Peyton , Bosley Alexander , Mavratsas Vasilis , Reinertson Randal
Published: August 2024

Adult foreign body aspiration is rare and represents only 15%–25% of all foreign body aspirations and 1 in 400 bronchoscopy procedures. Typically, adults present non-emergently and exhibit non-specific symptoms, which makes the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration especially difficult when a history of aspiration cannot be elicited. We present a 63-year-old male with a past medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospitalized for left thoracic empyema caused by the aspiration of a grass bur. Our patient did not recall the aspiration event and the diagnosis was further obfuscated by a lack of radiographic evidence and other distracting disease processes. Thus, this case exemplifies the rationale for maintaining a suspicion of foreign body aspiration even for patients with little historical or radiographic evidence to support the presence of a foreign body. This is particularly salient for patients with a tumultuous hospital course or those who fail to respond to treatment.
Potential role of hybrid weight management intervention: A scoping review
Authors: Cheah Khang Jin , Manaf Zahara Abdul , Mat Ludin Arimi Fitri , Razalli Nurul Huda
Published: August 2024

Background

Digital health has been widely used in delivering healthcare, presenting emerging opportunities to overcome barriers to effective obesity care. One strategy suggested for addressing obesity involves a hybrid weight management intervention that incorporates digital health. This scoping review aimed to map existing evidence regarding hybrid weight management intervention.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science electronic databases were searched for studies published between January 1, 2012 and May 16, 2023, with language restricted to English. The focus was on controlled trials in which a hybrid weight management intervention was used in the intervention among overweight or obese adults. The scoping review framework followed Arksey and O’Malley's guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISM-P).

Results

Full-text article review in the screening stage resulted in a total of 10 articles being included for narrative synthesis. Almost two-third of the articles originated from the United States (60%), followed by Europe and Australia, each accounting for 20%. The most common hybrid weight management intervention type was the combination of face-to-face and telehealth (i.e. phone call/text messaging) (40%), closely followed by a combination email intervention (30%) and mHealth apps intervention (30%). Most of the face-to-face dietary interventions were delivered as a group counseling (80%), while some were conducted as individual counseling (20%). Most studies observed a positive effect of the hybrid weight management intervention on body weight (weight lost 3.9–8.2 kg), body mass index (decreased 0.58 kg/m2), waist circumference (decreased 2.25 cm), and physical activity level compared to standard care. Findings suggest a direct association between hybrid weight management interventions and weight loss. The weight loss ranged from 3.9 to 8.2 kg, with some evidence indicating a significant weight loss of 5% from baseline. There is a need to explore stakeholders’ telehealth perspective to optimize the delivery of hybrid weight management interventions, thereby maximizing greatest benefits for weight management.
Older parents’ perceptions of children's filial piety in rural China: The roles of coresidence, geographic proximity, and intergenerational support
Authors: Zhang Wencheng , Silverstein Merril , Xu Ying
Published: August 2024

Filial piety—the belief that children should provide care, support, respect, and obedience to their older parents—is a fundamental normative expectation in East Asian societies. This study investigates the relationship between the geographic proximity of children and the support received from them, and their parents’ perceptions of filial piety in rural China. We used the 2021 wave of the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province to predict parental assessments of filial piety for each of their children. Random-effects linear probability models using an internal moderator approach were employed to compare coresident children with non-coresident children based on their proximity and support provided. Findings indicate that parents tend to perceive their coresident children as being more filial compared to non-coresident children, particularly when parents are in worse functional health. However, non-coresident children can compensate for their deficiency in being perceived as filial by providing more financial support and maintaining frequent telephone communication with their parents. The study's results suggest that filial piety norms in rural China have adapted to the diminished emphasis on intergenerational coresidence resulting from the trends of urbanization and significant rural–urban migration in modern China, requiring that children find alternative ways to fulfill their filial obligations.
Surgical Repair of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection into the Superior Vena Cava: A Case Report
Authors: Al-Dairy Alwaleed , Ali Batoul , Aldagher Ayah
Published: August 2024

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a rare congenital anomaly that has four anatomical subtypes. In the supracardiac type, the common pulmonary vein confluence usually drains into the left innominate vein via a vertical vein; however, it may drain into the superior vena cava. Herein, we present a successful surgical repair of a rare type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in which the common pulmonary vein confluence was draining directly into the superior vena cava without a vertical vein.
Can We Predict the Financial Distress of Banks in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Opoku Samuel , Appiah Kingsley Opoku , Gyimah Prince
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the predictors of financial distress of banks in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, we examine the relationship between bank financial distress and the 5Cs (i.e., Character, Capacity, Capital, Condition, and Collateral). We use logistic regression and panel data from 228 listed and non-listed Sub-Sahara Africa Banks over the period 2006 to 2016 to test the hypotheses. We find that the rating measures of capacity (cost to income), capital (leverage), and condition (loan loss reserves to gross loan and inflation) positively affect the financial distress of the banks in Sub-Saharan Africa. Control of corruption decreases the probability of financial distress; however, the collateral and character indicators do not predict the financial distress of the banks. This study adds to the debate on how Character, Capacity, Capital, Condition, and Collateral affect bank financial distress in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region with high bank insolvency but research remains scant.
Smallholder Challenges of Social and Economic Upgrading in Agricultural Value Chains: A Cross-country, Cross-crop Comparison
Authors: Karatepe Ismail Doga , Scherrer Christoph
Published: August 2024

This study is based on field research conducted by an international team of researchers investigating the opportunities for social upgrading of smallholder farm owners and tenants and their workers in the Global South. The main objective has been to assess the influence of crop characteristics, end markets, and value chain governance (including product and process standards), as well as national political, economic, and cultural contexts, on the conditions of farmers and farmworkers. Accordingly, the selected crops differ along the axes of domestic versus international end markets and short versus long shelf-life: coffee (cash crop), rice (staple crop), and mangoes (perishable crop). The selected countries are Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Our main findings relate to the importance of collective action by key stakeholders, including smallholders and a supportive state, for economic and social upgrading.
A Rare Case of Atrial Septal Mass Secondary to Lymphoma: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Prakash Amulya , Khalid Farhan , Gandhi Haresh , Mungalpara Dhyey
Published: August 2024

The antemortem diagnosis of secondary cardiac involvement by lymphoma remains suboptimal. Prognosis is worse with delayed diagnosis as the tumor burden increases with the multicompartment participation. Chemotherapy may improve survival, but there is a risk of mortality due to treatment-related complications, such as myocardial rupture and fatal arrhythmias. Modified chemotherapy regimens may prevent such complications, but the data are limited. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with cardiac involvement, where early diagnosis prevented cardiac complications from the disease and its treatment as well. The aim of this case report is to highlight the fact that cardiac involvement in lymphoma is frequent and can be easily missed, leading to complications. Treatment requires an individualized approach.
Application of the PAPERS Grading Criteria Within a Rapid Evidence Review to Determine the Psychometric and Pragmatic Properties of Patient Empowerment Tools
Authors: Woolley Katherine E , Jones Nia J , Rahim Ayesha , Withers Kathleen L , Letchford Robert
Published: August 2024

Self-management of long-term conditions requires health professionals to understand and develop capabilities that empower the population they serve. A rapid evidence review was undertaken to assess the current evidence based on the psychometric properties of patient empowerment tools. MEDLINE was searched, and data were extracted for each publication and scored using a modified Psychometric and Pragmatic Evidence Rating Scale (PAPERS) evidence rating scale. The results were grouped into the following domains: (a) health literacy; (b) patient activation; (c) long-term conditions; (d) self-management needs and behaviors. A full-text review of 65 publications led to the inclusion of 29 primary studies. The highest scoring tools were selected with respect to performance for each domain: (a) Newest Vital Sign and the Brief Health Literacy Screen; (b) Consumer Health Activation Index and PAM-13; (c) LTCQ and LTCQ8; and (d) SEMCD and Patient Enablement Instrument. PAPERS was a useful tool in determining the generalizability, validity, and reliability of these patient empowerment tools. However, further research is required to establish whether an individual's health literacy status influences patient empowerment tool outcomes.
Nursing Students’ Experiences and Challenges in Their Education During COVID 19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Kanagaraj Puvaneswari , Arulappan Judie , Pradhan Arpita , Moustafa Mohammed Shimmaa Mansour
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 outbreak disrupted the nursing education across the world. The nursing students faced many challenges in their learning process.

Objective

The study explored the experiences and challenges faced by nursing students who had virtual education in India.

Methods

The study adopted an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. The study was conducted as two phases. Phase 1: Qualitative data were collected using direct focus group interview with 18 students. Phase 2: Quantitative data were collected from 477 students using a Likert scale prepared by the investigators of the study on challenges experienced by nursing students on their education. The analysis was done using the descriptive and inferential statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

Phase 1: The analyzed data produced seven themes and 10 sub-themes; (1) technical issues—a concern, (2) regular rhythm in educational training—but not complete, (3) stress and strain, (4) evaluation—a concern, (5) communication, (6) comfort zone, and (7) easy distraction. Phase 2: Majority of the students (54.71%) experienced high-level challenges with the nursing education during pandemic. The overall mean and SD of all the domain-wise challenges were 103.39 + 7.11 with the range from 30 to 150. The mean and SD with educational challenges were (20.27 + 3.04), environmental challenges (6.92 + 1.66), communication challenges (17.61 + 4.01), technical challenges (17.39 + 3.75), evaluation challenges (7.09 + 1.94), physical and mental challenges (20.47 + 4.33), career challenges (7.06 + 1.91), and financial challenges (6.61 + 2.1). The demographic variable gender ( P = 0.045) showed a statistically significant association with the challenges.

Conclusion

Considering the experiences and challenges faced by the nursing students, the nursing administrators shall design educational strategies to mitigate these challenges in nursing education during a pandemic.

Implication

Virtual nursing education offers flexibility in teaching and learning, self-paced learning opportunity, lower the costs, career advancement, comfortable learning environment, more opportunities for participation, easier to track documentation and improves skills in technology. Therefore, the challenges in virtual nursing education should be lessened to have successful teaching learning experiences.