bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D-printed guides versus computer navigation for pedicle screw placement in the surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis deformities
Authors: Xu Hui-Fa , Li Chao , Tang Guoliang , Li Tian-Qing , Fan Zong-Zhi , Huang Lu-Yu
Published: February 2024

Background

To compare the safety and clinical outcomes of 3D-printed guides versus computer navigation for pedicle screw placement in the correction of congenital scoliosis deformities.

Methods

The study was a single-centre retrospective controlled study and was approved by the hospital ethics committee for the analysis all patients under the age of 18 years with at least 2 years of follow-up. Sixty-three patients who underwent surgical correction for congenital scoliosis deformities in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2020 were divided into two groups based on the decision following preoperative doctor‒patient communication. Among them, 43 patients had pedicle screws placed with 3D-printed guider plates, while the remaining 20 patients had screws inserted with the assistance of computer navigation. The perioperative period, follow-up results and imaging data were compared between the groups.

Results

The operation was completed successfully for patients in both groups. The 3D-printed guide-assisted screw placement technique proved to be significantly superior to the computer navigation technique in terms of operation time, screw placement time, and intraoperative blood loss ( p < .05), although the former had more frequent intraoperative fluoroscopies than the latter ( p < .05). The mean follow-up time was 41.4 months, and the SRS-22 scores significantly improved in both groups over time postoperatively ( p < .05). The 3D-printing group had better SRS-22 scores than the navigation group 6 months after surgery and at the last follow-up ( p < .05). Compared with preoperative values, the coronal Cobb angle, local kyphotic Cobb angle, C7-S1 coronal deviation (C7PL-CSVL), and sagittal deviation (SVA) were significantly improved in both groups after surgery ( p < .05).

Conclusion

Both techniques achieve the purpose of precise screw placement and proper correction of the deformities. In contrast, the 3D-printed guide-assisted screw placement technique showed advantages in terms of operation time, screw placement time, intraoperative blood loss and patient satisfaction with outcomes.
Helping the Elderly Live Better With Dementia: Recent Developments in Japan’s Adult Guardianship System and Its Role in Geriatric Social Work Practice
Authors: Zhang Jiyuan , Yan Zi
Published: February 2024

With the rapid aging of Japanese society and increasing concerns over the welfare of people with psychiatric disorders, intellectual disability, and dementia, a renewed adult guardianship system based on the notion of respect for self-determination, the practical use of one’s remaining abilities, and re-socialization, has now been in place for 20 years. Japanese adult guardianship practices are understudied in English language literature; thus, this article presents an overview of recent developments in Japan’s adult guardianship system and geriatric social work initiatives adopted in Japan’s adult guardianship practice. The authors found that the guardianship system not only helped the elderly live better with dementia but also contributed to the realization of “ageing in place” in the community-based integrated care system.
Mental Health Service Integration in Hospice Organizations: A National Survey of Hospice Clinicians and Medical Leadership
Authors: Lowenthal Catherine , Ekwebelem Maureen , Callahan Mary E. , Pike Katherine , Weisblatt Samuel , Silva Milagros , Novas Angela L. , Tucci Amy S. , Reid M. Carrington , Shalev Daniel
Published: February 2024

Background: Unmet mental health needs are associated with a range of negative consequences for individuals at the end of life. Despite the high prevalence of mental health needs among individuals enrolled in hospice, there is a paucity of data describing mental health service integration in hospices in the United States. Objectives: 1. To identify patterns of mental health service integration in hospice organizations nationally; 2. To characterize gaps in mental health service delivery in hospice settings as perceived by hospice clinicians and medical leadership. Methods: A cross-sectional survey querying hospice clinicians and hospice medical leadership nationally. Results: A total of 279 surveys were included. Clinically significant mental health symptoms were common among hospice patients; the most frequently encountered symptom groups were depression, anxiety, dementia, and delirium. A minority of hospices maintained relationships with psychiatrists (23%, n = 60), psychiatric nurse practitioners (22%, n = 56), or psychologists (19%, n = 49). Only 38% (n = 99) of respondents were satisfied with their patients’ access to services and only 45% (n = 118) were satisfied with the quality of these services. Common limitations to providing adequate mental health services included lack of specialist services, short length of stay for patients, and reluctance of patients to engage in these services. Conclusions: Significant mental health symptoms are common among hospice patients, and hospice organizations perceive these needs are not being met. Further research is needed to better understand the current treatment landscape and design interventions to address these needs.
Digitally Recording Comfort Observations in the Last Days of Life
Authors: Stewart Eleanor , Ford-Dunn Suzanne , Bass Steve , Ede Charlotte , Elliott Julie , Peters Debbie , Caputo Rita , Moreira Luis , Savage Emily , Minton Ollie
Published: February 2024

Background: 37.5% of deaths in our area occur in hospital. There are known high unmet needs of adult patients dying in hospital, this unmet need can be reduced by using an individualised care plan and specialist palliative care review. Intervention: In 2022 UHSussex developed an electronic comfort observation chart and individualised care plan, with a centralised dashboard allowing Palliative Care Teams (SPCT) to view trends, target interventions, and a rolling prospective audit. Results: 3000 patients have had their care supported with electronic comfort observations (e-comfort obs). Over 72% of all deaths in the Trust in the last 3 months have been on e-comfort obs, with 2/3 of all deaths in the first 12 months on e-comfort obs. The average length of time on e-comfort obs is 4 days resulting in 70,000 sets of e-comfort obs recorded since launch. Seven percent of e-comfort obs record moderate or severe symptoms. We have identified benefits to people who are dying, those important to them, ward staff, SPCT and on a systems level. Conclusion: E-comfort obs can be successfully embedded in a large acute Trust. This development should improve quality of end of life care in our hospitals both for individuals and for future patients, through on-going targeted education and intervention. Further work is needed to develop the system further including integrating data from electronic prescribing.
Contexts and Characteristics of Imaged-Based Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children: Incident Dynamics in a National Sample
Authors: Turner Heather A. , Finkelhor David , Colburn Deirdre
Published: February 2024

This paper describes incident characteristics and dynamics associated with six specific forms of image-based sexual exploitation and abuse of children (IBSEAC). Data were collected on a national sample of 2639 individuals aged 18-to-28 from a probability-based online panel. Respondents completed a self-administered survey questionnaire, providing detailed follow-up information on their experiences of image-based sexual victimization before the age of 18. A total of 607 incidents of IBSEAC were included in the analyses. Findings show substantial diversity in incident characteristics within and across the six forms of IBSEAC (nonconsensual sharing of sexual images, nonconsensual taking or making of images, forced image recruitment, threatened sharing, voluntary image sharing with an older adult, and commercial sexual exploitation involving images). Some notable patterns include frequent involvement of perpetrators who are other youth or young adults, who are known in-person to the victim, and who are intimate partners. The diversity and complexity of dynamics revealed in this study underscores the need for careful design and evaluation of prevention programs and the core messages directed at youth.
Linked Child Welfare and Medicaid Data in Kentucky and Florida Highlights Racial Disparities in Access to Care
Authors: Mark Tami L. , Dolan Melissa , Allaire Benjamin , Parish William , Poehler Diana , Strack Claire , Madden Emily , Butler Valeria
Published: February 2024

Parents with serious mental health (MH) and substance use disorders (SUD) can face profound challenges caring for their children. MH/SUD treatment can improve outcomes for both parents and their children. This study evaluated whether parents with Medicaid with MH/SUD conditions whose children had child protective services (CPS) involvement were receiving MH/SUD treatment and whether receipt differed by race. We analyzed the 2020 Child and Caregiver Outcomes Using Linked Data (CCOULD) which contains Medicaid and child welfare records from Kentucky and Florida on 58,551 CPS-involved caregivers. Among caregivers with an MH diagnosis, White individuals were more likely than Black individuals to have received counseling (42% vs. 20%) or an MH medication (69% vs. 52%). Among caregivers with an SUD, White individuals were more likely than Black individuals to have received counseling (43% vs. 20%) or an SUD medication (43% vs. 11%). More effort is needed to connect parents with CPS involvement to MH/SUD treatment, particularly Black parents.
Applying the WHO INSPIRE Framework to Ending Violence Against Pregnant Women and Unborn Children: A Case Study in Vietnam
Authors: Do Huyen Phuc , Dunne Michael P. , Vo Thang Van , Nguyen Lan Hoang , Luong-Thanh Bao-Yen , Valdebenito Sara , Baker Philip R. A. , Tran Bach Xuan , Hoang Tuyen Dinh , Eisner Manuel
Published: February 2024

This article adapted the INSPIRE framework, developed by the World Health Organization to prevent violence against children, to the systematic analysis of city-level healthcare services for pregnant women who experienced intimate partner violence. A mixed-methods study conducted in-depth interviews with 22 health and social care professionals and 140 pregnant women in Vietnam. The women were more likely to report limited system-level support for partners regarding violence and mental health, while the professionals perceived more weaknesses in policies and management of services. Traditional values tend to isolate abused women from receiving social services. The INSPIRE framework is innovative and could be applied in other contexts.
An assessment of exposed syringe inner walls as a route of exposure from hazardous drugs
Authors: Barta Blake T , Armistead Lori T , Eckel Stephen F
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Maintaining safe working environments for health care personnel, especially for those who regularly handle hazardous drugs (HDs), is of utmost importance. Studies have shown that when closed system transfer devices (CSTDs) are used with standard open barrel syringes, cyclophosphamide (CP), a commonly used HD, is transferred to the syringe plunger during compounding or administration processes. This contamination can then be transferred to the work environment, endangering workers.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to quantify HD contamination of the inner surface of standard open barrel syringes and to compare contamination levels between three commonly used HDs: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), CP, and ifosfamide (IF).

Methods

Each HD was transferred from a vial to an intravenous (IV) bag using a standard open barrel syringe and Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) PhaSealTM CSTD connectors. Samples were taken from the inner surface of each of the syringe barrels to measure the amount of HD contamination. Each drug was tested 15 times and compared to a positive control.

Results

Significant amounts of each drug were transferred to the inner surfaces of the syringes. The average amounts of each drug measured were: 5-FU, 1327.7 ng (standard deviation [SD] = 873.6 ng); CP, 1074.8 ng (SD = 481.6 ng); and IF, 1700.0 ng (SD = 1098.1 ng). There was no statistically significant difference between the three drugs ( p = 0.14).

Conclusion

This study underscores the presence of HD contamination on standard open barrel syringe inner surfaces after transfer of drug from vial to syringe to IV bag. Such contamination could be spread in the working environment and expose health care workers to harm.
PENG for chronic pain: the clinical effectiveness of pericapsular nerve group block in chronic hip pain
Authors: Karaoğlan Mustafa , Küçükçay Karaoğlan Bilge
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficiency and tolerability of pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) for the treatment of chronic hip pain.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, single-centre, 4-group study conducted over a 3-month period to find out the most typical cause of chronic hip pain. A total of 112 patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA), Stage 2–3, greater trochanteric pain (GTPS) and chronic pain after total hip arthroplasty (cTHA), who had an ultrasound-guided PENG block, were selected. To assess the effectiveness of the treatment, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of the patients prior to treatment were compared with their scores after the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month of treatment. The study also aimed to analyse the patients’ initial feelings of alleviation following the block (1st VAS/2) and problems experienced both during and after the block.

Results:

The parameters studied included pain, stiffness, and results of physical activity in the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month following PENG block application. At the beginning of the 1st week, of the 112 patients who were administered a PENG block for hip pain, we reported a 62% improvement in pain, a 52% reduction in stiffness, and a 53% increase in physical activity. Even though these results slightly declined in the 1st and 3rd months, the rates were still higher than 45%.

Conclusions:

Overall, the PENG block was well-tolerated by the patients in our study. No treatment-related infections or any other serious complications were observed.
Do international rankings affect public opinion?
Authors: Cavari Amnon , Efrat Asif , Yair Omer
Published: February 2024

International rankings push governments to adopt better policies by providing comparative information on states’ performance. How do citizens respond to this information? We answer this question through a preregistered survey experiment in Israel, testing the effect of rankings in the fields of human rights and the environment. We find that citizens respond to international rankings selectively. Informed about a high ranking given to their country, citizens tend to express a more positive assessment of the country’s performance. By contrast, they seem to dismiss poor rankings of their country. We further find that poor rankings on a polarising issue, such as human rights, might face a particularly strong resistance from citizens. Overall, our results engage with and support recent scholarship sceptical of the impact of international shaming on public opinion. Even gentle shaming – expressed through a low numerical grade – might not be well received by the public.
Framing offer-related actions as assistance at jewelry stores in Japan
Authors: Hiramoto Takeshi
Published: February 2024

While most of the studies on assistance in talk-in-interaction from the conversation analytic perspective presuppose that the actor who receives assistance already has or is expected to have problems, issues, needs, or demands, assistance can be offered without the expression or existence of plausible expectations of problems, issues, needs, or demands. Using the methodology of conversation analysis, this study explores how service providers frame their offer-related actions as assistance without the customer’s expression of concrete needs or demands or their expected emergence by analyzing the sequences in which salespersons offered customers to try the jewelry. The results of the analysis show that salespersons were motivated to execute pull-based offer-related actions in which assistance is provided in response to the expression or anticipation of customer needs, as they could lead to successful sales outcomes. Salespersons employed various techniques to frame their offer-related actions as assistance.
Experimental study of peripheral fuel injection for higher performance in diesel engines
Authors: Bogdanowicz Edward F , Loper Allen , Bittle Joshua , Agrawal Ajay K
Published: February 2024

In conventional diesel combustion (CDC), a centrally located multi-hole injector supplies fuel radially outwards. This study introduces and explores the concept of peripheral fuel injection (PeFI) to supply fuel from multiple locations on top of the combustion chamber using several single-hole injectors. The PeFI concept is designed to eliminate flame-wall and jet-wall interactions, and, ideally, to produce independent flames without any interference. PeFI is also intended to increase air entrainment in the near field and thus, reduce equivalence ratio at the lift-off length and subsequent soot formation. PeFI reduces wall heat transfer compared to CDC although this feature is not considered in the present study. The two methods of fuel injection are compared in a non-reacting optical chamber via high-speed imaging of the jets. N-heptane fuel at 1500 bar supply pressures is injected into a test chamber filled with nitrogen at engine relevant ambient densities of 23.0 and 18.5 kg/m3. Four configurations are trialed including a six-hole central injector and six, single-hole PeFI injectors with holes oriented at a layout angle, defined as the angle between the center of the fuel jet and chamber radius, of 0°, 15°, and 30°. Flow visualizations show jet-to-jet interactions at small layout angles for PeFI, but little to no jet-to-jet (or jet-wall) interference as the layout angle increases to 30°. Image analysis reveals that PeFI provides faster rate of injection, longer jet penetration length, greater width near the jet tip, and larger jet volume compared to those for the central injector. Overall, results demonstrate the potential of PeFI to simultaneously improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in diesel engines.
Impact of family socioeconomic position on childhood asthma outcomes, severity, and specialist referral – a Danish nationwide study
Authors: Renzi-Lomholt Martino , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli , Rastogi Deepa , Stæhr Jensen Jens Ulrik , Håkansson Kjell Erik Julius
Published: February 2024

Background

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children, carrying a major burden. Socioeconomic position (SEP) affects adult asthma outcomes, but its impact on childhood asthma, particularly in primary versus specialist care, has not been studied thoroughly.

Methods

In a Danish cohort consisting of all children aged 2–17 years redeeming inhaled corticosteroids in 2015, parental SEP impact on asthma outcomes was investigated. Workforce attachment, income, education, and metropolitan residence were chosen as covariates in logistic regression. Outcomes were uncontrolled (excessive use of short-acting beta2-agonists), exacerbating (oral corticosteroid use or hospitalization), and severe asthma (according to GINA 2020).

Results

The cohort comprised 29,851 children (median age 8.0, 59% boys). 16% had uncontrolled asthma, 8% had ≥1 exacerbation. Lower income and metropolitan residence correlated with higher odds of poor control, exacerbations, and severe asthma. Lower education correlated with worse asthma outcomes. Education and income were protective factors in primary care, but not in specialist care. Metropolitan residence was the sole factor linked to specialist care referral for severe asthma.

Conclusion

Low parental SEP and metropolitan residence associated with poor asthma outcomes. However, specialist care often mitigated these effects, though such care was less likely for at-risk children in non-metropolitan areas.
Mid-term Results of Endovascular Reconstruction of Aortic Bifurcation Using COVERA Stent Graft
Authors: Mastrorilli Davide , Mezzetto Luca , Zanetti Elisa , Macrì Marco , Criscenti Paolo , Veraldi Edoardo , Veraldi Gian Franco
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

This article aims to evaluate the short-term and mid-term performance of a self-expanding covered stent (COVERA Plus, Bard Tempe, Arizona) during the treatment of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C/D aortoiliac obstructive lesions involving the aortic bifurcation.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective review of all patients who underwent endovascular reconstruction of the aortoiliac bifurcation for obstructive disease, with the use of Covera, from January 2018 to March 2023. All patients received a postoperative CTA (computed tomography angiography) scan within 1 month from the intervention. Precision of deployment, stent conformation, and stent symmetry were evaluated at the arterial phase of the CTA. Early outcomes were technical success and freedom from open aortic reintervention and/or mortality. Late outcomes were primary and assisted primary patency rates and freedom from reintervention.

Results:

During the study period, 35 patients underwent primary endovascular treatment of obstructive lesions involving the aortic bifurcation with parallel COVERA stents. Aortoiliac lesions were classified as TASC-IIC in 23 (65.7%) patients and TASC D in 12 (34.2%). Median follow-up was 49 months (interquartile [IQR]: 18–60). Overall survival was 97.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]=91–100) at 60 months. During follow-up, there were one early stent stenosis, treated with an angioplasty and stent relining with an estimated primary patency at 60 months of 97.1% (95% CI=94–100) and a primary-assisted patency of 100%. Estimated freedom from all types of reinterventions at 60 months was 94.3% (95% CI=89–99.3).

Conclusions:

The new self-expanding covered Bard COVERA Plus stent used for endovascular treatment of TASC C/D aorto iliac disease proved to be safe and feasible with high technical procedural success rates. Comparison with other types of stents is necessary to further assess the role of the COVERA Plus stent in aortic bifurcation repair.

Clinical Impact

This study investigates the safety and feasibility of the new self-expanding covered Bard Covera Plus stent used for endovascular treatment of TASC C/D aorto iliac disease. The retrospective analysis of 35 patients highlights high technical success and primary patency rate at 60 months. The geometric analysis also helped to underline how this stent can be used precisely in particular conditions. These findings suggest the need for further research to compare COVERA with other types of stents in aortic bifurcation repair.
Transformative Agency in Times of Global Crisis
Authors: Chen-Levi Tamar , Buskila Yaffa , Schechter Chen
Published: February 2024

This research explored teachers’ readiness for teaching in times of uncertainty and in global crisis situations through the perspective of teacher agency. Understanding the mechanisms by which teachers exercise their transformative agency was the main research aim. Teacher agency is conceptualized as a phenomenon that emerges ecologically from the interactions of individuals’ capacities with the contexts and conditions in which they act. Thus, teachers are key figures upon which the possibility for transformation rests. The current research yielded three major mechanisms: (1) personal beliefs, emotions, values and attributes; (2) technical infrastructure, digital skills and teaching resources; (3) organizational infrastructure. This study highlights the importance of understanding the significance of teachers’ transformative agency in times of crisis, as it applies to crisis situations in which means of transcending contradictory and conflicting impasses to transformative growth are sought.
Accessibility and Exhibit Safety: The Importance of Sensory Maps
Authors: Cieslik Emma
Published: February 2024

Museum accessibility, through audio description services, sighted guides, sensory maps/guides/social narratives, and more, is an essential part of exhibit safety and design. In the past decade, more museums recognize the importance of trigger warnings (a trigger being a sensory experience that may cause mental or physical discomfort, overload, or breakdown) for flashing lights, noise content, and movement to ensure visitors with epilepsy, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), PTSD, and mobility devices remain safe. But while more museums are developing resources and programming for neurodiverse individuals, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), many still do not understand how sensory maps, an inclusive and easy-to-create resource, are critical to visitor safety. A sensory map is an annotated layout of an exhibit, gallery, or entire museum that identifies areas with high and low sensory stimulation and the type of stimulation. Sensory overload/overstimulation can put visitors, staff, and collections at risk; sensory maps alleviate this risk by allowing visitors to self-select in or out of experiences, and in doing so, prioritize their own mental and bodily wellbeing. Highlighting how sensory maps are critical for visitor, staff, and object safety encourages museum boards of directors to allocate funding to create these resources and to seek out more funding for tailored programming and exhibit experiences. I met with accessibility professionals from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the International Spy Museum, the Houston Museum of Art, and others to share their insights about how to create accessible sensory maps (physical and digital versions) and reach out to disabled communities.
Use of Human-Automation Taxonomies for System Modeling
Authors: Smith Philip J. , Spencer Amy L.
Published: February 2024

Skraaning and Jamieson indicate the importance of developing a definition of automation failure in order to guide development of human performance models to predict human-automation interactions. They go on to develop a taxonomy including four categories: Elementary automation failures; Systemic automation failures; Human-automation breakdowns; and Human and organizational slips and misconceptions. They suggest that the latter category be excluded from classes of automation failures. They then proceed to identify important factors within each category. This paper presents a complementary taxonomy designed to identify factors contributing to automation-related failures in order to develop probes to elicit predictions of failure stories for some proposed new system design from a range of experts. While there is overlap between these two taxonomies, there are important differences. It is suggested that they could be integrated or used jointly both for knowledge elicitation and to identify requirements regarding needed capabilities of predictive performance models.
Arthroscopic Hemitrapeziectomy: Is an Internal Brace Worth It?
Authors: Tovar-Bazaga Miguel , Pérez-Cuesta Llaneras María , Badia Alejandro
Published: February 2024

Background:

This article’s purpose was to analyze clinical results obtained with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy with temporary suspension with a Kirschner wire (K-wire).

Methods:

Seventy thumb CMC arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomies with a mean age of 59 and 18 months of follow-up were performed in our center during a 13-year period. All of them followed the same protocol. Surgical technique is described.

Results:

All patients were arthroscopically classified as Badia’s III stage. No tendon interposition was used, and a K-wire was temporarily implanted for 5.1 weeks. Mean postsurgical Visual Analogue Scale of 1.6, Kapandji Opposition Score of 8.1, grip strength of 42.2 lbs, lateral pinch of 9.5 lbs, tip-to-tip pinch of 4.2 lbs and tripod pinch of 7.8 lbs were measured. All previous active workers resumed their previous job.

Conclusions:

We conclude that thumb CMC arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy with temporary suspension with K-wire reaches good results in terms of pain reduction, strength, and functionality, without the necessity of an internal brace which increases risks of a second metacarpal fracture.
Management of Pediatric Volar Plate Avulsion Fractures of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Systematic Review
Authors: Choi Hongseo , Moon Seong Hui , Lee Hosouk , Barnes Sabrina Poppy , Ma Yangmyung , Jester Andrea , Al-Ani Sami
Published: February 2024

Background:

Sudden, forced hyperextension injuries to the proximal interphalangeal joint leading to volar plate avulsion fractures are common hand injuries in children. Suboptimal management of these fractures can lead to the development of long-term complications such as stiffness and flexion contracture.

Methods:

MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were systematically searched, and additional studies were found through reference of articles up to June 15, 2023. Identified articles were assessed using predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results:

Twenty-five articles were included, involving 268 patients with ages from 3 to 17 years. Fractures with less than 30% joint involvement, classified as Eaton type I or II, or designated as “Stable” in the Keifhaber-Stern classification, were treated through nonsurgical means. Surgical interventions, encompassing open reduction and internal fixation, were reserved for fractures with more than 30% joint involvement and/or meeting criteria such as Eaton type IIIa or IIIb and Keifhaber-Stern “Tenuous” or “Unstable.” Positive outcomes were seen in 99.5% of patients receiving nonsurgical treatment, compared with 85.7% in the surgical cohort.

Conclusions:

The literature demonstrated positive outcomes for fractures presenting with less than 30% joint involvement that were managed nonsurgically. In fractures with more than 30% joint involvement, surgical interventions yielded positive results. To further substantiate these findings, larger prospective studies with uniform measures are needed to validate the results of this study.
Tomato Extract Antagonizes Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Mice and HepG2 Cells: Inhibition of Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Zhenzhong , Che Li , Zhang Lixia , Li Qianhui , Peng Caiting , Zhang Zhuangyu , Fan Qin , Liang Yuan , Sun Rongjing , Li Shengmao , Deng Bo , Wu Hanqi
Published: February 2024

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, accumulates in the liver and kidneys in the human body by several routes. Tomatoes and related processed food possess multiple physiological functions such as antioxidation, antiinflammation, and anticancer. Herein, to investigate whether tomato extract (TE) can protect against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced oxidative damage in the liver and kidneys, the oxidative damage models were established in vitro and in vivo, and the control group and TE intervention groups were also set up. A significant elevation was observed in Cd concentration and the level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CR), and uric acid (UA) in the serum of CdCl2-treated rats compared with the control group, by contrast, these values were reduced following TE intervention. Moreover, it was found that exposure to CdCl2 decreased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH) level, and catalase (CAT) activity and raised the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum, liver tissues, kidney tissues, and HepG2 cells, which can be reversed by TE to mitigate the oxidative damage. In addition, TE exerted an inhibitory effect on cell apoptosis in both liver and kidneys brought on by CdCl2 intoxication, as manifested by the downregulation of Caspase-3 protein and the up-regulation of B-cell lymphoma gene 2 (Bcl-2) protein after TE treatment. Altogether, our study reinforces previous findings that CdCl2 exposure disrupted the redox homeostasis, leading to oxidative damage in both liver and kidneys. More importantly, our findings suggest that the hepatorenal protective effect of TE against CdCl2 toxicity is implicated in the inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Treatment of menopausal skin – A narrative review of existing treatments, controversies, and future perspectives
Authors: Merzel Šabović Eva K , Kocjan Tomaž , Zalaudek Iris
Published: February 2024

Menopause is a state of estrogen deficiency that affects numerous estrogen-dependent tissues in the female body. Skin is one of the most affected organs. Many consider menopausal skin changes to be merely an aesthetic problem; however, they can significantly affect women’s quality of life. Currently, there are no approved effective treatments to prevent or alleviate skin changes associated with estrogen deficiency. Standard systemic hormone replacement therapy used to treat menopausal symptoms may be effective to some degree for skin treatment. In addition, compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and phytoestrogens could also be used for skin treatment, although this is only hypothetical due to lack of data. Many questions therefore remain unanswered. On the other hand, topical, low-dose estrogen that would act only on the skin without systemic effects could be a possible option, as could be skin-only acting topical phytoestrogens. Such topical products without systemic effects could play a role in the treatment of menopausal skin. However, they are not currently approved because there is insufficient data on their safety and efficacy. A healthy lifestyle could have a positive effect on the menopausal skin. In this review, we provide an overview of the characteristics of menopausal skin, an outlook on the future treatment of menopausal skin with estrogens and other approaches, and the associated controversies and speculations. Overall, the importance of menopausal skin changes should not be neglected, and high-quality research is needed to gain new insights into the treatment of menopausal skin.
Relational Identity and Relationship Functioning in Emerging Adulthood: A Brief Report
Authors: Dover Carson R. , Serrano Cecilia , López-Madrigal Claudia , García-Manglano Javier , Willoughby Brian J.
Published: February 2024

Developing a coherent sense of self and establishing a long-term relationship are two developmental tasks during emerging adulthood. Guided by psychosocial developmental theory, this study explores the associations between relational identity processes (commitment, in-depth exploration, reconsideration of commitments) and relationship outcomes (satisfaction and stability) using a large sample of Spanish emerging adults in a romantic relationship. Results revealed that commitment as part of relational identity is associated with higher relationship satisfaction and stability, while reconsideration of commitments is associated with lower relationship satisfaction and stability. Gender acted as a moderator between in-depth exploration and relationship outcomes, with males reporting more positive associations compared to females. This study expands identity theory by demonstrating how relational identity is crucial when understanding relationship outcomes in emerging adulthood.
The Impact of Vaccination, Infection and Fatality Rate on ASEAN Air Transport Industry in the Pandemic Period
Authors: Law Colin C. H.
Published: February 2024

This study aims to determine the impact of COVID-19 on air connectivity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, specifically focusing on infection, vaccination and fatality rates. To examine the impact of COVID-19 on the ASEAN air transport industry, a panel data series was created. The panel covered data from 57 airlines with different business models in the 10 ASEAN member states from January 2019 to July 2022 (31 months). The results of the study have shown that there is a significant inverse linear relationship between full-service and low-cost international flight movements, passenger demand and vaccination rate, infection rate and fatality rate. At the country level, Brunei experienced the lowest drop in air passenger demand, followed by the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. Other countries (Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam) were not significant predictors of passenger demand. The study’s results have indicated that an increase in infection rate has a greater impact on the international air travel market compared to the domestic market. The reduction rate of the domestic market is only half that of the international market, while the fatality rate demonstrated no differences. This study represents a valuable contribution to the existing knowledge of the pandemic’s impact on the air transport industry, focusing on Southeast Asian countries. It provides evidence to help stakeholders in the aviation industry prepare for future related crises. The study concludes that fostering greater cooperation and coordination among ASEAN member states in managing health crises and facilitating the aviation industry can promote economic growth, enhance resilience and strengthen regional integration in the long run.

JEL Classification: F02, I30
The conflict potential of sand: Illegal sand mining on the African continent
Authors: Aduda Levke , Bolf Lina
Published: February 2024

Sand is mined illegally in numerous countries globally—with devastating consequences for the environment and the people living in the sand mining areas. In our contribution, we highlight the conflict potential of illegal sand mining. We collected data from different online sources and found that between 1990 and 2021, (a) sand has been mined illegally in 35 African countries and (b) 21 of them saw nonviolent conflicts, such as complaints, threats, or peaceful protest, while six of them, namely Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and The Gambia, saw violent conflicts, such as targeted killings, violent and deadly protest, or violent clashes. Our data indicate that violent conflict was by far the most escalated in Kenya, in particular, in Makueni County. We argue that an overview of the prevalence of illegal sand mining and an awareness of its link to nonviolent and in particular violent conflicts is crucial, considering the ever-growing demand for sand. Taking sand governance seriously now can prevent not only environmental damage but also ensure that sand does not become a resource that is linked to violence more broadly than it already is. It has the potential to prevent conflicts.
The Mandate of Project Management Offices Beyond Organizational Boundaries—Still A Blind Spot for Organizational Design?
Authors: Braun Timo , Sydow Jörg
Published: February 2024

Based on conceptual reasoning, combined with illustrations from the air cargo industry, this article proposes a gradual broadening of the concept of what project management offices (PMOs) are responsible for to provide added value to the collaborating organizations when planning for and executing inter­organizational projects. Thus far, the ability of PMOs to support interorganizational projects and practices has been restricted—this goes for project management practice as well as a lack of concepts and theoretical reasoning from research in the domain of project studies. Against this background, this article distinguishes four types of PMOs and identifies promising organizational design elements pointing to functions and barriers, as well as to the interorganizational bridging practices of PMOs in support of their inter­organizational responsibilities.
Air pollution, lung function and mortality: survival and mediation analyses in UK Biobank
Authors: Guyatt Anna L. , Cai Yutong Samuel , Doiron Dany , Tobin Martin D. , Hansell Anna L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Air pollution is associated with lower lung function, and both are associated with premature mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evidence remains scarce on the potential mediating effect of impaired lung function on the association between air pollution and mortality or CVD.

Methods

We used data from UK Biobank (n∼200 000 individuals) with 8-year follow-up to mortality and incident CVD. Exposures to particulate matter <10 µm (PM10), particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were assessed by land-use regression modelling. Lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and the FEV1/FVC ratio) was measured between 2006 and 2010 and transformed to Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) z-scores. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards and causal proportional hazards mediation analysis models were fitted, stratified by smoking status.

Results

Lower FEV1and FVC were associated with all-cause and CVD mortality, and incident CVD, with larger estimates in ever- than never-smokers (all-cause mortality hazard ratio per FEV1GLI z-score decrease 1.29 (95% CI 1.24–1.34) for ever-smokers and 1.16 (95% CI 1.12–1.21) for never-smokers). Long-term exposure to PM2.5or NO2was associated with incident CVD, with similar effect sizes for ever- and never-smokers. Mediated proportions of the air pollution–all-cause mortality estimates driven by FEV1were 18% (95% CI 2–33%) for PM2.5and 27% (95% CI 3–51%) for NO2. Corresponding mediated proportions for incident CVD were 9% (95% CI 4–13%) for PM2.5and 16% (95% CI 6–25%) for NO2.

Conclusions

Lung function may mediate a modest proportion of associations between air pollution and mortality and CVD outcomes. Results likely reflect the extent of either shared mechanisms or direct effects relating to lower lung function caused by air pollution.
Plant-based and vegetarian diets are associated with reduced obstructive sleep apnoea risk
Authors: Melaku Yohannes Adama , Zhao Lijun , Adams Robert , Eckert Danny J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and obesity commonly coexist. Weight loss and exercise are recommended management options for OSA. However, most of the current evidence on diet and OSA is focused on calorie restriction rather than diet quality. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of plant-based dietary indices (PDI) with OSA risk.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 14 210 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who provided dietary information using the 24-hour recall method were used. PDI – including healthy (hPDI), unhealthy (uPDI) and pro-vegetarian diet index (PVDI) – were determined. OSA risk was determined using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between dietary indices and OSA risk.

Results

Higher adherence to PDI (odds ratio (OR)Q5versusQ1=0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–1.00), hPDI (OR=0.83; 95% CI: 0.69–1.01) and PVDI (OR=0.84; 95% CI: 0.68–1.05) was inversely associated with OSA risk, whereas higher consumption of an unhealthy plant-based diet (OR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.00–1.49) was positively associated with OSA. Sex differences in estimates were observed for PDI in males (OR=0.71; 95% CI: 0.56–0.90)versusfemales (OR=0.93; 95% CI: 0.68–1.28), hPDI in males (OR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.68–1.18)versusfemales (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.54–1.09) and uPDI in males (OR=1.13; 95% CI: 0.89–1.44)versusfemales (OR=1.42; 95% CI: 1.03–1.97) but not for PVDI.

Conclusions

Higher adherence to a healthy plant-based diet is associated with reduced OSA risk, while an unhealthy plant-based diet has a positive association. The magnitude of these associations differs by sex. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.
A phase 4 multicentre, 2×2 factorial randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of tobramycin inhalation solution forPseudomonas aeruginosaeradication in bronchiectasis: ERASE
Authors: Gao Yong-Hua , Lu Hai-Wen , Zheng Hui-Zhen , Cao Chao , Chu De-Jie , Fan Hong , Fan Xiao-Yun , Gu Hong-Yan , Guan Wei-Jie , Jie Zhi-Jun , Jin Yang , Li Wen , Li Yu-Ping , Li Yuan-Yuan , Liu Lin , Liu Xue-Dong , Luo Hong , Lv Xiao-Dong , Mo Wei-Qiang , Song Yuan-Lin , Wang Dao-Xin , Wang Ling-Wei , Wang Chang-Zheng , Xie Min , Zhang Min , Zheng Cui-Xia , Mao Bei , Chotirmall Sanjay H. , Chalmers James D. , Qu Jie-Ming , Xu Jin-Fu
Published: February 2024

ChronicPseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) infection significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in bronchiectasis patients. Initiating antibiotics early may lead to the eradication of PA. Here we outline the design of a trial (ERASE;NCT06093191) assessing the efficacy and safety of inhaled tobramycin, alone or with oral ciprofloxacin, in bronchiectasis patients with a new isolation of PA. This multicentre, 2×2 factorial randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial includes a 2-week screening period, a 12-week treatment phase (with a combination of ciprofloxacin or a placebo at initial 2 weeks) and a 24-week follow-up. 364 adults with bronchiectasis and a new PA isolation will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: placebo (inhaled saline and ciprofloxacin placebo twice daily), ciprofloxacin alone (750 mg ciprofloxacin and inhaled saline twice daily), inhaled tobramycin alone (inhaled 300 mg tobramycin and ciprofloxacin placebo twice daily) or a combination of both drugs (inhaled 300 mg tobramycin and 750 mg ciprofloxacin twice daily).

The primary objective of this study is to assess the proportion of patients successfully eradicating PA in each group by the end of the study. Efficacy will be evaluated based on the eradication rate of PA at other time points (12, 24 and 36 weeks), the occurrence of exacerbations and hospitalisations, time to first pulmonary exacerbations, patient-reported outcomes, symptom measures, pulmonary function tests and the cost of hospitalisations.

To date no randomised trial has evaluated the benefit of different PA eradication strategies in bronchiectasis patients. The ERASE trial will therefore generate crucial data to inform future clinical guidelines.
Transcriptomic basis of sex loss in the pea aphid
Authors: Huguet M. D. , Robin S. , Hudaverdian S. , Tanguy S. , Leterme-Prunier N. , Cloteau R. , Baulande S. , Legoix-Né P. , Legeai F. , Simon J.-C. , Jaquiéry J. , Tagu D. , Le Trionnaire G.
Published: February 2024

Background

Transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction are common in eukaryotes, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly known. The pea aphid—Acyrthosiphon pisum—exhibits reproductive polymorphism, with cyclical parthenogenetic and obligate parthenogenetic lineages, offering an opportunity to decipher the genetic basis of sex loss. Previous work on this species identified a single 840 kb region controlling reproductive polymorphism and carrying 32 genes. With the aim of identifying the gene(s) responsible for sex loss and the resulting consequences on the genetic programs controlling sexual or asexual embryogenesis, we compared the transcriptomic response to photoperiod shortening—the main sex-inducing cue—of a sexual and an obligate asexual lineage of the pea aphid, focusing on heads (where the photoperiodic cue is detected) and embryos (the final target of the cue).

Results

Our analyses revealed that four genes (one expressed in the head, and three in the embryos) of the region responded differently to photoperiod in the two lineages. We also found that the downstream genetic programs expressed during embryonic development of a future sexual female encompass ∼1600 genes, among which miRNAs, piRNAs and histone modification pathways are overrepresented. These genes mainly co-localize in two genomic regions enriched in transposable elements (TEs).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the causal polymorphism(s) in the 840 kb region somehow impair downstream epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulations in obligate asexual lineages, thereby sustaining asexual reproduction.