bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Matched Comparative Analysis of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Remission Between Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Hage Karl , Ma Pearl , Ghusn Wissam , Ikemiya Kayla , Acosta Andres , Vierkant Robert A. , Abu Dayyeh Barham K. , Higa Kelvin D. , Ghanem Omar M.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Multiple scores validate long-term type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, studies comparing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) have not adequately controlled for certain parameters, which may influence procedure selection.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective review of patients with T2DM who underwent RYGB or SG between 2008 and 2017. Data on demographics, clinical, laboratory, and metabolic values were collected annually for up to 14 years. Each eligible RYGB patient was individually matched to an eligible SG patient based on diabetes severity, weight loss, and follow-up duration.

Results

Among 1149 T2DM patients, 467 were eligible for matching. We found 97 matched pairs who underwent RYGB or SG. RYGB showed significantly higher T2DM remission rates (46.4%) compared to SG (33.0%) after matching. SG patients had higher insulin usage (35.1%) than RYGB patients (20.6%). RYGB patients also experienced greater decreases in HbA1c levels and diabetes medication usage than SG patients.

Conclusions

RYGB demonstrates higher efficacy for T2DM remission compared to SG, regardless of baseline characteristics, T2DM severity, weight loss, and follow-up duration. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term metabolic effects of MBS and the underlying pathophysiology of T2DM remission after MBS.
Prioritizing Equitable Mathematics Teaching Practices: A Case for Culturally Responsive Instructional Supervision
Authors: Lund Camille M.
Published: January 2024

Scholars suggest that culturally responsive instructional supervision (CRIS) is an important component of equitable teaching practices in schools. This fictional case study details the experiences of a fifth-grade team who, along with their principal and their instructional coach, perform a discourse analysis of their own mathematics lessons to diagnose the equity gaps in their teaching and make necessary adjustments. The case narrative highlights the need for equitable teaching practices in the mathematics classroom and the potential needs of school leaders as they work to create more equitable learning environments in their schools through the use of CRIS.
Harms Reporting in the RCTs Underpinning the AAOS Clinical Practice Guidelines for Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Thompson Ashley A. , Iyer Avinash , Kotlier Jacob L. , Mayfield Cory K. , Petrigliano Frank A. , Liu Joseph N.
Published: January 2024

Background:

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) publishes clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for various pathologies. An extension to the Consolidated Standards for Reporting (CONSORT) checklist provides authors with a framework for reporting harms in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to measure harms reporting among RCTs cited as supporting evidence for the AAOS CPG on the treatment of clavicle fractures. This study also sought to determine whether these reporting rates changed over time.

Methods:

Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we used the AAOS CPG for clavicle fractures and conducted a linear regression analysis to model the relationship between the year of publication and the total CONSORT checklist percentage adherence over time.

Results:

There were 28 RCTs cited as supporting evidence for the clavicle fractures CPG included in the final sample. The average number of the 18 CONSORT Extension for Harms items appropriately reported across all included RCTs was 9.32 (51.8%). Nine checklist items had more than 50% compliance (50%), 3 items had between 20% and 50% compliance (16.7%), and 6 items had less than 20% compliance (33.3%). The linear regression model demonstrated no significant improvement in CONSORT Harms reporting over time.

Conclusions:

Adverse events are inadequately reported in RCTs cited as supporting evidence for the AAOS Treatment of Clavicle Fractures CPGs. We recommend the utilization of standardized adverse event reporting tools specific to orthopedic trauma literature to facilitate ease in adverse event reporting among RCTs.
Acoustic attenuation prediction and analysis of perforated hybrid mufflers with non-uniform flow based on frequency domain linearized Navier-Stokes equations
Authors: Zhirong He , Zhenlin Ji , Yiliang Fan
Published: January 2024

The three-dimensional frequency-domain linearized Navier-Stokes equations (LNSEs) with consideration of eddy viscosity are developed to evaluate the acoustic attenuation performance of perforated hybrid mufflers in the presence of non-uniform flow. The computations are performed in two steps: time averaged flow variables are acquired by using steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and then mapped into the acoustic mesh, and the acoustic perturbation variables are obtained by solving frequency-domain LNSEs, where the sound-absorbing material is treated as an equivalent fluid with complex sound speed and density. The predictions of transmission losses of the two-pass perforated hybrid mufflers in the presence of non-uniform flow are in good consistencies with the measurements, which verifies the correctness of LNSEs. The effect of Mach numbers on acoustic attenuation performance of the mufflers with different filling densities and perforated components is investigated in detail. The transmission loss of the mufflers with various filling densities are increased by complex airflow in the lower frequency range. For the mufflers where not all components have been perforated, the flow lowers low-frequency resonance peak. The influence of complex airflow on acoustic attenuation performance of all configurations is weakened at higher frequencies.
Numerical investigation of the influences of ridge ice parameters on lift and drag coefficients of airfoils through design of experiments
Authors: Zheng Chengyi , Jin Zheyan , Dong Qiaotian , Yang Zhigang
Published: January 2024

The complexity of ice accretion shapes on aircraft brings challenges in establishing the physical correlations between the geometric parameters of ice and the aerodynamic performances of an airfoil. The present study applied a quarter-circle simplified ridge ice model and designed four parameters, including the lower ice horn, the height of the upper ice horn, the angle of the upper ice horn, and the location of the upper ice horn. Design of Experiments (DOE) was adopted to design the simulation process and analyze the obtained data. Numerical investigations were carried out to study the effects of these four design parameters on the lift coefficients ( CL) and drag coefficients ( CD) of three airfoils at various angles of attack. The results revealed that the four design parameters had influences on CL and CD in all simulation cases. The influence of the height of the upper ice horn was always dominant, followed by the angle and location of the upper ice horn. The influence degrees of the lower ice horn varied with the angles of attack and airfoils. The change trends of CL and CD were opposite while changing the value of any parameter in most simulation cases. In addition, the leading-edge radii of these three airfoils, as well as the shapes of the upper and lower surfaces, could alter the influences of design parameters on CL and CD.
Development of early numeracy skills in children with moderate intellectual disability
Authors: Altindag Kumas Ozlem , Sardohan Yıldırım Adile Emel
Published: January 2024

This study assessed the effectiveness of a program aimed at improving the early numeracy skills of students with moderate intellectual disability. The persistence of the acquired skills and the program’s impact on learning were monitored. Feedback from the students and their mothers was also gathered. Using a multiple-probe design across subjects, the results were visually presented through graphical analysis. Three male students aged 8–9 years participated. After obtaining high-reliability findings from reliability analyses, results showed the program effectively increased students’ number skills with a high effect size. These skills persisted post-intervention, and both students and mothers expressed positive views of the intervention.
The Effect of Income and Wealth on Behavioral Strategies, Personality Traits, and Preferences
Authors: Boon-Falleur Mélusine , Baumard Nicolas , André Jean-Baptiste
Published: January 2024

Individuals living in either harsh or favorable environments display well-documented psychological and behavioral differences. For example, people in favorable environments tend to be more future-oriented, trust strangers more, and have more explorative preferences. To account for such differences, psychologists have turned to evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology, in particular, the literature on life-history theory and pace-of-life syndrome. However, critics have found that the theoretical foundations of these approaches are fragile and that differences in life expectancy cannot explain vast psychological and behavioral differences. In this article, we build on the theory of optimal resource allocation to propose an alternative framework. We hypothesize that the quantity of resources available, such as income, has downstream consequences on psychological traits, leading to the emergence of behavioral syndromes. We show that more resources lead to more long-term orientation, more tolerance of variance, and more investment in low marginal-benefit needs. At the behavioral level, this translates, among others, into more large-scale cooperation, more investment in health, and more exploration. These individual-level differences in behavior, in turn, account for cultural phenomena such as puritanism, authoritarianism, and innovation.
The contribution of difficulty of an irrelevant task to task conflict
Authors: Hershman Ronen , Sapir Ayelet , Keha Eldad , Wagner Michael , Weiss Elisabeth M , Henik Avishai
Published: January 2024

In the standard colour-word Stroop task, participants are presented with colour words and required to respond to their colour while ignoring their meaning. Two types of conflict might occur in such experiments: information conflict and task conflict. Information conflict reflects the processing of two contradicting pieces of information and is indicated by shorter reaction times (RTs) in congruent than in incongruent trials. Task conflict reflects the additional effort associated with performing two tasks, as opposed to one, and is indicated by shorter RTs in neutral trials than in congruent trials (termed reverse facilitation). While information conflict is commonly seen in Stroop and Stroop-like tasks, task conflict is rarely observed. In the present study, participants were presented with coloured segments that, by applying Gestalt principles, could be perceived as colour words. We found that incongruent trials were slower than congruent trials, suggesting that participants successfully perceived the colour words, which led to involuntary reading. In addition, reversed facilitation was found so that neutral trials (i.e., trials that only consist of one task) were faster than congruent trials (as well as incongruent trials; both consist of two tasks). The presence of both interference from the incongruent trials and reverse facilitation suggests that involuntary reading could also occur in scenarios requiring cognitive effort.
A phase II study evaluating the efficacy of enzalutamide and the role of liquid biopsy for evaluation of ARv7 in mCRPC patients with measurable metastases including visceral disease (Excalibur study)
Authors: Sepe Pierangela , Procopio Giuseppe , Pircher Chiara Carlotta , Basso Umberto , Caffo Orazio , Cappelletti Vera , Claps Melanie , De Giorgi Ugo , Fratino Lucia , Guadalupi Valentina , Miodini Patrizia , De Marco Cinzia , Perrucci Bruno , Mennitto Alessia , Santini Daniele , Spina Francesco , Stellato Marco , de Braud Filippo , Verzoni Elena
Published: January 2024

Background:

Up to 30% of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) develop visceral metastases, which are associated with a poor prognosis.

Objectives:

Efficacy of enzalutamide in mCRPC patients with measurable metastases, including visceral and/or extra-regional lymph nodes.

Methods:

In this phase II multicenter study, patients with mCRPC and measurable metastases received enzalutamide as the first line. Primary endpoint: 3-month (mo) disease control rate (DCR) defined as the proportion of patients with complete (CR) or partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD) as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1. Secondary endpoint: safety. Exploratory endpoint: the association between ARv7 splicing variants in basal circulating tumor cell (CTC)-enriched blood samples and treatment response/resistance using the AdnaTest ProstateCancerSelect kit and the AdnaTest ProstateCancer Panel AR-V7.

Results:

From March 2017 to January 2021, 68 patients were enrolled. One patient never started treatment. Median age: 72 years. A total of 52 patients (78%) received enzalutamide as a first line for mCRPC. The median follow-up was 32 months. At the 3-month assessment, 24 patients presented an SD, 1 patient achieved a CR, and 23 patients had a PR (3-mo-DCR of 72%). Discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs), disease-related death, or disease progression occurred in 9%, 6%, and 48% of patients. All patients reported at least one grade (G) 1–2 AE: the most common were fatigue (49%) and hypertension (33%). Six G3 AEs were reported: two hypertension, one seizure, one fatigue, one diarrhea, and one headache. Basal detection of ARv7 was significantly associated with poor treatment response (p = 0.034) and a nonsignificant association (p = 0.15) was observed between ARv7 detection and response assessments. At month 3, ARv7 was detected in 57%, 25%, and 15% of patients undergoing progressive disease, SD, and PR, respectively.

Conclusion:

The study met its primary endpoint, showing the efficacy of enzalutamide in men with mCRPC and measurable metastatic lesions in visceral and/or lymph node sites.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03103724. First Posted: 6 April 2017. First patient enrollment: 19 April 2017.
The impact of facilitating conditions on electric vehicle adoption intention in China: An integrated unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model
Authors: Wang Dingni , Ozden Mucahit , Tsang Yung Po
Published: January 2024

This research aims to explore the influential factors that promote and impede Chinese customers’ adoption intention of electric vehicles (EVs). An extended version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was developed to gauge customers’ willingness to adopt EVs. 348 responses and structural equation modelling were employed for analysis. This paper contributes to this research area mainly through two aspects: First of all, it provides more robust evidence of the positive moderating effects on price value since few research studies on it. Secondly, the positive moderating effects of facilitating conditions between perceived risk and adoption intention of EVs were found for the first time, which fills the gap in this research area. Except these, the results also showed that performance expectations, social influence, and price value positively influence EV adoption intention, while perceived risk has a negative impact. Additionally, age and gender were found to significantly moderate adoption intention. These findings offer insights for policymakers to craft more effective policies, ultimately advancing sustainability and accelerating the achievement of long-term carbon neutrality goals.
Polyhydroxy Sterols Isolated From Ganoderma sinense Spores and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Lian Danhong , Zhong Xin , Li Lian , Gu Li , Zheng Yimei , Liu Xin
Published: January 2024

Background: The fruiting body of Ganoderma sinense Zhao, Xu et Zhang iscertified as an authoritative medical material in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition and has been used as a crude drug for a long time. G sinense spores are crucial part of the fruiting body of G sinense and exhibited antitumor and immune-enhancing activities according to our previous reports. However, there were few studies about the chemical composition of G sinense spores. This study was aimed at the structure determination and antitumor effect of the sterols isolated from G sinense spores. Methods: Modern chromatographic methods were applied to isolate compounds from the ruptured spores of G sinense. Their chemical structures were elucidated by analyses of one-dimensional and two-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry data. The cytotoxicities of the isolated compounds against 3 tumor cell lines, human non-small cell lung cancer A549 and 95D cells, and human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8. Results: A novel ergosterol derivative, (22 E,24 R)-3β,5β,6α,7α,14β-pentahydroxyergosta-8,22-dien-15-one (1), and 5 known sterols, (22 E,24 R)-3β,5α,9α,14β-tetrahydroxyergosta-7,22-dien-6-one (2), (22 E,24 R)-ergosta-7,9(11),22-triene-3β,5α,6β-triol (3), (22 E,24 R)-ergosta-7,9(11),22-triene-3β,5α,6β,14α-tetrol (4), β-daucosterine (5), and (22 E,24 R)-ergosta-7,22-diene-3β,5α,6β,9α-tetrol (6), were obtained from the ruptured spores of G sinense. Compound 1 exhibited cytotoxicity against A549 cells and HepG-2 cells with IC50 values of 65.12 ± 4.76 and 97.34 ± 6.36 μM, respectively. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 were obtained from G sinense for the first time. Conclusion: This paper is a continuation of an investigation of the chemical ingredients from G sinense spores and their antitumor effect. Only compound 1 showed weak cytotoxicities against A549 cells and HepG-2 cells.
Neolignan Glycoside and Other Constituents From the Leaves of Ligustrum sinense and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Thu Nong Thi Anh , Linh Lo Huyen , Hoang Dao Anh , Oanh Nguyen Tu , Thao Vu Mai , Hang Nguyen Thi Minh , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan
Published: January 2024

Objectives: The aim of the project was the isolation, structure elucidation, and anti-inflammatory evaluation of compounds from the leaves of Ligustrum sinense Lour. Methods: Chromatographic techniques were used to isolate anti-inflammatory compounds from the methanol extract of L sinense leaves. The structures of compounds were elucidated by analyses of mass spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance data, and Circular dichroism spectra. Compounds were evaluated using anti-inflammatory assays. Results: One new neolignane glucoside, neoligustrume A (1), along with eleven known compounds, ligujaponoside A (2), ligujaponoside B (3), ligustroside (4), oleuropein (5), ligustaloside A dimethyl acetal (6), ligustaloside B dimethyl acetal (7), olivil (8), (+)-cycloolivil (9), kaempferol 3- O-β-D-glucopyranoside-7- O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (10), oleanoic acid (11), and hydroxytyrosol (12) were isolated from the methanol extract of L sinense leaves. Compounds 2, 3, and 12 showed significant inhibitory NO production with IC50 values of 16.3 ± 0.5, 18.2 ± 1.1, and 15.7 ± 1.9 μM, respectively. Compounds 4-7 and 11 showed moderate inhibitory NO production with IC50 values ranging from 21.4 to 45.0 µM. Moreover, compound 12 showed the most TNF-α inhibition with 58.1 ± 5.7% at a concentration of 50 μM. Conclusions: One new and 11 known compounds were isolated from L sinense. This is the first report of compounds 2-9 from L sinense. Compounds 2, 3, and 12 showed significant inhibitory NO production with IC50 values of 16.3 ± 0.5, 18.2 ± 1.1, and 15.7 ± 1.9 μM, respectively. Compound 12 could be the anti-inflammatory source.
The Pro’s and Con’s of Working for Tips
Authors: Lynn Michael
Published: January 2024

Despite its prevalence and importance in the hospitality, personal care, and travel industries, tipping is a form of compensation that does not appeal to all workers. Furthermore, liking of this form of compensation is associated with satisfaction and tenure in tipped occupations, so there is value in correctly anticipating who will and will not like working for tips. Although research into the causes and predictors of worker attitudes toward working for tips is limited, it is possible to identify numerous pros and cons of tip compensation from a worker perspective. A greater upfront understanding of those pros and cons of working for tips would obviously benefit prospective workers by helping them to make better decisions about whether or not to seek and accept offers of tipped work. A more complete understanding of those pros and cons would also benefit managers of tipped workers who could use it to better evaluate the suitability of applicants for tipped work and/or could share it with job applicants to improve their self-selection into and out of the job. Accordingly, the current managerial perspectives article seeks to help managers by enumerating and discussing the major pros and cons of working for tips.
The Technology Acceptance Model and Hospitality and Tourism Consumers’ Intention to Use Mobile Technologies: Meta-Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Li Fangxuan (Sam) , Zhu Dan , Lin Mao-Tang (Brian) , Kim Peter B.
Published: January 2024

What drives consumers to adopt mobile technologies has been a significant research topic in hospitality and tourism literature. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been widely adopted to examine this topic. Meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) was conducted to assess the efficacy of the TAM in estimating consumers’ intention to adopt these technologies in hospitality and tourism contexts. The moderating effects of cultural differences (Eastern vs. Western) and research contexts (hospitality vs. tourism) were also examined. Based on 33 individual samples ( N = 13,635), the results indicated that: “perceived usefulness” (PU) has the strongest impact, “perceived ease of use” (PEOU) has stronger effects on PU and attitude in the context of Eastern culture compared to Western culture, and the relationship between “attitude” and “intention” was stronger in the context of hospitality than in the context of tourism. Implications for hospitality and tourism researchers and practitioners are discussed based on these findings.
Dissociative Identity Disorder in Schools Part I
Authors: Kieran Kathryn , Morse Brenna , Margolis Allison
Published: January 2024

Dissociation is a normal life adaptation that can become pronounced and disruptive in the setting of repeated or extreme exposure to trauma. Children and adolescents may experience dissociation due to a trauma or stressor-related disorder, anxiety, or depressive disorders. Children and adolescents also may mimic behavior they see online as a way of expressing internally painful and intolerable experiences. Myth and misinformation surround the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly multiple personality disorder. The purpose of this article is to provide school nurses with evidence-based information on DID and resources for practice regarding how to provide a secure, consistent approach to students who are being traumatized, misunderstood, or excluded at home or at school. Part 1 of this two-part series describes DID foundations and DID in school-aged children, reviews controversy spurred by social media representation, and presents the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) model. TIC offers useful perspectives regardless of a student’s presentation or diagnostic status. Part 2 will discuss recommendations for managing dissociative presentations using a team-based approach, focusing on the school nurse’s roles and responsibilities.
The use of digital learning in the EFL classroom and its effect on self-perceived knowledge, learning, and English use at the University of Tabuk
Authors: Ali Salah M , Yunus Kamariah , Alshaikhi Turky , Aliia Abdussalam Marie
Published: January 2024

The aim of the study is to investigate the use of digital technology in English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom using various digital tools through computers and cell phones. These tools and their effect on self-perceived knowledge, learning, and English use were analyzed at the University of Tabuk. The study was conducted on a sample of 605 first-year students at the University of Tabuk for their first two semesters of mandatory beginner and intermediate English courses. Students were asked to fill out a form before and after introducing digital use in the EFL classroom for a whole semester as a university initiative. This involved utilizing audiobooks, Grammarly, HelloTalk, and Duolingo, with the purpose of using these tools to develop and improve students reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The questionnaire scales have been taken from different sources mentioned in the methodology section and analyzed through the bivariate correlation test, multiple regression analysis and paired t test to evaluate the association between the use of digital learning in EFL classes and self-perceived knowledge, learning, and the use of English. The results of this study showed that there is a positive relationship between the use of digital tools in the classroom and students’ development in language learning.
The role of technological devices in parent-children interactions: The correlated variables of children’s well-being and life satisfaction
Authors: Kılıman Sevinç , Ergün Naif , Aslan Alper , Göksu İdris
Published: January 2024

This study aims to examine children’s well-being and life satisfaction in terms of various variables related to parents’ and children’s problematic technology usage. Specifically, parent/child responses during their technology use and parents' phubbing and technoference behaviors were considered. The study was conducted with 185 children (8–14) and their parents (mother = 96, father = 89). The data were analyzed by performing correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, t test, and one-way ANOVA. According to the results, there were negative correlations between children’s life satisfaction and age, children’s technological device (smartphone, computer) usage time, and children/parents responding negatively to each other when engaged in technological devices. Children’s well-being was negatively correlated to their age and children/parents responding negatively to each other when engaged in technological devices. A positive correlation was found between children’s life satisfaction and well-being as well as parents’ phubbing and technoference. According to another result, the well-being of children having their own computer was significantly higher than those who do not have a computer. Finally, children/parents responding negatively to each other when engaged in technological devices negatively predicted the children’s life satisfaction and well-being.
The mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between social support and medication adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Khalili Azar Khadijeh , Mirzaei Amirreza , Babapour Ali-Reza , Fathnezhad-Kazemi Azita
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the status of medication adherence in diabetic patients and its effective factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 170 diabetic patients in Iran. Participants were assessed for medication adherence, self-efficacy, and social support. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple stepwise regression were conducted to explore predictors for medication adherence.

Results:

Regression analysis showed that 48% of medication adherence changes stemmed from the four variables including social support, self-efficacy, income, and education levels, ( R2adj = 0.480, F = 39.943, p < 0.001). According to the model, the highest effects were related to income level (β = 0.332, t = 5.493, p ⩽ 0.001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.330, t = 4.789, p ⩽ 0.001), respectively. Based on the final model, only the social support variable showed no significant relationship with adherence (β = 0.002, t = 0.032, p = 0.947).

Conclusion:

Social support and self-efficacy were related to medication adherence in diabetic patients, and social support can improve medication adherence in patients with diabetes by affecting self-efficacy. Healthcare workers who interact with individuals with diabetes should take into account the factors mentioned above when designing health promotion interventions to address the needs of these individuals.
Incidence and characteristics of ligamentous knee injuries accompanying a femur shaft fracture and their association with injury mechanism and fracture characteristics: A prospective-observational study in a low-middle-income country
Authors: Dawood Muhammad Hamza , Shahzad Muhammad Gulfam , Perveen Haseefa , Daniyal Muhammad , Sohail Sheza , Roshan Mavra
Published: January 2024

Objective:

This study aims to elaborate the incidence, types, and characteristics of ligamentous knee injuries accompanying femoral-shaft fractures and their association with demographic data, fracture characteristics, and injury mechanism.

Methods:

This multi-center-prospective-observational study examined patients in the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma and Civil Hospital orthopedic wards. Using the consecutive sampling technique, 146 patients with femoral-shaft fractures were recruited, and scrutinized to determine the presence of ligamentous knee injury, through an evaluation form encompassing patients’ demographic data, fracture characteristics, knee examinations, and confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging. Knee injuries were detected intra-operatively under regional/general anesthesia and post-operatively utilizing diagnostic maneuvers (varus/valgus stress, Lachman, anterior/posterior drawer, external rotation recurvatum, and McMurray tests) by 2–3 surgeons and confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging was exclusively employed in suspected false positive/negative cases, and when a titanium implant was utilized, that is, 131 cases (89.7%). Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between incidence and type of ligamentous knee injury with demographic data, injury mechanism, and fracture characteristics.

Results:

Among the 146 patients with femoral-shaft fractures, 78% and 22% were males and females, with 37% experiencing associated ligamentous knee injury. Medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament were the commonest types of ligamentous injuries accompanying femoral-shaft fractures, at 44% and 33%. The Chi-square revealed a statistically significant association between the incidence of ligamentous knee injury accompanying femoral-shaft fracture with demographic data, injury mechanism, and fracture characteristics ( p-value < 0.05), and was noted to be higher among males (55.6%), participants aged 18–25 years (66.7%), involved in a road traffic accident (88.9%), resulting in a complex (77.8%) and close fracture (88.9%). A similar association was seen between medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament injuries with age, injury mechanism, and fracture characteristics ( p-value < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study revealed the unaddressed fact that Pakistan has a significant incidence of ligamentous knee injuries accompanying femoral-shaft fractures. These insights can empower clinicians/surgeons to understand and manage this condition effectively.
Political trust and public support for propaganda in China
Authors: Huang Haifeng , Intawan Chanita , Nicholson Stephen P.
Published: January 2024

Authoritarian governments heavily rely on propaganda as a means of maintaining rule. Although scholars have examined the effects of propaganda exposure, much less is known about attitudes toward propaganda messages. In this study, we explore the foundations underlying propaganda support in China by examining the role of political trust, a primary ingredient for explaining public support for government actions and compliance. Using a survey with a broad sample of Chinese internet users and taking measures to address endogeneity, we found that trust in government, whether measured indirectly (implicitly) or directly (explicitly), is a vital source of positive attitudes toward propaganda and hence its potential effects. Our results have important implications for understanding the foundations of propaganda support, the scope of political trust, and the value of indirect measures for gauging public opinion in authoritarian contexts. They also suggest that propaganda may lose its bite under certain conditions.
A Survey into Piano Teachers’ Perceptions of Music Memorization in One-to-one Piano Lessons: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Steliou Chara , Jakubowski Kelly
Published: January 2024

Despite more than a century of research on music memorization and practicing strategies, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on how instrumental music teachers teach memorization to children and adolescents in one-to-one lessons. The present qualitative study investigated the diversity of ways in which music memorization is taught in one-to-one piano lessons. Piano teachers (N = 37) completed an online survey collecting qualitative responses regarding music memorization. Participants were asked to give a brief description of music memorization, how they memorize as performers and how they teach music memorization to their students, amongst other questions. Results indicate that music memorization is perceived by most teachers as a skill that develops through practice rather than a natural talent. Reported strategies for teaching memorization fell into four categories: aural, visual, kinesthetic, and analytical, which align with previous theoretical conceptualizations of musical memorization. Recurring mentions of muscle memory practice and music theory knowledge suggest that kinesthetic and analytical methods are qualitatively dominant in the way teachers 1) define music memorization, 2) memorize as performers, and 3) teach music memorization. This suggests that aural and visual memorization methods might be less explored by piano teachers of children and adolescents and future research could be conducted in this area.
Azeem Rafiq, an Object or a Subject? “Can the Subaltern Speak?”
Authors: Hussain Umer , Bien-Aimé Steve
Published: January 2024

In the extant scholarship, there remains a paucity of research underscoring how Western media frame the identity of Muslim men athletes from diverse backgrounds who challenge the colonial sporting institution (e.g., cricket) with the allegation of racism. There is also a significant lacuna in literature exploring how the identity of a Muslim man athlete is shaped in Eastern media, ensuing his racial accusations against a Western sporting institution. This study aimed to analyze the media’s depiction of Azeem Rafiq after his racism allegations against Yorkshire Cricket Club, contrasting British and South Asian perspectives through neo-Orientalism and postcolonial theory within media framing scholarship. We analyzed data through textual and thematic analysis. The study results unearth that while Rafiq was heralded as a voice against racism by the British media, some media outlets focused on the narratives of exoticism, otherness, and the mysterious “Orient” while discussing Rafiq’s personality. Further, some Pakistani and Indian media outlets portrayed the Western world as a monolithic entity. The study findings also uncovered that numerous times, the Club’s sponsors’ responses were framed within financial and administrative narratives, often overshadowing the underlying issue of structural racism.
Spider silk enhanced tissue engineering of cartilage tissue: Approach of a novel bioreactor model using adipose derived stromal cells
Authors: Strauß Sarah , Diemer Maximilian , Bucan Vesna , Kuhbier Jörn W , Asendorf Tomke , Vogt Peter M , Schlottmann Frederik
Published: January 2024

Human cartilage tissue remains a challenge for the development of therapeutic options due to its poor vascularization and reduced regenerative capacities. There are a variety of research approaches dealing with cartilage tissue engineering. In addition to different biomaterials, numerous cell populations have been investigated in bioreactor-supported experimental setups to improve cartilage tissue engineering. The concept of the present study was to investigate spider silk cocoons as scaffold seeded with adipose-derived stromal cells (ASC) in a custom-made bioreactor model using cyclic axial compression to engineer cartilage-like tissue. For chemical induction of differentiation, BMP-7 and TGF-β2 were added and changes in cell morphology and de-novo tissue formation were investigated using histological staining to verify chondrogenic differentiation. By seeding spider silk cocoons with ASC, a high colonization density and cell proliferation could be achieved. Mechanical induction of differentiation using a newly established bioreactor model led to a more roundish cell phenotype and new extracellular matrix formation, indicating a chondrogenic differentiation. The addition of BMP-7 and TGF-β2 enhanced the expression of cartilage specific markers in immunohistochemical staining. Overall, the present study can be seen as pilot study and valuable complementation to the published literature.
Comparison of Outcomes in Pediatric and Adolescent Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries With and Without Meniscal Tears: Operative Versus Nonoperative Management
Authors: Rupp Garrett E. , Adrian Katherine M.V. , Bomar James D. , Chau Justin , Pennock Andrew T. , Edmonds Eric W.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Despite the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) being an essential stabilizer of the knee, there is a paucity of data regarding injury management in pediatric patients.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in outcomes after operative (OP) versus nonoperative (NOP) management of pediatric isolated (single-ligament) PCL tears. It was hypothesized that managing PCL tears operatively would lead to improved functional outcomes compared with NOP management, especially in the setting of an associated meniscal tear.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Pediatric patients with an isolated PCL injury between 2006 and 2020 were identified and grouped according to whether they had a concomitant meniscal tear (PCL+M) or no meniscal tear (PCL-M). These cohorts were further sorted into OP, NOP, and nonoperative converted to operative (NOP2OP) treatment cohorts. Outcome data collected included Lysholm score, current activity level, and whether the patient returned to sports after treatment.

Results:

A total of 48 patients (49 knees) met study inclusion criteria (31 male, 18 female; mean age at injury, 15.6 years; age range, 8.3-18.9 years). There were 37 knees in the PCL-M cohort (30 NOP, 2 NOP2OP, and 5 OP) and 12 knees in the PCL+M cohort (4 NOP, 4 NOP2OP, and 4 OP). The mean duration of follow-up was 6.2 years (range, 2.4-15.7 years). The mean Lysholm scores were not significantly different between the OP and NOP knees in either the PCL-M cohort ( P = .582) or the PCL+M cohort ( P = .570); however, the PCL-M cohort overall had significantly higher scores compared with the PCL+M cohort (92.7 ± 13.0 vs 82.8 ± 18.8, respectively; P = .019).

Conclusion:

The pediatric patients in this series had similar functional outcomes when managed operatively or nonoperatively for their single-ligament PCL tear. When considering concomitant meniscal injury, the results indicated that children with meniscal injury had a worse outcome than those without a meniscal injury. Shared decision-making with patients and their family should take these results into consideration.
Subjective Functional Difficulties Were Associated With Subjective Cognitive Decline Among U.S. Older Adults: Mentally Unhealthy Days Mediation and Income Level Moderation Effects
Authors: Komalasari Renata , Thiamwong Ladda , Wangi Karolus , Ng Boon Peng
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a self-perceived decline in cognition that may progress to mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. SCD may be associated with difficulties in daily functioning and psychological distress. Previous research has shown the association between functional difficulties and SCD via mentally unhealthy days (MUDs). However, whether income levels influence the mediation effect of MUDs is less understood.

Objectives

This study examined the association between subjective functional difficulties and the odds of SCD through MUDs, and whether the mediation effect was moderated by income levels.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ( N = 13,160 older adults aged 65+; 7,370 women). SCD was assessed by more frequent or worse memory loss and confusion in the past 12 months. Subjective functional difficulties represented difficulties with daily activities. MUDs denoted the days that a person felt mentally unwell within the past 30 days. We used path analysis with 5,000 bootstrapped confidence intervals and logistic regression to classify the risks of SCD based on subjective functional difficulties and MUDs.

Results

Subjective functional difficulties were positively associated with SCD through mediation by MUDs ( b = 0.119, 95% CI 0.102, 0.137). After accounting for covariates, we found that greater subjective functional difficulties were associated with 2.50 times the odds of SCD (AOR  = 2.50; 95% CI: 2.14, 2.91); MUDs were related to 1.06 times the odds of SCD reporting (AOR  = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.07). Income levels moderated the indirect effect of MUDs in the subjective functional difficulties-SCD relationship, with an income of <$15,000 showing the most prominent effect. Those earning ≥$50,000 self-reported a lower SCD than those earning <$15,000.

Conclusions

Our study extends previous findings by demonstrating that greater subjective functional difficulties are associated with higher odds of SCD through more frequent MUDs, with higher income levels being associated with more SCD reporting.
Medication Prescribing Errors on a Surgery Service – Addressing the Gap with a Curriculum for Surgery Residents: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Ring Justine , Maracle Jesse , Zhang Shannon , Methot Michelle , Zevin Boris
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES

Educational interventions with proven effectiveness to reduce medication prescribing errors are currently lacking. Our objective was to implement and assess the effectiveness of a curriculum to reduce medication prescribing errors on a surgery service.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational cohort study at a Canadian academic hospital without an electronic order entry system. A pharmacist-led medication prescribing curriculum for surgery residents was developed and implemented over 2 days (2 h/day) in July 2019. Thirteen (76%) out of 17 surgery residents contributed pre-implementation data, while 13 (81%) out of 16 surgery residents contributed post-implementation data. Medication prescribing errors were tracked for 12 months pre-implementation and 6 months post-implementation. Errors were classified as prescription writing (PW) or decision making (DM).

RESULTS

There were a total of 1050 medication prescribing errors made in the pre-implementation period with 615 (59%) PW errors and 435 (41%) DM. There were a mean of 87.5 (SD  =  14.6) total medication prescribing errors per month in the pre-implementation period with 51.3 (11.9) PW and 36.3 (6.0) DM errors. There were a total of 472 medication prescribing errors made in the post-implementation period with 260 (55%) PW and 212 (45%) DM errors. There were a mean of 78.7 (10.3) total medication prescribing errors per month in the post-implementation period with 43.3 (9.5) PW and 35.3 (4.2) DM errors. In the first quarter of the academic year, there were significantly fewer mean total errors per month post-implementation versus pre-implementation (77.7(12.7) versus 107.3(8.1); P  =  .035), with significantly fewer PW errors per month (40.7(13.2) versus 68.7(9.3); P  =  .046) and no difference in DM errors per month (37.0(2.0) versus 38.7(5.7); P  =  .671). There were no differences noted in the second quarter of the academic year.

CONCLUSION

Medication prescribing errors occurred from PW and DM. Medication prescribing curriculum decreased PW errors; however, a continued education program is warranted as the effect diminished over time.
Long-Term Stability of Melanocytomas With Persistent Vascular Activity Without Malignant Transformation
Authors: Bonafonte Sophia , Gold Aaron S. , Latiff Azeema , Murray Timothy G.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To present 2 cases of large atypical melanocytomas that simulate melanoma. Methods: The largest risk factors for malignant transformation from melanocytoma into malignant melanoma are a combination of lesions with a thickness greater than 2 mm, visual symptoms, and tumor margin at the disc. The patients in this report were chosen because they both presented these factors with their lesions. Results: Because the lesions were properly identified as melanocytomas of the optic disc, the decision was made to monitor them closely and treat the associated vascular activity. Ultrasounds and close observations are key in differentiating these benign lesions from malignant melanomas. Conclusions: Both patients experienced long-term stability with intravitreal injections when needed for vascular activity.