bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Window of Opportunity
Authors: Markou Helena
Published: September 2023

This article explores UK bookselling in terms of the retail buying functions, promotional activity, merchandising, and stock management processes commonly adopted. The business structures and mechanisms that dictate organizational book buying in the UK market are also explored in terms of the time allowed for titles to succeed or fail. These very practical and logistical aspects of retailing are brought to life by the qualitative data obtained through seven semi-structured interviews in 2018–2019. The sample represented actors across the UK publishing industry supply chain but focused predominantly on the book buyer function. This research finds that the sale-or-return purchasing model, prevalent in the UK book trade, plays a crucial role in dictating the window of opportunity for books to succeed or fail; the book-buyer gatekeeper function is pivotal and highly sensitive to local demand; and that local demand is fulfilled through the curation of predictable or proven products in combination with novel or speculative products – the level of purchasing risk is dependent on retail location and footfall. These findings are aligned with organizational buyer behaviour, retail location theory, and buyer behaviour theory.
Engendered Perceptions
Authors: Zhang Amanda
Published: September 2023

This article considers how Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials understood, perceived, and experienced enemy female tewu (special agent) activities and “honey traps” during the early People’s Republic of China. Drawing upon internally circulated party reports and newsletters, speeches of officials, newspapers, films, literature, and dramas, it finds that officials saw enemy female tewu as real threats that had tangible impact on both civilians and men affiliated with the party through honey traps and gendered manipulations. It further argues that narratives of female tewu in official instructions, newspaper reports, and popular cultural works played a larger role in the CCP’s broader efforts to combat and resist enemy espionage than previously understood. This article contextualises existing arguments about CCP counterespionage propaganda. It counterbalances perspectives that suggest the utilisation of these narratives was largely based on irrational wartime sentiments, with the primary aim of increasing the party’s societal control.
From ChatGPT to China’ Sci-Tech: Implications for Chinese Higher Education
Authors: Zhang Xiyuan , Li Dong , Wang Cunchi , Jiang Zhujun , Ngao Ayubu Ismail , Liu Dan , Peters Michael A. , Tian Hongjun
Published: September 2023

The advent of transformative technologies, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a natural language processing tool, significantly impacts the future of education, society, and the economy. Drawing on the theory of knowledge socialism and public goods, this paper critically examines the potential impact of ChatGPT in the context of China’s high-tech development and higher education. We believe these technologies resonate with the principles of knowledge socialism by promoting decentralization, openness, and collective intelligence and are poised to reshape the education sector and beyond.

The non-competitive and non-exclusive nature of ChatGPT makes it a public good with significant social benefits. In the educational domain, it has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning by providing students with convenient, personalized learning experiences, real-time feedback, and multilingual support. However, despite its benefits, educators, and users must work to overcome its limitations, such as limited expertise, language understanding, reasoning skills, and potential risks associated with privacy, security, and misinformation.

This article discusses the need to prepare students for a future heavily impacted by ai, which requires a reassessment of digital literacy and competencies. Doing so would require leveraging ai tools and promoting human-centered approaches, developing higher-order thinking skills, emphasizing emotional education, and teaching academic ethics. In addition, introducing ai tools like ChatGPT in higher education requires regulation to prevent plagiarism and improve independent problem-solving.

This paper further explores the impact of ChatGPT on China’s technological development. The global attention attracted by ChatGPT has stimulated the growth of the ai industry and prompted the emergence of domestic products and applications in countries such as China. It is critical to harmonize the enforcement of competition laws and capitalize on the contributions of sizable enterprises in the realm of technological innovation and research.
Examining the Challenges and Strategies of Student Learning Burden Reduction Policy Implementation
Authors: Li Jian , Li Kun
Published: September 2023

The student learning burden reduction policy implementation has encountered a lot of invisible resistance, the effect is far from the expected, showing the implementation of the burden reduction policy surface, local, enlargement, alienation, stagnation form, so that the “burden reduction” cannot be effectively implemented, but the burden of students has become more and more major trend. We found that the problems faced by Chinese students’ burden reduction policy implementation include lack of in-depth interpretation of policy content and improper implementation, weak social foundation, and lack of synergy for policy implementation, and the weak policy management and supervision system. We suggested to ease conflicts of interest and build a community of values, coordinate various elements of education, and establish a rational communication mechanism and strengthen the system construction related to the policy of reducing the burden.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Among Healthcare Professionals in Sri Lanka- A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Thilini Madhushika Menikpurage , Jayasinghe Sudheera Sammanthi , Liyanage Polwaththa Gayani Chandima , Dilan Malinda Wellappuli Arachchige , Abeykoon Palitha
Published: September 2023

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) reporting among healthcare professionals at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya (THK), a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at THK. The healthcare professionals working in THK who were available during the study period were invited to the study. A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was administered to the participants. Respondents were evaluated for their knowledge, attitudes and practices related to ADR reporting. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: Of the total 444 respondents, 31% were doctors and 69% were nurses. The majority of respondents, 90% (n = 400) were aware of the term ADR, while 64.8% (n = 288) could correctly define it. Among the respondents, 30.8% (n = 137) knew about the types of ADR and only 15.5% (n = 70) were able to mention a drug that is banned due to ADR correctly. Among the respondents, only 38.7% (n = 172) were aware of a formal process of reporting ADR and, only 35.3% (n = 157) stated that they had seen the ADR reporting form. Further, only 33.7% (n = 150) respondents have recognized ADR during their clinical practice and only a small proportion 18.2% (n = 81) have ever reported an ADR during their practice. Regarding attitudes toward ADR reporting, overall 84.1 (n = 373) had positive attitudes toward ADR reporting, while 13.54% (n = 60) of them stayed neutral and 2.25% (n = 10) had negative attitudes toward ADR reporting. Conclusions: Although the majority were aware of ADR , the knowledge and practices regarding spontaneous reporting of ADR are inadequate. However, most respondents have shown a positive attitude toward ADR reporting. A sincere and sustained effort should be made by concerned bodies to enhance the healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ADR reporting.
Optimization of nozzle for pre-impregnated continuous fiber reinforced 3D printing
Authors: Kang Yuzhu , Zhang Xuan , Wang Qing , Liu Jiang
Published: September 2023

The combination of 3D printing technology and pre-impregnated continuous fiber reinforced composites (PICRC) has led to the birth of PICRC 3D printing technology. In the actual PICRC 3D printing process, it is found that the existing PICRC 3D printing head is easily blocked during the compensation wire feeding process, which greatly reduces the success rate of printing. In this paper, the mechanism of PICFRCF 3D print head clogging is analyzed, and the method to solve the problem is explored, which is to adopt appropriate transition length [Formula: see text], printing speed [Formula: see text] and high temperature section length [Formula: see text] to optimize the printing head. The final printing experiment shows that the optimized printing head effectively solves the problem of printing head blocking, and greatly improves the success rate of PICRCF printing.
Osteoprotective Role of the Mir338 Cluster Ablation during Periodontitis
Authors: Zhang H.S. , Jiang C.X. , Ji Y.T. , Zhang Y.F. , Chen Z. , Cao Z.G. , Liu H.
Published: September 2023

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that compromises the integrity of the supporting tissues of the teeth and leads to the loss of the alveolar bone. The Mir338 cluster has been proven to be a potential target for the treatment of osteoporosis and is also enriched in gingival tissues with periodontitis; however, its role in periodontitis remains unknown. Here, we aimed to use periodontitis as a model to expand our understanding of the Mir338 cluster in osteoimmunology and propose a new target to protect against bone loss during periodontitis progression. Significant enrichment of the Mir338 cluster was validated in gingival tissues from patients with chronic periodontitis and a ligature-induced periodontitis mouse model. In vivo, attenuation of alveolar bone loss after 7 d of ligature was observed in the Mir338 cluster knockout (KO) mice. Interestingly, immunofluorescence and RNA sequencing showed that ablation of the Mir338 cluster reduced osteoclast formation and elevated the inflammatory response, with enrichment of IFN-γ and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Ablation of the Mir338 cluster also skewed macrophages toward the M1 phenotype and inhibited osteoclastogenesis via Stat1 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the local administration of miR-338-3p antagomir prevented alveolar bone loss from periodontitis. In conclusion, the Mir338 cluster balanced M1 macrophage polarization and osteoclastogenesis and could serve as a novel therapeutic target against periodontitis-related alveolar bone loss.
ERK1/2 modulation in the central nervous system of male and female thiamine-deficient mice with amprolium
Authors: da Silva Mirian P , Lima Francisco WB , Moura Adha GS , Nunes Julia P , de Cordova Clarissa AS , de Cordova Fabiano M
Published: September 2023

Thiamine deficiency experimental models focus on using the pyrithiamine analog in male rodents, making the thiamine deficiency effects in females and the use of other thiamine antagonists, such as amprolium, unknown. We investigated the impact of thiamine deficiency with amprolium in the cerebral cortex and thalamus of male and female mice by evaluating the modulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The animals were exposed for 20 days to thiamine-deficient chow with different doses of amprolium (20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg) and at different treatment periods (five, 10, 15 or 20 days) at a dose of 60 mg/kg. After treatments, ERK1/2 phosphorylation was analyzed by western blot. In male mice, we observed a progressive increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in both the cerebral cortex and thalamus in response to the dose of amprolium. In females, ERK1/2 phosphorylation did not progressively increase in response to the amprolium dosage. However, an increase in phosphorylation at the higher doses of 60 and 80 mg/kg was observed. We observed a more intense increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in males’ cerebral cortex and thalamus from 10 days onwards. In females, the ERK1/2 modulation profiles were similar. The results show that thiamine deficiency induction with amprolium is efficient, compatible with other recognized models that use pyrithiamine, showing changes in cell signaling in the nervous system. The study showed differences in response to thiamine deficiency with amprolium between male and female mice in relation to ERK1/2 phosphorylation and demonstrated that females respond positively to the method and can also be used as model animals.
The Water Supply Infrastructure of Early Denver
Authors: Kolb Michael J. , Wheaton Gene
Published: September 2023

The City of Denver originated as a gold-mining town. Its geographic location and semi-arid environment posed unique challenges to the development of its water supply infrastructure. Multi-scalar historical and archeological analyses, reveal how the city coped with the challenges of water scarcity and distribution over time, illustrating the evolution of water management practices, and the ways in which infrastructure and governance systems evolved to meet changing needs and priorities. Historical analysis maps the changes in urban water infrastructure (cisterns, ditches, sewers, artesian wells, and reservoirs) using a systematic documentation review of the Denver newspaper citations between 1860 and 1929. This is corroborated through contextual investigation and archeological excavations. Taken together, the research demonstrates how the residents of early Denver were forced to continually seek new water sources for distribution even after other provisional priorities such as sewage management and flood control were initiated.
Tight set-valued state estimation by combining reachability analysis and set-filtering approaches
Authors: Meslem Nacim
Published: September 2023

In this work, a new approach to design set-valued state estimator for linear discrete-time systems subject to additive and bounded process and measurement uncertainties is proposed. First, the system state equation is rewritten to obtain a stable numerical scheme on which an explicit reachability method is developed, based on zonotopic set computation and a re-initialization procedure. Then, to enhance the accuracy of the computed reachable set, a set-filtering technique is designed based on the system output equation and its intrinsic invariant relationships. The implementation of this filtering method is based on interval analysis coupled to contractor algorithms. The convergence property of the proposed set-valued state estimator is shown under the classical detectability assumption of linear systems. Some simulation results are presented to show the merit of the proposed new set-membership state estimation approach.
Further Progress Toward Automating Functional Analysis Interpretation
Authors: Friedel Jonathan E. , Cox Alison D. , Davis Sarah
Published: September 2023

It is considered best practice to conduct a functional analysis and visually inspect data collected to determine the function of problem behavior, which then informs the intervention approaches applied. Visual inspection has been described as a “subjective” process that may be affected by factors unrelated to the data. Structured decision-making guidelines have been established to address some of these shortcomings. The current paper is a follow-up to earlier work describing positive outcomes related to the viability of a decision support system based on structured criteria from Roane et al. Here, we demonstrate important improvements in a computer script’s interpretation of functional analysis data, including improvement in agreement between the updated computer script version and experienced human raters (89%) compared to our original agreement outcomes (81%). This paper further supports the use of decision support systems for functional analysis interpretation.
Building a Logic Model to Foster Engagement and Learning Using the Case of a Province-Wide Multispecies Antimicrobial Use Monitoring System
Authors: Boudreau LeBlanc Antoine , Motulsky Aude , Moreault Marie-Pierre , Liang Man Qing , Ngueng Feze Ida , Des Côteaux Luc
Published: September 2023

Successfully designing and implementing a program is complex; it requires a reflexive balance between the available resources and the priorities of various stakeholders, both of which change over time. Logic models are theory-based evaluation approaches used to identify and address key challenges of a program. This article describes the process of building a logic model on advanced theories in complexity studies. The models aim to support a province-wide multispecies monitoring system of antimicrobial use (AMU), designed in collaboration with the animal health sector in Quebec (Canada). Based on a rigorous theoretical foundation, the logic model is built in three steps: (1) mapping, a narrative review of literature on similar programs in other jurisdictions; (2) framing, iterative consultations with project members to elaborate the logic model; (3) shaping, hypotheses based on the logic model. The model emerges from the reflexive balancing of current scientific knowledge and empirical insights to gather relevant information about stakeholders from interdisciplinary experts that led a 3-year consensus-building process within the community. Recognizing the challenge of unpacking theories for practical use, we illustrate how the process of an “open” logic model building could enable governance coordination in complex processes. Logic models are useful for evaluating public, private, and academic partnerships in One Health programs that characterize an adaptive governance process.
There is no such a thing as a ‘biological’ basis for cancer disparities: A call to end misreporting of the ultimate determinants of health outcomes
Authors: Trapani Dario , Girardi Fabio , Cinieri Saverio , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Improved strategies of cancer prevention and control have resulted in tangible benefits for patients with cancer. Disparities in outcome have been reported as a result of inequal access to health care. Historically, differences in health outcomes at population level have been reported according to key characteristics, including race, ethnicity and, more recently, ancestry. These population descriptors have been used to display the differences in the outcome and highlight actionable areas of health disparities, through policy and population health interventions. Yet, they have been commonly mis-intended as ultimate determinants of health outcomes, as recapitulating intrinsic biological differences. A plethora of past literature has described “biological” differences in patients belonging to a specific racial, ethnical or ancestral group, with certain cancers - commonly overlooking the social and economic contextures. The attention has ultimately focused on the existence of intrinsic differences and biological reasons, as opposed to social and economic determinants of disparities in the outcome in disadvantaged or excluded communities, thus nurturing double stigma. In our editorial, we evaluate some key roots of racial attitudes in displaying patient outcomes in oncology epidemiological studies, and call to report ultimate determinants of health – that are, primarily social and economic determinants.
Heaven and temple in the Second Temple period: A taxonomy
Authors: Moore Nicholas J
Published: September 2023

It is a commonplace of ancient Near Eastern worldviews that temples have cosmic significance. This understanding persists and develops in the Second Temple period, with numerous texts witnessing to a widely held belief that the Jerusalem temple reflected heaven or the universe. Scholars have largely been content either to recognize a basic relationship, or to distinguish temple-in-heaven from temple-as-universe, sometimes construing the former as “apocalyptic” and the latter as “Hellenistic.” Jonathan Klawans’ work represents an important articulation of this distinction. This article summarizes his contribution, and critiques it on the grounds that it remains overly dichotomous and does not do full justice to the evidence. Instead, a fresh taxonomy is proposed with four key categories, each illustrated from Second Temple and biblical texts. None of these categories is discrete; rather they demarcate a spectrum or scale of ways that ancient Jewish and early Christian writers conceptualized the heaven–temple relationship.
Injectable Decorin/Gellan Gum Hydrogel Encapsulating Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Enhances Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Cartilage Injury via Autophagy Signaling
Authors: He Weiping , Wu Yu , Luo Zhihong , Yang Genghua , Ye Woquan , Chen Xi , Ren Jianhua , Liang Tangzhao , Liao Zhiqiang , Jiang Shihai , Wang Kun
Published: September 2023

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are employed as a promising alternative in treating cartilage injury. Regulating the inflammatory “fingerprint” of ADSCs to improve their anti-inflammatory properties could enhance therapy efficiency. Herein, a novel injectable decorin/gellan gum hydrogel combined with ADSCs encapsulation for arthritis cartilage treatment is proposed. Decorin/gellan gum hydrogel was prepared according to the previous manufacturing protocol. The liquid–solid form transition of gellan gum hydrogel is perfectly suitable for intra-articular injection. Decorin-enriched matrix showing an immunomodulatory ability to enhance ADSCs anti-inflammatory phenotype under inflammation microenvironment by regulating autophagy signaling. This decorin/gellan gum/ADSCs hydrogel efficiently reverses interleukin-1β-induced cellular injury in chondrocytes. Through a mono-iodoacetate-induced arthritis mice model, the synergistic therapeutic effect of this ADSCs-loaded hydrogel, including inflammation attenuation and cartilage protection, is demonstrated. These results make the decorin/gellan gum hydrogel laden with ADSCs an ideal candidate for treating inflammatory joint disorders.
Study on space charge accumulation characteristics of 320 kV cross-linked polyethylene cable joints
Authors: Liu Yuqi , Cai Xinjing , Zhang Dan
Published: September 2023

High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cable accessories are the key equipment to connect HVDC cables, and also the weak link in the cable system. In order to investigate the transport characteristics of space charge in cable joints, a two-dimensional axisymmetric cable joint model was established using the bipolar charge transport model, and its space charge and electric field distribution were analyzed through numerical simulation. Furthermore, the effects of the trap depth based on molecular chain displacement and temperature field on interface charge distribution of cable joint were compared with the basic model, respectively. The results show that the stress cone root and the top of the high-voltage shield are easy to accumulate space charges, which will lead to electric field distortion. The trap depth based on molecular chain displacement is larger than that of basic model at the insulation interface, which hinders the charge transport. The model without considering the effect of temperature field accumulates less charge, and the electric field and space charge at the stress cone root and the top of the high-voltage shield change gently with time. The above research results can provide a reference for the design and optimization of cable joints.
The Challenges Faced by Women Micro-entrepreneurs: Evidence from Urban India
Authors: Majumdar Raju , Mittal Ankur , Bhardwaj Shikha
Published: September 2023

The primary purpose of the research is to identify the challenges faced by Indian urban women micro-entrepreneurs in their entrepreneurial journey. The challenges presented by the external environment as well as the deficiencies inherent in their skill sets are analysed to ascertain the most important barriers that continue to impede their growth. Findings indicate that limited funding and balancing responsibilities are the two major challenges faced by women entrepreneurs (WEs); the former being most important for micro-entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing, while the latter poses the biggest challenge for those engaged in the services sector. Regarding skills, findings indicate that WEs appear to be least skilled in performing finance and information technology-related roles. To the extent that perceived skill gaps and challenges faced are closely related, the findings of this research present an alternative interpretation of the primacy of funding constraints faced by WEs.
Modeling temperature dependence of tensile fracture strength for rocks considering phase transition and the direct effect of thermal damage
Authors: Zhao Ziyuan , Ma Jianzuo , Zheng Shifeng , Kou Haibo , Qiu Jun , Li Weiguo , Zheng Fangjie , Lang Siyuan
Published: September 2023

Accurately and conveniently acquiring the tensile fracture strength of rocks at different temperatures is vital no matter for the security or economical design of deep underground engineering projects. Extensive testing in the laboratory, assisted with fitting approaches, is the main method to obtain the high-temperature tensile fracture strength in the available literature. However, the high-temperature destruction test is difficult to conduct and requires numerous time and resources. In this work, considering the main physical mechanisms such as phase transition and thermal damage that affect the tensile fracture strength of rocks at high temperatures, theoretical models for predicting their temperature-dependent tensile fracture strength (TDTFS) are established based on the Force-Heat Equivalence Energy Density Principle. The presented models achieve great prediction on the different variation trends of tensile strength below and above the phase transition temperature, as well as the corresponding sudden change of strength. For rocks without phase transition, the presented model only needs some physical parameters tested at room temperature can get a good prediction capacity on the TDTFS. Moreover, a new theoretical characterization model of the equivalent thermal damage parameter was presented and take a comparison with the previous model. Finally, the potential applications and limitations of the TDTFS model are further discussed. The application threshold of the presented TDTFS models is relatively low, and they may therefore be suitable as a method for providing a rapid and preliminary evaluation of strength at a large temperature range for rock engineering.
Elementary General Music: Perceptions and Aspirations of Preservice Music Teachers
Authors: Reese Jill A. , Kuebel Christa R. , Svec Christina L.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of preservice music educators’ perceptions of elementary general music (EGM), pedagogical competencies, and specialization preference. Preservice music teachers responded to a survey about perceptions of personal experiences with EGM, preparation and comfort related to EGM, and confidence in the ability to teach content and skills common in EGM curricula. Participants ( n = 203) also answered questions about their preferred specialization and about factors that would influence their choice of job in the future. Most participants remembered having positive personal experiences with general music in elementary school and believe it is important for future musical success. Confidence in content and skills common in teaching EGM increases as they progress through their degree program. Most identify ensemble teaching and middle and high school grades as their future aspirations. Significant predictors of future career choice included undergraduate major and comfort teaching.
White Violence, Black Victims: The Impact of Political and Economic Competition on Interracial Killings in 21st Century America
Authors: Reid Jonathan C.
Published: September 2023

Do political and economic rivalries promote interracial killings in 21st-century America? This article examines the determinants of disaggregated interracial killings in 1,381 U.S. counties by testing conflict-based accounts in an era of economic recession and unprecedented Black political mobilization. Results show that one dimension of racial conflict—political competition—is linked to interracial killings. Counties with mounting interracial rivalry in the political domain are significantly more likely to experience White perpetrated killings of Black residents and less likely to experience Black-on-White homicide offending. These results suggest that contests for political influence lead to greater interracial violence involving White perpetrators and Black victims.
Revealing the Effect of Spinopelvic Alignment on Hip Disorders
Authors: Soydan Zafer , Bayramoglu Emru , Altas Okyar , Şen Cengiz
Published: September 2023

Background:

Hip osteoarthritis (HOA) is a growing burden and one of the leading causes of hip pain. The relationship between the HOA and the alignment of the spinopelvic region has been intensively studied, however the issue remains controversial. Spinopelvic imbalance, HOA, and dysplasia were investigated in relation to sagittal spinopelvic parameters in this study.

Methods:

We collected computerized tomography (CT) topograms of the pelvis or abdomen from 380 patients. In antero-posterior (AP) topograms, Tonnis grading, center-edge angle (CEA) and Sharp’s acetabular angle (AA) measurements were performed on each patient. Lateral topograms were used to evaluate the following spinopelvic parameters for each patient: pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), sacral table angle (STA), lumbar lordosis (LL), proximal lumbar lordosis (PLL), distal lumbar lordosis (DLL), and PI-LL difference. Initially, the cohort was divided into two subgroups based on whether or not they had HOA. Then, they were divided into two subgroups based on whether or not they had dysplasia. Ultimately, it was divided in half based on the PI-LL imbalance. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine the likely correlations between the spinopelvic parameters of these subgroups. In addition, the correlations between spinopelvic parameters were investigated.

Results:

There were 380 patients evaluated. We found no association between HOA or dysplasia and spinopelvic parameters. In addition, there was no association between PI-LL imbalance and HOA or dysplasia.

Conclusion:

There was no difference in constant PI and STA angle, besides other variable parameters, between groups having HOA and dysplasia or not. PI-LL imbalance has no effect on HOA and dysplasia.
Lidocaine as a potential therapeutic option for super-refractory status epilepticus: A case report
Authors: Sugata Mayu , Kataoka Hiroshi , Uchihara Yuto , Shimada Daisuke , Atagi Kazuaki , Nakamura Michitaka , Hara Makoto , Kawahara Makoto , Sugie Kazuma
Published: September 2023

New-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a rare and devastating condition and the prognosis is often poor, with half to two-thirds of survivors experiencing drug-resistant epilepsy, residual cognitive impairment, or functional disability, and the mortality rate is 16% to 27% for adults. We describe a patient with cryptogenic NORSE and favorable recovery from drug-resistant super-refractory SE after the use of intravenous lidocaine. The patient experienced fever and presented with refractory generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The cause was not found by performing extensive examinations, including cell surface autoantibodies and rat brain immunohistochemistry evaluations. The refractory SE with unresponsiveness to multiple anti-epileptic and prolonged sedative medications, which are necessary for prolonged mechanical ventilation, were ameliorated by additive treatment with intravenous lidocaine initiating at 1 mg/kg/h and maintaining at 2 mg/kg/h for 40 days, which led to freedom from intravenous sedative medication and mechanical ventilation. The patient was able to return to school. Lidocaine may be an optional treatment for cryptogenic NORSE.
Health and social home services among community-dwelling older people during COVID-19: Results from the cross-sectional LOST in Lombardia project
Authors: Bertuccio Paola , Vigezzi Giacomo Pietro , Amerio Andrea , Cavalieri D’oro Luca , Iacoviello Licia , Stuckler David , Signorelli Carlo , Zucchi Alberto , Gallus Silvano , Odone Anna ,   *†The Lost in Lombardia Project Investigators
Published: September 2023

Background:

Few studies have focused on changes in health and social services access due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to describe changes in the use of selected health and social home services due to the pandemic and to investigate potential associated factors, including socio-demographic characteristics, number of chronic diseases and mental health indicators, among older Italian individuals.

Methods:

We analysed data from the LOST in Lombardia cross-sectional study conducted in November 2020 on a large representative sample of 4400 individuals aged ⩾65 years. To identify potential factors associated with the increased use of three selected health and social home services, we estimated odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results:

Compared to the year before, 5.0% of older adults increased help from domestic workers (vs. 6.9% reducing) during the pandemic, 4.4% increased help from non-familiar caregivers (vs. 1.3% decreasing) and 4.7% increased medical home visits (vs. 1.0% decreasing). An increase in the use of these services was more frequent among participants with co-morbidities ( p for trend <0.001), especially with diabetes (for caregivers: OR=12.2, 95% CI 6.0–24.8), and worse mental health (for caregivers and for those with a GAD-2 score ⩾3 vs. <3: OR=10.6, 95% CI 5.8–19.4). Conversely, people living in more crowded households less frequently increased health and social services use during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

Our results should inform targeted interventions for the identified vulnerable groups to close the gap in health and social inequities.
Using an Intersectional Approach to Explore the Lived Mental Health Experiences of Traveller Men Affected by Suicide in Ireland
Authors: Richardson Noel , McDonnell Karolyn , Carroll Paula , O’Donnell Shane
Published: September 2023

Rates of suicide are seven times higher among Traveller men, an Indigenous ethnic minority group in Ireland, compared with non-Traveller men. Several factors are implicated, including racism, social exclusion, discrimination, inadequate accommodation, unemployment, and lower educational attainment. Systemic and cultural barriers inhibit Traveller men from seeking support. This study addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the lived mental health experiences of Traveller men affected by suicide. Semi-structured interviews ( n = 13; aged 19–50) were conducted with Traveller men affected by suicide. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data, which yielded three broad themes. Theme 1, “key determinants of Traveller men’s mental health,” describes the impact on Traveller men of issues relating to accommodation/homelessness, education, and unemployment, as well as frequent exposure to prejudice, discrimination, and racism. Theme 2, “contemporary Traveller masculinities,” considers how Traveller masculinities were shaped by a patrilineal tradition and by historical/ongoing tensions related to their ethnicity. Theme 3, “navigating support seeking and coping with distress,” encapsulates both resistant and proactive approaches used by participants to manage their mental health. The intersection of structural inequalities, internalized racism, Traveller masculinities, and strong historical associations between stigma and mental health/suicide within the Traveller community lies at the heart of the heavy burden of suicide carried by Traveller men. Findings provide a deeper understanding of the sources of distress and pathways to resilience/recovery among Traveller men affected by suicide and can inform the development of more gender- and culturally appropriate suicide prevention interventions.
The Role of Three-dimensional Printed Models in Women’s Health
Authors: AlRawi Afnan , Basha Tasneem , Elmeligy Ahmed O , Mousa Noha A , Mohammed Ghada
Published: September 2023

Three-dimensional printing is an innovative technology that has gained prominence in recent years due to its attractive features such as affordability, efficiency, and quick production. The technology is used to produce a three-dimensional model by depositing materials in layers using specific printers. In the medical field, it has been increasingly used in various specialties, including neurosurgery, cardiology, and orthopedics, most commonly for the pre-planning of complex surgeries. In addition, it has been applied in therapeutic treatments, patient education, and training wof medical professionals. In the field of obstetrics and gynecology, there is a limited number of studies in which three-dimensional printed models were applied. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of three-dimensional printing applications in the medical field, highlighting the few reported applications in obstetrics and gynecology. We also review all relevant studies and discuss the current challenges and limitations of adopting the technology in routine clinical practice. The technology has the potential to expand for wider applications related to women’s health, including patient counseling, surgical training, and medical education.
Ulnar dimelia – a review of 24 cases
Authors: Winge Mona I. , Guéro Stéphane , Zavarukhin Vladimir , Paavilainen Pasi , Baldrighi Carla , Kjørup Anders , Hülsemann Wiebke
Published: September 2023

Ulnar dimelia is a very rare unilateral congenital upper limb anomaly (CULA) affecting the whole extremity. Treatment remains difficult because of the complexity and multi-level involvement. Twenty-four cases with duplicated ulna, absent radius and polydactyly from seven European centres were reviewed according to a structured list of parameters. At first consultation, median age 8 months (1–178), the shoulder movement was good in 17 patients or poor in six, and the median passive elbow range of motion was 20° (0°–90°). The resting wrist position was flexed in 22/24 patients. Following stretching and splinting, elbow surgery included resection of the lateral proximal ulna in 11 patients and muscle transfers in six to improve passive movement and increase active elbow motion, respectively. Tendon transfers were performed in eight wrists and a pollicization or pseudo-pollicization in 23 patients. Overall, patients demonstrate acceptable function postoperatively. Guidelines for treatment of this severe CULA are presented.

Level of evidence: IV
The role of surgery in the management of radiation-induced brachial plexopathy: a systematic review
Authors: Shekouhi Ramin , Gerhold Cameron , Chim Harvey
Published: September 2023

This systematic literature review of the clinical characteristics of radiation-induced brachial plexopathy and outcomes after intervention includes 30 trials with 611 patients. The mean radiation dose to the brachial plexus was 56 Gy, and the mean duration of radiation was 4 weeks. The mean time from radiation to the onset of symptoms was 35 months. The most commonly reported symptom was sensory loss ( n = 323, 62%), followed by motor deficits ( n = 294, 56%) and neuropathic pain ( n = 284, 54%). In total, 65 (56%) patients had panplexus involvement and 51 (44%) patients had partial plexus involvement. The most common surgical procedure was neurolysis with flap coverage ( n = 108, 6%), followed by neurolysis alone ( n = 71, 30%). Of the 237 patients who underwent surgery, 125 (53%) reported an improvement in pain. Motor and sensory deficits were improved in 46 (19%) and 39 (16%) patients, respectively, suggesting that surgery is beneficial in relieving pain, but not as beneficial in restoring motor and sensory function.
NOD-like receptors mediate homeostatic intestinal epithelial barrier function: promising therapeutic targets for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhang Guo Dong , Tan Yang , Hu Shi An , Tang Qun , Pei Gang
Published: September 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disease that involves host genetics, the microbiome, and inflammatory responses. The current consensus is that the disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier is the core pathogenesis of IBD, including intestinal microbial factors, abnormal immune responses, and impaired intestinal mucosal barrier. Cumulative data show that nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) are dominant mediators in maintaining the homeostasis of the intestinal mucosal barrier, which play critical roles in sensing the commensal microbiota, maintaining homeostasis, and regulating intestinal inflammation. Blocking NLRs inflammasome activation by botanicals may be a promising way to prevent IBD progression. In this review, we systematically introduce the multiple roles of NLRs in regulating intestinal mucosal barrier homeostasis and focus on summarizing the activities and potential mechanisms of natural products against IBD. Aiming to propose new directions on the pathogenesis and precise treatment of IBD
The theoretical and practical difficulties of evaluating a community-based ‘whole systems’ obesity prevention intervention: a research team’s critical reflection
Authors: Gadsby EW , Hotham S , Merritt R
Published: September 2023

Aims:

This article critically discusses the purpose, pragmatics and politics of conducting commissioned evaluations on behalf of public sector organisations by drawing on the experience of evaluating a community-based ‘whole systems’ obesity prevention intervention for an English local council.

Methods:

The study presented in this article incorporated two approaches: an evaluability assessment that interrogated the theoretical and practical difficulties of evaluating the intervention in a non-political way, and a retrospective analysis using Soft Systems Methodology that interrogated the more political difficulties of conducting such an evaluation in the ‘real world’. The information and insights that enabled these reflections came from over 3 years of working closely with the programme team, attending and participating in stakeholder events and meetings, presenting to the Council’s Scrutiny Committee meetings, four interviews with the programme manager, and multiple face-to-face group meetings, email exchanges and telephone conversations.

Results:

The study reveals and analyses three key inter-related challenges that arose during the evaluation of the ‘whole systems’ obesity prevention intervention: the programme’s evaluability, the evaluation purpose, and the nature, role and quality of evidence.

Conclusions:

The evaluability assessment was important for defining the programme’s theoretical and practical evaluability, and the retrospective analysis using Soft Systems Methodology enabled a greater understanding of the political tensions that existed. Key learning points related to the challenges that arose during this evaluation have broad applicability.
Long-term outcomes in a retrospective cohort of patients with rectal cancer with complete response after total neoadjuvant therapy: a propensity-score weighted analysis
Authors: Wang Jingwen , Zhang Lijie , Wang Minghe , Zhang Jing , Wang Yaqi , Wan Juefeng , Li Guichao , Zhang Hui , Wang Yan , Wu Ruiyan , Zhang Zhiyuan , Li Xinxiang , Xu Ye , Zhu Ji , Shen Lijun , Xia Fan , Zhang Zhen
Published: September 2023

Background:

The watch-and-wait (W&W) strategy is a novel treatment option for patients with rectal cancer who have a strong desire for organ preservation. The study aimed to explore the long-term outcomes of the W&W strategy in a large cohort of rectal cancer patients who achieved a clinical complete response (cCR) after consolidation total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), and to compare with patients who achieved a pathological complete response (pCR) after radical surgery.

Methods:

The W&W group comprised patients who were assessed as having a cCR after consolidation TNT and adopted the W&W strategy. Patients who underwent standard resection and achieved a pCR were compared as a reference. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Kaplan–Meier analysis with log-rank test was used to compare survival outcomes.

Results:

We included 89 and 171 patients in the W&W and pCR groups, respectively. The median follow-up period was 45 and 58 months for the W&W and pCR groups, respectively. After IPTW adjustment, the 2-year local regrowth/recurrence rate for the W&W and pCR groups were 9.9% and 2.0%, respectively ( p < 0.001). The W&W and pCR groups had similar 5-year outcomes, including overall survival, disease-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival (all p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the rates of distant metastasis between patients in the W&W group with local regrowth and those without local regrowth (25% versus 6.2%, p = 0.119).

Conclusion:

Patients who were managed with a W&W strategy after consolidation TNT had favorable survival outcomes, which were similar to those of patients with a pCR. The rate of local regrowth in W&W patients was lower in our study than in other studies as a result of the implementation of consolidation TNT.
Adopting smart supply chain and smart technologies to improve operational performance in manufacturing industry
Authors: Lee Khai Loon , Wong Sze Yun , Alzoubi Haitham M. , Al Kurdi Barween , Alshurideh Muhammad Turki , El Khatib Mounir
Published: September 2023

The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in the economy of many countries, but there is a lack of expertise in implementing smart supply chains and smart technologies. This study aims to investigate the relationship between smart supply chains, smart technologies, and operational performance in the manufacturing industry. A survey questionnaire was conducted among registered manufacturing industries, and the results were analyzed using Smart PLS to test 10 hypotheses. Four hypotheses were supported out of 119 responses received through simple random sampling. The study suggests implementing instrumented supply chains using smart technologies can enhance operational performance. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, academics, and industry practitioners to improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. This research emphasizes the importance of smart supply chains and smart technologies in achieving operational excellence, and further studies are necessary to address the identified limitations and contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of smart technologies in the supply chain’s digitalization.