bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Could Maladaptive Daydreaming Delay ADHD Diagnosis Until Adulthood? Clinical Characteristics of Adults With ADHD Based on Diagnosis Age
Authors: Kandeğer Ali , Güler Hasan Ali , Özaltın Münise Seda , Bayırlı Ömer , Söylemez Hacer , Yıldız Elif , Semerci Bengi
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Our study aimed to compare the sociodemographic, diagnostic, clinical, and self-report scale data of adults diagnosed with ADHD in childhood/adolescence versus adulthood and to identify risk factors associated with delayed/missed diagnosis for ADHD.

Method:

Sociodemographic, clinical, and diagnostic data of 214 adults with ADHD, followed at the Adult Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic, Selçuk University, between January 2022 and January 2024, were analyzed. The diagnostic evaluations were made using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Clinician Version. Clinical data included age, gender, years of education, alcohol/substance use, diagnosis age, and current medication use for ADHD. Data collected from self-report scales included both ADHD-related measurements and comorbidity-related measurements.

Results:

The findings revealed that only 34.4% ( n = 74) of sample received a formal ADHD diagnosis during childhood/adolescence. Adults diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood were older and had higher education levels, more severe ADHD symptoms, and increased maladaptive daydreaming (MD) scores, compared to those diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the severity of MD was associated with being in the group diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood while controlling for other significant parameters from bivariate analyses, such as age, years of education, and current medication use for ADHD. Finally, analyses conducted separately in both groups showed that: (1) increased MD severity was a predictor of higher ADHD symptoms in those diagnosed in adulthood, but not in those diagnosed in childhood/adolescence, and (2) MD severity had a stronger correlation with ADHD symptoms, the number of comorbid psychiatric disorders, and symptoms of excessive mind wandering, depression, and anxiety in those diagnosed in adulthood compared to those diagnosed in childhood/adolescence.

Conclusion:

MD may delay ADHD diagnosis until adulthood by masking and compensating ADHD symptoms and delay in referral to mental health professionals, and it might also be a predictive symptom for recognizing ADHD in adults who have never been diagnosed; however, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this.
Spherical periacetabular osteotomy via para-sartorial intermuscular approach with bikini incision for patients with acetabular dysplasia: surgical technique and preliminary results
Authors: Nishiwaki Toru , Hara Toshihiko , Kaneuji Ayumi , Takahashi Eiji
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

This study introduces a new technique, spherical periacetabular osteotomy (SPO), performed via a para-sartorial intermuscular (PSIM) approach with a bikini incision, aiming to optimise the benefits of SPO, including preservation of muscles and providing cosmetic advantages.

Methods:

Overall, 57 joints of 52 patients (mean age 36 ± 17 years) underwent SPO via the PSIM approach. Preoperative osteoarthritis was classified according to Tönnis grade, with 34 and 23 hips categorised as grades 0 and 1, respectively.

Results:

The modified Harris Hip Scores significantly improved from 75 ± 10 to 96 ± 8 points at 6 months postoperatively. The lateral centre-edge angle improved from 6 ± 8° preoperatively to 30 ± 8° postoperatively, with a mean correctional angle of 24 ± 9°. Paresthetica of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve occurred in 7 joints (12.3%) 3 months postoperatively. All cases except 1 achieved bone union within 3 months, and a nonunion case required additional surgery.

Conclusions:

Although the long-term results are not yet available, SPO via the PSIM approach demonstrates promising outcomes without significant complications. Furthermore, using the PSIM approach with a bikini incision has the advantages of muscle preservation and excellent cosmesis, which are delighted for young patients.
Hydroxyapatite-coated total primary hip replacement: 28-year follow-up survivorship
Authors: Fa-Binefa Manel , Serra Julia , Moya Esther , Crusi Xavier , Gich-Saladich Ignasi , Valera Marius
Published: January 2025

Background:

Survival at 25 years’ follow-up for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been reported at 5%–77%, with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating, due to its osteo-conductive properties, used to enhance implant fixation and survival. The progressive increase in life expectancy raises doubts regarding HA-coated THA survival and THA revision surgery risk. The aim of our study was to retrospectively analyse survival for primary uncemented fully HA-coated THA after 28 years’ follow-up.

Methods:

Our cohort survival study of the JRI Furlong HA-coated system retrospectively included patients aged 18–75 years who had undergone THA between 1992 and 1998 at our centre and who were followed up according to clinical records by orthopaedic surgeons to 2022. Data on THA revision surgery and its causes, follow-up, and death were analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression modelling.

Results:

The cohort included 196 patients (268 hips) followed up to a maximum of 27.5 years (mean 15.54 (SD 6.01) years) with 62 patients (88 hips) >25 years. THA revision surgery was performed in 7.5% of cases, occurring a mean of 11.1 years following primary surgery. Aseptic loosening accounted for 4.4% of these revisions, affecting both the acetabular component (2.2%) and the femoral stem (1.3%). THA survival at 15 years’, 20 years’, and 27.5 years’ follow-up was 95.5%, 88.3%, and 79.3%, respectively. According to the log-rank and Cox regression analysis, no significant relationships were found.

Conclusions:

Furlong HA-coated stem provides excellent long-term bone fixation for a long-term follow-up over 27.5 years with an aseptic loosening stem revision rate of 1.3%.
Skin Picking Disorder: A Canadian Retrospective Study of 83 Patients
Authors: Deschênes Louis , Veillette Hélène
Published: January 2025

Background:

Skin picking disorder (SPD) is classified as a primary psychodermatologic disorder, in which lesions are self-induced. It is frequently encountered by dermatologists, but the management is still a source of discomfort for the majority.

Objectives:

The first objective is to determine the characteristics of the SPD patients in our centre: the demographics, the psychiatric comorbidities, clinical and histopathological characteristics of SPD patients, treatments and follow-up. The second objective is to demonstrate the need for education in the dermatologic community.

Methods:

We retrieved and described cases of SPD from January 2011 to December 2022. All inpatients were evaluated at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Université Laval. Qualitative and quantitative data on SPD were collected.

Results:

The sample comprised 83 patients, with a mean age of 62 years, and a bimodal distribution. 63.8% were female and lesions were most frequently described as excoriations (27%). Physicians observed picking from multiple body sites, the most common being upper extremities. Only 11% of patients were biopsied. Psychiatric comorbidities were frequent, especially personality traits and disorders (19.2%), and substance-related and addictive disorders (16.8%). Wide variety of treatments were prescribed, including local and supportive care. Only 41% of the sample had medical follow-ups.

Conclusions:

This large-scale retrospective assessment of patients diagnosed with SPD broadens the scope of a frequent disorder in dermatology, showing older age patients, unexpected psychiatric comorbidities and inadequate continuity of care. Results highlight the need for a collaborative approach and for frequent reassessments of these patients.
Antagonism of interferon beta on interferon gamma: inhibition of signal transduction in vitro and reduction of serum levels in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Revel M , Chebath J , Mangelus M , Harroch S , Moviglia GA
Published: January 2025

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ acts as a mediator of multiple sclerosis (MS) exacerbations through a number of biological effects, such as induction of major histocompatibility class II complexes (MHC-II), macrophage activation and potentiation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). The clinical efficacy of interferon beta (IFN-β) therapy in reducing exacerbations of relapsing–remitting MS has been related to antagonistic effects on various activities of IFN-y, including MHC-II gene induction. However, there is no model to explain such antagonistic effects of IFN-β and IFN-y, and the two cytokines are also known to act synergistically against viruses and in the induction of MHC-I. We show that IFN-β does inhibit an immediate molecular event of IFN-y, namely activation and DNA binding of the transcription factor Stat I. We propose a model of direct interference of the IFN-y and IFN-a,β signal transduction pathways accounting for antagonistic effects on some genes, which in turn activate MHC-II transcription, as well as for synergistic effects on other genes. In addition, study of MS patients treated with natural IFN-β shows that IFN-β significantly reduces serum levels of IFN-y while increasing IL-4, strongly suggesting that IFN-β also controls the relative activation of THI- and TH2-type T lymphocytes.
Early treatment of multiple sclerosis with Rebif (recombinant human interferon beta): design of the study
Authors: Comi G , Barkhof F , Durelli L , Edan G , Fernandez O , Filippi M , Hartung HP , Hommes OR , Seeldrayers P , Soelberg-Sorensen P
Published: January 2025

Two recent properly controlled trials performed in patients with relapsing-remitting MS have demonstrated that interferon beta substantially improves the evolution of the disease. The results of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trials suggest that early treatment of patients with isolated optic neuritis may delay the conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS). Moreover, clinical trials in MS and in immune-mediated diseases indicate that better results are obtained in patients in the early phases of the disease. We present the design of a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-cntrolled study of recombinant interferon beta (Rebif-Serono) in patients with a first attack suggestive of MS. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the efficacy of Rebif, administered subcutaneously at the dose of 8 million international units (MIU) once a week for 2 years, on the risk of developing CDMS.
Interferon beta-lb in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis - outline of the clinical trial
Authors: Polman CH , Dahlke F , Thompson AJ , Ghazi M , Kappos L , Miltenburger C , Pozilli C
Published: January 2025

This manuscript describes the outline of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, (European), multicentre phase III study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 8 MIU of interferon beta-1b given subcutaneously every other day for 3 years in patients with secondary progressive multiple sderosis. The primary efficacy variable of this trial is the time to confirmed neurological deterioration as documented by the Expanded Disability Status Scale. The essentials of the study design are presented, induding the rationale for the performance of the study and the selection of both clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcome parameters.
Data handling in clinical trials: an ongoing debate
Authors: Jongen PJH
Published: January 2025

Data handling is a crucial phase in controlled clinical trials. In this paper we conceive the process of data handling in a broad sense, encompassing monitoring, analysis and publication of data. We discuss basic ethical principles underlying adequate data handling and suggest some modifications of the Good Clinical Practice guidelines. As to data monitoring we underline the corporate responsibilities and argue in favour of an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). Data analysis should be performed in independent institutions, and there is a moral obligation to perform an interim analysis. Regarding accessibility of data, the raw data should be made available to participating researchers and independent scientific institutions, and both positive and negative results should be published, in agreement with a Report on Drug Information by the World Health Organization. To meet these requirements, commercial sponsors should have initiatives for independent DSMBs, interim analysis and complete data availability, and conceive corresponding contracts. The investigators can improve the quality of data handling by forming an Investigators Liaison Panel that represents them in the contacts with the sponsor. Finally, ethics committee and drug regulatory agencies should see to it that newly gained insights are being put into practice.
Ofatumumab-exposed breastfeeding in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Witt Laura , Dost-Kovalsky Karen , Friedmann Natalia , Bast Nadine , Haben Sabrina , Oganowski Theresa , Gold Ralf , Hellwig Kerstin , Thiel Sandra
Published: January 2025

Background:

In Europe, ofatumumab is approved for breastfeeding, but data on its transfer into breast milk and clinical experience are lacking.

Objective:

To analyze (1) health, development, and adverse events after live vaccination of ofatumumab-exposed breastfed infants and (2) detectability of ofatumumab in breast milk, and to calculate the relative infant dose (RID) using two methods, the traditional method and a second method considering maternal exposure to multiple ofatumumab doses and extended collection period.

Methods:

In this observational study, clinical data were collected by standardized telephone interviews up to 2 years postpartum. Breastmilk samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

Twelve mothers started ofatumumab-exposed breastfeeding between 0.6 and 19.6 months postpartum. Infants showed neither abnormalities in infections, antibiotic use, or hospitalizations nor developmental delay. Five infants with available B cells had normal levels. Eight (66.7%) infants received live vaccines during/after exposed breastfeeding. None had complications. Ofatumumab concentration in breast milk varied widely between a median RID of average concentration 0.027% (range: 0.019%–0.115%) using method 1 and 2.912% (range: 1.301%–12.322%) using method 2.

Conclusion:

Ofatumumab-exposed breastfeeding did not adversely affect infants’ health or development. Despite higher RIDs using the more appropriate method 2, the risk of substantial antibody absorption by infants appears to be low.
A case of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder complicated with aquaporin-4-antibody-associated organizing pneumonia
Authors: Shibahara Tomoya , Yamanaka Kei , Matsuoka Mikiaki , Tachibana Masaki , Kuroda Junya , Nakane Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

An 80-year-old man with aquaporin-4-antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder presented with a 2-week history of cough and hiccups, followed by progressive bilateral lower limb weakness, a bandlike burning sensation in the upper body, and urinary retention. Magnetic resonance imaging showed area postrema and thoracic central medullary lesions. Thorax computed tomography showed bilateral upper lung lobe consolidations. Lung biopsy confirmed organizing pneumonia. Immunohistochemistry of these lesions demonstrated aquaporin-4 loss, immunoglobulin G-binding, and complement deposits, akin to central nervous system lesions found in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Thus, aquaporin-4-antibodies may be involved in extra-central nervous system manifestations of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
Silence is a construction: An exploratory of people’s everyday understandings
Authors: Lehmann Olga , Wagoner Brady
Published: January 2025

In this exploratory study, we documented the variety of meanings and ranges of experiences that people associate with the word “silence”. The research involved developing premises for a “qualitative-first” content analysis, based on the anonymous responses of 116 participants to six incomplete sentences prompts. If a participant described two or more features of silence in their response, we coded these entries separately. We analyzed 890 codes via the social representations theory. The analysis of the data suggests that social representations of silence are not purely sensory but rather are constructed. In other words, they are mediated by specific activities, intentions, emotions, values, and interactions with others or the self. Regardless of whether moments of silence occur intentionally or unexpectedly, they appear to influence attention and focus on different tasks. These moments can also serve as a necessary contrast and variation during. One of the key aspects of the data concerns the relational dimensions of silence and their potential to deepen or jeopardize our relationship with the self, others, the environment, or even God for some. The value of contextual and sociocultural approaches to the study of silence in everyday life is further discussed considering these findings.
Reframing centre-left neoliberalism: New Keynesian theory, Third Way ideology, and the construction of an elite consensus in the US, Britain, and Australia
Authors: Toye Brent , Wamsley Dillon
Published: January 2025

This article aims to contribute to a growing literature on the role of social democratic and progressive parties in shaping neoliberalism. We argue that existing literature has not fully recognised the unique intellectual and ideological traditions of the Centre-Left as a distinctive wing of neoliberalism. Much of this confusion can be resolved by examining the unique ideological contributions of New Keynesian economics in the context of a Gramscian political analysis. Focusing on Centre-Left Anglo-American governments in the US, Britain, and Australia throughout the 1990s and 2000s, we demonstrate how New Keynesian theories provided the intellectual justification for the Third Way’s ideological project and model of state interventionism at the height of the neoliberal period. While Centre-Left political parties in these Anglo-American states have recently sought to re-invent themselves under a new interventionist economic paradigm, we conclude by showing how they have continued to reproduce orthodoxies associated with the New Keynesian consensus.
A new bundling model to promote the worst selling products with deep learning approaches
Authors: Weng Cheng-Hsiung , Huang Cheng-Kui
Published: January 2025

It is essential that managers have information on how to design bundling incentives to increase sales for the worst selling products. Therefore, this study attempts to identify which items are suitable for promoting the worst selling products by different measures and further predict the sales of products by using deep learning approaches, recurrent neural network and long short-term memory (RNN and LSTM), as well as two conventional methods, linear regression and XGBRegressor. Experimental results from a real-life dataset show that the proposed measure, PromoteRate, outperforms the other traditional measures, lift, cosine, and allconf. That is, PromoteRate can discover better bundling promotion items for the worst selling products. LSTM shows superior predictive performance compared to other approaches. Finally, the experiment also includes results for products with lower sales, not solely focused on the worst performers.
Improved line-of-sight path following for unmanned surface vehicle with exact compensation of sideslip angle
Authors: Cao Ying , Cui Ying , Liu Ziyu , Li Boyang , Wu Lupeng
Published: January 2025

An improved line-of-sight guidance law is proposed for path following of under-actuated unmanned surface vehicles subjected to time-varying ocean currents. A reduced-order extended state observer is integrated with an adaptive measurement method to simultaneously and exactly estimate the unknown sideslip angle and external disturbance. Moreover, the desired surge velocity is designed to adaptively respond to changes in path curvature, look-ahead distance, and cross-track error. A cross-track error-based method is adopted to dynamically adjust the look-ahead distance. Upon verifying the stability of the improved guidance law, simulation results and comparative studies are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness in accelerating the convergence and enhancing the accuracy of path-following.
Predefined-time sliding mode based fault tolerant path-following control for underactuated UUV with actuator faults and input saturation
Authors: Yu Haomiao , Qiao Shiguang
Published: January 2025

A fault-tolerant control (FTC) scheme combining predefined-time sliding mode and quadratic programing algorithm is proposed to achieve path-following of unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) subject to actuator faults and input saturation. Initially, line of sight method based on fixed-time predictors is used to construct path-following guidance law, incorporating a predefined-time sliding mode surface to design the path-following controller, which effectively accelerates the system convergence speed. Subsequently, a neural network is trained for real-time actuator fault diagnosis, enabling prompt acquisition of fault parameters. These parameters are then utilized in a quadratic programing thrust redistribution system to compensate for the failed thrust while also addressing input saturation constraint. By combining predefined-time sliding mode control with quadratic programing, this approach balances error convergence time, control accuracy, and fault tolerance within the UUV fault tolerant control system. Through the application of Lyapunov functions, the study establishes the system’s uniform global fixed-time stability. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the devised controller adeptly accomplishes horizontal path tracking tasks within a stipulated timeframe, effectively compensating for thruster failures, unknown ocean currents, and model parameter perturbations.
Evaluation of freeze–thaw effect on concrete using sideband peakcount-based non-linear ultrasonic NDT&E techniques
Authors: Park SeHyuk , Zeng Hang , Kim Hee Jeong , Kundu Tribikram
Published: January 2025

Concrete is susceptible to cracking and damage under repeated freeze–thaw conditions. Ultrasonic techniques have been widely used as non-destructive testing and evaluation techniques to assess concrete integrity under various damage mechanisms; however, commonly adopted linear ultrasonic (LU) techniques are less effective for identifying microscale damage. Nowadays, non-linear ultrasonic (NLU) techniques are favoured for detecting microscale damage due to their high sensitivity to microcracks. Recently, sideband peak count (SPC)-based NLU techniques have emerged as a robust alternative to traditional NLU methods. In this study, both LU and SPC-based NLU techniques were conducted to assess the damage of mortar specimens that were subjected to different freeze–thaw cycles. The freeze–thaw damage was also evaluated with conventional resonant frequency and compressive strength tests. Results indicate that LU-based technique – ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) – performs the worst correlation with the changes in compressive strength of the mortar specimens. The other LU parameter – signal attenuation – shows better result than UPV, exhibiting a similar trend with relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME) from resonant frequency test. The two SPC-based techniques sideband peak count-index (SPC-I) and sideband peak intensity (SPI) are more sensitive to different degrees of frost damage. Specifically, the SPC-I technique correlates well with the change in RDME throughout the testing period. In terms of the mechanical property, SPI performs the best among the three techniques (resonant frequency, SPC-I and SPI), especially for assessing the damage at the early stages when the accumulative damage did not change compressive strength significantly. At later stages as the damage progressed, all three techniques produced reliable results.
Exploring the mechanical and thermal characteristics of polypropylene composites with recycled polyester waste as sustainable reinforcement for enhanced protection in safety helmets head band
Authors: Periasamy Diwahar , Manoharan Bharathi , Arockiasamy Felix Sahayaraj , Karuppiah Prakalathan , Periyasamy Bhuvana K. , Ranganathan Nalini , Natarajan Varagunapandiyan , Dhandapani Aravind
Published: January 2025

The mechanical and thermal characteristics of Recycled Polyester Waste (RPW) reinforced in a polypropylene (PP) matrix were investigated to evaluate their feasibility for producing safety helmet components. Five samples with varying PP and RPW ratio weight fractions were prepared (Sample A:90/10, Sample B:80/20, Sample C:70/30, Sample D:60/40, and Sample E:50/50) and compounded by twin-screw extruder and developed using an injection molding machine. The density, hardness, tensile, and flexural properties of all samples, such as stress, strain, modulus, impact resistance, and Vicat softening temperature, were measured and compared. The findings indicated an increase in density as the RPW content increased, ranging from 0.92 g/cm³ for sample A to 1.23 g/cm³ for sample E. The hardness also increased from 69 Shore D in Sample A 87 Shore D in sample D. The tensile stress and modulus increased from 25.5 MPa to 543 MPa, respectively, for sample A to 27.6 MPa and 827 MPa, respectively, for sample D. The flexural strength and flexural modulus increased from 31.2 MPa to 775 MPa, respectively, for sample A to 34.3 MPa and 1250 MPa, respectively, for sample D. The impact resistance increased as the RPW content increased, ranging from 555 J/m for Sample A 656 J/m for sample D. The Vicat softening temperature increased from 73°C for Sample A to 91°C for Sample E. These findings indicate that RPW has the potential to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of PP, rendering it a sustainable and plausible reinforcement option for head band components of safety helmets.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Risk Factors of Violence During First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Youn Sarah , Watson Amity E. , Guadagno Belinda L. , Murrihy Sean , Byrne Linda K. , Cheng Nicholas , Cotton Sue M.
Published: January 2025

Most people with a psychotic illness will never be violent; however, it is widely known that violence is more prevalent in this group compared to the general community, particularly during first-episode psychosis (FEP). Despite this, there is limited research into what contributes to this increased risk during FEP. The present systematic review aimed to identify whether certain risk factors are differentially associated with severity and timing of violence perpetration during FEP. The following databases were used to identify studies, up to March 8, 2024: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ProQuest. A total of 15 studies were included. Male gender, non-white ethnicity, history of violence, higher general psychopathology, and recent substance use were significantly associated with any violence, regardless of the time at which violence was committed. Serious violence was not associated with any risk factors. Higher general psychopathology was associated with any violence committed before presentation to services, while male gender was associated with violence perpetrated at service entry. Only male gender and unemployment were associated with violence committed after treatment. Based on our results, risk factors appear to vary according to the severity and timing of violence. These risk factors also overlap with those found associated with violence risk in the general community, and those correlated with the risk of psychosis. Past studies are limited in the range of risk factors studied and further work is needed to understand correlates of violence in people who have experienced FEP to inform treatment options.
Facilitators and Barriers to Performing Workplace Physical Activity to Relieve Stress at the Florida Department of Health
Authors: Thomas LaTerica , Harrell Kimmerly , Torrens Armstrong Anna , Bohn Joe
Published: January 2025

Background. Lack of physical activity (PA) causes over 5.3 million deaths every year and causes more deaths than smoking worldwide. Prolonged periods of sitting contributes to chronic diseases, which are among the leading causes of deaths, illnesses, and health care costs worldwide. Over 133 million Americans are currently affected by chronic diseases and associated health care costs the United States an estimated $3.5 trillion annually. Working adults spend an average of 7.6 hours per day at work and office-based employees spend 75% of their time sitting. Prolonged periods of sitting also causes stress, and stress is the leading cause of 75%–90% of all doctor visits. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine facilitators and barriers of workplace PA to relieve stress at a Florida Department of Health (FDOH) site. Methods. Mixed-methods data were collected in an anonymous Qualtrics survey. Sample included employees ≥ 18 years old with sedentary or active occupations who completed or not completed recommended PA at FDOH site. Results. A total of 336 responses were recorded and produced an 84% response rate. Lack of time was the most commonly reported barrier. Discussion. Too much sitting has become a global epidemic. Completing 30 minutes of daily PA can reverse 10 hours of sitting, relieve stress, improve health outcomes, and ultimately save lives. Workplace PA facilitators/barriers and stress relief behaviors were identified and provided practical methods to improve overall workforce health outcomes. Implementing fun, inclusive and healthy interventions in policy and practice, can encourage happier and healthier workforces and communities worldwide.
Incivility or Invalidity? Evaluating Perspective API Scores as a Measure of Political Incivility
Authors: Gervais Bryan T. , Dye Connor , Chin Amber
Published: January 2025

Adopting toxicity scores produced by Google’s Perspective API has become perhaps the most popular approach to estimating the prevalence of incivility and toxicity in online communication. However, existing scholarship has often overlooked the imbalanced nature of incivility when evaluating the performance of Perspective scores, leading to an overestimation of their effectiveness. In this research note, we demonstrate that once this imbalance is considered, Perspective scores perform poorly in accurately identifying incivility. We then propose a method that leverages Perspective scores to reduce the manual coding needed for developing a high-performing supervised learning classification model. Our findings indicate that combining Perspective scores with supervised learning approaches yields significantly better results for identifying incivility.
So, What is Theory?
Authors: Lee Jin
Published: January 2025

This essay delves into the essential knowledge required for the development and contribution of theory, focusing on its definition, components, and the different methods for making theoretical contributions. I view theory not as a monumental intellectual achievement, but as a product of the theorizing process, moving away from the idea of a fully developed theory. I highlight four main outcomes of theorizing: concepts, principles, models, and theories, which exist along a continuum. Theoretical contributions involve introducing, refining, expanding, and replacing these outcomes. I also present three approaches—Theory-driven, Phenomena-driven, and Review-driven—as pathways for researchers to make theoretical contributions. The goal of this essay is to make the theorizing process more accessible and manageable for early-career researchers and doctoral students in HRD, offering guidance and support in their theory-building endeavors.
Rhus Verniciflua Stokes Inhibits PD-1 Expression and Induces Anticancer Effects by Enhancing T Cell Function
Authors: Kim Seoyoung , Lee Young-Kwan , Lee Wang-Jun , Jong Moon Hyoun , Lee Sanghun
Published: January 2025

Background:

Over the last decade, the anticancer effects of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) have been reported in various preclinical or clinical studies. However, the effects of RVS on immuno-oncology, especially on the functional properties of T cells and their phenotypes, remain unclear. Here, we planned to investigate the impact of RVS on immuno-oncology, specifically focusing on its effects on T cells.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from breast cancer patients were isolated to obtain cytokine-induced killer cell populations with >85% CD3+ T cells. The anticancer activity of these T cells was evaluated by introducing red fluorescent protein (RFP) into HLA-A02:01 type-matched breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) and analyzing the results using flow cytometry. The effect of RVS extracts on T cell phenotype was assessed using markers such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, as well as mRNA expression levels of key genes (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2).

Results

RVS treatment significantly enhanced the anticancer activity of T cells against breast cancer cells. Specifically, T cells treated with 100 µg/mL of RVS showed a 20.6% increase in cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells and a 36.2% increase against MDA-MB231 cells compared to the control. Additionally, RVS treatment led to a significant reduction in PD-1 expression on T cells.

Conclusion:

Our findings demonstrate that RVS treatment enhances T cell function against breast cancer cells by reducing PD-1 expression. These results suggest that components of RVS may serve as potential candidates for restoring exhausted T cells in cancer therapy.
Developing an Indocyanine Green Angiography Protocol for Predicting Flap Necrosis During Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , Dayaratna Nirmal , Easwaralingam Neshanth , Seah Jue Li , Azimi Farhad , Mak Cindy , Pulitano Carlo , Kumar Warrier Sanjay
Published: January 2025

Background

Although there is evidence that indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) can predict mastectomy skin flap necrosis during breast reconstruction, consensus on optimal protocol is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate various technical factors which can influence ICG fluorescence intensity and thus interpretation of angiograms.

Method

Single institution retrospective study (2015-2021) of immediate implant-based breast reconstructions postmastectomy using a standardized technique of ICGA, controlling for modifiable factors of ambient lighting, camera distance and ICG dose. “Time to perfusion” assessment was defined as elapsed time from ICG administration to perfusion assessment. Intraoperative “absolute” and “relative” IGCA perfusion values of mastectomy flaps, taken at different time points (30, 60 and 90 seconds), were correlated with postoperative flap outcomes.

Results

There were 260 breast reconstructions with a 3.1% necrosis rate. ICGA perfusion values, when measured at 60 and 90 seconds, were significantly lower for cases that developed necrosis compared to cases that did not, and were both good predictors of necrosis (area under ROC curves, 0.84 and 0.85, respectively). Fluorescence intensity increased as “time to perfusion” assessment increased for flaps that did not develop necrosis (correlation coefficient, 0.9, P < 0.001). Perfusion value cut-off thresholds for predicting necrosis were higher for a longer “time to perfusion” assessment.

Conclusions

A standardized ICGA protocol is recommended as ICG fluorescence intensity increased with “time to perfusion” assessment, and ≤30 seconds did not allow for accurate perfusion analysis. Using a perfusion recording of 60 or 90 seconds, and the corresponding perfusion value cut-off, may optimize reliability of perfusion assessments.
Evaluation of a value creation model of a BPO firm
Authors: Huda SSM Sadrul , Hoq Mohhamed Ziaul , Mahbub Radifa Binta , Arpita Tanjina Hossain , Mowla Syeda Madeha
Published: January 2025

This case study explores DataPath Ltd., a Bangladeshi outsourcing company founded in 2008 by CEO Ashfaqur Rahman. The company is known for its expertise in data processing and technology integration and its vision to transition from traditional BPO to the next generation of services. The study provides insights into DataPath’s hierarchical management structure, production process, competitive positioning, sources of advantage, challenges, value creation, reverse outsourcing, and strategic initiatives. DataPath aims to leverage technological innovation, industry experience, employee-centric culture, and customer-focused approach to maintain a competitive edge. One area of outsourcing that holds significant potential is the concept of ‘reverse outsourcing’. Reverse outsourcing can foster innovation and creativity by bringing together diverse perspectives and approaches. Potential growth avenues include technological integration, service diversification, global expansion, talent development, strategic partnerships, and customer-centric strategies.
Activating waitlists: Identifying barriers and facilitators to pain self-management while waiting
Authors: Tidmarsh Lydia V , Harrison Richard , Wilkinson Harriet , Harrington Megan , Finlay Katherine A
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Waitlists for pain management services are often extensive, risking psychological and physical decline and patient non-engagement in treatment once accessed. Currently, for outpatient pain management, no standardised waiting list interventions exist, resulting in passive waiting. To arrest prospective wait-related decline(s), this study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to pain self-management while waiting, forming the foundation for a waitlist intervention development.

Design

An inductive qualitative approach was utilised to explore the barriers and drivers of pain self-management while waiting for chronic pain management.

Method

Semi-structured interviews, underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework and COM-B model, were conducted with people waiting for pain management services ( N = 38). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed via reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis demonstrated four thematised barriers and one facilitator: (1) Shunted Around the System (barrier); (2) The Information Gap (barrier); (3) Resisting Adaptation ( barrier); (4) Losing Hope ( barrier); and (5) Help Yourself or Lose Yourself (facilitator).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the severe emotional and motivational impact of waiting, increasing treatment disengagement. The waitlist represents a prime opportunity for prehabilitation to protect wellbeing and optimise self-management engagement. Infrastructural and interpersonal barriers of poor communication and healthcare professional pain invalidation must be addressed to improve emotional wellbeing and motivation to engage with planned treatment. Enhancing self-efficacy, pain acceptance, self-compassion, and internal HLOC are fundamental to increasing pain self-management. These can all be met within a prehabilitation framework. This study is foundational for the development of psychological prehabilitation in outpatient chronic pain management.
Teaching Pragmatics Through Projects: A Students’ Perspective
Authors: Şimon Simona , Stoian Claudia E.
Published: January 2025

In order to communicate effectively in the workplace, the professional translators, interpreters, communication, and public relations specialists make linguistic choices that help them achieve their goals. One way to teach them how to reach the appropriate linguistic decisions is through the discipline of Pragmatics. The originality of the present paper lies in the fact that it proposes a new approach to teaching Pragmatics that aims at creating a dynamic educational context, namely by means of projects. For 2 years in a row, students from the Faculty of Communication Sciences at Politehnica University of Timişoara (Romania), specializing in Translation and Interpreting or Communication and Public Relations, have carried out a project for this discipline and presented it to the class. Then, they have reflected on the tasks and their experience through a sixteen-question questionnaire, created by the researchers and distributed online, using Google forms. Most of the 164 respondents have pointed out the usefulness of the projects to better acquire the concepts in Pragmatics and to improve their soft skills, even if the curriculum of each of the two specializations dedicates a different number of hours to the discipline.
Cross-Cultural Validity and Reliability of the Thai Version of the Simple Shoulder Test
Authors: Thamrongskulsiri Napatpong , Wiwatboworn Arnan , Itthipanichpong Thun , Tanpowpong Thanathep , Kuptniratsaikul Somsak , Limskul Danaithep
Published: January 2025

Background:

The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure for shoulder function. However, there is currently no version of the SST for the Thai population.

Purpose:

To cross-culturally adapt and evaluate the reliability and validity of a Thai version of the SST (Thai SST) for patients with shoulder pathologies, using the Thai version of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score as a comparison tool.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The Thai SST was developed using a standard translation and cross-cultural adaptation process. A total of 75 Thai patients, comprising 73 with rotator cuff tears, 3 with combined rotator cuff tear and secondary stiff shoulder, 2 with combined rotator cuff tear and biceps tendinitis, 1 with isolated adhesive capsulitis, and 1 with isolated long head biceps tendinopathy, completed the Thai SST and the Thai ASES score. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the Thai SST were assessed.

Results:

The 75 participants consisted of 19 men and 56 women with a mean age of 63.16 ± 7.66 years. The Thai SST demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the Thai ASES ( r = 0.714). The test-retest reliability for the Thai SST was good (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.895). The Cronbach alpha of the Thai SST was 0.85, indicating good and acceptable internal consistency.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that the Thai SST had acceptable reliability and validity, making it a suitable patient-reported outcome measure for assessing shoulder function in Thai patients with shoulder problems. The Thai SST can be used to assess the effectiveness of interventions for these shoulder pathologies in Thai patients.
The Black Middle-Class Family Man: Race, Gender, and Social Position at Home
Authors: Council LaToya D.
Published: January 2025

More scholars are examining the diverse ways Black men are participating in family life outside of the conventional White middle and upper middle-class ideal of primary economic providership. Research findings reveal that Black men often replace the primary economic earner family participation practice, with family participation practices steeped in expressive forms of emotional care and support for their children. However, this practice has largely been examined among poor Black fathers, resulting in a dearth of sociological and gender scholarship on Black middle-class men’s gender perspectives of providership and masculinity. An analysis of interviews with 20 married and single heterosexual Black middle-class men shows that heterosexual Black middle-class men stand behind economically co-providing with Black women as well as enact head of household and moral backbone gender displays. These gender displays express decision-making power (head of household), and emotional care and support of romantic partners and children (moral backbone), but in masculine essentialist ways. This article argues that economic co-providership and the enactment of head of household and moral backbone gender displays are outgrowths of a Black patriarchal culture of family egalitarianism. These outcomes observed show the complicated relationship between egalitarianism and the persistence of patriarchy among Black middle-class men as it relates to their social position in the household.
The Impact of Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders on Fatigue and Daily Life: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study
Authors: Safour W. , Hovey R.
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect a notable portion of the population, with a prevalence of 5% to 12%. These conditions often lead individuals to adopt a soft-food diet to manage pain, but such dietary adjustments can inadvertently cause nutritional deficiencies. This issue may be compounded by medications used to manage TMD symptoms, which can contribute to fatigue and reduced daily functioning. In addition, TMD encompasses not only pain but also functional disorders, such as joint locking, which can further affect the individual’s quality of life.

Aim:

This study aimed to delve into the lived experiences of individuals with chronic TMDs, focusing specifically on how their condition affected their daily activities including dietary habits and interactions within social settings.

Materials and Methods:

This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) with semi-structured interviews with participants referred from specialists in Montreal, Canada, who were diagnosed with TMDs for at least 6 mo. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed to uncover the nuanced challenges faced by individuals living with TMDs.

Results:

Six participants were interviewed. The thematic analysis identified 4 main themes: (1) limited functioning and energy levels highlighting fatigue and frustration by TMDs; (2) communication challenges due to pain, affecting professional roles and social interactions; (3) impact on social and professional life necessitating adjustments and accommodations; and (4) seeking medical assistance such as medications and physiotherapy, reflecting proactive approaches to managing TMDs’ symptoms.

Discussion:

The findings demonstrated the wide effects and complex needs of individuals enduring chronic TMD. These effects attributed to TMD medications causing fatigue and impairing daily activity levels suggest a need for comprehensive care approaches that address both physical and psychological dimensions.

Conclusion:

The multifaceted effects of chronic TMDs on individuals’ lives highlighted the necessity for integrated health care approaches that address diverse aspects of well-being. By incorporating patient perspectives and experiences into clinical practice, health care providers can enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life for TMDs’ patients.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This study highlighted the daily challenges faced by individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions to improve their quality of life. These insights can inform health care providers in developing holistic approaches to address the multifaceted needs of TMD patients, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
Creating Value Since 2015: A Review of the Journal of Creating Value
Authors: Roche Joseph , Anand Vivek
Published: January 2025

The Journal of Creating Value (JCV) is a Scopus-indexed, peer-reviewed journal that has been published since 2015. Over the last decade, JCV has played a pivotal role in enhancing knowledge creation and sharing among academia and practitioners in its chosen field. This study is an attempt to map the contribution of the journal in terms of classifying impactful authors, current and evolving trends and themes, and set a direction for future researchers and practitioners. The review of the articles published was performed using bibliometric analysis and techniques. A total of 165 articles published during the years 2015 up to 2023 were part of the scope of the study using the Scopus database. Open-source visualization software VOSviewer was used for analysis. Performance analysis and science mapping techniques were employed, and the findings indicate five major themes/clusters. Thirty per cent of the publications are from the USA. Other contributing countries include India, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Overall, there are significant global contributions as well. Insightful trends and themes in the field of creating value are documented, which could be a useful resource for prospective researchers.