bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibular nails versus hindfoot nails in the management of ankle fractures with soft tissue injury in the elderly – a preliminary study
Authors: Mahmood Aatif , Piper Danielle , Alagbe Basit , Hawkes David , Marsh Alastair , Fenton Paul
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Fragility ankle fractures are becoming increasingly common with an ageing population. Underlying co-morbidities, osteoporosis and a poor soft tissue envelope makes their management challenging.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the results of fibular nail (FN) versus hindfoot nail (HFN) for the treatment of fragility ankle fractures.

Patients and Methods

This was a retrospective comparative study from a level 1 trauma centre. All patients over the age of 60 with a low energy fragility ankle fracture between January 2017 and February 2021 were included in the study. Primary outcome was Olerud-Molander ankle score. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and re-operation rates. Mean follow-up was 6.2 months.

Results

Fifty six patients were identified with a mean age of 74 years. Time to radiographic union rate was not significantly different between both groups (p = 0.626). No cases of non-union or malunion were identified. The mean Olerud-Molander ankle score was significantly higher in FN group (p < 0.01). There was a higher wound complication rate in the HFN group (p = 0.04). The incidence of reoperation did not significantly differ between both groups (p = 0.118).

Conclusion

Hindfoot nails and fibular nails can lead to equivalent union rates. However, better functional outcomes and reduced complication rate are observed after fibular nails.
Language disparities in pandemic information: Autocomplete analysis of COVID-19 searches in New York
Authors: Singh Vivek K , Valera Pamela , Singh Ishaan , Sawant Ritesh , Breton Yisel
Published: December 2024

Objective: To audit and compare search autocomplete results in Spanish and English during the early COVID-19 pandemic in the New York metropolitan area. The pandemic led to significant online search activity about the disease, its spread, and remedies. As gatekeepers, search engines like Google can influence public opinion. Autocomplete predictions help users complete searches faster but may also shape their views. Understanding these differences is crucial to identify biases and ensure equitable information dissemination. Methods: The study tracked autocomplete results daily for five COVID-19 related search terms in English and Spanish over 100+ days in 2020, yielding a total of 9164 autocomplete predictions. Results: Queries in Spanish yielded fewer autocomplete options and often included more negative content than English autocompletes. The topical coverage differed, with Spanish autocompletes including themes related to religion and spirituality that were absent in the English search autocompletes. Conclusion: The contrast in search autocomplete results could lead to divergent impressions about the pandemic and remedial actions among different sections of society. Continuous auditing of autocompletes by public health stakeholders and search engine organizations is recommended to reduce potential bias and misinformation.
“Controlling the keys to the Golden City”: The payment ecosystem and the regulation of adult webcamming and subscription-based fan platforms
Authors: Franco Rébecca S
Published: December 2024

This article examines the role of payment intermediaries in regulating the platformized adult industry and demonstrates how the adult industry responds to their power and the rules they set. Based on 16 expert interviews, fieldwork at 3 industry conferences, and document analysis of rules, content guidelines, terms, and conditions, the author teases out the intricate interplay between credit card networks, payment processors, and adult platforms. Visa and Mastercard’s rules, enforced by payment processors and implemented by platforms, create a selective, private ordering of permissible content that surpasses legal requirements. This process is impelled by the brand safety and commercial interests of global corporations, without accountability to the industry or consideration for sex workers’ needs. The article calls for the need to hold payment intermediaries as de facto regulators of online sexual commerce and key actors in platform governance accountable toward the industry and workers they impact.
The wall between journalism and advertising in times of platformization of the news. Evidence from the Italian case
Authors: Ruggiero Christian , Serafini Luca , Bomba Mauro
Published: December 2024

The aim of this article is to identify the changes that have occurred in the function of the “wall” separating the newsroom from the business department in the years of the digitalization of news production, up to its platformization. To do this, we will focus on the Italian case, which is particularly interesting because it is a context in which journalism is more unlikely than elsewhere to generate revenues by exploiting the potential of digital environments, such as native advertising. We will test the strategies through which four media outlets (two legacy media outlets, The Post Internazionale and Domani, and two digital-born media outlets, Will Media and Factanza) seek a balance between using native advertising and preserving their editorial independence, in a multi-sided market in which such independence concerns on the one hand advertisers and on the other hand platforms. Through a content analysis of the production of these four media outlets, and in-depth interviews with their editors and marketing and social media communication experts, we will also attempt to link the above-mentioned strategies to the ways in which the media outlets relate to the power of platforms.
Crafting whiskey stories: Identifying tourism success factors to create a storytelling content lexicon
Authors: Capps Danni , Alcorn Michelle , Blum Shane C , Koo Bonhak
Published: December 2024

Whiskey distilleries have interesting histories that create a robust content for storytelling. Incorporating storytelling in distillery tours can cultivate ongoing relationships with the brand. There is a need to curate stories that are highly impactful, and relevant to the nuances of distillery tourism, however, a dearth of literature provides no clear roadmap to aid distillery tourism operators in curating storytelling content during tours. Thus, the identification of key components of distillery tourism stories can provide critical insight into curating effective tours and strengthen the brand marketing. The purpose of this research is to identify specific tourism success factors that can be operationalized in whiskey distillery tourism as storytelling content. As such, a lexicon was built to catalog key tourism success factors ( n = 20) identified utilizing a bibliometric review of tourism success factor literature using a multi-phased qualitative analysis. These factors were refined through a Delphi study of industry professionals to identify the five most impactful whiskey distillery tourism storytelling components: authenticity of the storyteller (m = 4.29), history of the product (m = 4.43), history of the people (m = 4.50), uniqueness of the product (m = 4.79), and authenticity of the product (m = 4.86). These tourism success factors provide the specific and effective story content whiskey tour outfits can use to curate stories that resonate with tourists to develop and strengthen the tourist-brand relationship both on-site and through continued brand engagement.
Habits of democracy: Mores, practices, and neighborhood meetings in Paris
Authors: Blajer de la Garza Yuna
Published: December 2024

Where are democratic mores cultivated? Amid contemporary worries about democratic backsliding and authoritarian siren calls, this article advances the Tocquevillian point that discussions of seemingly mundane questions in formalized contexts, such as neighborhoods meetings, are excellent sites to foster democratic “habits of the heart.” Grounding the normative argument in ethnographic observations carried out in Paris, I contend that quotidian spaces such as these, often dismissed as procedural or trivial, are meaningful sites of democratic practice that nurture democratic affects and a democratic ethos. While seemingly too localized to be significant for the wider democratic society, the topics considered in these neighborhood meetings pertain to political concerns such as the distribution of public goods, the possibilities of collective action, the limits of private property, and the ability of the law to compel behavior. However, the discussions’ democratic potential is undermined by the difficulty of getting past the doors of the meetings, not because of exclusionary formal rules but because of informal practices often taxing for newcomers.
Navigating moral markets: How strategic sensegiving and category membership shape media sentiment following acquisitions in the US food processing industry
Authors: Seo Yeonji , Park Chuljin A , Pollock Timothy G
Published: December 2024

We explore how firms navigate evolving moral markets’ fuzzy boundaries by employing sensegiving to address interpretive uncertainty following their strategic actions. We specifically consider how acquirers’ acquisition announcements and post-acquisition communications influence media positivity about the acquirer in the food processing industry’s natural, organic, and healthy moral market, contingent on the target’s category membership and acquirer/target category incongruence. We find that using more natural, organic, and healthy language enhances media positivity when the target straddles or is fully part of the natural, organic, and healthy category, announcing the target will retain its autonomy enhances media positivity regardless of the target’s category membership, and extreme misfits negatively influence media tenor, whereas misfits clarifying the acquirer’s commitment to the moral market moderate the sensegiving activities’ effects. We contribute to the moral markets literature by showing how firms sensegive to position themselves within evolving moral markets and to the categories literature by considering how firms navigate a moral market’s fuzzy and potentially shifting boundaries in ways that reduce interpretive uncertainty.
Electrochemical properties and hydrogen barrier properties of mixed sulphide-iron compounds
Authors: Wan Hongxia , Wang Yong , Song Dongdong , Cheng Zilin , Cai Wenli , Chen Changfeng
Published: December 2024

Sulphide-iron compounds are the corrosion product in hydrogen sulphide environment. When the surface of steel is covered by sulphide-iron compounds, the corrosion rate of steel becomes unpredictable. The effect on the corrosion resistance of sulphide-iron compounds layer is explored by controlling the proportion of single crystalline sulphide-iron compounds. In this study, single crystalline pyrite and pyrrhotite were synthesised through hydrothermal method. The pyrite and pyrrhotite were then mixed with ratios of 7:3, 1:1 and 3:7. The results revealed that ion selectivity was changed from cation to anion as the pyrrhotite content increased. What's more, the impedance value of the mixed sulphur iron compounds gradually decreased and the corrosion current density increased, which indicated that corrosion resistance reduced with the increasing of pyrrhotite content. As the pyrrhotite content increased, hydrogen permeation current and hydrogen content exhibited a gradual decrease, which showed an overall improvement in its hydrogen barrier properties.
Guidance on Preoperative Management of Hand Surgery Patients Taking GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Authors: Kisiel Sara C. , Hiredesai Annika , Dhupati Pooja , Noland Shelley
Published: December 2024

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and may aid in weight loss efforts. The surgical management of patients taking GLP-1 agonists differs from others due to the slowed gastric emptying effects of GLP-1 medications. Patients taking these medications may have a higher risk of pulmonary aspiration during hand surgery than other patients, which affects their presurgical management. This article reviews GLP-1 agonists and their role in diabetes and weight loss, as well as current recommendations for surgical management of patients taking GLP-1 agonists.
Iatrogenic cervical artery dissections during endovascular interventions
Authors: Xeros Helena , Bucak Bilal , Oushy Soliman , Lanzino Giuseppe , Keser Zafer
Published: December 2024

Background

Iatrogenic cervical artery dissection (CeAD) results from various procedures including interventional angiographic procedures and diagnostic angiography. Iatrogenic CeAD is rare, resulting in limited literature on management and outcomes. This observational cohort study investigates approaches and outcomes of iatrogenic CeAD after endovascular interventions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review for patients who underwent endovascular intervention with resulting iatrogenic CeAD at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, from 1998 to 2021. Pertinent patient factors were extracted and descriptive statistics generated.

Results

Between 1998 and 2021, 21,191 patients underwent catheter-based cerebral angiography. Thirty-two had iatrogenic CeADs (23 women; median age 59 [range 40.5–92.9]). Common comorbidities included hypertension (62.5%), smoking (56.3%), and hyperlipidemia (46.9%). Nine (28.1%) had dissection with diagnostic angiograms, 6 (18.8%) endovascular thrombectomy, 15 (46.9%) intracranial aneurysm treatment/coiling, and 2 (6.3%) intracranial angioplasty with/without stenting. All dissections were diagnosed by cerebral angiography during the same session as initial interventions. Four (12.5%) underwent hyperacute stenting. Thirty (93.7%) were placed on antithrombotic therapy with aspirin alone (34.4%) or dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel (37.5%). Median duration of acute treatment was three months. Follow-up imaging showed excellent radiological course.

Conclusions

Iatrogenic CeAD with endovascular interventions is rare and typically benign. Most are managed medically without complications or long-term negative outcomes. Oral single or dual-antiplatelet therapies are preferred compared to previous studies which emphasize intravenous anticoagulation. The duration of acute therapy varied from three months to lifelong. Key factors influencing clinical decision-making may include occlusion rate, pseudoaneurysm formation, intracranial extension, distal collateral circulation, and resultant ischemia.
The Value of Constructivist Grounded Theory in Advocating for Unheard Voices in Contemporary Maternity Research
Authors: Prussing Elysse , Newnham Elizabeth , Cummins Allison
Published: December 2024

There is growing concern that maternity research trends have enabled the proliferation of medically orientated research methods. While this trend has helped demonstrate the safety and quality of midwifery care, it has also enabled a culture of valuing medical research approaches, over more critical, creative and explorative qualitative research. Consequently, a serious imbalance exists within maternity evidence, the majority focusing on treatment of maternity complications rather than what would benefit the mainstream of low-risk women - perpetuating a culture of medically-led maternity care as the prevailing option. Constructivist grounded theory is one approach that can help address current maternity research limitations. This paper highlights capacity within its processes to ask different questions, embracing diverse ways of knowing and unpacking the importance of research remaining woman-centred. There is a need to prioritise such research approaches, raising the perspectives of maternity users and identifying what matters most to women and birthing people themselves.
Addressing complications of large bore access in endovascular and cardiovascular procedures: An illustration of treatment options
Authors: Mukherjee Dipankar , Amatya Bibhas , Lirag Melissa , Bernardo Nelson
Published: December 2024

Background

Endovascular procedures requiring large bore access, such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR), and Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR), have become increasingly common. Despite advancements, complications from these procedures pose clinical challenges, especially in elderly and frail patients. The clinical objective of this paper is to demonstrate the complexities and innovative management strategies for complications that arise from large bore access.

Case Report

This report presents two cases illustrating percutaneous management of complications arising from large bore access during endovascular interventions. The first case involves a 74-year-old Asian female with a history of type A aortic dissection, who underwent TEVAR using a Gore TBE endograft. Post-procedure, the patient developed hemorrhagic shock due to disruption of the right external iliac artery. Interventions included upsizing the left femoral artery sheath, CODA balloon inflation in the distal aorta, and deployment of multiple VBX stents. The second case features a 24-year-old Caucasian female with a large pseudoaneurysm at the cannulation site in the aortic arch following a heart transplant. Successful TEVAR was performed to exclude the pseudoaneurysm. Closure of the right femoral artery access using 6 French ProGlide sutures was complicated, requiring balloon angioplasty to create an opening in the common femoral artery.

Conclusions

These cases highlight the challenges and innovative strategies in managing complications associated with large bore access during endovascular procedures. Insights gained from these experiences contribute to the armamentarium of interventionists, offering valuable guidance in addressing similar scenarios.
Female audiences for true crime television: Popular discourse, feminism and the politics of ‘ethical viewing’
Authors: Holmes Su , Hines Claire
Published: December 2024

This article draws on data from 18 semi-structured interviews with women which explore their relations with true crime television. Complicating popular and academic arguments that such relations operate pedagogically (that true crime offers a form of ‘safety advice’ for women), the data attests to the participants’ reflexive negotiation of ethics as a frame through which viewing investments are presented, regulated and articulated. Both contributing to and questioning feminist work which has explored the potential ‘reimagining’ of true crime within a post #MeToo context, the data offers insight into how these female viewers negotiate what they see as ‘ethical viewing’ of the genre and its relationship with questions of ‘witnessing’ and responsibility.
Re-imagining teacher assessment: How teachers are encouraged (or not) to pursue ongoing professional learning in New Brunswick
Authors: Ayoola-Adeniyi Ruth
Published: December 2024

Many conventional methods for evaluating teachers focus heavily on holding them accountable for their performance, often overlooking the importance of their personal and professional growth. This approach may have the unintended consequence of discouraging teachers from pursuing further development, as they may perceive that their efforts could be more valued or compensated more. As a result, it is crucial to adopt a more balanced approach that values both accountability and growth, which can help foster an environment that encourages teachers to be more engaged in their professional development. This paper re-imagines teacher assessment as a tool to foster ongoing learning. It explores how current assessment practices in New Brunswick, Canada, impact teachers’ engagement in professional development and learning. Using the case study approach, this paper incorporated semi-structured interviews and document reviews to investigate existing assessment frameworks, teacher perspectives, and the relationship between assessment and professional development participation. The key findings of this study highlight teachers’ willingness to enhance their professional expertise by participating in professional development and learning programs. However, teachers’ lack of participation in the selection and decision-making process of their preferred professional development and learning programs limits the effectiveness and relevance of meeting individual teacher’s needs.
Hikikomori and the false positives challenge: Comment on Amendola's “Clarifying the position of hikikomori in mental health”
Authors: Wakefield Jerome C.
Published: December 2024

Amendola's review raises the question of whether some variants of hikikomori-type social withdrawal are not mental disorders but rather psychologically normal-range attempts to cope with a changing social environment that is unlike the one for which human beings were biologically designed. To place this question in context, I survey issues regarding the prevention of false-positive diagnoses of problematic non-disordered conditions as disorders. I offer a series of examples of other categories in which such errors have occurred and sometimes been corrected, drawing parallels to and implications for the consideration of hikikomori. I argue that hikikomori offers an opportunity for reflection on how novel problematic behaviors can be assessed for disordered versus non-disordered variants.
Danshensu and Notoginsenoside R1 Combination Alleviates Obesity in Mice Via Modification of Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Tao Huijuan , Wang Wenxiao , Cao Hui , Tong Ning , Ma Li , Shen Jie , Zhang Qiao , Tang Yuping , Yue Shijun
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The current study evaluated the protective mechanism of Danshensu and Notoginsenoside R1 combination (DR1) on obesity from the perspective of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a normal diet or a high-fat diet (HFD). DR1 (60 mg/kg) was administered to both normal and HFD-induced obese mice for 12 weeks. The obese phenotype and pharmacodynamics effects were assessed through hematoxylin-eosin staining of epididymal fat, liver, small intestine, and colon tissues, as well as serum biochemical detection. Moreover, 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) sequencing was employed to profile the taxonomy and function of gut microbiota, while SCFAs were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry methods.

Results

Compared to HFD group, the tissue lesions were significantly alleviated by DR1 treatment in obese mice, accompanied by the significant reduction of average body, epididymal fat and liver weights, as well as the normalization of insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis ( P < .05, P < .01 or P < .001). 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that DR1 treatment potently ameliorated HFD-induced dysbiosis of gut microbial composition and function. Notably, DR1 reversed the ratio of Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes to normality. Moreover, DR1 improved intestinal barrier structures and enhanced SCFAs concentrations in the caecal contents (especially propionate and butyrate).

Conclusion

These results suggested that DR1 could reverse the gut microbial dysbiosis and increased SCFAs levels in HFD-induced obese mice, thereby ultimately supporting the anti-obesity value of DR1.
Allelopathic Effects of Nech Bahirzaf (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) on Germination and Seedling Growth of Crops
Authors: Mekonnen Amare Bitew , Seid Ali , Wassie Wubetie Adnew
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to test the alleopathic effects of E. globulus leaves and litter fall aqueous extracts on germination and growth of Winter Wheat (Triticale hexaploide), Barley ( Hordeum vulgare), and Maize ( Zea mays) crops.

Methods

Allelopathic potential of Eucalyptus globulus on germination and seedling growth of Maize ( Zea mays), Winter Wheat ( Triticale hexaploide), and Barley ( Hordeum vulgare) was studied under laboratory conditions. Aqueous extracts of young tree leaves, old tree leaves, and litter fall of E. globulus were prepared. Filtered extracts were used to treat germinating seeds of test crops. Open and undercanopy soils collected from different depths were also tested for allelopathic effects. ANOVA was used to analyze data in SAS software. Means were compared using Tukey's HSD test at the 5% level of significance.

Results

The result indicated that the extracts of E. globulus had a significant inhibitory effect on germination and seedling growth of the test crops. The highest effect of extracts was observed from old tree leaves, followed by young tree leaves, and the least from litter fall. Among the three crops, Z. mays found to be more sensitive than others. However, the undercanopy soils did not show any allelopathic effect on test crops.

Conclusion

We concluded that E. globulus allelochemicals do not accumulate in soils and the crops can develop adaptation through time. Thus, use of E. globulus for agro-forestry with removal of fallen leaves before cultivation is recommended.
A Systematic Review of Phytochemical Constituents of Golden Camellia Species
Authors: Truong Minh-Nhut , Mai-Pham Tram-Anh , Thi-Tran Van-Anh , Nguyen-Huu Lac-Thuy
Published: December 2024

Golden camellia is a group of valuable and precious medicinal herbs belonging to the Camellia genus, Theaceae family, which exhibited many biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties. All studies on the chemical composition of all parts of the golden camellia species published in three reputable databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and CNKI) up to October 1, 2023 were included in this review. Nearly 380 phytochemical compounds have been reported in many species of golden camellia, including flavonoids, saponins, volatile components, megastigmanes, α-pyrone derivatives, vitamins, amino acids, and so on. Our review provided a comprehensive overview of the chemical composition of several species of golden camellia reported in reputable databases, thereby contributing scientific evidence for this valuable group of medicinal herbs.
Antibacterial Activity and Chemical Characterization of Peel Essential Oil of Citrus Nagato-Yuzukichi Tanaka and Its Constituents
Authors: Imahori Daisuke , Umeda Satoshi , Kubota Miharu , Muraoka Takuya , Yoshimi Yoji , Oie Shigeharu , Tanaka Hiroyuki
Published: December 2024

Background

The uncontrolled use of antimicrobial drugs has led to the widespread of drug-resistant microbes such as MRSA, which has been regarded as clinically important problem. The essential oil is that some can be developed as natural antibiotics. Antibacterial activity of the Citrus spp. against the resistant and susceptible strains of S. aureus has been reported. However, to date, information on the phytochemical and bioactive characterization of the of C. nagato-yuzukichi essential oil (CNEO) in scarce.

Purpose

this study aimed to evaluate chemical composition, antibacterial activity against MSSA, MRSA, and E. coli, of the CNEO and their major components. Additionally, we determined their association with vancomycin and antibiofilm activity against MRSA strain of CNEO and their major components.

Study design and Method

In this work, the composition of CNEO was determined by GC-MS. Disk diffusion method, agar plate dilution method, MIC, MBC, checkerboard assay, and biofilm growth method were determined to assess their antibacterial activities.

Results

GC-MS analysis revealed 99.73% of the constituents of CNEO. The major components of CNEO were d-limonene (60.06%), γ-terpinene (8.40%), β-phellandrene (7.31%), α-terpineol (3.14%), and β-myrcene (2.34%). CNEO showed antibacterial activities against MRSA (DIZ: 26.78 mm, MIC: 16 mg/mL), with a similar trend to d-limonene (DIZ: 17.42 mm, MIC: 128 mg/mL) and α-terpineol (DIZ: 19.40 mm, MIC: 2 mg/mL). In combination effect, the results showed the additive interaction of vancomycin with CNEO and α-terpineol on the MRSA (FIC indexes: 0.5 < to ≤1.0).

Conclusion

The integrated analysis in the present study suggested that CNEO or its major components components may be a promising alternative therapy to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Don’t Be Tachy: Accommodate POTS in School
Authors: Templet Tricia , Anslem Haley , Black Jamie , Chaney Madison , Jones Christine , Latiolais Alec , Simon Paula
Published: December 2024

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a complex clinical syndrome predominantly affecting females during puberty and early adulthood. The exact cause of POTS is unknown; however, patients often endure a myriad of symptoms including lightheadedness, palpitations, weakness, and fatigue, which significantly impact their quality of life and academic performance. Additional psychological effects include anxiety and depression which is common among POTS patients, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive care and adequate school accommodations. Despite its considerable impact, there remains a paucity of research and standardized guidelines, underscoring the need for increased awareness and collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers. Further research and international collaboration are imperative to the successful development of standardized treatment and accommodations for this vulnerable population.
Resting energy expenditure: Is there any difference between dialysis and non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease patients?
Authors: Yasar Emre , Tek Nilüfer Acar , Tekbudak Merve Yasemin , Yurtdaş-Depboylu Gamze , Deveci-Bulut Tuba Saadet , Özbaş Burak , Bayazit Ayşe Derya , Güneş Burcu Deniz , Erten Yasemin
Published: December 2024

Background

Energy imbalance can be caused by several clinical conditions commonly found in advanced CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), resulting in nutritional deficiencies.

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in resting energy expenditure (REE) between patients with ESRD undergoing HD or PD and those with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) and also to evaluate the relationship among REE and possible factors that might affect REE.

Methods

We included 29 patients undergoing HD, 29 patients undergoing PD, and 29 patients with stage 3–5 NDD-CKD. FFM was estimated using multifrequency bioimpedance analysis. REE was evaluated with indirect calorimetry. The serum level of Interleukin-6(IL-6) was measured using the chemiluminescence immunoassay technique. REE was normalized for FFM via the REE/FFM ratio.

Results

The study included 45(52%) females. A total of 87 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 50 ± 12 years. REE/FFM ratio was higher in the HD group than in the PD ( p = 0.031) and NDD-CKD ( p = 0.002) groups. IL-6 was higher in the HD group than the NDD-CKD group ( p = 0.004) and similar in the HD and PD groups ( p = 0.089). REE/FFM ratio was positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). Age, IL-6, and HD predicted REE/FFM ratio (F = 7.763, p < 0.001). In the analysis performed by including HD and PD patients, gender and HD were effective in predicting REE/FFM ratio (F = 3.315, p = 0.011).

Conclusions

REE was to be higher in the HD group than in the PD and NDD-CKD groups. The fact that HD patients have a higher REE than the NDD-CKD group may be explained by the higher IL-6 level. Further studies are needed to identify factors that may cause HD patients to have a higher REE than PD patients.
Enteral nutrition in a young patient suffering from epidermolysis bullosa syndrome (ILNEB syndrome) and eating disorders: A case report
Authors: Erica Cassani , Vecchio Consuelo , Elisabetta Piceci , Paola Manfrin , Valentina Lamon , Marta Spinola , Martina Semeraro , Barbara Bernasconi , Umberto Mortola , Carla Camerotto , Anna Boggio
Published: December 2024

Background: Interstitial lung disease nephritic epidermolysis bullosa syndrome (ILNEB syndrome) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive condition, caused by pathogenic variants in Integrin Subunit Alpha 3 (ITGA3). In literature there are no available data about diet in ILNEB syndrome. Objective: Our aim is to describe a case report of a young adult patient suffering from ILNEB syndrome and eating disorders, treated by enteral nutrition to be candidate for lung transplant. Methods: Our patient is 21-years-old, female. Her medical history was remarkable for interstitial lung disease, bronchiolitis obliterans, epidermolysis bullosa, nephrotiyc syndrome and onychodystrophy due to ILNEB syndrome. The patient reported reduction in appetite, intolerance to oral nutritional supplements and previous psychological and medical treatment for eating disorders (anorexia purging disorder). She was candidate for lung transplant, but her underweight was a contraindication for the procedure. Results: At first nutritional assessment the body weight was 32 kg and body mass index (BMI) was 14.2 kg/m2. Due to her clinical status, the patient was subjected to a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion for enteral nutrition in December 2023 and she was treated with hypercaloric normoproteic formula (1.5 kcal /ml - 6 g of proteins/100 ml) reaching 1000 ml/day (1500 kcal - 1.2 g of protein for kg of target body weight). After 8 months, there was a body weight increase of 16% from the beginning of enteral nutrition and there was a BMI increase of 2.7 points. The patient has been included in waiting a list by the pneumological team and she obtained lung transplantation in October 2024. Conclusions: Our report highlights the critical problem of clinical nutrition in patients suffering from rare diseases, without any specific clinical guidelines. In our patient, enteral nutrition through PEG allowed an increased of body weight, reaching the possibility to be candidate for lung transplant.
Pedagogical conditions of applying distance learning technologies in the system of higher professional education
Authors: Raimkulova Azharbubu , Botakanova Svetlana , Karagozueva Gulzada , Achmetova Nurlana , Zhusubaliev Abdkaiym
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to identify pedagogical conditions that would successfully model with distance learning technologies for students in higher education. For this, the degree of satisfaction was investigated in 206 1st-4th-year students of speciality “Pedagogy” by questionnaire method and application of distance learning was studied in 28 teachers of the Institute of Continuous and Distance Education of K. Karasaev Bishkek State University. The study described the definition of distance learning, analysed the types of learning in the system of higher professional education, named the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning, principles and forms of learning, pedagogical methods. Student questionnaire data show that 11% of respondents are not satisfied with distance education. Degrees of dissatisfaction include internet outages, quality of education, lack of communication with classmates and teachers. However, 89% favoured this type of learning. The key advantages of distance learning are the time and budget saving for travelling and living, comfortable home learning conditions, availability of searching for necessary information, free choice of pace and time of learning. As a result of the interviews with the teachers of the institute, the following aspects were voiced that require improvement: students’ assimilation of information, lack of teaching experience in conducting this type of classes, as well as administrative issues. The study showed that distance learning technologies differ from the conventional form, being aimed at the development of students’ independent activity; obtaining knowledge and skills are oriented towards the application of information technology, search and exchange of information. Successful application of distance technologies in education requires systematic work on professional activities of teachers, increasing students’ interest in distance learning, establishing a relationship with students’ parents, and uninterrupted operation of Internet resources.
Unraveling dental caries misinformation: Identifying predictive factors for engagement on Instagram
Authors: Menezes Tamires Sá , Jucá Ana Maria , Jorge Olívia Santana , Lotto Matheus , Ayala Aguirre Patricia Estefania , Cruvinel Thiago
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to identify predictive factors for engagement with dental caries-related posts on Instagram.

Methods

Using CrowdTangle, 10,000 English-language posts were retrieved based on total interactions. From these, 2063 posts were evaluated using predetermined inclusion criteria, and a final sample of 500 posts was selected. Two independent investigators classified the posts according to dichotomized criteria: author profile (regular or commercial users), sentiment (positive or neutral/negative), motivation (financial or nonfinancial), format (link or photo), aim of content (prevention or treatment), and facticity (information or misinformation). Predictive factors for total interaction and overperforming scores were determined using multiple logistic regression models.

Results

Misinformation accounted for 44% of posts. Most posts were shared by regular users (67.8%), used a photo format (61%), and expressed a positive sentiment (73.8%). Prevention-related posts were significantly related to financial motivation, while treatment-related posts were linked to time of publication, neutral/negative sentiment, and photo format. Older posts were positively associated with misinformation (odds ratio (OR) = 1.45). Positive sentiment (OR = 1.71) and regular user profiles (OR = 1.93) were associated with higher total interactions. In contrast, business profiles (OR = 2.39) and posts with neutral/negative sentiment (OR = 1.79) were associated with overperforming scores.

Conclusion

Despite a significant amount of misinformation, only sentiment and author profiles were predictive factors for total interaction and overperforming scores in Instagram posts about dental caries.
The Effects of Consistency and Inconsistency in the Source Features of WeChat Tweets on Older Chinese Adults’ Intentions to Adopt Personal Information Security Knowledge
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Qian
Published: December 2024

WeChat tweets have become an important way to spread knowledge of the importance of personal information security and to enhance older Chinese adults’ awareness of information security. Based on the knowledge adoption model and the elaboration likelihood model, this study identifies two types of tweets’ source features, that is, publisher type (official or unofficial) and author type (expert or non-expert). In addition, based on cognitive fit theory, this study explores the effects of the consistency and inconsistency between the two types of source features on the knowledge adoption intentions of older Chinese adults. The proposed research model is validated by carrying out a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment, which also takes into account the three control variables of: “amount of readership,” “gender,” and “the perceived credibility of WeChat.” The results show that, compared with non-official tweets or non-expert tweets, official tweets or expert tweets are more conducive to enhancing older adults’ perception of the credibility and usefulness of the tweets and thus improve their knowledge-adoption intentions. However, the inconsistent combinations of unofficial and expert tweets and official and non-expert tweets can weaken the positive impact of official or expert sources on perceived credibility and usefulness. In addition, as the older adults’ perception of the relevance to themselves of personal information security increases and as their ability to process tweets strengthens, the influence of source features on perceived credibility and usefulness diminishes.
Seizing the Life of Sounds in Contemporary Instrumental Music: Claude Vivier’s Zipangu (1980), a Spectromorphological Perspective
Authors: Gioffredo Mylène
Published: December 2024

This essay has been conceived as an invitation into the workshop of the contemporary music analyst. It aims to familiarize scholars who are interested in but unfamiliar with the practices of music analysis by discussing one of our most important challenges: how can we integrate features such as texture, timbre, and space into our analytical discussions? After a brief presentation of an analytical problem concerning Claude Vivier's Zipangu (1980)—the limitations of “traditional” analytical tools that focus on pitch distribution when studying a work emphasizing timbre and texture—and an introduction to some aspects of the music analyst's practice, the first part of this essay (“How to Seize the Life of Sounds?”) presents essential theoretical foundations. On the one hand, it deals with the rationale behind my choices, my rejection of a signal-analysis-based approach (sometimes considered more “objective”), and my adoption of Pierre Schaeffer's ideas and analytical propositions as discussed in his Traité des objets musicaux (1966), as well as the graphical adaptation proposed by Lasse Thoresen in Emergent Musical Forms: Aural Explorations (2015). On the other hand, it summarizes key concepts necessary to fully appreciate the analysis that follows—from Schaeffer's notion of a new solfège and its associated typomorphology to Thoresen's principles of symbolic annotation. In the second part, “Towards a New Conception of Form in Claude Vivier's Zipangu (1980): A Spectromorphological Perspective,” I demonstrate the existence of a (latent) multidimensional space within which the piece operates by applying this analytical framework to several excerpts from Zipangu.
Group beliefs of scientists and the public
Authors: Tan Xiao
Published: December 2024

The generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge are closely related to group beliefs among scientists and the public. There are three main types of group beliefs: the summative account, the acceptance account and the commitment account. Applying these theories to the realm of science, which is characterized by its rigorous organizational structures and epistemological standards, reveals the distinctive features of how group beliefs are formed within this domain. This paper argues that an updated version of the commitment account is more applicable in the scientific domain, in which scientists jointly commit to joining this group and also jointly commit to its operational mechanisms and methodologies. The requirement of the commitment account on the group belief of the public also places greater emphasis on the recognition of and joint commitment to the scientific spirit, rather than the mastery of specific propositions by each individual.
The Moderating Impact of Employee Job Satisfaction on the Service Quality–Customer Satisfaction Relationship: The Case of the Lebanese Healthcare Institutions
Authors: Chaanine Johnny , Sleilati Esther B.
Published: December 2024

In an era where managers are seeking to improve customer satisfaction and decrease customer response time, healthcare organizations are striving to increase patient satisfaction by improving communication channels, eliminating errors, and reducing patient waiting time. Job satisfaction plays a significant role in determining service quality and in providing high-quality service to customers. This study focuses on the importance of job satisfaction as a moderator of the service quality-customer satisfaction relationship in the Lebanese healthcare context. The importance of investigating this relationship lies in the fact that Lebanon has a service-based economy; thus, improving the service quality of this sector can significantly impact the country’s overall deteriorating economic performance. This can help to develop effective strategies to improve employee morale and customer/patient satisfaction despite poor financial and living conditions, while providing valuable insights to enhance the working conditions in a vital sector, ultimately leading to the economic growth of a country collapsing in an unprecedented manner. Despite the significance of service quality from the customer and employee standpoints in service quality literature, few studies have combined these three perspectives. A quantitative study was conducted with 1,128 healthcare providers confirming that the higher the job satisfaction, the higher the quality of the offered services, and the higher the customer/patient satisfaction even if job satisfaction had been slightly improved. This study is equally an eye opener for healthcare managers to motivate employees and boost their satisfaction despite a collapsing economy and degenerating living and health conditions.
Does Tibial Plateau Slope and Depth Influence ACL Strain In Vivo?
Authors: Foody Jacqueline N. , Tayne Samantha , Englander Zoë A. , Kosinski Andrzej S. , Amendola Annunziato , Spritzer Charles E. , Wittstein Jocelyn R. , DeFrate Louis E.
Published: December 2024

Background:

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is loaded under tension when the tibia translates anteriorly relative to the femur. The shape of the articular surfaces of the tibiofemoral joint may influence the amount of anterior tibial translation under compressive loading. Thus, a steep lateral tibial plateau and a shallow medial plateau are thought to be risk factors for ACL injury.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether tibial plateau slope and depth influence peak ACL strain during a single-leg jump. We hypothesized that there would be a significant correlation between tibial plateau slope and depth with ACL strain.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 17 healthy participants (8 male, 9 female) were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high-speed biplanar radiography to obtain peak ACL strain during a single-leg jump. Two orthopaedic surgeons used the sagittal plane MRI scans to measure the medial and lateral tibial plateau slopes and the medial tibial plateau depth. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess measurement reliability, and the Spearman rank correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between measurements of tibial morphology and peak ACL strain during the single-leg jump.

Results:

The overall range of intraclass correlation coefficients for intra- and interrater reliability of the medial and lateral tibial plateau slopes and medial plateau depth was 0.59 to 0.97. No significant correlations were found between peak ACL strain and any of the slope or depth measurements.

Conclusion:

In this cohort of healthy participants, correlations between any of the tibial plateau measurements with peak ACL strain during a single-leg jump were not detected. These findings are consistent with prior work, suggesting that tibial plateau slope and depth may not be linked to risk for ACL rupture. However, it is possible that tibial plateau morphology may interact with other factors to increase ACL injury risk or that individuals with extreme slope angles may produce differing results.

Clinical Relevance:

This study enhances the knowledge of the loading mechanisms for the ACL and thus improves the understanding of risk factors for ACL injury.