bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Multidisciplinary Programs for Abdominal Pain-Related Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction
Authors: Rodrigo Minna , Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Chiappini Erika A. , Brown Melanie L. , Wicker Velez Sofia , Kutty Shaija
Published: February 2025

Abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) are common and challenging conditions affecting many children and adolescents. Multidisciplinary programs represent one promising approach to these complex disorders. However, the composition of these programs and the therapies offered is unknown. We sought to better understand characteristics of these multidisciplinary programs. A survey was taken of pediatric gastroenterologists in the United States who practice in multidisciplinary DGBI programs to determine the characteristics of currently available programs. Fourteen pediatric gastroenterologists reported caring for children with DGBI in multidisciplinary programs distributed across all regions of the United States. The number of disciplines varied from 2 to 5, with the most common aside from pediatric gastroenterologists being dietitians (in 79% of programs) and behavioral psychologists (57%). The least common included physical therapists (14%). The number of therapies offered varied from 2 to 10 and included pharmacologic therapy (100%), dietary therapy (93%), and psychotherapy (86%), among others. The number of patients seen per clinic session varied (range: <3 to 6) across programs, and 6 programs (43%) assessed outcomes using validated questionnaires. Future studies may evaluate patient outcomes to identify an ideal pediatric DGBI multidisciplinary approach (eg, program composition and therapies offered).
Understanding of a healthy diet in relation to current guidelines: A case study of UK university students
Authors: Aydin Nuray
Published: February 2025

Objective:

The aim of this research was to investigate how students at a UK University lead a healthy lifestyle, what they understand as healthy food, and how both of these relate to national guidelines.

Design:

A qualitative study adopting a phenomenological approach. Interviews were used to enable a nuanced exploration of students’ perceptions of a healthy diet.

Setting:

The study was conducted with the participation of 15 students, aged between 22 and 42 years old, enrolled at a university in London.

Methods:

Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyse the interview findings within context. The duration of the interviews ranged from 35 to 45 minutes, contingent upon respondents’ motivation to answer the questions.

Results:

Students possessed a good awareness of the requirements of a healthy diet. However, challenges to adhering to such a diet stemmed from financial constraints, the limited availability of healthy food options, and a lack of variety in choices. It is widely agreed that these issues significantly overshadow other considerations. Moreover, there was a prevailing sentiment of distrust towards national dietary guidelines, with students seeing them as incompatible with their budgetary constraints.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, there appears to be good awareness among students regarding healthy food choices reflecting a shift that has gone largely unnoticed in previous research and may be more widespread than previously thought. A variety of economic and social factors influenced students’ food choices and their ability to consume a healthy diet.
Death Doulas’ Experiences With and Perspectives on Unusual End-Of-Life Phenomena
Authors: Claxton-Oldfield Stephen , de Ste-Croix Killoran Madeleine
Published: February 2025

Twenty-six death doulas completed an online survey about their experiences with and beliefs about unusual end-of-life phenomena (EOLP). Consistent with the results of previous studies involving people who work with the dying (i.e., doctors, nurses, hospice palliative care volunteers, nursing home staff) death doulas had commonly observed or been told about various EOLP in their work supporting people through the dying process. Deathbed visions were the most witnessed and reported EOLP. Death doulas indicated that they were comfortable talking about EOLP with their clients and clients’ families and most or almost all endorsed spiritual or transpersonal explanations for EOLP over scientific or medical ones. Death doulas have an important role to play in normalizing, validating, and educating their clients and clients’ families about EOLP.
Efficient fabrication of polyamide–quartz wrapped yarns with enhanced wear resistance and mechanical properties
Authors: Li Qingyang , Zhang Wenlu , Chen Yunna , Li Wenbin
Published: February 2025

The high brittleness of ceramic fibers represents a significant bottleneck that restricts the performance of these materials. In this study, to improve the performance of quartz yarn, high wear resistance polyamide–quartz wrapped hybrid yarns were prepared using a hollow-spindle spinning process, with polyamide filaments as the outer layer. The influence of the wrapped structure and wrapping density on the wear resistance and tensile properties of the hybrid yarn were studied in detail. Compared with the single-wrapped structure, an X-type double-wrapped structure, with opposing twist directions, significantly reduced friction damage to the quartz core yarn. When the wrapping density for both single- and double-wrapped yarns was set to 400 twists/m, the tensile properties of the polyamide–quartz wrapped yarns reached optimal performance, with the breaking load of the hybrid yarn increased by 14.57% and 11.80%, respectively, compared with the quartz yarn. These aforementioned polyamide–quartz hybrid yarns, when utilized to produce high wear-requiring materials, such as specialized sewing threads, exhibit excellent wear and break resistance, significantly broadening the application possibilities for quartz yarns.
School Violence Is More Than Physical: The Association Between Intersecting Identities and Perceptions of School Climate
Authors: Mack Michayla D. , King Sanna , May David C.
Published: February 2025

This study examines middle and high school students’ perceptions of school climate using an intersectional theoretical framework. Participants include 812 middle and high school students across the United States. Using exploratory factor analysis, we created indexes to regress perceptions of school climate across four subscales on variables known to impact school climate. Our intersectional analysis highlights how students’ various identities beyond sex and race impact school experiences and perceptions of school climate. Findings suggest that students diagnosed by a mental health professional, students placed in special education, and students that have been suspended and/or expelled are more likely to perceive their school climate as unfavorable across the school climate subscales and school-to-prison pipeline demographic variables. The inclusion of demographic variables in our analysis like grade, ability, and sexual orientation suggest students’ school experiences and perceptions of school climate vary immensely thus providing important implications for researchers, school administrators and policymakers.
Measuring the quality of patient-provider relationships in serious illness: A scoping review
Authors: Wassef Karen , Ma Kristine , Durieux Brigitte N , Brown Tyler L , Paladino Joanna , Thorne Sally , Sanders Justin J
Published: February 2025

Background:

People affected by serious illness face several threats to their well-being: physical symptoms, psychological distress, disrupted social relations, and spiritual/existential crises. Relationships with clinicians provide a form of structured support that promotes shared decision-making and adaptive stress coping. Measuring relationship quality may improve quality assessment and patient care outcomes. However, researchers and those promoting quality improvement lack clear guidance on measuring this.

Aim:

To identify and assess items from valid measures of patient-provider relationship quality in serious illness settings for guiding quality assessment.

Design:

Scoping review.

Data sources:

We identified peer-reviewed, English-language articles published from 1990 to 2023 in CINAHL, Embase, and PubMed. Eligible articles described the validation of measures assessing healthcare experiences of patient populations characterized by serious illness. We used Clarke et al.’s theory of relationship quality to assess relationship-focused items.

Results:

From 3868 screened articles, we identified 101 publications describing 47 valid measures used in serious illness settings. Measures assessed patients and other caregivers. We determined that 597 of 2238 items (26.7%) related to relationships. Most measures ( n = 46) included items related to engaging the patient as a whole person. Measures evaluated how providers promote information exchange ( n = 35), foster therapeutic alliance ( n = 35), recognize and respond to emotion ( n = 27), and include patients in care-related decisions ( n = 23). Few instruments ( n = 9) assessed patient self-management and navigation.

Conclusions:

Measures include items that assess patient-provider relationship quality in serious illness settings. Researchers may consider these for evaluating and improving relationship quality, a patient-centered care and research outcome.
Progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice and neutrophil-mediated blood-brain barrier dysfunction requires non-muscle myosin light chain kinase
Authors: Beard Richard S , Hoettels Brian A , McAllister Jessica M , Meegan Jamie E , Wertz Travis S , Self Desiree A , Hrkach Dylan E , Greiner Daniel , Chapman Kristina , Villalba Nuria , Yang Xiaoyuan , Cha Byeong J , Jorcyk Cheryl L , Oxford Julia T , Wu Mack H , Yuan Sarah Y
Published: February 2025

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction occurs in numerous central nervous system disorders. Unfortunately, a limited understanding of the mechanisms governing barrier function hinders the identification and assessment of BBB-targeted therapies. Previously, we found that non-muscle myosin light chain kinase (nmMLCK) negatively regulates the tight junction protein claudin-5 in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) under inflammatory conditions. Here, we used complementary animal and primary cell co-culture models to further investigate nmMLCK and claudin-5 during neuroinflammation. We found that nmMLCK-knockout mice resisted experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), including paralysis, demyelination, neutrophil infiltration, and BBB dysfunction. However, transiently silencing claudin-5 culminated in a fulminant disease course. In parallel, we found that neutrophil-secreted factors triggered a biphasic loss in the barrier quality of wild-type BMVEC monolayers, plus pronounced neutrophil migration during the second phase. Conversely, nmMLCK-knockout monolayers resisted barrier dysfunction and neutrophil migration. Lastly, we found an inverse relationship between claudin-5 expression in BMVECs and neutrophil migration. Overall, our findings support a pathogenic role for nmMLCK in BMVECs during EAE that includes BBB dysfunction and neutrophil infiltration, reveal that claudin-5 contributes to the immune barrier properties of BMVECs, and underscore the harmful effects of claudin-5 loss during neuroinflammation.
Asynchronous multi-agent deep reinforcement learning under partial observability
Authors: Xiao Yuchen , Tan Weihao , Hoffman Joshua , Xia Tian , Amato Christopher
Published: February 2025

The state-of-the-art multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) methods provide promising solutions to a variety of complex problems. Yet, these methods all assume that agents perform primitive actions in a synchronized manner, making them impractical for long-horizon real-world multi-robot tasks that inherently require robots to asynchronously reason about action selection at varying time durations. To solve this problem, we first propose a group of value-based cooperative MARL approaches for asynchronous execution using temporally extended macro-actions. Here, agents perform asynchronous learning and decision-making with macro-action-value functions in three paradigms: decentralized learning and control, centralized learning and control, and centralized training for decentralized execution (CTDE). Building on the above work, we formulate a set of macro-action-based policy gradient algorithms under the three training paradigms, where agents directly optimize their parameterized policies in an asynchronous manner. We evaluate our methods both in simulation and on real robots over a variety of realistic domains. Empirical results demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithms for learning high-quality and asynchronous solutions with macro-actions in large multi-agent problems that were previously unsolvable via primitive-action-based approaches. The proposed approaches represent the first general MARL methods for temporally extended actions and serve as the foundation for future methods in the area.
Selection of rectal cancer patients for organ preservation after neoadjuvant therapy: value of T2W-MRI signal intensity
Authors: van der Reijd Denise J , Ou Xinde , Dijkhoff Rebecca AP , Drago Silvia G , Tissier Renaud , van Griethuysen Joost JM , Lambregts Doenja MJ , Bakers Frans CH , Houwers Janneke B , Beets-Tan Regina GH , Maas Monique
Published: February 2025

Background

Organ preservation strategies have been widely implemented for rectal cancer (RC) patients with a good response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). However, to accurately select eligible patients remains one of the key diagnostic challenges.

Purpose

To identify eligible candidates for organ preservation after nCRT in RC, by identifying luminal response and lymph node metastases, based on T2W-MRI signal intensities.

Material and Methods

A total of 171 RC patients underwent MRI before and after nCRT. The primary tumor (pre-nCRT-MRI) and tumor remnant (post-nCRT-MRI) were manually delineated. Ten signal intensity features were extracted and delta features were calculated by subtraction. Histopathological evaluation classified patients as lymph node negative (ypN0) or positive (ypN+), and as good responders (GR) or partial/poor responders (PR). Five models were constructed based on the timing of imaging.

Results

42/170 (25%) patients had ypN+, and 72/152 (47%) patients were considered GR. Univariate analysis showed 13/40 signal intensity features were significantly different between luminal response groups and 4/40 between nodal response groups. In multivariate analysis, the Baseline + Restaging-model yielded the best results for both luminal and nodal response with AUCs in the test set of 0.81 (95% CI=0.67–0.95) and 0.74 (95% CI=0.59–0.90), respectively. To identify PR, the Delta-model yielded an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI=0.56–0.89) and the Delta + Restaging-model an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI=0.67–0.95), both were not able to differentiate nodal response. The models including solely baseline or restaging features were not predictive.

Conclusion

T2W-MRI signal intensities of the primary rectal tumor are related to the luminal and nodal response after nCRT and hold promise to identify patients eligible for organ preservation.
Minimally invasive lateral, posterior, and posterolateral sacroiliac joint fusion for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Kai , Li Ya-Ling , Xiao Song-Hua , Pan Yong-Wei
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of minimally invasive lateral, posterior, and posterolateral sacroiliac joint fusion for low back pain through a meta-analysis.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were comprehensively searched for studies up to 31 August 2024. Relevant studies using lateral, posterior, and posterolateral approaches were identified. Pooled outcomes and publication bias were assessed. The study was registered with PROSPERO (registration No. CRD42023451047)

Results

A total of 48 studies were included: 32 focused on the lateral approach, 10 on the posterior approach, four on the posterolateral approach, and two compared the lateral and posterolateral approaches. The pooled effect analysis showed statistically significant improvements in the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for all three approaches at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Although no between-approach comparisons were conducted, the pooled improvements in VAS scores at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were numerically similar across all three approaches, as were the pooled fusion rates. The pooled complication rate for the lateral approach was 9.2%, numerically higher than 1% for the posterior approach. The pooled revision rate for the lateral approach was 2.4%, also numerically higher than 0.6% for the posterior approach.

Conclusions

Although pain relief and fusion rates were similar across all approaches, the lateral approach might be associated with a higher risk of total complications and revision surgery.
Curiosity and Skepticism
Authors: Brandston Howard
Published: February 2025

In his new book, the author argues that these traits are the hallmark of great design
Forces of Change: Crossing the Line: When Suppliers Become Competitors
Authors: Lien Mark
Published: February 2025

The shift toward combined lamp and fixture companies is complete, as the old line separating these manufacturers has been permanently erased. Whether that's a good thing remains to be seen
Structural optimization design of working table of direct-drive machine tool based on a dragonfly wing structure
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Yu Aibing , Zhu Lizhi , Wang Zilong , Liu Yongrong
Published: February 2025

To improve the stiffness and to realize the lightweight of the working table of the direct-drive machine tool, the similarity between the working table and wing structure is analyzed. The structural characteristics of the wing membrane and veins are used as the design guidelines for the bionic design of the ribbed plate structure of the working table. A new bionic wing working table is finally obtained. The static properties of the common table, the bionic leaf table, and the bionic wing table are compared with finite element simulation. A 3D printer is used to fabricate an equally scaled-down model of the working table, and the reliability of the simulation results is verified through static load experiments. Deformation morphology and stiffness-strengthening mechanisms of three types of working tables are studied through methods combining compression experiments and FEM analysis. The research results show that the bionic wing table has the most decrease in static deformation among the three tables with similar masses. Compared to the common table, the maximum deformation of the bionic wing table is reduced by 25.6% and the average deformation is reduced by 21.9%. The compressive strength of the bionic wing table is significantly higher than that of the common and bionic leaf tables. The integrated design of the transverse partition with an imitation wing membrane design and the stiffener with an imitation wing vein design can improve the torsional stiffness of the stiffener. The deformation of the stiffener is mainly compression, and compressive S-type curves with two half-waves symmetrically centered on the transverse partition are created. The layout of the bionic rib plate based on the structural features of the wing can effectively improve the strength and stiffness of the working table of the direct-drive machine tool. The working table has a uniform distribution of deformation to guarantee high machining accuracy of the machine tool.
Finite element analysis and fatigue life prediction of tunnel boring machine cutter head
Authors: He Wenbin , Jiang Zhiwen , Ming Wuyi , Jia Lianhui
Published: February 2025

The cutter head, a pivotal component of the tunnel boring machine (TBM), endures high-risk working conditions involving high temperature, pressure, and hardness. The intricacy and variability of working conditions give rise to high torque, substantial thrust, and stochastic impact loads, ultimately leading to the damage and failure of the cutter head. In this paper, the mechanical and fatigue properties of the 8 -meter-class spoke-web composite cutter head have been investigated through the finite element method (FEM) more academically. Specifically, this article explores the typical working conditions (full load, eccentric load, and extreme condition) and different geologies (soft soil, composite formation, and hard rock) that the cutter head encounters. The findings demonstrate that under extreme working conditions, the cutter head experiences a maximum equivalent stress of 250.76 MPa. Additionally, the maximum displacement of 4.83 mm occurs on the outer ring when subjected to a one-half eccentric load. Concisely, the FEA validates the cutter head’s structural rationality in stiffness and strength. Furthermore, a fatigue durability analysis of the cutter head structure was conducted using nCode DesignLife based on the stress method, determining its fatigue life range to be between 6.857E+4 and 1.253E+7 cycles, with an error not exceeding 20% compared to the theoretical fatigue life. This research provides valuable insights for the structural design and fatigue life studies of cutter heads for TBMs.
Serum CXCL-13 levels are associated with active neurological involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yildirim Derya , Erden Abdulsamet , Fanouriakis Antonis , Koc Kanik Handenur , Babaoglu Hakan , Kardas Riza Can , Kaya Burcugul , Vasi Ibrahim , Duran Rahime , Karadeniz Hazan , Kucuk Hamit , Goker Berna , Ozturk Mehmet Akif , Tufan Abdurrahman
Published: February 2025

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with diverse systemic manifestations, including neuropsychiatric involvement (NPSLE), which can vary in severity and prognosis. Diagnosing NPSLE remains challenging, necessitating reliable diagnostic markers. CXCL13, a B-cell chemokine implicated in SLE, has garnered attention for its potential role in NPSLE.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess serum CXCL-13 levels in NPSLE patients compared to SLE patients without neuropsychiatric symptoms and healthy controls.

Research Design: All study groups were studied CXCL-13 levels from blood samples.

Study Sample: One hundred twenty-five participants were categorized into four groups: SLE patients with active NPSLE ( n = 6), SLE patients with inactive NPSLE ( n = 26), SLE patients without NPSLE ( n = 71), and healthy controls ( n = 22).

Data Collection and Analyses: Serum samples were collected at the time of enrollment and CXCL-13 levels were analysed by Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) method.

Results: Results indicated significantly elevated CXCL-13 levels in active NPSLE patients compared to other SLE patient groups and healthy controls ( p < 0.001 for all). Patients with SLE, including those with inactive NPSLE or no history of NPSLE, had statistically significantly higher serum CXCL-13 levels compared to the control group ( p < 0.001). Additionally, serum CXCL-13 levels positively correlated with disease activity assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).

Conclusion: This study underscores the association between serum CXCL-13 levels and neuropsychiatric involvement in SLE, as well as their correlation with disease activity. Moreover, previous research suggesting a link between CXCL-13 levels and clinical activity in SLE further supports its potential as a diagnostic marker for NPSLE. Nevertheless, further investigations are warranted to validate the utility of CXCL-13 as a diagnostic tool for NPSLE and its role in disease management.
Racism during clinical placement, the perpetrators, impact, advocating and reporting
Authors: Dafny Hila Ariela , Snaith Nicole , McCloud Christine , Waheed Nasreena , Cooper Paul , Champion Stephanie
Published: February 2025

Background: The experience of racism in healthcare is particularly challenging to address due to misunderstandings of the definition, the complex interplay of other potential discriminations and, at some level, the denial that it occurs. Limited studies have reported racism as an aspect of workplace violence toward nurses and nursing students from both patients and staff.

Research aims: To understand nursing students’ experience of unethical behaviour, including racism during clinical placement, the perpetrators, impacts, advocating and reporting.

Research design: An interpretive, qualitative design was used, and 15 nursing students were interviewed using semi-structured interview guides. The interview recordings were transcribed and thematically analysed.

Participants and research context: Nursing students voluntarily participated and completed the interviews for this study from one undergraduate nursing student cohort in metropolitan South Australia.

Ethical considerations: This study received ethical approval from the University Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee.

Findings/results: The two major themes with subthemes of the findings include (1) The multi-faceted student nurse experience of racism: sub themes – racism from patients to nurses, from nurses to nursing students’ and racism towards patients. (2) The pervasive influence and limited reporting of racism by nursing students: sub themes-feeling disempowered, and barriers to reporting racism.

Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the registered nurse students’ experience of racism in various forms within the clinical environment and the significant negative impact it has on RNS during placements. This evidence calls for systemic changes to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all RNS.
MT-GPD: A Multimodal Deep Transfer Learning Model Enhanced by Auxiliary Mechanisms for Cross-Domain Online Fake News Detection
Authors: Zhang Dongsong , Shan Guohou , Lee Minwoo , Zhou Lina , Fu Zhe
Published: February 2025

The proliferation of fake news, more recently multimodal fake news, poses a significant threat to individuals, organizations, and society. While online social media platforms have employed automated methods to combat fake news, they face two notable challenges: the scarcity of labeled data and the diversity of news domains. To enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of online platforms in mitigating the spread of fake news, this study proposes MT-GPD (multimodal deep transfer learning with gating network, model patch, and domain classifier) for cross-domain fake news detection. MT-GPD integrates three novel design artifacts as auxiliary mechanisms for enhancing multimodal deep transfer learning, including a gating network that captures the relative importance of textual and visual components of individual news articles for dynamic fusion; a customized model patch that balances detection performance and computational efficiency; and a domain classifier that adapts multimodal representations to a target news domain. We evaluate the performance of MT-GPD using news datasets spanning four different domains. The results demonstrate the efficacy and robustness of MT-GPD, providing strong evidence for the impacts of the proposed auxiliary mechanisms on improving fake news detection performance.
EXPRESS: Empirical Evidence about Payment Term Extensions in the Reverse Factoring Context
Authors: Wuttke David
Published: February 2025

Reverse factoring (RF) is a highly relevant form of supply chain finance. Whereas extant analytical studies indicate how RF should enable buyers to extend payment terms, sufficient empirical evidence is lacking. To hypothesize on payment term extensions, we study three motives—financing cost, fairness, and standardization. Our empirical evidence indicates the presence of all three. It extends former analytical work on RF adoption revolving around sthe financing cost motive only.
Concurrent Operant Assessments to Promote Engagement for Students With Escape-Motivated Interfering Behavior
Authors: Lloyd Blair P. , Crowell Gabrielle E. , Reilly Amber M. , Pollack Marney S. , Staubitz Johanna L.
Published: February 2025

Concurrent operant assessments (COAs) offer a flexible model for evaluating instructional preferences for students with persistent, escape-motivated interfering behavior. In this article, we define the critical features of COAs and review what types of questions they can address for classroom educators. We then identify and describe a series of steps for planning and conducting COAs with supporting examples. Finally, we discuss how results can be used to inform instruction and intervention.
Screw dynamics modeling of parallel robots and its hyperbolic convergence law sliding mode control strategy
Authors: Zhao Fengshuo , Zhong Yuguang , Zhang Zhengyu
Published: February 2025

This study introduces a method to establish the dynamic model of a parallel robot using screw theory and the d’Alembert-Lagrange equation. Based on this model, a robust sliding mode control strategy utilizing hyperbolic convergence laws is proposed. The d’Alembert-Lagrange equation and screw theory are employed to construct a concise dynamic equation for the parallel robot, making it more suitable for control applications. Additionally, a formula for directly calculating the inertial wrench is presented. To achieve precise control, a sliding mode control strategy with double hyperbolic convergence law is implemented to ensure chattering-free performance. A novel double hyperbolic convergence law disturbance observer is designed to estimate unmodeled dynamics and uncertain disturbances, enhancing the system’s robustness. The control strategy is validated through numerical simulations, demonstrating significant improvements in chattering-free performance, tracking accuracy, and tracking speed.
Epidemiology of Patients With Dance-Related Injuries Presenting to Medical Staff at Breaking Competitions in the United States, 2021-2023
Authors: Honrado Joshua , Lee Scott , Ngor Aaron , Lee TeeJay , Mandal Soutrik
Published: February 2025

Introduction: There is a dearth of dance-related injury epidemiology within the breaking competition setting. Breaking injury surveillance data has predominantly been collected retrospectively at healthcare facilities or through survey research. Methods: Medical staff were available at 6 breaking competitions between 2021 and 2023 to provide musculoskeletal care and triage. In addition to consent of treatment, participants provided their age, gender, and injured body area(s), symptom onset, and description. A total of 157 patient reports were obtained, de-identified, and utilized for comparative frequency and logistic regression analysis. Results: The most common body areas that breakers sought care for were: 39% (n = 61) shoulder, 32% (n = 51) neck, 32% (n = 50) lower back, and 25% (n = 40) upper back. The majority of injuries 61% (n = 95) occurred >3 months prior to competition. The most common descriptions of injury were: 57% (n = 89) tightness, 46% (n = 73) pain, and 33% (n = 52) soreness. Logistic regression analysis revealed that: older patients have higher odds of experiencing the issue during or before the competition ( P-value = .003); and that age was the only variable that was borderline statistically significant for hip injury ( P-value = .055). Conclusion: The highest frequency of dance-related injury within a breaking competition setting cohort was found to be in the shoulder, neck, and back. The highest frequency of injury description were tightness, pain, and soreness. There was a large frequency of chronic injuries that were seen, and older patients were found to have a higher odds of experiencing and seeking medical treatment for a chronic injury. Access to injury management services and education for the shoulder, neck, and back should be provided at breaking competitions to improve health outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level 4.
Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity in cats in veterinary hospitals in France during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Blanchard Tiphaine , Hoummady Sara , Rouch-Buck Pétra , Priymenko Nathalie
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The present study aimed to determine the evolution of the percentage of overweight and obese cats during the COVID-19 pandemic in France, and to identify factors associated with excess weight to inform the development of targeted prevention strategies.

Methods

Cat owners visiting the veterinary hospitals of Maisons-Alfort and Toulouse between 2020 and 2022 for their pets’ vaccinations were invited to answer a comprehensive questionnaire to gather general information about themselves and their cat, including details of its lifestyle, activity and diet. Only healthy adult cats were included in the study. During the vaccination consultation, veterinarians recorded the body condition score, muscle condition score and weight of each cat. This study followed a protocol adapted from a French study conducted in 2006 to allow analysis of any changes over time.

Results

Of the 274 cats included in the study, 9.1% were underweight, 43.4% had an ideal body condition and 47.5% were overweight. Factors positively linked to overweight included age, being crossbred, being a male and having an owner who underestimated the cat’s body condition. Living with a child and having a high activity score as rated by the owner were associated with ideal body condition. The prevalence of cats with a sedentary lifestyle and the number of overweight cats had both increased since the previous study in 2006. Additionally, changes in cats’ diets and lifestyles over time, including those influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to an increase in exclusive dry food consumption compared with the 2006 study.

Conclusions and relevance

Important changes in cats’ diet and lifestyle occurred between 2006 and 2020–2022. This study emphasises the need for further investigation into the duration of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on feline wellbeing. Educating owners on their cat’s body condition and encouraging cats to be active can be effective strategies for maintaining feline health in response to ongoing global changes.
The Influence of Shape and Duration of Excitation Pulse on the Reconstruction in Magnetoacoustic Tomography with Magnetic Induction
Authors: Zywica Adam Ryszard , Ziolkowski Marcin
Published: February 2025

The article is devoted to the investigation of the influence of the shape and duration of the excitation pulse on the quality of the reconstruction images in the inverse problem of Magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI). To solve this problem, the obtained reconstruction images were subjected to a binarization process, and their quality with respect to the original image was determined using Pearson's linear correlation coefficient (PCC) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) indicator. The reconstruction results for different shapes and durations of the excitation pulse were analyzed. Additionally, the results obtained were compared with the quality indicators of the excitation signal measured in the MAT-MI system built at the Electrical Engineering Faculty, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland. It turns out that, of all the shapes and pulse durations tested, a delta shape pulse of duration equal to 1 μs gave the best results in terms of the greatest similarity of the reconstructed image to the reference image. More conclusions were incorporated in the paper body.
Evaluating Outcomes of Same Day Discharge After Minimally Invasive Colectomy: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Rafaqat Wardah , Abdullah Abiha , Abiad May , McEvoy Matthew , McChensey Shannon , Lee Hanjoo , Khan Baryalay , Hawkins Alexander T. , Khan Aimal
Published: February 2025

Background

Advances in Enhanced Recovery After Colectomy protocols have enabled same day discharge (SDD) in some patients. Current literature is limited to single institutions limiting generalizability. We employed a nationally-representative dataset to compare outcomes between SDD patients and patients with a short-term hospital stay (discharged on postoperative day 1 or 2).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) Targeted Colectomy Participant User Files (2017-2021). We included patients ≥18 years who underwent elective minimally invasive colectomy. We excluded patients with severe comorbid conditions or in-hospital complications. We performed a 1:1 propensity-match adjusting for patient, diagnosis, and procedure- type characteristics. Our primary outcome was 30-day readmission and secondary outcome was post-discharge complications.

Results

We identified 22,482 patients, 740 (3.3%) of which were SDD patients. A higher proportion of patients with SDD underwent right colectomy (76.4% vs36.4%, P < 0.001) and carried a diagnosis of a benign neoplasm (53.0% vs18.1%, P < 0.001). After propensity matching there was no significant difference in the rate of 30-day readmission between the 2 groups (3.4% vs4.7%; P = 0.23). Additionally, there was no significant difference in rates of anastomotic leak (0.7% vs0.8%; P = 0.58) or colonic ileus (1.4% vs1.8%; P = 0.58). Post-discharge bleeding complications were higher in SDD patients (0.5% vs0%; P = 0.045).

Conclusions

SDD following minimally invasive colectomy is not associated with higher readmission, anastomotic leak, or SSI when compared to patients discharged on postoperative day 1/2. SDD after minimally invasive colectomy may be considered for patients without severe comorbid conditions.
The Relationship Between Culture and the Modifiable Risk Factors of Dementia Among Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Skov Brittany , Ashley Angela M. , Malik Ishaq , Storrs Hannah , Toombs Elaine , Mushquash Christopher J.
Published: February 2025

Background: Compared to non-Indigenous peoples, the prevalence of dementia is higher among Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, and poses significant challenges to individual, family, and community health and well-being. Connection to culture, a social determinant of health for Indigenous Peoples, may influence the prevalence and incidence of modifiable risk factors for dementia (e.g., excessive alcohol use and diabetes). However, no existing scoping reviews have summarized the available literature regarding connection to culture and modifiable risk factors for dementia among Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. We will conduct a scoping review to identify, summarize, and evaluate the literature in this area, while also highlighting gender-based differences. Methods: We will use the 2020 Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. We will systematically search PsychInfo, Web of Science, PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, and gray literature databases to identify relevant qualitative and quantitative studies. Four reviewers will assess titles, abstracts, and full-text articles for inclusion. We will chart and synthesize extracted data to summarize the influence of connection to culture on modifiable risk factors of dementia and assess whether gender impacts this relationship. We will also evaluate the methodological quality of published literature using the Consolidated Criteria for Strengthening Reporting of Health Research involving Indigenous peoples. Reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines. Discussion: This review will synthesize and provide important insight into the relationship between connection to Indigenous culture and modifiable risk factors for dementia. Findings may help to inform Indigenous health promotion initiatives, policy, future research, and clinical practice. Scoping Review Registration: Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/3ykdr ).
Harnessing the uninjured hemisphere for treatment of the stroke or brain-injured patient – evolution of the contralateral C7 transfer
Authors: Xu Wendong
Published: February 2025

This article presents a comprehensive review of contralateral C7 (cC7) transfer surgery, tracing its evolution from treating brachial plexus injuries to its transfer to ipsilateral C7 transfer surgery in treating upper motor neurone injuries. The cC7 was initially postulated to restore function by replacing injured nerves at the peripheral level, but dynamic cortical reorganization has since been demonstrated post-surgery, which potentially allows harnessing of the cC7 procedure to expand the span of control of the uninjured hemisphere in conditions like hemiplegic stroke. By integrating principles of nerve regeneration and brain plasticity through phased rehabilitation programmes, published clinical results have demonstrated significant improvements in upper limb function, confirming the procedure’s safety and efficacy, with donor site morbidity that is typically mild and transient. The cC7 procedure may play a major role in the future of restoring upper limb function in patients who have suffered upper motor neurone lesions.
National variation in delayed cord clamping implementation – A survey of the challenges in universal adoption of DCC in the United Kingdom
Authors: Marya Ahmed , Chetcuti Ganado Claudia
Published: February 2025

Background

Evidence shows that allowing the umbilical cord to pulsate for 1–3 minutes before clamping greatly improves newborn outcomes. In preterm infants, DCC reduces mortality by a third, reduces sepsis, bowel inflammation, and severe brain bleeds yet uptake has been variable in the latter cohort. Our survey aimed to understand the challenges faced when implementing DCC.

Methods

Survey questions were designed and user tested prior to dissemination. An electronic and word format of the questionnaire were sent through emails to units in England and Wales. The survey was also disseminated via social media.

Results

A total of 116 responses were obtained with 44% being from level three units and 50% from level two and the remainder from Level one. Although all but 1 respondent said they implemented DCC in their hospital, 30% respondents said they only apply DCC for stable term babies. The remaining 70% implement DCC for both preterm and term stable babies. While 21% of respondents said they implemented cord intact stabilisation for planned deliveries, only 3% implemented it in emergency scenarios. 71% of respondents undertaking cord intact stabilisation use the Lifestart TM trolley. Respondents highlighted several challenges when using Lifestart particularly the lack of familiarity with its use, need for advance planning and ineffective heating surface.

Conclusion

The survey highlights that challenges in adopting DCC in extreme preterm and sick infants remain unaddressed. More research is required to enable delivery of placental transfusion safely allowing the needs of all newborns to be met.
“Lessons, Learnings, and Leanings Toward a Future With/Out Norman”
Authors: Alexander Bryant K.
Published: February 2025

In this short performative tribute to Norman K. Denzin, the author outlines contributions that Denzin made to a diverse group of qualitative researchers at the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (ICQI) and beyond. In the process, he used the poem by Rainer Maria Rilke likening Denzin to a falcon, a storm, and a mighty song.
Boosting knowledge, attitudes, and practices: An experimental controlled study evaluating the effectiveness of m-health training on antimicrobial resistance for hemodialysis nurses
Authors: Alhawatmeh Hossam , Aljarrah Mohammed , Hweidi Issa M , Al-Nsair Nezam , Alyahya Mohammad S , Abuhammad Sawsan
Published: February 2025

Aim/Objective:

To evaluate the impact of an m-health training program on nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning antimicrobial resistance within hemodialysis units.

Background:

Hemodialysis patients face high infection risks, driving antimicrobial use and resistance. Nurses’ antimicrobial resistance knowledge gaps underscore the need for effective training.

Design:

A parallel group randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 64 nurses was cluster-randomized into either an m-health group ( n = 32) or a control group ( n = 32). The m-health group received antimicrobial resistance education through a WhatsApp Chatbot, while the control group received no information on the study topic. However, they were provided the study intervention after the evaluation was completed. The nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial resistance were assessed with self-developed instruments at three time points: Baseline (Time 1), immediately after the intervention (Time 2), and 1 month later (Time 3).

Results:

Repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (within-subject) tests indicated significant differences in mean scores for antimicrobial resistance knowledge, attitudes, and practices across the three time points in the m-health group. The repeated-measures ANOVA (mixed model) tests revealed significant interaction effects in antimicrobial resistance knowledge, attitudes, and practice.

Conclusions:

m-Health training program significantly enhanced dialysis nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward antimicrobial resistance. It is recommended to communicate the findings of this study to managers and policymakers to equip them with the information needed to develop and implement effective strategies, policies, and multidisciplinary interventions aimed at reducing antimicrobial resistance in hemodialysis units.
Modeling the Effects of Interrelations Among External Support and Internal Factors on Teachers’ ICT Integration Ability in Less Developed Areas of China
Authors: Xu Shun , Zhao Tiehao , Zheng Zhongmei , Zhu Sha
Published: February 2025

The research exploring the cumulative impact of influencing factors on teachers’ ICT integration ability is lacking. Additionally, the mediating role of internal factors on the relationship between external support and teachers’ ICT integration ability has not been adequately addressed. This gap hinders the comprehensive enhancement of teachers’ ICT integration ability. This study administered a questionnaire survey involving 9,591 teachers from 238 primary and secondary schools across the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in China, and structural equation model was utilized to systematically examines the cumulative effects of external and internal factors on teachers’ ICT integration ability and the mediating role of internal factors on the relationship between external support and teachers’ ICT integration ability in less developed areas. The questionnaire consisted of scales measuring external support, professional development, internal motivation, positive attitude, and ICT integration ability. The results demonstrated that the positive impact of external support on teachers’ ICT integration ability can be significantly enhanced through the serial mediation effects of teachers’ professional development, intrinsic motivation, and a positive attitude towards ICT. Furthermore, it was established that teachers’ ICT integration ability can also be enhanced by providing ICT-related professional development when there is enough external support. These findings deepen the understanding of the effects of interrelations among external support and internal factors on teachers’ ICT integration ability in less developed areas, and could benefit the enhancement of teachers’ ICT integration ability. Practical implications for governments, schools, and teachers were also discussed.