bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispute as critique: Moving beyond ‘post-genocide Rwanda’
Authors: Bognitz Stefanie
Published: September 2023

From the vantage point of unmaking permanent minorities, ‘post-genocide’ Rwanda seems to have accomplished a transition into a de-ethnicised, de-tribalised and integrated political community. The unmaking of permanent minorities requires, I suggest, an anthropological movement beyond ‘post-genocide Rwanda’. This is to say, the frame of analysis of the contemporary Rwandan social or political community must not be restricted to people's experiences of genocide. Rather, genocide undergirds, or, even more, continues to remake, the political community in Rwanda, while the social community does not share the experience of genocide. Indeed, the delinking of the ‘post-genocide’ political community from the ‘second generation’ social community requires an anthropological movement towards the everyday of how a political community constitutes itself as integrated. Such a move asks how the ordinary life worlds of common Rwandans are being constituted as de-tribalised, de-ethnicised communities. I examine the rift between the political and the social community in contemporary Rwanda through an anthropological inquiry into disputes. I suggest that peoples’ involvement in disputes and how disputes are tackled in Rwanda provide a window into the social and political aspects of the community. Despite the way in which the Rwandan state tries to curtail inter-community conflict by eliminating a vocabulary of difference, ordinary people use disputes that erupt from their everyday engagements as a way to critique this overarching demand for unity. It is the dispute that puts forth critique as an intervention into the very makings of the unified political community.
The influence of pre-compression on the durability of high-performance concrete incorporating industrial by-products
Authors: Ho Quan Van , Le Tri Ho Minh , Huynh Trong-Phuoc
Published: September 2023

Critical compression impacts may significantly degrade the quality of high-performance concrete (HPC) over time, resulting in significantly reduced service life due to chloride and other corrosive chemical contamination. Moreover, the ability of HPC to resist water and chloride intrusion may degrade rapidly due to pre-compressive-induced damage caused by accelerated porosity development. Although chloride diffusivity in saturated concrete under compressive loading has been adequately discussed in the literature, few studies have addressed the impact of pre-compressive conditions on chloride ingress in HPC incorporating industrial by-product materials. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the influence of pre-compression on the porosity and durability of HPC incorporating industrial by-products. Three types of HPC were produced and used in this study, including conventional HPC (the control), HPC in which 35% of the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced by ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS; HPC1), and HPC in which 55% of the OPC was replaced by GGBFS (35%) and fly ash (20%; HPC2). These specimen mixtures were designed using an equivalent water-to-binder ratio of 0.30 and cured for up to 28 days. They were subsequently subjected to pre-compression at 0%, 55%, 70%, and 85% of the final compressive strength ( R28) and, afterward, subjected to a series of laboratory experiments to determine porosity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, chloride ion penetration, and water absorption at 28 and 56 days of curing. The proposed research is innovative in its use of material porosity and chloride infiltration factors to determine the impact of pre-loading intensity on HPC structures incorporating industrial by-products. In general, the results revealed that porosity in all of the specimens increased proportionally to the magnitude of the compressive load, while durability decreased proportionally to the pre-compression intensity. Notably, the pre-compression performances of the HPCs incorporating industrial by-products (HPC1 and HPC2) were much better than the control.
EUPROPS: A new dataset on policymaking in the European Union from 1958 to 2021
Authors: Golub Jonathan
Published: September 2023

The availability of datasets scraped from the European Union's websites has greatly advanced the systematic analysis of European integration. But despite their enormous value, European Union databases contain almost no information about policymaking during Europe's first two decades, and for later periods, they suffer from far more inconsistencies and errors than has been previously recognised. This article draws upon extensive archival research and manual coding to identify and correct several of these limitations. I present a new dataset (EUPROPS) containing information on proposals for European Union policy from 1958 to 2021 and their outcomes. To illustrate the value of the dataset, I present some surprising initial findings about patterns of policymaking across this 60-year period and identify avenues for future research.
Prevalence and assessment of frailty in interstitial lung disease - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Weber Angela , Müller Ilena , Büchi Annina E. , Guler Sabina A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Frailty is a multisystem dysregulation that challenges homeostasis and increases vulnerability towards stressors. In patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD) frailty is associated with poorer lung function, greater physical impairment, and higher symptom burden. Our understanding of the prevalence of frailty in ILD and consequently its impact on the ILD population is limited.

Objective and Methods

We aimed to systematically review frailty assessment tools and to determine frailty prevalence across different ILD cohorts. Meta-analyses were used to calculate the pooled prevalence of frailty in the ILD population.

Results

We identified 26 studies (15 full-texts, 11 conference abstracts) including a total of 4614 patients with ILD. The most commonly used frailty assessment tools were the Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and the cumulative Frailty Index (FI). Data allowed for meta-analyses of FFP and SPPB prevalence. The pooled prevalence of frailty was 35% (95% CI 25%–45%) by FFP, and 19% (95% CI 12%–28%) by SPPB.

Conclusions

Frailty is common in ILD, with considerable variability of frailty prevalence depending on the frailty assessment tool used. These findings highlight the importance of frailty in ILD and the need for a standardized approach to frailty assessment in this population.
Dealing With Dissonance: The Appropriation of Temptation Island as a Dissonant Practice Within Media Repertoires
Authors: Vandenplas Ruben
Published: September 2023

Despite being central to the media repertoire approach, operationalizations of interrelations of media repertoire components often remain limited to proportions of use, or the personal relevance of repertoire components. This paper seeks to contribute to our understanding of these interrelations by focusing specifically on one particular operationalization: the (in)compatibility of parts of the repertoire. Recent discussions in newspaper headlines indicate how Flemish reality TV-show Temptation Island might function as one such component, deemed incompatible with the repertoire of higher-educated young viewers. By drawing upon Lahire’s theory of dissonance, and exploring the appropriation of Temptation Island within repertoires through a moral economy of media use, the paper explores how young viewers under thirty-five make sense of “dissonant components” within their repertoire, and alleviate the tensions that their presence can create by adopting strategies that establish distance from the text or by hiding parts of the repertoire in certain social contexts.
The Clinical Outcomes of Spinal Accessory to Suprascapular Nerve Transfer Through a Posterior Approach
Authors: Jimulia Devanshi T. , Duraku Liron S. , Parekh Jvalant N. , George Samuel , Chaudhry Tahseen , Power Dominic M.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to suprascapular nerve (SSN) transfer can restore function to the rotator cuff following brachial plexus injuries. The traditional anterior approach using the lateral branch of the SAN causes denervation of the lateral trapezius limiting shoulder elevation. Suprascapular nerve pathology at the suprascapular notch may be missed resulting in poor reinnervation of the rotator cuff. The posterior approach uses the medial SAN and allows decompression and visualization of the SSN at the notch and nerve transfer coaptation closer to the target muscles with a shorter reinnervation distance.

Methods:

This is a review of 28 patients from 2014 to February 2020 who underwent SAN to SSN nerve transfer via a posterior approach. Patients were evaluated for SSN pathology, external rotation power, and range of motion. Data were evaluated for high-energy trauma (HET) and low-energy trauma/nontraumatic etiology subsets.

Results:

A total of 8 HET (40%) patients had pathology identified at the suprascapular notch during the posterior approach, including SSN scarring, ruptures, neuromata-in-continuity, and ossification of ligaments. British Medical Research Council grade greater than or equal to 4 shoulder external rotation was achieved in 75% patients with median range of motion 137.5°.

Conclusions:

Spinal accessory nerve to SSN transfer using a posterior approach allows visualization of pathology involving the SSN and coaptation of a medial SAN transfer close to the target muscles. Following HET, 8 cases (40%) had posterior pathology identified. Spinal accessory nerve to SSN transfer through a posterior approach shows improved external rotation power and range of motion.
Psychiatric medication use among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who used cannabis for mental health concerns: A cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Regalado Diego , Connolly Meghan E. , Krutsch Kaytlin , Stark Amy , Kendall-Tackett Kathleen , Garner Christine D.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Use of cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding is increasing. Mental health concerns are reported as common reasons for maternal cannabis use, but little is known about the use of psychiatric medications in this population.

Objectives:

This study aimed to describe psychiatric medication use among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who used cannabis for mental health concerns.

Design:

Anonymous, online cross-sectional survey.

Methods:

Data were collected from May 2018 to August 2019 among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who used cannabis. This study included mothers who reported cannabis use for mental health concerns (n = 1363). The survey assessed the timing of cannabis use (during pregnancy and/or lactation); use of cannabis to address depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or anxiety; use of psychiatric medications; psychiatric distress (Patient Health Questionnaire-4); and demographic information. Differences between groups were examined using t-test and chi-square test in SPSS.

Results:

The mean age was 29.7 years; most were married (62%); 74% were White non-Hispanic, 9% Hispanic, and 17% Black, Indigenous or other People of Color. Mental health symptoms prompting cannabis use included anxiety (96%), depression (75%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (36%). Only 24% of respondents (n = 322) reported concomitant use of psychiatric medications, primarily selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (72%, n = 232) and benzodiazepines (21%, n = 68). The composite Patient Health Questionnaire-4 showed most respondents had no (61%) or mild (27%) psychological distress; 14% screened positive for depression; and 17% screened positive for anxiety. Respondents who used psychiatric medications more often screened positive mental health concerns.

Conclusion:

Most mothers who used cannabis for mental health concerns were not taking psychiatric medications. This may be due to a mismatch between perceived mental health and screening results, un- or under-treated mental illness, or preference for cannabis over psychiatric medications. Improved management of perinatal mental health and effective patient education about risks of cannabis versus medication use are needed.
Prospective study comparing outcomes of primary intraplexal repair versus distal nerve transfers in Narakas grade I birth brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Thatte Mukund R. , Nayak Nayana S.
Published: September 2023

To compare the results of intraplexal repair and distal nerve transfer in babies with birth brachial plexus palsy (BBPP), children with Narakas group I obstetric palsy were assigned to two groups of 16 each. Children in group A were treated with classical intraplexal repair and those in group B were treated by distal nerve transfers. At 6 months, all the children in group B had achieved Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) grade 3 elbow flexion along with 8 of the 16 children in group A, which was a statistically significant difference. At 6 months, all the children in group B achieved MMRC grade 3 or higher shoulder abduction and 8 of the 16 children in group A had done so, which was also statistically significant. At the final follow-up, the distal transfer surgical treatment group had a significantly higher Mallet score. Distal nerve transfers have a significant advantage in early recovery in elbow flexion and shoulder abduction, but the outcomes became similar after 9 months.

Level of evidence: III
Functional outcome of 2-D- and 3-D-guided corrective forearm osteotomies: a systematic review
Authors: Meesters Anne M. L. , Assink Nick , IJpma Frank F. A.
Published: September 2023

We performed a systematic review to compare conventional (2-D) versus 3-D-guided corrective osteotomies regarding intraoperative results, patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion, incidence of complications and pain score. PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched, and 53 articles were included, reporting 1257 patients undergoing forearm corrective osteotomies between 2010 and 2022. 3-D-guided surgery resulted in a greater improvement in median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score (28, SD 7 vs. 35, SD 5) and fewer complications (12% vs. 6%). Pain scores and range of motion were similar between 3-D-guided and conventional surgery. 3-D-guided corrective osteotomy surgery appears to improve patient-reported outcomes and reduce complications compared to conventional methods. However, due to the limited number of comparative studies and the heterogeneity of the studies, a large randomized controlled trial is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Level of evidence: III
Carpal fractures: epidemiology, classification and treatment of 6542 fractures from the Swedish Fracture Registry
Authors: Zander Maria E. L. , Swärd Elin , Björkman Anders , Wilcke Maria
Published: September 2023

This study describes the age and sex distribution, trauma mechanism, treatment and influence of patient-reported outcomes of 6542 carpal fractures from the Swedish Fracture Registry (SFR). The most commonly fractured carpal bone was the scaphoid (60%), followed by the triquetrum (25%), hamate (5%) and trapezium (4%). The mean age at injury was 41 years, and 69% of patients were male. The age and sex distribution of carpal fractures differed substantially between the different carpal bones. Men were more likely to sustain a carpal fracture after high-energy trauma and were more likely to be treated surgically. Carpal fractures had a small negative effect on the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Hand/Arm Index and EQ-5D scores 1 year after the injury.

Level of evidence: IV
Chronic scrotal content pain: the experiences of patients undergoing microsurgical spermatic cord denervation
Authors: Banner Davina , Cassidy Darby , Appleby Colin , Dolan Shayna , Freeman Shannon , Klassen-Ross Tammy , Ghag Kiranpreet
Published: September 2023

Background:

Chronic scrotal content pain, sometimes referred to as chronic orchialgia, is a common urological condition that gives rise to persistent and often severe painful stimuli to the scrotum and surrounding structures. Despite its relative commonality, accounting for over 2% of urological visits, chronic scrotal content pain is complex to manage and patients may be required to access multiple providers and undergo invasive procedures, including microsurgical spermatic cord denervation (MSCD) surgery.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to understand the experiences and perspectives of persons with chronic scrotal content pain and accessing MSCD surgery.

Design:

An exploratory qualitative design, guided by interpretive description and integrated knowledge translation, was adopted.

Methods:

We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with six patients with chronic scrotal content pain who underwent MSCD surgery in a surgical center in Western Canada. Data were analyzed thematically.

Results:

Analysis of the study data resulted in three core themes: living with chronic scrotal content pain, quality of life, and MSCD procedure and outcomes. We highlight the debilitating nature of pain and the broad impacts upon health, quality of life, and social functioning. Participants described how MSCD surgery offered an effective solution for persistent and debilitating pain. For the participants, MSCD surgery offered hope and the chance to regain their normality.

Conclusion:

For those with chronic scrotal content pain, access to a pain specialist, along with the adoption of a biopsychosocial approach to pain and early access to MSCD surgery, may improve patient experiences and outcomes. Considering the high prevalence of urological pain, greater interdisciplinary care is needed in order to support more effective and timely management.
Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring Values for Bolus Size Calculation in Smart Multiple Daily Injection Systems: No Negative Impact on Post-bolus Glycemic Outcomes Found in Real-World Data
Authors: Diaz-Garelli Franck , Shah Aakash , Mikhno Arthur , Agrawal Pratik , Kinnischtzke Amanda , Vigersky Robert A.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Recent evidence shows that it may be safe to estimate bolus sizes based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) rather than blood glucose (BG) values using glycemic trend-adjusted bolus calculators. Users may already be doing this in the real world, though it is unclear whether this is safe or effective for calculators not employing trend adjustment.

Methods:

We assessed real-world data from a smart multiple daily injections (MDIs) device users with a CGM system, hypothesizing that four-hour post-bolus outcomes using CGM values are not inferior to those using BG values. Our data set included 184 users and spanned 18 months with 79 000 bolus observations. We tested differences using logistic regression predicting CGM or BG value usage based on outcomes and confirmed initial results using a mixed model regression accounting for within-subject correlations.

Results:

Comparing four-hour outcomes for bolus events using CGM and BG values revealed no differences using our initial approach ( P > .183). This finding was confirmed by our mixed model regression approach in all cases ( P > .199), except for times below range outcomes. Higher times below range were predictive of lower odds of CGM-based bolus calculations (OR = 0.987, P < .0001 and OR = 0.987, P = .0276, for time below 70 and 54 mg/dL, respectively).

Conclusions:

We found no differences in four-hour post-bolus glycemic outcomes when using CGM or BG except for time below range, which showed evidence of being lower for CGM. Though preliminary, our results confirm prior findings showing non-inferiority of using CGM values for bolus calculation compared with BG usage in the real world.
“I Have Nothing Yet That I Can Venture to Use”: Adoniram Judson’s Rejection of James Chater’s Gospel of Matthew in Burmese
Authors: de Jong John
Published: September 2023

Adoniram Judson, whose 1840 translation of the Bible is still the most widely used version in modern-day Myanmar, rejected James Chater’s 1812 translation of Matthew into Burmese. Comparing Chater’s work with Judson’s first attempt at translating Scripture, which was also the Gospel of Matthew, in 1817, reveals five main issues: (1) Judson’s translation is generally better executed than Chater’s; (2) the two translations are mostly different; (3) there are some places where it appears Judson was following Chater’s translation; (4) occasionally Chater provides a better translation than Judson; and (5) Judson uses more “polite” honorific and religious language than Chater. Judson’s work demonstrates more sophisticated exegesis and translation technique. Two factors contribute to this, the first being Judson’s superior education. The second is that Chater’s work stands in the Serampore/William Carey tradition of Bible translation and shares the weaknesses that have been identified in that approach.
“Treacherous as Water”(Gen 49.4)? The Stem פחז‎ in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: de Hoop Raymond
Published: September 2023

In the “blessing” of Gen 49.3-4, Reuben is censured for having violated his father Jacob’s concubine Bilhah. In this rebuke, the Hebrew uses a rare word, פחז‎, in an additionally awkward comparison: “like water.” Over the centuries the word פחז‎ appears to have been difficult to translate and therefore the simile “like water” is also difficult to understand. This is reflected in many Bible translations, but in the last decades a solution has been provided to solve this problem. In this contribution, the cultural significance of Reuben’s offence is discussed since it is not “just” a sexual offense. In addition, the meaning of the word פחז‎ in the other biblical texts is analysed, followed by a discussion of the comparison “as water.” The discussion not only clarifies the text of Gen 49.4, but also the background of several other texts in the Bible.
Translation or Tradition: A Brief Survey of Some Translational Issues in the Book of Exodus
Authors: Alexander T. Desmond
Published: September 2023

In translating the MT of Exodus, we should be aware of the danger of allowing strongly embedded traditions to influence our rendering of specific Hebrew terms into English. Due to a now redundant sense of the English term “plague,” which previously meant a “strike” or “blow,” we should abandon its use to denote the miraculous events that are recorded in Exodus. For different reasons, we should also jettison references to an angelic destroyer and the Israelites departing as an army from the story of God’s redemption of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
How Well Does the Justification Clause of Philippians 3.12 Fit within Philippians 3.2-21? Contextual Coherence and the Question of Authenticity
Authors: Giffin Ryan Kristopher
Published: September 2023

A handful of Greek manuscripts of Phil 3.12 (including P46 and 06) attest to a remarkable variant reading known as the justification clause, which has Paul claiming he had not already been justified (Οὐχ … ἢ ἤδη δεδικαίωμαι). Some have viewed the reading as problematic within Paul’s discourse in Phil 3, while others have viewed it as fitting nicely within this literary context. These divergent views have been held by scholars who agree on the secondary nature of the reading. Which view is correct? The objective of this article is to address that question by way of a reading of Phil 3:2-21 and to explore the implications for the authenticity question. The author concludes that the reading is not problematic but harmonizes well with its surrounding discourse, and that this is a point in favor of the authenticity of the reading.
The association of upper respiratory infections with neuro-radiological course and attack rate of multiple sclerosis: Results from a large prospective cohort
Authors: Ghasemi Moein , Farazandeh Dorreh , Amini Behnam , Sedaghat Mona , Najafi Anahita , Khayatzadeh Kakhki Simin , Torabi Pouya , Jafarimehrabady Niloofar , Bitaraf Ali , Shariati Houria , Gholampour Golsa , Kazemi Saminnaz , Naser Moghadasi Abdorreza , Vajihinejad Maryam
Published: September 2023

Background

Although upper respiratory infections (URIs) are linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks, SARS-COV2 has not been compared to URIs for attack rates.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the attack rate and the results of neuroimaging in MS patients with URIs caused by COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 infections (NC-URI).

Methods

From May 2020 to April 2021, we followed 362 patients with relapsing-remitting MS in a prospective cohort design. Patients were monitored regularly every 12 weeks; an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was performed at enrollment and every time a relapse occurred. Poisson analysis was used to determine exacerbation rate ratios (RR) and the MRI parameters were tested using chi-square analysis.

Results

347 patients with an average age of 38 and a female ratio of 86% were included. A RR of 2.24 ( p < 0.001) was observed for exacerbations during the at-risk period (ARP). Attacks related to COVID-19 (RR = 2.13, p = 0.001) and NC-URIs (RR = 2.39, p < 0.001) were comparable regarding the increased risk of exacerbation ( p = 0.62). Exacerbations within or outside the ARP did not significantly alter the number of baseline GAD-enhancing lesions ( p > 0.05 for both).

Conclusion

COVID-19 has been shown to increase the risk of MS exacerbations, like other viral URIs.
Examination of Patients’ Attitudes Toward Exercising Patient Rights in a University Hospital in turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Can Özdemir Rana , Tambağ Hatice
Published: September 2023

Patient rights support patient autonomy and is an important bioethics issue that has been on the healthcare agenda in recent decades. Patients exercising their rights is one of the factors that positively affect the care and treatment process. The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes toward patients exercising their rights, factors affecting it, and to raise awareness on the subject. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 421 patients hospitalized in a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the Scale of Patient Rights Using Attitude (SPRUA) and 16 questions identifying the demographic characteristics of the participants and information that is thought to affect attitudes toward patient rights. Each statement on the SPRUA, a Likert-type scale, is scored from 5 to 1. The total score that can be obtained from the scale ranges between 29 and 145. The total score on the scale determines the attitude toward using patient rights. The Shaphiro wilk test, Student t test, One Way ANOVA, Tukey multiple comparison tests, Kruskal Wallis and All pairwise tests were used to evaluate the data. Participants’ total mean score on the SPRUA was 117.50 ± 22.72. Some socio-demographic variables and experiences during the illness affected the participants’ attitudes toward exercising patient rights. There was a significant difference between the participants’ the mean SPRUA score and the following factors: age, education level, place of residence, clinic hospitalized in, chronic disease status, knowledge about patient rights, duration of hospitalization. The participants had high mean scores on the scale.
You’re Hired! Effects of eCoaching Transition-Age Students With Autism During Job Interview Preparation
Authors: Horn Annemarie L. , Chezan Laura C. , Bobzien Jonna L. , Rock Marcia L. , Alturki Aeshah , Karadimou Olga
Published: September 2023

Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are inequitably unemployed due to challenges associated with the social and communication demands of the traditional job interview process. Using a single-case multiple-baseline design replicated across participants, we evaluated the effects of eCoaching with online bug-in-ear (BIE) technology on responses to job interview questions in transition-age students with ASD. Results demonstrated a functional relation between the intervention and target behavior, and the acquired interview skills were maintained up to 6 weeks post-intervention. Social validity findings indicated all participants enjoyed receiving feedback through online BIE while participating in live-streamed mock job interviews and would recommend this intervention to others. This study extends the limited literature on promoting employment opportunities for job-seeking individuals with ASD.
Personality Pathology and Momentary Stress Processes
Authors: Vize Colin E. , Kaurin Aleksandra , Wright Aidan G. C.
Published: September 2023

The expression of personality pathology differs between people and within a person in day-to-day life. Personality pathology may reflect, in part, dysregulation in basic behavioral processes. Thus, a useful approach for studying maladaptive trait expression comes from literature on stress and daily hassles, which provides dynamic accounts for the relations between individual differences and maladaptive dysregulation. In this study, we sought to integrate maladaptive traits and dynamic stress processes to further dynamic models of personality pathology. In a combined clinical/community sample ( N = 297) oversampled for interpersonal problems, we used ecological momentary assessment (observation N = 19,968) to investigate how maladaptive traits moderated the processes of stress generation, stress reactivity, and affective spillover/inertia. Tests of our preregistered hypotheses provided a mix of supportive and null findings for stress processes identified in past research and mixed support for the moderating role of personality. The results provide insights into the relations between everyday stressors and personality pathology.
Stereotypes and OCD-Symptom Presentations: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation Using Male-Character Vignettes
Authors: Ponzini Gabriella T. , Signorelli Miranda , Claydon Elizabeth A. , Lilly Christa , Steinman Shari A.
Published: September 2023

Stereotypes toward symptom presentations of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are poorly understood. A mixed-methods, multistudy analysis of OCD stigma was conducted. In Study 1 ( N = 60), participants read one of five vignettes (symmetry/just right, contamination, sexual, harm/aggression, scrupulous OCD) before responding to open-ended questions. Inductive content analyses revealed anxiety-relevant stereotypes (e.g., trivialization) for symmetry/just right and contamination and serious mental-illness stereotypes (e.g., dangerous) for harm/aggression and sexual vignettes. In Study 2 ( N = 698), participants read one of seven vignettes (OCD-symptom presentations, generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia) before responding to stigma measures. The sexual, harm/aggression, and schizophrenia vignettes were strongly associated with serious mental-illness stigma. The scrupulous vignette was associated with the most anxiety-relevant stigma. Together, these studies detail stereotype endorsement across OCD-symptom presentations. Stigma-reduction interventions should include psychoeducation and address macro-level stereotypes (i.e., stereotypes that exist across symptom presentations) while enhancing opportunities for contact to mitigate stigma.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on sports and arthroscopic surgery in local hospitals
Authors: Liu Wai Kiu Thomas , Wong Tak Man
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Elective orthopaedic service has been reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and sports activities of the population have been minimised due to the social distancing strategies. This study aimed to quantify the change in sports medicine operations and its distributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could be useful for healthcare providers and policymakers plan in terms of resource planning in case of another severe infection outbreak in the future. Methods: Data, including age and gender of the patients and the types of operation, of all the surgeries performed by the Division of Sports and Arthroscopic Surgery in our institution from September 2017 to June 2022 was retrieved. The first 29 months of the 58 months period were classified as pre-COVID-19. Result: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 20.9% reduction in the total number of sports and arthroscopic surgeries performed, from 10.1 to 8.0 per month ( p = 0.042). The number of shoulder operations was significantly reduced by 32% ( p = 0.029), with rotator cuff surgery reduced by 42% ( p = 0.022). The number of knee operations decreased by 15% ( p = 0.278), with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery reduced by 20% ( p = 0.093). Notably, the relative proportion of knee and shoulder operations, as well as the patient demographics, remained similar during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The reduction in the number of ACL and rotator cuff surgeries could be related to the reduced sports activity and manual labour activity during the lockdown periods of the pandemic. This study provides information and insight into the demand for sports medicine-related operations during the pandemic. It may be practical to limit elective operation sessions for sports and arthroscopic surgery during the pandemic, especially when resources are scarce. However, it is essential to strike a good balance between providing necessary care for patients who require these surgeries, while also taking appropriate measures to combat the pandemic.
Real world patient-reported and health care professional-perceived pain severity in outpatient fracture clinic procedures
Authors: Milton Lauren , Oliogu Etinosa , Finkelstein Samuel , Zhang Liying , Azevedo Lucas , Behroozian Tara , Yee Albert , Henry Patrick , Chow Edward , Finkelstein Joel
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Management of orthopaedic fractures involves acute intervention and follow up through to recovery. Patient-centered care needs to encompass all aspects of this treatment. Limited research is available on outpatient satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes from fracture clinic (FRCL). The purpose of this evaluation is to report on pain levels perceived by patients from minor orthopaedic procedures that were necessary for the continued management of fracture care.

Methods

Patients were recruited in the FRCL if they were planned to undergo minor orthopaedic procedures. They were asked to report the pain they experienced at baseline, during the procedure, 20 min post-procedure, and 24 h following the procedure on a verbal numeric rating scale of 0–10. Healthcare professionals (HCP) were then asked to rank their perception of the severity of pain from each procedure type. Finally, qualitative interviews were conducted on a convenience sample of patients.

Results

51 patients were included in this evaluation. Halo pin, external fixation device, Kirschner wire, and screw removal exhibited a mean increase in pain from baseline greater than 3 units during the procedure. The external fixation device removal group showed the greatest pain reported with a statistically significant increase from baseline to the end of the procedure (mean = 7.1; p = 0.002). There was good concordance of pain perception by the HCP to patient experience. Qualitative interviewing revealed two major themes.

Discussion

This study provided valuable qualitative and quantitative insight into the pain perceptions by FRCL patients. This data may help improve the patient experience inside the FRCL.
Social Instability in Fragile State Context: Exploring the Dynamics Between Syrian Refugees and the Lebanese Host Community in Lebanon
Authors: Anouti Hani , Enna Antea
Published: September 2023

Lebanon has always been an unstable and challenging country. With or without refugees, politics in Lebanon is subject to different internal, regional, and international dynamics that affect the country’s fragile political, security, economic, and social stability. To better understand social instability in Lebanon, this article sheds light on the role of Syrian refugees in diminishing or otherwise of Lebanon’s political, security, and social stability. Taking into consideration the historical role of refugees—especially Syrians—in affecting social stability and the whole political system in an already fragile and almost failed state, the article will also rely on the existing literature on the relationships and interactions between host communities and refugees. This contribution will rely on a qualitative approach to explore the relations and drivers of tensions between Lebanese host communities and the Syrian refugees, highlighting the differences in perceptions and the main sources of strains. In particular, the article will investigate the policies and aid schemes of the international community, mainly United Nations organizations and international nongovernmental organizations, in fostering or otherwise of the tension between the Lebanese host community and the Syrian refugees.
The innovative power of actual–desired misfit in task identity: The mediating role of job crafting
Authors: Hernaus Tomislav , Černe Matej , Caniëls Marjolein C. J.
Published: September 2023

A degree of task completeness—a consequence of the division of labor and job specialization—might play an important role in employees’ motivation to be creative/innovative. While there is no consensus on whether having well-rounded or task-specialized work is optimal for employees’ innovative work behavior (IWB), we entertain the possibility that the preferred amount of this job attribute may condition individual reactions to a particular task structure. Moving beyond a traditional fit/misfit perspective of perceiving individuals as passive respondents, we expect that task-identity discrepancy (actual vs desired) triggers an employee to respond proactively by exhibiting job crafting, resulting in more frequent IWB. We test our hypotheses with mediated polynomial regression analyses based on a multi-source time-lagged field study of 184 professionals in a European bank and an experimental study with 81 students at an EU-based university. The results indicate that task-identity incongruence indirectly drives IWBs more than congruence. Specifically, both task-identity overfit (actual > desired) and task-identity underfit (desired > actual) are positively predicting IWB through job crafting as a coping mechanism for employees to adjust their work and unleash the innovative power from the experienced incongruence.
Multidisciplinary ecosystem to study lifecourse determinants and prevention of early-onset burdensome multimorbidity (MELD-B) – protocol for a research collaboration
Authors: Fraser Simon DS , Stannard Sebastian , Holland Emilia , Boniface Michael , Hoyle Rebecca B , Wilkinson Rebecca , Akbari Ashley , Ashworth Mark , Berrington Ann , Chiovoloni Roberta , Enright Jessica , Francis Nick A , Giles Gareth , Gulliford Martin , Macdonald Sara , Mair Frances S , Owen Rhiannon K , Paranjothy Shantini , Parsons Heather , Sanchez-Garcia Ruben J , Shiranirad Mozhdeh , Zlatev Zlatko , Alwan Nisreen
Published: September 2023

Background

Most people living with multiple long-term condition multimorbidity (MLTC-M) are under 65 (defined as ‘early onset’). Earlier and greater accrual of long-term conditions (LTCs) may be influenced by the timing and nature of exposure to key risk factors, wider determinants or other LTCs at different life stages. We have established a research collaboration titled ‘MELD-B’ to understand how wider determinants, sentinel conditions (the first LTC in the lifecourse) and LTC accrual sequence affect risk of early-onset, burdensome MLTC-M, and to inform prevention interventions.

Aim

Our aim is to identify critical periods in the lifecourse for prevention of early-onset, burdensome MLTC-M, identified through the analysis of birth cohorts and electronic health records, including artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced analyses.

Design

We will develop deeper understanding of ‘burdensomeness’ and ‘complexity’ through a qualitative evidence synthesis and a consensus study. Using safe data environments for analyses across large, representative routine healthcare datasets and birth cohorts, we will apply AI methods to identify early-onset, burdensome MLTC-M clusters and sentinel conditions, develop semi-supervised learning to match individuals across datasets, identify determinants of burdensome clusters, and model trajectories of LTC and burden accrual. We will characterise early-life (under 18 years) risk factors for early-onset, burdensome MLTC-M and sentinel conditions. Finally, using AI and causal inference modelling, we will model potential ‘preventable moments’, defined as time periods in the life course where there is an opportunity for intervention on risk factors and early determinants to prevent the development of MLTC-M. Patient and public involvement is integrated throughout.
Aversive racism, gentrification, and graffiti studies
Authors: Lennon John
Published: September 2023

Bloch and Meyer's article argues that critical gentrification studies need to stop being beholden to mapping and counting of dislocated bodies, focusing mostly on “measuring the invisible,” and instead should understand displacement as an ongoing phenomenon, one that not only removes bodies from an environment, but is materially felt within spaces through technologies of racial discrimination, exclusion, and delinquency. This commentary relates the authors' ideas to graffiti studies and specifically argues how this subfield is part of gentrification studies. At its best, graffiti studies explore how graffiti and street art flow through the veins of the body of a city where racial capitalism is its beating heart. To understand displacement's affect, one can start by reading the walls of a city. The commentary also makes brief comments about gentrification in the FX series The Bear and the current shocking state of public education in Florida.
Research to Resource: Using Music Aptitude and Educational Psychology Frameworks for Ensemble Part Assignments
Authors: Simpson Alvin F.
Published: September 2023

It can be difficult to navigate the tasks of repertoire selection and part assignments in a way that produces a successful performance product while also being educationally beneficial to all students. However, researchers have explored methods of ensuring these goals through repertoire selection. In this article, I present ideas for how educators can pair the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) with music aptitudes when assigning parts in an ensemble. In doing so, ensemble directors might find themselves better positioned to address the individual needs of every student in the ensemble.
Elevated serum TARC levels precede classic Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis by several years
Authors: Diepstra Arjan , Nolte Ilja M. , van den Berg Anke , Magpantay Larry I. , Martínez-Maza Otoniel , Levin Lynn I.
Published: September 2023

Tumor cells in classic Hodgkin lymphoma produce high quantities of the thymus- and activation-related chemokine (TARC). We measured TARC levels in prediagnostic serum samples and found strikingly increased values in the vast majority of patients, as early as 6 years before diagnosis.
Light electric vehicles: the views of users and non-users
Authors: Mesimäki Johannes , Lehtonen Esko
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Light electric vehicles (LEVs), such as e-bikes, e-scooters and electric two-wheelers, can potentially assist the transition to a sustainable transport system due to their low energy and spatial demands. This exploratory survey study investigated and compared the views of LEV users and interested non-users on the vehicles’ advantages in Finland, Austria, Spain and Italy among urban residents (n = 4090) to understand factors influencing their adoption. Additionally, differences between personal and shared vehicles were investigated.

Method

The survey queried respondents on the advantages of either the LEV they used most often, or the LEV they were most interested in using. Of respondents, 26% were LEV users, 37% were non-users interested in using an LEV and 37% were uninterested non-users. Factors concerning comfort, accessibility, safety, and practicality of travel were formed. The effects of respondent type (user vs. non-users), LEV type, whether the LEV was shared or personal, age, gender and country were examined with a full-factorial ANOVA for each factor and some additional variables.

Findings

In general, LEVs were regarded well for travel comfort and supporting accessibility, but less positively for safety and assisting with practical aspects of travel. LEVs were also perceived environmentally friendly. Furthermore, users perceived LEVs more positively than non-users, while age and gender only mildly influenced views. The results suggest that increased familiarity with LEVs is associated with more favourable views concerning them. Existing positive views may have led to LEV use; however, experience could have changed these views as well. LEVs are novel vehicles with recognised benefits, but low familiarity may hinder adoption. Increasing familiarity with LEVs among non-users could encourage uptake, potentially supporting modal shifts from the car to LEVs and thus assist the transition to a more sustainable transport system.
Exploratory laparotomy during the battle of Mosul, 2016–2017: results from a tertiary civilian hospital in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Muhrbeck Måns , Egelko Aron , Haweizy Rawand Musheer , von Schreeb Johan , Älgå Andreas
Published: September 2023

Background

The Battle of Mosul (2016–2017) was an urban conflict resulting in over 9000 civilian deaths. Emergency Management Centre (EMC), located 90 km from Mosul, was designated as a civilian-run trauma centre as part of the novel Mosul Trauma Pathway. Patients necessitating exploratory laparotomy (ex-lap) provide a unique window into the system of care delivery in conflicts, given the importance of timely, resource-intensive care. However, there is insufficient knowledge regarding the presentation and outcomes for conflict-related ex-lap in civilian institutions.

Methods

This is a descriptive study retrospectively analyzing routinely collected data for all patients who underwent ex-lap at EMC for injuries sustained during the battle of Mosul. Differences in demographics, pre-hospital/hospital course, and New Injury Severity Scores (NISS) were analysed using student t-test, Hotelling T-squared, and linear regression.

Results

During the battle, 1832 patients with conflict-related injuries were admitted to EMC. Some 73/1832 (4.0%) underwent ex-lap, of whom 22/73 (30.1%) were children and 40/73 (54.8%) were non-combatant adults. Men constituted 51/73 (69%) patients. Gunshot wounds caused 19/73 (26.0%) injuries, while ordnances caused 52/73 (71.2%). Information regarding hospital course was available for 47/73 (64.4%) patients. Children had prolonged time from injury to first laparotomy compared to adults (600 vs 208 min, p < 0.05). Median LOS was 6 days (IQR 4–9.5); however, 11/47 (23%) patients left against medical advice. Post-operative complications occurred in 11/47 (23.4%) patients; 6/11 (54.5%) were surgical site infections. There were 12 (25.5%) patients who underwent relaparotomies after index surgery elsewhere; 10/12 (83.3%) were for failed repairs or missed injuries. Median NISS was 18 (IQR 12–27). NISS were significantly higher for women (vs men; 28.5 vs 19.8), children (vs adults; 28.8 vs 20), and relaparotomy patients (vs primary laparotomy patients; 32.0 vs 19.0). Some 3 patients died, 2 of whom were relaparotomies.

Conclusion

At this civilian tertiary trauma centre, conflict-related exploratory laparotomies were associated with low morbidity and mortality. Long transport times, high rates of repeat laparotomies, and high numbers of patients leaving against medical advice raise questions regarding continuity of care along the Mosul Trauma Pathway.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered at Clinicaltrails.gov, ID NCT03490305, prior to collection of data.