bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Almost Infamous: Amnesty International, the Bonn Republic, and the Brazilian Dictatorship, 1964–85
Authors: Gray William Glenn
Published: December 2024

This article examines human rights activism in West Germany on behalf of political prisoners and torture victims in Brazil under the military dictatorship (1964–85). It shows that Amnesty International's model of engagement on behalf of individual prisoners faced significant hurdles, forcing it to rely on support from Bonn's Auswärtiges Amt (Foreign Office). In the late 1960s and early 1970s, German diplomats interpreted their purview narrowly and construed inquiries on behalf of imprisoned Brazilians as interference in Brazil's national sovereignty. As AI improved the quality of its own information gathering, West German officials came to be more supportive of the organization starting in the mid-1970s – without, however, conceding influence over German policy, which remained dominated by economic considerations. This article highlights the importance of the Brazil case for AI's evolving campaign strategies in the early 1970s as well as the reluctance of both Willy Brandt and Helmut Schmidt's governments to question the state repression in Brazil.
Do promises of support from distant buyers bolster or undermine local demands for reform? Evidence from the Indonesian apparel industry during the pandemic
Authors: Lupo Luisa , Bartley Tim
Published: December 2024

Calls to improve labor conditions in global supply chains frequently urge more robust responsibility-taking by brands/buyers, various forms of state intervention, and respect for worker collective action. In this article, we examine perceptions of these paths to reform among workers and managers in Indonesia's export-oriented apparel sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extending research on labor regimes and global supply chains, we consider how both workplace cleavages and signals from buyers may shape local demands for reform. We use survey data from 96 factories to gauge perceptions among workers and managers, including a survey experiment on the effects of a distant brand/buyer pledge of support. Amidst conflicting interests and pandemic-era precarity, we find broad agreement among workers and managers on some measures, including local government intervention, general references to collective action, and even the contested issue of labor market flexibilization. A hypothetical promise of support from distant buyers had limited effects overall but did dampen some local demands among production workers. These findings imply that while combining responsible sourcing from above, mobilization from below, and state intervention is often desirable, buyer initiatives could hinder grassroots mobilization in some circumstances.
Teaching Music/Teaching Culture: From the Rhetorical to the Realities
Authors: Campbell Patricia Shehan , Mellizo Jennifer M.
Published: December 2024

As music educators embrace the possibilities for a more inclusive education that is culturally connected to the wider world, there are productive avenues for reshaping curricular content and method. In this article, we propose world music pedagogy (WMP) as a means of growing intercultural understanding alongside musical skills and knowledge, and chronicle the ways in which Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the Smithsonian Institution’s record label and music archive, is at the forefront of turning postulations to practice through its development of a new curricular initiative titled Smithsonian Folkways Music Pathways (SFMPs). Taken together, WMP and SFMPs contribute significantly to diversifying and expanding the music curriculum in an era of societal transformation. In the interest of cultivating a deeper understanding of the wide world of music and musicians for their students, music educators will gain greatly from engaging with these recommended resources and pedagogical dimensions.
The Incongruence of Teacher Beliefs and Practices
Authors: Sierzega Amy L.
Published: December 2024

This article critically examines the prevalent belief within music education that “music is for all,” highlighting the incongruence between educators’ intentions and students’ lived experiences. Drawing on personal positionality and scholarly orientation, the author explores how music teachers may unintentionally disaffirm students’ musicianship through language and practices. Through the lens of intent versus impact, this article encourages music educators to reflect on their beliefs and practices and emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive, student-centered environments that honor diverse musical identities. This article includes recommendations for aligning beliefs with practices to promote equity and affirm the musical potential of all students.
Histopathological changes in various organs in electrocution deaths
Authors: Agrawal Mousmi , Indurkar Shubham Kumar , Sahu Kamalkant , Chowhan Amit Kumar
Published: December 2024

Death due to electrical injuries are a major health concern and has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Electrocution death is defined as that occurring due to passage of electric current inside the body and is obviously a form of unnatural death. 1 The cause includes ventricular fibrillation, paralysis of respiratory muscles and the central respiratory centre. 4 The amount of current that passes through the body 2 and the point of contact are the main factors that determine the extent of injury. 3 The morphological changes observed in electrocution deaths are still not clear and this often leads to a ‘negative’ autopsy, especially when there is lack of circumstantial evidence. We discuss two cases of electrocution death and various histopathological changes observed in visceral organs including heart and skin. A brief literature review is added.
Understanding and addressing the underutilization of school-based mental health services among Korean immigrant adolescents
Authors: Choe Danbi
Published: December 2024

This ethnographic case study investigates the underutilization of school-based mental health services among Korean immigrant adolescents in the United States. Drawing on the Mental Health Belief Model, the study examines how Korean immigrant adolescents and their parents perceive school-based mental health services and identifies factors that could enhance their utilization. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and informal conversations and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that while Korean immigrant parents value their children’s happiness, they hold cultural beliefs, stigma, and concerns about family honor regarding seeking mental health services. The adolescents also questioned the necessity of professional mental health services compared to informal support. Additionally, participants identified several factors that could enhance engagement with these services, which can be categorized into three themes. First, the importance of using alternative terminology to reduce stigma and encourage engagement with mental health services was emphasized. Confidentiality and privacy emerged as crucial factors, with participants expressing a willingness to engage in school-based mental health services if these aspects are assured. Finally, effective communication with parents was recognized as key to fostering service utilization. Implications for educators and school psychologists include using less stigmatizing terminology, ensuring confidentiality, and establishing effective communication with parents to improve access to and utilization of mental health services among immigrant adolescents.
Does shockwave therapy lead to better pain and function than sham over 12 weeks in people with insertional Achilles tendinopathy? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alsulaimani Baraa , Perraton Luke , Vallance Patrick , Powers Tim , Malliaras Peter
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of adding radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy or sham to exercise for people with insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Design

A two-armed, parallel-group, explanatory, single-centre, randomised controlled trial within a superiority framework.

Setting

Private clinic.

Participants

People diagnosed with insertional Achilles tendinopathy who were over 18 years old with a symptom duration of greater than 3 months.

Intervention

A total of 76 people were randomly assigned (one-to-one ratio) to receive three sessions of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy or sham to the affected side (or most affected side if bilateral). All participants received identical education and exercise.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment – Achilles questionnaire. Measures were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks.

Results

At 12 weeks, the questionnaire data were available for 37 people (96%) in the radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy group and 36 people (95%) in the sham group. For the primary outcome, we found no evidence for between-group differences at 6 (3, 95% confidence interval −4.6–10.5) or 12 weeks (4.6, 95% confidence interval −2.5–11.6). There was also no evidence for a between-group difference for any secondary outcome measures at either 6 or 12 weeks ( p > .05). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

The addition of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy to exercise and education did not lead to improvements in pain, function or other outcomes compared to sham at 6 or 12 weeks among people with insertional Achilles tendinopathy. ANZCTR Reg No: ACTRN12620000035921
Funds of Identity: Implications for Belonging Among Ethnically and Racially Minoritized Emerging Adult College Students
Authors: Michikyan Minas
Published: December 2024

Guided by the funds of identity framework, this study explored how qualitative and quantitative data from the Multidimensional-Identities-Qualitative-Quantitative-Questionnaire (MiQ) and identity artifacts (e.g., self-portraits and self-narrative profiles) may be used pedagogically to draw out and draw on ethnically/racially minoritized emerging adult U.S. college students’ most meaningful and important identities and identity experiences in different contexts ( N = 5, ages 22–23). Findings indicate that minoritized students may draw on the most meaningful and important, including protective, adaptive, and valued identity dimensions to buffer against identity conflict, resist negative stereotyping, and maintain agency and resilience in developing and preserving a healthy self-view. Moreover, minoritized students may internalize their identities in reference to cultural master narratives and alternative narratives. Findings imply that a “whole person,” multimethod approach is necessary to draw out and draw on ethnically/racially minoritized students’ funds of identity in the classroom. Implications for utilizing the MiQ, self-portraits, and self-narrative profiles in the classroom to potentiate a sense of belonging are discussed.
Examination of Risk Factors Affecting the Development of BSI and Mortality in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit (ICU): A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Keskin Sarıtaş Çağla , Özsüt Halit , Benli Aysun , Başaran Seniha
Published: December 2024

Background

Various studies have shown that the incidence of BSI is greater in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Aims

Our study aimed to determine the risk factors for BSI, mortality rates, and factors affecting mortality in adult COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the ICU.

Methods

All COVID-19 patients who met the study criteria and stayed in intensive care for more than 2 days at a tertiary university hospital during the two-year pandemic period were included in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for BSI and mortality.

Results

We found that respiratory rate (RR) ≥ 30 breaths per minute at the time of admission [OR: 2.342 (95% CI: 1.12-4.897)] and antibiotic use in the month before admission ICU [OR: 3.137 (95% CI: 1.321-7.451)] were independent risk factors for BSI in COVID-19 patients. Subanalysis was also performed according to the doses of immunomodulators such as anakinra, tocilizumab, and corticosteroids, and it was found that they had no effect on the BSI ( P > .05). The predominant causative pathogens were K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii and enterococci. The multidrug resistant rate among bacteria was 78%. Although their comorbidities and disease severity at the time of ICU admission were similar, patients with BSIs had a higher mortality rate (58.1 to 81.9%, P = .000). The SAPS-2 score at ICU admission [OR: 3.095 (95% CI: 1.969-4.865)] and mechanical ventilation requirement throughout the ICU admission [OR: 9.314 (95% CI: 3.878-22.37)] were found to be independent risk factors for mortality by multivariate analysis. BSI was not found to be a risk factor for mortality (> .05).

Conclusions

Antibiotic use in patients with severe COVID-19 significantly increases the risk of BSI; unnecessary antibiotic use should be avoided.
Investigation of nanosecond laser micro-drilling of titanium under different processing environments
Authors: Mendiratta Mehul , Prakash Shashi
Published: December 2024

In this research work, the nanosecond fiber laser micro-drilling process on titanium was performed and investigated. Micro-drilling using the trepanning method is a preferred way to overcome hole taperness and create holes of desired dimensions. This study was focused on determining the effects of different processing environments on laser micro-drilled holes while keeping all other laser-related parameters constant. Experiments were performed to drill through holes of four different target diameters of 50, 100, 150, and 200  μm in the 0.5 mm thick titanium sheet. Scanning speed, laser power, pulse width, and pulse frequency of the laser were kept constant during the micro-drilling experiments. The number of passes was varied at three different levels viz, 50 passes, 75 passes, and 100 passes to determine the effect of the number of scans on hole dimensions and other output parameters. Experiments were performed under four different processing conditions, namely open air, under static water, under surfactant mix static water, and under flowing water conditions. Output hole diameter, heat affected zone, circularity, and taperness were measured for all the drilled holes. The mechanism of laser ablation under different processing conditions has been outlined. While the processing under flowing water conditions resulted in a minimum heat affected zone, processing with surfactant was observed to be delivering the drill hole diameter closest to the desired dimensions with the highest circularity and lowest taperness.
Identification of parameter-dependent machine learning models for tool flank wear prediction in dry titanium machining
Authors: Sharma Prasenjit , Thulasi Harisri M , Mishra Sarvesh Kumar , Ramkumar Janakarajan
Published: December 2024

This study uses machine learning (ML) techniques to predict maximum flank wear on cutting tools during the turning of Ti6Al4V, a titanium alloy known for its challenging machinability. We used three models (a) support vector machines (SVM), (b) random forests (RF), and (c) neural networks (NN) to predict maximum flank wear. The machining parameters are taken as input data sets, which compromise cutting speed, feed, and machining time. All the experiments are done at a constant depth of cut to predict maximum flank wear as an output variable. The forecasted maximum flank wear was validated using experimental data to verify their precision. The SVM model outperformed the other ML models in a wider range of cutting parameters concerning tool flank wear. The SVR model is the most accurate model with an average forecasting error of 3.24%. In forecasting maximum flank wear, the RF and NN models followed, with average forecasting errors of 3.88% and 3.71%, respectively. Additionally, the SVM model's robustness was further validated by its ability to maintain stability at varying cutting speeds and feed rates. The research enhances the economics of the machining process by predicting tool flank wear and fostering sustainability in the manufacturing industry, thereby demonstrating the applicability of ML techniques.
Impact of ESG Disclosure Scores on Financial, Operating and Market-Based Performance: Evidence from NSE-100 Companies
Authors: Shobhwani Kapil , Lodha Shilpa
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study is to explore the impact of overall and individual environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure scores on firm performance of the financial and non-financial companies. The study has used the data of 95 companies for the period of 2020 to 2023. The data has been calculated from Thomson Reuters Framework. The sample companies’ ESG disclosure score is calculated by content analysis, and the effect of the ESG score on firm performance is examined using panel data regression analysis. The environmental (ENV) and social (SOC) disclosure scores separately as well as the overall ESG score have an insignificant impact on return on asset (ROA). The ROA results have also additionally showed that the operational performance of the governance disclosure score is negatively impacted, but not significantly. According to return on equity (ROE) results, the individual (SOC) disclosure scores significant positive impact on ROE (financial performance). However, individual ENV and governance disclosure scores insignificant negative impact on ROE. Simultaneously, the analysis of overall ESG disclosure score is insignificant positive impact on ROE. Based on market-based performance (Tobin’s Q), results show that individual ENV disclosure score has a significant positive impact. In contrast, individual SOC and governance disclosure scores have an insignificant positive impact on Tobin’s Q. Simultaneously, the analysis of overall ESG disclosure score shows significant and positive impact on Tobin’s Q. Thus, ROA, ROE and Tobin’s Q show significant impact of firm size on form performance.
Effectiveness of Tuina massage combined with conventional treatment in improving post-stroke spasticity: A meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Di , Zhang Ding-ruo , Yu Tian-yuan , Guo Sheng , Xue Xiao-na , Hu Hui , Liu Jia-yue , Xu Yue , Na Ren-tuya
Published: December 2024

Background

Post-stroke spasticity (PSS) is a common complication that affects recovery and quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation approaches may benefit from complementary therapies.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Tuina massage combined with conventional treatment for PSS through a meta-analysis, providing a scientific basis for clinical decision-making and future research directions.

Method

A literature search was conducted across both English-language (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science) and Chinese-language (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP) databases. Inclusion criteria were limited to randomized controlled trials. Data analysis was performed using Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software, with detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment using the Jadad scoring system.

Results

Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 1937 patients treated with various Tuina techniques alone or in combination with other therapies. Results indicated that Tuina significantly improved symptoms and quality of life, with the Tuina treatment group outperforming the control group in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrates that Tuina massage combined with conventional treatment significantly reduces PSS severity and enhances functional abilities and quality of life, highlighting its potential integration into rehabilitation programs for comprehensive PSS management.
Enhancing the Recovery Process for Undergraduate Women Survivors of Sexual Violence: Identifying Facilitators to Healing
Authors: Mughal Farida Bibi , Sinko Laura , Saint Arnault Denise
Published: December 2024

The psychosocial impact of sexual violence (SV) on college-aged women necessitates understanding positive influences of survivors’ healing processes. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to investigate facilitators in the healing journey for undergraduate SV survivors. Seventeen women were interviewed using Photo-experiencing and Reflective Listening (PEARL). Thematic analysis revealed three core facilitators: (a) Support—formal and informal networks promote emotional well-being, (b) Personal Development—emotional intelligence, self-reflection, positivity, and interpersonal skills encourage healing, and (c) Actions—intentional efforts, self-care, and help-seeking empower survivors. These findings highlight key areas for supportive interventions to promote survivor healing, well-being, and quality of life.
Online Sexual Offending Against Children: Recidivism Rates and Predictors
Authors: Paquette Sarah , Brouillette-Alarie Sébastien
Published: December 2024

Recidivism among individuals who have sexually offended poses a significant public health and safety concern. It is crucial to assess the predictive validity of traditional risk factors in individuals engaged in online child exploitation. This study examines recidivism rates and risk factors among individuals involved in online child sexual exploitation, analyzing data from a sample of 228 adult males who had committed sexual and nonsexual offenses at their index crime. The findings suggest that offense-supportive cognitions (Harrell's C = .73-.75) and emotional congruence with children (Harrell's C = .77) serve as predictors for contact sexual recidivism. Consumption of child sexual exploitation material and bestiality pornography are linked to online sexual recidivism (.69 and .75, respectively) and negatively related to sexual recidivism (.29 and .32, respectively). Overall, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of recidivism patterns and risk factors among individuals engaged in online sexual offenses against children, emphasizing the need for tailored intervention strategies in this population.
Shelters in Alpine Rescue: Can They Create a Comfortable Zone at the Deployment Site?
Authors: Troeger Willi , Winkler Manuel , Isser Markus , Lederer Wolfgang
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Lightweight shelters made of water- and windproof polyester are frequently used by mountain rescue, but information on physical and psychological stress during their use is scarce.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted with 48 experienced rescuers who performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on a manikin in a shelter in alpine terrain. The objective parameters of air temperature, moisture, and concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen were measured inside the shelter. The subjective experience of the rescuers regarding stress, moisture, noise, air draft, convenience, spatial confinement, brightness, room temperature, and air quality was assessed using a questionnaire.

Results

During 15 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the median temperature in the shelter rose by >15°C (Δ t, 15.9°C; interquartile range, 14.3–16.5°C; P=0.018). Carbon dioxide concentrations increased to 0.97 vol% maximum. Bag valve mask ventilation was established with and without the use of supplemental oxygen, which showed significantly different oxygen shelter concentrations (21.1 vol% with oxygen, 20.6 vol% without oxygen; P<0.001). Most participants rated the physical comfort and spatial conditions inside the shelter as convenient.

Conclusions

In this study, the use of shelters in alpine terrain improved physical comfort while carrying out a rescue. Most participants gave high ratings for the working conditions in the shelter.
T. Howard Somervell: War Surgeon, Everest Pioneer, and Medical Missionary
Authors: Rodway George W. , Hoyland Graham
Published: December 2024

A full century has passed since George Leigh-Mallory and Andrew (Sandy) Irvine disappeared on the upper reaches of Mount Everest in June 1924. Theodore Howard Somervell (April 16, 1890–January 23, 1975), mountaineer, surgeon, and medical missionary, also was a key player in the 1924 expedition—as well as the 1922 Everest expedition where he was a member of the first ever team of climbers to break the 8000-m barrier. More commonly known as Howard or T.H., Somervell was one of those rare individuals whose multiple talents qualified him as nothing short of a polymath while simultaneously providing an example of outstanding humanitarian qualities. British born, he was resident in India for nearly 40 y while working there as a medical missionary. He bore witness as a battlefield surgeon to the horrors of the First World War after receiving his medical training at University College, London. An active climber for much of his early life, he made notable ascents not only in the Himalaya but also closer to home in the mountains of the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. Somervell contributed numerous articles to the medical literature, but he is perhaps best known for 3 books published between 1936 and 1947 that touch largely on his experiences as a medical missionary. His decades of practice as a medical missionary in service to the poor of India allowed him to save lives on a scale approaching that of the slaughter he witnessed years earlier as an Army medical officer.
An Unusual Diagnosis of Rectosigmoid Leiomyoma in an Adult: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Karam Karam , Chebbo Houssein , Saleh Sarah , Jalloul Sarah , Salem Johny , Al Halabi Karim , Fiani Elias
Published: December 2024

Leiomyomas are uncommon tumors of the gastrointestinal system, representing around 0.03% to 0.05% of all rectal tumors. They tend to have a benign biological behavior and are mostly asymptomatic. When leiomyomas are large in size, they can cause symptoms and complications, including abdominal pain, perforation, intestinal obstruction, and bleeding. We herein present a case of a 57-year-old male patient presenting for colonoscopic evaluation following a positive screening with a fecal occult blood test. The patient was found to have a 10 mm pedunculated polyp at the level of the recto-sigmoid junction, which was removed by hot snare polypectomy and was found to have spindle cells that were positive for desmin, consistent with the rare diagnosis of recto-sigmoid leiomyoma. That being said, this case evokes a rare entity that endoscopists should keep in mind when approaching a recto-colonic polyp.
Challengers in the journalistic field – A study of alternative media and their relations to incumbents, governance units, the state, and each other
Authors: Ihlebæk Karoline Andrea , Figenschou Tine Ustad
Published: December 2024

The interaction between alternative and mainstream media is complex and often contentious. Mainstream journalists question the professionalism and political agendas of alternative media, while the latter criticize mainstream journalists for being biased and elitist. This paper investigates the positioning of alternative media in the journalistic field, both as a collective and as individual entities. Using the Strategic Action Field approach, we take an in-depth look at alternative media as challengers, approaching them as less privileged actors in the journalistic field. Through interviews with editors of alternative media in Norway, we engage with, and not merely discuss, antagonistic and agonistic actors in journalism. The study offers a nuanced understanding of how left-wing and right-wing alternative media, both collectively and individually, relate to other social actors in the field including media organizations (incumbents), press organizations and press councils (governance units), funders (state), and other alternative media (challengers). In the article, we identify three different positions, the anti-systemic, the independent and the pragmatic, pointing to different levels of knowledge of the journalistic field and strategic actions amongst alternative media.
Presidential Activism: Causes, Patterns and Consequences
Authors: Raunio Tapio , Sedelius Thomas
Published: December 2024

This Special Issue explores the causes, patterns and consequences of presidential activism, defined as the presidents’ use of their formal powers and their attempts to influence politics through informal channels. Examining ‘going public’ strategies, the influence exerted by presidents through informal and formal coordination mechanisms, links to political parties and foreign policy leadership, it argues that presidential activism shapes intra-executive relations, enabling presidents to wield influence beyond their constitutional powers. Presidential activism is facilitated by the presidents’ popularity and role as head of state, particularly in less stable political contexts. These findings underline the need to investigate further various channels of presidential activism and how the citizens and media react to it, both during normal times and crises.
Adherence to Wearing Therapeutic Footwear Among People at High-Risk of Diabetes-Related Foot Ulcers in Jordan
Authors: Ababneh Anas , Parker Christina , Moosa Sameh , Aljarrah Qusai , Jarrah Samiha , Lazzarini Peter A.
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the levels of adherence to wearing therapeutic footwear, and the factors associated, among people at high-risk of diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs) in Jordan. This was a secondary analysis of data from a multi-centre cross-sectional study of participants at high-risk of DFU in Jordan who had therapeutic footwear. Participants had socio-demographic, health, limb, and psychosocial variables collected, plus self-reported their proportion of adherence time wearing therapeutic footwear on an average day (excluding sleeping time) using a visual analogue scale. Participants were categorized into high (≥60%) or low (<60%) adherence levels, plus users (1%-100% adherence) or non-users (0% adherence) of therapeutic footwear. Of 104 included participants (mean age 58 ± 13 years, 68% males), 65 (62.5%) self-reported low adherence levels and 44 (42.3%) as non-users. No variables were independently associated with low adherence levels ( P > .05). Whereas participants with lower self-reported foot care outcome expectation scores were independently associated with non-use of therapeutic footwear ( P = .05). Most people at high-risk of DFUs in Jordan self-reported low adherence or total non-use of their therapeutic footwear. Perceived low footcare outcome expectations was the only factor found associated with non-use of therapeutic footwear and further research is needed to explore other potential factors.
Cultural proximity and inter-Asia referencing: A comparative analysis of the popularity of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese television formats in Vietnam
Authors: Zhang Hong , Bai Chang , Zhao Tianna , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2024

This study examines the growing popularity of East Asian television formats in Vietnam, particularly those originating from Japan, South Korea, and China. Through textual analysis of Vietnamese YouTube comments and interviews with industry professionals, the essay identifies key features and elements appealing to Vietnamese viewers. The findings reveal that these formats, embodying the sociocultural nuances of East Asian countries, showcase inter-Asian cultural exchanges and tailored market strategies. Transplanted formats also exhibit distinct characteristics, rooted in shared format genres, storylines, celebrity appeal, familiar settings, and cultural values, which foster a feeling of cultural proximity among Vietnamese audiences. This study underscores the evolving inter-Asian format industry and audience engagement, which strengthens the cultural connection felt by Vietnamese audiences.
Provocation: An agenda for the future of TV studies: Technology, audiences, stakeholders
Authors: Johnson Catherine
Published: December 2024

As viewing shifts from broadcast to streaming, what should be the role for TV studies? Arguing for the need to account for the multi-faceted nature of contemporary television, this provocation proposes an agenda for the future of TV studies. It argues that the technological consequences of shifting to internet-delivered television demand new theorisations of television as software, new digital tools and methods, and audience research that pays more attention to less engaged and unconnected audiences. Such research would ensure that critical policy decisions about the future of television draw on the depth of expertise within TV studies as a discipline.
Harnessing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles and biomimetic peptide WKYMVm in self-healing hydrogel for enhanced bone repair in femoral defects
Authors: Luo Keyu , Jin Yufei , Liu Baiyi , Wang Yingbo , Liu Yaoyao , Qiu Si , Zhao Jianhua , Yin Xiang
Published: December 2024

Skeletal disorders pose significant challenges to health and quality of life, underscoring the critical need for innovative bone repair methods. Recent studies have spotlighted the promising role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in conjunction with biomimetic peptide (BP) WKYMVm (WK) for bone repair. This research leveraged a self-healing hydrogel as a carrier, effectively loading EVs and WK to enhance treatment efficacy. Through the regulation of vascular formation and osteoblast differentiation, notable advancements were achieved in mending femoral defect bone injuries, offering new possibilities for addressing bone metabolic disorders. The detailed methodology encompassed hydrogel preparation, EVs and WK loading, in vitro cell studies, and rat model experiments. Results unveiled that graphene oxide gelatin hydrogel loaded with wkymvm and extracellular vesicles (GOG@WK-EVs) notably bolstered osteogenic differentiation of bone cells and angiogenesis, while impeding osteoclast differentiation, culminating in potent bone regeneration within femoral defects.
Healthcare providers’ use of dashboards with patient reported outcomes reinforces patients to fill out patient reported outcome measures
Authors: Pasma Annelieke , van Lint Céline , Hollander Monique Ardon-den , Bruinsma Sophie M. , Peters Ingrid A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Patient reported outcomes are used to assess the impact of medical interventions on perceived health in both clinical trials and daily care. Further, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) optimize the consultation. However, patient completion of PROMs before their consultation, and healthcare provider's (HCP) use of PROMs in their consultation are suboptimal. In this cross-sectional study, we examined whether viewing a PROM dashboard before or during consultation consecutively resulted in higher patient completion of PROMs.

Methods

As part of regular care, patients were asked to fill out PROMs prior their consultation. HCPs’ dashboard views were logged. A chi-square test was performed on dashboard viewed (yes/no) with consecutively filling out PROMs (yes/no). The odds ratio (OR) of consecutively filling out PROMs after a dashboard view was calculated.

Results

38.016 consecutive appointments were linked to a previous appointment in which a dashboard could be viewed. In 2740 cases, a dashboard was viewed by the HCP, against 35.276 cases in which a dashboard was not viewed. Follow-up adherence in completing PROMs was 49%. The chi-square test showed statistical significance of p < .001. The OR of filling out a consecutive PROM when a dashboard was viewed was 3.16 ( p < .001, 95% CI [2.9–3.5]).

Discussion

Patients are more likely to complete PROMs for their follow-up appointment when an HCP has viewed PROMs during or before consultation. HCPs should be aware of their responsibility in addressing PROMs, because using PROMs in consultation does not only have a positive effect on communication, but also on patient completion of PROMs.
Clinical concept annotation with contextual word embedding in active transfer learning environment
Authors: Abbas Asim , Lee Mark , Shanavas Niloofer , Kovatchev Venelin
Published: December 2024

Objective

The study aims to present an active learning approach that automatically extracts clinical concepts from unstructured data and classifies them into explicit categories such as Problem, Treatment, and Test while preserving high precision and recall and demonstrating the approach through experiments using i2b2 public datasets.

Methods

Initially labeled data are acquired from a lexical-based approach in sufficient amounts to perform an active learning process. A contextual word embedding similarity approach is adopted using BERT base variant models such as ClinicalBERT, DistilBERT, and SCIBERT to automatically classify the unlabeled clinical concept into explicit categories. Additionally, deep learning and large language model (LLM) are trained on acquiring label data through active learning.

Results

Using i2b2 datasets (426 clinical notes), the lexical-based method achieved precision, recall, and F1-scores of 76%, 70%, and 73%. SCIBERT excelled in active transfer learning, yielding precision of 70.84%, recall of 77.40%, F1-score of 73.97%, and accuracy of 69.30%, surpassing counterpart models. Among deep learning models, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained with embeddings (BERTBase, DistilBERT, SCIBERT, ClinicalBERT) achieved training accuracies of 92–95% and testing accuracies of 89–93%. These results were higher compared to other deep learning models. Additionally, we individually evaluated these LLMs; among them, ClinicalBERT achieved the highest performance, with a training accuracy of 98.4% and a testing accuracy of 96%, outperforming the others.

Conclusions

The proposed methodology enhances clinical concept extraction by integrating active learning and models like SCIBERT and CNN. It improves annotation efficiency while maintaining high accuracy, showcasing potential for clinical applications.
Predictors and Early Treatment of Knee Arthrofibrosis After Arthroscopic Knee Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Adolescent Patients
Authors: Marquez-Lara Alejandro , Padget William , Wall Eric J. , Parikh Shital N.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Postoperative knee arthrofibrosis after arthroscopic ligament reconstruction is a serious complication. Among adolescents, risk factors for postoperative arthrofibrosis are not well characterized and the effectiveness of early manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is not well established.

Purposes:

To identify risk factors for arthrofibrosis after arthroscopic knee ligament reconstruction in adolescent patients and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of early MUA.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The charts of all adolescent patients (<19 years of age) who underwent early MUA (<3 months) for knee stiffness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstructions between 2008 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were matched 2:1 with patients without MUA from the same study period. The primary outcome was the final range of motion (ROM) after MUA. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of MUA.

Results:

A total of 25 patients (10 with ACL reconstruction and 15 with MPFL reconstruction) with a mean age of 14.8 ± 2.6 years were included for analysis. Overall, 44% were skeletally immature. Patients underwent MUA at a mean of 63.3 ± 19.5 days after the index surgery. The mean ROM improved significantly from 96.3°± 20.5° to 135°± 9.7° after MUA after a median follow-up of 8.1 months (interquartile range, 5.4-15.0 months). There were no complications associated with MUA, but 2 patients (8.0%) had MUA treatment failure. There were no differences in body mass index, type and frequency of associated procedures, or patellar height on lateral radiographs between the cohorts. The MUA cohort had statistically significant increased operative time, decreased preoperative motion, decreased ROM at 6 weeks postoperatively, and increased pain at 6 weeks postoperatively when compared with the non-MUA cohort. Regression analysis demonstrated that ROM at 6 weeks (OR: 0.83, 95% CI, 0.69-0.98, p = .034) was significantly associated with the need for MUA.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that early (<3 months) MUA is safe and effective in treating knee arthrofibrosis in adolescent patients. MUA is a treatment alternative for patients with restricted ROM at 6 weeks that may help them recover full ROM.
Psychological Stress and Cognitive Brain Health: Policies to Reduce Dementia Risk
Authors: Graham-Engeland Jennifer E. , Sliwinski Martin J. , Almeida David M. , Engeland Christopher G.
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) pose a massive public health challenge, affecting over 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older—a number projected to double by 2050. Despite advances in pharmacological treatments, there remains no cure or method to reverse the disease. This paper highlights the role of psychological stress as a critical yet underappreciated risk factor for cognitive decline and reviews its complex interplay with behavioral, social, and biological mechanisms. Chronic psychological stress drives physiological and behavioral changes that are linked to accelerated cognitive deterioration, particularly in older adults. Early interventions can target stress management and behavioral prevention strategies, which include physical activity, healthy diet, and social engagement. Further, key barriers to meaningful policy change to prevent and slow ADRD include lack of public awareness, stigma around mental health and aging, and misaligned funding incentives. Policy initiatives can improve brain health literacy, increase equitable access to services, and enhance community-level and environmental factors to promote healthy aging. Prioritizing stress reduction and promoting early detection and prevention can meaningfully reduce ADRD risk and progression, improving public health broadly.
Beneficial effects of mineral water with human-like electrolytic content in a pre-clinical model of vascular inflammaging
Authors: Benvenuti Laura , D’Antongiovanni Vanessa , Di Salvo Clelia , Valdiserra Giulia , Masi Stefano , Mengozzi Alessandro , Duranti Emiliano , Pellegrini Carolina , Fornai Matteo , Antonioli Luca
Published: December 2024

Background

The term “inflammaging” has been introduced to describe the chronic, low-grade inflammatory process associated with the increase in age and the senescence of the immune system, that confers susceptibility to suffering age-related pathologies. In this context, previous studies have already demonstrated that the regular consumption of mineral water can be a valuable tool for detoxifying the body from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and for mitigating the systemic inflammation.

Objective

Herein, we tested the beneficial effects of a mineral water with human-like electrolytic content (San Carlo® water) in a pre-clinical model of vascular inflammaging and investigated the mechanisms underlying this effect. San Carlo® water was administered ad libitum to both young (10-week old) and aged rats (40-week old) for 3 months.

Methods

Vascular functionality, oxidative stress (fluorescent dye dihydroethidium assay, levels of MDA, and levels of 8-isoprostanes in the urine), and systemic inflammation (levels of IL-1β and TNF) were assessed.

Results

San Carlo® water ingestion mitigated the inflammation by reducing TNF plasma levels and improved endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation, acting against ROS production.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that the use of San Carlo® water can effectively counteract the low-grade inflammation typically associated with age and the related vascular dysfunction, likely through both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A Phase 2, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum vs Placebo in Patients With Plantar Fibromatosis
Authors: James Anderson C. , Gottlieb Ira , Levy Jason , El-Amin Saadiq , Suttle Sara , Tursi James , Jones Nigel , Ortega Luis A. , Zhou Gongfu , Caporusso Joseph
Published: December 2024

Category:

Midfoot/Forefoot; Basic Sciences/Biologics

Introduction/Purpose:

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH), a nonsurgical treatment approved for Peyronie’s disease and Dupuytren’s contracture, is being investigated for plantar fibromatosis (PFI), or Ledderhose disease, a rare disorder characterized by benign, slow-growing, collagen-containing nodules along the foot’s medial or central plantar fascia. Here, we report on safety and efficacy results of a multicenter phase 2b randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NCT05152173).

Methods:

Multicenter patients with PFI, at least one “moderately firm” to “hard” nodule causing pain were randomized 1:1 to CCH treatment or placebo. The primary endpoint was mean change in pain from baseline to Day 57 via the Foot Function Index (FFI)-Pain subscale. Secondary outcomes included the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) scale and changes in nodule hardness (by durometer) and consistency (firmness by palpation). Outcomes were analyzed by ANCOVA and MMRM from baseline to Day 57.

Results:

A total of 166 subjects (83 CCH, 83 placebo) completed the study. At Day 57, the mean FFI-Total subscale Pain score trended toward improvement in both groups; however, the difference was not statistically significant (Figure-1a) (least squares mean [LSM] difference, -1.427; 95% CI -3.985 to 1.131; P=0.274). The CGIC showed there were 14.8% more responders in the CCH group vs placebo (P=0.044). Also, statistically significant improvements occurred in nodule hardness (Figure-1b) (LSM difference, -5.877; P=0.020) and consistency (22.4% more responders; P=0.002) between the CCH group and placebo, favoring CCH treatment. Similar to other approved CCH indications, common treatment-related or -emergent adverse events (AEs) were injection site pain, bruising, and swelling. There were no deaths, serious AEs, or study withdrawals in the CCH treatment group.

Conclusion:

As this trial demonstrated a trend in treatment effect for the primary endpoint with some secondary endpoints illustrating a significant treatment benefit versus placebo, an appropriately powered pivotal phase 3 trial is underway. Figure 1. Mean Change From Baseline to Day 57 on FFI-Total Pain Subscale Score (a) and Nodular Hardness by Durometer (b).