bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Cosmopolitanism as Habits in Everyday Life
Authors: Regev Motti
Published: December 2024

Current cultural cosmopolitanism is portrayed in this paper as residing in the bodies of individuals around the world in the form of nondeclarative personal culture, stored as types of internalized embodied knowledge acquired through engagements with globally circulating products, artefacts, devices and gadgets. These types of knowledge exist as mental schemata, motor skills, sensory knowledge and informative data, and are habitually and routinely enacted in everyday life practices. The first two sections of the paper outline a perspective on cultural cosmopolitanism and the notion of nondeclarative personal culture. The second part of the paper looks at cosmopolitan habits, focusing on three essential everyday life practices – musicking, eating, getting dressed – and discussing them as cases exemplifying current cultural cosmopolitanism.
Magnetic Seizure Therapy in Refractory Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: La thérapie par convulsions magnétiques pour la prise en charge des troubles psychiatriques réfractaires : revue systématique et méta-analyse
Authors: Prillo Jake , Zapf Lorina , Espinola Caroline W. , Daskalakis Zafiris J. , Blumberger Daniel M.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To qualitatively and quantitatively synthesize the literature on the efficacy and safety of magnetic seizure therapy (MST) in psychiatric disorders.

Methods

A literature search was conducted of the OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane databases from inception to 14 January 2024, using subject headings and key words for “magnetic seizure therapy.” Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), post-hoc analyses of RCTs, open-label trials, or case series investigating MST in adults with a verified psychiatric diagnosis and reporting on two possible primary outcomes (1) psychiatric symptom reduction (as measured by validated rating scale) or (2) neurocognitive outcomes (as measured by standardized testing), were included. Abstracts, individual case reports, reviews and editorials were excluded. Extracted data included: (1) basic study details; (2) study design; (3) sample size; (4) baseline demographics; (5) outcome data (including secondary outcomes of suicidal ideation and adverse events); and (6) stimulation parameters. Cochrane's risk of bias tool was applied. A quantitative analysis was conducted for the depression studies, using Hedge's g effect sizes.

Results

A total of 24 studies (n = 377) were eligible for inclusion. Seventeen studies in depression (including three RCTs), four studies in schizophrenia (including one RCT), one study in bipolar disorder, one study in obsessive-compulsive disorder and one study in borderline personality disorder were summarized. We found no significant difference in depressive symptom reduction between MST and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in randomized, controlled trials (g = 0.207 towards ECT, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.132 to 0.545, P = 0.232). We found a significant reduction in depressive symptoms overall with MST in the pooled RCT and open-label analysis (g = 1.749, CI 1.219 to 2.279, P < 0.005). It is suggested that MST has modest cognitive side effects.

Conclusions

Large-scale RCTs are necessary to confirm early signals of MST as an effective intervention in psychiatric disorders with a cognitive profile that is potentially more favourable than ECT.
Adopting Network Analysis to Understand Grief and Loneliness Among Bereaved Older Adults
Authors: Jiao Keyuan , Ng Yong Hao , Suen Margaret H.P. , Chow Amy Y.M.
Published: December 2024

Loneliness is common among older adults and may adversely influence their wellbeing. However, its relations with bereavement-related grief are underexamined. This study utilized network analysis to examine the symptom structures of grief reactions and loneliness and the relations among the symptoms by using secondary survey data from 300 Chinese bereaved older adults in Hong Kong. Centrality analysis revealed that bitterness, disbelief over the death, and upsetting memories were found to be the most central grief symptoms were the most central grief symptoms while not having enough people to feel close to or trust completely was most central for loneliness. The strongest bridge strengths between indicators of loneliness and grief were symptoms of emptiness, feeling lonely, and perceived rejection from others. These findings highlight potential symptoms for working with bereaved older adults. In addition, the results underscore the need for older adult-specific research and tailored bereavement and grief interventions.
Determination of model parameters under sharp and thin interface limits of the phase-field model to study cation interdiffusion in SOFC
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Chakraborty Jeevanjyoti , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: December 2024

A systematic procedure is presented to determine the gradient energy coefficient and height of double-well potential (phase-field model parameters). The well-known Allen-Cahn equation is used to investigate cation interdiffusion in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). An established procedure that commonly applied in the study of solidification is adapted. The phase-field model parameters are determined under sharp as well as thin interface limits. The upper limit of the interface thickness is deduced for the thin interface limit. Effect of variation of interface thickness for a particular value of interfacial energy is evaluated on the cation interdiffusion in terms of interdiffusion length of the cations under thin interface limit and this is compared with that of sharp interface limit. Effect of variation of interfacial energy at the upper limit of the interface thickness is also studied under the thin interface limit. Further, the reason behind the variation of interdiffusion length is also presented under the thin interface limit for different values of interfacial energy. Under a large variation of interfacial energy, no significant changes are found in the interdiffusion length of the cations. From this study, it can be deduced that for a considerable range of interfacial energy, a wider range of model parameters can be selected for the phase-field model with reasonable accuracy.
“No but where are you really from?”: Critically examining reflexivity through field notes from a feminist psychological research in Turkey
Authors: Ozoguz Sedef
Published: December 2024

Reflexivity, which refers to the process of recognising the researcher's identity, role, assumptions, and impact on the research process, has become a common practice in feminist psychological research. In this article, I trace the evolution of reflexivity within psychology, including its roots in feminist critiques of objectivity, the application of intersectionality and decolonising frameworks to psychology, and the critical engagement with power in the research process. Through my field notes from a feminist ethnography focusing on women's freedom dreams in Turkey, I provide insights into the complexities of reflexivity and the researcher–participant relationalities that push back against U.S.-centric conceptualisations of the constructs. By emphasizing subtle moments of tension during fieldwork, I advocate a more nuanced and fluid understanding of intersectionality and power dynamics in research. I suggest embodying cultural–social humility and embracing radical listening as valuable foundational practices in conducting what Pillow calls uncomfortable reflexivity for fostering horizontal solidarities and resisting hierarchies, polarisations, and further stratifications across differences between researchers and participants.
Managing Key Accounts—Prizmax Pakistan Limited
Authors: Awan Muhammad Luqman , Maalik Usama , Naseer Omer
Published: December 2024

The case highlights the efforts of a key account manager in renewing a crucial annual contract with one of their largest customers. This contract holds significant financial and operational implications for both business partners, setting the foundation for the following year’s agreement. As Mahnoor Piracha reviews Prizmax’s performance at Sunshine, she notices that year-to-date sales growth is only 7%, far below the 25% commitment made compared to last year. This shortfall in sales gives Sunshine increased leverage during contract negotiations, allowing them to demand higher margins to offset the lower growth. To complicate matters further, rising global inflation has led Prizmax to prioritize profitability as a key strategic objective. This focus on profitability has been passed down to Prizmax Pakistan and, consequently, to Mahnoor’s targets, making it even more difficult to get margin approvals for any of her accounts. Mahnoor now faces the challenge of meeting the expectations of both Prizmax and Sunshine while convincing both parties to renew the contract before the new year begins. With both entities having traded merchandise worth PKR 2.25 billion, failing to renew the contract could result in losses similar to those experienced during the Nike vs. Footlocker dispute in the early 2000s, where both companies suffered significant financial setbacks. Key account management is a developing discipline in Pakistan’s FMCG sector. While this case focuses specifically on FMCG key accounts, the principles and challenges discussed here are applicable to managing key accounts across various industries.
A Novel Noninvasive Approach, “DrOroscope,” for Early Detection of Dysplasia in Oral Mucosal Lesions: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yeladandi Mounika , Maheswari T. N. Uma , Padala Swetha Bindu , Sujatha Mekala Mary , Vemula Harika , Kala Tejaswi , Abidullah Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Background

Oral cancer is a significant global burden in the present scenario, and early detection has critical importance in improving the survival rate. Devices which aid in the early diagnosis of dysplastic lesions noninvasively are necessary to reduce the oral cancer burden and improve the quality of life of the patients.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of DrOroscope in diagnosing dysplasia in oral mucosal lesions.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 individuals clinically diagnosed with oral mucosal lesions from various demographics in Hyderabad. Participants were screened using the DrOroscope device, which detects dysplastic changes via fluorescence imaging analyzed by artificial intelligence algorithms. Based on the image analysis, lesions were categorized as variable, borderline, or severe. Confirmatory biopsies were performed on all examined lesions, with histopathological results as the gold standard. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, Cohen’s kappa, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, were conducted using SPSS version 26.0 with a confidence interval at 95% and p < .05 significance.

Results

DrOroscope exhibited a sensitivity of 100.00% and a specificity of 69.23%. Positive predictive value was 87.10%, negative predictive value was 100.00%, and overall diagnostic accuracy was 90.00%. Cohen’s kappa value for agreement between DrOroscope and biopsy results was 0.752, indicating substantial agreement, and 0.539 for detecting dysplasia levels, indicating moderate agreement. The ROC curve analysis supported these findings, demonstrating excellent diagnostic performance.

Conclusion

The DrOroscope device is highly sensitive and accurate in detecting dysplastic changes in oral lesions, making it a promising adjunctive noninvasive diagnostic tool, especially in screening larger populations. This aids in the early diagnosis of dysplasia and thus reducing patients’ morbidity. However, further refinement and larger studies are needed to improve agreement with biopsy for grading of dysplasia.

Clinical Significance of the Study

DrOroscope plays a promising role in the early diagnosis of dysplasia. This can have a huge impact on the treatment plan, thereby improving the quality of life of the patient. Such devices play a crucial role in oral cancer screening programs, thus promoting awareness on early detection of oral cancer and also enhancing the effectiveness of oral cancer prevention.
Made for or Made by? A Qualitative Investigation into the Diverse Practices and Roles of Medical Congress Participants
Authors: Schneider-Kamp Anna , Petersen Finja
Published: December 2024

Medical congresses play a pivotal role in the continuing medical education of healthcare professionals (HCPs), particularly in light of the rapid advancements in medical knowledge and technology. Notwithstanding, little is known about the internal dynamics of such events and how they contribute to the learning processes in communities of health professional practice. This study aims to uncover and elucidate what motivates HCPs to participate in medical congresses and how they experience their participation through a qualitative study. Attending six in-person medical congresses in Western Europe in 2023, we collected data through a combination of ethnographic methods including 69 in-situ interviews, 17 in-depth interviews, and extensive participant observations. We analyzed the role of the physical environment, participant motivation, interdisciplinarity, and participant diversity for medical congress attendance, ultimately identifying four types of congress participants: Explorers, Newcomers, Drivers, and Updaters, each characterized by unique patterns of professional experience and engagement within the professional communities. Our findings elucidate the complex motivational landscape of medical congress participants, where the desire for learning is routinely complemented by the pursuit of peer recognition. Our insights and the qualitative typology of medical congress participants introduced have the potential to optimize continuous medical education and shape the structure of future medical congresses by shedding light on the evolving needs of HCPs in diverse medical fields.
Factors affecting the unused short peripheral catheters: A neverending debate? A cross-sectional study in hospitalized patients
Authors: Canzan Federica , Longhini Jessica , Allegrini Elisabetta , Marini Giulia , Mezzalira Elisabetta , Zulianello Giorgia , Ambrosi Elisa
Published: December 2024

Background:

Concern about unused vascular access devices has increased, but data on idle short peripherally intravascular catheters in medical-surgical units is still scarce. We aimed to assess the prevalence of unused short peripheral catheters in hospitalized patients and identify risk factors and reasons that lead nurses to maintain them in situ.

Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was performed in September 2022. Clinical observation (24h) and medical records review were assessed to collect patient demographics and catheter-related information. Nurses were asked the main reason for continuing the use of the unused catheter. The primary outcome was the prevalence of unused short peripheral catheters, which were no longer used for intravenous fluids or medications in the previous 24 h. Multivariate logistic regression has been performed to evaluate risk factors for unused catheters. The STROBE checklist was used to report our study.

Results:

Seven hundred and sixty-four patients were included; out of the 621 patients with at least one short peripheral catheter, one-third had at least one unused catheter. The risk of having an unused peripherally intravascular catheter was almost double when the catheter was positioned in the emergency department. Catheters of smaller calibers and in situ for fewer days were less likely to be unused. The main reasons for keeping a peripherally intravascular catheter unused in situ were clinical conditions.

Conclusion:

Unused short peripheral catheters are still quite frequent. While specific clinical needs justified some unused short peripheral catheters, a proportion remained unexplained and potentially avoidable. Nurses and policymakers can use the findings to inform decision-making and protocols to manage peripherally inserted catheters to reduce unused short peripheral catheters and, consequently, complications and costs and improve patient safety and quality of care.
Wear characteristics and life extension mechanism of Ti3C2 MXenes nano-lubricated airframe rolling bearings
Authors: Bai Mengsha , Li Junning , Wen Jinpeng
Published: December 2024

Under extreme working conditions, airframe rolling bearings are likely to suffer from weakening bearing capacity and fatigue failure due to excessive temperature and poor lubrication. These weaknesses are expected to be improved by using two-dimensional layered nanomaterials MXenes, which exhibit excellent lubrication performance, thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. In this study, Ti3C2 MXenes is added into the lubricating grease of airframe rolling bearings. The friction coefficient and temperature rise comparison tests of rolling bearings lubricated with the MXene additives lubricating grease (MALG) and original lubricating grease (OLG) are carried out on the high-performance rolling bearing comprehensive test rig. The wear morphologies of rolling bearings lubricated with MALG and OLG under the same working condition are compared by a white light interferometer. The wear characteristics and life extension mechanism of MXene nano-lubricated airframe rolling bearing are analyzed. The results show that MALG can effectively reduce the friction coefficient and suppress the temperature rise of bearings compared to OLG. Meanwhile, MALG demonstrates superior anti-wear properties compared to OLG under extreme conditions. Notably, under the condition of 2000 rpm, 6KN and 20% grease filling volume, compared to the rolling bearing lubricated with OLG, the friction coefficient, temperature rise and wear areas of those with MALG are reduced by 18.89%,48.64% and 67.50%, respectively. This study proves the beneficial contribution of MALG in the practical engineering application of bearings, which provide valuable reference for extending the service life of aerospace bearings under extreme conditions.
Zeitenwende à la française: Continuity and change in French foreign policy after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Weber Gesine
Published: December 2024

This article analyses the evolution of French foreign and security policy in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine from early 2022 to NATO’s Vilnius summit (June 2023). It introduces the idea of a Zeitenwende à la française and argues that France’s policy has, albeit more gradually than it was the case in other European states, undergone significant shifts. Drawing on a neoclassical realist approach, this article shows that geopolitical factors – namely the balance of power, balance of threat, and considerations regarding influence in Europe – explain France’s policy shifts, particularly on European Union enlargement and NATO membership for Ukraine. Simultaneously, this adaptation allowed continuity regarding the fundamentals of French foreign and security policy, especially strengthening European Union defence and Europe’s role as a powerful global player ( Europe puissance). In this context, domestic factors, namely the views of President Macron and strategic culture, created a permissive strategic environment for following the systemic imperative.
Multi-sited research disrupted: chokepoints and the Panama Canal
Authors: Söderberg Nora
Published: December 2024

‘Following’ methodologies have advanced qualitative research by offering tools for studying phenomena spanning multiple geographical locations, economic markets and institutional settings. But how does one ‘follow’ phenomena that are disrupted and torn apart or that disappear during the research process? In this article, I borrow the concept of chokepoints from Logistics literature to chart a pathway for multi-sited approaches to follow relations from sites of disruption. Bringing multi-sited research into conversation with critical geography, Logistics scholarship and anthropologies of infrastructure, this article develops new methodological tools for studying relationality. Specifically, I suggest a three-fold methodology for following disruptions to their source, historicising how relations came to be and borrowing from Donna Haraway, ‘staying with the trouble’ of inertias, temporary stops and hurdles. The methodology is illustrated through the example of the Panama Canal, a key site of disruption from which we can follow phenomena that are neither completely fluid nor fixed.
The relevance of nursing to the achievement of person-centred infection prevention and control
Authors: Storr Julie , Kilpatrick Claire , Seale Holly
Published: December 2024

This opinion paper addresses the role of nurses and the relevance of models and theories, both nursing and infection prevention and control (IPC), to visitor restrictions that were widely enforced in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on person-centredness. It outlines the social utility of nursing, reflecting on whether what happened during this period has made nursing theories more less relevant. It suggests that IPC guidance, rooted in a historic biomedical model, has had a tendency not to consider the impact that the precautionary measures it recommends, rather than the infections themselves, might have on the quality of life of people receiving healthcare. A key driver of the visitor restrictions seemed to be the pursuit of this biomedical model across the health system that was at odds with the person-centred theories of nursing. The paper questions the limitations of focusing on a biomedical logic for guiding the ethics of nursing. The IPC community working with the nursing profession, recapturing some of the theoretical principles of person-centred approaches, could help build a blueprint for compassionate IPC decision-making for the future. The paper outlines seven policy, practice and research considerations that might address the issues raised.
Endoscopic innovations in diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer: a narrative review and future directions
Authors: Harne Prateek Suresh , Harne Vaishali , Wray Curtis , Thosani Nirav
Published: December 2024

Pancreatic cancer serves as the third leading cause of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality in the United States, with a 5-year survival rate of only 12% with an expected increase in incidence and mortality in the coming years. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas constitute most pancreatic malignancies. Certain genetic syndromes, including Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, hereditary pancreatitis, familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, familial pancreatic cancer mutation, and ataxia telangiectasia, confer a significantly higher risk. Screening for pancreatic malignancies currently targets patients with germline mutations or those with significant family history. Screening the general population is not currently viable owing to overall low incidence and lack of specific tests. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and its applied advances are increasingly being used for surveillance, diagnosis, and management of pancreatic malignancies and have now become an indispensable tool in their management. For patients with risk factors, EUS in combination with magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is used for screening. The role of endoscopic modalities has been expanding with the increased utilization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, EUS-directed therapies include EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration and EUS-fine-needle biopsy (FNB). EUS combined with FNB has the highest specificity and sensitivity for detecting pancreatic cancer amongst available modalities. Studies also recognize that artificial intelligence assisted EUS in the early detection of pancreatic cancer. At the same time, surgical resection has been historically considered the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer, over 80% of patients present with unresectable disease. We also discuss EUS-guided therapies of physicochemicals (radiofrequency ablation, brachytherapy, and intratumor chemotherapy), biological agents (gene therapies and oncolytic viruses), and immunotherapy. We aim to perform a detailed review of the current burden, risk factors, role of screening, diagnosis, and endoscopic advances in the treatment modalities available for pancreatic cancer.
Mechanistic Evaluation of EGCG against Atopic Dermatitis: An in Vivo and in Silico Study
Authors: Tang Liu , Wang Tianshuai , Peng Ruzhen , Guo Jingyi , Li Liping , Zhou Benhong , Luo Guangwen , Fang Shasha , Jiang Xiao
Published: December 2024

Background: Atopic dermatitis, often referred to as AD, is a common chronic and relapsing skin disease with few treatment options. Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant catechin derived from green tea, has gained widespread attention due to its excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. This research aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of EGCG in alleviating AD by integrative approach of an in vivo AD mouse model, network pharmacology and molecular docking. Materials and Methods: EGCG was administered by intragastric administration at the dose of 100 mg/kg, once daily for 14 consecutive days to AD mice, a model established by repeated application of 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to the mouse dorsal skin. Results: Macroscopical and histopathological examination showed that oral administration with EGCG could markedly relieve AD-like skin phenotypes, as evidenced by a substantial reduction in severity score, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, epidermal thickness, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells and mast cells into the dermal layers. Mechanistically, the network pharmacology analysis indicated that the protective effects of EGCG against AD were mainly related to the regulation of AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, Th17 cell differentiation, IL-17 signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, etc. In silico molecular docking demonstrated the high binding affinity of EGCG to the core targets such as ABCB1, MMP2, MMP9, MAPK14 and STAT1. Furthermore, western blotting (WB) results showed that EGCG obviously downregulated the expression of RAGE and STAT1, thereby regulating the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway to improve AD. Conclusions: These findings indicated that EGCG can be a promising therapeutic candidate for AD.
Barriers and facilitators of the electronic medical record adoption among healthcare providers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Tadesse Alemu , Gezie Lemma Derseh , Willems Herman , Metzger Jonathan , Abere Biruhtesfa , Seyoum Blen , Abraham Loko , Wendrad Naod , Meressa Selamawit , Desta Bethel , Bogale Tariku Nigatu
Published: December 2024

Introduction

An electronic medical record (EMR) can enhance the quality of care and patient outcomes. Ethiopia started the implementation of EMR in 2013. However, its adoption among healthcare providers has been low. Thus, this study explored the barriers and facilitators of EMR adoption among healthcare providers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A descriptive-phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected from one hospital and three health centers from 5–13 June, 2023, that implemented the EMR. A total of 25 EMR users (physicians, health officers, pharmacists, nurses, laboratory technologists, radiology technicians) were included in the key informant interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated to English, and exported to OpenCode 4.03 software for analysis. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze, summarize, and present the data.

Results

Healthcare providers reported barriers operating at three levels: individual, technological, and organizational. Individual barriers included lack of digital literacy, technical knowledge, skill; motivation; and favorable attitude. Technological barriers included lack of infrastructure including computers, networks, and reliable power supply; and software-related challenges such as system downtime, lack of interoperability, comprehensiveness, and decision support systems; and system security and privacy concerns. Organizational barriers included poor quality of training, lack of follow-up, supervision and technical support; poor leadership commitment; lack of incentives and motivation; and staff turnover and workload. Perceived benefits of the system, such as ease of access to quality data, improved quality of care and work efficiency; availability of onsite technical support; presence of information technology supplies; and feedback from supervisors, were identified as facilitators of EMR adoption.

Conclusion

The study identified different barriers and facilitators to the adoption of the EMR. The health system should prioritize strategies to address technological, individual, and organizational factors influencing the successful adoption of the EMR to support the delivery of quality care and improve patient outcomes.
Social Media Use Profiles and Well-Being: A Cross-Cultural Study Between Chinese and Italian Emerging Adults
Authors: Lin Shanyan , Longobardi Claudio
Published: December 2024

Most research on social media use (SMU) and well-being employs a variable-centered approach within a single culture. This study aims to (1) identify SMU subgroups using multiple indicators (i.e., problematic SMU, SMU intensity, active SMU, passive SMU and nighttime SMU) among emerging adults; (2) examine the effects of different SMU patterns on social and mental well-being; and (3) explore cultural differences in SMU subgroups and well-being between China and Italy. Participants were 565 Chinese university students (370 females, Mage = 19.54) and 425 Italian university students (308 females, Mage = 22.03). Latent profile analysis identified four SMU profiles in the Chinese sample: Averaged (P1, n = 253, 44.8%), Overall Low with Passive Use (P2, n = 80, 14.2%), Overall High with Low Passive Use (P3, n = 98, 17.3%), and Average with High Intensity (P4, n = 134, 23.7%). P3 and P4 in the Chinese sample were found to have higher level of both social and mental well-being than P1 and P2. In the Italian sample, three profiles emerged: Averaged (P1, n = 175, 41.2%), Overall Low with Passive Use (P2, n = 82, 19.3%), and Overall High with Low Passive Use (P3, n = 168, 39.5%). P2 in the Italian sample had the lowest level of social well-being, whereas no significant difference was found on mental well-being across three Italian profiles. Profiles differences in well-being, as well as cultural commonalities and specificities, are discussed.
Factors Influencing Stream Segregation Based on Interaural Phase Difference Cues
Authors: Haywood Nicholas R. , McAlpine David , Vickers Deborah , Roberts Brian
Published: December 2024

Interaural time differences are often considered a weak cue for stream segregation. We investigated this claim with headphone-presented pure tones differing in a related form of interaural configuration—interaural phase differences (ΔIPD)—or/and in frequency (ΔF). In experiment 1, sequences comprised 5 × ABA– repetitions (A and B = 80-ms tones, “–” = 160-ms silence), and listeners reported whether integration or segregation was heard. Envelope shape was varied but remained constant across all tones within a trial. Envelopes were either quasi-trapezoidal or had a fast attack and slow release (FA-SR) or vice versa (SA-FR). The FA-SR envelope caused more segregation than SA-FR in a task where only ΔIPD cues were present, but not in a corresponding ΔF-only task. In experiment 2, interstimulus interval (ISI) was varied (0–60 ms) between FA-SR tones. ΔF-based segregation decreased with increasing ISI, whereas ΔIPD-based segregation increased. This suggests that binaural temporal integration may limit segregation at short ISIs. In another task, ΔF and ΔIPD cues were presented alone or in combination. Here, ΔIPD-based segregation was greatly reduced, suggesting ΔIPD-based segregation is highly sensitive to experimental context. Experiments 1–2 demonstrate that ΔIPD can promote segregation in optimized stimuli/tasks. Experiment 3 employed a task requiring integration for good performance. Listeners detected a delay on the final four B tones of an 8 × ABA– sequence. Although performance worsened with increasing ΔF, increasing ΔIPD had only a marginal impact. This suggests that, even in stimuli optimized for ΔIPD-based segregation, listeners remained mostly able to disregard ΔIPD when segregation was detrimental to performance.
Rising Arizona: Participation and Results of the 2018 Red for Ed Strike
Authors: Doughty Michelle
Published: December 2024

In 2018, a wave of educator strikes called Red for Ed swept through several states. Educators in Arizona won additional funding from the state legislature, supposedly for teacher salaries, which school boards could spend as they chose. This article quantitatively examines the participation and results of the 2018 Arizona educator strike, using this example to speak to theoretical work on types of union activity. I find that after the strike, per-pupil funding, teacher salaries, and student support staff salaries all increased. However, poststrike funding was added to Arizona’s preexisting funding formula, which advantaged the small, rural, predominantly White districts whose educators were less likely to go on strike. Educators who went on strike (often from large, urban districts with low property wealth) thus received less money for their districts and smaller raises than nonparticipating educators. This raises important concerns about how free riders can affect different types of union organizing.
Intravenous thrombolysis in young adults with ischemic stroke: A cohort study from the international TRISP collaboration
Authors: Nybondas Miranda , Martinez-Majander Nicolas , Ringleb Peter , Ungerer Matthias , Gumbinger Christoph , Trüssel Simon , Altersberger Valerian , Scheitz Jan F , von Rennenberg Regina , Riegler Christoph , Cordonnier Charlotte , Zini Andrea , Bigliardi Guido , Rosafio Francesca , Michel Patrik , Wali Nabila , Nederkoorn Paul J , Heldner Mirjam , Zedde Marialuisa , Pascarella Rosario , Padjen Visnja , Berisavac Ivana , Béjot Yannick , Putaala Jukka , Sibolt Gerli , Tiainen Marjaana , Mannismäki Laura , Mertsalmi Tuomas , Myller Elina , Pezzini Alessandro , Leker Ronen R , Kägi Georg , Wegener Susanne , Cereda Carlo W , Nordanstig Annika , Ntaios George , Nolte Christian H , Gensicke Henrik , Engelter Stefan T , Curtze Sami ,   EVATRISP Investigators
Published: December 2024

Background and aims:

Previous observational data indicate that young adults treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischemic stroke have more favorable outcomes and less complications when compared to older adults. Given the limited data on this topic, we aimed to provide more evidence on clinical outcomes and safety in such patients, using a large international thrombolysis registry.

Methods:

In this prospective multicenter study, we used data from the Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke Patients (TRISP) registry from 1998 to 2020. Patients who received endovascular treatment (EVT), as only treatment or in addition to IVT, were not included in this cohort. Using multivariable regression models, we compared thrombolysed young patients aged 18–49 years with those aged ⩾50 years with regards to the following outcomes: favorable outcome in stroke survivors (modified Rankin Scale ⩽2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) according to European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II (ECASS II) criteria, and three-months all-cause death.

Results:

Of the 16,651 IVT treated patients, 1346 (8.1%) were 18–49 years. Young adults in TRISP were more often male (59.6% vs 54.0%), had a lower median NIHSS score on admission, 7 (4–13) versus 8 (5–15), and had less cardiovascular risk factors except for smoking (42.0% vs 19.0%) when compared to older patients. When compared to thrombolysed patients aged ⩾50 years, a favorable functional outcome was more likely in young adults: 81.9% versus 56.4%, aOR 2.30 (1.80–2.95), whilst sICH 1.6% versus 4.6%, aOR 0.45 (0.23–0.90) and death 2.3% versus 14.2%, aOR 0.21 (0.11–0.39) were less likely.

Conclusions:

Intravenous thrombolysis in young adults is independently associated with higher rates of favorable outcomes and lower rates of complications.
Does inhaler adherence really matter in severe asthma?
Authors: d'Ancona Gráinne , Kent Brian D.
Published: December 2024

Inhaled therapies, primarily the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), have been the cornerstone of asthma treatment since the 1960s. They have been shown to reduce symptom burden, morbidity and mortality, and potentially avoid unnecessary and unscheduled healthcare. However, some people have severe asthma, defined by an inability to gain or maintain consistent disease control despite appropriate use of high dose ICS-containing inhalers. In this review, we discuss whether it is appropriate to demand adherence to a treatment this cohort are demonstrably resistant to.
ERS/ATS Global Lung Function Initiative normal values and classifying severity based on z-scores instead of per cent predicted
Authors: Ong-Salvador Rachel , Laveneziana Pierantonio , de Jongh Franciscus
Published: December 2024

Among the most discussed issues in the field of pulmonary function testing are reference equations and standardised methods of interpreting pulmonary function test (PFT) results. The Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) task force gathered information from multiple countries with diverse ethnicities to create a multi-ethnic reference formula suitable for a broad age range. Their first output was the GLI-2012 spirometry reference equations. Together with the GLI-2012 reference equations, the GLI document recommended the use of z-scores to standardise the interpretation of PFT results. Z-scores were introduced as an alternative to per cent predicted and fixed thresholds in interpreting PFTs. After more than a decade, there is still debate on which method of interpretation is better.
Prevalence and determinants of thrombocytopenia in newborn unit at Alexandria University Hospital: a three-year report including 1000 patients
Authors: Farag Marwa Mohamed , Goda Mohamed Hazem , Nazir Hanan Fawzy , Deghedy Ahmed Akram
Published: December 2024

Background

Thrombocytopenia might be the only clinical clue of diseases in neonates. Classification of thrombocytopenia according to severity, onset offset, nadir and duration might help in identification of the etiology.

Aim

This study aims to estimate the prevalence and, identify the determinants and patterns of thrombocytopenia among neonates.

Method

An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted and included records of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Alexandria University Maternity Hospital. Data were collected using a checklist and analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Chi square test and independent sample t- test were used to compare different variables between thrombocytopenic and non- thrombocytopenic patients. Logistic regression analysis was carried out in order to identify the independent contribution of various maternal and neonatal variables influencing thrombocytopenia and factors impacting mortality in thrombocytopenic patients.

Results

Four-thousands five hundred neonates, were randomized to have sample of 1011 neonates to be included in the analysis. Patients were divided into thrombocytopenic group (n = 375) and thrombocytopenic group (n = 636). Gestational age and birthweight were significantly lower in thrombocytopenic group with p values < .001 and .03, respectively. Necrotizing enterocolitis, early onset sepsis and late onset sepsis were the main determinants of neonatal thrombocytopenia with OR (95% CL), 2.25 (1.25–3.98), 4.8 (3.249–7.19) and 6.567(4.083–10.562). severe intraventricular hemorrhage, pulmonary hemorrhage and cardiovascular instability were main predictors of death in thrombocytopenic patients with OR (95% CL), 4 (1.9–8.34), 20.9 (6.7 -64.9), and 5.76 (2.1–15.8), respectively.

Conclusion

Identification of severity and patterns of thrombocytopenia can help the clinician to recognize the etiology and consequently optimize management of thrombocytopenic neonates.
Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on Thyroid Disease in 7 Million Adult and 0.2 Million Adolescent Vaccine Recipients
Authors: Bea Sungho , Ahn Hwa Young , Woo Jieun , Shin Ju-Young , Cho Sun Wook
Published: December 2024

Context

Emerging reports have raised concerns regarding the potential association between COVID-19 vaccination and thyroid dysfunction, specifically thyroiditis.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the potential association between COVID-19 vaccination and thyroid diseases using data from a nationwide cohort of South Korea.

Methods

This study included 7 579 210 adult and 241 063 adolescent vaccine recipients. A self-controlled case series design was applied to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of thyroid disease during the 55-day postvaccination period (first and second dose) compared to the baseline period (nonexposure period) using conditional Poisson regression.

Results

In the adult population, IRRs for hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, subacute thyroiditis, and thyroid eye disease were 0.98 (95% CI, 0.89–1.09), 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84-0.93), 1.27 (95% CI, 0.94-1.72), and 0.68 (95% CI, 0.50-0.93) after the first vaccine dose and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.87-1.06), 0.96 (95% CI, 0.92-1.02), 1.32 (95% CI, 0.96-1.80), and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.81-1.38) after the second vaccine dose. While the risk of hyperthyroidism recurrence did not increase after vaccination, we observed an increased risk of hypothyroidism exacerbation. Subgroup analyses based on age, sex, and vaccine type revealed no significant differences in the incidence of thyroid diseases. In adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, no increase in the risk of thyroid disease was observed after vaccination.

Conclusion

This extensive, national self-controlled case series analysis found an increased risk of exacerbation of hypothyroidism following COVID-19 vaccination. However, no association was observed between COVID-19 vaccination and an increased risk of most other thyroid diseases. These findings contribute to increasing evidence supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in relation to thyroid health.
12 Tips for Including Disability Awareness within Undergraduate Medical Education Curricula
Authors: Sinha Tanvee , Harada Caroline N. , Brooks William S. , Parish Ashley
Published: December 2024

Disability is extremely common, and there is a need for high quality medical school curricula on working with persons with disabilities. The goal of disability training is to provide the proper knowledge and skills to address the unique needs of persons with disability (PWD), mitigate health disparities, and help shape more compassionate and informed physicians. This article presents 12 tips to incorporate disability training into undergraduate medical education. These tips emphasize the inclusion of PWD in all stages of the curriculum, interprofessional education, experiential learning, and exposure to a range of disability types. By leveraging these tips, educators will be able to create effective learning opportunities and improve the future healthcare of PWD.
Kobiety w sytuacji krytycznej – adult floating na scenie. Andragogiczne wątki w edukacji teatralnej
Authors: Maliszewska Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

Artykuł został oparty na doświadczeniach pracy teatralnej w ama- torskim teatrze studenckim. Refleksje dotyczące doświadczeń pedagogicznych z młodym dorosłym zostały skonstruowane na podstawie kategorii zawieszenia w dorosłości (floating). Uczestnictwo w kulturze poprzez aktywne działanie w studenckim teatrze to jedna z form edukacji dorosłych. Budowanie scenicznej postaci, współpraca z drugim człowiekiem, nauka podstaw aktorskiego rzemiosła to ważne doświadczenie biograficzne o egzystencjalnym i rozwojowym charakterze.
Pluralia tantum we współczesnej polszczyźnie (centrum – wokół centrum – peryferie kategorii)
Authors: Nowosad-Bakalarczyk Marta
Published: December 2024

This chapter deals with the category of pluralia tantum in contemporary Polish. The category is relatively large (in the source investigated here, over 1,700 proper nouns alone have been identified) and heterogeneous: category-central units only occur in the plural (e.g. kąpielówki ‘swimming trunks’); category-peripheral units are more common in the plural but also occur in the singular (e.g. odleżyny ‘bedsores’, sing. odleżyna); intermediate cases are derived from dual nouns or from singularia tantum (e.g. mistrzostwa ‘Championships’ or nieczystości ‘impurities’).
Антропоморфные метафоры звезд в литовской и русской поэзии
Authors: Konickaja Jelena , Jasiūnaitė Birutė
Published: December 2024

This article belongs to the ongoing series of articles exploring metaphors of natural phenomena in the Lithuanian and Russian poetic language. The material is categorised into two groups: substantive and verbal metaphorical expressions. Within the substantive group, the following semantic subgroups are identified: (1) a star (constellation) as a close relative; (2) a star as an individual with high social status; (3) a star (constellation) as a representative of a specific profession or social class; (4) a star as an individual of a certain age; (5) a star as a part of the body/physiological emissions of a living being (human). Another subgroup found only in the Russian poetic language is: (6) a star as a human being performing a specific action, playing a certain role; an individual with certain external or internal characteristics. In specific examples within the subgroups, both similarities and differences are identified in the two poetic systems (e.g., similarities include instances, such as a star-sister, a star-bride, a star-princess, and the face of a star; while differences include the presence of the metaphor of a star-daughter in Lithuanian poetry and a star-granddaughter in Russian poetry; or the metaphor of a star-mother in Lithuanian and its absence in Russian). These differences are also linked to the frequency of a particular model. Both traditions share the use of dead metaphors (e.g., stars as eyes; a star as a tear), which is widespread in poetic language. Folk names for stars and folklore data confirm the commonality of associations in the national consciousness related to the specific metaphorical transmissions (e.g., Russian: Volosia, Bratki ‘brothers’; Lithuanian: Septyni broliai ‘seven brothers’; representations of stars as children of the Sun in Lithuanian and Russian folklore). Several similarities and differences are found in verbal metaphors associated with substantive metaphors, where variations may be influenced by frequency or the author’s reinterpretation of basic metaphors. Anthropomorphic metaphors of stars in both poetic systems are grounded in the human- perceived characteristics of stars which are distant celestial objects that change their positions in the sky, influencing human vision differently based on weather conditions, possessing specific colours, etc. Moreover, the physical characteristics of astronomical objects in national poetry form a specific poetic metaphorical system that reflects the peculiarities of the linguistic picture of the world.