bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Romani Musical Labor and Cultural Politics in Southeastern Serbia
Authors: Marković Alexander
Published: March 2023

Romani brass musicians in Vranje, Serbia, connect locals to regional traditions and prestigious Ottoman cultural legacies through their musical labor. Roma practically monopolize brass band musical performance in the area, providing essential services to both Romani and Serbian communities at important community celebrations. Weddings in particular are major events where brass bands are inextricably tied to ritual efficacy and desirable levels of festive exuberance. Expert knowledge of repertoire, musical aesthetics, and celebratory custom—traditionally maintained within family lineages via oral transmission—position Roma as key culture brokers who nurture local folklore and community rituals through performance. Moreover, Romani expressive practices allow Vranje Serbs to tangibly connect with a romanticized “authentic/exotic/Eastern” Ottoman heritage in ways that garner cultural cachet despite the region’s ostensibly marginal position in contemporary Serbia.
Gentiles and Their Relations to Jews
Authors: Zetterholm Magnus
Published: March 2023

The relations between Gentiles and Jews in the Greco-Roman world generally appear to have been characterized by relative harmony. Although reciprocal stereotyping, hostility, and prejudice indeed existed among Jews and Gentiles, there is also ample evidence of positive Gentile-Jewish social interaction, at least within some strata of the population. This most likely took place in the context of various voluntary associations to which the Jewish synagogues belonged. When the imperial government acted against Jews, it seldom concerned Jews only but commonly involved other minorities. Jews were normally permitted to practice their religion, and Jewish communities had developed various strategies for expressing loyalty to the empire without crossing the line to “idolatry.” The different attitudes, positive and negative, to Gentiles found within the early Jesus movement most likely represent different various strategies for dealing with the problem of the assumed moral impurity of Gentiles.
Best Practices Acquired from an Anti-Oppressive, Intermodal, Creative Arts Therapy Group for Trans and Nonbinary Youth
Authors: Thibeault Charles-Antoine
Published: March 2023

This chapter articulates a theoretical model for a creative arts therapy group for trans and nonbinary youth aged 14 to 18 years, in Canada. With the inclusion of audio extracts, this chapter provides the reader with a glimpse into the realities of the group and highlights lessons learned from the work achieved. From my perspective as a trans music therapist, this chapter suggests recommendations for clinical work in this setting. This chapter also discusses the importance of an anti-oppressive approach that allows expressions of complex emotions to arise and be shared. Considering artistic creativity as a tool to convey openness, I discuss the needs of trans and nonbinary youth for community, as a means to be supported and witnessed. Finally, the chapter touches on the work achieved outside the group that allowed for systemic change and parental, social, and legal support. This chapter aims to provide an operational overview of the ways in which queer and trans music therapy can be clinically realized.
Critical Reflections on Queer Thought, Music, and Therapy from a Multicultured and Multilayered Israeli Perspective
Authors: Aronoff Uri , Gilboa Avi , Antebi Judy
Published: March 2023

This chapter will reflect on the multicultural and multilayered aspects of queerness, music, and music therapy in Israel. Three perspectives are considered: (i) ‘surviving at the margins’ that show how difficult it is for people from extreme cultural environments to develop a queer identity, and how music therapy can help, (ii) ‘somewhere in between’ that focuses on queer singer-songwriters, how the Israeli environment challenges them, and how music reflects and supports this process, and (iii) ‘a bridge between extremes’ that focuses on groups between Arab and Jewish students in which queer alternatives for perceiving the otherwise binary political situation are offered. The examples highlighted in these sections show how music can consider the changing shades of identity and help clients to form their own unique realities. They also demonstrate how queer knowing can help reveal the potential for a richer world, with more possibilities to create, dialogue with others, and solve problems. Many of the insights shared in this chapter can be related to music therapists and musicians beyond the cultural context of Israel.
Czech Child Protection after 1989
Authors: Shmidt Victoria
Published: March 2023

This chapter explains the child protection system in Czech Republic after 1989 in relation to the socialist legacy and the European call for democratic legitimacy. It notes the legitimacy crisis of diverse institutions such as child protection in Eastern Europe. The ideal performance of child protection should coincide with the ideals of democratic legitimacy and reduction of democratic deficit. Democratic legitimacy is used as an analytic tool for exploring the transformation of child protection in the Czech Republic. The shift in child protection came in waves of battling residential care, focusing on the empowerment of biological families, and campaigning against domestic violence.
A Dharma Protector in a Transcultural Tantric Buddhist Context
Authors: Wallace Vesna A.
Published: March 2023

In the process of transmission of tantric Buddhism from one culture to another, tantric deities often undergo multivariant configurations as the lineages of their transmissions grow in numbers, and as legends of their origins, their religious and social roles, and ritual practices expand. One such deity is a fierce deity widely known in Mongolian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions under the names of Jamsran/Jamsrang (Tib. Lcam sring) and Begtse Brother-and Sister (Tib. Beg tse lcam dral; Mong. Begze Begze Egch Düü). Jamsran falls into two main categories of deities—the Buddhist war deities and Dharma Protectors—whose fierce nature and violent actions have been directed toward the mundane and religious pragmatic ends in Tibetan and Mongolian forms of Buddhism.
Cognitive Enhancement Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS), with Application to Normal and Pathological Cognitive Decline in Aging
Authors: Luber Bruce , Beynel Lysianne
Published: March 2023

Cognitive decline is an inescapable part of aging, and few effective treatments to remediate such decline have been developed. Recently, the number of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) studies reporting cognitive enhancement have multiplied, opening up the possibility of development of treatments for cognitive decline employing NIBS. Such possibilities are explored in this chapter, beginning with a survey of the current state of NIBS research into treating cognitive decline in normal and pathological aging, focusing on the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electric stimulation (TES). The results of present work in the field indicate that cognitive improvements in healthy older adults and in patients with pathological aging such as Alzheimer’s disease can be produced using NIBS, both acutely and possibly in longer-lasting ways, but that much more needs to be done. We then discuss a number of research paradigms to accomplish this goal, beginning first by stressing that engagement with functional brain networks underlying the cognitive processes of interest should be established using NIBS prior to initiating any RCTS. Other techniques to optimize NIBS engagement discussed include use of imaging and computational tools to understand and exploit network interactions, of neural models of plasticity to make predictive choices of NIBS parameters, of online EEG to work with the brain’s oscillatory dynamics, and of functional state targeting to create Hebbian synergies with cognitive functions. Using these techniques in time may lead to the development of effective means of using NIBS to treat cognitive decline in aging.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: It is time to consider harm reduction care for adolescents in Canada
Authors: Leonard Sean , Sotindjo Tatiana , Brophy Jason , Tan Darrell H S , Nashid Nancy
Published: March 2023

Youth (aged 15 to 29 years) account for one quarter of new HIV cases in Canada. Of those, men-who-have-sex-with-men make up one third to one half of new cases in that age range. Moreover, Indigenous youth are over-represented in the proportion of new cases. The use of emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces the risk of HIV acquisition in adults. Its use was expanded to include youth over 35 kg by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018. However, PrEP uptake remains low among adolescents. Prescriber-identified barriers include lack of experience, concerns about safety, unfamiliarity with follow-up guidelines, and costs. This article provides an overview of PrEP for youth in Canada, and its associated safety and side effect profiles. Hypothetical case vignettes highlight some of the many demographics of youth who could benefit from PrEP. We present a novel flow diagram that explains the baseline workup, prescribing guidelines, and follow-up recommendations in the Canadian context. Additional counselling points highlight some of the key discussions that should be elicited when prescribing PrEP.
Ubiquitylation of PHYTOSULFOKINE RECEPTOR 1 modulates the defense response in tomato
Authors: Hu Zhangjian , Fang Hanmo , Zhu Changan , Gu Shaohan , Ding Shuting , Yu Jingquan , Shi Kai
Published: March 2023

Phytosulfokine (PSK) is a danger-associated molecular pattern recognized by PHYTOSULFOKINE RECEPTOR 1 (PSKR1) and initiates intercellular signaling to coordinate different physiological processes, especially in the defense response to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. The activity of peptide receptors is largely influenced by different posttranslational modifications, which determine intercellular peptide signal outputs. To date, the posttranslational modification to PHYTOSULFOKINE RECEPTOR 1 (PSKR1) remains largely unknown. Here, we show that tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) PSKR1 is regulated by the ubiquitin/proteasome degradation pathway. Using multiple protein–protein interactions and ubiquitylation analyses, we identified that plant U-box E3 ligases PUB12 and PUB13 interacted with PSKR1, among which PUB13 caused PSKR1 ubiquitylation at Lys-748 and Lys-905 sites to control PSKR1 abundance. However, this posttranslational modification was attenuated upon addition of PSK. Moreover, the disease symptoms observed in PUB13 knock-down and overexpression lines demonstrated that PUB13 significantly suppressed the PSK-initiated defense response. This highlights an important regulatory function for the turnover of a peptide receptor by E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitylation in the plant defense response.
The Spot the Troll Quiz game increases accuracy in discerning between real and inauthentic social media accounts
Authors: Lees Jeffrey , Banas John A , Linvill Darren , Meirick Patrick C , Warren Patrick
Published: March 2023

The proliferation of political mis/disinformation on social media has led many scholars to embrace “inoculation” techniques, where individuals are trained to identify the signs of low-veracity information prior to exposure. Coordinated information operations frequently spread mis/disinformation through inauthentic or “troll” accounts that appear to be trustworthy members to the targeted polity, as in Russia's attempts to influence the 2016 US presidential election. We experimentally tested the efficacy of inoculation against inauthentic online actors, using the Spot the Troll Quiz, a free, online educational tool that teaches how to spot markers of inauthenticity. Inoculation works in this setting. Across an online US nationally representative sample (N = 2,847), which also oversampled older adults, we find that taking the Spot the Troll Quiz (vs. playing a simple game) significantly increases participants’ accuracy in identifying trolls among a set of Twitter accounts that are novel to participants. This inoculation also reduces participants’ self-efficacy in identifying inauthentic accounts and reduced the perceived reliability of fake news headlines, although it had no effect on affective polarization. And while accuracy in the novel troll-spotting task is negatively associated with age and Republican party identification, the Quiz is equally effective on older adults and Republicans as it was on younger adults and Democrats. In the field, a convenience set of Twitter users who posted their Spot the Troll Quiz results in the fall of 2020 (N = 505) reduced their rate of retweeting in the period after the Quiz, with no impact on original tweeting.
Semantic Speech Networks Linked to Formal Thought Disorder in Early Psychosis
Authors: Nettekoven Caroline R , Diederen Kelly , Giles Oscar , Duncan Helen , Stenson Iain , Olah Julianna , Gibbs-Dean Toni , Collier Nigel , Vértes Petra E , Spencer Tom J , Morgan Sarah E , McGuire Philip
Published: March 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Mapping a patient’s speech as a network has proved to be a useful way of understanding formal thought disorder in psychosis. However, to date, graph theory tools have not explicitly modelled the semantic content of speech, which is altered in psychosis.

Study Design

We developed an algorithm, “netts,” to map the semantic content of speech as a network, then applied netts to construct semantic speech networks for a general population sample (N = 436), and a clinical sample comprising patients with first episode psychosis (FEP), people at clinical high risk of psychosis (CHR-P), and healthy controls (total N = 53).

Study Results

Semantic speech networks from the general population were more connected than size-matched randomized networks, with fewer and larger connected components, reflecting the nonrandom nature of speech. Networks from FEP patients were smaller than from healthy participants, for a picture description task but not a story recall task. For the former task, FEP networks were also more fragmented than those from controls; showing more connected components, which tended to include fewer nodes on average. CHR-P networks showed fragmentation values in-between FEP patients and controls. A clustering analysis suggested that semantic speech networks captured novel signals not already described by existing NLP measures. Network features were also related to negative symptom scores and scores on the Thought and Language Index, although these relationships did not survive correcting for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions

Overall, these data suggest that semantic networks can enable deeper phenotyping of formal thought disorder in psychosis. Whilst here we focus on network fragmentation, the semantic speech networks created by Netts also contain other, rich information which could be extracted to shed further light on formal thought disorder. We are releasing Netts as an open Python package alongside this manuscript.
Voice Patterns as Markers of Schizophrenia: Building a Cumulative Generalizable Approach Via a Cross-Linguistic and Meta-analysis Based Investigation
Authors: Parola Alberto , Simonsen Arndis , Lin Jessica Mary , Zhou Yuan , Wang Huiling , Ubukata Shiho , Koelkebeck Katja , Bliksted Vibeke , Fusaroli Riccardo
Published: March 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Voice atypicalities are potential markers of clinical features of schizophrenia (eg, negative symptoms). A recent meta-analysis identified an acoustic profile associated with schizophrenia (reduced pitch variability and increased pauses), but also highlighted shortcomings in the field: small sample sizes, little attention to the heterogeneity of the disorder, and to generalizing findings to diverse samples and languages.

Study Design

We provide a critical cumulative approach to vocal atypicalities in schizophrenia, where we conceptually and statistically build on previous studies. We aim at identifying a cross-linguistically reliable acoustic profile of schizophrenia and assessing sources of heterogeneity (symptomatology, pharmacotherapy, clinical and social characteristics). We relied on previous meta-analysis to build and analyze a large cross-linguistic dataset of audio recordings of 231 patients with schizophrenia and 238 matched controls (>4000 recordings in Danish, German, Mandarin and Japanese). We used multilevel Bayesian modeling, contrasting meta-analytically informed and skeptical inferences.

Study Results

We found only a minimal generalizable acoustic profile of schizophrenia (reduced pitch variability), while duration atypicalities replicated only in some languages. We identified reliable associations between acoustic profile and individual differences in clinical ratings of negative symptoms, medication, age and gender. However, these associations vary across languages.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that a strong cross-linguistically reliable acoustic profile of schizophrenia is unlikely. Rather, if we are to devise effective clinical applications able to target different ranges of patients, we need first to establish larger and more diverse cross-linguistic datasets, focus on individual differences, and build self-critical cumulative approaches.
Language Analytics for Assessment of Mental Health Status and Functional Competency
Authors: Voleti Rohit , Woolridge Stephanie M , Liss Julie M , Milanovic Melissa , Stegmann Gabriela , Hahn Shira , Harvey Philip D , Patterson Thomas L , Bowie Christopher R , Berisha Visar
Published: March 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Automated language analysis is becoming an increasingly popular tool in clinical research involving individuals with mental health disorders. Previous work has largely focused on using high-dimensional language features to develop diagnostic and prognostic models, but less work has been done to use linguistic output to assess downstream functional outcomes, which is critically important for clinical care. In this work, we study the relationship between automated language composites and clinical variables that characterize mental health status and functional competency using predictive modeling.

Study Design

Conversational transcripts were collected from a social skills assessment of individuals with schizophrenia (n = 141), bipolar disorder (n = 140), and healthy controls (n = 22). A set of composite language features based on a theoretical framework of speech production were extracted from each transcript and predictive models were trained. The prediction targets included clinical variables for assessment of mental health status and social and functional competency. All models were validated on a held-out test sample not accessible to the model designer.

Study Results

Our models predicted the neurocognitive composite with Pearson correlation PCC = 0.674; PANSS-positive with PCC = 0.509; PANSS-negative with PCC = 0.767; social skills composite with PCC = 0.785; functional competency composite with PCC = 0.616. Language features related to volition, affect, semantic coherence, appropriateness of response, and lexical diversity were useful for prediction of clinical variables.

Conclusions

Language samples provide useful information for the prediction of a variety of clinical variables that characterize mental health status and functional competency.
Genome Sequence Resource of Botryosphaeria dothidea Strain XNHG241, a Causal Agent of Peach Gummosis
Authors: Pan Jiajia , Meng Jian , Zhang Dongmei , Zeng Chunfa , Wang Xueke , Wang Fan , Zhu Kaijie , Li Guohuai , Liu Junwei
Published: March 2023

Botryosphaeria dothidea is a worldwide pathogenic fungus that causes stem canker, leaf dieback, and fruit rot on a large number of crops and trees. Gummosis caused by B. dothidea is one of the most prevalent and devastating diseases on peach in southern China. This study reported a high-quality and well-annotated genome sequence of B. dothidea strain XNHG241. The findings can be used as a reference for studying fungal biology, pathogenic mechanism of B. dothidea, and the interaction between B. dothidea and host, and eventually facilitate peach gummosis management.
Green Yield as a Potential Predictor of Cured Burley Tobacco Yield in a Phytophthora nicotianae-Infested Field over Four Seasons
Authors: Pfeufer Emily E. , Barlow William B. , Pearce Robert
Published: March 2023

Phytophthora-induced plant diseases are most effectively managed using an integrated strategy that includes host resistance, best cultural practices, and fungicide applications. Black shank, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae, is the most significant soilborne disease affecting tobacco, and extensive breeding for resistance has resulted in an array of varieties with a spectrum of black shank resistance. Estimates of plant survival are the most common measurement in black shank variety and disease management trials; however, survival might not be the most accurate indicator of yield for varieties with robust resistance. Through the presented analyses, at-harvest green yield estimates are shown to be more closely associated with cured tobacco yields than survival counts, irrespective of black shank resistance status. However, under high black shank pressure, green yield is an excellent descriptor of only low-resistance varieties’ cured yield, with other factors likely contributing to moderate- and high-resistance varieties’ cured yield models. This prevents development of a unified (variety-nonspecific) cured yield model, which would be useful not only for tobacco scientists but also commercial growers in planning labor activities and the industry at large in managing cured tobacco inventory. More broadly, this suggests that research in other Phytophthora pathosystems may benefit from preliminary yield estimates in place of or in addition to survival counts in resistant variety evaluations.
Long Noncoding RNAs in Plant–Pathogen Interactions
Authors: Wang Ying , Folimonova Svetlana Y.
Published: March 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are commonly defined as transcripts that lack protein-coding capacity and are longer than 200 nucleotides. Since the emergence of next-generation sequencing technologies in this century, thousands of lncRNAs have been identified from nearly all living organisms. Notably, various pathogens also express their own lncRNAs in host cells during infection. In plants, many lncRNAs exhibit dynamic expression patterns in response to environmental stimuli, including pathogen attacks. In contrast to well-established methods in identifying such lncRNAs, the current understanding of lncRNAs’ functional mechanisms is in its infancy. Some lncRNAs serve as precursors for generating small RNAs or serve as target mimics to sequester functional small RNAs, which have been extensively reviewed in the literature. This review focuses on the emerging evidence supporting that certain lncRNAs function as negative or positive regulators of plant immunity. A common theme is that those regulations rely on specific interactions between lncRNAs and key regulatory proteins. Viroids as single-stranded circular noncoding RNAs provide a handle to investigate how RNA local motifs render interaction specificity between lncRNAs and regulatory proteins.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Providing trauma-informed care to patients who identify as LGBTQAI
Authors: Guelbert Christopher S.
Published: March 2023

Individuals in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), asexual (or allied), intersex (LGBTQAI) community may experience higher levels of trauma than the general population. Trauma-informed care is an evidence-based method of providing care to patients who identify as LGBTQAI to prevent retraumatization of the individual. Therefore, using principles of trauma-informed nursing with these individuals is of utmost importance.
Insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios
Authors: Mongiello Lorraine Laccetti
Published: March 2023

Carbohydrate counting is an efficacious technique to safely achieve glycemic targets and improve outcomes for patients using meal-time insulin. This article provides nurses with the knowledge and skills to assist and support their patients. It also reviews how to evaluate glycemic control and provides guidelines for referral to diabetes education programs.
Novel Technologies in the Detection of Atrial Fibrillation: Review of Literature and Comparison of Different Novel Technologies for Screening of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Santala Onni E. , Lipponen Jukka A. , Jäntti Helena , Rissanen Tuomas T. , Tarvainen Mika P. , Väliaho Eemu-Samuli , Rantula Olli A. , Naukkarinen Noora S. , Hartikainen Juha E. K. , Martikainen Tero J. , Halonen Jari
Published: March 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is globally the most common arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It impairs the quality of the patient’s life, imposing a remarkable burden on public health, and the healthcare budget. The detection of AF is important in the decision to initiate anticoagulation therapy to prevent thromboembolic events. Nonetheless, AF detection is still a major clinical challenge as AF is often paroxysmal and asymptomatic. AF screening recommendations include opportunistic or systematic screening in patients ≥65 years of age or in those individuals with other characteristics pointing to an increased risk of stroke. The popularities of well-being and taking personal responsibility for one’s own health are reflected in the continuous development and growth of mobile health technologies. These novel mobile health technologies could provide a cost-effective solution for AF screening and an additional opportunity to detect AF, particularly its paroxysmal and asymptomatic forms.
Relative Values of Hematological Indices for Prognosis of Heart Failure: A Mini-Review
Authors: Shafie Davood , Abhari Amir Parsa , Fakhrolmobasheri Mohammad
Published: March 2023

Owing to the augmented perception of heart failure (HF) pathophysiology, management of the affected patients has been improved dramatically; as with the identification of the inflammatory background of HF, new avenues of HF prognosis research have been opened up. In this regard, relative values of hematologic indices were demonstrated by a growing body of evidence to successfully predict HF outcomes. Cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and easy obtainability of these relative values make them a precious option for the determination of HF prognosis; particularly in low-income developing countries. In this short review, we aimed to present the current literature on the predictability of these hematologic parameters for HF outcomes.
A comparison of visual discomfort experienced by surgeons in wireless versus conventional endoscopy in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Xu Hanjiang , Niu Di , Yang Cheng , Hao Zongyao , Liang Chaozhao
Published: March 2023

Background

This study was performed to introduce a new wireless endoscopic system. Research and development were based on fifth-generation transmission technology. Eye symptoms and visual discomfort induced by the novel endoscopic system were compared with those induced by the conventional endoscopic system before and during laparoscopic pelvic surgery.

Materials and methods

Twenty surgeons successfully conducted laparoscopic pelvic surgeries using a conventional endoscopic system and a wireless endoscopic system. Subjective and objective data were measured to evaluate visual discomfort before and 2 hours after surgery.

Results

In the conventional endoscopic and wireless endoscopic system groups, no significant differences were found in the presurgical or postsurgical questionnaires. In both groups, tear film breakup times significantly decreased after surgery. However, after comparing the 2 groups, no statistically significant difference was found.

Conclusions

Compared with the conventional endoscopic system, the novel wireless endoscopic system does not cause additional visual discomfort for experienced surgeons.
A Randomized Split-Face Study of Photodynamic Therapy With St. John's Wort and Indole-3-Acetic Acid for the Treatment of Acne
Authors: Kim Bo Ri , Kim Minjae , Na Jung-Im , Huh Chang-Hun , Shin Jung-Won
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

St. John's wort (SJW) contains hypericin, a powerful photosensitizer with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of SJW-photodynamic therapy (PDT) with that of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-PDT for the treatment of acne and investigate the skin rejuvenating effects of SJW-PDT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro experiments were conducted to examine the generation of reactive oxygen species and the antimicrobial effects of SJW-PDT. In the prospective, double-blind, split-face, randomized study, 31 patients with facial acne were treated with SJW or IAA with simultaneous illumination of red light and green light.

RESULTS

SJW produces free radicals with visible light irradiation, and the growth of Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus is significantly suppressed. One week after the last treatment, the acne lesion counts were significantly decreased in both groups (56.5% reduction in SJW, p < .001 vs 57.0% in IAA, p < .001). Significant reductions in sebum secretion, erythema index, roughness, and wrinkles were observed in both groups after the treatment. No side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

SJW-PDT is a simple, safe, and effective treatment option for acne that is also beneficial for skin rejuvenation.
MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy in Patients With Glaucoma and Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid
Authors: Logioco Celina , Delgado Maria Fernanda , Podesta Noelia , Galetto Leila , Rodriguez-Libarona Azul , Valvecchia Florencia , Zanutigh Virginia
Published: March 2023

A non-comparative retrospective case-series study was performed on 6 patients (12 eyes) with a confirmed diagnosis of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), treated with MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy (MP-TLT), between January 2018 and 2020, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, in a private ophthalmology practice with offices in Argentina and Colombia. Mean age was 75±6.3 years (66–83 yrs). The severity of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid remained stable 2 years after MP-TLT. Baseline mean IOP was 19.5±5.9 mmHg (13–30 mmHg) and, 24 months after treatment, IOP decreased to a mean of 13.9±1.9 mmHg (10–18 mmHg). The mean IOP reduction was 25.1% (P: 0.002). The mean number of anti-glaucomatous drugs at baseline was 3.1±0.7, decreasing to 0.6±0.7, 2 years after MP-TLT (P<0.001). MP-TLT may be considered as a non-incisional approach to glaucoma care for patients with ocular surface diseases, prospective long term studies are needed.
Social Motivation as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Problematic Internet Use and Alcohol Use Among Adolescents in Mexico
Authors: Guzmán-Ramírez Verónica , Armendáriz-García Nora Angélica , Roberts Williams Jessica
Published: March 2023

Background

Prior research shows a link between alcohol use and problematic Internet use among adolescents. This relationship likely indicates a vulnerability to addiction; however, little is known about factors that may increase this vulnerability. One potential factor is social motivation. Adolescents often engage in Internet use and alcohol use as a way of connecting socially. This study examines the moderating effects of social motivation for Internet use on the relationship between problematic Internet use and alcohol use among adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered to 582 adolescents selected randomly from one middle school and one high school in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Participants answered questions related to demographics/background (including reasons for Internet use), problematic Internet use, and alcohol use. Hierarchical regression modeling examined the moderating effects of social Internet use on problematic Internet use and alcohol use, controlling for age and gender.

Results

Social Internet use and problematic Internet use accounted for a significant amount of variance in alcohol use (R
2 = .126, F(4, 575) = 20.77, p < .001). When the interaction term was entered, social Internet use was found to moderate the relationship between problematic Internet use and alcohol use (β = .525, t = 3.293, p = .001), and the direct effects of social Internet use (β = −.062, t = −0.663, p = .507) and problematic Internet use (β = −.129, t = −1.053, p = .293) were no longer significant.

Conclusion

This study highlights the role that social connections may play in contributing to problematic Internet use and alcohol use among adolescents. Interventions aimed at preventing problematic and addictive behaviors among adolescents should address the role of social motivations.
Humanizing Substance Abuse
Authors: Roncallo Hannah R. , Aronson Barbara
Published: March 2023

Background

Healthcare providers, as well as healthcare students, have been found to harbor negative attitudes toward individuals with substance abuse disorders, impacting the care they give and subsequently creating poor patient outcomes.

Purpose

This study seeks to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention, grounded in theory, toward changing nursing student attitudes regarding patients with a substance abuse disorder.

Methods

Nursing students participated in a teaching intervention, developed using the experiential learning theory, that utilizes modalities for each kind of learner aimed at reducing bias toward this population. The Medical Condition Regard Scale was used pre/post intervention to determine regard toward patients with the diagnosis of substance abuse.

Results

Student nurses maintained the least favorable attitudes toward individuals who abuse substances in comparison with patients with the diagnoses of pneumonia or gastroesophageal reflux disease; there were significant differences in attitudes toward patients who abused substances before and after participation in the educational intervention, with postparticipation attitudes being significantly more positive than attitudes before participation. Students found the educational intervention and debriefing highly satisfactory.

Implications

This educational intervention can provide a cost-effective, easy-to-replicate, time-efficient learning activity that could be added to undergraduate nursing curriculum.
The Relationship Between Trauma and Substance Use Among Healthcare Workers
Authors: Okoli Chizimuzo T. C. , Seng Sarret
Published: March 2023

Trauma exposure is prevalent in the general population, but healthcare workers may be at greater risks for additional work-related trauma. Trauma is a known risk factor for substance use, particularly tobacco and risky alcohol use. Few studies have examined the relationship between trauma and substance use in healthcare workers. Among healthcare workers, the aims of our study were to examine (a) frequency of current tobacco use and risky alcohol use, (b) frequency and types of traumatic experiences, and (c) the associations between trauma experiences and current tobacco and risky alcohol use controlling for demographic factors. This study is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from healthcare workers (N = 850) in an academic medical center. Demographic and work-related variables, trauma experience, and substance use were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis examined associations between trauma exposure and tobacco and risky alcohol use controlling for demographic and work-related variables. Nearly 75% of respondents reported at least one lifetime traumatic experience, and one in 10 reported tobacco and risky alcohol use. When controlling for demographic and work-related variables, a dose-response relationship was observed such that the higher the number of traumatic experiences, there was a greater likelihood of reporting tobacco or risky alcohol use. Because healthcare providers have additional work-related trauma risk above the public, and greater trauma is associated with increased risk for substance use, it is important to screen for trauma and provide appropriate treatment resources to healthcare providers. Future research is needed to better delineate the relationship between specific traumas and risky substance use among healthcare providers.
Clinical Diagnostic Value of Atypical Glandular Cells in Cervical Cytology: A Single Center Experience From China
Authors: Xiao Jingjing , Gong Yingxin , Chen Fang , Chen Limei , Xie Yu , Sui Long
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of atypical glandular cells (AGCs) by analyzing the prevalence and histopathology of AGCs according to cervical cytology.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the demographic characteristics and histopathological outcomes including pathological diagnosis, pathological site, and epithelial distribution of the AGC cases that were diagnosed by cervical cytology.

Results

A total of 387 AGC patients with follow-up records were included. Among them, the prevalence of AGC-not otherwise specified (NOS) and AGC-favor neoplastic (FN) was 73.39% (284/387) and 26.62% (103/387), respectively. The high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV)–positive rate was higher in AGC-FN than in AGC-NOS (p = .002). The difference in pathological severity was statistically significant between hr-HPV–positive and negative AGC patients (p = .010). Hr-HPV–positive AGC mainly occurs in cervical diseases, whereas hr-HPV–negative AGC is mainly related to endometrial lesions. Precancerous or malignant lesions were found in 36.43% (141/387) of AGC cases and were more commonly seen in AGC-FN than AGC-NOS (p < .001). The histopathological severity and the incidence of uterine disease were higher among AGC women aged 40 years and older than those younger than 40 years (p < .05). The possibility of the abnormal origin of glandular epithelial was higher than that of squamous epithelial in AGC patients aged 40 years and older (p = .0003).

Conclusions

The management of AGC women by age triage is reasonable because the incidence of the glandular epithelial lesion and uterine disease increases in AGC patients 40 years or older. Standardized clinical diagnosis and regular follow-up are recommended for all AGC patients.
Speech Perception in Noise and Sound Localization for Cochlear Implant With Single-Sided Deafness Compared With Contralateral Routing of Signal Hearing Aids
Authors: Oyamada Shogo , Takahashi Masahiro , Furutate Sakiko , Oka Shinichirou , Kubota Eri , Sakurai Azusa , Uekusa Tomoko , Watanabe Kana , Iwasaki Satoshi
Published: March 2023

Objective

Cochlear implantation (CI) for the treatment of single-sided deafness (SSD) is a relatively new treatment modality. Although comparing the effectiveness of CI and contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing aids (HAs) is important, very few reports on this topic exist. In this study, objective assessments and subjective assessments were conducted to determine which SSD individuals would prefer CI or CROS HAs.

Materials and methods

Objective assessments (speech perception and sound localization) and subjective assessments (Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA), Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB), MOS Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2)) were performed on 87 SSD patients. Of the 87 SSD patients, 33 patients hoped for CROS HAs, and 17 patients hoped for CI. The CI group underwent subjective and objective assessments at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The CROS HAs group underwent objective assessments at 1 month after wearing CROS HAs.

Results

After the intervention, the localization ability was significantly improved in the CI group (p < 0.05) with no significant improvement in that of the CROS HAs group (p = 0.48). No significant improvement in speech perception in noise was observed in the CROS (Signal-to-Noise ratio + 10, p = 0.08; SN + 0, p = 0.17); however, a significant improvement in the CI group was observed at 12 months postoperatively. The APHAB subscale “background noise” and SF-36v2 health concepts of role-physical, general health, vitality, role-emotional, and mental health were significantly higher in the CI group.

Conclusion

CI was superior to CROS HAs in speech perception in terms of noise and sound localization. Patients with postlingual acute-onset hearing loss and more handicaps and a more positive view of their hearing loss possibly tend to choose CI.
Different Vestibular Rehabilitation Modalities in Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction: A Prospective Study
Authors: Lilios Andreas , Chimona Theognosia , Papadakis Chariton , Chatziioanou Ioannis , Nikitas Christos , Skoulakis Charalambos
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of three vestibular rehabilitation protocols in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction.

Study Design

Prospective randomized trial.

Setting

Audiology-neurootology laboratory in a general public hospital.

Patients

Eighty-one patients were randomly allocated into three groups: adaptation exercises (AEs), habituation exercises (HEs), and combined exercises (AE-HEs).

Intervention(s)

Each patient completed an 8-week vestibular rehabilitation program with exercise, depending on their allocation group.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Evaluations performed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks with (a) Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), (b) Mini-BESTest, (c) Vestibular Rehabilitation Benefit Questionnaire, and (d) Dizziness Handicap Inventory.

Results

FGA and Mini-BESTest scores showed significant improvement between the baseline and 8-week scores in all groups (p < 0.001), except for the FGA score in the HE group. The AE-HE group showed better scores for all measurements at 4 weeks and had significantly better FGA and Mini-BESTest scores than the AE group and better FGA scores than the HE group. The Vestibular Rehabilitation Benefit Questionnaire and Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores in the AE-HE group were significantly better (p ≤ 0.001) than those in the HE group at 8 weeks.

Conclusions

The AE-HE group showed faster improvement and significantly better outcomes for static balance, dynamic postural stability, and self-perceived disability than the single-exercise protocols in chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction.
A Pilot Study of Biliary Atresia Newborn Screening Using Dried Blood Spot Matrix Metalloproteinase-7
Authors: Lee Chee-Seng , Ni Yen-Hsuan , Chen Huey-Ling , Wu Jia-Feng , Hsu Hong-Yuan , Chien Yin-Hsiu , Lee Ni-Chung , Hwu Wuh-Liang , Yen Ting-An , Chua Huey-Huey , Chen Yu-Ju , Wang Yu-Lin , Chang Mei-Hwei
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Timely diagnosis is a critical challenge and is associated with improved survival of biliary atresia (BA) patients. We aimed to measure matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) levels in BA patients within 3 days of birth using the dried blood spot (DBS) method and evaluate its potential as a screening tool.

Methods:

The study enrolled 132 patients, including 25 patients diagnosed with BA and 107 non-BA patients with other congenital or perinatal conditions from the National Taiwan University Children Hospital. The stored DBS samples collected from 48 to 72 hours of life were retrieved from newborn screening centers. MMP-7 on the DBS was quantified using a sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

The MMP-7 levels of BA patients on the DBS were significantly higher than those of non-BA patients (19.2 ± 10.4 vs 5.6 ± 2.7 ng/mL,Pvalue < 0.0001). MMP-7 levels in non-BA patients, including 5 patients with hepatobiliary structural anomaly, 9 patients with intrahepatic cholestasis, and 93 patients with other perinatal diseases, were 11.6 ± 4.2 ng/mL, 6.9 ± 3.0 ng/mL, and 5.2 ± 2.1 ng/mL, respectively. The DBS MMP-7 level showed good accuracy for identifying BA, with an area under the curve of 93.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 87.7%–99.7%]. The MMP-7 cutoff at 8.0 ng/mL showed a sensitivity of 92.0% (95% CI: 75.0%–98.6%) and specificity of 92.5% (95% CI: 85.9%–96.1%) for detecting BA from other congenital or perinatal diseases.

Conclusions:

MMP-7 DBS analysis can be used to distinguish BA from other conditions as early as 3 days of age.
Does Irreducibility Always Mean A Complex Dislocation? An Analysis of 33 Pediatric Metacarpophalangeal Joint Dislocations
Authors: Bauder Andrew R. , Graham Emily M. , Shubinets Valeriy , Mendenhall Shaun D. , Carrigan Robert B. , Lin Ines C. , Shah Apurva , Chang Benjamin
Published: March 2023

Background:

Historically, prior failed reduction and certain radiographic indicators have been used to differentiate simple and complex metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) dislocations in children, the latter of which warrants open reduction. This investigation aimed to determine the necessity for open reduction with these indicators and establish a new treatment algorithm and educational focus for these rare injuries.

Methods:

A 12-year retrospective study was conducted on all children with MPJ dislocations at a single pediatric hospital. The rate of successful closed reduction, number of reduction attempts, and radiographic findings were detailed. Operative details and post-operative outcomes were also gathered.

Results:

Thirty-three patients were included with a mean age of 11.1 years old. Most were male (n=27,82%) and underwent 2 or more prior reduction attempts at an outside facility. Stable closed reduction was then achieved outside of the operating room in 5 patients and in the OR under general anesthesia in another 14, for a total of 19/33 patients (57.6%). The thumb was most often injured (n=19,57.6%) and more likely to undergo successful closed reduction (p=0.04). There was no relationship between number of prior reduction attempts and ability to achieve closed reduction (p=0.72). Radiographically, neither joint space widening nor proximal phalanx bayonetting correlated with failure of closed reduction (p=0.22 and p=1, respectively).

Conclusions:

This study supports closed reduction of pediatric MPJ dislocations in the OR under general anesthesia before converting to open reduction regardless of injury characteristics or prior reduction attempts. This strategy is likely to limit unnecessary open surgery and related risks.
Optimized Cingulate Island Sign in Discriminating Dementia With Lewy Bodies From Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Ge Jingjie , Lin Huamei , Chen Keliang , Wang Min , He Zhijie , Lu Jiaying , Ju Zizhao , Sun Yimin , Liu Fengtao , Guan Yihui , Zhao Qianhua , Zuo Chuantao , Wu Ping
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to optimize the analysis of cingulate island sign (CIS) to improve its diagnostic accuracy in discriminating dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) from Alzheimer disease (AD).

Patients and Methods

Patients with DLB (n = 80), AD (n = 75), and normal controls (n = 22) with 18F-FDG PET imaging were enrolled in this study. Sixty-two DLB patients also underwent dopaminergic PET scans. The optimized/conventional CIS ratios and metabolism in associated brain regions were evaluated by diagnostic accuracy among groups and correlation with cognitive/dopaminergic dysfunction.

Results

In discriminating DLB from AD, the optimized CIS ratio calculated by dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/lateral occipital lobe metabolism achieved the highest specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy at 0.907, 0.750, and 0.825, respectively. The metabolism of dorsal-PCC positively correlated with cognitive impairment in DLB patients cross-sectionally and longitudinally (P < 0.001, r = 0.601; P = 0.044, r = 0.645), and also correlated with dopaminergic impairment in the caudate (P = 0.048, r = 0.315).

Conclusions

Optimized CIS ratios of incorporated metabolic activity of dorsal-PCC and occipital subregions are clinically useful for differentiating DLB from AD, in which dorsal-PCC metabolism may provide an objective biomarker to reflect the severity of cognitive impairment in DLB.