bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Action Research Literacy as a Reflective Tool for Unmonitored Iranian-Novice EFL Teachers
Authors: Arefian Mohammad Hossein , Nami Hamide
Published: March 2023

Teaching can be quite challenging during the initial years of a teaching career for many beginning teachers, specifically when teachers feel alone, unsupported and unmonitored due to the absence of supervisors and mentors at school. Thus, this research explored 10 Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) beginning teachers who struggle to teach initially without sufficient emotional and academic support from the educational public since public schools may not have subject-specific supervisors and mentors to guide and support them. This study focuses on the importance of Action Research (AR) literacy, as a reflective tool, for unmonitored beginning EFL teachers. The data collected from an interview at the beginning, group discussions during the course, and reflective papers at the end through a qualitative method indicated that AR leads to the personal, technical, social, and political development of beginning teachers. It was beneficial for beginning teachers to enhance their pedagogical practices and beliefs and allow them to gain and expand their knowledge and experience through reflections and discussions with other individuals. The result also shows how cognitive, affective, professional, and technical support and assistance from other teachers, supervisors, stakeholders, and parents can accelerate the teaching quality and educational quality.
A Roadmap for Change: Charting the Course of Gifted Educational Provision in Lebanon
Authors: Antoun Maya , Plunkett Margaret
Published: March 2023

This article reviews and further develops understandings gleaned from an investigation of public and private school teachers’ perceptions of talent development and their ability to implement specialized approaches for gifted students in a country without specific educational policies for this population. Through a discussion of findings from a previous study investigating the perceptions and practices of more than 280 Lebanese teachers, new insights to inform future policy are provided into how talent development is perceived and responded to within the Lebanese educational context. These understandings helped inform the development of a culturally appropriate conceptual framework, derived from Gagné's Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (2008). The resultant framework addresses how the broader socio-economic cultural context within Lebanon appears to have influenced teachers’ perceptions and practices and the choices made in terms of gifted provision in classrooms. This framework could assist educational leaders in Lebanon to implement changes that would not only benefit gifted learners but also have potential flow on benefits for the country as a whole.
Causal Factors of Serial Killers
Authors: Jarrett Anna Lee , Jarrett Alan F. , Shreve Marilou
Published: March 2023

This systematic review examines studies about serial killers 2010–2021. It has been proposed that genetic markers and environmental factors may contribute to the development of serial killers. Studies about genetic markers were compared to relevant studies supporting environmental factors and a subset of environmental and genetic factors to better understand the etiology of serial killing. There is evidence for a genetic predisposition for serial killer development. The significance of genetic testing has a promising future for studies about criminals, but there is compelling evidence of a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors that contribute to serial killing.
Facilitating and Inhibiting Factors in the Design, Implementation, and Applicability of Value-Based Payment Models: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Leao Diogo L. L. , Cremers Henricus-Paul , van Veghel Dennis , Pavlova Milena , Hafkamp Frederique J. , Groot Wim N. J.
Published: March 2023

Evidence on the potential for value-based payment models to improve quality of care and ensure more efficient outcomes is limited and mixed. We aim to identify the factors that enhance or inhibit the design, implementation, and application of these models through a systematic literature review. We used the PRISMA guidelines. The facilitating and inhibiting factors were divided into subcategories according to a theoretical framework. We included 143 publications, each reporting multiple factors. Facilitators on objectives and strategies, such as realistic/achievable targets, are reported in 56 studies. Barriers regarding dedicated time and resources (e.g., an excessive amount of time for improvements to manifest) are reported in 25 studies. Consensus within the network regarding objectives and strategies, trust, and good coordination is essential. Health care staff needs to be kept motivated, well-informed, and actively involved. In addition, stakeholders should manage expectations regarding when results are expected to be achieved.
Interrupted time series evaluation of the impact of a dementia wellbeing service on avoidable hospital admissions for people with dementia in Bristol, England
Authors: Jones Tim , Redaniel Maria Theresa , Ben-Shlomo Yoav
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To determine whether a dementia wellbeing service (DWS) signposting people with dementia to community services decreases the rate of avoidable hospital admissions, in-hospital mortality, complexity of admissions (number of comorbidities) or length of stay.

Methods

Interrupted time series analysis to estimate the effects of the DWS on hospital outcomes. We included all unplanned admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (‘avoidable hospital admissions’) with a dementia diagnosis recorded in the Hospital Episode Statistics. The intervention region was compared with a demographically similar control region in the 2 years before and 3 years after the implementation of the new service (October 2013 to September 2018).

Results

There was no strong evidence that admission rates reduced and only weak evidence that the trend in average length of stay reduced slowly over time. In-hospital mortality decreased immediately after the introduction of the dementia wellbeing service compared to comparator areas (x0.64, 95% CI 0.42, 0.97, p = 0.037) but attenuated over the following years. The rate of increase in comorbidities also appeared to slow after the service began; they were similar to comparator areas by September 2018.

Conclusions

We found no major impact of the DWS on avoidable hospital admissions, although there was weak evidence for slightly shorter length of stay and reduced complexity of hospital admissions. These findings may or may not reflect a true benefit of the service and require further investigation. The DWS was established to improve quality of dementia care; reducing hospital admissions was never its sole purpose. More targeted interventions may be required to reduce hospital admissions for people with dementia.
Pain assessment and treatment in hospitalized infants, children, and young people
Authors: Holm Kristina G , Weis Janne , Eg Marianne , Nørgaard Betty , Sixtus Claus , Haslund-Thomsen Helle , Helena Hansson  , Brødsgaard Anne , Ragnhild Maastrup
Published: March 2023

Pain in hospitalized infants, children, and young people (ICYP) is a well-known phenomenon but remains undertreated. This study aimed to examine documented pain management practices provided for ICYP and compare practices adopted in neonatal and pediatric units. This national retrospective multi-center study was conducted in 40 of the 42 Danish neonatal and pediatric units in November 2020. Data were collected from the medical records of ICYP admitted to a participating unit. We performed a total of 846 medical record audits of which pain was assessed in 51.9% of the ICYP. Pain assessment was documented for more infants (57.8%) than for children and young people (CYP) (47.4%) ( p = 0.003). CYP more often received pain treatment (37.7%) than infants (6.9%, p < 0.0001) and more frequently had a pain treatment plan (50.8% versus 10.2%, p < 0.0001). Use of non-pharmacological treatment was documented for 6.3% of the ICYP. Our findings indicate that pain assessment is insufficiently documented in Danish neonatal and pediatric units. Among cases in which pain scores indicated that the patient had experienced pain, pain treatment was documented in a larger proportion of the pediatric population than in the neonatal population.
News values in a digital age- Intra-media, inter-media, and extra-media platforms
Authors: Kristensen Lisa Merete , Bro Peter
Published: March 2023

News values and newsworthiness have been central concepts of Journalism Studies since they were first introduced to the public over a hundred years ago. Seminal studies of 20th-century media examining news values and the intricately connected concept of gatekeeping have been cited, added to, and rigorously criticized. In the digital age, news travels effortlessly across the Internet, permeating the once exclusive and closed-off platforms of legacy news organizations. Audiences increasingly rely on alternative platforms for news consumption. This complicates our previous understandings of the flow of news, and it invites new gatekeepers to the table, simultaneously shaping and deciding what is considered newsworthy. This article recontextualizes the classical concept of news values by reviewing news value research of 21st-century digital legacy media resulting in three archetypical platform types through which legacy media news travels: intra-media, inter-media, and extra-media platforms. Inspired by social psychologist Kurt Lewin’s gatekeeping theory and the concept of platformization, this article presents a new conceptual framework that delineates the forces and factors that affect news flow in a digital era.
Targeting the trades, press associations, and J-schools: Tobacco industry mapping and shaping of metajournalistic discourses
Authors: Buozis Michael
Published: March 2023

Drawing on archival sources, this study explores how tobacco companies and their representatives targeted journalism trade publications, professional and press associations, and journalism schools in a decades-long effort to map and shape metajournalistic discourses to their advantage. By contributing to media-to-media publications, funding and participating in conferences, and engaging in journalism “education” initiatives the industry sought to influence journalistic practices. These journalism-adjacent actors and sites are particularly vulnerable to infiltration from corporate actors and deserve more scrutiny.
Differences in Biologic Drug Effects and Distal Particulate Embolization in Three Paclitaxel-Coated Balloons for Femoropopliteal Lesions in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Yoshikawa Marie , Torii Sho , Aihara Kazuki , Ito Masatoshi , Nakamura Norihito , Noda Satoshi , Yoshikawa Ayako , Utsunomiya Sayo , Nakazawa MD Gaku , Ikari Yuji
Published: March 2023

Background:

A recent meta-analysis of randomized control trials demonstrated a significantly higher risk of major amputation in patients treated with drug-coated balloons (DCBs) compared with standard treatment, especially in high-dose paclitaxel-coated DCBs. Distal particulate embolization after DCB use was considered a potential cause of the higher incidence of major amputation. The current study aimed to histologically and biologically compare biologic drug effect and distal particulate embolization in 3 DCBs (a high-dose paclitaxel-coated DCB [IN.PACT Admiral] and 2 low-dose paclitaxel-coated DCBs [Ranger and Lutonix]).

Methods and Results:

The DCBs were inflated in the healthy descending aortas of 18 rabbits, followed by euthanasia 28 days after the procedure. The treated descending aorta and distal skeletal muscles were histopathologically evaluated, and paclitaxel concentrations were measured. The paclitaxel concentration of the treated lesion was highest for Ranger, followed by IN.PACT and Lutonix (Ranger vs IN.PACT vs Lutonix: 1089 [745–2170] pmol/mg vs 638 [160–2075] pmol/mg vs 25 [10–304] pmol/mg, respectively; p<0.0001). In the histopathological evaluation, the angle of severe medial smooth muscle cell loss was largest for Ranger followed by IN.PACT and Lutonix (12.8 [8.0–20.4] degree vs 1.4 [1.2–5.2] degree vs 0.8 [0.5–2.5] degree, respectively), with significant differences for Ranger vs IN.PACT (p=0.007) and Ranger vs Lutonix (p=0.002). However, paclitaxel concentrations of distal skeletal muscles were lowest for Lutonix, followed by Ranger and IN.PACT (12 [1–58] pmol/mg vs 15 [13–21] pmol/mg vs 42 [19–108] pmol/mg, respectively, p<0.0001). The numbers of arteries with downstream DCB effects were highest for IN.PACT, followed by Ranger and Lutonix (Ranger vs IN.PACT vs Lutonix, 3 [3–4] vs 4 [3–7] vs 2 [1–2], respectively), which was consistent with the measured tissue paclitaxel concentrations.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that Ranger demonstrates the strongest paclitaxel effect, as well as the second-best effect regarding distal particulate embolization, making it a good treatment option for patients with peripheral artery disease among the 3 DCBs evaluated in the current study. Further clinical head-to-head comparisons with larger numbers of patients are needed to explore which DCB is the most effective and safe treatment option.Clinical Impact: The findings of the current preclinical study suggests that Ranger demonstrates the strongest paclitaxel effect, as well as the second-best effect regarding distal particulate embolization making it a good treatment for patients with intermittent claudication and chronic limb-threatening ischemia.
Compressive properties investigation of “stress transformer” based on high-distance woven spacer fabric design
Authors: Zhao Ying , Jiang Yaming , You Jianrong , Liu Yuanjun , Dong Zhaoyong , Li Wenchao , Dai Wei
Published: March 2023

High-distance woven spacer fabrics have been developed into a variety of special textile products for a wide range of applications. As a type of sandwich structure, their applications are heavily dependent on their compressive properties. In this study, the compressive properties of high-distance woven spacer flexible inflatable composites (HDWSFICs) have been evaluated by varying the indenter diameter, initial inflation pressure, and spacer yarn density. The experimental results showed that the compression process can be divided into three stages, including the Contact Stage, the Stress Transition Stage and the Densification Stage. In the Stress Transition Stage, the HDWSFICs can transform compressive load into tension stress, and especially local stress into integral stress, which can be considered a “Stress Transformer”. The existence of the spacer yarns allows the inflatable composites to bear more than three times the compressive load of the inflatable membrane material itself. The compressive modulus increases with spacer yarn density and initial inflation pressure, thus the stiffness of HDWSFICs can be designed. The findings of this study may provide ideas for the design of a “Stress Transformer” and theoretical references for the development of high-distance woven spacer inflatable composites with excellent mechanical properties.
Efficacy beliefs and motivational dynamics in early-season collegiate swimming relays
Authors: Hwang Seunghyun , Sedabres Kaitlynn , Dithurbide Lori , Feltz Deborah
Published: March 2023

This study examined the moderating effects of efficacy beliefs and perceived indispensability on individual efforts in early-season collegiate swimming relays. Effort changes from swimmers’ individual best times to relay-leg times were compared as a function of relay members’ relative strength (i.e., fastest or slowest) and serial position (i.e., first or last leg). Participants ( N  =  199) were collegiate swimmers in 200, 400, or 800-yard freestyle relays at fall invitational meets providing 260 cases included for analysis. Individual lifetime best times, adjusted relay times, rank, serial position, and self-report measures (i.e., efficacy, perceived indispensability of their relay performance) were used for hierarchical multiple regressions. Results indicated that the slowest relay members came closer to their individual best times compared with their team members. The fastest members showed less effort change toward their individual best times than their team members. However, efficacy beliefs in one's teammates had a small positive moderating influence on the fastest members’ effort in relay performances. Based on our results, we recommend Division II and III collegiate coaches not be too concerned with positional order by particular rank at early season invitationals; instead, focus on how to obtain the most effort from each relay member. However, the slowest swimmers may perform better if not positioned first.
First-in-human clinical trial of the NKT cell-stimulatory glycolipid OCH in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sato Wakiro , Noto Daisuke , Araki Manabu , Okamoto Tomoko , Lin Youwei , Yamaguchi Hiromi , Kadowaki-Saga Ryoko , Kimura Atsuko , Kimura Yukio , Sato Noriko , Ishizuka Takami , Nakamura Harumasa , Miyake Sachiko , Yamamura Takashi
Published: March 2023

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that causes the damage to the myelin sheath as well as axonal degeneration. Individuals with MS appear to have changes in the numbers and functions of T-cell subsets, leading to an immunological imbalance accompanied by enhanced autoreactivity. In previous preclinical studies, (2 S,3 S,4R)-1-O-(α-D-Galactopyranosyl)-N-tetracosanoyl-2-amino-1,3,4-nonanetriol (OCH), a synthetic analog of α-galactosylceramide stimulatory for invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, has shown therapeutic or disease-preventive immunoregulatory effects in autoimmune disease models such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Objectives:

This study is the first-in-human study of oral OCH to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and to examine the effects on immune cells as well as related gene expression profiles.

Methods:

Fifteen healthy volunteers and 13 MS patients who met the study criteria were enrolled. They were divided into five cohorts and received oral administration of various doses of granulated powder of OCH (0.3–30 mg), once per week for 4 or 13 weeks. Plasma OCH concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Frequencies of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood were evaluated by flow cytometry, and microarray analysis was performed to determine OCH-induced changes in gene expression.

Results:

Oral OCH was well tolerated, and its bioavailability was found to be sufficient. Six hours after a single dose of OCH, increased frequencies of Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells were observed in some cohorts of healthy subjects and MS patients. Furthermore, gene expression analysis demonstrated an upregulation of several immunoregulatory genes and downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes following OCH administration.

Conclusion:

This study has demonstrated immunomodulatory effects of the iNKT cell-stimulatory drug OCH in human. Safety profiles together with the presumed anti-inflammatory effects of oral OCH encouraged us to conduct a phase II trial.
Therapeutic efficacy and safety of plasmapheresis in elderly patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a single-center observational study
Authors: Zhang Weihe , Jiao Yujuan , Cui Lei , Zhang Yeqiong , Jiao Jinsong , Jin Ming , Yuan Wei , You Yang , Wang Renbin , Peng Dantao
Published: March 2023

Background:

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a devastating autoimmune disorder with cycles of escalating relapse. Rates of diagnosis in the elderly are increasing. Therapeutic decision-making is more challenging in elderly patients due to multiple comorbidities and high risk of drug-induced side effects.

Objective:

This retrospective study assessed the efficacy and safety of standard plasma exchange (PLEX) treatment in an elderly population with NMOSD.

Design:

Seventy-six patients with NMOSD who received PLEX were apportioned to two groups as either elderly (⩾60 years, n = 26) or young (<60 years) at the time of the first procedure.

Methods:

Therapeutic response was judged according to functional recovery at 6 months, as reflected by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and visual outcome scale (VOS) scores.

Results:

The mean age of the 26 elderly patients was 67.7 ± 7.9 years (range 60–87 years); the population was predominantly female (88.5%). PLEX sessions were generally well tolerated among the elderly. Compared with the young patients, the elderly had significantly more comorbidities and concomitant medications. Twenty-four (96.0%) elderly patients showed functional improvement at 6 months after PLEX, of which 15 (60.0%) experienced moderate-to-marked improvement. Six months after the initial PLEX treatment, the patients overall experienced a significant improvement in EDSS and VOS scores. Logistic regression showed that severe optic neuritis attack was a significant independent prognostic factor associated with poor PLEX response. The groups were comparable regarding overall or serious adverse events. The rate of transient hypotension was significantly higher in the elderly compared with the young.

Conclusion:

PLEX is an effective and safe therapy for elderly patients with NMOSD and should be considered a treatment option during NMOSD attacks. In the elderly, preventive measures against hypotension are recommended before PLEX.
The cruel optimism of educational technology teacher ambassador spaces
Authors: Thompson Kali
Published: March 2023

In the last 20 years, neoliberal ideology has heavily influenced the U.S. education system, opening public education up to private corporations as a profitable business endeavor. In this paper, I inquire ( Pierre, 2018 , 2021 ) into educational technology (edtech) teacher ambassador programs through a blog post I wrote as a former second-grade teacher and ambassador for a prominent K-12 edtech company. I argue one way these exploitative spaces operate is through educators’ attachment ( Berlant, 2011 ) to the idea of being a good enough woman teacher ( Pittard, 2015 ) fueled by neoliberal discourses of “keeping up” ( Walkerdine, 2003 ). In other words, the material-discursive apparatus of these program spaces produces a “cruel optimism” for what we could be, rather than what we are, which in turn produces further profit for edtech companies. Overall, this paper grapples with how these programs may appear or feel mutually beneficial for educators, yet are often only monetarily beneficial for edtech companies and their investors.
Strength after the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure: Are shoulder internal rotation, elbow flexion & supination strength decreased?
Authors: Alnusif Naser , Lari Ali , AlQahtani Saad , Athwal George S
Published: March 2023

Background

The Latarjet procedure is an effective shoulder stabilizing surgery, however, the procedure results in an alteration of anatomy that may result in shoulder and elbow weakness. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess post-operative shoulder and elbow strength after the Latarjet procedure. We hypothesized that shoulder and elbow strength are not affected after the procedure.

Methods

The study group consisted of patients that had undergone the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate the strength of bilateral shoulder internal rotation, elbow flexion, forearm supination using peak torque (N/m), as well as grip strength (kilograms). Shoulder range of motion and the potential effects of hand dominance were further analysed.

Results

Nineteen patients with a mean age of 29 years and an average follow up of 47 months were included. Shoulder internal rotation strength, elbow flexion and forearm supination strength and grip strength were not significantly different when compared to the non-operative side ( p > 0.13). The range of shoulder external rotation was significantly reduced ( p < 0.001) on the Latarjet side.

Conclusion

The results from this study demonstrate no statistically significant differences in the strength of shoulder internal rotation, elbow flexion, forearm supination or grip strength despite the surgical alterations to the subscapularis and conjoint tendon.
Variation in the Current Use of Technology to Support Diabetes Management in UK Hospitals: Results of a Survey of Health Care Professionals
Authors: Lumb Alistair , Misra Shivani , Rayman Gerry , Avari Parizad , Flanagan Daniel , Choudhary Pratik , Dhatariya Ketan
Published: March 2023

Background:

There has been a significant increase in the use of wearable diabetes technologies in the outpatient setting over recent years, but this has not consistently translated into inpatient use.

Methods:

An online survey was undertaken to understand the current use of technology to support inpatient diabetes care in the United Kingdom.

Results:

Responses were received from 42 different organizations representing 104 hospitals across the United Kingdom. Significant variation was found between organizations in the use of technology to support safe, effective inpatient diabetes care. Benefits of the use of technology were reported, and areas of good practice identified.

Conclusion:

Technology supports good inpatient diabetes care, but there is currently variation in its use. Guidance has been developed which should drive improvements in the use of technology and hence improvements in the safety and effectiveness of inpatient diabetes care. Key recommendations include implementation of this guidance (especially for continuous glucose monitoring), ensuring specialist support is available for the use of wearable diabetes technology in hospital, optimizing information sharing across the health care system, and making full use of data from networked glucose and ketone meters.
Intrasellar xanthogranuloma mimicking macroadenoma
Authors: Tartuci Iago Toledo , Junior Nivaldo Adolfo da Silva , Rogerio Fabio , Dal Fabbro Mateus , Garmes Heraldo Mendes , Reis Fabiano
Published: March 2023

Intracranial xanthogranulomas (XGs) have been found at various sites, but xanthogranuloma of the sellar region is extremely rare. We report about a case of sellar XG in a 34-year-old female. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a solid-cystic mass located at the sella turcica. The cystic component was hyperintense on the T1-weighted image (WI) and T2WI. The solid component was hyperintense on T1WI and hypointense on T2WI. There was peripheral enhancement after gadolinium administration. The diagnosis of cystic macroadenoma was considered before surgery. Final diagnosis of XG was confirmed by histopathological examination after surgical resection. Gross total resection of the lesion was achieved using the microscope through endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. The patient had a good outcome and no symptom of diabetes insipidus, hormonal evaluation did not show any alterations compatible with hypopituitarism and prolactin levels were normal XG should receive diagnostic consideration for the sellar mass lesions with cystic components hyperintense on T1WI and T2WI, solid components hyperintense on T1WI and hypointense on T2WI, and CT without evidence of calcifications. It is important to consider the possibility of XG when pertinent, as it facilitates a proper surgical approach strategy.
Assessing operative delay and complications in hip fracture patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelets
Authors: Elete Asheesh R , Panwar Yash , Dannaway Jasan , Chen Jacqueline , Thomas Bijoy
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Hip fractures represent a prevalent geriatric cause of morbidity and mortality. The presence of multiple comorbidities requiring the use of an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication adds complexity to management and influences outcomes. International guidelines suggest expedited surgery within 48 h; however, anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications commonly cause delays. Research exploring health outcomes in this group is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications on operative delay and overall complications in hip fracture patients.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of hip fractures was performed at a tertiary hospital over a 3-year period from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2020. Data collected included demographics, time to surgery, length of stay, postoperative blood transfusion, venous thromboembolism, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, infections in hospital and 120-day mortality. Patients were categorised based on the use of direct oral anticoagulants, warfarin and antiplatelet medications.

Results:

In total, 474 patients were included and 43.5% were on an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Patients on these medications had more than twice the rate of operative delay (41.7% versus 17.2%, p < 0.001) with the greatest in the direct oral anticoagulant group (92.7% delay). After controlling for age and gender, this was still significant for direct oral anticoagulant ( p < 0.001) and antiplatelet group patients ( p = 0.02). These patients also had a 20% increased overall complication rate ( p < 0.001). On subgroup logistic regression, the increased complication rate was noted in the direct oral anticoagulant group ( p = 0.006) and the antiplatelet group ( p < 0.001) but not in the warfarin group ( p = 0.25). Time to surgery beyond 48 h was associated with a double increase in the odds of a postoperative complication ( p = 0.005).

Conclusion:

There is a significantly greater delay to surgery in hip fracture patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications as well as a higher incidence of complications. Guidelines to expedite early safe surgery in this high-risk patient group are required.
Assessing Determinants of Continuance Intention Toward Cryptocurrency Usage: Extending Expectation Confirmation Model With Technology Readiness
Authors: Hariguna Taqwa , Ruangkanjanases Athapol , Madon Bakri Bin , Alfawaz Khaled Mofawiz
Published: March 2023

The paradigm of currency has shifted today in which the transformation from conventional currency to digitalization is getting higher lately. Cryptocurrency is one form of digital currency today. Cryptocurrencies is developed based on blockchain technology. The existence of cryptocurrency makes it a new and popular transaction model among its users, community, industry, and government. This is crucial study to measure the level of acceptability of cryptocurrency to understand the level of users’ sustainability in the future. Through the expectation confirmation model (ECM), this study develops the integration concept between ECM and technology readiness (TR). The method employed to measure the results of the hypothesis in this study was structural equation modeling. There are nine hypotheses proposed in the present study. Of the nine tested hypotheses, it was found that there are eight accepted hypotheses which are positive and have significance, while one hypothesis was rejected. The results of this study can be used as a guide and understanding of cryptocurrencies and the continued use of cryptocurrencies.
Usefulness of salivary sampling for the molecular detection of a genetic variant associated with bipolar disorders
Authors: Scano Alessandra , Kalcev Goce , Piras Martina , Fais Sara , Cossu Giulia , Gonzalez Cesar Ivan Aviles , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Orrù Germano
Published: March 2023

Under certain conditions, the hyperthymic temperament traits associated with an increased risk of developing bipolar disorders may in fact produce adaptive responses. The purpose of this study is to see if the type of biological material used for genetic analysis (saliva or blood) affects the detection of mutations in the CACNA1C (RS1006737) gene. The first experimental group consisted of Sardinian migrants (“volunteers”) in South American and European megacities. The second experimental group consisted of older healthy subjects with hyperactivity and novelty-seeking characteristics from Cagliari, Italy. The genetic procedure included DNA extraction, real-time PCR, and the Sanger method. Nonetheless, the authors believe that saliva is the most appropriate biological material, given its many advantages. In contrast to blood, saliva can be collected by any type of healthcare provider after following a few simple instructions.
Design and Integration of a Texting Tool to Keep Patients’ Family Members Updated During Hospitalization: Clinicians’ Perspectives
Authors: Bruce Courtenay R , Kamencik-Wright Ashleigh , Zuniga-Georgy Natalie , Vinh Thomas M , Shah Hema , Shallcross Jamie , Giammattei Charlie , O’Rourke Colleen , Smith Mariana , Bruchhaus Lindsey , Bowens Yashica , Goode Kimberley , Arabie Lee Ann , Sauceda Katherine , Pacha Majeedah , Martinez Sandra , Chisum James , Benjamin Saldaña R , Nicholas Desai S , Awar Melina , Vernon Thomas R
Published: March 2023

An important gap in the literature is how clinicians feel about patient-centered technologies and how clinicians experience patient-centered technologies in their workflows. Our goal was to identify clinician users’ perspectives on facilitators (pros) and barriers (cons) to using 1 digital texting innovation to promote family centered care during patients’ hospitalizations. This qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Houston, consisting of 7 hospitals (1 academic hospital and 6 community hospitals), involving analyzation of 3 focus groups of 18 physicians, 5 advanced practice providers, and 10 nurse directors and managers, as well as a content analysis of 156 real-time alerts signaling family dissatisfaction on the nursing unit/floor. Thematic analysis methods were used. We selected these participants by attending their regularly scheduled service-line meetings. Clinician feedback from focus groups resulted in 3 themes as facilitators: (a) texting platforms must be integrated within the electronic medical record; (b) texting reduces outgoing phone calls; (c) texting reduces incoming family phone calls. Clinician feedback resulted in 3 themes as barriers: (a) best practice alerts can be disruptive; (b) real-time alerts can create hopelessness; and (c) scale-up is challenging. The analyzation of facilitators (pros) and barriers (cons) pertains only to the clinician's feedback. We also analyzed real-time alerts signaling family dissatisfaction (defined as “service recovery escalation” throughout this manuscript). The most common selection for the source of family dissatisfaction, as reflected through the real-time alerts was, “I haven’t heard from physicians enough,” appearing in 52 out of 156 alerts (33%). The second most common selection for the source of dissatisfaction was “perceived inconsistent or incomplete information provided by team members,” which was selected in 48 cases (31%). Our findings indicate that clinicians value inpatient texting, not only for its ability to quickly relay updates to multiple family members with 1 click, but also because, when used intentionally and meaningfully, texting decreases family phone calls.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Modulates the Dependence on Age of the Variability of Synchronous Neural Interactions
Authors: James Lisa M , Leuthold Arthur C , Georgopoulos Apostolos P
Published: March 2023

Recent evidence documented a protective effect of Class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*13 on brain health across the lifespan including evidence of reduced neural network variability relative to non-carriers. Here, in an extension of those findings, we evaluated the influence of a large number of Class I and Class II HLA alleles on aging-related changes in neural network variability. Cognitively healthy women (N = 178) ranging in age from 28 to 99 years old underwent a magnetoencephalography scan from which neural network variability was calculated and provided a blood sample from which HLA and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype were determined. The primary analyses assessed the dependence of network variability on age in carriers of a specific HLA allele compared to non-carriers. Effects were considered protective if there was a significant increase of network variability with age in the absence of a given HLA allele but not in its presence, and were considered to confer susceptibility if the converse was documented; HLA alleles that did not influence the dependence of network variability on age in their presence or absence were considered neutral. Of 50 alleles investigated, 22 were found to be protective, 7 were found to confer susceptibility, and 21 were neutral. The frequencies of those 50 alleles were not associated significantly with ApoE genotype. The findings, which document the influence of HLA on age-related brain changes and highlight the role of HLA in healthy brain function, are discussed in terms of the role of HLA in the human immune response to foreign antigens.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Transtibial Medial Meniscus Root Repair
Authors: LaPrade Robert F. , Parvaresh Kevin C. , Vadhera Amar S. , Singh Harsh , Gursoy Safa , Verma Nikhil N. , Chahla Jorge
Published: March 2023

Background:

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries has rapidly increased. Patients with ACL injuries frequently present with concomitant meniscal pathologies. Posterior medial meniscal root tears (PMMR) are less commonly seen with acute ACL injuries as compared with lateral tears and are often degenerative in nature or more rarely in an acute setting. Clinical studies have demonstrated medial meniscal deficiency to be a significant risk factor for graft failure and poor postoperative clinical outcomes. As such, given its demonstrated efficacy, there has been growing interest in transtibial meniscal repair mechanisms in combination with an ACL reconstruction as a potential solution to this challenging pathology.

Indication:

Patients are indicated for surgery when presenting with symptomatic ACL deficiency verified on provocative testing and advanced imaging and objective insufficiency of the medial meniscal root. Contraindications for this procedure include advanced osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grade ≥3) on weight-bearing x-rays, age <50 years, and body mass index (BMI) > 30 as well as poor-quality meniscal tissue and unrepairable chondral defects.

Technique Description:

The ACL stump is debrided and a burr hole is created. A femoral aiming guide is used to drill the femoral tunnel. Following medial collateral ligament (MCL) release, a healing bony bed is prepared with a curette and shaver at the anatomic tibial footprint. An aiming device is then used through the anterior medial portal to create 2 transosseous tibial tunnels. A vertical mattress suture and simple suture are placed through the meniscal root, shuttled through the posterior and anterior transosseous tunnels, respectively. The tibial ACL tunnel is placed using a standard guide to avoid tunnel convergence with the root tunnels and prevent graft tunnel mismatch. After graft passage, interference screws are inserted while maintaining graft tension. The sutures are then tied over a cortical button over the tibia.

Results:

Within 2 years postoperatively, patients are expected to have improved overall knee-specific quality of life, reduced pain, and a successful return to activities with low rates of graft failure.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Recent advancements in our understanding of the relationship between the medial meniscus and the ACL should prompt surgeons to continue considering such combined treatments in indicated patients.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Why do some authors from developing countries publish papers in predatory journals? Evidence from phone interviews
Authors: Hosain Md Sajjad
Published: March 2023

The issue of “predatory journal” has become a major concern within the academic domain. This paper outlines the underlying reasons behind publishing in predatory journals mainly by some authors from developing countries. I conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with fifty authors from six countries who have already published some of their papers in predatory journals. I recorded the whole interview and later documented those conversations. Afterward, I summarized those documented conversations and highlighted the reasons for publishing in predatory journals made by the interviewees. The major cause indicated by the authors was to mitigate faster publication requirements posed by their educational authorities. Another obvious reason they pointed was the lack of sufficient funds or budgets for conducting research projects that compelled them to publish in such low cost journals that guarantee faster publication. However, some of those authors reported that they were induced to submit papers to those predatory journals to increase the number of papers and citations that brings mental peace to them. Finally, a few interviewees reported that they opted for predatory journals for faster and easy publication as they have insufficient research capacity. I expect to have the attention of policymakers at higher educational institutions and funding agencies so that they can increase research budget and stop the authors from publishing in predatory journals.
Macrophage metabolic rewiring improves heme-suppressed efferocytosis and tissue damage in sickle cell disease
Authors: Sharma Richa , Antypiuk Ada , Vance S. Zebulon , Manwani Deepa , Pearce Quentinn , Cox James Eric , An Xiuli , Yazdanbakhsh Karina , Vinchi Francesca
Published: March 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is hallmarked by an underlying chronic inflammatory condition, which is contributed by heme-activated pro-inflammatory macrophages. While previous studies addressed heme ability to stimulate macrophage inflammatory skewing through TLR4/ROS signaling, how heme alters cell functional properties remains unexplored. Macrophage-mediated immune cell recruitment and apoptotic cell (AC) clearance are relevant in the context of SCD, where tissue damage, cell apoptosis and inflammation occur due to vasoocclusive episodes, hypoxia and ischemic injury. Here we show that heme strongly alters macrophage functional response to AC damage by exacerbating immune cell recruitment and impairing cell efferocytic capacity. In SCD, heme-driven excessive leukocyte influx and defective efferocytosis contribute to exacerbated tissue damage and sustained inflammation. Mechanistically, these events depend on heme-mediated activation of TLR4 signaling and suppression of the transcription factor PPARg and its coactivator PGC1a. These changes reduce efferocytic receptor expression and promote mitochondrial remodeling, resulting in a coordinated functional and metabolic reprogramming of macrophages. Overall, this results in limited AC engulfment, impaired metabolic shift to mitochondrial fatty acid b-oxidation and ultimately reduced secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10, with consequent inhibition of continual efferocytosis, resolution of inflammation and tissue repair. We further demonstrate that impaired phagocytic capacity is recapitulated by macrophage exposure to sickle patients'plasma and improved by hemopexin-mediated heme scavenging, PPARg agonists or IL-4 exposure through functional and metabolic macrophage rewiring. Our data indicate that therapeutic improvement of heme-altered macrophage functional properties via heme scavenging or PGC1a/PPARg modulation significantly ameliorate tissue damage associated with SCD pathophysiology.
Targeting biased signaling by PAR1: Function and molecular mechanism of parmodulins
Authors: Künze Georg , Isermann Berend
Published: March 2023

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is a therapeutic target that was originally pursued with the aim of restricting platelet activation and the burden of cardiovascular disease. In clinical studies the use of orthosteric PAR1 inhibitors was associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage, including intracranial hemorrhage. As (i) PAR1 is expressed by various cell types, including endothelial cells, (ii) conveys in mice a physiological indispensable function for vascular development during embryogenesis, and (iii) is subject to biased signaling dependent on the activating proteases, orthosteric PAR1 inhibition may be associated with unwanted side effects. Alternatively, the protease activated protein C (aPC) and its variants can promote valuable anti-inflammatory signaling via PAR1. Most recently, small molecule biased allosteric modulators of PAR1 signaling, so called parmodulins, have been developed. Parmodulins inhibit coagulation and platelet activation, yet maintain cytoprotective effects typically provoked by PAR1 signaling upon activation by aPC. Here we review the discovery of parmodulins and their preclinical data, summarize the current knowledge about their mode of action, and compare the structural interaction of parmodulin - PAR1 with that of other intracellularly binding allosteric GPCR modulators. Thus, we highlight the pharmaceutical potential and challenges associated with the future development of parmodulins.
Characterization of the human platelet N- and O-glycome upon storage using tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Rosenbalm Katelyn E. , Lee-Sundlov Melissa M. , Ashline David J. , Grozovsky Renata , Aoki Kazuhiro , Hanneman Andrew J. S. , Hoffmeister Karin M.
Published: March 2023

Changes in surface glycan determinants, specifically sialic acid loss, determine platelet life span. The gradual loss of stored platelet quality is a complex process that fundamentally involves carbohydrate structures. Here, we applied lipophilic extraction and glycan release protocols to sequentially profile N- and O-linked glycans in freshly isolated and 7-day room temperature–stored platelet concentrates. Analytical methods including matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography were used to obtain structural details of selected glycans and terminal epitopes. The fresh platelet repertoire of surface structures revealed diverse N-glycans, including high mannose structures, complex glycans with polylactosamine repeats, and glycans presenting blood group epitopes. The O-glycan repertoire largely comprised sialylated and fucosylated core-1 and core-2 structures. For both N- and O-linked glycans, we observed a loss in sialylated epitopes with a reciprocal increase in neutral structures as well as increased neuraminidase activity after platelet storage at room temperature. The data indicate that loss of sialylated glycans is associated with diminished platelet quality and untimely removal of platelets after storage.