bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization design of functional running pants and evaluation of thermal-humid comfort capabilities
Authors: Guo Ning , Li Zhijiang , Chen Nanliang , Dai Hong , Liu Kaixuan , Zhang Peihua
Published: November 2023

In this study, we optimized the design of functional running pants and innovated a stereoscopic seaming technology. The purpose of the study was to explore the thermal and humid comfort of the athletes during running by assessing the changes in skin temperature, surface temperature, and skin humidity of a subject during running. The results of the study suggest that during continuous incremental running speed exercise and sweating heavily, the surface temperature of the running pants and the skin temperature of the human body gradually approached before running, and remained basically in equilibrium. At 40 min, the skin humidity of a subject decreased significantly, and the sweat accumulated by the human body was absorbed and evaporated. The running pants in this study still exhibit better thermal conductivity and quick-drying properties as compared to the moisture-wicking and quick-drying running pants on the market. In addition, the running pants provide designed comfort that meets the needs of the exercising human body. They effectively address the problems such as abrupt lines, rubbing against the skin, and unsuited pattern. The application of moisture-absorbing and quick-drying fabric and the innovative 0.2 cm stereoscopic seaming technology creates pores between the separation line and the human body. This allows for effective airflow throughout the pants, promoting the evaporation of sweat from the legs, which can aid athletic performance to some extent. The results of the study confirm that the optimized running pants significantly improve human body comfort and offer practical advantages in terms of athletic performance.
The efficacy and safety of adding celecoxib to escitalopram for improving symptoms of major depressive disorder
Authors: Nadi Sakhvidi Mohammad , Salami Zanireh , Mosadegh Maryam , Bidaki Reza , Fallahzadeh Hossien , Salehabadi Razie , Arjmandi Malihe
Published: November 2023

Objective

There is growing evidence that adding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to some psychopharmacological treatments may help to improve symptoms in patients suffering from major depressive disorder. The present study examined the therapeutic efficacy of adding celecoxib to escitalopram and the safety of doing so.

Method

In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 60 patients with major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to either treatment with escitalopram plus celecoxib (intervention group) or escitalopram and placebo. All patients were evaluated blind to treatment group with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) before the intervention as well at 4 and 8 weeks after initiating treatment. Chi-square and paired t-test were used to examine between-group differences at those assessment times.

Results

There was no significant difference in depressive symptoms between intervention and placebo groups at baseline. However, at 4 and 8 weeks after the beginning of treatment, there were significant between-group differences in HDRS scores, favoring the intervention group. No between-group differences were found in treatment-related side effects.

Conclusions

Adding celecoxib to escitalopram may improve symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder without increasing the risk of drug-related side effects.
Book review: Prachi Deshpande, Scripts of Power: Writing, Language Practices and Cultural History in Western India
Authors: Raman Bhavani
Published: November 2023

Prachi Deshpande, Scripts of Power: Writing, Language Practices and Cultural History in Western India, Permanent Black, Ranikhet, 2023, ₹995.
What Do We Know About Threshing Traditional Grains in Australia?
Authors: Pattison Angela , McGee Kieran , Birch Jacob , Saunders Kerrie , Ashby Rhonda , Quinnell Rosanne , Bell-Anderson Kim , Way Amy
Published: November 2023

This article reviews ethnographic descriptions of Australia's First Nations people's grain threshing to inform future grain research and revival of practice in south-eastern Australia. The processing of grain requires many steps, and while harvesting, winnowing and grinding are comparatively well-documented, the threshing stage, which involves the removal of the husk and other nonedible parts of the seed head before the seed is winnowed and ground, remains poorly understood. In south-eastern Australia much of the threshing knowledge has been lost through the impacts of colonization; whereas communities in Central Australia have retained this knowledge in relation to their traditional grains. However, these species are not common in all areas. As different species require different threshing processes, only some of this knowledge can be directly applied in south-eastern Australia. Ethnographic descriptions have the potential to contribute additional First Nations knowledge to the revitalization of this practice. This article brings together ethnographic descriptions of traditional threshing to facilitate the revival of practice and further native grains research.
Efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction with oral semaglutide: first single-centre clinical experience
Authors: Janić Miodrag , Jovanović Marija , Janež Andrej , Lunder Mojca
Published: November 2023

Objective

To explore the effects of oral semaglutide on glycaemic parameters, body weight, and satisfaction in the first recipient patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Slovenia, in a real-world clinical practice setting.

Methods

The first consecutive adult patients with type 2 diabetes who were eligible for oral semaglutide treatment were included in this prospective, open-label interventional study. Patients received increasing doses of oral semaglutide and were evaluated at inclusion, at 1 month, then 3–5 months after starting treatment. Fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, patient satisfaction with oral semaglutide treatment (using the validated Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication), and adverse effects, were analysed. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance, and, when significant interactions were found, Bonferroni post-hoc test. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Twenty patients (11 male: 9 female; mean age, 59.9 ± 1.5 years; mean diabetes duration, 8.5 ± 1.4 years) were included. Oral semaglutide (7 and 14 mg) significantly decreased HbA1c (from 9.4 ± 0.3% to 8.2 ± 0.2% and 7.8 ± 0.2%, respectively) and fasting plasma glucose (from 11.2 ± 0.5 mmol/L to 9.2 ± 0.7 mmol/L and 8.9 ± 0.4 mmol/L, respectively). Oral semaglutide (14 mg) significantly decreased body weight (from 100.9 ± 2.7 kg to 92.7 ± 2.4 kg). Patients reported that treatment was easy to use and expressed high global satisfaction. Mild and transient, mostly gastrointestinal, adverse effects were reported in 10 patients.

Conclusions

Oral semaglutide, the first oral glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, was effective and safe, and associated with high patient satisfaction, in its first recipients in Slovenia. The results are important for daily clinical practice involving patients with type 2 diabetes, however, due to the small study population, lack of placebo control, and short exposure to oral semaglutide, the effectiveness of oral semaglutide in clinical practice requires further investigation.
Distributional Impact of a Vehicle Miles Traveled Fee
Authors: Ju HyeMin , Rahman Musfira , Khan Mahim , Burris Mark
Published: November 2023

Highway funding is facing a challenge because of difficulties in raising the federal and state fuel taxes. With the increasing use of electric, hybrid, and other forms of fuel-efficient vehicles, it is predicted that gas tax revenue will decrease. One potential alternative, a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fee, was examined in this study. The tax burden in each household by income group and residential area was analyzed under the current fuel tax system and a VMT-based fee system. This study includes two VMT-based fee scenarios: 1) static—where people do not change their travel behavior and 2) dynamic—where people change their travel behavior because of the change in travel cost. A VMT demand function was derived by examining data from the National Household Travel Survey and, using regression analysis, considering the fuel cost per mile and traveler characteristics. The increase in cost between the current tax system and the VMT fee system was similar across income groups, but increased average urban household payments while decreasing average rural household payments. However, the VMT had a greater impact on the lower-income group in that they decreased their amount of travel.
Experiences of Providers and Immigrants/Refugees with Health Care: A Meta-Synthesis of the Latin American Context
Authors: Barreto Mayckel da Silva , Wolf Isadora , Souza Nathalie Campana de , Buzzerio Lorena Franco , Vieira Viviane Cazetta de Lima , Figueiredo-Barbieri Maria do Céu , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The experiences of providers and immigrants/refugees related to healthcare in the Latin American context have not yet been aggregated. This study aimed to synthesize the qualitative evidence on this theme.

Method

A systematic review of qualitative evidence with meta-synthesis. After identification, eligible studies were evaluated for methodological quality, and information was systematically analyzed.

Results

The sample comprised 26 articles. The meta-theme shows that the experiences of providers and immigrants/refugees are determined by multilevel factors. In a macro-context, these factors involve the vulnerabilities of immigrants/refugees and the healthcare system/model, and in a closer context, they involve the lack of professional training in cultural skills and communication; language barriers; and prejudice/xenophobia. Within healthcare, the relationship is mostly conflictual, asymmetric, and unable to solve problems, leading to negative repercussions for both.

Conclusions

Managers involved in developing public policies and providers must consider improving the interrelationship between healthcare services and the migrant population.
Procedural Pay Transparency, Motivational Climate, and Employee Outcomes
Authors: Tenhiälä Aino , Chung David Jinwoo , Park Tae-Youn
Published: November 2023

As most previous research on pay transparency focused on individual- or organizational-level dynamics, we have limited understanding of the impact of pay transparency on culture or climate within an organization. This study investigates how procedural pay transparency is associated with the motivational climate in work units within organizations. One might argue that, in the presence of pay transparency, employees may further engage in social comparisons to learn about how they are doing relative to their peers, which leads to an increased performance climate, where success is defined based on relative performance. However, the findings from this study suggest that procedural pay transparency is positively associated with mastery climate instead, that is, a work unit climate where success is defined based on learning, growth, and effort. Furthermore, the results suggest that procedural pay transparency is meaningfully related to sorting and motivational effects through its impact on mastery climate.
Ethical Theories in Business Ethics: A Critical Review
Authors: Melé Domènec
Published: November 2023

Numerous ethical theories have been proposed as a foundation of business ethics, and this often brings about appreciable perplexity. This article seeks to identify specific problems for a sound foundation of this discipline. A first problem is this multiplicity of ethical theories, each with its own metaethics, often accepted without a serious discussion of their philosophical grounds. A second problem is the fragmentation of theories; some centred on duties or obligations, others on consequences, virtues, or moral sentiments. In addition, some theories focus on universal principles, while others take the singularity of each situation as their focal point. A third problem is that not every ethical theory covers the personal, organizational and societal dimensions of business ethics, and this introduces reductionism. These problems cannot be satisfactorily addressed through ‘ethical pluralism’, in which all theories are accepted, without falling into ethical relativism. ‘Ethical pragmatism’, which welcomes any ethical theory only on the basis of their practically, is also questioned. Furthermore, there is the problem of integrating ethics into business theory, which is often extrinsic to the economic function. After analysing these problems, the article concludes by exploring some proposals that might serve to build a sound and complete ethical theory which includes human goods (objective values), principles (or norms) and virtues. The necessity of reconsidering the human action for a closer integration of ethics into business theory is also suggested.
A Study on Effect of Sleep Training Program in Children with ADHD: A Comparative Prospective Study
Authors: Shah Henal , Dani Allauki
Published: November 2023

Objective:

To study complementary effect of sleep training program in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) receiving tablet methylphenidate with respect to sleep, quality of life (social, behavioral, emotional, and executive functioning of children), and their parent’s emotional state.

Methods and Materials:

It was a comparative and prospective study, and it was conducted in child mental health services of a tertiary care municipal hospital. The children (age 8−12 years) were diagnosed with ADHD using DSM 5 criteria. The children’s sleep habit questionnaire (CSHQ) and Kiddie-SADS-PL questionnaire (K-SADS-PL) were used to select 100 consecutive participants (parent–child dyad). They were randomly equally divided into two groups: A and B. Semi-structured proforma was filled and different scales were applied for children; these scales include Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PQLI), Stroop test (ST) and Verbal fluency test (VFT), and to parent-Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The participants in group A received a validated sleep intervention and the scales were reapplied after 12 weeks. We used Chi-square test, paired t-test, unpaired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation test, and logistic regression analysis for data analysis. p-Value <.05 was taken as significant. SPSS version 20 software was used for data analysis.

Results:

We found significant post-intervention improvement in sleep, quality of life, social, emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning in children and emotional factors in parents.

Conclusion:

The combination of sleep intervention and tablet methylphenidate were more effective in improving these factors.
Living With Endometriosis: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis Examining Women’s Experiences With the Irish Healthcare Services
Authors: Lightbourne Ayisha , Foley Sarah , Dempsey Maria , Cronin Mary
Published: November 2023

Endometriosis is an incurable chronic condition associated with debilitating pain and subfertility, affecting 1 in 10 women. The current study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of women with endometriosis regarding the diagnosis, support and treatment options available in Ireland. It will further determine whether additional supports or improvements are needed to care well and effectively for women with this disease in the Irish healthcare system. A qualitative study design was deemed most suitable. Twenty participants, women aged 18 and over with a diagnosis of endometriosis and experience of the Irish healthcare system, were recruited through purposeful sampling to complete semi-structured, one-to-one online interviews. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, and five themes were identified: ‘dismissive attitudes normalising severe pain’, ‘inadequate health system’, ‘the impact of delayed diagnoses’, ‘lack of education and awareness’ and ‘navigating ignorance, taboo and societal views’. Insights into the experiences and needs of women diagnosed with endometriosis in Ireland were gained, and we discuss the implications of our findings for Irish healthcare services with reference to feminist health equity and recent national action plans. We propose a series of recommendations for patient-centred care models including increased access to training and education, as well as support for longer-term chronic pain management.
Life Dissatisfaction in an Older Childless Woman: A Case Study
Authors: Stahnke Brittany , Cooley Morgan , Blackstone Amy
Published: November 2023

Overtime, choosing not to have children has become a more common phenomenon. Alongside this change, studies have found that women without children are just as fulfilled, if not more so, in their lives as those who have had children. These studies, in the context of theories of second-wave feminism, psychosocial theory, and stigma theory, are reviewed. This study presents a dissatisfied older woman who has not had children to examine the differences in such cases. As a product of thematic analysis, five themes stand out during Holly's interview: focus on the past, stigma, fear, relationships with younger generations, and regret. Results are discussed in the context of what they may mean for future research and practice with the suggestion that perhaps an over-focus on the past, in lieu of present and future circumstances, may be a factor in childless women's dissatisfaction in life.
Safety Evaluation of a Prototypical Diazirine-Based Covalent Crosslinker and Molecular Adhesive
Authors: Baran Miranda J. , Hof Rebecca , Groot Angelique , Eurlings Irene , Gijsbrechts Jet , de Jong Britt , Wulff Jeremy E.
Published: November 2023

bis-Diazirine reagents are increasingly being used as polymer crosslinkers, adhesives, and photopatterning agents in the materials sciences literature, but little effort has been made thus far to document their chemical safety profile. Here, we describe the results of a detailed toxicity assessment of a representative bis-diazirine. Safety was evaluated by a series of in vitro assays, which found the product to be non-mutagenic in bacterial tester strains TA98 and TA100, non-corrosive and non-irritating to skin, and requiring no classification for eye irritation or serious damage. While in vitro tests do not capture the integrated whole animal system, and thus cannot completely rule out the possibility of adverse responses, the results of this study suggest a desirable safety profile for bis-diazirine reagents and provide a solid foundation upon which to add in vivo assessment of safety risk and dose-response studies.
The Prison Bust: Declining carceral capacity in an era of mass incarceration
Authors: Harris Jacob , Sims Kaitlyn M , Eason John M , Chuang Louis , Ylizaliturri Victoria , Anadón Isabel , Eife Erin
Published: November 2023

While there is a growing literature investigating the causes and consequences of the US prison boom—the tripling of prison facilities between 1970 and 2000—much less is known about current patterns of prison closures. We use novel data capturing the universe of prison closures (N = 188) from 2000 to 2022 to identify and characterize what we term “the prison bust”—the period since 2000 when prison closures began to climb and eventually eclipse new prison building. We show that the prison bust is, in part, a consequence of development-oriented prison-building policies that aggressively used prisons to stimulate struggling local economies. The bust is primarily concentrated in the counties that pursued prison building most aggressively, reflecting a highly cyclical and reactionary pattern of prison placement and closure. We also show that, relative to counties with at least one prison but no closures, closures are concentrated in metro counties with stronger local economies and multiple prisons. Overall, we highlight the prison bust as an important new era in the history of US punishment and provide a new dataset for investigating its causes and consequences. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and policy implications of these findings.
A safe haven? Women's experiences of violence in Australian immigration detention
Authors: Rivas Lorena
Published: November 2023

Western nations like Australia should be safe havens for people fleeing their home countries due to war, persecution, and other threats. People make often perilous journeys in search of asylum expecting protection from violence. However, these expectations are not matched by the realities of Australian immigration detention. This study explores the realities of detention by analysing women's experiences of violence, including intimate partner violence, within Australian long-term immigration detention. The study uses quantitative data derived from 629 Commonwealth Ombudsman reports on 252 women. The results show that violence against women is rife in Australian detention facilities, where women are victims of multiple forms of violence perpetrated by partners, families, other detainees, and staff. Personal and situational factors are explored, including type and length of detention, family and kinship networks, as well as previous experiences of violence.
Safety, security, clean air and intention to experience: Do TikTok short video narratives matter?
Authors: Mohammed Iddrisu , Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdulai , Ahmed Abdul Salam , Preko Alexander , Mwin Norbert , Clottey Emmanuel Kwei , Boakye Bernice
Published: November 2023

Safety, security, and clean air have been given some appreciable attention in tourism research and practice. However, little is known about TikTok short video narratives of safety, security, and clean air of a tourism destination. To fill this knowledge gap, this study was guided by narrative transportation theory to examine the impact of TikTok short safety, security, and clean air video narratives on potential tourist intention to experience. The snowball sampling technique was employed to select 357 potential tourists, and the structural equation modelling analysis was utilised to analyse the survey gathered data. The results revealed that there were significant positive associations between short video narratives about safety, security, clean air, and intention to experience. Additionally, the moderating effects of TikTok short video narratives showed a significant positive impact between security, and clean air on intention to experience. Destination marketers and management could utilise TikTok short video narratives in promoting tourism sites through the perspective of tourists.
Judging the Severity of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: The Role of Situational Factors and Respondents’ Characteristics in Public Opinion
Authors: Leon Carmen M. , Aizpurua Eva
Published: November 2023

Public perceptions of the severity of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) play a crucial role in its prevention. This study examines the impact of multiple factors related to the scenario and respondent characteristics on the perceived severity of IPVAW. To achieve this, a factorial survey design was implemented using a non-probability-based sample in Spain ( N = 1007). The results indicate that 90.3% of respondents rated the scenario as severe. The perceived severity was influenced by both the details of the scenario and the characteristics of the respondents. These findings can inform the design of targeted awareness campaigns.
Insecticidal and Repellent Activities of Four Essential Oils Against Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Fouad Hany Ahmed , da Câmara Cláudio Augusto Gomes , de Moraes Marcílio Martins , Tavares Wagner de Souza , Legaspi Jesusa Crisostomo , Zanuncio José Cola
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Corymbia citriodora, Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae), Mentha × piperita (Lamiaceae), and Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) essential oils as an alternative to manage Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults.

Methods

Acute contact toxicity, acute toxicity on treated maize grain, fumigation toxicity, repellency bioassays, and GC-MS analysis of the essential oils were carried out.

Results

Corymbia citriodora, M. alternifolia, M. × piperita, and S. terebinthifolius oils were toxic at different levels to S. zeamais through residual contact, ingestion and via fumigation, and were also repellent to adults of this pest. Melaleuca alternifolia oil was the most active in contact (LC50 = 18.98 μL.mL−1), ingestion (LC50 = 1.03 μL.g−1), and fumigant (LC50 = 20.05 μL.L−1 air) bioassays. Citronelal (53.6% in C. citriodora), terpinen-4-ol (46.9% in M. alternifolia), menthol (44.8% in M. × piperita), and β-caryophyllene (16.2% in S terebinthifolius) are the major constituents of these oils.

Conclusions

Melaleuca alternifolia and M. × piperita essential oils can be used by residual contact, while those of C. citriodora, M. alternifolia, and M. × piperita by mixing with maize grains. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil can be used as a fumigant, while those of C. citriodora and S. terebinthifolius as repellents for S. zeamais adults.
Preoperative evaluation of nerve transfer recipients after spinal cord injury using stimulated manual muscle testing
Authors: Cheng Christopher , Perkins Blake , Keith Michael , Bryden Anne , Chepla Kyle J.
Published: November 2023

Nerve transfer after spinal cord injury has become increasingly popular. Accurate preoperative identification of lower motor neuron involvement in potential recipient nerves is critical. Electrodiagnostic testing has been shown to correlate with intraoperative findings; however, it is time-consuming, costly and may not be readily available. Stimulated manual muscle testing is an alternative diagnostic approach. It is inexpensive and easily done by the surgeon or therapist in the office; however, correlation with intraoperative stimulation has not been reported. A retrospective review was conducted for patients who underwent nerve transfer for tetraplegia with recorded preoperative stimulated manual muscle testing and intraoperative stimulation results. Nine patients including 37 nerve transfers were included. Of the 37 nerve transfers, 36 were accurately graded preoperatively by stimulated manual muscle testing. Stimulated manual muscle testing had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 97%. This study supports stimulated manual muscle testing for preoperative distinction between upper versus lower motor neuron injuries.

Level of evidence: IV
Testicular pain
Authors: Khalid Dr Muataz
Published: November 2023

Scrotal pain and swelling represent a broad spectrum of urological conditions that demand swift, precise evaluation and intervention. This article systematically reviews conditions causing testicular pain or swelling, highlighting emergency, urgent, and routine presentations. Central to this discussion is testicular torsion, an emergency condition warranting immediate clinical diagnosis and potential surgical intervention. Other significant conditions include testicular cancer, epididymo-orchitis, inguinal hernia, haematocele, hydrocele, and varicocele, each with unique presentations, diagnostic pathways, and management strategies. Current guidelines are discussed and highlight the importance of clinical assessment over diagnostics where appropriate and emphasise prompt specialist referral when indicated. The article's primary aim is to guide healthcare professionals to effectively manage patients presenting with testicular pain and swelling, ensuring timely and effective patient care.
Editorial: A trialogue on regulating data-driven criminal procedure
Authors: Galič Maša , Stevens Lonneke , Koops Bert-Jaap
Published: November 2023

This editorial introduces a special issue on the challenges of regulating data-driven criminal investigations, in light of the interplay – or rather, the lack thereof – between criminal procedure law and data protection law. The aim is to bring together scholars from both fields, to facilitate mutual understanding and to present ideas on better aligning these bodies of law to form a comprehensive normative framework. In data-driven investigations, police typically assemble large data sets to build an information position, followed by automated analysis to detect patterns and find evidence of potential crimes. The shift from traditional targeted, “case-seeks-evidence” investigations to data-driven untargeted, “evidence-seeks-case” investigations challenges the current normative framework. Discussing this challenge and the insights offered by the six contributions to this special issue, the authors identify multiple problems: people in criminal law lack knowledge of and therefore undervalue data protection law; data subject rights do not function well in the criminal procedure context; there may be an increasing emphasis on instrumentality in criminal law, at the cost of legal protection; criminal law strongly focuses on legal protection of suspects, particularly during trial, and does not cope well with investigations that never end up in court, nor with the protection of innocent citizens whose data are now also pervasively processed as by-catch in criminal investigations; and the law has relatively strong norms on data collection, but not on data analysis. The way forward lies in evolving towards a system that does not only protect suspects and victims but that systematically incorporates the rights of innocent thirds; developing an integrated and conclusive system of data processing rules in law enforcement, including data analysis and on-going reuse of data; and establishing a system of supervision that is adequately equipped to deal with the new reality of data-driven criminal procedure.
Whole-to-Part Argumentation Instruction: An Action Research Study Aimed at Improving Chinese College Students’ English Argumentative Writing Based on the Toulmin Model
Authors: Yang Rui , Pan Haiying
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the challenges and lack of progress in writing argumentative essays in English have posed a pedagogical challenge for Chinese university students. To address this issue, this paper adopts an action research pedagogy and implements a 10-week intervention aimed at teaching argumentative writing based on the Toulmin model of argumentation. The instructional process followed a holistic-to-specific approach, encompassing the following three stages: (1) introduction of the general model, (2) instruction on the main dimensions of argumentative elements, and (3) teaching of the subdimension of argumentative elements. Data collection for this study included teacher-teaching diaries, students’ interviews, and four writing scores. Both paired-sample t-tests and repeated measures analyses were conducted, revealing significant improvements in students’ overall performance and the quality of argumentative elements across the different stages. This paper provides a comprehensive discussion on the impact of this whole-to-detail approach to teaching argumentation on the development of argumentative essay writing skills.
Preoperative Disability Influences Effectiveness of Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State in Predicting Patient Improvement Following Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Shahi Pratyush , Maayan Omri , Subramanian Tejas , Singh Nishtha , Singh Sumedha , Araghi Kasra , Tuma Olivia , Asada Tomoyuki , Korsun Maximilian , Sheha Evan , Dowdell James , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Iyer Sravisht
Published: November 2023

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Objective

To compare the characteristics of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) metrics when interpreting Neck Disability Index (NDI) following cervical spine surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent primary cervical fusion, discectomy, or laminectomy were included. NDI and global rating change (GRC) data at 6 months/1 year/2 years were analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of MCID and PASS in predicting improvement on GRC were calculated for the overall cohort and separately for patients with minimal (NDI <30), moderate (NDI 30 – 49), and severe (NDI ≥ 50) preoperative disability. Two groups with patients who achieved PASS but not MCID and patients who achieved MCID but not PASS were analyzed.

Results

141 patients (206 responses) were included. PASS had significantly greater sensitivity for the overall cohort (85% vs 73% with MCID, P = .02) and patients with minimal disability (96% vs 53% with MCID, P < .001). MCID had greater sensitivity for patients with severe disability (78% vs 57% with PASS, P = .05). Sensitivity was not significantly different for PASS and MCID in patients with moderate preoperative disability (83% vs 92%, P = .1). 17% of patients achieved PASS but not MCID and 9% of patients achieved MCID but not PASS. Most of these patients still reported improvement with no significant difference between the 2 groups (89% vs 72%, P = .13).

Conclusion

PASS and MCID are better metrics for patients with minimal and severe preoperative disability, respectively. Both metrics are equally effective for patients with moderate preoperative disability.
Medical Student Experiential Learning in Telesimulation
Authors: Gerstenberger John P. , Hayes Lara , Chow Candace J. , Raaum Sonja
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVES

Telesimulation utilizes telecommunication technology to engage learners in simulation while in different physical locations. Despite this potential advantage, understanding of the student experience and assessment of student learning in telesimulation activities is limited. This study evaluates medical student emotional experience and self-identified learning in telesimulation through the Kolb experiential learning framework and qualitative analysis.

METHODS

Fourth-year medical students enrolled in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah participated in 3 telesimulation activities as part of a required internal medicine course. Students were surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the activity (N = 114) and responded to questions about their emotional experience and self-identified areas of learning. Free-text responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify themes until thematic saturation (N = 66).

RESULTS

Students were highly satisfied with telesimulation, with greater than 90% of students expressing a positive view of simulation realism, debrief quality, and group size. Themes of anxiety and uncertainty, confidence versus incompetence, team dynamics, fun, and difficult patient interaction were identified regarding the emotional experience. Themes of communication and teamwork, managing emotions, information gathering, differential diagnosis, resource reference, executing treatment, and medical knowledge were identified regarding student-identified learning.

CONCLUSION

In this analysis of medical student experiences with telesimulation, we found students have rich emotional, cognitive, and behavioral experiences and self-identify learning across a variety of domains. Our findings support further study of telesimulation for medical student learning and demonstrate how assessment of outcomes via Kolb framework, using the learner's reflective observation and self-identified learning, may help better define learning outcomes from simulation.
Discontinuities in regional economic development due to administrative boundaries: Examining the mechanisms of the boundary effect
Authors: Jeong Jindo
Published: November 2023

Although administrative boundaries are non-physical, they can cause regional inequalities through boundary effects that result in discontinuities between areas. The boundary effect refers to the disparities in policy, economic, and social aspects between areas caused by administrative boundaries, which can lead to regional differences. This study aims to identify the mechanisms that induce discontinuities in regional development due to administrative boundaries. The boundary effect mechanism assumed to include the spillover, fragmentation, and hierarchy effects were examined using six scenarios, each modeled using a spatial economic model. Through the comparison of various scenarios, we have demonstrated the potential validity of the three components comprising the assumed boundary effect. Furthermore, we have confirmed that the model incorporating all effects that we assumed in our research, namely spillover, fragmentation, and hierarchy effects, provides the best fit. We hypothesized and verified the mechanism of boundary effects that disrupt regional development, thereby enhancing the understanding of these effects.
Predicting Psoriatic Arthritis in Psoriasis Patients – A Swiss Registry Study
Authors: Nielsen Mia-Louise , Petersen Troels C. , Maul Lara Valeska , Thyssen Jacob P. , Thomsen Simon F. , Wu Jashin J. , Navarini Alexander A. , Kündig Thomas , Yawalkar Nikhil , Schlapbach Christoph , Boehncke Wolf-Henning , Conrad Curdin , Cozzio Antonio , Micheroli Raphael , Erik Kristensen Lars , Egeberg Alexander , Maul Julia-Tatjana
Published: November 2023

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a prevalent comorbidity among patients with psoriasis, heavily contributing to their burden of disease, usually diagnosed several years after the diagnosis of psoriasis.

Objectives

To investigate the predictability of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis and to identify important predictors.

Methods

Data from the Swiss Dermatology Network on Targeted Therapies (SDNTT) involving patients treated for psoriasis were utilized. A combination of gradient-boosted decision trees and mixed models was used to classify patients based on their diagnosis of PsA or its absence. The variables with the highest predictive power were identified. Time to PsA diagnosis was visualized with the Kaplan-Meier method and the relationship between severity of psoriasis and PsA was explored through quantile regression.

Results

A diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis was registered at baseline of 407 (29.5%) treatment series. 516 patients had no registration of PsA, 257 patients had PsA at inclusion, and 91 patients were diagnosed with PsA after inclusion. The model’s AUROCs was up to 73.7%, and variables with the highest discriminatory power were age, PASI, physical well-being, and severity of nail psoriasis. Among patients who developed PsA after inclusion, significantly more first treatment series were classified in the PsA-group, compared to those with no PsA registration. PASI was significantly correlated with the median burden/severity of PsA ( P = .01).

Conclusions

Distinguishing between patients with and without PsA based on clinical characteristics is feasible and even predicting future diagnoses of PsA is possible. Patients at higher risk can be identified using important predictors of PsA.
Defining valid breeding goals for animal breeds
Authors: Wellmann Robin , Gengler Nicolas , Bennewitz Jörn , Tetens Jens
Published: November 2023

Background

The objective of any valid breeding program is to increase the suitability of a breed for its future purposes. The approach most often followed in animal breeding for optimizing breeding goals assumes that the sole desire of the owners is profit maximization. As this assumption is often violated, a generalized approach is needed that does not rely on this assumption.

Results

The generalized approach is based on the niche concept. The niche of a breed is a set of environments in which a small population of the breed would have a positive population growth rate. Its growth rate depends on demand from prospective consumers and supply from producers. The approach involves defining the niche that is envisaged for the breed and identifying the trait optima that maximize the breed’s adaptation to its envisaged niche within the set of permissible breeding goals. The set of permissible breeding goals is the set of all potential breeding goals that are compatible with animal welfare and could be reached within the planning horizon of the breeding program. In general, the breed’s adaptation depends on the satisfaction of the producers with the animals and on the satisfaction of the consumers with the products produced by the animals. When consumers buy live animals, then the breed needs to adapt to both the environments provided by the producers, and the environments provided by the consumers. The profit function is replaced by a more general adaptedness function that measures the breed’s adaptation to its envisaged niche.

Conclusions

The proposed approach coincides with the traditional approach if the producers have the sole desire to maximize their income, and if consumer preferences are well reflected by the product prices. If these assumptions are not met, then the traditional approach to breeding goal optimization is unlikely to result in a valid breeding goal. Using the example of companion breeds, this paper shows that the proposed approach has the potential to fill the gap.
The association between blood pressure control and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in Hypertension coexistent with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Yao Xiaoguang , Li Nanfang , Heizhati Mulalibieke , Wang Yingchun , Ma Yue , Wang Run , Zhang Delian , Luo Qin , Hu Junli , Wang Menghui , Zhu Qing
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The goal of blood pressure (BP) control will be lower when hypertensive patients have comorbidities that can affect the risk of cardiovascular diseases. But, the goal of BP control for hypertensive patients coexistent with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is not discussed, which is a special population at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Patients and methods

Using data from a retrospective study(Urumqi Research on Sleep Apnea and Hypertension (UROSAH) study, we enrolled 3267 participants who were diagnosed with hypertension and performed polysomnography during 2011–2013 to explore the association between BP control and long-term major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE). Outcomes of interest was the levels of BP control, MACCE, cardiac event and cerebrovascular event. Then we calculated the cumulative incidence of MACCE and performed Cox proportional hazards with stepwise models.

Results

379 of 3267 patients experienced MACCE during a median follow-up of 7.0 years. After full risk adjustment, BP control of 120-139/80-89mmHg was associated with the lowest risk of cerebrovascular event (HR: 0.53, 95%CI:0.35–0.82) rather than MACCE and cardiac event in the total cohort. The association did not change much in patients with OSA. When the SBP and DBP were discussed separately, the SBP control of 120-139mmHg or < 120mmHg was associated with the decreased incidence of MACCE and cerebrovascular event. When DBP control < 80 mm Hg, the risk of cerebrovascular event showed 54% decrease [(HR:0.46, 95%CI: 0.25–0.88)] in patients with hypertension and OSA.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, antihypertensive-drug-induced office and home BP control at 120-139/80-89mmHg showed possible beneficial effect on incident MACCE. However, current results need to be verified in future studies.
Gaps in guideline-recommended anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation and elevated thromboembolic risk within an integrated healthcare delivery system
Authors: Malik Sushmita , Gustafson Shanshan , Chang Huai-En R. , Tamrat Yonas , Go Alan S. , Berry Natalia
Published: November 2023

Background

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the leading cause of stroke, which can be reduced by 70% with appropriate oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy. Nationally, appropriate anticoagulation rates for patients with AF with elevated thromboembolic risk are as low as 50% even across the highest stroke risk cohorts. This study aims to evaluate the variability of appropriate anticoagulation rates among patients by sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status within the Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States (KPMAS).

Methods

This retrospective study investigated 9513 patients in KPMAS’s AF registry with CHADS2 score ≥ 2 over a 6-month period in 2021.

Results

Appropriately anticoagulated patients had higher rates of diabetes, prior stroke, and congestive heart failure than patients who were not appropriately anticoagulated. There were no significant differences in anticoagulation rates between males and females (71.8% vs. 71.6%%, [OR] 1.01; 95% CI, 0.93-1.11; P = .76) nor by SES-SVI quartiles. There was a statistically significant difference between Black and White patients (70.8% vs. 73.1%, P = .03) and Asian and White patients (68.3% vs. 71.6%, P = .005). After adjusting for CHADS2, this difference persisted for Black and White participants with CHADS2 scores of ≤3 (62.6% vs. 70.6%, P < .001) and for Asian and White participants with CHADS2 scores > 5 (68.0% vs. 79.3%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Black and Asian patients may have differing rates of appropriate anticoagulation when compared with White patients. Characterizing such disparities is the first step towards addressing treatment gaps in AF.
Repeatability and agreement of AOCT-1000 M, RTVue XR and IOL master 500 in measuring corneal thickness mapping and axial length applying principle of optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ni Hailong , Xu Suzhong , Tian Li , Mao Jieli , Li Jing , Lin Na , Hu Peike , Wu Zhiyi , Chen Xiang , Bao Zhishu , Zheng Jingwei , Yan Peihua , Deng Ruzhi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the repeatability and agreement of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (AOCT-1000 M and RTVue XR) and partial coherence interferometry biometer (IOL Master 500) in measuring corneal thickness mapping and axial length respectively.

Methods

Corneal thickness was measured by AOCT-1000 M and RTVue XR. Axial lengths were measured by AOCT-1000 M and IOL Master 500. The repeatability and agreement of corneal thickness and axial length were calculated in two groups of devices. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to verify the repeatability of the device. The 95% confidence interval of the difference compared to the set cut-off value was used to verify the agreement between the two devices.

Results

A total of 60 subjects with 58 eyes were included. The central corneal thickness measured by AOCT-1000 M and RTVue XR were 504.46 ± 42.53 μm and 504.43 ± 42.89 μm respectively. The average difference between groups was 0.03 ± 4.58 μm, and the 95% confidence interval was (-1.17, 1.24), which was far less than the set threshold value of 15 μm (P < 0.001). Both RTVue XR and AOCT-1000 M had very good ICC values of central corneal thickness (0.998 and 0.994, respectively). The average axial lengths measured by AOCT-1000 M and IOL Master 500 were 24.28 ± 1.25 mm and 24.29 ± 1.26 mm respectively and the 95% confidence interval was (-0.02, 0.01), which was less than the set threshold value of 0.15 mm (P < 0.001). The ICC for both devices were 1.000.

Conclusion

Good repeatability and agreement were seen in measurements of central corneal thickness and axial length by AOCT-1000 M.