bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Analysis of Medical Claims Data Suggests Network-Based, Regional Targeting and Intervention Delivery Strategies to Increase Access to Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Authors: Green Harold D. , Kaminski Patrick C.
Published: March 2024

Opioid overdose and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) statistics underscore an urgent need to significantly expand access to evidence-based OUD treatment. Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) has proven effective for treating OUD. However, limited access to these treatments persists. Recognizing the need for significant investment in clinical, behavioral, and translational research, the Indiana State Department of Health and Indiana University embarked on a research initiative supported by the “Responding to the Addictions Crisis” Grand Challenge Program. This brief presents recommendations based on existing research and our own analyses of medical claims data in Indiana, where opioid misuse is high and treatment access is limited. The recommendations cover target providers, intervention focus, priority regions, and delivery methods.
Multiple Trajectories and Predictors of Self-Esteem Change in Later Life: A Latent Growth Mixture Modeling Approach
Authors: Yoon Seung Won , Ryu Hyunok , Cho Daeyeon , Kim JoHyun
Published: March 2024

Applying latent growth mixture modeling (GMM), this study delves into the examination of self-esteem trajectories in a sample of 5,597 older adults over a nine-year period. Four distinct patterns of self-esteem changes have emerged: low, decreasing, increasing, and high. Additionally, the study explores the relationships between each trajectory and various predictors encompassing demographic factors, socioeconomic status, health, and interpersonal relationships. The findings highlight the significance of these factors in predicting the likelihood of an individual following a specific self-esteem trajectory. Notably, maintaining employment, fostering satisfactory social relationships, and being free of frequent depressive feelings emerged as strong predictors for the stability and increase of high self-esteem. Intriguingly, an average or above-average income was unexpectedly associated with lower levels of self-esteem. The study emphasizes the contribution of GMM to advancing aging research.
Sports Involvement, Head Injury, and Delinquency: Evidence From a Sample of Juvenile Justice Involved Youth
Authors: Block Kristina , Connolly Eric J.
Published: March 2024

Previous research suggests that youth sports participation is moderately associated with reduced delinquency. However, little is known about whether head injury dampens this protective role of sports involvement. This study analyzes data from a sample of juvenile justice involved youth to assess (a) the relationship between sports involvement and head injury, (b) whether groups of sports involved youth with and without a head injury report varying levels of general, violent, and/or nonviolent delinquency, and (c) potential sex differences across these group. Results suggest that sports participation is not associated with head injury. Nonsports involved youth with a head injury report higher levels of general and violent delinquency, compared to nonsports involved youth without a head injury. Sports involved females with a head injury report higher levels of general and violent delinquency, compared to sports involved males with a head injury. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
Examining the relations between early language skills and environmental variables and literacy skills: A longitudinal study from 2 to 9 years
Authors: Ecalle Jean , Thierry Xavier , Labat Hélène , Magnan Annie
Published: March 2024

A 7-year longitudinal study was conducted as part of the French national cohort ELFE ( N = 1095). The aim was to identify how and why early language skills at 2 years might predict later literacy skills assessed successively at 5, 7, and 9 years (LitSk5y; 7y; 9y). Using one and the same model, we also examined the relations between literacy skills in the three sessions and the potential impact of three environmental variables: the home learning environment (HLE) and two variables related to socioeconomic status (SES), namely, parental education level (PEL) and household income (HInc). The main findings reveal that expressive vocabulary at 2 years is a significant predictor of LitSk5y. No significant link was found for HLE. The other significant links reveal that PEL is associated with LitSk5y and LitSk7y, and HInc with LitSk5y and LitSk9y. The differential impact of these two SES variables is discussed. Moreover, the restructuring lexical model is proposed to explain how the development of early expressive vocabulary is linked to the development of literacy skills via an implicit stimulation of phonemic awareness during the acquisition of new words.
“Not Now, I Am Too Stressed”: Stress and Physical Intimacy in Early Marriage
Authors: Sucrese Alyssa M. , Neff Lisa A. , Gleason Marci E. J.
Published: March 2024

Stressful events can disrupt couples’ emotional connection, yet prior research is mixed regarding whether stress also disrupts couples’ physical intimacy. This study considered whether stress must reach a critical threshold before hindering couples’ sexual activity and physical affection (i.e., a curvilinear association). Couples ( N = 144 couples plus four additional wives) completed two 14-day daily diary tasks during the early years of marriage. Multilevel modeling revealed a within-person curvilinear association between daily stress and sexual activity. Contrary to expectations, the likelihood of sexual activity declined as stress increased from low to moderate, then leveled off as stress continued to increase. For physical affection, a linear effect emerged. On days of greater stress, women, but not men, reported less affection. Further analyses suggested that women’s stress is more influential than men’s stress for couple’s physical intimacy. Findings highlight the nuanced ways in which stress is linked to a vital component of satisfying relationships.
Parents’ ethnotheories of the nature and causes of children’s misbehaviors: A comparison of mothers across two cultures
Authors: Ip Ka I , Heng Jean Anne , Lin Janice , Shi Jiannong , Li Wang , Olson Sheryl
Published: March 2024

Across all cultures, parents have intuitive ideas (“ethnotheories”) of what undesirable child characteristics are as well as how to explain them. Yet there have been relatively few cross-cultural comparisons of parents’ ethnotheories about the nature and causes of child misbehavior. 108 mothers of 5-year-old children from the United States ( N = 52; Mage = 5.26, SD = 0.07) and mainland China ( N = 56; Mage = 5.31, SD = 0.20) were recruited to participate in a semi-structured interview that allowed parents to generate open-ended responses in relation to the nature and causes of children’s misbehavior. Parents were asked to describe the behaviors they would least like to see in their children, before providing causal attributions to a series of hypothetical vignettes depicting a range of externalizing-type child behaviors. Parents’ responses were coded based on common themes. Across both cultures, mothers endorsed social insensitivity as the most undesirable child characteristic. With regard to cross-cultural differences, mothers from the US highlighted aggressive and disruptive behaviors as the most salient child misbehaviors, whereas parents from mainland China emphasized cognitive and motivational difficulties. Regarding causes of child misbehaviors, American mothers were more likely than Chinese mothers to report momentary internal states as the primary causes of child misbehavior, followed by immature development. Conversely, Chinese parents attributed child misbehavior primarily to social influences, followed by temperament. Our results provide a significant contribution to our understanding on how parents across cultures define and explain misbehaviors in young children.
Assessing journals through a three-dimensional framework based on article citation, author and institution influence
Authors: Zeng Ziqiang , Jia Cuicui , Zhang Weiye , Zhuang Xinyi , Li Xuan
Published: March 2024

Journal assessment is of great significance to promote the development of academic platforms. Citation analysis is a recognised tool to assess the citation performance of journals. However, due to the shortcomings such as the inflated Journal Impact Factor and heterogeneity of the citations, additional dimensions are necessary to be considered to balance with the article citation. This article constructs a three-dimensional journal assessment framework to measure the comprehensive influence of a journal based on article citation, author and institution influence. The CRITIC-Entropy weighting method is employed to calculate the weighted average scores for the three dimensions, respectively. Then, a newly defined Pareto-dominated set-based sum of TOPSIS score (PDS-based STS) approach is developed to assess the comprehensive influence of journals. A sample of 76 journals in Economics field is selected to demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of the proposed assessment method. The Chartered Association of Business Schools’ Academic Journal Guide 2021 (CABS-AJG 2021) which is an expert-based journal rating is chosen as a baseline model. It has been found that the assessment method using PDS-based STS shows a more rational journal ranking than that based on the Journal Impact Factor if using the CABS-AJG 2021’s ratings as the benchmark model.
Linguistic domination: A republican approach to linguistic justice
Authors: Morales-Gálvez Sergi
Published: March 2024

Linguistic justice is about institutions distributing material and symbolic resources fairly when they are faced with linguistic diversity. However, no theory of linguistic justice has developed a systematic and comprehensive account of the moral dilemmas that take place in interpersonal linguistic relationships, in particular the power dynamics leading to (linguistic) domination. The aim of this article is to start building a general theory of linguistic domination, one that offers new conceptual tools for both empirical and normative analyses of linguistically diverse societies. Using the republican tradition of thought, I argue that there is linguistic domination whenever someone is subject to the uncontrolled capacity for interference over their linguistic uses, ideology and acquisition by another agent. This article tests under what conditions this phenomenon takes place and the parties involved in it (both in terms of individuals and political institutions).
Surreptitious Administration of Disulfiram Along with Its Implantation Leading toDisulfiram-associated Encephalopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Kalia Ajinkya , Ghosh Sanjukta , Chaturvedi Mudita , Rozatkar Abhijit Ramdas , Modak Tamonud
Published: March 2024

Disulfiram is a US FDA–approved medication for the management of alcohol use disorder. However, compliance with disulfiram has been the Achilles’ heel of its efficacy. Implantation and surreptitious administration of disulfiram are two methods occasionally used to ensure disulfiram compliance. We present the case of a 45-year-old man who underwent disulfiram implantation. Upon consuming his first drink after this procedure, his wife administered him a hefty dose of disulfiram tablets surreptitiously. The patient subsequently developed a state of fluctuating orientation, marked impairment in attention and concentration, dyscalculia, along with memory and motor deficits. The diagnostic dilemma associated with such a presentation, along with the ethical violations and medical risks associated with implantation and surreptitious use, is discussed. Disulfiram-associated encephalopathy is a rare consequence of disulfiram use and was precipitated in this patient by the administration of disulfiram using the above methods.
Projectized Community of Practice: A Case Study of Globally Distributed Information Technology Organization
Authors: Sharma Rajeev , Bagchi Soumendra Narain
Published: March 2024

The execution of globally distributed information technology service projects (GDITP) by globally distributed teams, while inherently complex, offers the advantages of swift implementation and seamless service delivery to global clients. The numerous challenges including the intangibility of customer specifications, the iterative nature of information technology (IT) activities and coordination difficulties arising from diverse teams contribute to complexity in managing these projects. Moreover, the organizational complexity is compounded by competing power centres, turning project delivery into a politically contested process.

In traditional projects such as construction or customized manufacturing, overcoming aforementioned challenges through strong top-down leadership is typical in many time-bound projects. However, in the realm of IT projects, which are inherently people-centric, enforcing a command-and-control environment is challenging. Communities-of-practice (CoP) offer an alternative structure that engages highly skilled employees in a collaborative community, navigating the challenges posed by IT projects. Our study explores this innovative approach, focusing on a product firm effectively leveraging CoPs to successfully execute global service projects.

Delving into the functioning of CoPs, our research illustrates how they scale up using both formal and informal networks to meet diverse global customer requirements. Despite operating globally, CoPs exhibit emergent collective mindfulness, adapting tools, processes and products to the demands of the projects. The study also details how the organization manages complexity while adhering to product architecture and a uniform project framework.
A case of mild partial androgen insensitivity syndrome in a juvenile boy
Authors: Wang Fen , Shao Shiying , He Wentao , Hu Shuhong
Published: March 2024

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare disorder with X-linked recessive inheritance in 46 XY patients. The clinical manifestations vary between patients, especially regarding external genitalia development. Herein, the case of AIS in a 13-year-old male, who was born with hypospadias and presented to the hospital with gynaecomastia that had developed from 8 years of age, is reported. No micropenis, cryptorchidism or bifid scrotum were found. Testis volume was 12 ml on both sides. His testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels were normal compared with sex- and age-adjusted reference range. His bone age was approximately 13 years according to Greulich-Pyle assessment. Sequence analysis of the androgen receptor ( AR) gene revealed a mutation (c.2041A>G) in exon 4, a novel mutation site in the AR gene. Prediction analysis suggested this to be a disease-causing variant. A milder clinical presentation and normal hormone levels in cases of partial AIS might differ from the usually reported signs and symptoms. A diagnosis of AIS should not be ignored in teenage patients who present with gynaecomastia and hypospadias, but normal hormone levels.
Hypomethylation of the LncRNA H19 promoter accelerates osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells by activating the Erk1/2 pathways
Authors: Wang Taoxia , Cheng Meijuan , Jin Jingjing , Bai Yaling , Zhang Dongxue , Zhang Shenglei , Xu Jinsheng
Published: March 2024

Objective

Vascular calcification is a common chronic kidney disease complication. This study aimed to investigate the function of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) H19 in vascular calcification to explore new therapeutic strategies.

Methods

We induced osteogenic differentiation and calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) using β-glycerophosphate. Then, we detected the LncRNA H19 promoter methylation status and Erk1/2 pathways using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively.

Results

Compared with the control group, high phosphorus levels induced VSMC calcification, accompanied by increases in LncRNA H19 and the osteogenic marker Runx2 and reduction of the contractile phenotype marker SM22a. LncRNA H19 knockdown inhibited osteogenic differentiation and calcification of VSMCs. However, the suppressed role of VSMC calcification caused by shRNA H19 was partially reversed by simultaneous activation of the Erk1/2 pathways. Mechanically, we found that the methylation rate of CpG islands in the LncRNA H19 promoter region was significantly lower in the high-phosphorus group, and the hypomethylation state elevated LncRNA H19 levels, which in turn regulated phosphorylated Erk1/2 expression.

Conclusions

LncRNA H19 promoted osteogenic differentiation and calcification of VSMCs by regulating the Erk1/2 pathways. Additionally, hypomethylation of LncRNA H19 promoter CpG islands upregulated LncRNA H19 levels and subsequently activated Erk1/2 phosphorylation.
Efficacy and safety of caspofungin for the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Li Shaoqiang , Li Zhengtu , Wang Penglei , Zhan Yangqing , Xie Jiaxing , Ye Feng
Published: March 2024

Objectives

We assessed the efficacy of a 3-week primary or salvage caspofungin regimen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and concomitant proven or suspected invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA).

Methods

Forty-four patients were treated with an initial loading caspofungin dose of 70 mg, followed by a daily dose of 50 mg for 20 days. The main efficacy endpoint was clinical effectiveness. Secondary endpoints included the clinical efficacy of caspofungin after 1 week, therapeutic efficacy based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium (EORTC/MSG) criteria, the sensitivity of different Aspergillus strains to caspofungin in vitro, and the safety of caspofungin.

Results

An assessment of 42 patients in the intention-to-treat group revealed efficacy rates of 33.33% within 1 week and 38.10% within 3 weeks. According to the EORTC/MSG criteria, the treatment success rate was 38.10%. The success rate of first-line treatment was 54.76%, whereas salvage treatment had a success rate of 45.24%. No adverse events were reported among the participants.

Conclusions

Caspofungin is effective and safe as an initial or salvage treatment for patients with IPA and COPD.
Drugs associated with a risk of supraventricular tachycardia: analysis using the OpenVigil database
Authors: Chen Weihong , Li Shaobin , Huang Dongqin , Su Yuchao
Published: March 2024

Objective

The OpenVigil database can be used to assess medications that may cause supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and to produce a reference for their safe use in clinical settings.

Methods

We analyzed first-quarter data from 2004 to 2023, obtained by searching the OpenVigil database using the keyword “supraventricular tachycardia.” Trade names and generic names were obtained by querying the RxNav database, and the proportions were summarized. The proportionate reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio, and chi-square values were also summarized. We created Asahi diagrams and set the screening criteria to drug events ≥30, PRR >2, and chi-square >4. Outcomes were evaluated using the Side Effect Resource database, several scientific literature databases, and the Hangzhou Yiyao Rational Medication System.

Results

A total of 2435 distinct medications were found to induce SVT between the first quarter of 2004 and 2023, leading to 22,375 documented adverse events related to SVT. Further investigation revealed that salbutamol, paroxetine, formoterol, paclitaxel, venlafaxine, and theophylline were most likely to cause SVT.

Conclusion

We conducted signal mining of adverse drug events using the OpenVigil database and evaluated the six drugs most likely to cause SVT. The results of this research can serve as a drug safety reference in the clinic.
Albumin and C-reactive protein as diagnostic markers for neonatal sepsis: a retrospective study
Authors: Yin Wei , Fang ChengChao , Fan Xiaoping , Chen YanLin
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess the applicability of albumin (ALB) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in the diagnosis of sepsis in neonates on the day of admission, and to help with early identification and intervention in the development of sepsis.

Methods

This retrospective study included all neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2020 to June 2023. We studied 160 full-term neonates, including 80 with sepsis and 80 healthy controls. A multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between ALB, CRP, and sepsis.

Results

CRP concentrations were significantly higher in neonates with sepsis than in controls (26.5 ± 8.6  vs. 3.6 ± 1.2 ng/L). At a cut-off point of 10.8 ng/L, CRP showed a sensitivity of 74.3% and a specificity of 80%. Moreover, ALB concentrations were significantly lower in neonates with sepsis than in controls (25.4 ± 2.5 g/L vs. 29.2 ± 2.6 g/L). At a cut-off point of 26.8, ALB showed a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 84.2%.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that ALB and CRP concentrations on the first day of admission are different between neonates who do and those who do not develop sepsis. Higher CRP concentrations and lower ALB concentrations may indicate an increased risk of sepsis.
The Bezbaroa Household of Colonial Calcutta: Microcosm of Changing Family Dynamics
Authors: Tamuly Gitashree
Published: March 2024

Against the backdrop of colonial India, this study examines the Bezbaroa family, specifically focusing on the marriage of Lakshminath Bezbaroa, a prominent Assamese writer, to Prajnasundari Devi of the renowned Tagore family of Bengal. Their seemingly disparate backgrounds offer a unique vantage point to explore the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Delving into aspects like gender roles, domesticity, education, personal choice, and individual expression, the paper aims to illuminate a broader understanding of how the public–private divide might have been reshaped within the context of a colonially influenced Indian society.
Mechanical properties and discrete element simulation of KH-560 modified polystyrene concrete
Authors: Feng Yong , Li Xiaoyang , Wang Weijian , Li Lijuan , Zhao Chen
Published: March 2024

Polystyrene foam (EPS) concrete is a composite concrete material commonly used in construction, which has excellent thermal insulation and thermal insulation properties, but also has defects of weak bonding interface.KH-560 can significantly improve the characteristics of EPS particles and concrete matrix, which have different physical and chemical properties and are difficult to combine. In this study, the effects of different levels of KH-560 on the enhanced mechanical properties of EPS concrete were studied from the aspects of macroscopic mechanical properties, microstructure characteristics, chemical composition and discrete element simulation, and the mechanism of action was discussed. The results of mechanical experiments show that the compressive strength and flexural strength of EPS concrete mixed with KH-560 are higher than those of ordinary EPS concrete, and its mechanical properties gradually increase with the increase of KH-560 content. XRD, FT-IR and SEM observations showed that more C-S-H gels would be produced under the action of KH-560, which made the structure of the weak interface transition zone of EPS concrete more compact. The results of discrete element simulation show that the peak strength of EPS concrete increases with the increase of friction coefficient, but has little effect on its elastic modulus.
Developing and Implementing a Tier 1 Reading Program Within an RTI Framework: A University–School Partnership
Authors: Nannemann Allison , Shenoy Sunaina , Johnson Christopher
Published: March 2024

Response to intervention (RTI) is a valuable framework for providing effective and equitable educational opportunities to all students; however, recent research indicates that RTI programs are not achieving their potential for promoting student learning. As schools develop, implement, and sustain RTI systems, they would benefit from the addition of collaborative support provided by professionals knowledgeable about the RTI framework, including specific elements of this model such as evidence-based practices and progress monitoring assessments. We describe the process and outcomes of a university–school partnership aimed at developing and implementing an RTI program for reading at the Tier 1 level.
Effect of radiation and slip parameter on MHD mixed convective Casson fluid flow along a vertical stretching sheet
Authors: Jat Kavita , Sharma Kalpna , Soni Pooja , Sinha Sharad
Published: March 2024

The flow behavior of Casson fluids along a vertical stretching sheet is important for a wide range of industrial processes where such fluids are encountered. For example, knowledge of this study might be used in the design of coating processes or in biomedical applications involving blood flow. Aims of this study are the optimization of engineering processes, ensuring efficiency and quality in various applications and analysis of boundary layer along stretching sheet. Mathematical formulation of the problem consists parial differential equations and later on converted to a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with boundary conditions and solved using “Bvp4c solver” in MATLAB. The Bvp4c solver is a numerical technique used to solve boundary value problems (BVPs) for ODEs. For various values of physical parameters the velocity, temperature, and concentration distribution are presented through figures. Skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are tabulated and analyzed through bar graphs. It is noted that for assisting flow [Formula: see text], velocity profile decreases near the sheet while it increases away from the sheet for growing inputs of Casson fluid parameter ([Formula: see text]), while opposite seniro has been observed for Hartmann number ([Formula: see text]). Coefficient of surface drag is lowered with growing inputs of Casson fluid parameter and heat transfer rate is enhanced with increased inputs of Hartmann number in both assisting and opposing flow. The temperature profile enhances for raising inputs of radiation parameter ([Formula: see text]) in both assisting and opposing flow. The concentration profiles also fall, when chemical reaction parameter ([Formula: see text]) and Schmidt number ([Formula: see text]) are enhanced.
Metallurgical and mechanical properties evaluation of the activated flux tungsten inert gas weldments
Authors: Petla Sivateja , Vidyarthy Ravi Shanker
Published: March 2024

The activated flux tungsten inert gas welding process is an attractive joining technique to increase the depth of penetration in a single pass. In the last two decades, the research on activated flux tungsten inert gas welding increased drastically. Despite enhanced weld penetration, activated flux tungsten inert gas is not frequently implemented in industries because of a lack of information about the process. However, research on activated flux tungsten inert gas welding has significantly increased in the last decade due to the widespread information related to the advancements in weld penetration and mechanical properties of the activated flux tungsten inert gas process. The activated flux tungsten inert gas welding process provides a high single pass depth of penetration along with good mechanical properties compared to the tungsten inert gas welding process. The current work offers an in-depth analysis of the activated flux tungsten inert gas welding process mechanism, advancement in activated flux tungsten inert gas methodology to improve weld bead geometry, and mechanical and corrosion behaviour of the weldments. The current work also highlights recent progress made in the field of dissimilar metal joining using the activated flux tungsten inert gas welding process.
A farewell to welfare? Conceptualising welfare populism, welfare chauvinism and welfare Euroscepticism
Authors: Eick Gianna M , Leruth Benjamin
Published: March 2024

This conceptual article and special issue introduction argues for the importance of studying three policy paradigms surrounding welfare policy opposition. The first is welfare populism, the opposition to welfare policies that do not benefit the ‘common people’. The second is welfare chauvinism, the opposition to welfare policies for non-natives within a nation-state. The third is welfare Euroscepticism, the opposition to welfare policies at the European Union level. These paradigms have distinct causes and consequences that should be studied in more detail across different political actors. And while welfare policy opposition may not lead to a complete farewell to welfare, they have been shaping and will continue to shape welfare state recalibration. This article offers summaries of the special issue contributions with empirical snapshots of welfare policy opposition and concludes with avenues for future research.
The Precariat in Our Lives: Women Domestic Workers
Authors: Rao Mohan
Published: March 2024

Caring Hands, Fragile Health: Unravelling Women’s Occupational Health and Well-being in Domestic Work, Jagori, New Delhi, 2023.
A Qualitative Evaluation of the Micro-level Barriers to Better Delivery and Utilisation of Nutrition Services in Rural India
Authors: Bhattacharya Ruchira , Ravi Joseph K.
Published: March 2024

Malnutrition remains one of the most rigid outcomes to be addressed by policies and interventions. Although the forms and predictors of malnutrition have been extensively studied, relatively less focus has been placed on the micro-realities of policy implementation that can explain the barriers to achieving better service utilisation outcomes. To fill this gap and gain insights into the socio-environmental barriers to the supplementary nutrition programme, a micro-level qualitative study was undertaken on the beneficiary experience from one of the largest nutrition services in the world, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in India. Combining qualitative phenomenological with a retrospective design, the study compared the service experience of current ICDS to its erstwhile regime called the ‘UNICEF-Dular’ using data from a 2018 study in Bihar. Thirty beneficiaries, including 12 mothers with children in both regimes, 10 front-line workers (FLW) and erstwhile second-line workers, and two Bihar-UNICEF officials, were included in the FGDs and interviews. The analysis revealed that strategic changes in the programme regarding downscaling personnel by removing second-line workers, selective coverage in supplementary nutrition, hazardous work conditions, the low capability of FLW, and social incoherence are barriers to service delivery in nutrition.
Improvement of energy conversion efficiency in traveling wave rotary ultrasonic motor by increasing friction coefficient
Authors: Chen Hucheng , Ji Hongli , Qiu Jinhao
Published: March 2024

This article introduces a method of enhancing the energy conversion efficiency of a traveling wave rotary ultrasonic motor with a flexible rotor by increasing the friction coefficient at the stator–rotor interface. The increased friction coefficient leads to improvements in energy conversion efficiency by increasing the output power and reducing friction loss power. Experimental verification showed that the friction coefficient in the interface increased from 0.21 to 0.32, the maximum energy conversion efficiency increased from 36.8% to 46.3%, and the interface friction loss was reduced.
‘You Are Not Alone, We’ve Got You’: Power Plays, Devotion, and Punishment on Healthy Eating and Pro-Eating Disorder Websites
Authors: Tragantzopoulou Panagiota , Fixsen Alison , Ridge Damien , Cheshire Anna
Published: March 2024

Healthy eating (HE) and pro-eating disorder (pro-ED) websites are popular sources of dietary and weight loss information, social support, and lifestyle inspiration. However, the discursive styles and language used by authors/moderators and users of these two site genres have not been widely studied or compared. Forty-three HE websites and twenty-four pro-ED websites were analysed using Fairclough’s model of critical discourse analysis. Findings indicate that sites share common characteristics in terms of power relations played out by authors, ‘successful’ dieters, and those attending these sites. These power plays encourage moral and spiritual commitment to the care of one’s body, with authoritative language used to support readers’ loyalty and adherence to dietary plans. On HE sites, medicinal properties were attributed to ‘clean’ or ‘pure’ foods, whereas pro-ED sites conveyed their importance for weight reduction. Healthy eating sites were largely entrepreneurial, promoting products or themselves. Pro-eating disorder sites typically featured discussions of bodily disgust, the chastisement of others, and self-discipline in the name of ‘Ana’, such that dieting came to be framed as part of a devotional, often punitive, body project. On both sites, morality discourses were gendered around the thin female body and the ‘ideal mother’, with occasional praise for muscular male bodies. Our findings indicate how transitioning from healthy eating preoccupations to eating disorders may be facilitated by normalising discussions about restrictive dieting and the shaming of bodies, overseen by self-appointed diet ‘experts’ and ‘buddies’ online.
Association of Smokeless Tobacco and Complications Following Ankle and Hindfoot Arthrodesis
Authors: Winter Julianna E. , Budin Jacob S. , Delvadia Bela P. , Cole Matthew W. , Waters Timothy L. , Schiff Adam P. , Sherman William F.
Published: March 2024

Background:

The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the rates of postoperative complications following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis among current smokeless tobacco users and people who smoke compared to matched controls, and (2) compare rates of postoperative complications in current smokeless tobacco users vs people who smoke tobacco cigarettes.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a large national database. For patients who underwent ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users (n = 131) and people who smoke (n = 1948) were matched 1:4 with controls, and smokeless tobacco users (n = 131) were matched 1:4 with people who smoke tobacco cigarettes (n = 524). Orthopaedic complications within 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years were compared using multivariable logistic regressions.

Results:

Within 90 days of ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users demonstrated significantly higher rates of hardware removal (odds ratio [OR] 5.01, 95% CI 1.65-15.20), wound disruption or dehiscence (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.21-7.44), and pooled complications (16.0% vs 5.9%, OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.50-5.38) compared with tobacco-naïve controls. The rates of hardware removal, wound disruption and dehiscence, and pooled complications remained significant in the smokeless tobacco cohort at 1 and 2 years. At 2 years following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users additionally demonstrated significantly higher rates of infection (OR 6.08, 95% CI 1.15-32.05) and nonunion (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.31-4.20) compared with tobacco-naïve controls. Within 90 days of ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis, smokeless tobacco users demonstrated significantly lower rates of malunion or nonunion than patients who smoke tobacco cigarettes (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.97), whereas all other complications were not significantly different.

Conclusion:

Smokeless tobacco use is associated with higher rates of complications following ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis compared with tobacco-naïve controls, and physicians should screen for smokeless tobacco use specifically and encourage cessation before operating electively.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Effect of Reduced INR in Early Pregnancy on the Occurrence of Preeclampsia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jin Pei-Pei , Ding Ning , Dai Jing , Liu Xiao-Yan , Mao Pei-Min
Published: March 2024

To investigate the effect of reduced early-pregnancy activated partial thrombin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and international standardized ratio (INR) on the risk of preeclampsia. A total of 8549 pregnant women with singleton births were included. Early pregnancy APTT, PT, and INR levels, with age, birth, prepregnancy body mass index, fibrinogen (FBG), thrombin time (TT), D-dimer (DD2), antithrombin III (ATIII), fibrin degradation products (FDP) as confounders, generalized linear model of APTT, the relative risk of PT and INR when INR reduction. After adequate adjustment for confounders, the relative risk of preeclampsia was 0.703 for every 1 s increase in plasma PT results in early pregnancy, and for every 0.1 increase in plasma INR results, the relative risk of preeclampsia was 0.767. With a PT less than the P25 quantile (<11 s), the relative risk of preeclampsia was 1.328. The relative risk of preeclampsia at an INR less than the P25 quantile (<0.92) was 1.24. There was no statistical association between APTT on the risk of preeclampsia. The relative risk of preeclampsia is strongly associated with a decrease in PT and INR in early pregnancy. PT and INR in early pregnancy were a potential marker in the risk stratification of preeclampsia. Focusing on reduced PT and INR levels in early pregnancy can help to identify early pregnancies at risk for preeclampsia.
Gut Microbiota and Symptom Expression and Severity in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Sealschott Stephanie , Pickler Rita , Fortney Christine , Bailey Michael , Loman Brett
Published: March 2024

Problem: Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) affecting neonates with fetal exposure to opioids, is defined by expression and severity of symptoms. The pathophysiology behind symptoms variability is lacking. The study aims were to examine (a) differences in gut microbiota of neonates with and without NAS, (b) the relationships between gut microbiota and symptom expression and NAS severity, and (c) the changes in the neonate gut microbiota diversity during the course of NAS treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional observational design was used to examine differences in microbiota and a longitudinal, repeated measures approach was used to determine relationships between gut microbiota and NAS symptoms. Symptom data were collected using the Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool and the Neonatal Pain Agitation and Sedation Scale. Stool samples were collected for microbiome analyses with 16S rRNA microbiome sequencing. Results: Differences in alpha and beta diversity between neonates with and without NAS were seen. Relative abundance results revealed 18 taxa were different in neonates with NAS compared to neonates without NAS. No differences were found in alpha or beta diversity in neonates with NAS between enrollment and hospital discharge. There was increased abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Bacteriodes genera related to higher symptom scores. Discussion: Differences in alpha and beta diversity between neonates with and without NAS may be due to differences in birth mode and type of feeding. The findings of specific increased bacteria related to increased symptoms in the neonates with NAS may also be influenced by birth mode and type of feeding.
Long-term follow-up of total hip arthroplasty using polyethylene-ceramic composite (sandwich) liner
Authors: Rodríguez-Pérez Daniel , Carnaval Thiago , Rodríguez Marcos-del-Carmen , Coscujuela-Maña Antonio , Agulló José-Luis , Videla Sebastián
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings have been widely used since their introduction in the 1970s. First-generation ceramics have very high fracture (breakage) rates. To overcome this, in the 1990s, modular cotyloid insert designs were developed, consisting of a ceramic and polyethylene composite (sandwich-type) liner; however, high implant fracture rates were observed in the medium term. We aimed to estimate the cumulative incidences of revision surgery (implant failure) and implant failure due to fractures, survival rates (time-to-revision surgery and time-to-fracture), and the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes in our series.

Methods:

This was an observational, longitudinal, ambispective, single-centre study based on patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a sandwich-type liner (Cerasul), only available in our tertiary hospital between January 1999 and December 2002. Cumulative incidences were estimated and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the time-to-revision surgery and time-to-fracture.

Results:

54 patients (49 men) were included, accounting for 59 sandwich-type linear implants. The mean (range) age was 47.4 (22–57) years. The primary THA indications were osteoarthritis (28 patients), osteonecrosis (14), childhood pathology sequelae (11), and inflammatory arthritis (6). The cumulative incidence of revision surgery by implants was 8.5% (5/59, 95% CI, 3.5–19.2%), 9.3% by patients (5/54, 95% CI, 4.0–19.9%), and 5.1% by implant fractures (3/59, 95%CI, 1.7–13.9%). The median (Interquartile Range, IQR) time-to-revision surgery was 158 (72.5–161) months, and the time to fracture was 182 (138–215) months. All primary THAs had good clinical and long-term survival outcomes. All implants had signs of solid fixation.

Conclusions:

After a 20-year follow-up period, the polyethylene-ceramic sandwich-type liner showed a long survival rate and low cumulative incidence of implant fracture; however, implant fractures remain the main complication. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware that some patients still have this type of prosthesis and must be capable of responding quickly if a fracture occurs.
Large-scale Pan Genomic Analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Reveals Key Insights Into Molecular Evolutionary Rate of Specific Processes and Functions
Authors: Bundhoo Eshan , Ghoorah Anisah W , Jaufeerally-Fakim Yasmina
Published: March 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease that is a major killer worldwide. Due to selection pressure caused by the use of antibacterial drugs, Mtb is characterised by mutational events that have given rise to multi drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) phenotypes. The rate at which mutations occur is an important factor in the study of molecular evolution, and it helps understand gene evolution. Within the same species, different protein-coding genes evolve at different rates. To estimate the rates of molecular evolution of protein-coding genes, a commonly used parameter is the ratio dN/ dS, where dN is the rate of non-synonymous substitutions and dS is the rate of synonymous substitutions. Here, we determined the estimated rates of molecular evolution of select biological processes and molecular functions across 264 strains of Mtb. We also investigated the molecular evolutionary rates of core genes of Mtb by computing the dN/ dS values, and estimated the pan genome of the 264 strains of Mtb. Our results show that the cellular amino acid metabolic process and the kinase activity function evolve at a significantly higher rate, while the carbohydrate metabolic process evolves at a significantly lower rate for M. tuberculosis. These high rates of evolution correlate well with Mtb physiology and pathogenicity. We further propose that the core genome of M. tuberculosis likely experiences varying rates of molecular evolution which may drive an interplay between core genome and accessory genome during M. tuberculosis evolution.
Anthranilic Acid, a GPR109A Agonist, and Schizophrenia
Authors: Oxenkrug Gregory , Forester Brent
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Limited clinical efficiency of current medications warrants search for new antipsychotic agents. Deorphanized G-protein coupled receptor (GPR)109A has not attracted much of attention of schizophrenia researchers. We analyzed literature and our data on endogenous agonists of GPR109A, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), anthranilic (AA), butyric (BA), and nicotinic (NA) acids, in individuals with schizophrenia.

Data:

Sex specific differences: plasma AA levels were 27% higher in female than in male patients and correlated with PANSS before 6 weeks of antipsychotics treatment ( r = .625, P < .019, Spearman’s test). There was no sex specific differences of plasma AA levels after treatment. AA plasma levels inversely correlated (−.58, P < .005) with PANSS scores in responders to treatment (at least, 50% improvement) but not in nonresponders. Preclinical studies suggested antipsychotic effect of BHB and BA. Clinical studies observed antipsychotic effect of NA; benzoate sodium, an AA precursor; and interventions associated with BHB upregulation (eg, fasting and ketogenic diets).

Discussion:

Upregulation of GPR109A, an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective receptor, inhibits cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), an enzyme that breakdown myelin, lipid-based insulating axonal sheath that protects and promotes nerve conduction. Brain cPLA2 is upregulated in individuals with schizophrenia and subjects at high-risk for development of psychosis. Lower myelin content is associated with cognitive decline in individuals with schizophrenia. Therefore, GPR109A might exert antipsychotic effect via suppression of cPLA2, and, consequently, preservation of myelin integrity. Future research might explore antipsychotic effects of (1) human pegylated kynureninase, an enzyme that catalyzes formation of AA from kynurenine (Kyn); (2) inhibitors of Kyn conversion into kynurenic acid, for example, KYN5356, to patients with already impaired Kyn conversion into 3-hydroxykynurenine; (3) synthetic GPR 109A agonists, for example, MK-1903 and SCH900271 and GSK256073, that underwent clinical trials as anti-dyslipidemia agents. GPR109A expression, that might be a new endophenotype of schizophrenia, especially associated with cognitive impairment, needs thorough assessment.
Exploring teacher educator pedagogical decision-making about a combined pedagogy of social justice and meaningful physical education
Authors: Ní Chróinín Déirdre , Iannucci Cassandra , Luguetti Carla , Hamblin Declan
Published: March 2024

Teacher educators shape curriculum in the pedagogical decisions they make ( Lunenberg et al., 2007 ). Yet, evidence is lacking about how physical education (PE) teacher educators make decisions about what to include in their teacher education pedagogies. Four teacher educators in four different PE teacher education (PETE) programmes collaborated to examine their decision-making as they explored ideas related to Meaningful PE and social justice pedagogies. Insight into how teacher educators make decisions can add nuance to understanding pedagogical decision-making in PETE. A self-study of teacher education practices frame supported collective and individual interrogation of our decision-making processes. Data included planning documentation for each teaching episode ( n = 42), individual reflections ( n = 33), recordings of conversations with critical friends ( n = 15), and recordings of collective meetings ( n = 8). Pedagogical confrontations ( Moran et al., 2019 ) provided a lens for each teacher educator to gain perspective and insight into their decision-making related to Meaningful PE and social justice pedagogies The findings are presented in the form of four individual cases that illustrate the distinct story of each teacher educator’s engagement with Meaningful PE and social justice pedagogies. Teacher educators’ decisions were guided by their purposes and influenced by their contexts. Additionally, peers were an important source of pedagogical confrontations to influence decision-making practices. This research contributes to the understanding of innovation in PETE by illustrating how clarity about priorities promotes deliberate decision-making by teacher educators resulting in adoption or rejection of innovation.