bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Debating Europe Transnationally: The Council of European Industrial Federations and the Struggle over European Integration, 1950–1962
Authors: Troll Katharina
Published: August 2024

European integration has been promoted, shaped and criticised by a variety of actors in different frameworks since 1945. Non-state actors such as employers’ associations became involved in this process very early on and, contrary to the widespread assumption in political science, created or revived transnational business associations in order to debate and shape the development of European integration from the second half of the 1940s. One of these platforms was the Council of European Industrial Federations (CEIF), which was founded in 1949 and consisted of representatives of all the national peak employers’ associations from the member states of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC). It officially advised the OEEC and represented European industry. The article analyses transnational business associations’ conflictual engagement with European integration and ‘Europe’ on the basis of the CEIF's Europeanisation process in the 1950s. It argues that contestation acted as a main driver of Europeanisation and that the early period of European integration must be understood as one of fights over different ‘Europes’. However, it also shows that ‘Europe’ must be understood as a fluid category that was used in various ways and imbued with a range of meanings by economic actors in different circumstances.
Europe Constructed, Europe Contested: Italian Media Responses to the Treaties of Rome
Authors: Martinez Andrea Carlo
Published: August 2024

This article analyses Italian responses to the Treaties of Rome in 1957 by looking at media's role as a tool to both amplify voices and construct ideas on European integration. It attempts to expand upon and also challenges existing narratives on integration in Italy – which have tended to assume that ‘Euroscepticism’ largely emerged in a post-Maastricht context – by showing that the matter was already the source of significant politicisation and contestation, and that political actors used the outlets at their disposal to influence public opinion. Indeed, the Italian media conversations enveloping the Treaties of Rome – at a time when the introduction of RAI television was revolutionising the media landscape, and the Treaties were broadcast and politicised as a landmark event – highlight the variety of visions of European integration that had emerged. On the one hand, the ruling Christian Democratic government had radio and television under its harness, and used these channels to push a pro-integrationist orthodoxy on the Italian public. Nevertheless, we also see dissenting visions expressed in much of the printed press, not only from the anti-Western Communists and Socialists, but also from a broad church including neo-fascists, monarchists and even federalists. The article crucially finds that there was a deliberate effort by government-aligned journalists to marginalise – rather than engage with – any dissenting views on European integration.
Legitimising Occupation: The Quest for Popular Consent during the British Occupation of Germany, 1945–1949
Authors: Erlichman Camilo , Knowles Christopher
Published: August 2024

This article explores the quest for legitimacy and popular consent during the British occupation of north-western Germany between 1945 and 1949. It does so through an analysis of two major propaganda campaigns that sought to publicly legitimise the British occupation at home and in Germany: ‘Germany under Control’, a large-scale exhibition put on display in London in 1946; and ‘Operation Stress’, the largest propaganda campaign in the British Zone, run in 1948 to legitimise food policies. Through an investigation of the internal rationale amongst British policymakers, the objectives behind the campaigns, the popular reception, and the broader outcomes, the article shows that both campaigns ended in failure and did not succeed in convincing the population of the need to maintain British rule in Germany. Propaganda was an ineffective tool to generate popular legitimacy at a time of austerity at home and severe material suffering in the British zone of occupation. As such, the British authorities encountered populations whose ‘moral economy’ and expectations from government were fundamentally opposed to the maintenance of the occupation. Both campaigns, therefore, epitomise the pitfalls of propaganda campaigns when facing bitter social realities and demonstrate the intricacies of the quest for legitimacy during military occupations.
Contraindications to tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis for acute lower extremity ischemia
Authors: Singh Nikita , Santos Tyler , Ali Ali Basil , Khan Hason , Kibrik Pavel , Storch Jason , Bai Halbert , Awad Mark , Patel Ronak , Huber Michael , Ascher Enrico , Marks Natalie , Hingorani Anil
Published: August 2024

Objective

Previous randomized prospective trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of transcatheter tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolysis in treating acute limb ischemia (ALI) compared to conventional surgery. These pivotal trials have also highlighted contraindications for these procedures. Given recent advancements in techniques and technology, our aim is to reassess the relevance of these contraindications in contemporary practice.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis was performed utilizing the inpatient medical records of consecutive individuals who underwent tPA treatment for acute limb ischemia (ALI) from September 2016 to April 2022. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients aged 18 and above displaying clinical symptoms and imaging evidence of ALI within 14 days. All patients received tPA with suction thrombectomy following the fast-track thrombolysis protocol. In cases where a persistent thrombus or stenosis was detected, catheter-directed thrombolysis was considered overnight, and patients underwent angiography and reassessment in the operating room subsequently.

Results

Patients were classified into two groups based on the STILE trial’s established contraindications for endovascular treatment in acute limb ischemia (ALI). If a patient had any of these contraindications, they were placed in the contraindicated group. This resulted in 24 patients (32%) in the contraindicated group and 52 patients (68%) in the non-contraindicated group. No statistically significant demographic variations were observed between these groups. Contraindications in our study included uncontrolled hypertension (12/24, 50%), recent invasive procedures (7/27, 29%), history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) within 6 months (3/24, 12%), and intracranial malformation/neoplasms (2/24, 8%). Three patients within the non-contraindicated group experienced bleeding complications: two with puncture site bleeds and one with nasal bleeding. In contrast, one patient in the contraindicated group had transient postoperative hematuria. There were no significant differences in bleeding complications observed between the two groups ( p = .771). Additionally, no amputations were observed within our population.

Conclusions

In light of our study results and advancements in endovascular therapies, we can now safely and efficiently treat patients who were previously considered contraindicated for such treatments. It is essential to individualize treatments and carefully balance the risks and benefits of endovascular versus open surgical revascularization for these patients. Additionally, we believe that the nearly 30-year-old guidelines for endovascular therapies need to be revisited and updated to align with modern technology.
Thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm: Inside its pathophysiology
Authors: Manenti Antonio , Roncati Luca , Sorrentino Lorena , Farinetti Alberto , Borri Massimo , Manco Giuseppe , Coppi Giovanni , Mattioli Anna Vittoria , Gelmini Roberta , Coppi Francesca
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate pathophysiology of pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta, an acute or chronic pathology, respectively, secondary to blunt thoracic trauma and aortitis, or complicating a deep penetrating aortic ulcer, intraparietal hematoma, aortic aneurysm, and even aortic graft, often with atherosclerosis as a common background.

Methods

Given the relative rarity of this disease, an “inductive” retrospective method made it possible to retrieve clinical, radiological, and histopathological elements, which were mutually compared and validated through a “deductive” process of reinterpretation.

Results

We have identified three main structural constituents of this disease: a cavity, a single blood entry port, communicating with the aortic lumen, and a pseudocapsule. It is often caused by a chronic degenerative pathology of the intima and medial layers of the aorta, typically involving elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells, with possible intermediate stages of deep aortic ulcer or intraparietal hematoma. Otherwise, the acute onset may be secondary to acute aortitis or aortic injury.

Conclusions

Today, thanks to the current angiographic tools represented by 3-D high resolution multidetector CT and MRI angiography, the diagnosis of thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm is easier, as well as its surgical indications.
Analysis of composite time-to-event endpoints in cardiovascular outcome trials
Authors: Marceau West Rachel , Golm Gregory , Mehrotra Devan V
Published: August 2024

Composite time-to-event endpoints are commonly used in cardiovascular outcome trials. For example, the IMPROVE-IT trial comparing ezetimibe+simvastatin to placebo+simvastatin in 18,144 patients with acute coronary syndrome used a primary composite endpoint with five component outcomes: (1) cardiovascular death, (2) non-fatal stroke, (3) non-fatal myocardial infarction, (4) coronary revascularization ≥30 days after randomization, and (5) unstable angina requiring hospitalization. In such settings, the traditional analysis compares treatments using the observed time to the occurrence of the first (i.e. earliest) component outcome for each patient. This approach ignores information for subsequent outcome(s), possibly leading to reduced power to demonstrate the benefit of the test versus the control treatment. We use real data examples and simulations to contrast the traditional approach with several alternative approaches that use data for all the intra-patient component outcomes, not just the first.
Hygrothermal assessment of three bio-based insulation systems for internal retrofitting solid masonry walls
Authors: Jensen Nickolaj Feldt , Møller Eva B. , Hansen Kurt Kielsgaard , Rode Carsten
Published: August 2024

The present project investigated the hygrothermal performance and risk of mould growth in solid masonry walls retrofitted internally with three diffusion-open bio-based insulation materials (two loose-fill cellulose and one hemp fibre), installed in test containers with controlled indoor climate. Focus was on bio-based insulation materials, as these are upcoming due to necessary CO2 reductions and because the hygroscopic properties of bio-based materials are different from traditional insulation materials like mineral wool therefore, some manufacturers claim a vapour barrier is unnecessary, even in relatively cold climates. The project was a large experimental study in two reefer containers with reconfigured facades, in which solid masonry walls with embedded wooden elements were constructed. The study focused on the conditions in the masonry/insulation interface and in the embedded wooden elements. The effect of hydrophobization and different indoor moisture loads were also investigated. Moreover, the bio-based insulation systems were compared with a wall insulated with the traditional mineral wool and vapour barrier system. Relative humidity and temperature were measured at several locations in the test walls for 1 year and 9 months. Measurements show that exposed masonry walls retrofitted internally with diffusion-open bio-based insulation materials resulted in unacceptably high moisture levels (>80% RH over longer periods). Lower moisture levels were observed when the internal insulation was combined with hydrophobization against wind-driven rain, but unacceptably high moisture levels still occurred (60%–70% in summer and 95%–100% in winter in the interface). Hydrophobization reduced the moisture levels in the interface and embedded wooden elements only in walls facing southwest, which is the direction with the most wind-driven rain. Mould growth tests showed no growth in the interface in walls insulated with cellulose insulation (mycometer surface value <25). Meanwhile growth was found in all four walls insulated with hemp fibre matts (mycometer surface value >400).
A review of the effects of Valsalva manoeuvre in labour and birth
Authors: Keating Niamh , Rooney Grainne , McGuinness Siobhan , McAuliffe Fionnuala M
Published: August 2024

The Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) is a normal physiological event that occurs during the second active phase of labour. In women with medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the Valsalva, caesarean birth may be recommended. This carries with it its own potential for maternal morbidity, and thus it is important that women are appropriately counselled about the mode of delivery most suited to their individual situation. It is possible to avoid VM with spontaneous pushing rather than reverting to caesarean birth. Neuraxial analgesia and instrumental delivery may also be used to avoid prolonged VM. We outline the effect of VM on the various organ systems in pregnancy and summarise the available evidence on its implication.
Early detection of combustion instabilities in liquid rocket engines: Assessment of statistical, recurrence, and fractal analyses for sub- and supercritical pressure conditions
Authors: Martin Jan , Börner Michael , Armbruster Wolfgang , Hardi Justin S , Oschwald Michael
Published: August 2024

Safe shutdown of a liquid rocket engine in ground testing prior to the onset of damaging combustion instabilities through reliable detection of instability precursors would translate to time and cost savings in engine development programmes. Methods derived from statistical, recurrence, and fractal analysis have been successfully applied in the literature to detect precursors in unsteady pressure signals from canonical combustion experiments, gas-turbine combustion experiments, and sub-scale rocket combustion experiments operated at low pressures. In the present work, several such methods were applied to data from two cryogenic oxygen-natural gas rocket experiments operated at higher pressures than previously reported; both sub- and supercritical with respect to oxygen. The goal was to identify methods that can discern limit-cycle instabilities from intermittently unstable operation and are sufficiently responsive to be applied as emergency shut-down criteria in engine tests. Among the methods applied were the standard deviation, variance of the auto-correlation, the second spectral moment, the ratio between determinism and recurrence rate, the Hurst-exponent, and the multifractal range. The second spectral moment, the Hurst-exponent, and a measure derived from the multifractal spectrum all have short detection delays for instability onset and short-lived could be discerned from self-sustaining instabilities with an appropriate choice of threshold value. They also have moderate computation cost which makes them of interest for potential real-time implementation. The Hurst-exponent has the additional advantage of a common threshold value for all test cases addressed, demonstrating its potential for broader application independent of combustion device or operating conditions.
Phytochemical Content, In Vitro Antioxidant, and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities Determination of Endemic Linaria corifolia Desf
Authors: Utlu Melike , Ercil Dilek
Published: August 2024

Objective: In our study, we researched the chemical composition of Linaria corifolia Desf. We also tested in vitro antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of different extracts, and compounds from L. corifolia. Methods: We isolated from ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts of L. corifolia aerial parts. We used various spectroscopic methods. We also compared the results with data in the literature. This allowed us to determine the structure of the compounds. We used different spectroscopic methods and comparisons with literature data to determine the structure of the compounds. We evaluated the antioxidant activities of 20% aqueous methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol extracts using DPPH, ABTS Radical Scavenging Effect, and CUPRAC Assay, and also examined total phenol and flavonoid contents. We used Ellman's method to find the cholinesterase inhibitor activities of the extracts, and isolated compounds. Results: We isolated 6 compounds in ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts. These compounds have terpenoid (iridoid glycosides), and phenolics (flavonoid, and phenylpropanoid structures). We isolated linariin and acteoside (verbascoside) from ethyl acetate. We isolated antirrhinoside, 6-ß-Hydroxyantirrhide, catalpol, and aucubin from n-butanol extract. The ethyl acetate extract was most active in all antioxidant methods due to its high phenolic content. In contrast to phenolic content, n-butanol extract had more flavonoids. The ethyl acetate extract had higher acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity at 200 and 400 μg/ml. Linariin had the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect among the pure compounds. The extracts and pure compounds inhibited butyrylcholinesterase less than acetylcholinesterase. Conclusion: The isolated compounds are new compounds for the L. corifolia plant. The plant's cholinesterase inhibitor activity was investigated for the first time. We found low anti-acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities.
Effects of Consumer–Host Social Interaction and Trust on Peer-to-Peer Accommodation Consumers’ Repurchase Intentions: A Trust-Transfer Perspective
Authors: Wang Xuequn , Huang Songshan (Sam) , Kim Eunjung , Xu Jian
Published: August 2024

This study aims to examine how peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation consumers’ interactions with hosts influence trust and how trust can be transferred to eventually increase repurchase intentions. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 focused on American consumers in the context of Airbnb. Study 2 focused on Chinese consumers using a variety of P2P accommodation platforms. The results from two studies consistently show that social interaction with the host in the last stay increases consumers’ trust in the host, which then generates trust in the platform through the trust transfer process. Our study contributes to the literature by clarifying the trust transfer process in the context of P2P accommodation platforms. The results can provide P2P accommodation platforms and hosts with important guidelines regarding how to enhance consumers’ repurchase intentions.
Employee Recommendation and Financial Performance: Evidence From Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Authors: Han Tian-Yu , Bi Jian-Wu , Yao Yanbo
Published: August 2024

Employees in the tourism and hospitality industry are in close contact with customers, and they can observe the operation of the firm. Thus, employee recommendation may be able to reveal the firms’ financial performance, but firms do not disclose or even do not have this information. This study examines whether employee recommendation is informative about the financial performance of tourism and hospitality firms using employees’ online reviews. The results show that the employee recommendation rate is positively associated with the firm’s fundamental financial performance and negatively associated with the firm’s financial uncertainty. Meanwhile, the length of employees’ online reviews mediates the association between employee recommendations and firm’s financial performance. In addition, there is heterogeneity in the association between recommendations made by employees with different amounts of information about the firm and the firm’s financial performance. This study not only contributes to the research on relationships between human capital and firm performance but also provides important implications for the stakeholders of tourism and hospitality firms.
The development of blended friendship in high leader-member exchange relationships: Mechanisms and consequences of a relational shift
Authors: Afota Marie-Colombe , Ollier-Malaterre Ariane , Vandenberghe Christian
Published: August 2024

Confusion persists about the overlap between high-quality leader-member exchange (LMX) relationships and personal friendships between a leader and a subordinate. How these notions differ, shift from one to the other, and what their consequences are remain unclear. This paper proposes a framework that examines the fundamental differences between high LMX relationships and friendships. We argue that when high LMX relationships shift toward friendships, they in fact shift toward blended friendships, where the leader and the subordinate concomitantly enact two distinct roles, worker and friend. These blended friendships are qualitatively different from high LMX and from friendships. We detail the process by which blended friendship develops in the context of high LMX relationships and identify the key variables and mechanisms that drive the emergence of such blended friendships. We then examine how subordinates’ well-being, job engagement, performance, and turnover may simultaneously benefit and suffer from their involvement in a blended friendship.
(En)tangling anger and equity dreams: RECE promises and pantomimes
Authors: Smith Kylie , Arndt Sonja
Published: August 2024

This response to the question about what we are angry about and what we dream of for young children reflects our work of over 30 years in Australasia. For Kylie in Australia and for Sonja in Aotearoa New Zealand and now also Australia. We direct the RECE common call, for an elevation of children’s rights, to a voice, to a ‘good’ education, and to a ‘good’ life, to the children, families, teachers, educators and communities with whom we live and work. As two RECE scholars, teachers of young children and of their teachers, and as researchers who are concerned with social justice and equity, we focus specifically on what good might mean in relation to education, life and community, through the lens of the current state of early childhood education in Australasia, now and in the future. We highlight some of the critical concerns with the current state of the sector, arguing that there is much to be fighting for, much, as the call for this special edition asks, to be angry about – still. With a specific focus on the crucial connections between early childhood education and teachers’ understandings and experiences of their own gendered and cultural wellbeing, we draw on our prior and current research to urge an ongoing questioning as we and the sector traverse these precarious areas that undoubtedly affect the inclusiveness and ‘goodness’ of teachers’ and children’s lives and learning.
The C-Brace® microprocessor controlled stance and swing orthosis improves safety, mobility, and quality of life at one year: Interim results from a prospective registry
Authors: Lundstrom Russell L , Klenow Tyler D , Morris Arri , Pobatschnig Barbara , Hibler Karl D , Kannenberg Andreas HJ
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The C-Brace microprocessor-controlled stance and swing control orthosis has been shown to improve function, mobility, and quality of life. A systematic registry to gather long-term, real-world safety and effectiveness data in patients fit with a C-Brace has not been performed.

Methods

International multicenter registry. Patients undergoing routine C-Brace fittings were assessed at baseline and 1 year after fitting. Primary outcomes were fast walking speed (FWS) measured by 25-foot or 10-meter walk test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Secondary and exploratory outcomes included the Patient-specific Functional Scale (PSFS), falls, pain, PROMIS Pain Interference (PI), and quality of life.

Results

48 subjects with 1-year baseline and follow up data were analyzed. With the C-Brace, FWS improved by + 0.26 ± 0.33 m/s ( p < .0001), TUG by −8.1 ± 14.6 sec ( p < .0001), and ABC by + 24.9 ± 25.8% ( p < .0001). Mean falls reduced from 33 ± 77 to 3.0 ± 5.6 ( p = .0005). PSFS increased by 3.60 ± 2.34 points ( p < .0001). Outcomes for pain, PI and quality of life showed significant improvements with the C-Brace.

Conclusion

The C-Brace is an effective option to improve safety, mobility, and quality of life for patients needing a KAFO for ambulation.
A 10-Year Experience of an Integrated Geriatric Hip Fracture Treatment Protocol: Outcomes at a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Hayward-Livingston Anna , Ozdag Yagiz , Kolessar David , Weinberg Jacob , Pamul Arpitha , Koury Kenneth , Balsamo Anthony
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Increasing incidence of fragility fractures has spurred development of protocols, largely focused on peri-operative care, with numerous proven benefits. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate outcomes of our hip fracture treatment program regarding successful protocol implementation, compliance, effect on subsequent fracture rates, and mortality during the first decade of adoption.

Methods

A retrospective review identified patients >65 years old with fragility hip fractures between 2010 and 2022. The HiROC (+) cohort consisted of patients who received a “High-Risk Osteoporosis Clinic” (HiROC) referral for bone health evaluation and bisphosphonate initiation as indicated. Additional fracture rates and mortality at 3 years were calculated. Protocol implementation and compliance over the first 10 years was analyzed in the four identified cohorts.

Results

A total of 1671 fragility hip fractures were identified, with 386 excluded due to insufficient follow-up, with an average age of 81.6 years and a median follow-up of 36.4 months. Of the 1280 included cases, 56% (n = 717) had a HiROC referral placed. HiROC(+) groups had lower subsequent fracture rates at two years, compared to those without referral (28% vs 13%, P < 0.0001) and those completing more steps of the protocol had lower subsequent fracture rates (28% vs 15% vs 13% vs 5%, P < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the cohorts for anatomic site of subsequent fractures.

Discussion

Greater than half of all eligible patients were successfully captured by the protocol. Patients completing more steps of the protocol had lower subsequent fracture rates. Captured patients demonstrated reduced mortality rates when compared to current literature.

Conclusion

Successful implementation of this geriatric hip fracture protocol was associated with reduced additional fractures and mortality rates. Identifying steps of process failures in the protocol can provide opportunities for increased compliance and reduction in future fracture occurrences.
Do Status Characteristic-Based Stereotypes Influence Opportunities in Monoracial Settings? The Case of the National Hockey League
Authors: Dufur Mikaela J. , Leppard Tom R. , Jarvis Jonathan A. , Shafer Kevin M.
Published: August 2024

Research on positional segregation in sport focuses on mechanisms perpetuating discrepancies in integrated contexts, including in majority-minority sports. However, theoretical explanations for positional segregation should apply to other status groups, such as ethnicity, that may be more salient in monoracial or nearly monoracial settings. We use 2018 to 2019 data on 790 NHL players and executives along with descriptive models previously applied to questions of racial segregation in sport to evaluate if stereotypes have led to ethnicity-based differences in athletes’ outcomes, using on-ice positions, leadership positions, team management positions, and penalty minutes related to stereotypes in playing style. Results show no evidence for ethnic stacking nor barriers to player leadership in the NHL but substantial differences in team management positions and penalty minutes. Our findings illuminate the degree to which theories concerning racial stereotyping mechanisms might be extended to apply in monoracial settings.
Resilience and Performance Among Vietnamese Business Organizations in Turbulent Environments: How Do Digitalized Management Accounting Systems and Organizational Mindfulness Matter?
Authors: Hung Bui Quang , Hoa Tran Anh , Hoai Tu Thanh , Nguyen Nguyen Phong
Published: August 2024

This study addresses the compelling need for emerging-market business organizations to excel in turbulent environments. Drawing upon a dynamic capability framework, we delve into organizational mindfulness, resilience, and performance dynamics within emerging-market contexts. Through a moderated mediation model, we investigate the impact of organizational mindfulness on organizational performance, which is mediated by organizational resilience. Additionally, we explore the moderating role of digitalized management accounting systems (MASs) use in enhancing the relationship between organizational mindfulness and organizational resilience. Utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), we analyze data from a two-phase survey involving 441 managers in Vietnamese organizations. Results confirm organizational resilience as a vital mediator between organizational mindfulness and organizational performance, and digitalized MAS use positively moderates the effect of organizational mindfulness on organizational resilience. This research adds to the literature on the interface between mindfulness and resilience and informs practical strategies for navigating uncertainty. By studying the interplay among mindfulness, resilience, and digitalization, we provide guidance for emerging-market organizations aiming to respond to environmental turbulence successfully.
Are Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Validated for Spanish Language and Culture?
Authors: Siu Jeremy W. , Garcia-Lopez Edgar , Pandya Nirav K. , Feeley Brian , Shapiro Lauren M.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been adopted as a way to measure patient self-rated physical function and health status for patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Although multiple PROMs exist and have been translated into various languages, the cross-cultural adaptation and validity of these PROMs for Spanish-speaking patients is unknown.

Purpose:

To evaluate the adaptation quality and psychometric properties of Spanish-language adaptations of PROMs for patients with ACL injuries.

Study Design:

Scoping review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Under PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we reviewed published studies related to adaptation quality and psychometric properties of Spanish PROMs in patients with ACL injuries. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Guidelines for the Process of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Self-Reported Measures, the Quality Criteria for Psychometric Properties of Health Status Questionnaires, and the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. The level of evidence for each PROM was determined based on the number of studies, methodological quality, consistency of results, and sample size.

Results:

The initial search strategy identified 5687 articles. After removal of duplicates, 1882 titles were screened, and 114 articles were assessed for eligibility. Six articles were selected for final review, comprising 4 PROMs: the Lysholm knee score, the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI), the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and the Lower Limb Functional Index. Three studies followed all 6 processes for cross-cultural adaptation. None of the studies demonstrated all 14 domains required for cross-cultural validity (eg, description of translator expertise). The ACL-RSI achieved the highest level of evidence, with 3 of 9 domains demonstrating moderate evidence.

Conclusion:

This review identified 4 instruments that have been translated for Spanish-speaking patients with ACL injuries, none of which demonstrated appropriate adaptation or robust psychometric properties. The study highlights the need for improvement in PROMs for Spanish-speaking patients and the potential for mismeasurement and inappropriate application of PROM results in patients with ACL injuries.
Design and Implementation of a Brief, Self-Directed Course on Immunotherapy Best Practices for Neurology Trainees
Authors: Blackburn Kyle M. , Sguigna Peter V. , Tardo Lauren , Khan Shaida , Vernino Steven , Phillips Lauren
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES

To create and implement a brief, self-directed course on immunotherapy (IT) best practices for trainees on a neuroimmunology elective rotation.

METHODS

A working group of neurology faculty developed a curriculum covering the mechanism of action, indications, and necessary monitoring for different IT used in neurology practice. The content was presented as a web-based course and hosted on local servers. Neurology residents and fellows participating in a neuroimmunology elective were given access to the curriculum over a 2-week period. A multiple-choice assessment and questionnaire assessing learner confidence with IT was administered prior to starting the course, and again upon course completion. Twelve months after implementation, the pretest and posttest were revised following an item analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two neurology residents and fellows completed the course since July 2022. The average score on the first version of the pretest and posttest was 78% versus 92% ( P = .02), and 51% versus 70% ( P = .02) on the revised version. Trainee self-reported confidence with IT also improved, although only 59.1% of trainees completed the postcourse questionnaire. Respondents provided positive feedback on the format and content of the course and expressed a desire for a reference to the material for future use.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, our course improved resident confidence and knowledge of IT best practices. The course was well-received, and our methods can be implemented in a variety of clinical environments to supplement trainee learning.
‘Local Hubs and Global Gateways’: Understanding the impact of Singapore’s master plan on urban polycentricity
Authors: Wu Cai , Wang Mingshu , Wang Jiong , Smith Duncan , Kraak Menno-Jan
Published: August 2024

Master plans are pivotal in strategising urban development, dictating land use, building height, and development intensity. These plans influence the spatial arrangement of urban infrastructure and activities, shaping the morphological and dynamic urban spatial structure. This study evaluates Singapore’s master plan’s effect on urban spatial structure, utilising data extracted from the master plan to project future land use and spatial interaction scenarios. By simulating the changing commercial floor space in different urban centres and its impact on commuting patterns, we evaluate the master plan’s impact on urban spatial structure and promoting polycentric urban development. Singapore’s master plan, with a clear vision towards polycentricity through the ‘Local hubs and global gateways’ strategy, is examined for its impact on urban spatial structure. The study uses urban mobility data and spatial network analysis to reveal how the master plan aims to decentralise development from the Central Business District (CBD) and distribute economic activities across various regions. Our findings indicate that regional centres and local hubs are becoming more autonomous while the CBD remains dominant. The results also highlight the importance of integrating morphological and functional polycentricity measurements and socioeconomic indicators to comprehensively evaluate urban development strategies. This study contributes to understanding urban spatial structure and offers practical insights for future urban planning.
Reindeer, rockets and space infrastructures: Enacting oligoptic-satellitarian environments in Northern Sweden
Authors: Ojani Chakad
Published: August 2024

This article focuses on a series of connections between space infrastructures and environments in northern Sweden. Swedish space professionals often highlight the centrality of outer space for contemporary imaginaries about the planet as an interconnected whole. At the same time, the country's sounding rocket range outside the city of Kiruna relies on deep-seated constructions of the subarctic environment as empty wilderness. With the ongoing development of small satellite launch capability, the surrounding landscape needs to be sustained as an impact area, with the consequence that Sámi land practices are increasingly pushed to the sidelines. By turning to reindeer herders’ own uses of satellite technology, I delineate an oligoptic-satellitarian environment that runs athwart panopticonic understandings of satellite vision. Rather than trying to see everything from nowhere, the herders bring into view a limited set of more-than-human relations in order to challenge conceptions of the landscape as empty and exploitable. While showing that space activities in Sweden fold into and reproduce colonial histories, the article also argues that space infrastructures contain the potential for their own reconfiguration by eliciting the other worlds that are already being performed from within dominant socio-technical regimes.
Characterization of Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Effects of Trigona Stingless Bee Honey Compared to Stinging Bee Centaurea hyalolepis and Citrus Honeys
Authors: Aburayyan Walid Salem , Seder Nesrin , Al-fawares O’la , Fararjeh AbdulFattah , Majali Ibrahim S. , Al-Hajaya Yousef
Published: August 2024

The antibiofilm and antimicrobial properties of tropical honey types including Malaysian stingless bee honey remain explicitly unexplored when compared with Apies honey. The antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities of the Malaysian Trigona honey were characterized with two stinging bee honey types ( Centaurea hyalolepis and Citrus honeys) from Jordan. The antibiofilm and antimicrobial investigations were conducted on a set of seven microbial strains; five bacterial species of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145 , Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615 , Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, and two fungal strains Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Candida krusei ATCC 14243. The antimicrobial investigations revealed a broad spectrum activity for Trigona honey against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal strains over the two honey types. One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference ( p < 0.001) in the zone of inhibition ranging from 9 to 25 mm and minimum inhibition activity (MIC) ranged from 9.4–29.6% (w/v) against the microbial strains. Moreover, the addition of honey to established biofilms has induced a degradation activity in the biofilm mass. Two-way ANOVA showed a significant biofilm degradation proportion ( p < 0.001) ranging from 1.3% to 91.3% following treatment with Trigona honey and the other honey types in relevance to the concentration ranging from 10% to 50% (w/v). Moreover, the antibiofilm activity was highly consistent with MIC affecting bacterial growth inhibition. In conclusion, a robust antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity for Trigona stingless bee honey over the stinging bee Centaurea hyalolepis and Citrus honeys is noticed which endows the usage of Trigona honey in the antimicrobial industry.
Setting the Priorities for LGBT+ Research and Intervention Effort in Malaysia Through Community Voices: A Brief Report
Authors: Tan Kyle
Published: August 2024

Internationally, there is a growing acceptance of gender and sexuality diversity and acknowledgment of LGBT + identities as health determinants. However, caution is warranted when applying research and intervention priorities from Global North countries to regions where LGBT + identities remain criminalized. In 2024, Malaysia maintains legal stances persecuting LGBT + individuals and shows no intent to address this human rights issue. This study offers an overview of pivotal issues identified by LGBT + communities in Malaysia that urgently require attention and resolution. Data were employed from a large-scale community-based survey: the KAMI Survey that recruited LGBT + participants in Malaysia in late 2023 and descriptive analyses were conducted on the responses of 637 participants (mean age = 27.75). Results revealed key issues deemed ‘very important’ to address by participants comprised HIV/AIDS, training for healthcare providers, police mistreatment, and discrimination, with more than 80% reporting each of these. When prompted to select a single issue for urgent resolution, three-fifths (61.0%) prioritized ‘criminalizing laws affecting LGBT + individuals’. Echoing prolonged advocacy by local LGBT + community organizations, the author emphasizes the need for collective allyship across stakeholders to develop evidence-based practices and policies to address the concerns articulated in this paper.
Improving 1-Deamino-8-D-Arginine Vasopressin (DDAVP) Challenges in Pediatric/Young Adult Patients With Bleeding Disorders: A Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Hallam Michelle , Pruett Amber , Biega Charmaine , Miller Haley , Davis Tami , Casto Linda , Dunn Amy L. , Rodriguez Vilmarie
Published: August 2024

Background: Desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin [DDAVP]) has demonstrated efficacy as a treatment option for patients with inherited bleeding disorders. Because of individuals’ variable response to the medication, it is recommended to complete a challenge to document appropriate hemostatic response to the medication before recommending its use prior to surgical procedures or treatment of bleeding symptoms. The project aimed to reduce the errors in hemostatic response assessments for patients with bleeding disorders undergoing a DDAVP challenge (process outcome), particularly timing and number of blood samples drawn, from an error rate baseline of 36% to 0% by December 2021 and sustained for one year. Method: Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology was employed for this qualitative improvement initiative. Interventions designed and implemented included: an order set with medication doses and corresponding laboratory orders as clinically indicated for the bleeding disorder indication, clinical procedure guidelines for infusion nurses to follow, hemostasis nurse coordination of appointments with patients, and family education. Results: Baseline data on 22 patients who completed a DDAVP challenge demonstrated a 36% error rate not involving doses of medication administered. Errors encountered included improper timing of laboratory draw after DDAVP administration, incomplete laboratory evaluation, laboratory results displayed incorrectly due to testing orders released at once instead of in a sequential manner. These interventions resulted in a reduction of DDAVP challenge errors to 0% that were sustained for one year. Conclusion: Improvement in procedural medication administration and appropriate laboratory evaluation of patients undergoing a DDAVP challenge leads to a complete and reliable assessment of hemostatic response following medication administration.
Identification of novel cattle (Bos taurus) genes and biological insights of their function in pre-implantation embryo development
Authors: Schettini Gustavo P. , Morozyuk Michael , Biase Fernando H.
Published: August 2024

Background

Appropriate regulation of genes expressed in oocytes and embryos is essential for acquisition of developmental competence in mammals. Here, we hypothesized that several genes expressed in oocytes and pre-implantation embryos remain unknown. Our goal was to reconstruct the transcriptome of oocytes (germinal vesicle and metaphase II) and pre-implantation cattle embryos (blastocysts) using short-read and long-read sequences to identify putative new genes.

Results

We identified 274,342 transcript sequences and 3,033 of those loci do not match a gene present in official annotations and thus are potential new genes. Notably, 63.67% (1,931/3,033) of potential novel genes exhibited coding potential. Also noteworthy, 97.92% of the putative novel genes overlapped annotation with transposable elements. Comparative analysis of transcript abundance identified that 1,840 novel genes (recently added to the annotation) or potential new genes were differentially expressed between developmental stages (FDR < 0.01). We also determined that 522 novel or potential new genes (448 and 34, respectively) were upregulated at eight-cell embryos compared to oocytes (FDR < 0.01). In eight-cell embryos, 102 novel or putative new genes were co-expressed (|r|> 0.85, P < 1 × 10–8) with several genes annotated with gene ontology biological processes related to pluripotency maintenance and embryo development. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing confirmed that the disruption of one of the novel genes highly expressed in eight-cell embryos reduced blastocyst development (ENSBTAG00000068261, P = 1.55 × 10–7).

Conclusions

Our results revealed several putative new genes that need careful annotation. Many of the putative new genes have dynamic regulation during pre-implantation development and are important components of gene regulatory networks involved in pluripotency and blastocyst formation.
Microbial life in preferential flow paths in subsurface clayey till revealed by metataxonomy and metagenomics
Authors: Bak Frederik , Keuschnig Christoph , Nybroe Ole , Aamand Jens , Jørgensen Peter R. , Nicolaisen Mette H. , Vogel Timothy M. , Larose Catherine
Published: August 2024

Background

Subsurface microorganisms contribute to important ecosystem services, yet little is known about how the composition of these communities is affected by small scale heterogeneity such as in preferential flow paths including biopores and fractures. This study aimed to provide a more complete characterization of microbial communities from preferential flow paths and matrix sediments of a clayey till to a depth of 400 cm by using 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS2 amplicon sequencing of environmental DNA. Moreover, shotgun metagenomics was applied to samples from fractures located 150 cm below ground surface (bgs) to investigate the bacterial genomic adaptations resulting from fluctuating exposure to nutrients, oxygen and water.

Results

The microbial communities changed significantly with depth. In addition, the bacterial/archaeal communities in preferential flow paths were significantly different from those in the adjacent matrix sediments, which was not the case for fungal communities. Preferential flow paths contained higher abundances of 16S rRNA and ITS gene copies than the corresponding matrix sediments and more aerobic bacterial taxa than adjacent matrix sediments at 75 and 150 cm bgs. These findings were linked to higher organic carbon and the connectivity of the flow paths to the topsoil as demonstrated by previous dye tracer experiments. Moreover, bacteria, which were differentially more abundant in the fractures than in the matrix sediment at 150 cm bgs, had higher abundances of carbohydrate active enzymes, and a greater potential for mixotrophic growth.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the preferential flow paths in the subsurface are unique niches that are closely connected to water flow and the fluctuating ground water table. Although no difference in fungal communities were observed between these two niches, hydraulically active flow paths contained a significantly higher abundance in fungal, archaeal and bacterial taxa. Metagenomic analysis suggests that bacteria in tectonic fractures have the genetic potential to respond to fluctuating oxygen levels and can degrade organic carbon, which should result in their increased participation in subsurface carbon cycling. This increased microbial abundance and activity needs to be considered in future research and modelling efforts of the soil subsurface.