bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thromboendarterectomy for Obstructive Disease of the Common Iliac Artery
Authors: Oskam J. , van den Dungen J. J. A. M. , Boontje A. H.
Published: September 2024

A retrospective case study was carried out from 1971–1990, with a median follow-up of 7 years, to assess the long-term results of thromboendarterectomy of the common iliac artery. The study included 94 consecutive patients, median age 52 years, of whom 84 suffered from atherosclerotic obstructive common iliac disease causing claudication, and 10 suffered from rest pain. Bilateral disease was present in 67 patients, and unilateral disease in 27. A total of 163 semiclosed endarterectomies (with the ringstripper) were performed. The mean ankle: brachial pressure index rose from 0.66 to 0.98. All patients with claudication became symptom-free after endarterectomy. Postoperative morbidity was low and there was no postoperative mortality. Recurrent aortoiliac symptoms were seen in 25 patients, leading to aortobifemoral bypass grafting in 12 cases. The primary cumulative patency rate at 5 and 10 years was 83% and 68% respectively. Thromboendarterectomy of the common iliac artery is a safe procedure with few complications and good long-term results. It is an effective method of treating common iliac artery stenoses or occlusions. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
Evaluation of Peripheral Vascular System Disorders in Vascular Symptom-Free Behçet's Disease
Authors: Kuzu A. , Köksoy C. , Özaslan C. , Gürler A. , Tüzüner A.
Published: September 2024

Vascular involvement in Behçet's disease has been reported in 7–40% of patients in the literature and nearly 8% of these will have serious vascular complications during follow-up. So far, little information is available on the extent of vascular involvement in patients with Behçet's disease who are free of vascular symptoms. The study comprised 34 individuals with Behçet's disease who were free of vascular symptoms and 47 healthy volunteers. Both groups underwent non-invasive peripheral vascular examination consisting of Doppler, photoplethysmography, and segmental pressure measurements and determination of ankle-brachial pressure and femoro-brachial pressure indices. Venous insufficiency was detected in 22 of 68 lower extremities examined in the Behçet's disease group and in ten of 94 in the controls (P< 0.001). The number of extremities with an ankle-brachial pressure index of less than 1.00 for both the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, was significantly higher in the Behçet's disease group (P < 0.001). The femoro-brachial pressure index was significantly higher in the controls than in the Behçet's disease group (1.32 versus 1.23 for the right leg, P< 0.05; 1.31 versus 1.22 for the left leg, P< 0.03). Vascular symptom-free patients with Behçet's disease seem to have a high incidence of peripheral vascular involvement compared with healthy controls. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
Ultrastructural Features of Progressive Intimal Hyperplasia at the Distal End-to-Side Anastomosis of Vein Grafts
Authors: Shiroma H. , Kusaba A.
Published: September 2024

The features of intimal hyperplasia at the distal end-to-side anastomosis of arterially implanted autovein bypass grafts in dogs were examined using light and transmission electron microscopy. The bypass grafting was done under conditions of reduced blood flow with an abnormal flow wave and high peripheral resistance. Anastomotic intimal hyperplasia was evident 14 to 31 days after implantation, then gradually increased, particularly at the toe portion of the anastomosis. From 6 to 12 months after implantation, the intimal hyperplasia was excessively increased and severe luminal stenosis had developed. The hyperplastic neointima consisted of two layers; a laminated superficial layer and a randomly arranged deeper layer. The superficial layer had three to four layers of smooth muscle cells, while the deeper layer was mostly fibrocollagenous tissues. Thus, the intimal hyperplasia at the distal end-to-side anastomosis of the arterially implanted autovein graft developed as a result of infiltration of fibroblast-like cells, presumably tissue-synthesizing mesenchymal cells. The neointima at the distal anastomosis, under conditions of reduced blood flow with high peripheral resistance, remained in an active phase of intimal hyperplasia even 12 months after bypass grafting. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
Histologic Findings of Long-Term Cryolesions in a Patient with Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Watanabe H. , Eguchi S. , Miyamura H. , Hayashi J. , Aizawa Y. , Wakiyat Y. , Igarashit T.
Published: September 2024

This report describes cardiac morphologic alterations in a patient who died 14 months following cryoablation. Histologic examination of the long-term cryolesion revealed a homogeneous fibrous scar with surrounding sinusoid capillary proliferation. The border between the fibrosis and the normal myocardium was sharply defined. Cryothermia is an excellent technique for the surgical correction of arrhythmias because it provides sharply demarcated lesions which lack arrhythmogenic potential. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
Oblique sliding ulna osteotomy to treat paediatric neglected monteggia fracture dislocation
Authors: Nik Abdul Adel Nik Alyani , Mohd Emil Fazliq , Munajat Ismail , Sulaiman Abdul Razak
Published: September 2024

Introduction

There have been osteotomy methods that corrected or overcorrected the ulna deformity as part of surgical treatment for chronic radial head dislocation.

Methodology

We reported surgical technique and outcome of oblique sliding ulna osteotomy that created acute lengthening, deformity correction or both to assist open reduction of radiocapitellar joint in four patients with neglected Monteggia fracture dislocation.

Result

Patients aged 3–12 years old had trauma duration of 4 weeks to 3 years. Two patients had Bado type I injury, and the other two had Bado type III. There was no acute nerve injury. During the final follow-up, all patients achieved union, with the limitation of motion range in the rotation arch being less than 20°. The radial head had no recurrent dislocation.

Conclusion

This case series has shown sliding osteotomy safely, providing acute correction and lengthening of the ulna without requiring bone graft to facilitate stable reduction of the neglected Monteggia lesion.
A congenital periocular leiomyosarcoma in a dairy calf
Authors: García Jorge P. , Tambella Victoria M. , Cantatore Sofía E. , García Juan A. , Riccio Belén M. , Moscuzza Hernán C. , Rivulgo Margarita V. , Rosatti Juan J. , Viviani Paula , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: September 2024

A mass was removed surgically from the right orbit of a 1-d-old Holstein calf. Grossly, the mass filled the rostral part of an enlarged orbit and compressed the globe toward the caudal pole of the orbit. The brown, 6-cm tumor had central yellow and brown areas, and a smooth, glistening cut surface. Microscopically, the neoplasm was highly cellular and composed of spindle cells arranged in irregular, broad, interlacing streams and bundles, forming a herringbone pattern and supported by a sparse collagenous matrix. Neoplastic cells infiltrated surrounding soft tissues and compressed the globe. The neoplastic cells had positive immunolabeling for α–smooth muscle actin, desmin, and vimentin, and negative immunolabeling for factor VIII, myoglobin, cytokeratin, and skeletal muscle actin. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry results confirmed a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. To our knowledge, congenital periocular leiomyosarcoma has not been reported in cattle previously. This rare tumor could be included as a differential diagnosis in newborn calves with periocular masses.
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in a bottlenose dolphin: case report and literature review
Authors: Carmezim Sofia , Rojo-Solis Carlos , Valls Monica , Alvaro Teresa , Alvarez Rocío , Marcos Ricardo
Published: September 2024

A 15-y-old captive-born female bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) had slowly progressive lethargy, inappetence, and pallor of the oral mucosa. Serial hemograms and serum biochemistry analysis revealed hemolyzed plasma, gradually severe anemia with reticulocytosis, spherocytosis, pronounced neutrophilia with left shift and toxic change, and indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Urinalysis identified both hemoglobinuria and bilirubinuria. Hyperglobulinemia with polyclonal gammopathy was evident by protein electrophoresis, and the saline agglutination test was positive. Splenomegaly and hyperechogenic liver were also observed on ultrasound. These findings meet the diagnostic criteria established for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in small animals, which is extremely rare in cetacean species, and, to our knowledge, has not been fully documented. Several potential triggers of a secondary IMHA were ruled out, including the most common cetacean virus, exposure to new drugs, and recent vaccination events. Following recommendations from companion animal medicine, immunosuppressive therapy was implemented and proved effective in this bottlenose dolphin; the CBC returned to normal after 3 mo of treatment.
Distributed containment control for unmanned surface vehicles by performance adjustable event-triggered strategy
Authors: Liu Lin , Hao Yong , Li Ji Xiang , Hu Kuo
Published: September 2024

This paper studies event-triggered containment control problems for multiple unmanned surface vehicle (USV) systems with positive minimum inter-event time (MIET) guarantees. In the framework of this paper, control information is transmitted to the actuator only when the event is triggered. Moreover, the maximum frequency of transmission of control information can be adjusted by the designer. To implement it, an event-triggering mechanism was created to manage the transfer of control information. And by introducing an auxiliary system the positive MIET was strictly limited. Compared with the existing event-triggering mechanism, the proposed mechanism can accurately compute and adjust the MIET to meet the bandwidth requirements of the communication. For the containment control problem, a model-parameter-free control strategy is used in the controller design process to counteract the unmodeled dynamics and external disturbances of the multiple USV systems. Later, a distributed containment controller is designed by combining it with sliding mode control (SMC) technology, which does not require model parameter information. Finally, the effectiveness of the performance adjustable event-triggered strategy is verified by theoretical analysis and numerical simulation.
Lamb waves in sandwich structures: Anomalous dispersion and transverse (quasi) resonances
Authors: Kuznetsov Sergey
Published: September 2024

Guided waves propagating in three layered sandwich structures with extremely soft inner layer and thin stiff outer layers reveal peculiar phenomena related to the appearance of dual zero group velocities (ZGV) in the fundamental symmetric branch, transverse (quasi) resonances, and transverse energy fluxes, causing “ringing” of the plates and even material damage. The current research relates to sandwich plates, satisfying the so-called Wiechert condition. The analysis is based on the combined method comprising Cauchy sextic formalism and the exponential fundamental matrix method.
Certified Ethical Advertising Executive: An Online Tool for Teaching Advertising Ethics
Authors: McAlister Anna R. , Richards Jef I. , Torrance Aileen T.
Published: September 2024

This study examines the value of a new certification program designed to teach nine principles of ethical advertising. The Certified Ethical Advertising Executive (CEAE) certificate course was added to the curriculum in two undergraduate marketing courses in Fall of 2023. The same courses were taught by the same instructors in the semester prior (Spring 2023). The only substantive difference between the two semesters was that students in the Fall semester were required to complete the CEAE course as a course assignment. An online survey was used to measure students’ attitudes toward advertising ethics at the end of each semester. Results showed significant shifts on 9 of 12 survey metrics. The authors conclude that the CEAE course is an effective tool for teaching ethical advertising principles in the university setting.
Is there evidence that playing games promotes social skills training for autistic children and youth?
Authors: Walsh Orla , Linehan Conor , Ryan Christian
Published: September 2024

There is increasing interest in the use of games to scaffold social skills training for autistic children and youth. However, there is no consensus on how to best approach their design, so that learning opportunities are maximised. This article presents a systematic scoping review of empirical studies that use games as social skills training for autistic children and youth. We set out to describe the different types of game-based interventions observed, to identify those that typically bring successful outcomes (while noting the social skills targeted in each), and to highlight the psychological intervention approach taken. Through a search of five databases, 3070 studies were identified and reduced, through screening, to a sample of 17 studies. Each study reported that their game successfully promoted social skills training for autistic people. Although not a part of the criteria, all studies included a technological element. However, across the sample, there was also a lack of specificity in how ‘social skills’ were defined and in which skills were chosen as the focus of the intervention. Moving forward, we recommend a more theoretically driven approach to defining behavioral targets for game-based interventions, as well as the inclusion of autistic voices earlier and more centrally in the design processes.

Lay Abstract

There is growing interest in using games to help autistic children and youth learn social skills. However, there is no clear agreement on the best way to design these games to ensure they are most effective. In our research, we reviewed studies that used games to teach social skills to autistic children and youth. We aimed to describe the different types of games, identify which ones were most successful and understand the psychological methods used. We searched five databases and found 3070 studies, which we narrowed down to 17 that met our criteria. Each of these 17 studies reported that their game helped improve social skills in autistic children. Interestingly, all these studies used some form of technology, even though this was not a requirement. However, we noticed that many studies were not clear on what specific social skills they were targeting or how they defined ‘social skills’. For future work, we suggest that game-based interventions should be more clearly based on established theories. In addition, it is important to involve autistic people in the design of these games to ensure they meet their needs effectively.
Automated breast imaging report generation based on the integration of multiple image features in a metadata format for shared decision-making
Authors: Lo Chung-Ming , Chen Hui-Ru
Published: September 2024

Importance: Medical imaging increases the workload involved in writing reports. Given the lack of a standardized format for reports, reports are not easily used as communication tools. Objective: During medical team–patient communication, the descriptions in reports also need to be understood. Automatically generated imaging reports with rich and understandable information can improve medical quality. Design, setting, and participants: The image analysis theory of Panofsky and Shatford from the perspective of image metadata was used in this study to establish a medical image interpretation template (MIIT) for automated image report generation. Main outcomes and measures: The image information included digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM), reporting and data systems (RADSs), and image features used in computer-aided diagnosis (CAD). The utility of the images was evaluated by a questionnaire survey to determine whether the image content could be better understood. Results: In 100 responses, exploratory factor analysis revealed that the factor loadings of the facets were greater than 0.5, indicating construct validity, and the overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.916, indicating reliability. No significant differences were noted according to sex, age or education. Conclusions and relevance: Overall, the results show that MIIT is helpful for understanding the content of medical images.
Bridging theory and practice via education: Insights from the erasmus mundus journalism programme
Authors: Olivera Cecilia Arregui
Published: September 2024

The disconnect in how practitioners and scholars talk about what journalism is and does, and what it could be or do, is often striking. With more universities and other institutions worldwide offering journalism education, and the growing number of journalists turned scholars or instructors, there have been sporadic efforts to bridge the pervasive gap between theory and practice. In this paper, I discuss some of the challenges and opportunities of bridging said gap by drawing on the Erasmus Mundus Journalism Programme as a case study. I delve into some ways in which we deal with co-teaching across institutions to train an exceptionally diverse group of students with a global, collaborative, and interdisciplinary mindset. Finally, I claim that we tend to talk about the theory-practice gap in rather narrow terms and point towards ways to rethink the directionality of this relationship to further a truly reflective and critical journalism education.
Materialism versus memory: Collecting football shirts in the age of consumerism
Authors: Konuk Blasing John
Published: September 2024

While the connection between consumption and travel has been documented, there has been little work on how consumption can go beyond simple materialism and sometimes even represent a reaction to the dominant trends of late modern consumer society. I use Walter Benjamin’s essay “Unpacking My Library” as an inspiration to understand the emotive connection between collecting, consumption, and memory. This paper uses an auto-ethnographic method, showing how the goal of furthering a collection of football shirts serves as a way to give agency to the consumer. Since collecting is typically related to the collector’s memory, consuming in the context of a collection is not simple consumerism or materialism. In this case, the object being collected is a football shirt, a representation of a specific locality. Collecting as a motivation for consumption serves as a way for the individual to respond to the dominant trends of homogenization and mass culture in sport created by globalization.
An Indigenous education policy within a non-Indigenous education system
Authors: Al-Natour Ryan
Published: September 2024

Australian Indigenous education policies are formed in settler colonial systems that are structured by institutional racism. Gumbaynggirr academic Lilly Brown (2019) argues that Australian ‘education was incorporated into Indigenous policy as a justification for dispossession’ (p. 67) throughout the 20th century. In recent times, First Nations academics have questioned whether much has changed ( Bodkin-Andrews et al., 2021 ; Brown, 2019 ; Rose, 2019 ). This extract examines an Indigenous education policy that operates within the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW). This policy is called the NSW Aboriginal Education Policy. I point out that whilst consultation with Indigenous communities is a positive feature of this policy, more is needed structurally to support the success of Indigenous students.
Together We Can Do Great Things! AAC Teams From the Perspective of Special Education Teachers
Authors: Cavagnini Melissa J. , Da Fonte M. Alexandra , Boesch Miriam C. , Neff Gillian C. , Bounds Mary C. , Bowers Kimberly N.
Published: September 2024

Collaborative teams are vital in the service provision for students with complex communication needs. Professional competencies in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) practices are an essential consideration in the distribution of roles and responsibilities each team member will hold within teams. However, it is unclear to what extent special education teachers consider themselves having a key role within teams that provide AAC services. To better understand their perspectives, an anonymous, web-based survey was disseminated across the United States to gather special education teachers’ views on AAC collaborative teams. A total of 888 special education teachers shared their views on their practices, roles, and responsibilities within AAC teams. Findings indicated that special education teachers agreed they should be part of the AAC team and have specific roles and responsibilities within the team. Practical implications, recommendations, and future research directions are discussed.
Right Anterior Minithoracotomy Approach for Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Fatehi Hassanabad Ali , King Melissa A. , Karolak Wojtek , Dokollari Aleksander , Castejon Aizel , de Waard Dominique , Smith Holly N. , Holloway Daniel D. , Adams Corey , Kent William D. T.
Published: September 2024

By sparing the sternum, the right anterior minithoracotomy (RAMT) approach may facilitate a quicker functional recovery when compared with conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR). In the following review, outcomes after RAMT AVR are compared with full sternotomy AVR. The RAMT approach is described, including suggestions for patient selection. The application of the RAMT approach for other cardiac procedures is also discussed.
MSK ultrasound imaging–assisted clinical examination
Authors: Malliaropoulos Nikos , Daoukas Stavros
Published: September 2024

Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant global health concern, affecting over 1.71 billion individuals worldwide, with a considerable impact on quality of life and economic burden due to healthcare costs and productivity losses. In the United Kingdom, approximately one-third of the population suffers from musculoskeletal disorders, underscoring the need for effective diagnostic and management strategies. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging emerges as a preferred diagnostic modality, offering a balance between technical capabilities and cost-effectiveness, owing to its non-invasive nature, portability and lack of radiation exposure. However, the operator-dependent nature of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging necessitates specialised training for medical and healthcare professionals. The integration of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging into traditional clinical examinations, known as ultrasound imaging–assisted clinical examination (UIACE), enhances traditional diagnostic processes by providing immediate visual feedback, facilitating a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of musculoskeletal conditions. This approach not only refines diagnosis in cases with ambiguous symptoms or overlapping signs but also significantly improves patient reassurance and management strategies. In addition, incorporating musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging into medical education through ultrasound imaging–assisted clinical examination offers students a dynamic, interactive learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding of clinical anatomy and examination skills. By advocating for its systematic inclusion in the undergraduate medical curriculum, the study highlights the potential to enhance the competence and confidence of future professionals in utilising ultrasound imaging, ultimately improving patient outcomes in musculoskeletal care.
The barriers and enablers to accessing sexual health and sexual well-being services for midlife women (aged 40–65 years) in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Simmons Kiersten , Llewellyn Carrie , Bremner Stephen , Gilleece Yvonne , Norcross Claire , Iwuji Collins
Published: September 2024

Midlife, beginning at 40 years and extending to 65 years, a range that encompasses the late reproductive to late menopausal stages, is a unique time in women’s lives, when hormonal and physical changes are often accompanied by psychological and social evolution. Access to sexual health and sexual well-being (SHSW) services, which include the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and the support of sexual function, pleasure and safety, is important for the health of midlife women, their relationships and community cohesion. The objective was to use the socio-ecological model to synthesise the barriers and enablers to SHSW services for midlife women in high-income countries. A systematic review of the enablers and barriers to women (including trans-gender and non-binary people) aged 40–65 years accessing SHSW services in high-income countries was undertaken. Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed publications. Findings were thematically extracted and reported in a narrative synthesis. Eighty-one studies were included; a minority specifically set out to study SHSW care for midlife women. The key barriers that emerged were the intersecting disadvantage of under-served groups, poor knowledge, about SHSW, and SHSW services, among women and their healthcare professionals (HCPs), and the over-arching effect of stigma, social connections and psychological factors on access to care. Enablers included intergenerational learning, interdisciplinary and one-stop women-only services, integration of SHSW into other services, peer support programmes, representation of minoritised midlife women working in SHSW, local and free facilities and financial incentives to access services for under-served groups. Efforts are needed to enhance education about SHSW and related services among midlife women and their healthcare providers. This increased education should be leveraged to improve research, public health messaging, interventions, policy development and access to comprehensive services, especially for midlife women from underserved groups.
Patriarchal backlash: Representations of sexual violence on Uruguayan TV
Authors: Achugar Mariana , Ausserbauer Gelsi , Uval Natalia , Núñez Betania , Lagos José Gabriel , Franco Facundo
Published: September 2024

The article investigates the tensions between feminist conceptualizations of sexual violence and the persistence of patriarchal discourses that challenge it resulting in a justification of violence and misogynistic representations in a Uruguayan TV program. We argue that the return of conservative discourses that question sexual harassment accusations, reinstate gender differences, and gender inequality by installing a new normativity and naturalization of violence against women. Through the analysis of representations, evaluations, and discourse strategies deployed in two episodes of a high rating debate TV show centered on sexual violence, we show the victims are not recognized as such. There is a recontextualization of the sexual violence situation by which participants in the TV show challenge the policies and practices that have been recently established to prevent and sanction sexual violence. The findings evidence certain cultural transformations in the threshold of moral sensibility that define what is acceptable or not and make visible a patriarchal backlash.
Exploring the association of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis and BTK inhibitors with epilepsy
Authors: Shirani Afsaneh , Saez-Calveras Nil , Antel Jack P. , Yaqubi Moein , Moore Wayne , Brewster Amy L. , Stuve Olaf
Published: September 2024

Background:

Multiple lines of evidence suggest a role of inflammation in epilepsy. Seizure incidence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is twofold to threefold higher than the age-matched general population.

Objectives:

To explore the association of MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and FDA-approved Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (for lymphocytic malignancies) with the occurrence of epilepsy using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Design:

Secondary analysis of the FAERS database.

Methods:

We conducted a disproportionality analysis of FAERS between 2003-Q4 and 2023-Q3. MS DMTs and the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, ibrutinib, were included in the analysis. An inverse association was defined by a 95% confidence interval (CI) upper limit of reporting odds ratio (ROR) <1.

Results:

We found an inverse association of ibrutinib, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, rituximab, and teriflunomide with epilepsy. The strongest inverse association was seen with ibrutinib (ROR: 0.338; 95% CI: 0.218–0.524).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest the possibility of considering these medications for repurposing opportunities in epilepsy and support a potential pathogenic role of leukocyte subsets in seizure perpetuation.
Prediction of People With Type 2 Diabetes Not Achieving HbA1c Target After Initiation of Fast-Acting Insulin Therapy: Using Machine Learning Framework on Clinical Trial Data
Authors: Stoltenberg Carsten Wridt , Hangaard Stine , Hejlesen Ole , Kronborg Thomas , Vestergaard Peter , Jensen Morten Hasselstrøm
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims:

Glycemic control is crucial for people with type 2 diabetes. However, only about half achieve the advocated HbA1c target of ≤7%. Identifying those who will probably struggle to reach this target may be valuable as they require additional support. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a model to predict people with type 2 diabetes not achieving HbA1c target after initiating fast-acting insulin.

Methods:

Data from a randomized controlled trial (NCT01819129) of participants with type 2 diabetes initiating fast-acting insulin were used. Data included demographics, clinical laboratory values, self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), health-related quality of life (SF-36), and body measurements. A logistic regression was developed to predict HbA1c target nonachievers. A potential of 196 features was input for a forward feature selection. To assess the performance, a 20-repeated stratified 5-fold cross-validation with area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was used.

Results:

Out of the 467 included participants, 98 (21%) did not achieve HbA1c target of ≤7%. The forward selection identified 7 features: baseline HbA1c (%), mean postprandial SMBG at all meals 3 consecutive days before baseline (mmol/L), sex, no ketones in urine, baseline albumin (g/dL), baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mmol/L), and traces of protein in urine. The model had an AUROC of 0.745 [95% CI = 0.734, 0.756].

Conclusions:

The model was able to predict those who did not achieve HbA1c target with promising performance, potentially enabling early identification of people with type 2 diabetes who require additional support to reach glycemic control.
Exploring Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty Failures A Comparison Between Failed and Successful Revision Cases
Authors: Wu Kevin A. , Anastasio Albert T. , DeOrio James K. , Nunley James A. , Easley Mark E. , Adams Samuel B.
Published: September 2024

This study assesses the comorbidities that are associated with failed revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and explores the outcomes following a failed revision TAA. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent a revision TAA at a single institution from 2008 to 2022. Patients were identified as having revision failure if they required explantation, below-knee amputation (BKA), or a revision of either metal component. Statistical analysis was performed to identify any significant differences and summarize outcomes. The study included a total of 87 patients who underwent revision TAA with 12 patients who subsequently experienced revision failure. The revision TAA failure rate was 13.8%. There were higher rates of former smokers (58.3%; n = 7) and a history of diabetes (33.3%; n = 4) in the failure cohort, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Limb salvage procedures were achieved in 11 cases (91.7%). Approaches for failed revision TAAs included arthrodesis (n = 5) with 2 isolated ankle arthrodesis (AA) and 3 tibio-talo-calcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis, an additional revision arthroplasty (n = 6), or amputation (n = 1). Ankle arthroplasty retention was successful in 6 cases (50.0%). Our results demonstrate that a second revision approach was chosen in half of the cases, underscoring its viability as a successful intervention according to patient preferences.

Level of Evidence: III
Localized facial pemphigus foliaceus presenting in a dermatomal distribution: A case report
Authors: Couture-Lapointe Camille , Rousseau-Théberge Marianne
Published: September 2024

Pemphigus foliaceus is a superficial autoimmune blistering disorder of the skin. Localized forms of pemphigus foliaceus are rare. Only a few cases have been described. We report a case of an 81-year-old man with pemphigus foliaceus who initially presented with localized dermatomal facial lesions. Due to this atypical presentation, making the diagnosis was challenging. To our knowledge, this is the first case of localized pemphigus foliaceus with a dermatomal distribution to be recorded.
Assessing Community Needs Among Spanish-Speaking Patients in a Free Clinic Setting
Authors: Clark Nicole M. , Hirsch Jason L. , Wallace Cecilia R. , Zhou Jonathan , Gonzalez August , Calderon Frida , Bogdanski Emily , Rodriguez Cameron , Anderson Moira , Scott Sara , Wyne Kathleen , Shah Summit
Published: September 2024

Introduction and Objectives:

La Clínica Latina is a free clinic that strives to meet the healthcare needs of the Spanish-speaking population of Franklin County, Ohio, including metropolitan Columbus. As a student-run free clinic, care is provided each week by volunteer medical students and resident physicians under the administrative leadership of the medical student board and clinical supervision of licensed physicians. Patients served by the clinic have a multitude of chronic health conditions, which are managed by clinic volunteers through the delivery of over 1500 appointments per year. In order to better serve the rapidly growing patient population, this study describes the delivery and results of an assessment aimed at understanding the needs that are being met sufficiently at the clinic and what pitfalls still exist in the clinic’s provision of care.

Methods:

By delivering a survey inquiring about the experiences of patients at La Clínica Latina, clinic workflow can be optimized for the provision of patient-centered care.

Results:

Insights collected from a convenience sample of 30 patients demonstrate mobile phone use as the primary mode of communication with clinic volunteers, previously under-appreciated musculoskeletal health concerns, longer than desired wait times after check-in, and variable experiences of health literacy by patient gender.

Conclusion:

By addressing each of these insights in updates to clinic workflow, La Clínica Latina may prove to become an even more useful resource to the region’s growing Hispanic population.
A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences ofWomen Suffering From Postpartum Depression in the Ho Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Dartey Anita Fafa , Lotse Comfort Worna , Tackie Vivian , Aggrey Brenda , Kyerewaah Evelyn Afia , Abu Patricia , Anaman Elizabeth Sampson
Published: September 2024

One of the major complications that pregnancy and childbirth can expose women of reproductive age to is postpartum depression (PPD), with estimations indicating a rise in its prevalence in developing countries. PPD has been linked to adverse growth outcomes, emotional and physical health challenges, cognitive problems among others resulting in compromised health of the mother and her baby. This study described the experiences of postnatal mothers who developed PPD in the Ho Municipality. A phenomenological study design was employed where women receiving treatment for PPD in two hospitals in the Ho municipality were selected using a purposive sampling method. Existential phenomenology explores how people give meaning to their experiences, emphasizing the importance of context and the influence of the participants’ personal backgrounds and values. Interview guide was used to collect data from the study respondents. The data was analyzed using thematic content analyses approach. Three themes and nine subthemes emerged from the study. The study examined the experiences of postnatal women suffering from PPD in the Ho municipality. The effects of PPD were found in this study to have negative impact on the general well-being of the whole family. Healthcare providers can educate expectant mothers and families about these factors, promoting awareness and proactive measures to reduce the risk of PPD. Insights from this research can inform the creation of postpartum support programs that provide new mothers with the resources and support they need to cope with PPD.
Antimicrobial hard denture reliners using quaternary ammonium methacryloxy silicate (K18 QAMS) and K18-functionalized filler
Authors: Bellusa Sara , Chu Lianrui , Fung Evelyn , Whang Kyumin
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To determine the effects of adding a quaternary ammonium methacryloxy silicate (K18) and K18-functionalized filler (K18-Filler) on the material and antimicrobial properties of a hard denture reline material.

Materials and methods:

30% K18 in methyl methacrylate (K18-MMA; 0–20 wt% of reliner) and K18-Filler (0–30 wt% of reliner) were incorporated into KoolinerTM hard denture reliner. KoolinerTM served as the control. The cure (Shore A hardness), hydrophilicity (contact angles), mechanical (3-point bend test), water sorption, and antimicrobial properties against Streptococcus mutans, S. sanguinis, and Candida albicans were determined.

Results:

Most K18 groups cured well and had comparable Shore A hardness values (range ~52 to 70 DHN) to that of controls (67.2 ± 1.8 DHN; Bonferroni corrected p > 0.0003). Even the softest group had hardness values within the range of commercial products. Half of the K18 groups had comparable contact angles to that of controls (range ~75° to 80° vs 83.41° ± 2.66°; Bonferroni corrected p > 0.0003), and most were within the range of commercial liners. K18-MMA and K18-Filler increased modulus but decreased ultimate transverse strength (UTS). All experimental groups had comparable or higher moduli than controls (range ~966 to 2069 MPa vs 1340 ± 119 MPa; Bonferroni corrected p < 0.0003), but only half of the experimental groups had comparable UTS to that of controls (range ~41 to 49 MPa vs 55.8 ± 1.5 MPa; Bonferroni corrected p > 0.0003). The 15% and 20% K18-MMA with 30% K18-Filler groups had significant antimicrobial activity against all three microbes ( p < 0.05). However, the 15% and 20% K18-MMA with 30% K18-Filler groups had significantly higher water sorption at early time points ( p < 0.05). After 8 weeks, they were comparable to each other ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

K18-MMA and K18-Filler are promising antimicrobial additives that produce hard denture liners with material properties within the range of commercial products and significant antimicrobial properties against S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and C. albicans. Further development is needed to reduce water sorption.
Four-Year Undergraduate Programme Curriculum Framework: A Kerala Model
Authors: K Sudheendran
Published: September 2024

The paper explores the efforts of Kerala to align its undergraduate education with global standards and competence through the introduction of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) in the realm of curriculum reforms. The paper highlights the significance of curriculum reforms in the context of transforming the State of Kerala into a people-centric knowledge society. It examines the structure and content of FYUGP introduced in the state universities with effect from the 2024–25 academic year. It includes details of teaching-learning methodology, critical thinking, creativity, vocational and entrepreneurship skills that are integral to the structure of the new curriculum. The article proposes a curriculum that encourages students to learn with curiosity and enjoyment through self-involvement. How to enable students to doubt and question with an unending thirst for knowledge is what the curriculum should entail. It should help students attain higher-order cognitive benefits.
Toward volumetric urbanism: Analysing the spatial-temporal dynamics of 3D floor space use in the built environment
Authors: Hsu Yi-Ya , Han Hoon
Published: September 2024

Urban studies have gradually expanded their vision from horizontal to volumetric dimensions, responding to the growing compactness and density of cities. Though land use study has a long history, the study of urban space use from a volumetric perspective remains limited. However, vertical spatial difference is as substantial as horizontal spatial variance, especially in mixed-use developments. Addressing this, the research analyses 3D floor space use dynamics in the City of Sydney between 2007, 2012, and 2017 using ArcGIS Pro and visualising results with Plotly. Utilising Voxel Automata and Markov transition logic in Netlogo3D, we simulate potential future 3D urban structures. The model transforms floor spaces into voxels, assigns varying transition probabilities to voxels based on self-state, and applies the influence of neighbourhood state. The research underscores the challenges in developing varied transition probabilities for different floors, revealing the complexity of modelling 3D space use dynamics. The findings provide a more realistic understanding of the complex urban system and cities’ volumetric development. Additionally, the utilised 3D visualisation method can extend its utility beyond floor usage types to other spatial variables. Consequently, the research highlights the importance of 3D system thinking in future urban growth and expansion studies, and suggests more precise transition rules for modelling specific time points, benefiting future smart governance.
Knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant women
Authors: Kuptarak Arissara , Phupong Vorapong
Published: September 2024

Background:

Due to the COVID-19 situation, vaccination is a key factor in reducing the severity and transmission of the disease, especially in the vulnerable population, which includes pregnant women. Currently, various policies are in place to promote the vaccination of pregnant women against COVID-19; however, some pregnant women decline vaccination.

Objectives:

To study pregnant women’s knowledge, attitude, and acceptance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women who received antenatal care at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Methods:

Pregnant women who received antenatal care at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University from November 2021 to April 2022 were included. The participants answered an online questionnaire through their electronic devices. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the data.

Results:

A total of 500 pregnant women participated in this study. Among them, 67.4% and 81.4% had great knowledge and a positive attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine, respectively, with scores of 80% or higher in each section. Of the 500 participants, 468 (93.6%) accepted to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. After adjusting for certain variables through multivariate analysis, the factor associated with the decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was having great knowledge about the vaccine (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 13.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.45–71.61). However, the most significant factor associated with the decision to reject the COVID-19 vaccine was the recent COVID-19 infection (adjusted OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.62).

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic presents severe and life-threatening conditions for both pregnant women and their fetuses. The majority of the pregnant women in this study had great knowledge and acceptance of the vaccine and a positive attitude toward it. The pregnant women who had prior knowledge of the vaccine tended to accept to receive it during pregnancy, whereas those who recently contracted COVID-19 were hesitant to receive the vaccine.
“Liquid assets”: Coastal wetlands, regional parks, and the protection of Mediterranean deltas
Authors: Gorostiza Santiago , Parrinello Giacomo , Aguettaz-Vilchez Daniel
Published: September 2024

After a century of accelerating drainage, in the 1960s coastal wetlands became the object of unprecedented protection campaigns around the world. This paper compares the history of three successful cases of coastal wetland protection in the Mediterranean between the 1960s and 1980s: the Rhône (France), Po (Italy), and Ebro (Spain) River deltas. As most of the coast of Mediterranean Europe, these three cases were at the centre of renewed redevelopment attempts, to further expand intensive agriculture, industry, and seaside tourism, which invariably involved wetlands drainage. In these three cases, protection was achieved by establishing “regional parks” in the deltas. We argue that it was not by chance. Wetland advocates at the international, national, and local scales coated their plea for protection in the language of economics, making the case for wetlands’ value as “liquid assets.” They argued that wetland protection could rhyme with development and, abandoning initial projects to protect deltas as national parks, focused their efforts on creating regional parks instead. Stemming from the European regional planning movement, the regional park framework proved expedient to combine development expectations and wetland protection. Thanks to modular land use zoning, it promised to combine productive activities with protected areas, without imposing uniform restrictions on the entire deltas such as those often associated with national parks. The history of these three coastal parks, therefore, sheds light on the counterintuitive but strong relationship existing between coastal development and protection by uncovering the discursive strategies and unlikely coalitions that made conservation possible.
Information Entropy of the Financial Market: Modelling Random Processes Using Open Quantum Systems
Authors: Hicks Will
Published: September 2024

We discusss the role of information entropy on the behaviour of random processes, and how this might take effect in the dynamics of financial market prices. We then go on to show how the Open Quantum Systems approach can be used as a more flexible alternative to classical methods in terms of modelling the entropy gain of a random process. We start by describing an open quantum system that can be used to model the state of a financial market. We then go on to show how to represent an essentially classical diffusion in this framework. Finally, we show how by relaxing certain assumptions, one can generate interesting and essentially non-classical results, which are highlighted through numerical simulations.