bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Contralateral Ankle Joint Is a Reliable Reference for Testing Syndesmotic Stability Using Bilateral External Torque CT
Authors: Calek Anna-Katharina , Ongini Esteban , Hochreiter Bettina , Sutter Reto , Wirth Stephan H. , Beeler Silvan
Published: July 2024

Background:

Subtle chronic or latent instabilities are difficult to delineate with currently available diagnostic modalities and do not allow assessment of ligamentous functionality. The noninvasive bilateral external torque computed tomography (CT) was able to reliably detect syndesmotic lesions in a cadaveric study. The aim of the study was to test the external torque device in young, healthy subjects at 3 different torque levels and to demonstrate comparability with the contralateral side.

Methods:

Ten healthy subjects without history of injury or surgery to the ankle joint were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Four CT scans were performed. During the scans, the lower legs and feet were placed in an external torque device with predefined external rotation torques of 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 Nm. Five different radiographic measures of syndesmotic stability were measured: anterior distance (AD), tibiofibular clear space (TCS), posterior distance (PD), external rotation (ER), and β angle.

Results:

With increasing external torque, slight increases in AD, ER, and β angle were observed, whereas TCS and PD decreased slightly. Large absolute differences were found between the healthy subjects for all measured parameters, regardless of the external torque applied. Differences from the contralateral side using the same external torque were minimal for all parameters, but smallest for AD with a maximum difference of 0.5 mm.

Conclusion:

Using the healthy contralateral ankle joint is appropriate for assessing syndesmotic stability based on minimal intraindividual side differences using the external torque device. Side differences >0.5 mm in AD and >0.9 mm in PD may be considered abnormal and may indicate significant instability of the syndesmosis. However, future studies are needed to define definitive cutoff values for relevant side differences in acute and chronic syndesmotic instability to guide clinicians in their treatment decisions.
Perioperative Risk Factors for Early Major Amputation Following First-Time Diabetic Forefoot Amputation
Authors: Seo Jae Hyeon , Lee Ho Seong , Choi Young Rak
Published: July 2024

Background:

Despite a meticulous multidisciplinary team approach, limb salvage remains uncertain even after the initial forefoot amputation in patients with end-stage diabetes. Which of many factors strongly influence the early failure of the limb salvage strategy remains unknown. This study aimed to analyze perioperative independent risk factors for major amputation within 1 year following first-time diabetic forefoot amputation.

Methods:

Perioperative variables of 808 diabetic forefoot amputations performed in a tertiary referral center specialized for organ transplantation and end-stage diabetes were analyzed. Major amputations were performed in 104 patients (12.9%) throughout follow-up, and 77 (74%) of 104 patients had their major amputation within 1 year. Cox proportional hazards were examined to assess the risk factors for major amputation performed within 1 year.

Results:

In univariate analysis, 18 possible risk factors significantly differed between patients with and without early major amputation. In stepwise multivariable analysis, chronic renal failure (CRF), peritoneal dialysis, and bilateral initial amputation were strong risk factors for early major amputation, with hazard ratios of 2.973 (95% CI 1.805-4.896, P < .0001), 2.558 (95% CI 1.113-5.881, P = .027), and 2.515 (95% CI 1.318-4.798, P = .005), respectively.

Conclusion:

Regardless of kidney transplantation (KT) status, CRF strongly predicts >20% chance of major amputation within 1 year after the first diabetic forefoot amputation.
Role of Sports Motivation and Basic Psychological Needs in the Relationship Between Child Maltreatment and Psychological Adaptation in Adolescents
Authors: Rodrigue Christopher , Bőthe Beáta , Dion Jacinthe
Published: July 2024

Child maltreatment poses serious consequences, while sports participation among adolescents offers a potential avenue for mitigating such consequences. This study, based on self-determination theory (SDT), examines the associations among child maltreatment, sports motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic), and satisfaction or frustration of basic psychological needs (BPNs). This study also investigated the mediating role of sports motivation in the relationship between child maltreatment and psychological adaptation. Adolescents engaged in sports were derived from the first wave of a large two-wave study (wave 1: n = 1403; wave 2: n = 618) using data on child maltreatment, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and satisfaction and frustration of within the sports context. Subsequently, data on psychological adaptation, including self-esteem and satisfaction with life, were collected during the second wave. Path analyses revealed satisfaction and frustration of BPNs as significant mediators in the relationship between child maltreatment and sports motivation. In addition, intrinsic motivation mediated the relationship between child maltreatment and psychological adaptation after 18 months. Specifically, the results indicated that enhancing intrinsic motivation in adolescents with a history of child maltreatment by improving satisfaction of BPNs could be an innovative intervention target.
Serum Biomarkers in Bullous Pemphigoid: A Systematic Review
Authors: Geng Ryan S. Q. , Wei Elizabeth , Wilken Bethany , Sibbald Ronald G. , Sibbald Cathryn
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common type of subepidermal blistering disease, usually observed in the elderly population, with a mean age of presentation between 66 and 83 years. BP is a psychosocially ladened disease, with many patients experiencing negative body image, social isolation, and depression. The identification and validation of biomarkers in BP may further the understanding of disease pathogenesis, provide objective measures in assessing efficacy in clinical trials, and identify new targets for targeted therapy.

Methods/Results:

Two databases (Medline and Embase) were searched from database inception to September 2023. All published articles reporting on biomarker levels of BP patients in serum compared to healthy controls were included. A total of 877 unique articles were identified, resulting in the inclusion of 62 case-control studies reporting on a total of 1837 patients and 140 unique biomarkers. Biomarkers were categorized into T-cell mediated, B-cell mediated, innate immune system, and coagulation cascade pathway. The most notable biomarkers identified include increases in anti-BP180/230 immunoglobulin (Ig)G/E, total IgE, TNF-α, B-cell activating factor, interleukin-31, eosinophil cationic protein, MMP-9, and coagulation cascade biomarker levels. The results of this review provide the greatest support for a role of anti-BP180/230 autoantibodies, Th2 cells, eosinophils, and the coagulation cascade in the pathogenesis of BP.

Conclusions:

The pathogenesis of BP has an underlying autoimmune etiology centred around the production of autoantibodies against BP180/230, but increased Th2, eosinophil and coagulation cascade activity may be contributory.
Epilepsia Partialis Continua as a manifestation of aquaporin-4 autoimmunity
Authors: Romozzi Marina , Vollono Catello , Calabresi Paolo , Iorio Raffaele
Published: July 2024

A 52-year-old man experienced two seizures in January and June 2021. In October, the neurological examination did not reveal sensory/motor deficits. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintense lesions with contrast enhancement (CE) involving white matter bilaterally, brainstem, and cerebellum. Spine MRI showed hyperintense C2-C3 and C4-C6 lesions with CE. Anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies were detected, confirming the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The patient experienced a status epilepticus compatible with Epilepsia Partialis Continua treated with antiseizure medications. He was also treated with methylprednisolone, plasma exchange, and rituximab. Status epilepticus can be a rare manifestation of NMOSD, heightening the broad spectrum of AQP4 autoimmunity.
Study on the relationship between EEG and salivary IgE under step-change temperature environments
Authors: Tong Li , Li Jinchao , Hu Songtao , Chen Ping
Published: July 2024

The salivary immunoglobulin E (IgE) level that usually acts as an indicator of human immunity could change significantly with the air temperature. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a commonly used technique to assess the thermal responses of the human body to the environment. However, the relations between them under step-change temperatures would still need more evidence. Experiments were conducted in this study to explore the EEG–IgE relation. Three step-changed temperature conditions in the controlled environment by a climate chamber were selected in this study, under which the air temperature was suddenly transitioned from a low temperature of 15°C to higher temperatures of 18°C, 24°C and 30°C, respectively, before returning to the initial low-temperature condition. The subjective questionnaires, the EEG signals and the salivary samples from 14 subjects in these three step-changed temperature conditions were collected. Results showed that the thermal comfort voting was significantly correlated with the EEG spectral power and the IgE concentration. In addition, a significant negative correlation between the frontal lobe spectral power and the salivary IgE changes was observed. The spectral power of the frontal lobe could be used as an objective indicator to evaluate the salivary IgE levels under step-change temperature environments. This study has provided some guidance for future studies of the human immunity responses to the indoor environment in different seasons.
A scoping review of studies on self-tracking for weight management: Social contexts and experiences of a practice
Authors: Huillard Mathilde , Hartmann-Tews Ilse
Published: July 2024

The market for self-tracking tools and apps for weight management has been growing over the last two decades. The aim of this scoping review is to identify social science studies that explicitly focus on the actual practices and experiences of users of these tools and the social contexts in which they take place. Searching four databases in April 2021, we identified 15 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2021 in Western countries. The review of the studies shows the ambivalences of the use of self-tracking tools for weight management and especially how the designs and features of the apps frame positive (e.g. through social networks) as well as negative experiences (e.g. through reminder features). It also reveals a lack of in-depth intersectional research with reference to gender, social stratification and country-specific body cultures as well as a need for research to question itself on its fatmisiac assumptions.
Early detection of fatigue-induced material changes by modulation of ultrasound in dynamically loaded structures
Authors: Sunetchiieva Sevilia , Yuan Peilong , Seresini Tommaso , Pfeiffer Helge , Wevers Martine , Glorieux Christ
Published: July 2024

In this work, an ultrasonic approach for early detection of fatigue-induced material changes in an aluminium alloy plate under dynamic loading is developed and validated. Material degradation followed by the emergence and growth of a crack was created by a fatigue machine while monitoring the modulation of sinusoidal ultrasonic wave packets sent along the plate around high- and low-load instants in the fatigue cycle. The determined wave parameters and the difference between their high- and low-load values were found to be very sensitive not only to the emergence of the crack but also to the plastic deformation, which, according to digital image correlation monitoring, preceded the crack formation and changed the effective elastic modulus felt by A0 and S0 Lamb mode contributions to the wave packets. Experimental analysis and simulations showed that the high sensitivity to microstructural changes was resulting from their substantial effect on the propagation velocity of the arriving A0 and S0 wave packet contributions, which in turn had a strong influence on their interference.
Action research for impact in addressing the grand challenges
Authors: Zandee Danielle P , Coghlan David
Published: July 2024

The growing interest in impact-driven research invites organization and strategy scholars to not merely study, but actively help address grand challenges. This essay explores how action research might offer a robust methodology to impact and study grand challenges by developing theory through action. Action research is introduced, and its contributions, strengths, and limitations are discussed in view of the current conversation about impact-driven scholarly work. Some practical guidance is given to bring action research within reach as a viable approach. The essay concludes with an exploration of how a fuller embrace of action research might help transform academic practice in the interest of urgent planetary change.
Participatory action research: A tool to develop occupational health and safety education for new immigrant workers
Authors: Chen Shu-Ping , Shankar Janki , Kharat Priyadarshini , Fan Selina Shu Jun , Liu Huei-Tsz , Asante Benedicta
Published: July 2024

Immigrant workers are a growing segment of Canada’s labour force, essential to its economy and society. Yet, they face occupational health and safety (OHS) challenges due to communication barriers, limited training, scarce resources, and workplace discrimination. This study sought to design learning resources to enhance the understanding of OHS in Canadian workplaces among new immigrant workers, drawing from their personal experiences. Through participatory action research, nine immigrant workers took part in six online sessions over three months, where they identified problems, discussed education, reflected, and decided on actions. Key issues raised included inadequate training, unawareness of OHS rights, hesitation in reporting safety concerns due to fear of backlash, and facing psychological threats like discrimination. This research illuminated the complex interplay of cultural and communication differences in OHS. Consequently, five education modules, rooted in real-world insights, were developed, emphasizing the significance of OHS, psychological risks, Canadian workplace norms, communication, and vital resources. This PAR successfully developed OHS learning modules, which not only tackle challenges and provide solutions for new immigrant workers but also craft with cultural sensitivity and lived expertise. These tools are tailored to equip new immigrant workers with the knowledge and confidence needed to enhance their OHS practices.
Exploratory study to define new observation geometries for road lighting design
Authors: Lebouc L , Greffier F , Boucher V , Nicolaï A , Richard P
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on the visibility of road users in urban environment. Firstly, a virtual reality experiment was carried out to determine where road users look on the road surface when travelling in city. The data collected were used to deduce observation angles for each type of road user. Measurements on an experimental site and simulations were carried out with these new observation angles. These were used to assess the impact of changing the observation geometry on the quality criteria of a lighting installation and on the visibility criterion. The results show that increasing the observation angle leads to a reduction in the average luminance but that, despite this, visibility is not affected. This led us to propose adaptations to the current recommendations: using a mobile observer for an observation angle greater than 1° and downgrading by one class when dimensioning a lighting installation in the city in the standard way, while taking into account the visual needs in an urban environment.
Part of the Job? The Effect of Exposure to the Online Intimidation of Politicians on Political Ambition
Authors: Vrielink Jade , van der Pas Daphne Joanna
Published: July 2024

It is increasingly common for politicians to experience online harassment. Even though numerous studies show the prevalence and impact of online abuse towards politicians, the broader societal impact of this phenomenon is understudied. This study focuses on the deterring effect that witnessing online abuse towards politicians could have on bystanders, testing to what extent online intimidation influences the appeal of political office. This pre-registered project examines whether exposure to abusive or sexist Twitter comments towards politicians weakens the interest of UK citizens, women especially, in pursuing political office. We hypothesized that seeing intimidating Twitter comments addressed to politicians leads to less political ambition in bystanders, especially if their gender identity aligns with that of the targeted politician. Sexist abusive comments were expected to have a greater impact on women participants than non-gendered abusive comments. The findings show that citizens are generally not easily deterred by exposure to abuse. However, we find differential effects that are concerning for political participation and female representation. There is evidence that sexist comments do discourage women observers. Respondents also generally espouse very negative expectations about the online experience of political aspirants.
Effects of Jianpi Huayu Decoction on Th1/Th2 Immune Balance in Mice With Liver Cancer-Related Fatigue via the IL- 27/STAT1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiayi Chen , Siru Chen , Xiaoqi Luo , Enling Xu , Hui Wu , Juze Lin , Changjun Wang
Published: July 2024

Objective: The Chinese medicine Jianpi-Huayu decoction (健脾化瘀方, JPHY) can alleviate cancer-related fatigue in patients with liver cancer. However, its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used BALB/c mice with liver cancer model to investigate whether JPHY alleviates cancer-related fatigue by regulating Th1/Th2 immune balance; and the possible association with the IL-27/STAT1 signaling pathway. Methods: We established a mouse model of liver cancer fatigue. Mice were gavaged with physiological saline, low, medium, or high concentrations of JPHY respectively; and intraperitoneal injection of fludarabine (STAT1 pathway inhibitor) with JPHY for 21 days. We recorded the general condition of the mice, and assessed fatigue using scoring criteria and Exhausted Swimming Test. We calculated the spleen and thymus indices, performed H&E staining and immunohistochemical analysis on liver tumor tissues to observe the tumor proliferation marker ki67. We quantified the secretion levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 produced by Th1 cells in serum and splenic lymphocytes, as well as the secretion of IL-4, IL-10 by Th2 cells, and IL-27 in the signaling pathway through ELISA analysis. We evaluated the expression levels of p-STAT1 and STAT1 in spleen tissues using Western blot analysis. Results: JPHY exhibits a therapeutic effect on hepatocellular carcinoma-induced splenomegaly in murine models by upregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2 and downregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. Moreover, JPHY suppresses ki67 expression, reduces tumor-related inflammation infiltration, and ameliorates cancer-associated fatigue. Additionally, the expression of phosphorylated protein p-STAT1 is down-regulated. Conclusion: JPHY may improve the Th1/Th2 immune balance through its anti-inflammatory effects and promotion of IL-27-induced STAT1 phosphorylation, thereby alleviating fatigue in mice with liver cancer.
Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Writing Assistive Device for People With Brain Injury
Authors: Kuo Fen-Ling , Kuo Tien-Yu , Lee Yi-Shan , Wu Yi-Shien , Huang Shih-Wei , Lee Hsin-Chieh
Published: July 2024

Three-dimensional-printed assistive devices hold promise for improving writing abilities, yet factors influencing device selection and their impact on satisfaction and effectiveness remain unclear, especially in adults, as they are typically tested on children. The aim of this article is to assess the efficacy and satisfaction with a writing assistive device at different angles among individuals with brain injury and explore device selection factors. Twenty-six participants with brain injuries selected their preferred device angle. Writing speed, quality, and satisfaction were recorded. Immediate speed improvements were significant at 5° and 30° ( p = .006, .013, respectively). Satisfaction scores did not significantly differ among angles. Normotonia in elbow ( p < .001; odds ratio: 3.403) and wrist ( p ≤ .001; odds ratio: 2.695) muscles increased the likelihood of selecting the 5° device. Immediate speed improvements at specific angles highlight the influence of muscle normotonia on device selection, vital for tailored brain injury rehabilitation.
Community pharmacists’ comfort levels with and barriers to application of an expanded scope of practice in Québec
Authors: Rouleau Léonie , Prince-Duthel Léa , Vanier Marie-Claude , Dugré Nicolas , Maheu Anne , Guénette Line
Published: July 2024

Background:

In recent years, community pharmacists have seen their profession transition from a dispensing-focused role to a rapidly evolving clinically oriented practice. In Québec, Bill 31, adopted in 2020, increased the clinical opportunities for pharmacists with independent prescribing privileges in various defined clinical situations. As this expanded role can lead to different barriers, it is crucial to explore pharmacists’ comfort levels with implementing such changes in their practice.

Methods:

A web-based survey was conducted from March 25 to May 28, 2021, among community pharmacists in Québec. We collected data with a questionnaire developed for this study. Questions were grouped into 4 domains: (1) characteristics of the respondents; (2) workload and work setting; (3) comfort level with, and barriers to, adjusting medications and following up pharmacologic treatments (86 clinical situations evaluated); and (4) general barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Results:

A total of 146 community pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Most were women (71.9%), younger than 50 years of age (86.2%), had a bachelor’s degree (64.4%) as their highest academic level and had more than 10 years of experience as pharmacists (56.8%). Most of them worked exclusively in a community pharmacy (86.3%). Among the 86 clinical situations evaluated, there were 16 in which at least 80% of respondents felt comfortable. The main barriers identified were a lack of knowledge, experience and dedicated time and difficulties integrating these activities into the workflow; facilitators were having an adequate environment and resources.

Conclusion:

This study shows community pharmacists can confidently adjust pharmacotherapy for several conditions. However, they must have adequate time and resources. Also, the more complex the clinical situations were, the less comfortable community pharmacists felt adjusting pharmacotherapy. This study identified several areas where continuing education, training and mentoring could be offered and where the work environment and organization could be improved.
We need to talk about Jus ad vim
Authors: Le Anh
Published: July 2024

This Review Essay looks at the two recent book-length publications on the emerging topic of Jus ad vim − justice of limited force: Brunstetter’s Just and Unjust Uses of Limited Force: A Moral Argument with Contemporary Illustrations (2021), and Braun’s Limited Force and the Fight for the Just War Tradition (2023). I argue that although both authors offer insightful and original contributions to the debate surrounding the ethics of limited force, their theorisation of jus ad vim provides the moral backing to military actions conducted by powerful Western states, rather than scrutinising them. Importantly, moreover, the project of jus ad vim, theorised in this manner, follows the Western conceptualisation of just war theory which has historically been used to further the interests of Western states at the expense of weaker nations.
Modeling Glucose, Insulin, C-Peptide, and Lactate Interplay in Adolescents During an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Authors: Bonet Jacopo , Barbieri Emiliano , Santoro Nicola , Dalla Man Chiara
Published: July 2024

Background:

Lactate is not considered just a “waste product” of anaerobic glycolysis anymore. It has been proved to play a key role in several metabolic diseases, such as in the metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease, obesity, and diabetes. The capability of simulating glucose-insulin-lactate interaction would be useful to design and test drugs targeting lactate metabolism in such pathological conditions. Minimal models are available, which describe and quantify glucose-lactate interaction but models to simulate postprandial glucose-insulin-C-peptide-lactate time courses are missing. The aim of this study is to fill this gap.

Methods:

Starting from the Padova Type 2 Diabetes Simulator (T2DS), we first added a description of glucose-lactate kinetics and then created a population of 100 in silico subjects to match glucose-insulin-C-peptide-lactate data of 44 adolescents with/without obesity who underwent a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) of 75 g.

Results:

The developed model accurately predicts all molecules time courses, guaranteeing precise model parameter estimates (percent coefficient of variation [CV%] median [25th-75th percentile] = 19 [9-29]%). The generated in silico population shows good agreement with the clinical data in terms of area under the curve (AUC) ( P = .6, .6, .9, .6 for glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and lactate, respectively) and parameter distributions ( P > .1).

Conclusions:

We have developed a simulator to describe glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and lactate kinetics during an OGTT, which captures the behavior of a real population of adolescents with/without obesity both in terms of average and intersubject variability. Such simulator can be used to investigate the pharmacodynamics of drugs targeting lactate metabolic pathway in various pathological conditions.
Organizational Silence and Organizational Commitment: Empirical Evidence from the Greek Public Sector
Authors: Efthymiopoulos Andreas , Goula Aspasia , Psychogios Alexandros
Published: July 2024

Organizations perform better and have less employee turnover when the latter voice their suggestions and concerns. This study explores how organizational silence factors affect organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Given the limited related empirical evidence, this study investigated a randomly selected sample of 205 participants currently employed in a Greek public organization. To collect data, a structured questionnaire was used and multiple linear regression analysis was implemented to test hypotheses. Results showed the existence of the silence climate that leaded to employees’ silence behavior and negatively affected all dimensions of organizational commitment and job satisfaction. This study may help public entities’ management, especially in cases of countries with bureaucratic inefficiencies in the public administration, in order to successfully implement structural changes enhancing communication channels reducing thus silence and increase employee commitment and satisfaction.
Benevolent Sexism Predicts Gender Differences in the Distribution of Challenging Developmental Experiences at School
Authors: Chisango Tadios , Mhlanga Songile , Linjesa Latih
Published: July 2024

Existing research converges on the finding that females are attributed less agency than males, with one of the consequences being that they are allotted less challenging tasks than their male counterparts. We hypothesized that benevolent sexism accounts for this tendency. Hence, we predicted that parents advocate for the allotment of less challenging tasks to girls than to boys at school as a function of their endorsement of benevolent sexism. We tested for the effect using a sample of 153 Zimbabwean parents (103 female and 50 male; mean age of 34 years, SD = 3.23), whose female child was beginning form one. However, we also tested for other “control” variables—parents’ gender and their female child’s performance. Results indicated that benevolent sexism and the female child’s grade at grade 7 predicted the difference in scale of allotment of challenging tasks to boys versus girls. Taken together, these results suggest that benevolent sexism is the underlying sexist ideology that may limit girls’ exposure to challenging tasks and subjects at school, which may limit their chances of success and leadership later in their educational trajectories, and also in the occupations they would take in adulthood. Recommendations for changes in educational policy and related interventions are made in line with the present findings and existing literature.
The effects of hamstring stretching exercises on pain intensity and function in low back pain patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gou Yanyun , Lei Huangwei , Chen Xiang , Wang Xiangbin
Published: July 2024

Objectives:

This meta-analysis aims to synthesize the available data on the effectiveness of hamstring stretching exercises in relieving pain intensity and improving function for patients with low back pain.

Methods:

Google Scholars, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, MEDLINE, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP were searched from inception to August 2023. We included randomized controlled trials that investigated the effectiveness of hamstring stretching exercises in patients with low back pain. The primary outcomes assessed were pain intensity, hamstring muscle flexibility, and function. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias were performed independently by two reviewers.

Results:

Our searches retrieved 344 trials, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria for this review ( n = 735 participants). The combined meta-analysis showed hamstring stretching resulted in lower pain scores (standardized mean difference = −0.72, 95% confidence interval: −1.35 to −0.09; I2 = 89%, p = 0.03) in different categories of low back pain. Subgroup analysis showed that hamstring stretching led to a larger range of motion for cases of back pain with radiating pain (standardized mean difference = 2.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.76 to 3.02; I2 = 0%, p < 0.001). The combined meta-analysis revealed that hamstring stretching resulted in lower Oswestry Disability Index scores in comparison to regular treatment, particularly in individuals suffering from low back pain across all subtypes (mean difference = −6.97, 95% confidence interval: −13.34 to −0.60; I2 = 95%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of hamstring stretching exercises in reducing pain intensity in various categories of low back pain and improving the straight leg raise in patients experiencing back pain with radiating pain. Additionally, it highlights the improvement in function for patients with back pain across all subtypes.
Magnitude and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among war-affected internally displaced people in northwest Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Tadesse Gebresilassie , Yitayih Sewbesew , Gashaw Fanuel , Fentahun Setegn , Amare Agegnehu , Kibralew Getasew , Amare Zeleke Tadele
Published: July 2024

Background:

A large number of people are often directly involved in armed conflict and, therefore, are at greater risk of developing a wide range of mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite this, few have been reported about it in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia.

Objective:

This study was carried out to assess the magnitude and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among war-affected internally displaced people in northwest Ethiopia, 2022.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study design was conducted from May 23 to June 22, 2022, and simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 412 participants. Data were collected by structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. The post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition with extended criteria-A was used to assess post-traumatic stress disorder. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Results:

A total of 412 participants were interviewed with the response rate of 100%. The mean age of the respondents was 34.7 (±10.9) years. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was found to be 60.98% (95% CI: 56.1%, 65.5%) with an estimated prevalence of 23.5% and 76.5% among males and females, respectively. In multivariable analysis, female sex (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.48, 3.86), having depression (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.78, 4.60), family history of mental illness (AOR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.43, 9.42), and poor social support (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.74, 7.47) were factors significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder at p-value < 0.05.

Conclusion and recommendation:

Based on this study, at least 6 out of 10 war-affected populations have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. Especially females, those who had depression, family history of mental illness, and poor social support, were more vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, it is recommended to do on-site screening and provide treatment for all displaced populations suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder by giving special concern for females, individuals having depression, poor social support, and family history of mental illness.
Evidence-based intrapartum care practice and associated factors among obstetrics workers in Ethiopia, systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Figa Zerihun , Zemeskel Addisu Getinet , Alemu Asrat , Abebe Mesfin
Published: July 2024

Background:

Evidence-based practice is defined as using the best available research and clinical evidence by incorporating patients’ values and preferences for their health needs. The use of evidence-based intrapartum care practices is an essential tool to improve the quality of obstetrics care.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of evidence-based intrapartum care and associated factors among obstetrics care providers in Ethiopia.

Method:

Important articles were retrieved from universally accepted and used databases, including Cochran, PubMed, HINARI, Google Scholar, Web of Science, African OnLine, and repositories of Ethiopian Universities. We extracted articles by using a standard JOANNA Briggs Institute data extraction sheet. To determine the existence of heterogeneity in studies, I2 statistics and Cochran Q tests were used. The publication bias of the included studies was checked using Egger’s test and a Funnel plot.

Result:

A total of 2035 obstetrics care providers were involved in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The estimated overall rate of evidence-based intrapartum care practice in Ethiopia was 54.45% (95% CI: 43.06, 65.83); I2 = 96.6%, p < 0.001). The studies with a sample size greater than 300 count for 47.25% (95% CI: 36.14, 65.83). Whereas obstetrics care providers have a decent knowledge of intrapartum care evidence 3.31 times, a positive attitude toward evidence 3.34 times, training 2.21 times, and work experience ⩾5 years 3.31 times associated with the practice of evidence-based intrapartum care.

Conclusion:

The overall practice of evidence-based intrapartum care among obstetrics workers in Ethiopia is estimated to be low. Therefore, there should be a focused effort on training and disseminating protocols and guidelines to enhance knowledge and foster a positive attitude among obstetrics care providers. Additionally, the Ethiopian government should prioritize the implementation of the 2021 to 2025 National Health Equity Strategic Plan to achieve its objective of improving the quality of health services.
A Parallel Mediation Study of Hospitality Employee’s Innovative Work Behavior and Proactivity Using Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Lasisi Taiwo Temitope , Enea Constanta , Eluwole Kayode Kolawole , Egeli Serdar
Published: July 2024

Innovativeness is becoming increasingly significant in driving organizational competitiveness and relevance; however, studies advancing the impact of innovation-based human resource management are sparse. In this study, we examine the relationship between innovation-based human resource system (IBHRS), employee proactivity, innovative work behavior, and employee performance, as well as the individual and parallel mediating role of both employee proactivity and innovative work behavior on the relationship between IBHRS and employee performance. Empirical results based on data collected from 247 dyads of passenger-contact employees and their managers in Nigerian airports indicate that IBRHS positively affects employee proactivity and innovative work behavior. In addition, we found that employee proactivity and innovative work behavior fully mediate the relationship, and the significant difference in the mediating effects suggests that innovative work behavior is a more significant mediator of the two. Theoretical contributions and practical implications were discussed based on these findings.
Dermatomyositis Associated With High-Grade B-Lymphoproliferative Disorders: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ng Jun Yen , Mokoonlall Mridula , Kawatu Hana , Ayyalil Fathima , Perera Chandima , Morey Adrienne , Pati Nalini K.
Published: July 2024

Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis are idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), most associated with solid organ malignancies, and less commonly hematological malignancies. We discuss a case of DM associated with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, followed by a review of literature on the pathogenesis, clinical course, treatment, and prognosis. Various challenges with the diagnosis and management of underlying lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) in patients with IIM are discussed. The case demonstrates the importance of being vigilant of the association between IIM and LPD. Cancer screening in patients with IIM is discussed, including the recently published International Guideline for IIM-Associated Cancer Screening. More research is required to address knowledge gaps in cancer screening in IIM.
A meta-Ethnography on Parents’ Experiences of the Internet As a Source of Health Information
Authors: Strand Thale , Westergren Thomas
Published: July 2024

The Internet is increasingly being used as a health information resource. This meta-ethnography aimed to synthesize the literature on how parents of children aged below 5 years’ experienced using the Internet for health information purposes. We employed an interpretive meta-synthesis approach—meta-ethnography—according to Noblit & Hare’s seven phases. A total of 22 articles met the inclusion criteria, representing four continents and with 650 participants, mainly mothers. We analysed and synthesized the primary studies into the following lines-of-argument synthesis representing a novel conceptual understanding of the phenomenon: Parents experience the Internet as “A cyber partner for child caring” being a 24/7 available “go-to” among other confined sources. Parents find ways of “patching together” trustworthy information in solicitude for their child’s health while navigating between trust and anxiety. They relate online and share their experiences and secrets without being rejected. Clinicians and parents may benefit from “partnering” with this resource.
Implicit Nationalism: The Missing Link in the Study of Nationalist Attitudes?
Authors: Olsson Filip
Published: July 2024

By combining research on banal and unconscious nationalism with cognitive psychology, this article outlines a novel framework for so-called “implicit nationalism.” In the first part of the article, I detail how different events, symbols, and discourses affect nationalist attitudes and sentiments beyond conscious awareness and control. I argue that certain events and symbols affect implicit—but not necessarily explicit—nationalism by changing the accessibility of implicit nationalist associations. In the second part of the article, I use this framework to analyze the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The study consists of a natural experiment, including respondents from Germany, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. Winning the World Cup increased implicit nationalism in Germany, and losing decreased implicit nationalism in Brazil and the United Kingdom. Importantly, winning and losing had no corresponding effect on explicit nationalism in any country. The article concludes by discussing the implications for research on nationalism and implicit cognitions.
Recentralization, reconfiguration, and re-marketization in China’s city-region-building: Multi-relational rescaling in Jiangbei state-level new area
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhang Jingxiang , Chen Hao
Published: July 2024

This paper unravels the new multi-relational rescaling of state-level new areas (SNAs) in China’s up-to-date city-region-building. These nationwide SNAs have created an unimpeded governance pathway among multi-level governments and multi-scalar localities. As proofed by our empirical study on the establishment history of Jiangbei SNA, this new pathway has consolidated the re-centralization, reconfiguration, and re-marketization tools that can be adopted as comprehensive governance approaches by the state to resolve the long-term dilemma in city-regional governance since the incremental development in the 1990s characterized by frequent failure on administrative intervention, ungrounded regional strategies, and disordered inter-city competitions. Furthermore, the successful practice at Jiangbei SNA can function as a positive reference for developing China’s city-regions towards a region-in-becoming so that national initiatives in city-region-building can be dynamically adjusted accordingly.
On Hindsight: Intersections of Heritage and COVID-19 in the Philippines Pandemic Experience
Authors: Zerrudo Eric Babar
Published: July 2024

The centenary cycle of pandemics has produced structural and systemic changes in society. The pandemics of cholera (1820s) and Spanish flu (1920s) forcibly adjusted policies and practices in medicine, health, nutrition, aesthetics, architecture and town planning. When the COVID-19 (2020) pandemic impacted the Philippines with lockdowns and quarantines, Filipinos were socially straightjacketed, but they creatively evolved the ways of survival. This study introduced a mapping matrix that wove heritage attributes into the cycle of a pandemic. Documenting COVID-19 coping narratives in social media, the objective was to plot the intersections of heritage taxonomy (natural, built, intangible and movable) against Shah’s (2016, Pandemic: Tracking contangions from cholera to Ebola and beyond) cycle of pandemic (origin, transmission, condition, community, management, scapegoat, cure and recurrence). With the stringent physical limitations imposed by the government, data were generated for 2020–2021 through social media accounts, personal observations and mobile phone conversations. This contextualization captured compelling heritage case studies on survival and resilience mechanisms that emerged across the country. On hindsight, the pandemic was a dramatic rupture in the Philippine society that innovated heritage-based programmes of sustainability and revived Filipino values of nobleness and humanity.
A Comparison of Demographic Diversity Between Orthopaedic Surgery Residents and ACGME Foot and Ankle Fellows From 2007 to 2022
Authors: Joshi Aditya , Kim Andrew , Hsu Nigel , Aiyer Amiethab , Thompson John M.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Academic medicine emphasizes the need to recruit a diverse workforce in graduate medical education. Orthopaedic surgery residency has demonstrated efforts to model program compositions with evolving US demographics. However, it remains unclear whether orthopaedic fellowships, particularly foot and ankle, also reflect these efforts.

Methods:

Using the publicly available Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Data Resource Book, a census of the gender and racial/ethnic identities of orthopaedic foot and ankle fellows, as well as active orthopaedic surgery residents, were compiled from 2007 to 2022. Linear trend analysis was conducted to evaluate the trends of orthopaedic residents and foot and ankle fellows, with a Pearson correlation for comparison.

Results:

Prior analysis demonstrated no significant change in sex and ethnic diversity of fellows from 2006 to 2015. The majority of foot and ankle fellows were White (31%-69%) and male (63%-88%). Linear analysis demonstrated growing diversity in female and non-White active orthopaedic surgery residents. Similarly, there was an increasing number of female foot and ankle fellows (0%-38%) reflective of the trend in orthopaedic residency (12%-20%); however, there was no significant change among racial/ethnic identities. Pearson correlation analysis between the trend of orthopaedic residency residents and foot and ankle fellows suggests moderate correlation among female, Asian, and “Unknown” racial/ethnic categories.

Conclusion:

The proportion of foot and ankle female fellows in ACGME-accredited fellowships has matched or exceeded the percentage of female orthopaedic residents. Despite increased diversity of orthopaedic surgery residents over the past 2 decades, ACGME-accredited foot and ankle fellowships do not yet reflect similar trends among racial/ethnic minorities.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Large-scale building damage assessment based on recurrent neural networks using SAR coherence time series: A case study of 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake
Authors: Yang Yanchen , Xie Chou , Tian Bangsen , Guo Yihong , Zhu Yu , Yang Ying , Fang Haoran , Bian Shuaichen , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2024

The Turkey–Syria earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, have caused significant human casualties and economic damage. Emergency services require quick and accurate assessments of widespread building damage in affected areas. This can be facilitated by using remote sensing methods, specifically all-day and all-weather Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). In this study, we aimed to improve the detection of building anomalies in earthquake-affected areas using SAR images. To achieve this, we employed Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) to train coherence time series and predict co-seismic coherence. This approach allowed us to generate a Damage Proxy Map (DPM) for building damage assessment. The results of our study indicated that the estimated proportion of building damage in Kahramanmaras was approximately 24.08%. These findings were consistent with the actual damage observed in the field. Moreover, when utilizing the mean and standard deviation of coherence time series, our method achieved higher accuracy (0.761) and a lower false alarm rate (0.136) compared to directly using coherence with only two views of SAR data. Overall, our study demonstrates that this method provides an accurate and reliable approach for post-earthquake building damage assessment.