bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E.O. Smirnova’s approach to the evaluation of toys
Authors: Ryabkova Irina A. , Sheina Elena G.
Published: April 2023

Background. [is paper presents the concept of psychological and pedagogical expertise of games and toys, developed under the guidance of Elena Smirnova. Elaboration of the concept is due to the fact that a toy is an important tool of children’s play and, according to many studies, has an impact on its formation and development. At the same time, the modern toy market has changed signi\cantly over the past decades and requires to be studied by specialists. [ere are several publications on the psychological and pedagogical evaluation of games and toys developed under E.O. Smirnova’s guidance. However, the Concept has been repeatedly changed and developed which was not re]ected in publications (the last work dates back to 2017). [is article is intended to \ll this gap. Objective. [is paper describes the Concept, methodology and procedure of psychological and pedagogical examination of games and toys developed under the guidance of E.O. Smirnova. Results. [e Concept of expertise is based on the cultural-historical approach and activity theory. A toy is considered as a tool for children’s play in broad sense, especially created by adults. Toys are classi\ed into 4 types of activity: play as such, productive activity, cognitive-explorative activity, and physical activity. Each kind of activity includes types united by speci\c features, goals and tools. Psychological and pedagogical evaluation of toys includes 4 evaluation parameters: ethical, aesthetical, operational-technical, and developmental potential of play action. [e result of expertise is the attribution of the toy to a certain activity type and age group. Conclusions. [e Concept of psychological and pedagogical evaluation of toys, created under the leadership of E.O. Smirnova, is based on key concepts and advances of cultural-historical psychology and activity theory. [e Concept can serve as a basis for research in this area, expanding and clarifying the ideas of science about the impact of games, play and subject tools on the development of children.
Attitudes to gender inequality in partners and emotional states of women in close relationships
Authors: Opekina Tatyana P. , Shipova Natalia S. , Kryukova Tatyana L.
Published: April 2023

Background. Negative attitudes towards members of the opposite sex, traditionally defined as sexism, include such a cognitive aspect as attitudes to gender inequality. Close relationships between men and women represent an understudied though significant context for the actualization of both hostile and benevolent gender stereotypes, as well as for the emotional states they cause. Objective. The study focuses on the relationship between gender inequality attitudes of men and women in close relationships and the emotional states of women as the main objects of traditional gender stereotypes. Sample. The sample consisted of 45 couples (n = 90): 45 men 20–38 years old (M = 28; SD = 4.9) and 45 women 20–38 years old (M = 26; SD = 5.16) who are in close relationships from 1 year to 15 years. Methods. An empirical study was carried out with the following methods and techniques: questionnaire “Scale of ambivalent sexism towards women” (adapted by E.R. Agadullina); questionnaire “Hostile and friendly attitudes towards men” (adapted by V.S. Krivoshchekov and others), short version; questionnaire “Scale for assessing relationships” (adapted by O.A. Sychev), the author's questionnaire of emotional states, interviews on the qualitative characteristics of close relationships. Results. The gender attitudes of women themselves and their male partners are related in different ways to the emotional states of women. The emergence in women of contempt, guilt, fear, disgust in relationships is associated with the presence of hostile attitudes in men. At the same time, women’s hostile sexism towards their gender is associated with their experience of loneliness in relationships, while benevolent sexism, on the contrary, turned out to be associated with positive emotions. Hostile paternalism attitudes in both women and their partners are associated with higher sexual satisfaction of women in dyads. Conclusion. The emotional states of women in close relationships are related to the gender attitudes of both partners. The results obtained make it possible to clarify the ambivalent specifics of the relationship between the cognitive component of sexism in the couple and emotional states of women.
Analysis of psychophysiological mechanisms and approaches to the correction of pronunciation
Authors: Morkovina Anastasia D. , Shevchenko Andrey O. , Stroganova Vera V. , Vartanov Alexander V.
Published: April 2023

Background. The article discusses various approaches to describing the processes of sound pronunciation. Works in the field of neuroscience and speech therapy provide comprehensive descriptions of sound pronunciation. However, they are rarely combined in a multidisciplinary approach to address issues of sound production and correction. Objective. The article seeks to describe interdisciplinary approaches to the problem of sound pronunciation, as well as to present examples of integrative approaches to the correction of sound pronunciation. Results. The paper analyzes various models of sound pronunciation, developed in Russia and abroad. The concepts of phoneme and kinakeme, the processes of syllable fusion are considered. The article presents examples of research and the theory of constructing the articulatory basis of speech activity, provides examples of neurocognitive technologies applied in correcting sound pronunciation. Conclusion. The paper describes the role of modern network models in describing sound production. On the basis of the analysis, psychophysiological and logopedic characteristics of sound production were presented. Examples of modern neurocognitive technologies to correct pronunciation in the work with speech disorders are presented.
Deep-sea Ophiuroidea (Echinodermata) collected during the TALUD cruises in western Mexico
Authors: GRANJA-FERNÁNDEZ REBECA , HENDRICKX MICHEL E. , RANGEL-SOLÍS PEDRO DIEGO , LÓPEZ-PÉREZ ANDRÉS
Published: April 2023

Deep-sea ophiuroids from western Mexico have been documented since 1899, but mostly by non-Mexican expeditions. TALUD is a Mexican project designed to study the deep-sea fauna from Mexico. As part of it, the present contribution provides for the first time detailed information about the taxonomy and distribution, as well as images, of deep-sea ophiuroids from western Mexico, representing a useful taxonomic identification tool for Ophiuroidea from the eastern Pacific. A total of 38 species of ophiuroid (35 identified at species level, one at genus level, and two as confer) were collected from 83 stations located at 123‒2,309 m depth. At a regional scale, several new species records are presented: six for western Baja California, five for western Baja California Sur, two for the Gulf of California, four for Jalisco, 14 for Colima, and five for Guerrero. Geographic (six) and bathymetric (seven) distribution ranges of species are extended. An updated list of deep-sea ophiuroids (61 species) from western Mexico is provided together with an identification key to species collected during this survey. In addition, nine records of deep-sea ophiuroids for the Mexican Pacific are unproven, doubtful or invalid. We corroborated the presence of Ophiacantha eurypoma and Ophiacantha pacifica in the study area and added Amphiura gymnogastra as the first record for Mexico. We propose to transfer Ophiacantha phragma to Ophiolimna on account of it having both granules and spines on the dorsal disc and striated arm plates. TALUD cruises collected 57 % of the total deep-sea species known to occur off Mexico, making it the most important survey of deep-sea Ophiuroidea carried out in western Mexico to date.
Backtalk: Why not be flexible in assessments?
Authors: Wells Jacob
Published: April 2023

Tests and exams are a source of stress for many students. High school teacher Jacob Wells has found that he can alleviate some of that stress by allowing students to weigh in on when their assessments are scheduled. He describes why this has been helpful and shares some of the parameters that have made it feasible.
Manufacturing of wood plastic composite from polyethylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste/ultra high molecular weight polyethylene blends and rice husk fiber: Effect of blends ratio and peroxide/silane crosslink system
Authors: Meekum Utai
Published: April 2023

Lowering processing temperature of poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste (rPET) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by blending to avoid decomposition of rice husk fiber (RHF) during the manufacturing of wood plastic composite (WPC) was one of the main goals of the research study. (rPET/LDPE)-g-MA and (HDPE/LDPE/UHMWPE)-g-MA blends were prepared with good flowability at 240°C. The MA grafted chain in the blends were verified by FTIR. Good miscibility and compatibility of the blends were revealed by SEM. The effect of blends ratios employed as blended matrices on performance properties of the manufactured WPC were explored. MFI and HDT were increased with decreasing (rPET/LDPE)-g-MA ratio. The reversed domain phase between rPET and blended PE mixture was pronounced at 50:50 ratio. Mechanical performances were generally reduced upon decreasing the (rPET/LDPE)-g-MA ratios. The reduction of high strength rPET fraction in the blended matrices was taken as the main cause. Exceeding the reversed phase ratio, the declining of the toughness was retarded due to rising on the interfacial strength and UHMWPE toughener fraction. The effect of DCP/VTMS crosslinker on the properties of the macro crosslinked WPC (XWPC) was investigated. The elastomeric bridges on the sauna cured WPC samples were revealed by SEM. High crosslink density upon increasing the crosslinker fraction had an obvious effect on MFI, HDT, toughness and ductility of the macro crosslinked XWPC. However, the flexible characteristic of the elastomeric amorphous PE chains in the blended matrices at high DCP/VTMS usage was manifested as brittleness retardant for the macro crosslinked XWPC.
Design and analysis of a gas generator for inflatable space structures
Authors: Wang Dan , Yang Quanjie , Liu Jinguo , Wu Chenchen
Published: April 2023

Gas generators have been gradually utilized to inflate inflatable space structures, and normally they use high-energy nitrogenous compounds and solid propellants as gas-generating agents. However, gas generators with a high combustion temperature, fast reaction speed, and massive energy generation will lead to an excessively high gas temperature inside the inflatable structures and an excessively fast unfolding speed, which causes wrinkles or even cracks in inflatable films. This paper proposes a new gas generating device using NaHCO3 as the gas generating agent and resistance wires as heating elements to maintain the advantages of small size and light weight, as well as high security and lack of pollution. The feasibility of the gas generator is computationally analyzed in COMSOL and experimentally verified. Additionally, a tightness test of the gas generation system is undertaken using air pressure sensors. The results show that the device can slowly and steadily generate CO2 gas to deploy thin-film inflatable structures.
Roll dynamic model and steering stability analysis of the counterbalance forklift truck with considering hierarchical rollover
Authors: Zhang Yang , Lu Jianwei , Xia Guang , Khajepour Amir
Published: April 2023

The dynamic model of a counterbalance forklift truck is established, and the validations under various operational conditions are studied. The roll motion of the counterbalance forklift is expressed by four degrees of freedom with consideration given to the independent roll motion between the body and chassis, the variation of the roll axis, and the contact between the body limit block and rear axle. Furthermore, testing under turning on firm ground and driving over obstacle conditions are conducted for verifying the dynamic response characteristic of the established model. In addition, numerical simulations are performed to investigate the effect of forklift structural parameters and road roughness excitation on the roll dynamics of forklifts. Finally, the rationality of evaluating the forklift roll state by load transfer ratio (LTR) is discussed. Simulation results are well in harmony with experiment results, suggesting that the proposed dynamic model can be an effective tool for stability analysis of counterbalance forklift trucks. This work provides theoretical foundations for the development of improved anti-rollover control, ultimately leading to enhanced stability and safety of forklifts.
Study on pressure pulsations and transient fluid forces in centrifugal pump under different degrees of cavitation
Authors: Jia XiaoQi , Yang XiaoQiang , Zhu ZuChao
Published: April 2023

At the early stage of cavitation, the external characteristics and vibration noise of centrifugal pump have not changed significantly, but the flow conditions in the pump have changed markedly. In order to carry out in-depth study on the change characteristics of the flow conditions in centrifugal pump under different degrees of cavitation at the early stage of cavitation, in this paper, the quantitative relation between cavitation degree and pressure pulsation and fluid force was established by means of numerical calculation combined with test and by analyzing the changes in pressure pulsations and fluid forces in the pump under different degrees of cavitation degree. Studies have shown that the pressure pulsation amplitude and range value at the main frequency (shaft frequency and blade frequency) increases with the cavitation degree. The RMS value of pressure pulsation in each frequency band is positively correlated with cavitation development. In case of severe cavitation, the pressure pulsations in high frequency bands are greatly affected by cavitation. The radial force on pump volute and impeller fluctuates more significantly with the increase of cavitation degree.
Intersectoral Collaboration to Promote Child Development: The Contributions of the Actor-Network Theory
Authors: Chiari Antônio Paulo Gomes , Senna Maria Inês Barreiros , Gomes Viviane Elisângela , Freire Maria do Socorro Machado , Soares Anna Rachel dos Santos , Alves Claudia Regina Lindgren , Cury Geraldo Cunha , Ferreira Raquel Conceição
Published: April 2023

An integrated intersectoral care model promises to meet complex needs to promote early child development and address health determinants and inequities. Nevertheless, there is a lack of understanding of actors’ interactions in producing intersectoral collaboration networks. The present study aimed to analyze the intersectoral collaboration in the social protection network involved in promoting early child growth and development in Brazilian municipalities. Underpinned by the tenets of actor-network theory, a case study was conducted with data produced from an educational intervention, entitled “Projeto Nascente.” Through document analysis (ecomaps), participant observation (in Projeto Nascente seminars), and interviews (with municipal management representatives), our study explored and captured links among actors; controversies and resolution mechanisms; the presence of mediators and intermediaries; and an alignment of actors, resources, and support. The qualitative analysis of these materials identified three main themes: (1) agency fragility for intersectoral collaboration, (2) attempt to form networks, and (3) incorporation of fields of possibilities. Our findings revealed that intersectoral collaboration for promoting child growth and development is virtually non-existent or fragile, and local potential is missed or underused. These results emphasized the scarcity of action by mediators and intermediaries to promote enrollment processes to intersectoral collaboration. Likewise, existing controversies were not used as a mechanism for triggering changes. Our research supports the need to mobilize actors, resources, management, and communication tools that promote processes of interessement and enrollment in favor of intersectoral collaboration policies and practices for child development.
Wicked Problems in Risk Assessment: Mapping Yellow Fever and Constructing Risk as an Embodied Experience
Authors: Welhausen Candice A.
Published: April 2023

In this article, the author theorizes the process that a World Health Organization work group used to update yellow fever risk maps published in the Yellow Book, a handbook created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travelers, from a “wicked problems” perspective. She argues that using this model highlights the complexity of nonexperts’ risk assessment practices in this context and that the work group's decision to create vaccination maps demonstrates an increased awareness of the embodied decision-making practices that nonexperts perform, aligning with and contributing to the growing emphasis on creating user-centered risk information that can be seen in some risk communication.
Anticancer medicines in Pakistan: An analysis of essential medicines lists
Authors: Shukar Sundus , Anjum Rehan , Zhang Jinwei , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din , Mobeen Iqra , Yang Caijun
Published: April 2023

Objective

The lack of anticancer drugs for curative and supportive purposes is the critical reason for the low survival rate in low-and-middle-income countries. This study aims to analyze whether the National Essential Medicines List (NEML) and Registered Essential Medicines List (REML) are in concordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Medicines List (EML) and whether the formularies prevalent in the country are parallel to each other and to the NEML.

Method

An observational study design was used in which antineoplastic drugs from the 2021 NEML and REML were compared with 2021 WHO EML to evaluate their availability in Pakistan. Market access was determined. Moreover, the formularies of six different hospital types were compared with each other and with the NEML, and REML to estimate the availability within hospitals.

Results

There were 66 anticancer drugs in 2021 WHO EML and all were found in Pakistan's 2021 NEML but only 48 drugs (73%) were found in the REML. Hydroxycarbamide and dasatinib were two registered drugs absent in all hospitals’ formularies. The market access for anticancer medicines was 73% (48 of 66). Semigovernment hospital (86%) has the highest availability, followed by the government hospital (80%). All the hospitals have unregistered drugs including bortezomib, lenalidomide, and mesna.

Conclusion

Pakistan's NEML adopts WHO EML abruptly but all medicines are not registered. The hospitals are trying their best to increase availability but optimum drug regulations to revise NEML based on the country's requirements and emphasizing registration of anticancer medicines are needed to improve the country's availability of antineoplastic agents.
“We hate her . . . and you too”: Polarized intersectionality in Italy throughout changing political scenarios
Authors: Martella Antonio , Pavan Elena
Published: April 2023

This article proposes a joint application of online network analysis and NLP techniques to explore dynamics of “polarized intersectionality”—that is, how (mis)representations of women that develop online and at the intersection of different axes of discrimination entwine with ideological and affective polarization. We look in particular at whether and how digital (mis)representations change together with political scenarios in which political parties, leaders, and partisan communities more in general swing from collaboration to hostility. Our analysis of two Twitter conversations that put women at the center of attention show that changing political scenarios generate different digital conversations which, in turn, reflect patterns of alliances and rivalry. Regardless of these changes, women are invariantly (mis)represented in narratives that are often weaponized against political enemies in ways that foster both ideological and affective political polarization.
Nozick on the difference principle
Authors: Gläser Micha
Published: April 2023

Robert Nozick’s Anarchy, State and Utopia contains one of the earliest and best-known criticisms of John Rawls’s theory of justice in general and the difference principle in particular. The discussion of Nozick’s critique of Rawls in the literature has focused on his argument against “patterned” conceptions of justice, of which the difference principle as Nozick understands it constitutes merely one version among others. In this article I consider the objection Nozick raises against the difference principle specifically, namely that it unfairly favors the “worse endowed” over the “better endowed” members of society. I argue that Nozick’s charge of unfairness against the difference principle is ambiguous between two distinct interpretations of the difference principle and as such divides into two distinct objections, the pre-cooperative and the cooperative fairness objection. I then argue that neither of these two interpretations of the difference principle represents the actual, Rawlsian difference principle accurately and that, more fundamentally, Nozick lacks the concept of politics as the distinctive moral category implicitly at work in Rawls’s theory of justice. Not as much of Nozick’s charge of unfairness against the difference principle therefore remains on reflection as may have appeared at first sight.
Geometrically Accurate Three-Dimensional Infant Thermoregulation Models Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Liang Ma , Jun Li
Published: April 2023

The core and skin temperature of an infant are essential physiological indicators of the baby’s health and an important reference in the selection of baby clothing. The main idea for this is that parents often wrap their infants in covers and clothing based on their own subjective experience, and infants do not have the ability to express themselves verbally, which is likely to result in over- or under-wrapping, leading to babies feeling too hot or too cold and even causing illness. Accurately predicting and determining infants’ skin and core temperatures at different ambient temperatures is a critical concern in infant clothing research. While the overall skin temperature of infants cannot be understood using traditional body temperature robotic measurements, this article develops a three-dimensional infant thermoregulation model with a geometrical appearance similar to an accurate infant model based on finite element method. Through geometric model construction, cell meshing, boundary condition loading, and user-defined functions program debugging, infants’ body surface and core temperature distribution under different ambient temperatures are calculated. The results were compared with published clinical temperature tests and validated, which were in good agreement with the actual test results and proved the validity of the model calculation. Providing a new method for infant temperature prediction, the findings of this study put forward a scientific reference for infant dressing selection and research on intelligent clothing.
Reg3α concentrations at day of allogeneic stem cell transplantation predict outcome and correlate with early antibiotic use
Authors: Weber Daniela , Weber Markus , Meedt Elisabeth , Ghimire Sakhila , Wolff Daniel , Edinger Matthias , Poeck Hendrik , Hiergeist Andreas , Gessner André , Ayuk Francis , Roesler Wolf , Wölfl Matthias , Kraus Sabrina , Zeiser Robert , Bertrand Hannah , Bader Peter , Ullrich Evelyn , Eder Matthias , Gleich Sigrun , Young Rachel , Herr Wolfgang , Levine John E. , Ferrara James L. M. , Holler Ernst
Published: April 2023

Intestinal microbiome diversity plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute gastrointestinal (GI) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and influences the outcome of patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We analyzed clinical data and blood samples taken preconditioning and on the day of ASCT from 587 patients from 7 German centers of the Mount Sinai Acute GVHD International Consortium, dividing them into single-center test (n = 371) and multicenter validation (n = 216) cohorts. Regenerating islet–derived 3α (Reg3α) serum concentration of day 0 correlated with clinical data as well as urinary 3-indoxylsulfate (3-IS) and Clostridiales group XIVa, indicators of intestinal microbiome diversity. High Reg3α concentration at day 0 of ASCT was associated with higher 1-year transplant-related mortality (TRM) in both cohorts (P < .001). Cox regression analysis revealed high Reg3α at day 0 as an independent prognostic factor for 1-year TRM. Multivariable analysis showed an independent correlation of high Reg3α concentrations at day 0 with early systemic antibiotic (AB) treatment. Urinary 3-IS (P = .04) and Clostridiales group XIVa (P = .004) were lower in patients with high vs those with low day 0 Reg3α concentrations. In contrast, Reg3α concentrations before conditioning therapy correlated neither with TRM nor disease or treatment-related parameters. Reg3α, a known biomarker of acute GI GVHD correlates with intestinal dysbiosis, induced by early AB treatment in the period of pretransplant conditioning. Serum concentrations of Reg3α measured on the day of graft infusion are predictive of the risk for TRM of ASCT recipients.
Transmission of oral microbiota to the biliary tract during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography
Authors: Effenberger Maria , Al-Zoairy Ramona , Gstir Ronald , Graziadei Ivo , Schwaighofer Hubert , Tilg Herbert , Zoller Heinz
Published: April 2023

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) possesses a translocation risk of microbes to the biliary system. We studied bile contamination during ERC and its impact on patients’ outcome in a real-life-situation.

Methods

Ninety-nine ERCs were analyzed and microbial samples were taken from the throat before and from bile during ERC and from irrigation fluid of the duodenoscope before and after ERC.

Results

91.2% of cholangitis patients had detectable microbes in the bile (sensitivity 91%), but the same was true for 86.2% in the non-cholangitis group. Bacteroides fragilis (p=0.015) was significantly associated with cholangitis. In 41.7% of ERCs with contaminated endoscopes these microbes were found in the bile after the procedure. Analysis of duodenoscopes’ irrigation liquid after ERC matched the microbial bile analysis of these patients in 78.8%. Identical microbial species were in throat and in bile samples of the same ERC in 33% of all cases and in 45% in the non-cholangitis group. Transmission of microbes to the biliary tract did not result in more frequent cholangitis, longer hospital stays, or worse outcome.

Conclusions

During ERC bile samples are regularly contaminated with microbes of the oral cavity but it did not affect clinical outcome.
Subjective social status and health among older adults in China: the longitudinal mediating role of social trust
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Guo Wei , Ren Hang
Published: April 2023

Background

From a developmental perspective, this study explored the interplays between subjective social status (SSS), social trust (ST), and health status measured by self-rated health (SRH) among older adults in the context of China. It also tested the longitudinal mediation of ST between SSS and SRH.

Methods

After excluding samples with missing values, we analyzed 4,877 individual responses from those aged 60 years or older, extracted from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data in 2014, 2016, and 2018. We used latent growth modeling to test the hypothesized relationships among their SSS, ST, and SRH.

Results

Latent growth modeling based on bootstrapping showed that the SSS, ST, and SRH of older adults all increased linearly and that the mechanism of SSS acted on the SRH as follows: the initial level of SSS indirectly influenced the initial level and the growth rate of the SRH, respectively, through the initial level of ST, and the initial level and growth rate of SSS played an indirect role in the growth rate of the SRH through the growth rate of ST.

Conclusion

The findings have practical implications for promoting health for older adults and realizing active aging in China. Therefore, we recommend establishing a family-centered and community-supported social support system for those with lower social status among older adults and a friendly community environment with various social, cultural, and recreational activities to improve the ST among older adults, thereby improving their health.
Minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction and long InterTAN nail fixation for Seinsheimer type V subtrochanteric fractures: a case series describing the technique and results
Authors: Wu Zhen , Du Bin , Wang Qiang , Jiang Tao , Si Yincong , Zhang PanJun , Wang Yong
Published: April 2023

Background

Surgical treatment of Seinsheimer type V subtrochanteric fractures is extremely challenging due to the difficulty of obtaining and maintaining anatomic reduction and effective fixation. The purpose of this study was to describe a surgical technique for minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction and long InterTAN nail fixation to manage Seinsheimer type V subtrochanteric fractures and report the clinical and radiological results.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with Seinsheimer type V subtrochanteric fractures between March 2015 and June 2021. A total of 30 patients treated via minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction, long InterTAN nail fixation and selective augmentation with a cerclage cable were included. The following data were collected and evaluated: patient demographics, operative time, blood loss, reduction quality, tip apex distance (TAD), time to bone union, Harris hip score (HHS), visual analog score (VAS), and complications.

Results

The mean age of the 30 patients was 64.8 years (range: 36-90 years). The mean operative time was 102.2 min (range: 70-150 min). The mean loss of blood was 318.3 ml (range: 150-600 ml). The reduction quality involved 27 cases of anatomic reduction and 3 cases of satisfactory reduction. The mean TAD was 16.3 mm (range: 8-24 mm). The mean follow-up time was 18.9 months (range: 12-48 months). The mean fracture healing time was 4.5 months (range: 3-8 months). The mean Harris score was 88.2 (range: 71-100), and the VAS score was 0.7 (range: 0-3). Delayed union of the subtrochanteric fracture site occurred in two patients. The limb length discrepancy, which was determined in 3 patients, was < 10 mm. There were no significant complications.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that minimally invasive clamp-assisted reduction with long InterTAN nail fixation is encouraging for Seinsheimer Type V subtrochanteric fractures, resulting in excellent reduction and fixation. Additionally, this reduction technique is simple, reliable, and effective in reducing and maintaining subtrochanteric fractures, particularly when intertrochanteric fractures are irreducible.
Supportive care for cancer-related symptoms in pediatric oncology: a qualitative study among healthcare providers
Authors: Mora Dana C. , Jong Miek C. , Quandt Sara A. , Arcury Thomas A. , Kristoffersen Agnete E. , Stub Trine
Published: April 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to gain insight into the clinical experiences and perceptions that pediatric oncology experts, conventional healthcare providers, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers in Norway, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States have with the use of supportive care, including CAM among children and adolescents with cancer.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 22) with healthcare providers with clinical experience working with CAM and/or other supportive care among children and adolescents with cancer from five different countries. Participants were recruited through professional associations and personal networks. Systematic content analysis was used to delineate the main themes. The analysis resulted in three themes and six subthemes.

Results

Most participants had over 10 years of professional practice. They mostly treated children and adolescents with leukemia who suffered from adverse effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea and poor appetite. Their priorities were to identify the parents' treatment goals and help the children with their daily complaints. Some modalities frequently used were acupuncture, massage, music, and play therapy. Parents received information about supplements and diets in line with their treatment philosophies. They received education from the providers to mitigate symptoms and improve the well-being of the child.

Conclusions

Clinical experiences of pediatric oncology experts, conventional health care providers, and CAM providers give an understanding of how supportive care modalities, including CAM, are perceived in the field and how they can be implemented as adaptational tools to manage adverse effects and to improve the quality of life of children diagnosed with cancer and the families.
Hepatoprotective effect of methanol extract of Agave americana leaves on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats
Authors: Ayenew Kassahun Dires , Wasihun Yared
Published: April 2023

Background

Ethiopians locally treat liver illnesses with A. Americana. Available literature demonstrates this. However, there are few in-vivo investigations that provide supporting data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of methanolic extract of Agave americana leaves on rat liver damage caused by paracetamol.

Methods

The acute oral toxicity test was conducted in accordance with OECD-425 recommendations. The approach outlined by Eesha et al. (Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 4:466-469,  2011) was used to test the hepatoprotective activity. Wistar male rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were used, and six groups with seven animals each were formed. Group I received treatment with gum acacia (2%) at a dose of 2 ml/kg p.o. daily for 7 days. Rats in group II were treated with 2% gum acacia orally daily for seven days along with a single dose of paracetamol (2 mg/kg) p.o. on 7th day. Silymarin (50 mg/kg) was given orally to Group III for 7 days. Plant extract doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg were administered orally to Groups IV -VI for seven days, respectively. All rats in groups III-VI were treated with paracetamol (2 mg/kg) 30 min following extract administration. Blood samples were obtained from the cardiac puncture after paracetamol had been used for 24 h to induce toxicity. Serum biomarkers (AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin) were estimated. A histopathological investigation was also done.

Results

No toxicity symptoms or animal fatalities were recorded during the acute toxicity study. The values of AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin were all substantially raised by paracetamol. Significant hepatoprotective effects were obtained by pretreatment with A. americana extract. Histopathological examination of the liver tissues of paracetamol control group represented the presence of marked foci of mononuclear infiltration in the hepatic parenchyma tissue, sinusoid, and around central vein, as well as disorganization of hepatic plates, necrosis, and fatty changes of hepatocytes. Pretreatment with A. americana extract reversed these alterations. Results of the methanolic extract of A. americana were comparable to Silymarin.

Conclusion

The current investigation supports the hepatoprotective properties of Agave americana methanolic extract.
Context matters in genomic data sharing: a qualitative investigation into responses from the Australian public
Authors: Warren Vanessa , Critchley Christine , McWhirter Rebekah , Walshe Jarrod , Nicol Dianne
Published: April 2023

Background

Understanding public attitudes to genomic data sharing is widely seen as key in shaping effective governance. However, empirical research in this area often fails to capture the contextual nuances of diverse sharing practices and regulatory concerns encountered in real-world genomic data sharing. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting public attitudes to data sharing through responses to diverse genomic data sharing scenarios.

Methods

A set of seven empirically validated genomic data sharing scenarios reflecting a range of current practices in Australia was used in an open-ended survey of a diverse sample of the Australian public (n = 243). Qualitative responses were obtained for each of the scenarios. Respondents were each allocated one scenario and asked five questions on: whether (and why/not) they would share data; what sharing would depend on; benefits and risks of sharing; risks they were willing to accept if sharing was certain to result in benefits; and what could increase their comfort about sharing and any potential risk. A thematic analysis was used to examine responses, coded and validated by two blinded coders.

Results

Participants indicated an overall high willingness to share genomic information, although this willingness varied considerably between different scenarios. A strong perception of benefits was reported as the foremost explanation for willingness to share across all scenarios. The high degree of convergence in the perception of benefits and the types of benefits identified by participants across all the scenarios suggests that the differentiation in intention to share may lie in perceptions of risk, which showed distinct patterns within and between the different scenarios. Some concerns were shared strongly across all scenarios, particularly benefit sharing, future use, and privacy.

Conclusions

Qualitative responses provide insight into popular assumptions regarding existing protections, conceptions of privacy, and which trade-offs are generally acceptable. Our results indicate that public attitudes and concerns are heterogeneous and influenced by the context in which sharing takes place. The convergence of key themes such as benefits and future uses point to core concerns that must be centred in regulatory responses to genomic data sharing.
Comparing gene expression in deep infiltrating endometriosis with adenomyosis uteri: evidence for dysregulation of oncogene pathways
Authors: Marshall A. , Kommoss K. F. , Ortmann H. , Kirchner M. , Jauckus J. , Sinn P. , Strowitzki T. , Germeyer A.
Published: April 2023

Background

The pathogenesis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is poorly understood. It is considered a benign disease but has histologic features of malignancy, such as local invasion or gene mutations. Moreover, it is not clear whether its invasive potential is comparable to that of adenomyosis uteri (FA), or whether it has a different biological background. Therefore, the aim of this study was to molecularly characterize the gene expression signatures of both diseases in order to gain insight into the common or different underlying pathomechanisms and to provide clues to pathomechanisms of tumor development based on these diseases.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from two independent cohorts. One cohort involved 7 female patients with histologically confirmed FA, the other cohort 19 female patients with histologically confirmed DIE. The epithelium of both entities was microdissected in a laser-guided fashion and RNA was extracted. We analyzed the expression of 770 genes using the nCounter expression assay human PanCancer (Nanostring Technology).

Results

In total, 162 genes were identified to be significantly down-regulated (n = 46) or up-regulated (n = 116) in DIE (for log2-fold changes of < 0.66 or > 1.5 and an adjusted p-value of < 0.05) compared to FA. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis of increased gene expression in DIE compared to FA revealed significant overlap with genes upregulated in the PI3K pathway and focal adhesion signaling pathway as well as other solid cancer pathways. In FA, on the other hand, genes of the RAS pathway showed significant expression compared to DIE.

Conclusion

DIE and FA differ significantly at the RNA expression level: in DIE the most expressed genes were those belonging to the PI3K pathway, and in FA those belonging to the RAS pathway.
Regulation and therapy, the role of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in OA: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Bo , Ning Ke , Sun Ming-li , Zhang Xin-an
Published: April 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial chronic disease primarily characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage. Currently, there is a lack of effective treatments for OA other than surgery. The exploration of the mechanisms of occurrence is important in exploring other new and effective treatments for OA. The current evidence shows that the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway plays a vital role in cytogenesis and is involved in OA progression. The terms “JAK2”, “STAT3”, and “Osteoarthritis”were used in a comprehensive literature search in PubMed to further investigate the relationship between the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and OA. This review focuses on the role and mechanism of JAK2/STAT3 signaling in cartilage degradation, subchondral bone dysfunction, and synovial inflammation. In addition, this review summarizes recent evidence of therapeutic approaches to treat OA by targeting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway to accelerate the translation of evidence into the progression of strategies for OA treatment.
The prevalence of chiropractic-related terminology on South African chiropractors’ webpages: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ismail F. , Pretorius M. , Peterson C. , Yelverton C.
Published: April 2023

Background

Effective communication is imperative for successful interprofessional collaborative interactions that augment both patient-centred and evidence based care. Inquiry into the prevalence of chiropractic-related terminology on South African chiropractor’s webpages has not been explored to date. The implications of such analysis could indicate the professions’ ability to effectively communicate in interdisciplinary settings.

Method

From 1 to 15 June 2020, Google search was used to identify the webpages (excluding social media accounts) of South African private practice chiropractors registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA). Webpages were word-searched for eight chiropractic terms with context: subluxation; manipulate(-ion); adjust(-ing/-ment); holism(-tic); alignment; vital(-ism/-istic); wellness; and innate intelligence. Data collected was transferred to an Excel spreadsheet. Accuracy of information was verified by the researchers through a process of double checking. The number of instances each term was used, and certain socio-demographic data were recorded. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to summarise and analyse the data.

Results

Among 884 AHPCSA-registered South African chiropractors, 336 webpages were identified and analysed. From 1 to 15 June 2020, the most commonly found terms on 336 South African chiropractic webpages were 'adjust(-ing/-ment)', 'manipulate/manipulation', and 'wellness', with prevalence estimates of 64.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59.0% to 69.2%), 51.8% (95% CI, 46.5% to 57.1%), and 33.0% (95% CI, 28.2% to 38.2%), respectively. The least commonly found terms were 'innate intelligence' and 'vital(-ism/-istic)', with prevalence estimates of 0.60% (95% CI, 0.16% to 2.1%) and 0.30% (95% CI, 0.05% to 1.7%), respectively. Manipulate(-ion) was used more by male chiropractors (p = 0.015). The longer a chiropractor was in practice the more likely they were to use profession-specific terms (p = 0.025). The most frequently occurring combination of terms were adjust(-ing/-ment) and manipulate(-ion), found in 38 out of 336 webpages (11.3%; 95% CI, 8.4% to 15.1%).

Conclusion

The use of chiropractic-related terminology on South African chiropractic webpages was common, with the prevalence of term use varying by type of terms, by gender of the chiropractor, and by clinical practice experience. Better understanding of the effects of chiropractic terminology use on interprofessional and patient interactions and communication is warranted.
The use of liposomal bupivacaine in fracture surgery: a review
Authors: Gailey Andrew D. , Ostrum Robert F.
Published: April 2023

Historically, opioids have played a major role in the treatment of postoperative pain in orthopedic surgery. A multitude of adverse events have been associated with opioid use and alternative approaches to pain relief are being investigated, with particular focus on multimodal pain management regimens. Liposomal bupivacaine (EXPAREL) is a component of some multimodal regimens. This formulation of bupivacaine encapsulates the local anesthetic into a multivesicular liposome to theoretically deliver a consistent amount of drug for up to 72 hours. Although the use of liposomal bupivacaine has been studied in many areas of orthopedics, there is little evidence evaluating its use in patients with fractures. This systematic review of the available data identified a total of eight studies evaluating the use of liposomal bupivacaine in patients with fractures. Overall, these studies demonstrated mixed results. Three studies found no difference in postoperative pain scores on postoperative days 1–4, while two studies found significantly lower pain scores on the day of surgery. Three of the studies evaluated the quantity of narcotic consumption postoperatively and failed to find a significant difference between control groups and groups treated with liposomal bupivacaine. Further, significant variability in comparison groups and study designs made interpretation of the available data difficult. Given this lack of clear evidence, there is a need for prospective, randomized clinical trials focused on fully evaluating the use of liposomal bupivacaine in fracture patients. At present, clinicians should maintain a healthy skepticism and rely on their own interpretation of the available data before widely implementing the use of liposomal bupivacaine.