bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future-cultures: How future imaginations disseminate throughout the social
Authors: Altstaedt Sören
Published: November 2023

The futures of humanity and planet Earth are at stake. This is reflected not only in the increasingly dire future imaginations of billions of people around the world but also in an ever-increasing body of future-related literature in the social sciences and humanities. However, despite growing sociological engagement with the future, an astonishing desideratum remains: the dissemination of future imaginations. Although many works imply that future imaginations disseminate, they rarely spell out how the cultural mechanisms of dissemination work. Therefore, in this article, I develop the notion of future-cultures to conceptualize how future imaginations disseminate throughout the social, drawing from cultural sociology and theories of social practices. I conceptualize the future-cultures framework in three steps: (1) how future-cultures generate future-cultural codes, which select and classify (il-)legitimate future imaginations, sites of futuring and futuring practices; (2) how future-cultural codes relate different (futuring) practices and discourses into broader practice-/discourse-complexes, which (3) organize transversally in fields of futuring and modes of futuring, thereby disseminating distinct future imaginations over space and time.
Pre-injury sarcopenia and the association with discharge destination in critical care trauma patients
Authors: Badminton Rebecca , Christie Robert , Brohi Karim , Cole Elaine
Published: November 2023

Background

Sarcopenia is a key physical component in the aetiology of frailty, representing progressive and CT-quantifiable muscle mass loss. In older trauma patients admitted to critical care, sarcopenic defined-frailty is associated with adverse outcomes, including poor function at discharge. This may complicate discharge to the usual place of residence, an important outcome for patients. This study aimed to identify pre-injury sarcopenia in all trauma patients admitted to critical care and investigate factors associated with discharge destination.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of adult trauma patients admitted to a Major Trauma Centre (Level 1 equivalent) over 18 months. Psoas muscle density (PMD) was measured at the level of L4 vertebra from admission computerised tomography (CT) abdomen/pelvis. Sarcopenia was defined as the PMD calculated using Hounsfield unit average calculation within the lowest quartile for sex. Discharge destination was dichotomised into independent and dependent discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with discharge destination.

Results

Overall, 197 patients were included. Patients were predominantly male (73%) with a median age of 52 (32–72) and the majority were severely injured (72%). Sarcopenia was identified in a quarter of the cohort on admission to critical care ( n = 49). Only a third of sarcopenic patients were discharged to home, compared to a half of non-sarcopenic patients ( p = 0.03). Sarcopenia (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.17–0.81, p = 0.01), blunt injury (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.06–0.87, p = 0.03), age (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95–0.99, p = 0.01) and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.12–0.57, p = 0.01) were associated with a decreased rate of independent discharge.

Conclusion

For trauma critical care patients, sarcopenia on admission CT was associated with dependent discharge destination and therefore is unfavourable. Defining sarcopenia early in an trauma patients critical care admission may help to identify those at risk of poor outcomes.
Lipoprotein (a) as a predictor of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Gholami Chahkand Mohammad Sadra , Esmaeilpour Moallem Fatemeh , Qezelgachi Abolfazl , Seifouri Kiana , Pesaran Afsharian Armin , sheikhzadeh Farzad , poursalehi Atefe , Fani Sadrabadi Fateme Sadat , Saghab Torbati Mehrnush , Ramezanzade Mohaddese , Alishiri Goharsharieh , Ansari Arina , Zare Dehabadi Emad , Karimi Matloub Saeed , Sheikh Zahra , Deravi Niloofar , Mehrtabar Saba , Chichagi Fatemeh , Faal Hamedanchi Neda , Arzaghi Mohammadreza , Asadi Mahla , Alsadat Dadkhah Parisa , Ansari Akram
Published: November 2023

Background

Lipoprotein a (LP(a)), an LDL-like lipoprotein, known as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, has a controversial association with diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes—the current systematic review aimed to critically assess the association between LP(a) and diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

A systematic review of relevant studies was conducted after a thorough search in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar electronic databases. We used English observational, case-control, and prospective cohort studies published up to August 2022, including type 2 diabetic patients as the population, diabetic retinopathy as the outcome, and LP(a) as the intervention.

Result

17 relevant studies, including 4688 patients with diabetes, were included in this systematic review. While in 13 studies, Lipoprotein(a) was recognized as a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy, only three studies reported no evidence of a relationship between the two. Also, another study showed a mixed outcome of the relationship between LP(a) and diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion

High serum lipoprotein(a) in patients with type 2 diabetes is considered a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy. However, further large-scaled cohort studies are still required to validate this finding.
Prognostic Significance of Advanced Age in Patients with T1a Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated by Microwave Ablation: A 16-Year Experience
Authors: Hou Qidi , Wang Yaxi , Zhang Dongyun , Luo Yanchun , Dong Linan , Mu Mengjuan , Yu Jie , Liang Ping
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous studies have failed to investigate the specific effects of advanced age on survival outcomes by considering the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and age permutation in patients with T1a renal cell carcinoma (T1a RCC) treated by microwave ablation (MWA). Notably, RCC guidelines recommended radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and active surveillance (AS) are both treatment options for elderly T1a RCC, but whether MWA is superior to AS in light of higher heating efficiency and larger ablation zone compared with RFA is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the specific effects of advanced age on survival outcomes of T1a RCC patients stratified by CCI score and indicate better intervention for elderly T1a RCC between MWA and AS.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. We retrospectively reviewed 237 patients with T1a RCC who had undergone MWA over the last 16 years. Data were analyzed by Cox regression and Landmark analysis. Interaction tests and propensity score matching were used to account for potential biases. We compared the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates of patients ≥75 years in our study with corresponding figures from 4251 counterparts undergoing AS in published articles.

Results

Using patients ＜75 years with a CCI ≤2 as a reference, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of OS for patients＜75 years with a CCI ≥3, patients ≥75 years with a CCI ≤2, and patients ≥75 years with CCI ≥3, were 2.954 (1.139-7.663), 3.48 (1.487-8.146), and 3.357 (1.162-9.698), respectively. The adverse effect of an age ≥75 years on OS was attenuated in patients with a CCI ≥3. The attenuation lasted for 62.5 months of follow-up ( P = .017). Notably, advanced age exerted a protective effect on progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with a CCI ≥3, increasing the 8-year PFS from 67.8% to 100% ( P = .049). Relative to 1-, 3-, 5-, and 8-year survival data for patients aged ≥75 undergoing AS, the OS rates for 5-year follow-up were always better in MWA. However, beyond 5 years, the OS rates dropped to levels that were similar to AS.

Conclusions

Advanced age exerts adverse effects and significantly protective effects on OS and PFS, respectively, in T1a RCC patients with a CCI ≥ 3. According to our study, elderly patients with T1a RCC underwent radical MWA may yield a better medium-term OS relative to AS.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Venous Thrombus Embolism (VTE) in Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tan Wei-Juan , Chen Lu , Yang Sheng-Jie , Zhang Bao-Ying , Sun Ming-Li , Lin Yu-Bin , Wang Xing-He
Published: November 2023

Cancer patients are at high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The risk of VTE could be mitigated with the administration of prophylactic anticoagulants. Therefore, risk assessment models would be a useful tool in order to identify those patients who are at higher risk and will be benefited more by prophylactic anticoagulants. This study retrospectively examined 528 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients from January 2019 to January 2021. Specified logistic regression models were employed to screen the factors and establish prediction tools based on nomograms according to the final included variables. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability were used to assess the performance of screening tools. In addition, internal verifications were conducted through 10-fold cross-verification, leave-one-out cross-validation, and Bootstrap verification. Four risk factors, closely related to the occurrence of VTE in colorectal cancer patients, were identified after univariate and multivariate logistic regression, including age, body mass index, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D-Dimer value. Besides, the risk assessment model named ABAD was built on the basis, displaying good discriminations and calibrations. The area under the curve was 0.705 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.644 to 0.766). According to Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, a good agreement between the predicted and observed VTE events in patients with newly-diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer was observed for χ2 = 6.864, P = .551. Internal validation was applied with a C-index of 0.669 in the 10-fold cross-verification, 0.658 in the leave-one-out cross verification and 0.684 in the bootstrap verification. We developed a prediction model called ABAD for newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients, which can be used to predict the risk of VTE. After evaluation and internal verification, we believe that ABAD exhibited high predictive performance and availability and could be recommended.
Hemolytic Anemia Caused by Graft Kinking Following Ascending Aortic Replacement: Endovascular Treatment With a Palmaz XL Stent
Authors: Kato Hiroaki , Kato Noriyuki , Ouchi Takafumi , Higashigawa Takatoshi , Bessho Saki , Shomura Yu , Ichikawa Yasutaka , Sakuma Hajime
Published: November 2023

A 66-year-old man presented with hemolytic anemia, which required frequent blood transfusion, 6 months after surgical repair of an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm. Hemolysis was attributed to luminal stenosis caused by graft kinking by laboratory test, CT and four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging. First, an Excluder cuff was placed at the stenotic site under rapid pacing, but it migrated distally. Thereafter a Palmaz XL stent was placed at the stenotic site, which led to resolution of anemia. In this case, a Palmaz XL stent was successfully used to treat hemolytic anemia caused by graft kinking following ascending aortic surgery.
Optimization of ciprofloxacin removal by response surface methodology using activated carbon from Burmese grape obtained from Vietnam
Authors: Van Phuoc Nguyen , Quoc Hao Le , Tran Thi Tuu , Van Tan Lam , Hoang Bich Ngoc
Published: November 2023

Activated carbon is produced from Burmese grapes using NaOH as the activator under microwave irradiation. Through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis methods, the activated carbon material is found to have a rough and uneven surface with the formation of pores, an amorphous structure, and possesses hydroxy, C–H, carbonyl, alkene, and ether functional groups. The surface area (478.5 m2 g−1) and pore size (about 3.4 nm) are calculated from the adsorption N2equation. The adsorption mechanism of activated carbon is evaluated and follows a pseudo-first-order kinetic model (large single adsorption) and the Langmuir isotherm model (physical interaction). The factors affecting ciprofloxacin adsorption using activated carbon derived from Burmese grapes are also evaluated and optimized by the response surface method model based on influencing factors including the contact time, the solution pH, the antibiotic concentration, and the material dosage. The optimal parameters are as follows: pH = 6.26, concentration = 58.9 mg L−1, content = 0.15 g L−1, time = 54 min. Under optimal conditions, the adsorption capacity predicted from the model is 191.33 mg g−1with an efficiency of 41.35%.
Expected and unexpected products from reacting Sanger’s reagent with p-phenylenediamine
Authors: Plater Michael John , Harrison William TA
Published: November 2023

p-Phenylenediamine reacts with Sanger’s reagent in hot ethanol to give the expected mono- and di-substitution products, but in ethanol at room temperature, it gave exclusively 2-nitro-5-fluorophenyl- p-phenylenediamine, where a hydrogen atom is displaced by attack at an activated, unsubstituted position. The reactions of p-phenylenediamine and aniline with Sanger’s reagent were compared in the cheap, ‘green’ solvent ethanol.
Ankle pain in sport
Authors: Leese Dr Callum , Al-Zubaidi Dr Hussain
Published: November 2023

Research demonstrates that regular physical activity (PA) results in extensive physical, psychological, and social benefits. However, injuries present a major complication of PA, leading to both direct and indirect negative consequences. Ankle injuries are the most common sporting injuries, with an incidence of 5.23 per 1000 athletes per day. Subsequent ankle pain can be a consequence of acute or more chronic pathology. Given the high prevalence of ankle injuries identification of the cause and appropriate management are vitally important. Although important (and highly publicised) in elite sport, the majority of ankle injuries occur in amateur sports. Correct diagnosis and management in primary care expedites recovery and aids the overall health and well-being of affected individuals. This is especially important to avoid chronic issues. The increased number of physiotherapists working in primary care, a basic knowledge of diagnosis and management, and an understanding of anatomy and risk factors will help ensure patients get the advice they need for better outcomes.
Association of obesity and different metabolic status with prognosis in patients with bladder cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dong Yingchun , Cheng Yiping , Guo Honglin , Sun Jiaxing , Han Junming , Zhong Fang , Li Qihang , Wang Dawei , Chen Wenbin , Fan Xiude , Zhao Jiajun
Published: November 2023

Background and objectives:

Patients with bladder cancer (BC) are at high risk for recurrence rates and readmission costs. However, the evidence about obesity and metabolic abnormalities on the BC prognosis was inconsistent. Our primary aim was to determine the impact of obesity and different metabolic status on the readmission risk in patients with BC.

Design and methods:

We identified 16,649 patients with BC using the 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database who were hospitalized from January to June 2018 and followed for 180 days. The primary outcome was 180-day readmission. The multivariate Cox regression analysis and ordered logistic regression were performed to analyze data.

Results:

Obesity and metabolic abnormalities were associated with an increased readmission risk in patients with BC [obesity: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.16; hyperglycemia: aHR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–1.17; hypertension: aHR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03–1.15]. Compared with non-obese and no metabolic abnormalities, the risk of readmission was significantly increased in patients with metabolic abnormalities, irrespective of obesity (non-obese and metabolic abnormalities: aHR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.13; obese and metabolic abnormalities: aHR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10–1.31), but not in obese and no metabolic abnormalities. These associations were consistent in patients aged 60 years or older and the surgery group. Moreover, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and a graded increment of metabolic risk were associated with an increased readmission risk. We also found increased length of stay for readmission in patients with obesity and metabolic abnormalities (aOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00–1.36).

Conclusion:

Obesity with metabolic abnormalities and metabolic abnormalities alone were associated with higher readmission risks in patients with BC. It is suggested that prevention should focus not only on obesity but also on metabolic abnormalities to decrease the risk of readmission.
Constructed educational inequality, philanthropy, and power relations in educational public–private partnerships in South Africa
Authors: Gamedze Thandi , Ruiters Greg
Published: November 2023

There is a robust debate about innovative ways to improve educational outcomes and governance in public schools located in the poorest townships in South Africa. This article looks at one recent innovation, a new model for providing basic education called ‘collaboration schools’, based on the British academy schools. We seek to understand what these partnerships between philanthropists, government, and parents entail, the specific problems the partners seek to address, the key actors involved, and the power relations that have emerged. Based on interviews with key local actors and a close reading of partnership agreements, the authors argue that although well-intentioned, the experts taking over schools have faced considerable resistance as well as deep structural challenges related to the social and economic decline in black townships. We also point to policy weaknesses linked to unsettled issues of class inequalities and apartheid spatial legacies.
Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor treatment for patients with NeoRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: a case report of two cases
Authors: Harada Kazuaki , Yuki Satoshi , Kawamoto Yasuyuki , Nakamura Takeaki , Kaneko Shiho , Ishida Koichi , Sakamoto Naoya , Komatsu Yoshito
Published: November 2023

The Neo RAS phenomenon is defined as the conversion of tumor RAS status from mutant-type (MT) to wild-type (WT) after systemic chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Cetuximab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, is effective in patients with RAS WT mCRC but ineffective in those with RAS MT mCRC; however, its outcome in patients with Neo RAS WT mCRC is unclear. Herein, we report two cases of Neo RAS WT mCRC that responded clinically to anti-EGFR treatment. The first was a 40-year-old man with synchronous peritoneal metastatic rectosigmoid cancer. The first RAS testing on tumor tissue revealed a KRAS G12C mutation, which was converted to RAS WT after two lines of chemotherapy, as assessed by liquid biopsy. After initiating irinotecan plus cetuximab treatment, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that malignant ascites had resolved. The treatment was discontinued after 4 months because of disease progression. The second was a 68-year-old male patient with synchronous liver metastasis from sigmoid colon cancer. The KRAS G12D mutation, initially detected in tumor tissue, was not detected by liquid biopsy after six lines of chemotherapy. Cetuximab monotherapy was initiated, and the liver metastases shrank significantly. The patient continued cetuximab monotherapy for 8 months without disease progression. Our cases demonstrate the efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy for Neo RAS WT mCRC and highlight the importance of capturing the gene mutation profile throughout the clinical course for optimal treatment selection.
Safe Insertion Angle of the Suture Button to Avoid Saphenous Structure in Syndesmosis Injury
Authors: Kawabata Shingo , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Ikuta Yasunari , Sumii Junichi , Nekomoto Akinori , Sakurai Satoru , Moriwaki Dan , Adachi Nobuo
Published: November 2023

In placing the medial suture button for syndesmosis injury, the risk of great saphenous vein and saphenous nerve injury has been reported. This study aimed to determine the safe insertion angle of the guide pin to avoid saphenous structure injury during suture button fixation. The incidence of saphenous structure injury was investigated using 8 legs of cadavers. The greater saphenous vein was depicted on the skin using near-infrared light (VeinViewer® Flex) and the distance between the greater saphenous vein and the posterior edge of the tibia at levels of 10, 20, and 30 mm from the joint line of the tibiotalar joint was measured in the 60 legs of healthy participants. On computed tomography (CT) images, the angles between the greater saphenous vein and transmalleolar axis at levels of 10, 20, and 30 mm from the joint line of the tibiotalar joint were measured. The cadaveric study revealed that the percentages of contact with the saphenous nerve were 8.3% to 16.7%. Using near-infrared light, the vein and tibia distance was 32.9 ± 6.8 mm of 10 mm, 26.6 ± 6.4 mm of 20 mm, and 20.4 ± 6.4 mm of 30 mm. The angle between the vein and transmalleolar axis was 1.0° to 9.4°, and more proximal, the angle was smaller. The veins depicted by near-infrared light can be a landmark to identify great saphenous vein, and injury of the saphenous structure can be prevented using VeinViewer Flex or considering the insertion angle defined in this study when placing the suture button for syndesmosis injuries.

Level of Evidence: Level IV
Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Joint Scale
Authors: Ziroglu Nezih , Birinci Tansu , Koluman Alican , Şahbaz Yasemin , Çiftçi Mehmet Utku , Baca Emre , Duramaz Altuğ
Published: November 2023

Background

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal (AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP) scale is one of the most widely used outcome measures to evaluate hallux pathologies. This study aimed to translate the AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP scale into Turkish and investigate its psychometric properties.

Methods

The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP (AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP-T) scale were tested in 66 patients with hallux pathologies (52 women; mean age, 47.64 ± 12.75 years). Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to estimate test-retest. Construct validity was analyzed with the Turkish version of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and 12-item Short-Form Health Survey(SF-12).

Results

The AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP-T scale had adequate internal consistency (α = 0.71) and test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.93 for pain, ICC2,1 = 0.97 for function, and ICC2,1 = 0.97 for total score). The AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP-T total score has a moderate to strong correlation with VAS-activity and MOXFQ (ρ = −0.77, P = .001; ρ = −0.69, P = .001, respectively). The weakest correlation was found between the AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP-T and the SF-12 mental component scale (ρ = 0.31, P = .01).

Conclusion

AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP-T has sufficient reliability and validity to evaluate Turkish-speaking individuals with a variety of forefoot pathologies including the hallux.

Levels of Evidence:

Level II
Exposure to Motivational Messages Promotes Meritocratic Beliefs and an Individualistic Perception of Social Change
Authors: Vázquez Alexandra , Reyes Valenzuela Carlos , Villagrán Loreto , Lois David
Published: November 2023

Some critics claim that the self-help industry legitimizes inequality by enhancing individualism and meritocratic beliefs. The present research aims to provide experimental support to these assumptions by exploring the effect of motivational messages on meritocratic beliefs and the perceived effectiveness of individual and collective action to promote social change toward equality and on collective action intentions. Across three experiments, 663 participants were exposed to motivational messages either by copying short quotes or watching a short video containing those same quotes. As compared with a control condition, exposure to motivational messages strengthened meritocratic beliefs and, in turn, increased the perceived effectiveness of individual action in promoting social change and undermined the perceived effectiveness of collective action and subsequently collective action intentions. These findings fuel the debate on the individualistic bias and meritocratic orientation of the self-help industry and highlight the need to analyze its impact on social and economic justice.
A review of the IADT 2020 guidelines
Authors: Burns Beth , Malcolm Lucy
Published: November 2023

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a relatively frequent occurrence, with roughly a third of adults experiencing a dental trauma at some time in their life.1 TDIs may present to dental professionals working within primary or secondary care settings. Patients presenting at the time of acute injury will require immediate management and careful long term follow up. Patients may also present later reporting a history of TDI, with developing complications and onward management required. To support dental care professionals, the International Association of Dental Traumatology’s (IADT) Guidelines are available globally as a standardised tool to aid the assessment, management and follow up of dental trauma. These easy to access guidelines were updated in 2020 with four distinct publications:

General Introduction,1 Fractures and Luxations,2 Avulsion of Permanent Teeth,3 and Injuries in the Primary Dentition.4 The current guidelines represent the best evidence based on available literature and expert opinion.1

This paper aims to support dental professionals by specifically highlighting and describing updates in guidance, using the 2020 IADT published guidelines. By incorporating the 2020 guidelines into our everyday practice we aim to provide the most appropriate, standardised care, based on the highest level of available evidence to our patients.

The full published guidelines are available free online via the IADT website.
Displacement Injuries: Assessment and Management
Authors: Kilgariff Julie K. , Fairless Matthew
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to aid clinicians in the assessment and immediate management of dental trauma displacement injuries to permanent teeth. Long term sequelae, the impact of such injuries, and the evidence-base for managing these are discussed.

Clinical cases are provided to illustrate management challenges and highlight where further evidence-based guidance is needed. The role of the general dental practitioner in the immediate management and follow-up of traumatic dental injuries is outlined and sequelae, worthy of potential referral, described.
A qualitative study of teleconsultation practices among French oncologists in a post-COVID-19 period
Authors: Lantheaume Sophie , Doublet Louis , Mory Jean-Eudes , Durand Thierry , Lebosse William , Heudel Pierre-Etienne
Published: November 2023

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted healthcare professionals to adapt and implement new tools to ensure continuity of patient care. Teleconsultation became the only option for some practitioners who had never used it previously and boosted its use for others who already used it. Several studies have reviewed the use of teleconsultation in oncology during the epidemic, but few have addressed its continued use and how practitioners view it in a post-epidemic period. The aim of this survey was to conduct a qualitative exploration of how oncologists use teleconsultation in their daily practice in a post-COVID 19 period.

Materials and Methods

For this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with oncologists in France who utilized teleconsultation in the field of oncology during the COVID-19 period. The interview guide included questions on the interests and limitations of using teleconsultation in oncology, on reluctance to use it among oncologists, and invited participants to formulate proposals for more optimal use.

Results

Fourteen oncologists participated in the survey. Currently, 12% of the consultations of the surveyed practitioners are conducted via teleconsultation. Seven themes were identified in the analysis of the interviews: (a) The oncologist and teleconsultation; (b) Clinical motivations for using teleconsultation; (c) Comparison between teleconsultation and in-person consultation; (d) Advantages and disadvantages of teleconsultation; (e) Technical modalities of teleconsultation; (f) Role of Covid and confinement in the use of teleconsultation; (h) Epistemic judgments about teleconsultation. Optimal teleconsultation occurs when seamlessly incorporated into patient care, offering reduced patient inconvenience, and providing economic and environmental benefits. Although there's a lack of unified agreement in research literature regarding time efficiency, teleconsultation facilitates more customized patient monitoring and addresses the challenge of “medical deserts” nationally. Considering patient preferences is crucial when contemplating the use of teleconsultation. Predominantly, technical issues stand as the principal barriers to teleconsultation implementation.

Conclusion

Even after the end of the health crisis, teleconsultation is still used in clinical practice. Recommendations for effective use are suggested.
Scrolling TikTok to Soothe and Foster Self-Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Şot İrem
Published: November 2023

The coronavirus pandemic reinforced the burden of self-care, which was imperative to maintaining positivity and controlling discontent amid uncertainty. Burdened with caring for themselves in the absence of psychological support covered by social health care, individuals resorted to scrolling through algorithm-ridden social media feeds to contain their stress and anxiety. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 36 individuals, this research explores the extent to which TikTok scrolling, which users would “normally” consider a waste of time, became a modality of fostering mental well-being and self-care in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study initially positions the coronavirus pandemic as a situation that compelled individuals to wait amid uncertainty. The argument weaves anthropological approaches to waiting, critical approaches to self-care, and research on continuous connection to argue distinctive waiting experiences generated different meanings ascribed to TikTok scrolling. The findings center on resorting to algorithmic coping in self-care pursuits and perceiving TikTok scrolling as conducive to gaining practical knowledge, sociality, and physical activity. These understandings are indebted to the pressures of containing discomfort under the uncertainty of the pandemic, which rendered TikTok scrolling useful and meaningful, reducing the guilt attached to the practice. Moreover, the efficacy of algorithms in detaching users from toxic content or delivering useful content constituted a healthy way of engaging with the platform. Both the perception of healthy usage and receiving algorithmic content as contributive to mental well-being marked a shift from wasting time on social media to making time for oneself.
Assembling “Sides” of TikTok: Examining Community, Culture, and Interface through a BookTok Case Study
Authors: Maddox Jessica , Gill Fiona
Published: November 2023

The term “side” has emerged to describe communities on the short-form video app TikTok. But what discursive work does the metaphor of side do to describe online communities? Through a case study with a textual analysis of the culture, technology, interface, and platform vernaculars present in reading fandom TikTok, BookTok, we explore how user practice and app features intertwine to establish sides of TikTok as relational, individualistically positioned, and exclusionary. In the process, we also present a cursory charting of the BookTok community. Unpacking the construction and implications of this metaphor matters because it shows the distinctive and exclusionary work done by the term side, not just across TikTok but within collectives as well. Who TikTok believes to be the typical member of a side has implications for discrimination and exclusion on the app, as it feeds into existing divisiveness in communities and the app’s tendency to suppress people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and disabled individuals.
Professional Nurses’ Experiences Regarding Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Opportunities at Public Hospitals of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Nyelisani Maggie , Makhado Lufuno , Luhalima Takalani
Published: November 2023

Rapid changes in health care, innovative technologies, and the emergence of new knowledge globally led to a need for enhancement in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for nurses in public hospitals of Limpopo. However, they need to be empowered with updated knowledge and skills to adapt to these changes to enable them to render quality care to patients, resulting in fewer lawsuits. To explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses regarding CPD opportunities in the public hospitals of Limpopo Province. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilized in this study. Individual semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Participants comprised 35 professional nurses who were purposely selected. Data collected were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using Tech’s eight-step data coding process, which led to the emergence of themes and sub-themes. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability. Four themes emerged: Professional nurses’ understanding of CPD, Professional nurses’ views about necessary support needed for CPD, Professional nurses’ related to in-service training being offered, and Identified measures to resolve the challenges. Findings highlight that professional nurses value CPD and view it as important in learning new skills and improving standards of patient care and their self-esteem. Findings included challenges such as poor attendance of CPD activities and, lack of understanding of CPD, lack of access to CPD training, shortage of staff, and lack of funding and support by managers. Offering CPD opportunities regularly enhances knowledge and skills personally and professionally. However, more effective strategies are needed to address the identified challenges. Nurse Managers, Human Resources Departments, and the Department of Health need to be informed and updated on what is required in order to create and sustain effective and attainable CPD opportunities in the public hospitals of Limpopo Province.
Looming sounds as auditory warnings: Uses for enhancing visual contrast sensitivity?
Authors: Seebold Patrick , Nam Chang S. , He Yingchen
Published: November 2023

Looming sounds have been shown to influence visual perception, suggesting they may make effective auditory warning tones for use with visual tasks. To explore the use of looming sounds as warning signals and to determine whether the strength of a looming sound will impact its effectiveness, we tested five looming sounds with different amplitude increases as warning tones in a contrast sensitivity task where participants made judgements concerning the orientation of low-contrast sinusoidal gratings. Reaction time, accuracy, and contrast threshold were measured for each sound condition. Our results indicate that accuracy was higher and reaction time was faster when a sound was present compared to when no sound was present, and contrast threshold was significantly lowered in sound trials compared to silent trials. However, there was no difference in accuracy, reaction time, or contrast threshold by strength of looming. These results suggest that while auditory warning sounds do enhance performance on a basic visual task, the benefit was not unique to looming sounds. This experiment will help inform the design of warnings by providing insight into the underlying effects of looming sounds on visual performance.
The Impact of Content Temporality and Modality in Automotive User Interface on Trust and Comfort
Authors: Fereydooni Nadia , Scott-Sharoni Sidney T. , Walker Bruce N. , Lenneman John K. , Austin Benjamin P. , Yoshida Takeshi
Published: November 2023

The manner an HMI presents information can affect a user's experience in highly automated vehicles. This online experimental study analyzed how informing participants of future or current events and vehicle behaviors in various modalities affected trust and comfort. We observed that presenting users with information about upcoming road events and vehicle maneuvers lead to greater user trust and comfort, but only when also alerting users about the immediately occurring events. Psychological and human-robot interaction theories provided explanations for why a combination of current and future alerts may result in higher user trust. Understanding how content temporality impacts the individual has design implications that may potentially lead to an increased partnership and optimized interaction between a person and their highly automated vehicle.
Psychological Factors That Affect Return to Sport After Surgical Intervention for Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gibbs David , Mallory Noah , Hoge Connor , Jones Grant , Bishop Julie , Cvetanovich Gregory , Rauck Ryan
Published: November 2023

Background:

Recent advances have begun to identify the nonphysical factors facilitating successful return to sport (RTS) after shoulder instability surgery, yet little is currently known regarding psychological factors and RTS.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purposes of this study were to (1) identify psychological factors associated with RTS, (2) evaluate the prognostic utility of various psychological factors, and (3) evaluate the available metrics used to assess psychological RTS readiness. It was hypothesized that psychological factors would be identified as critical elements influencing a patient's RTS.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Clinical studies reporting on the psychological determinants of RTS for patients who had surgery for shoulder instability between 1996 and 2022 were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Demographic, clinical, and psychometric properties were extracted for pooled weighted analysis.

Results:

Of the 969 studies screened, 24 (2.5%) met inclusion criteria. Overall, 2135 patients were included (mean age, 26.0 years; range, 17.4-35.5 years; 84.7% male). The mean time to RTS was 6.8 months (range, 3.7-11.9 months). There was a 76.3% rate of any RTS; of the 1212 patients who reported level of play at return, 305 (25.2%) were unable to perform at their prior level. Psychological reasons were cited by 85% (n = 360) of patients who did not RTS. Fear of reinjury was the most common reason (n = 154; 42.8%); other psychological factors included lack of confidence (n = 46; 12.8%), anxiety (n = 45; 12.5%), depression (n = 44; 12.2%), psychosocial factors (n = 48; 13.3%), and lack of motivation (n = 23; 6.4%). The Shoulder Instability Return to Sport after Injury, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms Self Report, Degree of Shoulder Involvement in Sports, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11, and Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey were reported measures for assessing psychology and RTS.

Conclusion:

Fear of reinjury was found to be the most commonly reported impediment to RTS. The psychological characteristics identified through this review may be incorporated into future RTS protocols seeking to address resilience and nonphysical factors associated with RTS.
Safe Talar Tunnel Placement During Reconstruction of the Deep Layer of the Deltoid Ligament: A Comparison of 4 Different Anatomic Landmarks on the Lateral Malleolus
Authors: Ji Xiaoxi , Li Hongyun , Li Hong , Tong Jiahui , Hua Yinghui
Published: November 2023

Background:

Deltoid ligament reconstruction of the ankle can be considered when the ruptured ligament is insufficient for direct repair.

Purpose:

To compare the safety of talar tunnels oriented toward 4 different anatomic landmarks on the lateral malleolus during reconstruction of the deep layer of the deltoid ligament (DDL).

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 30 computed tomography scans of the ankle joint in healthy adults were collected to generate 3-dimensional models. Virtual talar tunnels with a diameter of 5 mm and with different lengths (20.0, 25.0, and 30.0 mm) were created from the talar insertion of the DDL and were oriented toward the talar neck as well as the most anterior, the most distal, and the most posterior points of the distal fibula. The minimal safe distance (MSD) of a drilling route was calculated for the tunnels, and the safe distance from the end of the tunnel to the bone surface was measured for each tunnel. The nonpaired Student t test was used to detect differences among the safe distances of the 4 different bone tunnels.

Results:

For the 20.0-mm tunnels, the safe distance of the tunnel oriented toward the talar neck (5.90 ± 1.16 mm) did not meet the MSD (6.0 mm). For the 25.0-mm tunnels, the safe distances of the tunnels oriented toward the talar neck (4.53 ± 1.13 mm) and the anterior point of the fibula (5.91 ± 1.52 mm) did not meet the MSD (6.9 mm).

Conclusion:

Tunnels that were 5 mm in diameter and 20.0 and 25.0 mm in length, oriented toward the most distal or most posterior point of the distal fibula, were safe for DDL reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance:

Knowledge of safe talar tunnel placement is important, especially to avoid bone surface penetration during DDL reconstruction.
A Case Report of Rasmussen Encephalitis and its Stages: The Important Role of Imaging
Authors: Yahya El Harras , Khadija Laasri , Nourrelhouda Bahlouli , Nazik Allali , Latifa Chat , Siham El Haddad
Published: November 2023

Relatively rare, Rasmussen encephalitis is a chronic inflammatory disease conditioning a single cerebral hemisphere. It is a progressive pathology with different stages clinically and on MRI. Therefore, imaging has an important role in evoking the diagnosis and also excluding other possible etiologies. We report a case of Rasmussen encephalitis with 2 different stages on MRI and also provide a review of the role of imaging in diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, and stages of this pathology.
Cognitive Interviewing to Develop a New Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Parkinson's Disease: The Preference-Based Parkinson's Disease Index (PB-PDI)
Authors: Na Eunjung , Teshler Lizabeth , Malouka Selina , Mayo Nancy E , Bouchard Vanessa , Barbier Alexandra , Kuspinar Ayse
Published: November 2023

Preference-based measures (PBM) for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are essential in assessing the cost-utility of different treatment options. The preference-based Parkinson's disease Index (PB-PDI) is being developed for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to refine the PB-PDI through cognitive interviews with people with PD. Cognitive debriefing was conducted to assess patients’ interpretation of items, both in English and French. Participants’ feedback guided the iterative modification of the PB-PDI and items were accepted for final inclusion if they were endorsed by three consecutive participants. A total of 16 participants provided feedback on the items, refined the response options, and discussed how to clarify questions. They selected a 2-week timeframe for the PB-PDI recall period. At the end of the cognitive interviews, all seven items and their response options were endorsed in both languages. The cognitive interview process allowed us to refine items and ensure that they were clear in terms of instructions and response options from the perspective of people with PD. The next step will be to elicit preference weights to develop a scoring algorithm and assess its measurement properties.
Machine Learning and Non-Investment Crowdfunding Research: A Tutorial
Authors: Elitzur Ramy
Published: November 2023

This study is intended for researchers (and doctoral students) interested in learning more on the use of machine learning methods in non-investment crowdfunding (i.e., reward- and donation-based). In particular, the study illustrates the insights that machine learning methods could provide on non-investment crowdfunding, for example, through data and information visualization, the ranking of features importance, and prediction assessment metrics. Specifically, I use four machine learning methods (gradient boosted decision trees, random forests, shallow neural networks, and support vector machines). As the literature shows, machine learning methods outperform classical regression models when the underlying relations are nonlinear. As such, the study offers some insights on the nonlinear relationships that could exist between the explanatory variables and the likelihood of success for art projects (e.g., threshold and Goldilocks effects). The study also offers some guidance to art project creators.
Variations in Health-Related Quality of Life After Stroke: Insights From a Clinical Trial on Arm Rehabilitation With a Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Milani Giada , Mantovani Linda , Baroni Andrea , Lamberti Nicola , Basaglia Nino , Lavezzi Susanna , Manfredini Fabio , Straudi Sofia
Published: November 2023

Despite rehabilitation, stroke patients continue to have impaired function and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) even in a chronic stage. However, no clear information is available on long-term variations in HRQoL. In this study, we aimed to report the short- and long-term changes in HRQoL in a subacute stroke sample that was enrolled in a clinical trial on arm rehabilitation. Thirty-nine stroke survivors (62% male, mean age 68 years) were assessed using the Stroke Impact Scale Version 2.0 (SIS 2.0) pre and post rehabilitation and at 6 months and 6 years follow-up. Long-term changes in physical function were explored through clinically meaningful changes in the Stroke Impact Scale-16 (SIS-16). After rehabilitation ( P < .001), an overall improvement was found in all SIS domains except the memory and thinking, emotions, and communication domains. The baseline SIS-16 score ( P < .001), the presence of a sensory deficit, and rehabilitation setting ( P < .05) were factors related to the SIS-16 domain scores at the end of rehabilitation and at 6 months follow-up. Patients showed the most deterioration in the mobility ( P < .001), strength ( P < .003), and hand function ( P < .05) domains 6 years after stroke. Stroke severity, male gender, and age ⩾65 years are related with a long-term HRQoL reduction after stroke.