bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting versus percutaneous coronary intervention with second-generation drug-eluting stents for coronary artery revascularization
Authors: Li Nan , Xiong Xin , Yang Kun , Xu Yijun , Chen Zhiqiang , Liu Peng , Wen Wen , Li Xiaowei , Dong Jin , Wei Shoudong , Chen Durong , Zhang Xiaolong , Yuan Dajiang , Deng Yongzhi
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study compared the clinical efficacy of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the treatment of left main coronary artery and/or triple-vessel disease (LM and/or TVD).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 1484 consecutive patients with LM and/or TVD in Shanxi Cardiovascular Hospital from January 2015 to December 2022 and divided them into the OPCAB group (n = 583) and the PCI group (with second-generation drug-eluting stents) (n = 901). Propensity score matching was used for 316 equally matched pairs of patients in the groups. The outcomes were all-cause and cardiac mortality, angina recurrence, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, which comprised non-lethal myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularization.

Results

The mean follow-up was 3.93 years in the OPCAB group and 4.19 years in the PCI group. There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, or non-lethal myocardial infarction between the groups. The incidence of repeat revascularization and angina recurrence was higher in the PCI group than in the OPCAB group. However, the incidence of stroke was higher in the OPCAB group than in the PCI group.

Conclusions

OPCAB may be a favorable coronary revascularization strategy for LM and/or TVD.
Mesangial cell hypercellularity and iron accumulation in the kidney associated with administration of a sickle hemoglobin modulator in CD-1 mice
Authors: Choudhary Shambhunath , Picut Catherine , Vargas Sarah R. , Otis Diana , Coskran Timothy M. , Karanian David , DaSilva Jamie K. , Houle Christopher , Whiteley Laurence O
Published: December 2024

The kidney plays an important role in iron homeostasis and mesangial cells (MCs) are phagocytic cells important for glomerular homeostasis. Sickle hemoglobin (HbS) modulators are promising clinical candidates for treatment of sickle cell disease. Although they prevent disease pathophysiology of HbS polymerization and red blood cell (RBC) sickling by increasing hemoglobin oxygen affinity, higher oxygen affinity can also cause transient tissue hypoxia with compensatory increases in erythropoiesis and subsequent increases in RBC turnover. CD-1 mice treated with an HbS modulator for 2 weeks developed higher RBC mass, increased erythropoiesis, and, by 1 month, deposition of intracellular pigments in renal tubular and parietal epithelium. In addition, in mice treated for 26 weeks, pigment was observed in MCs, which was accompanied by glomerular cell aggregates (MC hypercellularity) and tubulo-interstitial inflammation. The pigment was confirmed by Perl’s iron staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to be iron-containing proteins. Glomerular cell aggregates were confirmed to be MCs by TEM, and Ki-67 immunolabeling suggested that MC hypercellularity was due to proliferation. Collectively, these findings, along with iron-containing proteins in livers and spleens, suggested that iron overload secondary to increased RBC turnover led to increased renal iron reabsorption. While both MC hypercellularity and tubulo-interstitial inflammation were thought to be responses to long-term accumulation of iron, the former was considered a homeostatic response to eliminate iron, and maintain glomerular structure and function, while the latter was more consistent with an iron-catalyzed oxidative stress response. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MC hypercellularity in a preclinical toxicity study.
Dignity in nursing homes: A qualitative descriptive study of older adults’ experiences
Authors: Liu Yujia , Wang Yanjie , Li Xueying , Ma Li , Li Xiaohan
Published: December 2024

Background

With the deepening trend of global aging, the issue of dignity of older adults has received widespread attention. The research on the dignity of older adults in nursing homes in China has only just begun, and it is necessary to further explore the dignity experience of older adults in nursing homes.

Research Objective

To investigate the thematic features of dignity experiences of older adults residing in nursing homes in mainland China. Furthermore, it may serve as a starting point for further research that formulates intervention strategies.

Research Design

This is a qualitative descriptive study. Twenty older adults living in one of two private nursing homes between September and November 2022 were selected as participants. For each patient, we conducted semi-structured interviews, from which we extracted and assessed information using qualitative content analysis method. SRQR reporting guidelines were used.

Ethical considerations

‘Ethical considerations' with information regarding ethical review, informed consent process and confidentiality.

Results

Five themes and eight subthemes emerged from the transcripts: (1) self-esteem (sense of self-worth and becoming a burden), (2) perceived value to society (being respected and belonging), (3) interpersonal relationships (relationships with others and respectful behavior toward others), (4) autonomy (control of daily life and participation in decision-making), and (5) acceptance and adaptation.

Conclusion

Dignity in older adults can be preserved by realizing self-worth, relieving the burden of self-perceived, promoting belonging, strengthening social ties, enhancing autonomy, and engaging in activities.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Corticosteroids Use Among Patients With Chronic Rheumatology Condition: A Cross-Sectional Study From Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hoa Thi Nhu , Nguyen Quan Manh , Ha Khuyen Thi Kim , Le Quynh Thi Nhu , Bui Binh Hai
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

To identify gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the use of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) among patients with chronic rheumatic diseases.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire including 12 knowledge questions, 13 attitude assessment statements, 5 barrier assessment statements, and 7 practical scenarios. We counted the total numbers of correct answers in knowledge, positive attitudes, barriers, and appropriate practices and fitted using Poisson regression to examine factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results:

A total of 182 participants were included in this study, a large proportion of them had never heard of corticosteroids (34%) and NSAIDs (54%) before. Physicians were the source of information regarding corticosteroids and NSAIDs in 83% and 84% of the cases, respectively. Gastric ulcer was the most commonly recognized adverse drug reaction (ADR) for corticosteroids (64%) and the only ADR recognized for NSAIDs (95%), while only few patients were aware of life-threatening ADRs. The primary barrier, with a 40% agreement, was health care providers’ time constraints in providing medication information to patients. Our study findings did not reveal any gaps in practice, nor did they show any correlation between patients’ knowledge and attitudes to the practice of using corticosteroids and NSAIDs.

Conclusion:

There were gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to information access regarding NSAIDs and corticosteroid use in Vietnamese patients with chronic rheumatic diseases. Potential solutions include allocating more time for information exchange between physicians and patients, creating new channels to provide reliable information for patients, and emphasizing the important ADRs.
Medical, subjective and objective forms of exercise dependence and the role of learning, cognitive and emotional biases
Authors: Nicholls Kate , Dean Philip , Ogden Jane
Published: December 2024

Despite numerous benefits of regular exercise, research has demonstrated some people develop problematic exercise behaviour, with ongoing debates regarding the definition. This study defined three approaches: a traditional medical model including for example withdrawal symptoms; a subjective approach whereby individuals identify their own problematic exercise; and an objective perspective involving persistent exercise despite negative consequences. This cross-sectional study assessed the association between these three approaches in UK-based frequent exercisers ( n = 139) alongside correlations with learning, cognitive and emotional biases (reward vs punishment sensitivity, delay discounting and sensation seeking). The results indicate these three approaches to problematic exercise are related but different. Further, medical problematic exercise was associated with heightened sensitivity to reward and punishment; subjective problematic exercise was only associated with heightened punishment sensitivity; objective problematic exercise was associated with reduced punishment sensitivity. This novel classification approach to problematic exercise may help clarify the factors that initiate and perpetuate this behaviour.
‘Russian warship, go fuck yourself’: Romantic narratives of the hero in the war of Ukraine
Authors: Pancheva Gabriela , Ardhelas Amri Azis , Gil Andrea Torresagaton , Spencer Alexander
Published: December 2024

In times of war, ‘heroes’ play a key role. The romantic construction of the ‘heroes’ that defend a righteous cause against a more powerful and unjust enemy often serves as a means to legitimise political narratives and violent actions. The iconic phrase ‘Russian warship, go fuck yourself!’ uttered by a Ukrainian border guard during an imminent Russian attack on Snake Island in February 2022 became a globally known symbol of heroism and resistance that generated great solidarity against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Taking up notions of hero studies in political science and International Relations, and utilising a narrative analysis method that focuses on the elements of setting, characterisation and emplotment, this article examines how British media outlets ( The Guardian, The Times and The Sun) construct the figure of the romantic ‘hero’ within the context of the Snake Island incident, while it also delves into the possible consequences of such heroisation.
Design of nonlinear rubber vibration isolators with low resonant frequency and high load bearing capacity
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqi , Li Xin , Du Fei , Hu Fucai , Wang Li , Yu Yongsheng
Published: December 2024

Designing a rubber vibration isolator to simultaneously meet the requirements on both low-frequency vibration isolation and high load carrying capacity has always been a major challenge. To tackle this problem, in this paper, a design strategy capable of effectively balancing these two effects to guide the design of such isolators is proposed. The rubber isolator static and dynamic behavior prediction models suitable for engineering applications are first established, where Yeoh model is adopted for rubber strong nonlinear feature prediction. Experiments are carried out to determine the material constants in Yeoh model and dynamic-to-static ratio of the rubber material. Combing with Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, a design strategy is proposed. The conducted experiments demonstrate that based on the proposed numerical model and design procedure, rubber isolators with enough load bearing capability and low-frequency vibration isolation performance can be successfully designed.
The past scene of hospitality ethics: A citation analysis perspective
Authors: Polat Eray , Köseoglu Mehmet Ali
Published: December 2024

The literature on ethics research in hospitality has significantly expanded in recent years. The objective of this study is to present a comprehensive overview of ethical research in the field of hospitality literature. This will facilitate insight into future developments by examining the past. A two-step approach is employed, comprising citation analysis, a bibliometric analysis technique, and a systematic review. The former is used to identify themes, which are then discussed in the latter. The citation analysis revealed five main themes of the domain: environmental concerns, organisational citizenship behaviour, reputation management and ethical leadership. Environmental concerns were examined from two perspectives: the viewpoint of hotels and the environmental behaviours of tourists and consumers. Subsequently, a systematic review was conducted using the TCM framework (theory/context/methodology) with the objective of identifying the most prominent theories, contexts, and methodological issues associated with each theme. The issue has predominantly been discussed using quantitative analysis and social-based theories. Research has been mainly conducted in the US and the EU. Environmental ethics is likely to remain a significant area of concern in the future. This study offers a perspective that can aid researchers in developing future studies on ethics and help practitioners enhance the ethical climate of the industry.
A comprehensive model of the theory of planned behavior in explaining tourists’ littering behavior in a natural tourism destination
Authors: Setiawan Budi , Munawar Aang , Lee Chui Ying , Romadona Mia Rahma
Published: December 2024

Background

The tourism industry’s growth and environmental impact have prompted the need for sustainable tourism models. With the rising popularity of natural ecotourism in Indonesia, there are concerns about waste generation and environmental damage caused by tourists’ behavior, particularly littering.

Focus of the Article

This study employs the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to understand the psychological factors influencing tourists’ intentions not to litter at natural tourism destinations.

Research Question/Hypotheses

This study investigates what influences tourists’ intentions and behavior not to litter. It hypothesizes that experiential attitude, instrumental attitude, injunctive norm, descriptive norm, and perceived behavioral control significantly affect intentions and examines the relationship between perceived behavioral control, intention, and actual behavior.

Importance to the Social Marketing Field

This study contributes by differentiating two key aspects in the constructs’ attitude, experiential and instrumental, toward behavior and subjective norm of tourists’ intention not to litter. This study provides insights into tourists’ littering behavior, aiding social marketing strategies for sustainable tourism in natural destinations.

Methods

A study at the Bogor Botanical Garden in Indonesia surveyed 400 respondents. A combination of structural equation modeling (SEM), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), discriminant validity analysis, and goodness-of-fit (GoF) tests was used for the data analysis using LISREL 8.8.

Results

The study findings confirm and support all hypotheses, demonstrating that both affective and instrumental attitudes significantly influence intentions not to litter. Additionally, injunctive and descriptive norms play crucial roles in shaping these intentions, while perceived behavioral control significantly impacts both intentions and actual behavior.

Recommendations for Research or Practice

These findings suggest emphasizing instrumental attitudes is crucial for designing social marketing strategies to promote responsible behavior and environmental sustainability in natural tourism destinations.
Early intervention with Ustekinumab is associated with higher rates of clinical and endoscopic remission in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Tu Tong , Chen Mengqi , Li Manying , Liu Linxin , Chen Zihan , Lin Jianming , Chen Baili , He Yao , Chen Minhu , Zeng Zhirong , Zhuang Xiaojun
Published: December 2024

Background:

Early biologic intervention after diagnosis has shown improved clinical and endoscopic outcomes in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), while very little is known about the effectiveness of early versus late administration of Ustekinumab (UST).

Objectives:

We aimed to compare early versus late UST use in managing CD and identify potential predictors associated with clinical and endoscopic outcomes.

Design:

This was a retrospective observational study.

Methods:

This study included patients with CD who started UST treatment from 2020 to 2023 in our center. Clinical and endoscopic outcomes were compared between early stage (⩽24 months) and later-stage (>24 months) groups at 6 months after starting UST therapy, and clinical predictors associated with any of the outcomes were assessed by logistic regression model. Furthermore, time-to-event analyses were applied to observe CD-related prognosis during follow-up.

Results:

This study included 237 patients with CD, with 44.3% ( n = 105) starting UST at the early stage and 55.7% ( n = 132) at the later stage. Patients with early UST use demonstrated significantly higher rates of clinical and endoscopic remissions as compared to those with late UST use at 6 months after treatment. After adjusting for disease-related factors using multivariate logistic regression analysis, active perianal disease and severe disease were negatively associated with clinical and endoscopic remission in both early and late UST use groups. Finally, early UST administration was associated with a more favorable long-term outcome in terms of overall hospitalization and treatment escalation during follow-up.

Conclusion:

Starting UST therapy in the early stage of CD especially within the first 6 months was associated with high rates of clinical and endoscopic remission and a low rate of CD-related complications.
Quality of life aspects of intermittent catheterization in neurogenic and non-neurogenic patients: a systematic review on heterogeneity in the measurements used
Authors: van Doorn Tess , Coolen Rosa L. , Groen Jan , Scheepe Jeroen R. , Blok Bertil F. M.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the golden standard in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction, leading to bladder emptying problems, due to neurogenic or non-neurogenic causes. CIC affects patient Quality of Life (QoL) both positively and negatively.

Objectives:

The aim of this systematic review is to determine which measurements are used to report on the QoL of patients who are on CIC in the currently available literature, to determine the overall QoL of patients who are on CIC and lastly, to determine whether QoL in patients who are on CIC is dependent on the underlying cause (neurogenic vs non-neurogenic).

Design:

This systematic review was conducted following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Data sources and methods:

The Embase, Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane CENTRAL register of trials databases were systematically searched for relevant publications until March 2023.

Results:

A total of 4430 abstracts were screened and 43 studies were included. Studies were published between 1993 and 2022 and consisted of only neurogenic patients in 22 studies, the others included a mixed population. The included patient populations and the used measurements/tools were heterogeneous. There were 21 measurements/tools used to measure QoL, of which 3 were not validated. One questionnaire was developed to measure QoL in patients on CIC (intermittent self-catheterization questionnaire). Other measurements were suitable for general health-related QoL, to evaluate neurogenic bladder symptoms or incontinence oriented.

Conclusion:

The 43 included studies showed a great variety of used tools to measure QoL in patients on CIC due to neurogenic and non-neurogenic causes. Because of lacking uniformity of the measured aspects of QoL, the different included studies could not be compared and subgroup analysis was not performed. Recommendations for future research and practice are provided.

Trial registration:

This systematic review was registered and published beforehand at Prospero (CRD42020181777; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero ).
Behavioral Intervention Functions in Type 2 Diabetes Apps: Literature Review
Authors: Gabarron Elia , Randine Pietro , Årsand Eirik
Published: December 2024

Background:

As type 2 diabetes (T2D) is expected to increase, self-management becomes more crucial. Mobile apps are increasingly supporting self-management with tasks like blood glucose monitoring and medication management. Understanding the behavioral intervention functions used by diabetes apps today, is essential for improving future apps and systems for diabetes management.

Objective:

To analyze the behavioral intervention functions used in apps for managing T2D that integrate the three main elements: medication management, nutrition tracking, and blood glucose management.

Methods:

We conducted a literature review on T2D diabetes apps using SCOPUS, PubMed, and PsycINFO. After screening and removing duplicates, we analyzed app details and behavioral intervention functions based on the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework.

Results:

We reviewed 644 scientific publications describing diabetes apps in clinical studies, narrowing it down to 20 studies, including 16 unique apps, after screening and exclusions. These studies were published between 2016 and 2024. Among the identified apps, automatic processing of medication data was reported in one study, while blood glucose data were automatically processed in 13 studies. Nutrition data processing varied. Most apps used Enablement and Persuasion as behavioral intervention functions, with Education and Training reported less frequently. Environmental Restructuring, Incentivization, Coercion, Restriction, and Modeling were not reported as being used in any studies.

Conclusions:

This review shows that while Enablement and Persuasion are common, other behavioral intervention functions seem to be underused or underreported. Future research could explore the potential of integrating additional behavioral intervention functions to enhance diabetes app efficacy and users’ self-management.
The Effective Use by Primary Care Clinicians of a Comprehensive Computerized Insulin Dose Adjustment Algorithm
Authors: Davidson Mayer B.
Published: December 2024

Primary care clinicians (PCCs) manage 90% of patients with diabetes, 30% of whom require insulin with a substantial number poorly controlled because of the challenges that PCCs face (time constraints and lack of experience). The author has developed Federal Drug Administration cleared and Conformite Europeenne mark registered comprehensive computerized insulin dose adjustment algorithms (CIDAAs) to enable PCCs to significantly lower HbA1c levels in insulin-requiring patients. Reports sent to PCCs contain scatter plots of glucose readings, their organization into pre- and postprandial and before bedtime values, their analyses, and recommendations for insulin dose adjustments (if indicated) that the PCC can accept or modify. The glucose readings are provided to the CIDAAs for analysis at either in-person visits or remotely. The new doses accepted by PCCs serve as the basis for the subsequent report. Published studies evaluating this comprehensive CIDAA involved 104 poorly controlled patients taking insulin for greater than or equal to six months who were independently managed by PCCs. Over four to six months, initial HbA1c levels of 9.7% fell by 1.7%. Combining these results with 138 other better controlled patients in real-world situations, initial measured and estimated HbA1c levels of 8.3% fell by 0.7% in 6.4 months enabling PCCs to significantly improve glycemic control. Other advantages of PCCs utilizing these comprehensive CIDAAs are saving time for PCCs so that they can address non-diabetes issues and/or see other patients and ongoing PCC education in adjusting insulin doses by matching glucose patterns and dose-change recommendations with subsequent glycemic responses.
Is Strength the Main Risk Factor of Overuse Shoulder Injuries? A Cohort Study of 296 Amateur Overhead Athletes
Authors: Intelangelo Leonardo , Lassaga Ignacio , Gonzalo Elias , Mendoza Cristian , Manuel Ormazabal Juan , Roulet Iván , Bevacqua Nicolás , Jerez-Mayorga Daniel
Published: December 2024

Background:

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in overhead athletes. This study investigated the prevalence of the main risk factors and sex differences related to the development of shoulder pain in a cohort of amateur overhead athletes.

Hypothesis:

The external rotation/internal rotation (ER/IR) isometric strength ratio <0.75% is the most prevalent risk factor associated to overuse shoulder injuries in both sexes.

Study Design:

Cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 296 (147 male and 149 female) amateur overhead athletes from handball, volleyball, and water polo participated in this cross-sectional study. Isometric strength, rotational range of motion, and scapular control were analyzed bilaterally. The measurements and motions were randomized between sides.

Results:

The ER/IR isometric strength ratio deficit among the disciplines was presented in 264 and 229 out of 296 athletes in the dominant and nondominant sides, respectively. Normalized isometric strength showed significant differences for dominant ( P < 0.01; ε² = 0.47) and nondominant IR ( P < 0.01; ε² = 0.60). No significant differences were observed between dominant ( P = 0.44; ε² = 0.05) and nondominant ER ( P = -0.24; ε² = 0.07). The prevalence of glenohumeral IR deficit (GIRD) ( P = 0.81) and total arc of motion differences (TAMD) ( P = 0.39) was low, with no difference between sexes. Male (16.3%) and female (12.1%) athletes had low rate of obvious scapular dyskinesis in their dominant shoulders.

Conclusion:

Muscle strength was the most prevalent risk factor. The ER/IR ratio imbalance was present in both sides, without sex differences. Risk factors such as scapular dyskinesis, GIRD, and TAMD were present in low percentages, without sex differences.

Clinical Relevance:

It is advisable to implement shoulder exercises to strengthen ER muscles to decrease differences between internal and external rotators and prevent injuries in overhead athletes.
Scaffolding decision spaces in decision support systems: Using plagiarism screening software in editorial offices
Authors: Hesselmann Felicitas
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the dynamics of algorithmic governance, decision support systems and human involvement in the context of plagiarism screening in academic publishing. While automated plagiarism screening is widespread in editorial work, critical investigations about these decision support systems remain scarce. Focusing on the issue of human autonomy and discretion in algorithmic governance, the paper investigates the complexities of the human-in-the-loop within these screening tools. Revisiting Wanda Orlikowski's conceptual metaphor of ‘scaffolding’, the study empirically analyses interactions between editors and plagiarism screening software. It traces how these tools act as scaffolds, defining plagiarism as a manageable problem while allowing editors considerable flexibility in decision-making. The software, which is both non-deterministic and powerful, transforms issues into potential decisions, shaping the decision space for human editors. Based on this investigation of screening software as scaffolding, the paper argues that the question of human involvement in systems for automated decision-making is somewhat beside the point, and that analytical attention should shift towards understanding how algorithmic systems configure decision spaces by establishing issues as decidable problems. The implications of this shift are discussed, emphasizing the need for advancing our understanding of power dynamics inherent in algorithm–human interactions within automated decision-making systems.
Quality assessment and sexual health information analysis of mobile dating applications for men who have sex with men: A comprehensive evaluation using the User Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale
Authors: Zhou Xu , Wu Wei-Yi
Published: December 2024

Objective

Numerous mobile apps designed for men who have sex with men (MSM) are launched in recent years, potentially serving as crucial platforms for disseminating sexual health information and promoting healthy sexual behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of dating apps for MSM on the apps market and analyze the sexual health information they provide.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in major apps platforms in China (including Apple, OPPO, Huawei, and Tencent) to identify current MSM dating apps. Apps fitting the inclusion criteria were independently assessed by two MSM users via using the User Version of Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS), a user-assessed quality scale for mobile apps.

Results

Fifty mobile apps were identified and assessed, with an overall uMARS score of 3.64 ± 0.53 out of 5. More than half (29 out of 50) of apps included sexual health information.

Conclusions

The overall quality of the apps was satisfactory, whereas significant variations existed in sexual health information content and focus. It is recommended that app developers can further collaborate with public health experts to enhance the accuracy and utility of sexual health information on these platforms.
Closing the Door to Remain Open: The Politics of Openness and the Practices of Strategic Closure in the Fediverse
Authors: Theophilos Jamie A.
Published: December 2024

In early 2023, Meta announced that its new microblogging platform, Threads, would join the Fediverse, a network of free, open-source social media platforms. This decision created a rift within the Fediverse, with some users supporting Meta’s integration while others strongly opposing it. This research explores the practices and discourses of the latter group—users, developers, and server administrators—who aim to build a safer and more autonomous “free Fediverse.” By framing the Free Fediverse as a digital counterpublic, this article introduces the concept of “strategic closure” to illustrate how these actors resist corporate capture and maintain a safer online environment. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of sociomateriality and the politics of openness, my analysis highlights the entanglement between discursive and material aspects of these counterpublic practices. This study contributes to the broader discourse on alternative social media politics, emphasizing the ongoing negotiations between openness, safety, and technological design, and offers insights from Science and Technology Studies (STS) for understanding counterpublics in the age of Big Tech.
Bibliometric Study of 40 Years of Research in Chinese Music Archaeology
Authors: Ma Yidi
Published: December 2024

In the field of archaeology, music archaeology has emerged as a significant area of scholarly interest. Despite over 40 years of development in Chinese music archaeology, there remains a lack of systematic bibliometric analysis within the academic community. This study addresses this gap by using core journal articles from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) as the data source, selecting 719 high-quality articles through keyword searches. We utilized software such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer to perform cluster analysis and burst word analysis on the keywords, identifying the historical research status, key journals, major research institutions, and emerging research frontiers in Chinese music archaeology. The findings reveal three distinct developmental stages in Chinese music archaeology: the initial stage, development stage, and peak stage. The research model is predominantly driven by universities with institutional support, though collaboration between research institutions remains limited. The central themes of music archaeology revolve around two main aspects: unearthed musical instruments and the ritual music systems and culture. Additionally, three frontier research areas have been identified: Liu Fei’s tomb, ancient qin, and decorative patterns. Future research is expected to further explore instruments such as Bianzhong and Bianqing. This study represents the first application of bibliometrics in Chinese music archaeology research, providing a structured framework for existing research in this field and offering valuable insights for future scholars exploring potential directions in music archaeology.
Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Factors Among People Living With HIV on Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Mirai Tumaini E. , Kilonzo Kajiru G. , Sadiq Abid M. , Muhina Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim , Kyala Norman J. , Marandu Annette A. , Gharib Sarah K. , Costantine Andrea R. , Mkwizu Elifuraha W. , Howlett William P. , Shao Elichilia R. , Nyakunga Gissela B. , Akrabi Huda F. , Kshettry Vibhu R. , Maro Venance P. , Chamba Nyasatu G. , Lyamuya Furaha S.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Chronic systemic inflammation from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may cause metabolic abnormalities in lipid metabolism. Additionally, the development of metabolic syndrome has been associated with specific anti-retroviral therapy, particularly dolutegravir. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based anti-retroviral therapy.

Methods

This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, among 312 people living with HIV. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical characteristics including anthropometric indices and a blood pressure reading. A blood sample was collected to measure plasma glucose levels and serum lipid levels. The outcome being metabolic syndrome, odds ratios were evaluated using logistic regression analysis, and a P-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 42.3%. Waist circumference (73%) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (59.9%) were the most prevalent components. Factors associated with metabolic syndrome were patients aged 18–44 years (aOR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.24–7.79; P = .016), female gender (aOR: 5.40; 95% CI: 2.07–14.13; P = .001), no physical activity (aOR: 4.00; 95% CI: 1.05–15.10; P = .042), and patients who earned >300 000 Tanzanian shillings per month (aOR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.07–4.32; P = .032).

Conclusion

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients on dolutegravir-based therapy is high. There is a need to adhere to routine screening of metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based anti-retroviral therapy.
Evaluating Whether a Career Service Office Equitably Serves Diverse Students at a School of Public Health
Authors: Krasna Heather , Yuen Jessica
Published: December 2024

Schools and programs of public health (SPPH) are designed to prepare students to enter the public health workforce. Career services programs support students as they transition to public health professionals. While SPPH enroll increasingly diverse students, the public health workforce remains less diverse than the populations it serves. Ensuring diverse graduates enter the workforce is thus an important aspect of career services programs, but career services programs are rarely evaluated regarding whether they serve diverse students equitably. Our goal was to design an evaluation for the career services programming offered at Columbia Mailman and to assess whether career services were inclusively and equitably utilized by diverse students. We created a rubric and used it to qualitatively evaluate career services programs and resources. We also quantitatively assessed whether students equitably utilized career services appointments and whether there were disparities in employment outcome by race and ethnicity. The program evaluation found areas of strength and for improvement. Career services can improve their services by using our best practices for program evaluation by assessing the resources they offer and evaluating who uses their services, to ensure their programs are equitably designed and utilized by students of all backgrounds.
Assessment of the Biomechanical Effects of Hindfoot Alignment in Supination External Rotation Malleolar Fractures in a Cadaveric Model
Authors: Seidel Angela , Chidda Amal , Perez Virginie , Krause Fabian , Zderic Ivan , Gueorguiev Boyko , Lalonde Karl-Andre , Meulenkamp Brad
Published: December 2024

Category:

Trauma; Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

Pressure distribution in the ankle joint is known to be dependent on various factors, including hindfoot alignment. We seek to evaluate how hindfoot alignment affects contact pressures in the ankle joint in the setting of supination external rotation (SER) type ankle fractures.

Methods:

SER fractures were created in 10 human cadaver lower extremity specimens, simulating progressive stages of injury: without fracture (step 0), SER fracture and intact deltoid ligament (step1), superficial deltoid ligament disruption (step2) and deep deltoid ligament disruption (step3). At each step, varus and valgus alignment was simulated by displacing the calcaneal tuberosity 7mm medial or lateral. Each limb was axially loaded following each osteotomy at a static load of 350N. The center of force (COF), contact area (CA), and peak contact pressure (PP) under load were measured, and x-rays of the ankle mortise were taken to analyze the medial clear space (MCS) and talar tilt (TT).

Results:

The COF (5.3mm, p=0.030) and the CA (-188.4 mm2, p=0.015) changed in step 3 in the valgus hindfoot alignment compared to baseline parameters, indicating the importance of deep deltoid ligament integrity in maintaining normal ankle joint contact stress in the valgus hindfoot. These changes were not seen in the setting of varus alignment (COF: 2,3mm, p=0.059; CA -121mm2, p=0.133). PP were found to not change significantly in either varus or valgus (varus:-4.9N, p=0.132;valgus:-4N, p =0.464). The MCS demonstrated widening in step 3 compared to step 2 (0.7mm, p=0.020) in both varus and valgus hindfoot. The TT increased significantly in step 3 in the valgus hindfoot (2.8°, p=0.020) compared to step 0.

Conclusion:

SERIV fractures with valgus hindfoot alignment showed significant changes in pressure distribution and radiographic parameters when compared to SER IV fractures with varus hindfoot alignment. Based on this cadaver modelling study, patients with SERIV fracture with varus hindfoot alignment and complete deltoid ligament lesion may not need fracture fixation, whereas those with valgus hindfoot alignment likely need fracture fixation. Results of the measurements of COF (center of force), CA (contact area), PP (peak contact pressure) MCS (medical clear space) in mm, TT (talar tilt) in degree in varus and valgus hindfoot alignment in the different steps. It shows the mean and (standard deviation)
Association of Diabetes Mellitus and Immediate Postoperative Complications after Total Ankle Replacement: A Large Database Analysis
Authors: Patel Shiv J. , Chokshi Shivan , Abdullah Mohammed , Panchbhavi Vinod K.
Published: December 2024

Category:

Ankle Arthritis; Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) has rapidly grown in popularity over the last fifteen years as a treatment for ankle arthritis. With this growth, it is imperative to understand risk factors that may predispose patients to complications following the procedure. This information can be valuable in generating treatment plans and facilitating conversation regarding risks and benefits of those plans. Current literature on TAR-related outcomes is limited in timeframe and scope and does not investigate the association of diabetes with common post operative complications. The objective of this study was to perform a retrospective database analysis to quantify the risk of 90-day complications in patients with diabetes undergoing TAR when compared to patients without diabetes undergoing TAR.

Methods:

The TriNetX database was utilized for this study. Patients who underwent TAR were identified and stratified by those with a history of diabetes mellitus and those without a history of diabetes mellitus of any type. The cohorts were 1:1 propensity matched based on demographic information and medical history. The 90-day complication rates for readmission, inpatient service use, opioid use, anesthesia use, periprosthetic fracture, deep vein thrombosis, and wound dehiscence were calculated using chi-square analysis.

Results:

n=5,984 TAR patients were identified. 52% were male and 48% female with mean age of 73±10 years. There was a n=1,331 patients in each the patients with diabetes and without diabetes groups after cohort analysis and propensity matching. TAR patients with diabetes had a significantly higher 90-day odds ratio of inpatient service use (OR: 1.675, 95% CI 1.3082-2.144; p< 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups in opioid use (OR: 1.13, 95% CI 0.941-1.357; p=0.1908), anesthesia use (OR: 1.335, 95% CI 0.906-1.965; p=0.1424), and wound dehiscence (OR: 1.313, 95% CI 0.829-2.08; p=0.2445); Table 1. There was insufficient data to determine the role of diabetes on critical care services, periprosthetic fracture, and DVT within 90 days of TAR.

Conclusion:

TAR is a developing operation for ankle arthritis and little data exists on diabetes related perioperative complications. The results of this study show that although diabetes is significantly associated with a higher rate of inpatient service use, it may not have as large a role in opioid use, anesthesia use, and wound dehiscence in the immediate postoperative period. More information is still needed to address long term outcomes and the role diabetes plays in other postoperative complications.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Popular Lapidus Fixation Plates
Authors: Gross Christopher E. , Jacobson Eli , Peterson Nathan
Published: December 2024

Category:

Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot

Introduction/Purpose:

A 1st Tarsometatarsal (TMT) fusion or Lapidus is increasingly popular for moderate to severe hallux valgus with pronation. Hardware utilized for fixation consists of different combinations of plates, screws, and staples. Prior studies have suggested that constructs including a plate are superior to those consisting of screws or staples only. This biomechanical report compares a novel 1st TMT fusion U-plate to a predicate biplanar locking plating system.

Methods:

A total of 7 TMT U-plate systems were utilized for mechanical testing, with 3 samples undergoing static testing and 4 samples undergoing dynamic testing. Their mechanical properties were compared to those of one predicate device for static testing and 4 devices for dynamic testing. Standard 4th generation Sawbones models and bicortical screws were utilized in all cases. Static testing consisted of a uniform ramp to catastrophic failure using a cantilever bending model. Dynamic testing consisted of an incremental step procedure. A step size of 50,000 cycles at 3 Hz was used. The peak tensile load defined the step size with the valley tensile loading at one-tenth the peak loading. The first step used a 3.6 Nm moment with a peak tensile loading at 120 N.

Results:

Static testing of the TMT U-plate system demonstrated comparable or superior performance in load to failure testing than the predicate device (U-plate: mean = 351.3N, SD = 29.6; predicate: 324.4N). Dynamic testing demonstrated that the U-plate system survived 76,602 ± 43,275 cycles which was 261% greater than tested predicate constructs 29,338 ± 33,080 cycles. Additionally, cyclic failure loads were 151.3 ± 23.9 N for the U-plating system which was 120% greater than the predicate constructs at 126.3 ± 12.5 N.

Conclusion:

The TMT U-Plate demonstrated superior or comparable biomechanical properties to the predicate device in static and dynamic mechanical testing. Further investigation is needed to ascertain if these biomechanical differences have clinical correlations.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: the Evolution of Female Speaker Representation and Visibility At American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Meetings Over Time
Authors: Kutzer Katherine , Garcia Raquel , Bitolas Rochelle , Aitchison Alexandra , Ralph Julia , Kuehn Sally , Adams Samuel B. , Anastasio Albert T.
Published: December 2024

Category:

Other

Introduction/Purpose:

Although female students comprise over half of U.S. undergraduate and medical school enrollment, representation among residents and practicing surgeons in orthopaedics remains disproportionately low at 15% and 6%, respectively. The decline in residency may stem from a lack of early exposure to female mentors. This study investigates female representation in speaker roles at American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) meetings over time.

Methods:

The annual AOFAS meeting programs for 2012, 2017, and 2022 were reviewed by three independent raters. Each speaker, moderator, and panelist was classified based on sex and role; 15% of the data was cross-checked and evaluated using Fleiss Multirater Kappa validation. Sessions discussing surgical or biomedical topics were categorized as “technical”, and all other sessions (i.e., welcome sessions) were categorized as “nontechnical.” Individual-year odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) evaluating sex versus session status, as well as sex versus speaker role, are provided. Combined results controlling for year were calculated using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method.

Results:

A total of 403 speaking sessions were analyzed; 12% of sessions were led by female speakers. On average, female speakers were significantly more likely than males to assume nontechnical speaking roles across the three years combined (OR 3.84; 95% CI, 1.43 to 10.33). Female speakers led 12.7% of the 381 technical sessions. Females also comprised 9.8% and 16.7% of moderator and panelist roles, respectively.

Conclusion:

Although our study reveals an increasing trend in female speakers, panelists, and moderators from 2012 to 2022, these data demonstrate a persistent lack of sex diversity at AOFAS annual meetings, especially within technical sessions and moderator roles. Increasing female representation at conferences while fostering mentorship opportunities for medical students may serve as a valuable opportunity to address disparities between males and females within orthopaedics. Female Representation in Speaker Roles at AOFAS and Session Category Odds Ratios