bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Guo Min , Huang Jin-Cheng , Li Cui-Fen , Liu Yan-Yan
Published: March 2023

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is a rare disease that can be easily misdiagnosed. Before puberty, this condition is easily misdiagnosed as an inguinal hernia. This case report describes a 31-year-old phenotypically female patient with CAIS who was misdiagnosed twice previously with an inguinal hernia. Her karyotype analysis showed that she was 46, XY. She underwent a bilateral gonadectomy and long-term hormone replacement therapy. A Leydig cell tumour of the right testis was diagnosed postoperatively. This report also reviews the current understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of CAIS.
A rare case of infant eosinophilia induced by oral vancomycin: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Yali , Yin Wei , Guo Shan , Wang Fang
Published: March 2023

Oral vancomycin is mainly used to treat and prevent active Clostridium difficile infection. Because it is widely believed that there is a very low absorption rate via the gastrointestinal tract, reports of adverse reactions following oral vancomycin administration are rare. This case report describes for the first time a case of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in a 2-month-old infant treated with oral vancomycin. After oral vancomycin treatment, the number of eosinophils increased significantly and the levels gradually recovered after drug withdrawal. A review and analysis of the previously reported adverse reactions caused by oral vancomycin and eosinophilia caused by vancomycin confirm the need for physicians to pay close attention to vancomycin-related adverse reactions, to monitor the required concentration and to measure eosinophil counts in patients with rash-related adverse reactions. Patients with concomitant diseases and children should be monitored for adverse events as it is possible that they have increased gastrointestinal absorption of vancomycin following oral administration. When vancomycin causes eosinophilia, fever and rash, physicians should be alert to the possibility of organ damage.
Correlating Durability Indicators to Resistivity and Formation Factor of Concrete Materials
Authors: Helsel Michelle A. , Montanari Luca , Spragg Robert , Varga Igor de la , Saladi Naveen
Published: March 2023

Concrete pavement durability in the United States is an important characteristic that owners are considering in new construction and rehabilitation projects, and many are including durability tests in the next generation of their specifications. Specifically, focus has fallen on electrically based testing owing to its rapid testing time and economical testing equipment. Results from electrically based tests have also been shown to be good inputs to service life models and can correlate with a wide range of other material properties used to understand how ions and fluid are transported through concrete. This study aimed to correlate the two most common electrically based test results (resistivity and formation factor) with more established and involved tests of transport properties, such as rapid chloride migration and water absorption. The major difference between these two tests resides in the conditioning solution, which is typically limewater for resistivity and an alkali-concentrated solution for the formation factor. Based on the results, both electrical resistivity and formation factor were deemed acceptable tools for mixture approval and acceptance, though formation factor demonstrated higher correlations with the other transport properties and, therefore, was preferrable for performance modeling. Overall, concrete resistivity and formation factor measurements at ages beyond 28 days could be used to indicate the durability of a concrete material during its lifespan. During the investigation, the authors observed that compressive strength measurements were independent of the type and volume of the conditioning solution.
Conspicuity of Various Colored Express Lane Delineators: Matching or Contrast?
Authors: Abou-Senna Hatem , Tice Patricia , El-Agroudy Mohamed , Holley Gail M. , Mouloua Mustapha , Radwan Essam
Published: March 2023

Express lanes (ELs) are an increasingly accepted traffic management tool for congestion relief and traffic efficiency. White, yellow, and orange vertical delineators are typically used for lane separation and channelization applications. However, upcoming changes to sections of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices that would affect the current use of the orange retroreflective delineators will have a statewide impact on current and future ELs. The availability of a wide array of delineator colors and the potential range of application purposes brings into question this blanket requirement. The ineffective use of color in roadway design could lead to an increase in driving errors/response time, driver fatigue, loss of situational awareness, and increased workload. Driver perception and reaction time is shown to be affected by visual factors, such as color, luminance, distractions, and speed. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of color usage and other environmental and demographic factors on driver perception. A fractional factorial experiment was designed to study the EL delineator color selection using a driving simulator and an eye-tracking device. The potential factors included time of day (night versus day), visibility (high versus low), traffic density (high versus low), and road surface type (concrete versus asphalt). Some 176 subjects were selected to participate in the experiment. It was found that, in general, white was the quickest to be noticed, while black took the longest time to perceive. Furthermore, it was found that delineators were generally more noticeable under night-time conditions, likely because of the standard use of retroreflective striping on delineators.
A Multitask Deep Learning Model for Parsing Bridge Elements and Segmenting Defect in Bridge Inspection Images
Authors: Zhang Chenyu , Karim Muhammad Monjurul , Qin Ruwen
Published: March 2023

The vast network of bridges in the United States has a high requirement for maintenance and rehabilitation. The massive cost of manual visual inspection to assess bridge conditions is a burden to some extent. Advanced robots have been used to automate inspection data collection. Automating the segmentations of multiclass elements and surface defects on the elements in the large volume of inspection image data would facilitate an efficient and effective assessment of bridge conditions. Training separate single-task networks for element parsing (i.e., semantic segmentation of multiclass elements) and defect segmentation fails to incorporate the close connection between these two tasks. Both recognizable structural elements and apparent surface defects are present in the inspection images. This paper is motivated to develop a multitask deep learning model that fully uses such interdependence between bridge elements and defects to boost the model’s task performance and generalization. Furthermore, the study investigated the effectiveness of the proposed model designs for improving task performance, including feature decomposition, cross-talk sharing, and multi-objective loss function. A data set with pixel-level labels of bridge elements and corrosion was developed for model training and testing. Quantitative and qualitative results from evaluating the developed multitask deep model demonstrate its advantages over the single-task-based model not only in performance (2.59% higher mIoU on bridge parsing and 1.65% on corrosion segmentation) but also in computational time and implementation capability.
Stress Evaluation in Rails Based on Vibration Data and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Enshaeian Alireza , Belding Matthew , Rizzo Piervincenzo
Published: March 2023

An inspection technique for the estimation of longitudinal stress and rail neutral temperature (RNT) in continuous welded rails (CWR) is presented. The technique is based on the use of finite element analysis (FEA), vibration measurements, and machine learning (ML). The FEA is used to establish the dependency of the vibration characteristics (mode shapes and frequencies) of any given CWR to the conditions of the track and the longitudinal stress of the rail. The dependency is then used to train an ML algorithm that is tested using experimental data obtained with two accelerometers bonded to the rail of interest, during a field test conducted in Colorado, U.S. A commercial finite element (FE) software was used to model the rail track as a short segment repeated indefinitely and under varying boundary conditions and stress. Three ML models were developed using hyperparameter search optimization techniques and k-fold cross-validation to infer the stress or RNT from the frequencies of vibration extracted from the time waveforms recorded by the accelerometers. The results demonstrated that the success of the technique is highly dependent on the accuracy of the FE model. The results also demonstrated that ML was mostly able to learn from the experimental data and successfully predict the neutral temperature.
Maximizing Women's Motivation in Domains Dominated by Men: Personally Known Versus Famous Role Models
Authors: Midgley Claire , Lockwood Penelope , Hu Lisa Y.
Published: March 2023

Two studies ( n = 1,522) examined the impact of role models in sport and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains where gender discrimination has resulted in a lack of high-profile women. We examined the role of gender matching of personally known and famous exemplars on women's and men's motivation. Participants nominated a woman or man in sport (Study 1) or STEM (Study 2) who was either famous or known to them personally; they then indicated the extent to which they perceived this individual to be a motivating role model. Women and men were more motivated by personally known (vs. famous) role models. For famous exemplars, both women and men were most motivated by same-gender models (Studies 1 and 2). For personally known exemplars, men were similarly motivated by same- and other-gender models (Studies 1 and 2), but women were more motivated by same-gender models in sport (Study 1). Mediation analyses indicated that personally known (vs. famous) exemplars and, for women, same- (vs. other-) gender exemplars, were perceived as more attainable future selves and consequently were more motivating (Study 2). Given that there are fewer famous women in domains dominated by men, it is important to know if women can be inspired by personally known rather than famous individuals. These studies provide insight into the kinds of exemplars that are most motivating for women and may serve as a guide for educators and other practitioners seeking to provide the best role models for girls and women in domains dominated by men. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843231156165 .
Far-Right Misogynoir: A Critical Thematic Analysis of Black College Women's Experiences With White Male Supremacist Influences
Authors: Onuoha Alexandria C. , Arbeit Miriam R. , Leath Seanna
Published: March 2023

Amid the (re)surgence of far-right ideologies in the United States of America, we introduce the concept of far-right misogynoir as a lens for understanding Black women's experiences of white and male supremacist influences and actions. Using a qualitative case study, we examined individual interview data with 17 Black women college students (18–24 years) from a selective, predominantly white, liberal arts college in the Northeast. Using Black feminist qualitative methods and critical thematic analysis, we highlight Black women's experiences of far-right misogynoir, as well as their social and psychological meaning-making of such experiences. The women discussed various manifestations of far-right misogynoir, including: (a) symbolic representations on campus, (b) interpersonal violence and intimidation, (c) Trumpism on social media, and (d) intellectual disrespect in classrooms. Regarding their social and psychological meaning-making of far-right misogynoir, the women described: (e) safety concerns, (f) social exclusion, and (g) harm to emotional well-being. Our findings reveal the unique adverse influences of far-right misogynoir on Black college women's psychological health. We discuss implications for scholarly discourse, for addressing far-right misogynoir, and for policy and practice to support Black women college students’ well-being. Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/03616843231156872 .
Amphetamine-Related Emergency Department Visits in Ontario, Canada, 2003-2020
Authors: Crispo James A.G. , Liu Lisa , Bach Paxton , Ansell Dominique R. , Sivapathasundaram Branavan , Nguyen Francis , Kurdyak Paul , Seitz Dallas P. , Conlon Michael , Cragg Jacquelyn J.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Despite unregulated amphetamine use increasing, there are limited data on related emergency department (ED) visits in Canada. Our primary objective was to examine trends in amphetamine-related ED visits over time in Ontario, including by age and sex. Secondary objectives were to examine whether patient characteristics were associated with ED revisit within 6 months.

Methods

Using administrative claims and census data, we calculated annual patient- and encounter-based rates of amphetamine-related ED visits from 2003 to 2020 among individuals 18+ years of age. We also performed a retrospective cohort study of individuals with amphetamine-related ED visits between 2019 and 2020 to determine whether select factors were associated with ED revisit within 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to measure associations.

Results

The population-based rate of amphetamine-related ED visits increased nearly 15-fold between 2003 (1.9/100,000 Ontarians) and 2020 (27.9/100,000 Ontarians). Seventy-five percent of individuals returned to the ED for any reason within 6 months. Psychosis and use of other substances were both independently associated with ED revisit for any reason within 6 months (psychosis: AOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.30–1.83; other substances: AOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.57–2.15), whereas having a primary care physician was negatively associated with ED revisit (AOR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.60–0.98).

Conclusions

Increasing rates of amphetamine-related ED visits in Ontario are cause for concern. Diagnoses of psychosis and the use of other substances may serve to identify individuals who are most likely to benefit from both primary and substance-specific care.
A Missing Site of Black Beauty History: The Black Beauty Supply Store
Authors: Reed Jaleesa , Medvedev Katalin
Published: March 2023

With(in) retail spaces, Black Americans operate in a space with historical ties to inequality, dehumanization, and exclusion. This qualitative study situates the Black beauty supply store within these political and culturally relevant histories. Millennial perceptions of beauty, relationship to their hair, and the history of Black beauty supply stores are briefly covered in the literature review. Black feminist thought and Black feminist geographies informed the data analysis of interview transcripts from 20 millennial Black women. The findings reveal that millennial Black women shop at the Black beauty supply store due to convenience and the variety in product assortment. Yet, the in-store surveillance and assumptions of criminality affect their psyche, resulting in disengagement from the store. Participants realized that fully satisfying beauty retail experiences do not exist for Black women. Despite this, millennial Black women continue to return to the store where they embrace and cultivate Black stylistic and beauty innovations.
Effectiveness of online learning in non-online classes during the pandemic
Authors: Gozaly Jimmy , Talar Yulianti , Wirawan Christina , Kurniawan Axel Varian
Published: March 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has been going on since the beginning of 2020 has forced governments to take a policy to implement online learning. This policy is an effort to break the chain of virus spread in education clusters. For schools and universities that are not used to carrying out online learning, this condition is a problem. Therefore, measurement is needed to ensure effectiveness. In this study, the effectiveness was measured using the variables specified in the Indonesian Online Learning System (Sistem Pembelajaran Daring (SPADA)) 2019 set by the Indonesian government. Data collection was carried out by quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative analysis was carried out through questionnaires administered to students while qualitative was carried out by interviewing students and lecturers. The data were processed using cross-tabulation analysis and multiple linear regression. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Challenges were analyzed to assess online learning. As research results, it is found that online learning is quite effective, but there are still many things that can be improved to increase the effectiveness of online learning.
Longitudinal and lateral coupling vehicle stability controller designed based on piecewise T-S fuzzy model
Authors: Chen Zhicheng , Zhu Bing , Zhao Jian , Wu Jian , Guan Hao , Xu Hualin , Liu Zhipeng
Published: March 2023

Due to tire force coupling and load transfer coupling during the stability control process, the vehicle longitudinal and lateral dynamics shows particularly obvious nonlinear coupling characteristics, which will deteriorate the performance of the stability controller. This paper proposes a Vehicle Stability Controller considering the vehicle longitudinal and lateral coupling characteristics. First, a piecewise guidance method, including the Adaptive Linear Regression Algorithm and Dimensionless Performance Evaluation Weighting Function, is developed to ensure the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model piecewise approaches the nonlinear characteristics of the original system and obtains the multiple linear fuzzy subsystems. Then, an H∞ robust controller with dynamic output feedback is used in each fuzzy subsystem based on the identification result of the driving intention, and the Linear Matrix Inequality is applied to obtain the controller gains. Subsequently, the Parallel Distributed Compensation architecture is adopted to integrate the outputs of all fuzzy subsystems, and vehicle stability controller is realized by using a rule-based control distribution strategy. The proposed controller is evaluated by simulations and hardware in the loop tests, and the results demonstrate satisfactory longitudinal following ability and lateral stability.
Enhancement on the low-pressure shot peened process of monotonic plastic deformation behaviors of Ni–4Cu–3Mo alloy/super austenite stainless steel dissimilar joints using laser beam welding
Authors: Selvabharathi R. , Sekar M. , Thirukumaran M.
Published: March 2023

This research paper mainly discusses the low-pressure shot-peened (LPSP) process of 2 mm thick sheet plates of monotonic mechanical behaviors of Ni–4Cu–3Mo alloy/super austenite stainless steel (SASS) dissimilar materials joint by laser beam welding. Three types of butt joint (Sample-1, Sample-2, and Sample-3) configuration methods of the laser beam welding process were implemented at the Ni–4Cu–3Mo alloy/SASS dissimilar weldments and LPSP weldments. The microstructure image of the fusion zone revealed that the high heat inputs were distributed at the grain boundary and the prior coarse grain structures were converted into NiCr and C–Cr with significant improvement in the α'-martensite structure. To achieve continuous improvement in yield strength of LPSP weldments compared to the dissimilar weldments, the plastic deformations rate was decreased in the shot-peened weldments. The base metals of tensile samples length were prepared as ±5 mm; however, samples clearly indicated that the dissimilar weldments and LPSP weldments showed the failure in the fusion zone. The average elongation of dissimilar LPSP weldments was increased by 13%; however, the heat inputs collapsed the grain boundaries growth and the structure was converted into twin boundaries and α-martensite structures. The hardness measurement at the fusion zone of dissimilar and LPSP weldments was performed and the average hardness value of 290 HV at the fusion zone and 211 HV at the heat-affected zone was observed for LPSP weldments. The fracture morphology revealed that neither major cracks nor minor voids at the fusion zone of the tensile sample were formed.
Research on afterburning control of more electric engine with a nonlinear fuel supply system
Authors: Xi Zhihua , Wang Yong , Zhang Haibo , Sun Fengyong , Zheng Qiangang , Zhu Zhemin
Published: March 2023

More electric engine (MEE) with electric pump metering fuel has the problem of unstable engine control due to the dead-zone characteristics of afterburner fuel actuator. On the basis of conventional μ modified adaptive control method, a compound modified adaptive control (CMAC) system based on neural network inverse model is proposed in this study. At first, the afterburner fuel actuator model of MEE is established through Simulink/AMESim co-simulation to study its fuel supply characteristics and reveal the reasons for dead-zone characteristics of the actuator. Subsequently, an integrated model of afterburner fuel actuator/MEE is established to investigate the effect of dead-zone characteristics on engine performance. Finally, the CMAC system for afterburner fuel flow closed-loop control based on neural network inverse model and improved μ modified adaptive control method is designed. The simulation results show that the dead-zone characteristics of afterburner fuel actuator can cause engine shaking and unstable operation. The engine thrust has a continuous fluctuation with amplitude of about 0.2%. The proposed CMAC system can effectively avoid the dead-zone interval of actuator and achieve stable transition of the engine state in the entire operating range of the afterburner fuel actuator. Thus, the stability of the control system can be significantly improved. Meanwhile, the improved μ modified adaptive control algorithm in the CMAC system has better dynamic characteristics when compared with the conventional μ modified adaptive control algorithm.
Distributed adaptive controller for the cooperative control of networked parametric strict feedback systems
Authors: Peng Junmin , Wang Kaining
Published: March 2023

In this article, we investigate the cooperative control of networked parametric strict feedback systems in the presence of uncertainties and nonlinearities. A distributed controller is constructed recursively such that the synchronization error of agents’ outputs can be bounded, that is, practical output synchronization is achieved. By command-filtered backstepping approach, the derivation of the virtual control is avoided, which significantly reduces the computational burden of each agent. Moreover, the neighborhood information which is needed for agent i to construct its controller is minimized. Therefore, information transfer burden is eased as well. It is proved that practical output synchronization is achieved when the digraph has a spanning tree. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed controller is illustrated by a numerical example.
Early Holocene dietary patterns on the Neolithic Jeju Island, South Korea: Evidence from stone tools and stable carbon isotope analysis
Authors: Kwak Seungki , Park Keun Tae , Lee Gyoung-Ah
Published: March 2023

This study investigates Neolithic subsistence on Jeju Island in Korea during the Early Holocene. Gosanri, our main site, provides evidence of the Early Holocene peopling to the Island by 10,000 cal. BP with pottery making tradition, while the Neolithic sites appeared in the Korean peninsula only 2000 years later. Gosanri and most of the Early Holocene sites, collectively called the Incipient Neolithic (10,000–8000 cal. BP), are located along the coastal lines of Jeju, and thus Incipient Neolithic people were assumed to conduct marine-based subsistence activities. This assumption has not been tested partly as most sites did not preserve any organic remains that can reflect diet. We examine this unanswered question by providing direct evidence on diet through the compound specific isotope analysis on pottery and by examining the stone tool compositions for procuring food. Our analyses suggest that Early Holocene islanders relied on terrestrial resource substantially. The proximity to the coast is not a self-sufficient evidence for the assumption of marine-oriented diet. Instead, the seasonality of food resources, the seasonal climate fluctuation, and the locational merit to a quarry, all equally affected Jeju islanders’ diet preference and subsistence practice. Overall Gosanri provides another convincing case of the broad-spectrum resource use to the transition to the Early Holocene.
Hypermethylation-Mediated lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 Downregulation Facilitates Malignant Progression of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Interacting With SPT6
Authors: Wang Jiantao , Yang Chuan , Cao Huan , Yang Jianwang , Meng Wenxia , Yu Miaomiao , Yu Lei , Wang Baoshan
Published: March 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an effect on the occurrence and progression of a considerable number of diseases, especially cancer. Existing research has suggested that MAGI2 antisense RNA 3 (MAGI2-AS3) takes on a critical significance in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer. However, the functions of MAGI2-AS3 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remain unclear. In this study, MAGI2-AS3 expression level in LSCC tissue and cell lines was detected, and the effect of MAGI2-AS3 overexpressed on LSCC phenotypes and the possible influence mechanisms were examined. MAGI2-AS3 was downregulated in the tissues of LSCC patients versus non-tumor tissues, and it was correlated with advanced TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) stage and lymph node metastases, as indicated by the results of this study. MAGI2-AS3 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the hypermethylation level of the MAGI2-AS3 promoter region was indicated by bisulfite genomic sequencing and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, such that MAGI2-AS3 expression was downregulated. Besides, MAGI2-AS3 promoter hypermethylation was regulated by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), and MAGI2-AS3 expression was reversed by 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza). Moreover, the result of the RNA pull-down experiment suggested that 38 proteins were enriched in the MAGI2-AS3 group versus the control group in TU177 cells. To be specific, SPT6 (ie, a conserved protein) was enriched by fold change >10. SPT6 knockdown reduced the antitumor effect of MAGI2-AS3 in TU177 and AMC-HN-8 cells. Meanwhile, SPT6 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of TU177 and AMC-HN-8 cells. As revealed by the above findings, DNMT1-regulated MAGI2-AS3 promoter hypermethylation led to downregulated MAGI2-AS3 expression, such that the presence and progression of LSCC were inhibited in an SPT6 binding-dependent manner.
Mainland Chinese first-generation immigrants and New Zealanders’ views on sport participation, race/ethnicity and the body: Does sport participation enhance cultural understandings?
Authors: Pringle Richard , Liu Lucen
Published: March 2023

This study set within the superdiverse city of Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand examined how mainland Chinese first-generation immigrants and Pākehā (white New Zealanders) discursively understood each other in the context of sport and physical activity. Existing policy within Aotearoa/New Zealand is underpinned by the simplistic notion that social cohesion will be organically improved for culturally and linguistically diverse migrants if sport participation rates are increased for these people. This study contributes to the discussion of whether sporting involvement improves cultural understandings and enhances social integration. Data was collected via interviews with Chinese immigrants and New Zealanders (predominately Pākehā) and analysed through a theoretical framework, incorporating the ideas of Foucault and Derrida. First, from a western-centric perspective, we suggested that the workings of discourse construct Chinese first-generation immigrants and other Asian ethnic groups into ethnic ‘others’ that were subject to various forms of prejudice. Second, Chinese participants were often aware of how they were positioned via the workings of discourse but in response, at times, were ‘wilful’ to reject participation in sports that they thought were overly aggressive. The results illustrated that sport participation does not simplistically enhance ethnic and cultural understandings or produce acceptance of cultural diversity as policymakers hope to achieve. We argue that without specific policy strategies to help migrants participate in sport that affords them recognised benefits (i.e., cultural capital) in the dominant culture, the simplistic strategy of encouraging sport participation can be read as a technology of assimilation.
Teaching Fraction Magnitude Using the Number Line
Authors: Rodrigues Jessica , Locke Shannon , L. Singell Emily , Mirielli Lindsey G.
Published: March 2023

The number line is a powerful tool for supporting students’ understanding of fraction magnitude. Fractions are a critical component of mathematics instruction in the elementary and intermediate grades. More specifically, understanding fraction magnitude is central to mathematical development. Yet, fractions are challenging for many students, particularly students with or at risk of learning disabilities (LD) in mathematics. This article shares (a) key recommendations when planning and implementing fraction number line instruction, (b) sample fraction number line activities for supporting students’ understanding of fraction magnitude and overall mathematics achievement, and (c) strategies for helping students grasp the abstract number line representation.
The Quality and Readability of Online Patient Information on Positional Head Shape Conditions
Authors: Gutowski Kristof S. , Applebaum Sarah A. , Thomae Benjamin L. , Knight Karlee C. , Chwa Emily S. , Gosain Arun K.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Families increasingly use online resources to acquire medical information about their child's condition with little understanding of the legitimacy of the source of information or of the information itself. We evaluate the quality and readability of online information related to positional head shape conditions and identify unmet needs for healthcare providers to improve online patient education.

Design

The search terms “flat head baby,” “brachycephaly,” and “plagiocephaly” were queried on the Google search engine and the first 20 websites for each were reviewed. Included websites were evaluated for quality using the DISCERN Instrument and readability using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES). Websites were categorized by upload source and results were compared using one-way ANOVA.

Results

38 websites met inclusion criteria. There was no significant correlation between DISCERN score and Google search rank between the three search terms. Professional organizations provided websites with the highest mean DISCERN score (56.3) and commercial websites with the lowest score (36.6, P = .003), indicating “good” and “poor” quality content, respectively. Readability assessments showed an overall average FKGL of 9.9 and FRES of 54.4, suggesting “fairly difficult”. Hospitals provided the most website results and tended to publish lower quality information, yet are the most readable.

Conclusions

High quality websites written at an appropriate reading level for the general public are lacking. A review of online resources for positional head shape conditions can be used to derive recommendations to improve the content of online patient education for pediatric healthcare.
Contemporary, non-navigation, cup orientation techniques improve accuracy and eliminate differences seen between the anterior and posterior approach in THA
Authors: Antoniades Stephanie , McGoldrick Niall P , Meermans Geert , Beaulé Paul E , Grammatopoulos George
Published: March 2023

Background:

This study aimed to: (1) Determine the ability to achieve the surgeons’ desired cup orientation, without navigation, using contemporary measures with the anterior- (AA) and posterior- approaches (PA); and (2) assess whether surgical approach is associated with cup orientation accuracy, as previously reported, when contemporary measures are used.

Methods:

A prospective, 2-centre, multi-surgeon study of 400 THAs (200 AA; 200 PA) was performed. Intraoperative radiographs were obtained with the AA. A digital inclinometer and 3-point pelvic support were used with the PA. With the PA, intraoperative cup inclination at impaction was recorded. Radiographic inclination/anteversion (RI/RA) was measured from intraoperative radiographs (AA-only) and from postoperative radiographs for all cases. Optimum inclination/anteversion was defined as 40°/20° (±10°). The difference between intra- and postoperative orientations allowed for determination of the difference in pelvic position at impaction.

Results:

Optimum RI and RA were achieved in 91.3% ( n = 365) and 92% ( n = 368) of cases respectively. Optimum cup orientation was detected in 84% of cases ( n = 336). There was equivalent ability to achieve cup orientation between approaches (AA: 82.5% vs. PA: 85.5%; p = 0.41). The use of an inclinometer in the PA was associated with a smaller variability of inclination at implantation (10° vs. 14°) and counteracted the greater difference in pelvic position (4.4° vs. 2.1°) seen with the PA.

Conclusions:

Over 80% of cases can have optimum orientation without navigation, using simple, cheap contemporary measures. Such measures eliminate differences between approaches, related to patient position. Narrower implantation angles will further reduce variability in cup orientation achieved.
Comparison of laboratory results between central venous access devices and venipuncture: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Kai , Kong Wenqiang , Liao Changju , Liang Yufen , Ding Juan , Zhu Xiaojuan , Yang Kun
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

To compare the hematologic, blood chemistry, and coagulation test results between two blood sampling methods via central venous access devices (CVADs) and venipuncture.

Method:

The authors searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) for controlled studies that compared the differences in hematologic, blood chemistry, and coagulation test results between venipuncture and CVADs from the date of database establishment to July 2022. Two researchers independently performed the literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. The standardized mean difference was used as the effect size for continuous variables and a 95% confidence interval was provided. The random-effects model was used for an I2 > 50%, otherwise the fixed-effects model was used. Sources of heterogeneity were determined by subgroup analysis or sensitivity analysis, as indicated.

Results:

This review ultimately identified 17 studies for systematic review, of which 12 were selected for meta-analysis. A total of 541 adult participants were included in the meta-analysis. With the exception of the activated partial thromboplastin time, there were no significant differences in hematologic, blood chemistry, and coagulation test results between blood sampling via venipuncture and CVADs.

Conclusions:

The results of this study provide substantial evidence that blood sampling via venipuncture and CVADs had equal reliability in most laboratory tests. Serial blood sampling via CVADs will reduce the risk of bleeding episodes and pain at the blood collection site, and safety for healthcare professionals.
S-Adenosyl-l-Homocysteine Exhibits Potential Antiviral Activity Against Dengue Virus Serotype-3 (DENV-3) in Bangladesh: A Viroinformatics-Based Approach
Authors: Shill Dipok Kumer , Jahan Shafina , Alam Mohammad Mamun , Limon Md Belayet Hasan , Alam Muntasir , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Rahman Mustafizur
Published: March 2023

Dengue outbreak is one of the concerning issues in Bangladesh due to the annual outbreak with the alarming number of death and infection. However, there is no effective antiviral drug available to treat dengue-infected patients. This study evaluated and screened antiviral drug candidates against dengue virus serotype 3 (DENV-3) through viroinformatics-based analyses. Since 2017, DENV-3 has been the predominant serotype in Bangladesh. We selected 3 non-structural proteins of DENV-3, named NS3, NS4A, and NS5, as antiviral targets. Protein modeling and validation were performed with VERIFY-3D, Ramachandran plotting, MolProbity, and PROCHECK. We found 4 drug-like compounds from DRUGBANK that can interact with these non-structural proteins of DENV-3. Then, the ADMET profile of these compounds was determined by admetSAR2, and molecular docking was performed with AutoDock, SWISSDOCK, PatchDock, and FireDock. Furthermore, they were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study using the DESMOND module of MAESTRO academic version 2021-4 (force field OPLS_2005) to determine their solution’s stability in a predefined body environment. Two drug-like compounds named Guanosine-5’-Triphosphate (DB04137) and S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (DB01752) were found to have an effective binding with these 3 proteins (binding energy > 33.47 KJ/mole). We found NS5 protein was stable and equilibrated in a 100 ns simulation run along with a negligible (<3Å) root-mean-square fluctuation value. The root-mean-square deviation value of the S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine-NS5 complex was less than 3Å, indicating stable binding between them. The global binding energy of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine with NS5 was −40.52 KJ/mole as ∆G. Moreover, these 2 compounds mentioned above are non-carcinogenic according to their ADMET (chemical absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) profile (in silico). These outcomes suggest the suitability of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine as a potential drug candidate for dengue drug discovery research.
Accelerometer-based physical activity in need satisfaction profiles of schoolchildren: A 3-year follow-up
Authors: Gråstén Arto , Wang John K. C. , Huhtiniemi Mikko , Jaakkola Timo
Published: March 2023

This study examined moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) trends in physical education (PE) classes and beyond school hours in children's need satisfaction profiles over 3 years. Participants were 445 (girls 256, boys 189) Finnish schoolchildren ( Mage = 11.26 ± 0.32 years). Need satisfaction self-reports and accelerometer-based MVPA data were collected in 17 comprehensive schools over four assessment phases. Four latent profiles based on the need satisfaction trends over time were found: Profiles with Large Decrease, Small Decrease, Small Increase, and Large Increase. The children with the most prominent need satisfaction decreases showed a significant decline in out-of-school MVPA. All the children, irrespective of their need satisfaction profile, exhibited similar patterns of MVPA in PE over the 3-year follow-up. Developing need satisfactions and out-of-school MVPA of the children with the greatest need satisfaction decreases may require enhancements in need-supportive PE activities.
Multidisciplinary coordinated care of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler–Weber–Rendu disease)
Authors: Alkhalid Yasmine , Darji Zeena , Shenkar Robert , Clancy Marianne , Dyamenahalli Umesh , Awad Issam A ,   and the multidisciplinary faculty of the HHT Center of Excellence at University of Chicago Medicine
Published: March 2023

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler–Weber–Rendu disease, is a rare disorder with a case prevalence as high as one in 5000, causing arteriovenous malformations in multiple organ systems. HHT is familial with autosomal dominant inheritance, with genetic testing allowing confirmation of the diagnosis in asymptomatic kindreds. Common clinical manifestations are epistaxis and intestinal lesions causing anemia and requiring transfusions. Pulmonary vascular malformations predispose to ischemic stroke and brain abscess and may cause dyspnea and cardiac failure. Brain vascular malformations can cause hemorrhagic stroke and seizures. Rarely, liver arteriovenous malformations can cause hepatic failure. A form of HHT can cause juvenile polyposis syndrome and colon cancer. Specialists in multiple fields may be called to care for one or more aspects of HHT, but few are familiar with evidence-based guidelines for HHT management or see a sufficient number of patients to gain experience with the unique characteristics of the disease. Primary care physicians and specialists are often unaware of the important manifestations of HHT in multiple systems and the thresholds for their screening and appropriate management. To improve familiarity, experience, and coordinated multisystem care for patients with HHT, the Cure HHT Foundation, which advocates for patients and families with this disease, has accredited 29 centers in North America with designated specialists for the evaluation and care of patients with HHT. Team assembly and current screening and management protocols are described as a model for evidence-based, multidisciplinary care in this disease.
Effects of participation in an online intercultural exchange on drivers of L2 learning motivation
Authors: Skidmore Matthew
Published: March 2023

While computer-mediated communication and online exchanges between students in second language (L2) pedagogy and research has long been established, recent technological advances have seen a growth in the number of projects undertaken and consequently studies published. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach to measure the effects on specific aspects of motivation for students learning English following a 10-week, multicultural virtual exchange project. Participants interacted both synchronously and asynchronously with other non-native English speakers from 10 different countries to make friends, share cultural interests, and practice English in a real-world, non-classroom setting. At the end of the project, participants were asked to complete a survey based on Dörnyei’s concept of the L2 motivational self system and Yashima’s theories on international posture about how their motivations for learning English had changed. The study suggests that extended interactions in a virtual exchange improve participants’ view of themselves as capable speakers, their motivation to become better speakers for their ideal future, and give them a broader perspective on their view of their place in the wider world. In contrast, motivations for learning English as a responsibility towards others were decreased.
How administrative reforms influence the capacity for implementing the social investment state
Authors: Andersen Niklas A. , Breidahl Karen Nielsen
Published: March 2023

For several decades, the social investment (SI) state has been heralded as the saviour of the welfare state, while at the same time being criticised for being just another instance of neoliberal downsizing of the welfare state. Recently, efforts have been made to provide clearer conceptualisations of how to assess the existence and impact of SI. However, these attempts have hitherto mainly focused on the policy functions and instruments of the SI state. This article contributes to existing research by offering a novel analytical framework on the capacity needed by street-level organisations (SLOs) to implement the central policy functions of the SI state, and by elucidating how administrative reforms influence this capacity. The article applies the framework to the implementation in Denmark of Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) in local job centres. This case is considered an SI ‘flagship’ in terms of formal policies, while also having undergone multiple administrative reforms, which makes it highly illustrative for the central argument of the article – that the success or failure of an SI approach is not only determined by politics and formal policies. The empirical analysis reveals how the capacity to implement SI policies has been enhanced by administrative reforms; this has been done by giving job centres more room for discretion and enhancing their ability to make long-term investments and to promote integrated service provision across different service areas. However, at the same time the local job centres remain closely monitored and controlled through an external accountability performance measurement system.
Removing the guardrails of democracy: Silencing critique of early childhood policy and practice
Authors: Michael-Luna Sara , Castner Daniel J
Published: March 2023

In this article, the authors consider the shift from neoliberalism to authoritarian practice and its chilling effect on early childhood education policy, practice, and advocacy work. Firstly, they consider the history of resistance found within the field of early childhood education, recognizing the success of the reconceptualization movement. Secondly, they present the case of the 2021–2022 US legislative session in the state of Florida as evidence of the emergence of authoritarian practices. The authors conclude with proposals for partial, provisional, and practical ways of responding to the increasingly authoritarian conditions governing the education of young children.
Network behaviour for tourism business resilience
Authors: Sulhaini  , Saufi Akhmad , Herman Lalu-Edy , Scott Noel
Published: March 2023

This study applies a relationship perspective to study tourism crisis management and resilience. Despite the growing academic interest in crisis management, few studies have examined how tourism businesses utilise their networks as a crisis management strategy. This research uses a multi-case study design and longitudinal data collection to study the effects of a natural disaster on tourism businesses in Lombok, Indonesia. Results indicate that the characteristics and capabilities of individual tourism business actors and their networking behaviour affected the speed of their recovery. Networks can be used as a strategic tool and business recovery is improved by strengthening network resilience.
miR-613 suppresses renal cell carcinoma proliferation, invasion and migration by regulating the AXL/AKT pathway
Authors: Duan Wanli , Pan Siyuan , Zhai Yuyao , Deng Qian , Ren Wei , Du Chun , Sun Yi
Published: March 2023

In the last few decades, microRNAs (miRNAs) are possible to effectively control and treat cancer. However, the function of miR-613 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not very clear up to now. Here, the direction of this research was to investigate the influence of miR-613 for the proliferation, invasion and migration of RCC, and the underlying molecular mechanism. First, the mRNA and protein expression levels of miR-613 were determined in RCC tissues and cancer cells (786-O and ACHN). Using bioinformatics and literature review, anexelekto (AXL), as the target of miR-613 in renal cell carcinoma, was screened. Phenotype experiment and mechanism experiment illustrated the targeting relationship between miR-613 and AXL in cancer cells. Furthermore, a rescue assay with AXL overexpression was performed to make a profound study whether miR-613 disturbs RCC proliferation, invasion, and migration through direct regulation of AXL. Finally, through experiment in vivo, we observe the influence of miR-613 overexpression for tumor. These results were as follows. The present findings proved, in RCC, that the production of miR-613 was at a low level. Except for this point, this current research confirmed, in RCC cells, that the upregulation of miR-613 can control proliferation, metastasis, and invasion by reducing AXL levels and controlling the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway.