bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Reconstruction of Mandible Defects in War Injuries: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rehman Umar , Shemie Melissa , Sarwar Mohammad Sohaib , Adebayo Oluwasemilore , Brennan Peter A.
Published: August 2023

Study Design

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective

There has been an increasing trend in maxillofacial injuries associated with combat trauma. Within the maxillofacial complex, the mandible is the most likely structure to be damaged during combat. The structural deficits as a result can be reconstructed with many options. These include vascularised bone grafts (VBGs), non-vascularised bone grafts (NVBGs), alloplastic implants, reconstruction bars and distraction osteogenesis. This study aimed to determine the common modality and efficacy of mandibular reconstruction in combat trauma-related defects.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on Pubmed, Prospero, Dynamed, DARE, EMBASE, COCHRANE and BMJ databases.

Results

A total of six articles met the inclusion criteria identifying 165 patients requiring mandibular reconstruction. Non-vascularised iliac bone graft (n = 137) was the most common method followed by ileac crest bone chips harvest using Dacron urethran osteomesh tray (n = 24) and frontoparietal grafts (n = 4). Meta-analysis of five out of six trials demonstrated an overall success rate of 85% (95% CI 79–90; I2 = 59%). A total of 13% (n = 22) of reconstructions failed either completely or partially and 21% (n = 34) of patients suffered postoperative complications.

Conclusions

NVBGs are a practical, cost-effective and favourable method of war zone management of mandibular defects with success rates comparable to those reported in the civilian literature. However, general trauma principles take precedence to rule out life-threatening injuries. Due consideration of patient factors, surgical factors, and available resources are required in the first-line management of combat-related mandibular defects.
The background assimilation effect: Facial emotional perception is affected by surrounding stimuli
Authors: Wu Yujie , Ying Haojiang
Published: August 2023

The perception of facial emotion is not only determined by the physical features of the face itself but also be influenced by the emotional information of the background or surrounding information. However, the details of such effect are not fully understood. Here, the authors tested the perceived emotion of a target face surrounded by stimuli with different levels of emotional valence. In Experiment 1, four types of objects were divided into three groups (negative, unpleasant flowers and unpleasant animals; mildly negative (neutral), houses; positive, pleasant flowers). In Experiment 2, three groups of surrounding faces with different social–emotional valence (negative, neutral, and positive) were formed with the memory of affective personal knowledge. The data from two experiments showed that the perception of facial emotion can be influenced and modulated by the emotional valence of the surrounding stimuli, which can be explained by assimilation: the positive stimuli increased the valence of a target face, while the negative stimuli comparatively decreased it. Furthermore, the neutral stimuli also increased the valence of the target, which could be explained by the social positive effect. Therefore, the process of assimilation is likely to be a high-level emotional cognition rather than a low-level visual perception. The results of this study may help us better understand face perception in realistic scenarios.
A manifesto for critical Muslim geographies
Authors: Sidaway James D.
Published: August 2023

In reflecting on the generous commentaries in this forum, I reconsider the prospects for emergent Critical Muslim Geographies. I frame my responses to the insights, challenges, thresholds, and research alliances they channel via ‘a manifesto for Critical Muslim Geographies’. The move I advocate draws on the corpus of critical geography, is informed by the developing field of Critical Muslim Studies, thinks with traditions of Islamic ilm (knowledge and learning), and strives for an adept, committed, and visible community of Muslim scholars in geography This enables approaches to the ‘decolonial’ from other sites. The commentators have noted my intent to both recharge and go beyond decolonial geographies, also pulling connections with other literatures.
Managing medical and psychiatric multimorbidity in older patients
Authors: Carlson David M. , Yarns Brandon C.
Published: August 2023

Aging increases susceptibility both to psychiatric and medical disorders through a variety of processes ranging from biochemical to pharmacologic to societal. Interactions between aging-related brain changes, emotional and psychological symptoms, and social factors contribute to multimorbidity – the presence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual – which requires a more patient-centered, holistic approach than used in traditional single-disease treatment guidelines. Optimal treatment of older adults with psychiatric and medical multimorbidity necessitates an appreciation and understanding of the links between biological, psychological, and social factors – including trauma and racism – that underlie physical and psychiatric multimorbidity in older adults, all of which are the topic of this review.
Physiotherapy: A potential and novel treatment approach for phantom limb pain in post-amputee patients – A systematic review
Authors: Gautam Sunny , Srivastav Adarsh Kumar , Sharma Digvijay
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of conventional and novel non-pharmacologic, non-invasive therapeutic interventions in physiotherapy for the treatment of phantom limb pain (PLP) in post-amputee patients.

Methods

A systematic search for the articles was conducted in multiple electronic databases such as PUBMED, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), following the PRISMA method and only published articles from the last 12 years (2010–2022) evaluating the efficacy of different physiotherapy interventions for the treatment of PLP in post-amputee patients were included. The methodological quality and risk of bias of the articles were assessed and evaluated by two independent reviewers using the PEDro scale, Methodological index for non-randomized studies scale (MINORS), and Cochrane collaboration’s assessment tool.

Result

A total of 1840 articles were identified, out of which 17 articles (11 RCTs and 6 pilot studies) were ultimately chosen after the full-text screening. After reviewing the articles, evidence identified in RCTs and pilot studies indicates towards significant improvement in reducing the severity of PLP in post-amputee patients by using different physiotherapy interventions.

Conclusion and discussion

Physiotherapy interventions with advance modalities and exercises can be used to increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment and to reduce the severity of phantom limb pain in post-amputee patients. However, due to the lack of consistent evidence for a given intervention, it becomes even more difficult to reach a majority consensus as to which intervention better assess all the mechanism of PLP thereby alleviating the problem of PLP in post-amputee patients. Therefore, more rigorous randomized controlled trials will be required in the future to reach a conclusion.
Characteristics of pain and their relationship to disease activity in UK patients with Behçet’s syndrome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Plant K , Goebel A , Nair J , Moots R , Chadwick L , Goodson N
Published: August 2023

Background

Behçet’s syndrome (BS) is a rare multi-systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is more prevalent in rheumatological conditions such-as BS, than the general population. However, there is limited research into the aetiology and characteristics of pain in BS.

Objectives

To describe the pain characteristics and incidence of FMS in people with BS and investigate their relationship with BS disease activity.

Methods

A cohort study of BS patients attending the Liverpool Behçet's Centre between February 2017 and March 2019. BS was defined using the International Study Group Criteria. BS severity was assessed using the Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form. FMS was determined from consultant diagnosis. Assessments of pain included: Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), Pain Mannequin, Brief Pain Inventory, EQ-5D-3L and Short Form McGill. Pain and FMS prevalence were compared between high and low disease activity.

Results

90% reported moderate-severe pain with a median PVAS score of 68/100 [38, 81]. 35.6% of participants had FMS and 46.5% experienced generalized pain. 76% of participants with high disease activity reported severe pain, compared to 39.1% with low disease activity ( p = .003). Pain was more generalised in high disease activity (72%) compared to low disease activity (37.7%) ( p = .003). FMS was more prevalent in the high disease activity group (52%) than the low disease activity group (29%) ( p = .04).

Conclusions

This is the first study to explore pain in participants with BS in the United Kingdom. The majority of BS patients experience moderate-severe widespread pain. Severe widespread pain is more prevalent in those with high disease activity. We have demonstrated a relationship between high disease activity, worse pain intensity, and FMS. This paper contributes to the understanding of two conditions which remain to be fully understood, FMS and BS, and generates new hypotheses to describe the interplay between.
Hospitalization risk among patients with Mpox infection—a propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Henao-Martínez Andrés F. , Orkin Chloe M. , Titanji Boghuma K. , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Salinas Jorge L. , Franco-Paredes Carlos , Tuells Jose , Chastain Daniel B.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a reemerging, neglected viral disease. By May 2023, worldwide Mpox cases surpassed 87,000. Predictive factors for hospitalization with Mpox are lacking.

Objective:

We aim to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes in hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients with Mpox infection.

Design:

A multicenter retrospective case-control cohort of patients with Mpox infection.

Methods:

We performed a propensity score match analysis from a global health network (TrinetX). We compare clinical characteristics and outcomes between hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients with Mpox.

Results:

Of 1477 patients, 6% were hospitalized, 52% required an ED visit, and 29% received treatment at urgent care. After propensity score matching, 80 patients remained in each group. Hospitalizations were more common among Black persons (51% versus 33%, p = 0.01), people with HIV (50% versus 20%, p < 0.0001), and those with proctitis (44% versus 12.5%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Independent predictive factors of hospitalization in our cohort for Mpox included people who are Black with a diagnosis of HIV, severe proctitis, pain requiring opioids, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Greater recognition of factors associated with increased risk of Mpox severity and hospitalization is paramount.
Acute cholangitis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster in a patient receiving an anti-amyloid antibody for Alzheimer’s disease: A case report
Authors: Restifo Linda L , Erickson Robert P
Published: August 2023

A 77-year-old woman had 2 weeks of fever and flu-like symptoms starting several hours after receiving an mRNA booster for SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza vaccine, in separate shots. Laboratory tests showed cholangitis. Medical history included APOE-ε4 carrier genotype, mild Alzheimer’s disease, participation in a clinical trial of aducanumab, and resolving polymyalgia rheumatica. The patient recovered with at-home supportive care. She had aducanumab-associated amyloid-related imaging abnormalities–edema (ARIA-E) both before and after the acute cholangitis. Two months following the vaccinations polymyalgia rheumatica recurred. This case raises questions about interactions among immune-mediated disease, complications of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, and adverse events following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
The PARTYPRESS Database: A new comparative database of parties’ press releases
Authors: Erfort Cornelius , Stoetzer Lukas F , Klüver Heike
Published: August 2023

We present the PARTYPRESS Database, which compiles more than 250,000 published press releases from 68 parties in 9 European countries. The database covers the press releases of the most relevant political parties in these countries from 2010 onward. It provides a supervised machine learning classification of press releases into 21 unique issue categories according to a general codebook. The PARTYPRESS Database can be used to study parties’ issue agendas comparatively and over time. We extend a recent analysis in Gessler and Hunger (2022) to illustrate the usefulness of the database in studying dynamic party competition, communication, and behavior.
Navigating Life With Primary Mitochondrial Myopathies: The Importance of the Patient Voice and Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Moore Margaret , Yeske Philip , Parikh Sumit
Published: August 2023

Primary mitochondrial myopathies (PMM) are rare disorders with diverse and progressive symptom presentations that cause a substantial, detrimental impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. The burden of symptoms is compounded by their visibility and their unpredictable, progressive nature, leading to a sense of social stigmatization, limited autonomy, social isolation, and grief. There is also a lack of awareness and expertise in the medical community, which presents huge obstacles to diagnosis and provision of coordinated multidisciplinary care for these patients, along with a lack of disease-modifying treatments. The present commentary serves to raise awareness of the challenges faced by patients with PMM and their caregivers in their own words, including diagnostic delays, the burden of disease, and the need for further trials to develop disease-modifying treatments and improved understanding of the disease course. We also provide commentary on considerations for clinical practice, including the need for holistic care and multidisciplinary care teams, details of common ‘red flag’ symptoms, proposed diagnostic approaches, and suggested descriptions of multisystemic symptoms for physician-patient dialogue. In addition, we highlight the role patient advocacy and support groups play in supporting patients and providing access to reliable, up-to-date information and educational resources on these rare diseases.
Diabetes and Hypertension Prevention and Control in Community Health Centers: Impact of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Huguet Nathalie , Green Beverly B. , Larson Annie E. , Moreno Laura , DeVoe Jennifer E.
Published: August 2023

Access to care significantly improved following the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Since its implementation, the number of uninsured Americans has significantly decreased. Medicaid expansion played an important role in community health centers, who serve historically marginalized populations, leading to increased clinic revenue, and improved access to care. As the continuous Medicaid enrollment provision established during the pandemic ended, and states have to make decisions about their program eligibility, exploring the impact of Medicaid expansion on the detection, and management of hypertension and diabetes could inform these decisions. We summarized the effect of Medicaid expansion on community health centers and their patients specific to hypertension and diabetes from existing literature. These studies suggest the beneficial impact of the Affordable Care Act and acquiring insurance on diabetes and hypertension disease detection, treatment, and control for patients receiving care in community health centers. Overall, these studies suggest the clear importance of health insurance coverage, and notably insurance stability, on diabetes and hypertension control.
Evaluation and Optimization Design of Coastal Cycling Environment Based on Importance Performance Analysis
Authors: Xu Congbao , Wang Jing , Li Yanxue , Gao Weijun
Published: August 2023

The cycling activity features green, low-carbon, energy-saving, and zero-emission characteristics, it is becoming a popular leisure activity in people’s daily lives. Compared with the riding lanes within the city, coastal roads are more attractive to cyclists. However, there is less research regarding the coastal riding environment, and it was important to investigate the attitudes of cyclists toward the existing coastal lanes. This study evaluated and optimized coastal cycling environment in Qingdao city, China. Firstly, a questionnaire survey was carried out, 22 elements related to evaluation of cycling environment were selected, focusing on the basic information of cyclists, and their attitudes to the importance and satisfaction of evaluation elements. Secondly, we applied the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) to obtain the coastal road environmental elements that needed to be prioritized for improving cycling conditions. Results found that there existed great differences in the lighting conditions of the road section, most of the factors that fell within the interval of high importance-low satisfaction, which was highly related to security, the importance of parking facilities was relatively high. To promote the popularity of bicycle ride along the coastal roads, it is essential to pay attention to improving cycling safety at the design stage.
Director’s Identifications to Multiple Identities, Social Groups, and Board Oversight Roles: A Scoping Review
Authors: Syed Anuar Sharifah Azlina , Hamzah Noradiva , Rahmat Mohd Mohid , Ab Ghani Nur Laili
Published: August 2023

Despite the extensive research on the board of directors and its oversight role, the evidence on why board members behave in certain ways is inconclusive due to the limited literature on the socio-behavioral aspects. Identity theory and social identity theory assume that directors identify with multiple identities and social groups, and that the convergence or divergence of these different identifications determines how they behave in their board oversight roles. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review is to identify and map the evidence available from this perspective, provide key findings and gaps. We found similar antecedents to identification to multiple identities and social groups among the board of directors are discussed. In particular, the three major antecedents are (1) self-categorization, (2) self-enhancements, and (3) out-group salience. These antecedents have been shown to enhance identifications and influence director behavior in relation to their board oversight roles.
Influence of Social and Emotional Factors on the Intention to Use Instagram Stories
Authors: Cárdenas Luis , Fernández-Robin Cristóbal , Yáñez Diego
Published: August 2023

The objective of this study is to determine the social and emotional factors that influence the Intention to Use Instagram Stories. The proposed model takes as different studies on the acceptance of information technologies a reference to assess a survey applied to 369 people by structural equation modeling. The results of the analysis show that the Cognitive, Affective and Evaluative Social Identity variables did not have a significant relationship with Intention to Use. Conversely, Social Presence and Perceived Enjoyment exhibit significant relationships in the proposed model.
Program Evaluation of Fit to Pass®, a Remotely Accessible Health Promotion Program for Commercial Motor Vehicle Truck Drivers
Authors: Snyder Pamela , Carbone Eva , Heaton Karen , Hammond Stephanie
Published: August 2023

Background:

Chronic health conditions are highly prevalent among truck drivers due to many unique occupational and environmental stressors. Health promotion programs are shown to be effective in improving truck driver health outcomes; however, there is no research on whether such programs can increase the length of a driver’s Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate Fit to Pass (FTP), a remotely accessible health promotion program available for truck drivers on improved health outcomes and increased DOT medical certificate length.

Method:

Program evaluation included an evaluation of the FTP coaching guide against evidence-based practice guidelines. An analysis of a limited dataset of 22 truck driver records examined the effectiveness of the program in achieving improved health outcomes and increased medical certification length.

Findings:

A review of the literature revealed three major themes: (a) motivational interviewing to increase driver intention and self-efficacy; (b) mobile health care technology to connect hard-to-reach truck drivers; and (c) effectiveness of structured multicomponent health promotion programs. After participation in FTP, truck drivers experienced a mean decrease in weight and body mass index (BMI) of 4.6 lbs and 1.3 kg/m2, respectively. The lengths of initial DOT medical certificates were compared with DOT medical certificates received at the time of recertification (post—FTP). Only eight participants had the potential for improvement in certificate length. Of those, three truck drivers achieved an increased DOT medical certificate length at the time of recertification.

Conclusion/Applications to Practice:

FTP offers tailored and comprehensive health coaching for truck drivers using current evidence-based practice guidelines to educate and reinforce healthy lifestyle habits. Analysis of a limited dataset revealed a mean decrease in BMI and a trend of increased DOT medical certification lengths after participation in FTP; however, further research with larger sample sizes is recommended.
Identity Theft: Social Withdrawal as a Risk Factor in Identity Development
Authors: Schwartz Christina M. , Nelson Larry J. , Millett Mallory A. , Lott Melanie K.
Published: August 2023

During emerging adulthood, identity development may be facilitated through a myriad of social interactions, especially in settings such as college. However, some social withdrawal motivations may impede an individual from engaging with others, and consequently, may stifle identity exploration and commitment. The objective of this study was to examine differences between social withdrawal subtypes on levels of identity development in a variety of domains among college emerging adults. Participants for this study consisted of 792 undergraduate students (547 women, 69% European American). Distinct social withdrawal motivation groups were created (shy, unsocial, avoidant) and then compared using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results indicated the shy group struggled with identity commitment generally, the avoidant group struggled with identity exploration and commitment in multiple domains, and the unsocial and mixed withdrawn groups showed comparable levels of identity exploration and commitment to the non-withdrawn group both generally and across identity domains.
The Role of Leader Communication in Fostering Respectful Workplace Culture and Increasing Employee Engagement and Well-Being
Authors: Willett Justin F. , LaGree Danielle , Shin Haejung , Houston J. Brian , Duffy Margaret
Published: August 2023

Although communication is commonly recognized as an indispensable element of leadership, less is known about how leadership communication interacts with workplace respect to affect employee outcomes. We surveyed 1,512 U.S. working adults to test a model that examines the relationship of leadership communication, two types of workplace respect, and occupational resilience with employee engagement and well-being. We found that leadership communication was not associated with employee engagement and well-being; however, it was positively related to respectful engagement (generalized respect extended to employees because they are part of the organization) and autonomous respect (individualized respect that recognizes specific achievements). Leadership communication was negatively associated with occupational resilience, while employee engagement and well-being were positively associated with occupational resilience, respectful engagement, and autonomous respect. Our findings indicate that leadership communication contributes to a respectful workplace culture that then positively affects employee engagement and well-being.
Comorbidity Burden in Psoriasis Patients With Skin of Color
Authors: Peterson Hannah , Huang Margaret Y. , Lee Kathryn , Kingston Paige , Yee Danielle , Korouri Edwin , Agüero Rosario , Armstrong April W.
Published: August 2023

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic disease with increased risk of numerous comorbidities. Known differences exist regarding treatment outcomes for psoriasis patients with skin of color (SOC). Factors contributing to these differences are relatively unknown.

Objectives

This study aims to compare the comorbidity burden in SOC psoriasis patients vs White patients, as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Methods

We utilized the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) to identify visits for adult psoriasis patients occurring in the years 2002-2016 and 2018. The CCI was used to objectively measure comorbidity burden. Patients were identified by race, and SOC was defined as any reported race besides White Only. A multiple linear regression was run to compare the CCI among adult psoriasis patients based on race and ethnicity, controlling for age, sex, insurance status, and geographic region.

Results

A total of 39, 176, 928 weighted visits were analyzed. Compared to White patients, patients with SOC did not have statistically significant differences in comorbidity burden, as measured by CCI ( P = .073 for Black/African American Only vs White Only, P = .073 for American Indian/Alaska Native Only vs White Only, P = .435 for Asian Only vs White Only, P = .403 for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Only vs White Only, P = .195 for Other vs White Only).

Conclusion

Patients with SOC were not found to have differences in comorbidity burden compared to White patients. These results highlight that social factors such as socioeconomic status and access to health care may contribute more directly to psoriasis treatment outcomes than patient race.
Immune checkpoints and cancer immunotherapies: insights into newly potential receptors and ligands
Authors: Kamali Ali N. , Bautista José M. , Eisenhut Michael , Hamedifar Haleh
Published: August 2023

Checkpoint markers and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been increasingly identified and developed as potential immunotherapeutic targets in various human cancers. Despite valuable efforts to discover novel immune checkpoints and their ligands, the precise roles of their therapeutic functions, as well as the broad identification of their counterpart receptors, remain to be addressed. In this context, it has been suggested that various putative checkpoint receptors can be induced upon activation. In the tumor microenvironment, T cells, as crucial immune response against malignant diseases as well as other immune central effector cells, such as natural killer cells, are regulated via co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory signals from immune or tumor cells. Studies have shown that exposure of T cells to tumor antigens upregulates the expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptors, leading to T-cell dysfunction or exhaustion. Although targeting immune checkpoint regulators has shown relative clinical efficacy in some tumor types, most trials in the field of cancer immunotherapies have revealed unsatisfactory results due to de novo or adaptive resistance in cancer patients. To overcome these obstacles, combinational therapies with newly discovered inhibitory molecules or combined blockage of several checkpoints provide a rationale for further research. Moreover, precise identification of their receptors counterparts at crucial checkpoints is likely to promise effective therapies. In this review, we examine the prospects for the application of newly emerging checkpoints, such as T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3, lymphocyte activation gene-3, T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), new B7 family proteins, and B- and T-cell lymphocyte attenuator, in association with immunotherapy of malignancies. In addition, their clinical and biological significance is discussed, including their expression in various human cancers, along with their roles in T-cell-mediated immune responses.
Factors Associated With Esophagus Cancers in Togo, Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Darré Tchin , Djiwa Toukilnan , Kogoe Roland-Moise Lidawu , Eklu Kodjo Eugene , Alassani Fousseni , Simgban Panakinao , Bombone Mayi , Sama Bagassam , Tchangai Boyodi , Bagny Aklesso , Napo-Koura Gado
Published: August 2023

Background:

Esophagus cancer is cancer of poor prognosis, of often late diagnosis. The objective of this study was to describe the factors associated with esophagus cancers in the Togolese population.

Methods:

It was a retrospective descriptive, cross-sectional study, on esophagus cancers histologically diagnosed at the Pathological Laboratory of Lomé over a period of 31 years (1990-2021).

Results:

We have collected 144 cases of esophagus cancer. The average age of patients was 57 ± 12 years, and the sex ratio was 2.34. The most applicant service was the service of Hepato Gastroenterology of CHU Campus (30.6%). Alcohol (57.6%), tobacco (45.8%) were the most present risk factors. Biopsies were the most addressed (97.2%). The average duration of symptom evolution was 6.42 months and the main symptom at the time of diagnosis was dysphagia (36.8%). The location of cancer was the lower third for 71.5% of cases. At histology, epidermoid carcinoma was the dominant type (90.3%). Male sex was statistically associated with the occurrence of epidermoid carcinoma and female sex with the occurrence of adenocarcinoma ( P < .001). Alcohol, smoking, and consumption of hot foods were statistically associated with the occurrence of epidermoid carcinoma in this study ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Esophagus cancer remains a serious condition for late diagnosis. These are mainly epidermoid carcinomas and having alcohol and tobacco as risk factors. The awareness of the population on the main risk factors would reduce the incidence of oesophagus cancers within the Togolese population.
Shared language in the team network-performance association: Reconciling conflicting views of the network centralization effect on team performance
Authors: Reagans Ray E , Volvovsky Hagay , Burt Ronald S
Published: August 2023

We reconcile two conflicting views of the network centralization effect on team performance. In one view, a centralized network is problematic because it limits knowledge transfer, making it harder for team members to discover productive combinations of their know-how and expertise. In the alternative view, the limits on knowledge transfer encourage search and experimentation, leading to the discovery of more valuable ideas. We maintain the two sides are not opposed but reflect two distinct ways centralization can affect a team’s shared problem-solving framework. The shared framework in our research is a shared language. We contend that team network centralization affects both how quickly a shared language emerges and the performance implications of the shared language that develops. We analyze the performance of 77 teams working to identify abstract symbols for 15 trials. Teams work under network conditions that vary with respect to centralization. Results indicate that centralized teams take longer to develop a shared language, but centralized teams also create a shared language that is more beneficial for performance. The findings also indicate that the highest performing teams are assigned to networks that combine elements of a centralized and a decentralized network.
Pectoralis Major Tendon Transfer for Subscapularis Insufficiency: An Operative Technique
Authors: Recker Andrew J. , Glover Mark A. , Muscott Rachel , Trasolini Nicholas A. , Waterman Brian R.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Pectoralis major tendon (PMT) transfer is an effective surgical treatment for addressing subscapularis insufficiency in younger, active patients.

Indications:

The primary indication for a PMT transfer is subscapularis insufficiency or irreparable tear in an active, young patient that is not a candidate for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. In addition, patients should have an intact posterosuperior rotator cuff. In this case, the patient is a 41-year-old male with chronic anterior shoulder instability after failed open Bankart stabilization with subscapularis incompetency.

Technique Description:

The patient was placed in the beach-chair position and a standard deltopectoral approach was utilized. The conjoint tendon and adjacent musculocutaneous nerve were identified and retracted. Subsequently, the sternal head of the PMT was isolated from the clavicular head at the humeral insertion. It was then released, mobilized and passed inferior to the conjoined tendon for reapproximation at the lesser tuberosity with a suture anchor.

Results:

A previous systematic review demonstrated that patients with isolated subscapularis insufficiency who undergo PMT transfer have significant increase in Constant Score, range of motion, and internal rotation strength. Additionally, a retrospective case series evaluating 22 patients at a 10-year follow-up revealed maintained improvements in Constant Score, Simple Shoulder test, and Visual Analog scale for Pain. However, they found that strength on internal rotation and range of motion significantly regressed to baseline, preoperative levels.

Discussion/Conclusion:

PMT transfer for subscapularis insufficiency is a viable treatment option for symptomatic subscapularis tendon tears not amenable to repair. It allows for excellent long-term improvements in strength, range of motion and patient reported outcomes.

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.
Gleaning Emotions from Virtual Stickers: An Intercultural Study
Authors: Yang Dongdong , Atkin David J. , Labato Laura
Published: August 2023

Virtual stickers—as a newer generation of graphic icons—possess the potential to facilitate online intercultural communication through emotional expression. However, people from different cultural backgrounds rely on varied display and decoding rules, which lead to disagreement on the emotions communicated by stickers. Drawing from the dialect theory of communicating emotion, the current study employs an online survey to examine whether culture-, emotion-, and technology-related factors impact American college students’ recognition accuracy of 6 basic emotions expressed through 36 Chinese animated and static stickers. Results demonstrate that sticker use frequency, intercultural communication competence, and empathy are positively related to cross-cultural sticker emotion recognition accuracy. However, neither prior intercultural experience with Chinese students nor social media use frequency influences cross-cultural sticker emotion recognition accuracy. No gender differences were identified. This study represents one of the first to systematically examine predictors of sticker interpretation accuracy in a cross-cultural context.
Rethinking Communication in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: An HCR Special Issue
Authors: Wilson Steven R.
Published: August 2023

This invited essay discusses a recent special issue published by the journal Human Communication Research entitled “Rethinking Communication in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” Articles in the special issue explore how: (a) artificial intelligence (AI) may be altering basic communication processes, (b) communication theories can help us understand and explain AI's potential impacts, and (c) research can explore how AI can help promote the public interest. These issues are explored in varied contexts (e.g., close relationships, workplaces, media, and politics) using quantitative, computational, and qualitative methods. My essay highlights the special issue's purpose, describes the peer review process that led to six articles plus the opening essay by guest editors S. Shyam Sunder and Eun-Ju Lee, features an exemplar article that explores how social bots helped amplify partisan news coverage in the Unites States during the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for communication scholars to publish additional research on these topics in outlets such as Emerging Media.
Mediated Trust and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Flew Terry
Published: August 2023

It has been widely observed in recent years that there has been a global crisis of institutional trust. This article explores the concept of mediated trust, using the “Three I's” framework of ideas, interests, and institutions, in order to understand how the interaction between these three elements provides insights into the evolution of mediated trust. It is argued that, in the case of the early Internet, ideas were a key driver of institutional formations. By contrast, with artificial intelligence, there are already an array of powerful corporate interests seeking to drive policy agendas.
Daily Monitoring of Ripening Processes of a Tomato Using an Original Handheld Visible–Near-Infrared Spectrometer
Authors: Nakashima Satoru , Nagasawa Aika , Yokokura Kazuto , Shukuin Yasuaki , Takeda Naoto , Yamamoto Kiyotaka
Published: August 2023

A handheld visible- and shortwave near-infrared spectrometer has been developed for monitoring daily changes in fruits and vegetables. The ripening processes of a mini tomato sample have been monitored daily for about 100 days by this instrument and color values L*a*b* and Brix were measured. Obtained reflection spectra in the 400–1050 nm range were converted to absorption spectra and daily changes of band areas of chlorophyll a (Ch1 a; 640–710 nm), carotenoids (460–520 nm), lycopene (545–600 nm), and water + sugar (920–1050 nm) were determined. The band area of lycopene increased rapidly from 36 to 44 days associated with the increase in a* value, indicating that the increase in the reddish color originated from the increase of lycopene. On the other hand, the band area of Chl a decreased exponentially over 100 days. This Chl a decrease could be well fitted by the first-order reaction giving the rate constant k = 4.07 × 10–7 s–1. These quantitative daily changes of pigments in fruits and vegetables are expected to provide comprehensive bases for their cultivation and harvest.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Deprescription Prospective Study in Patients Without Indication: Are There Differences in Proportion of Restarts According to Withdrawal Strategy?
Authors: Barraquer Comes Anna , Roy Millán Pedro
Published: August 2023

Background: The increasing utilization of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients without clear medical indications has raised concerns regarding potential risks, highlighting the importance of deprescription. However, comparative analyses of withdrawal strategies (abrupt vs gradual) in this context remain scarce or of low quality. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the success rate of deprescribing PPIs in hospitalized patients without a documented indication and compare the proportion of treatment restarts based on withdrawal strategy. Method: An uncontrolled, open-label prospective observational study was conducted on patients receiving PPI treatment during hospital admission between May 2017 and July 2018. Deprescription was recommended for patients without a clear indication. Follow-up continued until discharge, with monitoring for rebound symptoms. The percentage of restarts based on the withdrawal strategy was compared using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 402 patients were reviewed, among whom 27% lacked a medical indication (mean age > 60 years, polymedicated), while 70% were prescribed PPIs electronically. Deprescription was performed in 49% of patients, with 64% undergoing abrupt withdrawal. Rebound symptoms led to treatment restart in 15% of cases. However, the chi-square test revealed no significant differences in restart proportions between the abrupt and gradual withdrawal groups ( P = 0.365). Conclusion: Deprescribing PPIs is deemed safe, particularly for polymedicated geriatric patients, as it leads to a low percentage of restarts regardless of the chosen withdrawal strategy. However, the high percentage of PPI prescription without a clear indication underlines the need for periodic reassessment to avoid unnecessary risks and overuse.
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy and Serotonin Syndrome: A Case Report of Overlapping Pathologies
Authors: Reinert Justin P. , Brady Paul
Published: August 2023

Objective: Acute encephalopathy is a common symptom encountered in critically ill patients and may be associated with Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) or serotonin syndrome (SS). We describe a patient who presented with clinical manifestations of both WE and SS and who responded to treatment for both pathologies. Case: A 56-year-old male presented after being found unresponsive and in a questionable tonic-clonic state. Past medical history was significant for depression managed with fluoxetine 20 mg by mouth daily and alcohol use disorder. A physical exam revealed severe clonus in the bilateral lower extremities; diffuse hyperreflexia along with akinesia on the left upper extremity; ophthalmoplegia; and persistent tachycardia despite pharmacologic interventions. It was learned that the patient had been taking his fluoxetine 3 times per day rather than daily as prescribed. Oral cyproheptadine was administered at a 12 mg initial dose followed by 4 mg every 6 hours. A thiamine regimen of 500 mg intravenous (IV) every 8 hours in addition to folic acid 1 mg IV every 24 hours was initiated to treat WE. Physical symptoms of both WE and SS resolved within 48 hours, and the patient was ultimately discharged to home in stable condition. Discussion/Conclusions: The clinical diagnosis of both WE and SS in this case is supported by the Caine and Hunter criteria, respectively, as well as the resolution of symptoms with accepted treatment modalities for each. It is important for clinicians to be cognizant of potential overlapping pathologies when patients present with nonspecific symptoms, especially acute encephalopathy, in the intensive care unit.
Comparing Ultrasonography With Plain Radiography in the Diagnosis of Long Bone Fractures
Authors: Khan Amjad Ali , Fatima Zareen , Bacha Raham , Rokhan Bakht , Akhtar Sajid , Iqbal Majid , Raheem Irum
Published: August 2023

Objective:

This study was designed to compare sonography to skeletal radiography, in the diagnosis of long bone fractures.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional and analytical study including 188 patients of varied ages that had 251 suspected long bone fractures. It was conducted over a 9-month period, in the emergency department of a teaching hospital, within the Swat district of Pakistan. After assessing the clinical symptoms of the fracture by an emergency orthopedic physician, sonography was followed by a radiograph performed for these referred patients.

Results:

Sonography shows a diagnostic accuracy of 91.23% for detecting long bone fractures, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 76.84%, respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 87.64% and 100%, respectively. Sonography was able to detect small fractures (up to 0.23 mm) that are often missed on the patient’s radiograph.

Conclusion:

Sonography may be useful as an initial screening imaging technique for the diagnosis of long bone fractures. The potential exists to reduce the need for unnecessary skeletal radiographs, which could reduce treatment time, cost, and ionizing radiation hazards.
TP53 status and impact on AML prognosis within the ELN 2022 risk classification
Authors: Fleming Shaun , Tsai Xavier Cheng-Hong , Morris Rhiannon , Hou Hsin-An , Wei Andrew H.
Published: August 2023

This study reports the following: (1) frequency of TP53 comutation within each component of the European LeukemiaNet 2022 acute myeloid leukemia risk classification, (2) relevance of TP53 mutated variant allelic fraction <10%, (3) prognostic impact of −7, −5/del(5q), −17/abn(17p), complex karyotype/monosomal karyotype, or myelodysplasia-related gene mutations with/without mutated TP53.
A signature of platelet reactivity in CBC scattergrams reveals genetic predictors of thrombotic disease risk
Authors: Verdier Hippolyte , Thomas Patrick , Batista Joana , Kempster Carly , McKinney Harriet , Gleadall Nicholas , Danesh John , Mumford Andrew , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Ouwehand Willem H. , Downes Kate , Astle William J. , Turro Ernest
Published: August 2023

Genetic studies of platelet reactivity (PR) phenotypes may identify novel antiplatelet drug targets. However, such studies have been limited by small sample sizes (n < 5000) because of the complexity of measuring PR. We trained a model to predict PR from complete blood count (CBC) scattergrams. A genome-wide association study of this phenotype in 29 806 blood donors identified 21 distinct associations implicating 20 genes, of which 6 have been identified previously. The effect size estimates were significantly correlated with estimates from a study of flow cytometry–measured PR and a study of a phenotype of in vitro thrombus formation. A genetic score of PR built from the 21 variants was associated with the incidence rates of myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. Mendelian randomization analyses showed that PR was causally associated with the risks of coronary artery disease, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. Our approach provides a blueprint for using phenotype imputation to study the determinants of hard-to-measure but biologically important hematological traits.