bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emicizumab Prophylaxis in Patients with Severe Hemophilia A: Insights from A Resource Limited Country
Authors: Borhany Munira , Arshad Aisha , Qureshi Heeba , Nadeem Rukhshanda , Jamal Arif , Ahmed Khan Raheel
Published: January 2024

Emicizumab is a humanized, bispecific monoclonal antibody that connects active factor IX and X to replace the function of absent factor VIII, restoring hemostasis. It has a long half-life with a subcutaneous route of administration and high bioavailability. Here, we assessed the efficacy of Emicizumab prophylaxis in terms of efficiency, safety, and quality of life of severe hemophilia A (HA) patients with and without inhibitors before and after this treatment.

Methods

In this prospective study, severe HA patients were recruited from January 2022 to June 2023. Inhibitor positive and inhibitor negative patients with annual bleeding rate (ABR) 8 or greater and past histories of bleeding like intra-cranial, intra-abdominal, and pseudo-tumors were included. Emicizumab loading dose was 3 mg/kg in the first 4 weeks, and the maintenance dose was started at week 5 at 6 mg/kg/month. Patients’ detailed bleeding history and demographics were recorded. The five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) was used to evaluate patients’ HRQoL. Furthermore, Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Functional Independence score in Hemophilia (FISH) were applied for the assessment of joints at different time points. Results were analyzed by SPSS version 21.

Results

A total of 36 HA male patients with the mean age of 19.7 ± 14.42 years were recruited in the study; among them, 19 patients were inhibitor positive, while 17 were negative. Patients clinically presented with bleeding symptoms which included: hemarthrosis 95%, GI bleeding 13.8%, and bruises and gums bleeding 13.8%. Significant reduction was observed in the bleeding episodes after the therapeutic intervention, and joints assessment and Euro-Quality-of-life Visual Analog Scale showed a significant improvement in health after treatment. Similarly, there was a remarkable reduction in bleeding episodes and improved quality of life among HA patients. The ABR decreased from 53.6% episodes per year prior to treatment to 2.4% during Emicizumab therapy. Prior to initiating Emicizumab therapy, participants exhibited an average FISH score of 16 and HJHS score of 10, indicating moderate limitations due to joint-related issues. After treatment, the mean FISH score improved to 9 and HJHS score to 4 reflecting a substantial enhancement in participants’ ability to perform daily activities ( P < 0.057).

Conclusion

Our results showed that HA patients on prophylactic treatment with Emicizumab were less restricted and had improved quality of life due to marked decrease in bleeding episodes which resulted in improved health and social lives. In addition, it was well tolerated, and no participant discontinued treatment because of adverse events.
Investigating the Sommerfeld effect in the rotating shaft with internal and external damping using the Timoshenko beam theory
Authors: Movahedi Hossein , Birgani Pezhman Taghipour , Mirshekari Erfan
Published: January 2024

The Sommerfeld effect is a destructive phenomenon in rotating systems with a non-ideal electrical source, which causes instability in the system by applying a dynamic jump around critical speeds. In this article, the Sommerfeld effect has been investigated for the first time using the Timoshenko beam theory for an eccentric continuous shaft with internal and external damping. After deriving the governing equations and finding displacement functions using the semi-analytical method, the Sommerfeld effect near the critical speeds is detected using the instantaneous power balance method. As confirmation of the correctness of the derived relations, it has been shown that for thin shafts, there is a good consistency between the results obtained from the Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko theories in the early modes. However, it was observed that at higher critical speeds, the jump amplitude decreases, and the unstable speed range increases significantly, so the probability of entering the vicinity of the instability range in the next mode is not unexpected. Since no effect has been ignored in this study, the dynamic analysis of the Sommerfeld jump in thick shafts is also possible. Despite the common belief that Timoshenko beam theory is only considered suitable for studying thick shafts, it has been shown that the effects of shear deformation are significant in high-speed systems, even for non-thick shafts, and regardless of them in higher modes, it causes a calculation error in determining the point of occurrence of the Sommerfeld phenomenon.
Research on dynamic response of centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber based on hybrid damping model
Authors: Zhang Yi , Qiu Jie , Wu Guangqiang
Published: January 2024

The application of the centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber (CPVA) has expanded from the aerospace sector to the automotive sector. To date, in most previous studies, viscous damping has been assumed to be present between the absorber and rotor, and damping has been neglected in other studies. To reflect and control the dynamic behaviour of the CPVA in vehicular applications realistically, a hybrid damping model incorporating viscous damping and rolling resistance was developed in this study and validated by conducting tests. Under the combined action of the centrifugal force, gravity, viscous resistance, and rolling resistance, an equation of motion of the CPVA was established using the Lagrangian function equation of the second type. The wear state of the kinematic pair between the absorber and rotor, which is common in practical applications, was included into a mathematical model in which the rolling resistance coefficient changes with the travel of the absorber, whereas the viscous resistance coefficient remains unchanged. A model was established to simulate the response of the absorber under a wide range of working conditions, and corresponding tests were performed. Compared with the results obtained using only viscous damping as reported in other studies, those of the proposed hybrid damping model are more consistent with the experimental results. This work fills the existing research gap and lays a foundation for further control of the dynamic behaviour of CPVAs in the gravitational field, particularly at low rotational speeds.
Intimate Partner Violence in El Salvador: A Relationship Between Femicide Attempts and Barriers to Help-Seeking
Authors: Vásquez Lidia , Kim Chunrye , Rajah Valli
Published: January 2024

Research has examined the relationship between femicides, understood as the killing of any woman, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Additionally, women have been found to seek out formal help when they deem their experiences to be severe, yet many reasons prevent them from doing so; hindering our ability to interrupt the cycle of violence and further victimization. Using the Salvadoran 2017 Violence Against Women National Survey, this study examines the relationships between femicide attempts, IPV, and formal help-seeking. We find a significant positive relationship between experiencing a femicide attempt and IPV, and specific reasons for not seeking formal help.
Explaining Value Capture Implementation in New York, London, and Copenhagen: Negotiating Distributional Effects
Authors: van Zoest Simon , Daamen Tom A.
Published: January 2024

Value capture (VC) is widely cited as a method for local authorities to provide urban public goods to their cities in the face of fiscal stress. Its application in practice however remains limited. In this article, we aim to explain the implementation process of VC as a strategy to fund public transportation infrastructure through case studies in London, New York, and Copenhagen. Adopting a theory of gradual institutional change, we argue that the implementation of VC depends on the capacity to change distributional institutions that are inherently contested. Particularly relevant is the role of the beneficiary, whose support of VC is necessary but not likely. Our results show that a strategic urban development project can act as a driver to overcome this barrier, but that this driver can, simultaneously, also hinder the institutionalization potential of a VC strategy. We therefore suggest that, for VC strategies to become more commonplace, sharing value uplifts among beneficiaries must become more commonplace too.
Patterns of interventions for central venous catheter-associated deep vein thrombosis and outcomes in cancer patients
Authors: Ngo Dat , Chen Jason , Nguyen Chris , Choi Kathy , Pullarkat Vinod
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This letter evaluated the impact of different management strategies, specifically the presence or absence of therapeutic anticoagulation, on clinical outcomes for central venous catheter (CVC)-associated deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in cancer patients.

Methods

One-hundred ninety-eight adult cancer patients with a confirmed CVC-associated DVT diagnosis from February 2013 and February 2021 were included.

Results

Incidence of symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) was similar between patients who received therapeutic anticoagulation and those who did not (14% vs 16%, p = 0.807). In addition, therapeutic anticoagulation did not significantly alter the incidence of grade 3 and above bleeding events despite most patients having hematologic malignancies (9% vs 8%, p = 0.826).

Conclusion and relevance

Therapeutic anticoagulation was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of recurrent VTE or increase the incidence of bleeding in adult cancer patients following a CVC-associated DVT diagnosis.
Traveling to the Danger Zone: Emotional Dynamics and Hermeneutics
Authors: Manner-Baldeon Fanny , Li Mimi
Published: January 2024

Although emotions have garnered scholarly attention in tourism, an opportunity remains to examine the interplay between different emotions and their implications on tourism outcomes. This multi-method research was carried out in Venezuela and assesses the physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal of emotions. A guided walking tour through Venezuela’s high-risk zones resulted in varied degrees of emotional stimulation among participants. Their responses were associated with individual differences, such as travel history and personal/professional interests. The appraisal process showed that people who visit conflict-ridden destinations develop cognitively and emotionally. These findings underscore the significance of non-hedonic trips in emotional processes and illustrate how tourism can foster beneficial outcomes. Travel can especially shape tourists’ attitudes towards residents, conflict, and themselves. This research also broadens the literature on risk taking and danger zone tourism.
Hotel Inspiration: How the Substantive Servicescape Inspires Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Liang Jianping , Wang Suying , Ye Ben Haobin , Tung Vincent Wing Sun , Li Ruixia , Guo Leilei
Published: January 2024

Facilitating inspirational experiences for customers is an emerging topic in the field of tourism and hospitality. Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response paradigm, we proposed novel effects that substantive servicescape has a positive effect on inspiration, which has a positive downstream effect on satisfaction. The present research, including a field survey with customers from 10 three- to four-star hotels ( N1 = 644) and three experimental studies ( N2 = 133, N3 = 115, N4 = 227), examined the effects of substantive and communicative servicescape on inspiration, the downstream effect of inspiration on satisfaction, and the moderating roles of openness to experience and prior experience. The results supported our proposed effects. Furthermore, openness to experience and prior experience moderated the effects of substantive servicescape on inspiration and inspiration on satisfaction, respectively. This research contributes to the extant literature by offering a more nuanced understanding of the drivers of customer inspiration and the boundary conditions.
Intracavitary electrocardiogram guidance for peripherally inserted central catheter placement in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava: A case report
Authors: Zhang Yuejiao , Zhao Ruiyi
Published: January 2024

Intracavitary electrocardiogram (IC-ECG) guidance is widely used for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement. The P wave variation has rarely been reported in persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). Here, we report a PLSVC case of P wave variation in PICC placement guided by IC-ECG. In this case, the P wave variation of the PLSVC was quite different from that of the right superior vena cava (RSVC). The tip of the catheter was located at the lower segment of the left superior vena cava according to postoperative radiography examination. PICC functioned normally, and no complications occurred.
Integrated short peripheral intravenous cannulas and risk of catheter failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gidaro Antonio , Quici Massimiliano , Giustivi Davide , Pinelli Fulvio , Samartin Federica , Casella Francesco , Cogliati Chiara , Rizzi Giulia , Salvi Emanuele , Bartoli Arianna , Foschi Antonella , Castelli Roberto , Calloni Maria , Gemma Marco
Published: January 2024

Background:

Short peripheral catheters (SPCs) are used to provide intravenous therapies in hospitalized patients. Recently, the category of SPC has become more complex, with the introduction in clinical practice of “integrated” SPCs (ISPCs), renewed regarding the material (polyurethane rather than polytetrafluoroethylene) and design (large wing; pre-assembled extension; preassembled needle-free connector (NFC)).

Methods:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized studies in hospitalized patients, analyzing the risk of overall catheter failure as well as the risk of each type of complication (occlusion, infiltration, thrombophlebitis, and dislodgement) for ISPCs compared to non-integrated SPCs. These systematic review and meta-analysis were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022322970).

Data sources:

We searched PUBMED®, EMBASE®, and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials register from April to November 2022.

Results: Included studies:

The research identified 1260 articles. After the abstract review, 13 studies were included for full manuscript review and, after that, six papers (4727 patients) were included in the meta-analysis.

Description of the effect:

We found a significantly reduced risk of catheter failure (pooling all complications) for ISPCs compared to SPCs ( p = 0.002 RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.63–0.9). A significant reduction in the risks of occlusion ( p = 0.007 RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.56–0.92) was observed. As regards the risk of infiltration, thrombophlebitis, and dislodgement, the analysis showed a trend in favor of ISPCs, though not statistically significant (respectively p = 0.2 RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.64–1.1; p = 0.25 RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.78–1.07; p = 0.06 RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.52–1.01).

Conclusions:

ISPCs significantly reduce the risks of catheter failure (overall complications) and occlusion. More RCTs are needed to understand if the preassembled ISPC is better than the composted closed system (non-integrated SPC + extension line + NFC).
Guidewire replacement of valved tunneled-cuffed silicone catheters with power injectable polyurethane tunneled-cuffed catheters or with ports
Authors: Benvenuti Stefano , Finetti Federico , Porteri Elena , Ceresoli Rosanna , Pintossi Cristian , Zanatta Francesca , Bartolini Gabriele , Facchini Federica , Annovazzi Caterina , Alberti Daniele
Published: January 2024

Background:

Silicone Cuffed Centrally Inserted Central venous catheters (CICCs) were a type of catheters that have been used for a long time especially in cancer patients. Recently, thanks to biomedic research progresses, polyurethane catheters have resulted in higher surgical performances compared to classical silicone ones. Indeed, the inferior calibers of these new catheters lead to an extremely faster infusion rate. The presence of a valve at the tip of the catheter could suggest an impossible replacement procedure over a Seldinger guidewire.

Method:

The aim of this article is to explain our replacement technique over guidewire of silicone cuffed and valved tunneled CICCs with a power injectable polyurethane cuffed tunneled CICC. The casistic presented was evaluated at the Vascular Access Unit of ASST Spedali Civili in Brescia, Italy. The study involved 35 successful catheter replacement over guidewire, meanwhile cases where patients presented sepsis, exit site infection, or catheter damage were premeditatedly excluded.

Results:

The maneuver was always conducted following the same procedure without noticing particular complications associated with CICC insertion. Indeed, the operation was quick, feasible, and safe. Septic, thromboembolic, or hemorrhagic complications also related to patients presenting dysfunctional coagulation cascade were not encountered.

Conclusions:

Our experience regarding the replacement technique of silicone cuffed and valved catheters over guidewire was considered feasible, accurate, and efficient for all patients treated, even in those presenting thrombocytopenia or a dysfunctional coagulation cascade.
Asthma May Not be a Potential Risk Factor for Severe COVID-19 Illness: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ubah Chukwudi S , Kearney Gregory D , Pokhrel Lok R
Published: January 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), but whether the asthmatic patients are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness than non-asthmatic patients has remained unclear. This scoping review aimed to assess the available evidence to determine if asthmatic patients are at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Searching several electronic databases and adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of 70 articles and using defined inclusion-exclusion criteria, 21 articles were analyzed in-depth and included in this scoping review. The findings of this scoping review point to a lack of relationship between asthma and severe COVID-19 illness. While a limited number of studies (n = 4) identified asthma as a risk factor, most studies (n = 17) found no independent association between asthma and severe COVID-19 illness. We, thus, conclude that asthma may not be a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness. Owing to limited evidence, we recommend large-scale prospective cohort studies with standardized methodologies to decipher potential role of asthma in COVID-19 severity. Further, understanding the impact of specific asthma medications, genetic factors, and other comorbidities on COVID-19 outcomes may help inform clinical practice guidelines for effective patient health management.
Enhancing response estimation and system identification in structural health monitoring through data-driven approaches
Authors: Isavand Javad , Kasaei Afshar , Peplow Andrew , Yan Jihong
Published: January 2024

Through the advancement of Data Science methodologies, a new era in output-only identification techniques has been inaugurated, driven by the integration of data-driven methodologies within the realm of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). This study endeavors to introduce a simplified data-driven approach catering to System Identification (SI) and Response Estimation (RE). This is realized through the utilization of a summation of sine functions, fashioned as a model to harmonize with time domain vibration and acoustic responses. The fidelity of the findings is subsequently authenticated through the application of the Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) technique. In addition to the identification process, the proposed approach extends its applicability to predicting time domain responses at novel locations. This augmentation is achieved by harnessing an enhanced methodology founded on the principles of the Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) technique. The veracity of these predicted outcomes is underscored through a comparison with measurements recorded at the same locations, alongside concurrent analysis of DMD-derived results. In order to affirm the efficacy of the proposed methodology, a case study involving a building grappling with enigmatic vibration issues is meticulously selected. The findings underscore that the proposed technique not only adeptly discerns unidentified vibrations without resorting to frequency domain transformation techniques, but also facilitates precise estimation of time domain responses.
Control of disease activity with large extended-interval dosing of rituximab/ocrelizumab in highly active pediatric multiple sclerosis
Authors: Venet Melany , Lepine Anne , Maarouf Adil , Biotti Damien , Boutiere Clémence , Casez Olivier , Cohen Mikael , Durozard Pierre , Demortière Sarah , Giorgi Laetitia , Maillart Elisabeth , Mathey Guillaume , Mazzola Laure , Rico Audrey , Camdessanche Jean-Philippe , Deiva Kumaran , Pelletier Jean , Audoin Bertrand
Published: January 2024

Recent studies in adults suggested that extended-interval dosing of rituximab/ocrelizumab (RTX/OCR) larger than 12 months was safe and could improve safety. This was an observational cohort study of very active pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (PoMS) (median (range) age, 16 (12–17) years) treated with RTX/OCR with 6 month standard-interval dosing ( n = 9) or early extended-interval dosing ( n = 12, median (range) interval 18 months (12–25)). Within a median (range) follow-up of 31 (12–63) months after RTX/OCR onset, one patient (standard-interval) experienced relapse and no patient showed disability worsening or new T2-weighted lesions. This study suggests that the effectiveness of RTX/OCR is maintained with a median extended-interval dosing of 18 months in patients with very active PoMS.
Does climate policy uncertainty influence corporate cash holdings? Evidence from the U.S. tourism and hospitality sector
Authors: Zhang Lei , Gao Jing
Published: January 2024

We examine the influence of climate policy uncertainty (CPU) on corporate cash holding decisions of U.S. tourism and hospitality firms. We find that CPU is negatively associated with corporate cash holdings for tourism and hospitality firms in the United States. A further analysis indicates that the impact of CPU on cash holdings lasts 2 years and disappears afterward. We also show that CPU is negatively associated with corporate cash holdings for hotel firms, but its impacts on airline, restaurant, and casino firms are insignificant. Results from cross-sectional analyses show that financial constraints and climate risk exposure moderate the relationship between CPU and corporate cash holdings. Our main findings are insensitive to additional robustness tests, including an instrumental variable test and subsample analyses. Our results have timely implications for academics, investors, and regulators.
Legal transcription service in the light of access to justice in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Regional State (SNNPRS) judicial system
Authors: Didena Mengistu Dinato
Published: January 2024

This paper focuses on the serious but not well-acknowledged problem related to legal transcript production in SNNPRS High Courts. It sheds light on how distortions of content are made in the testimonies of witnesses to the extent they may affect the legal evidential purpose transcripts could serve. Textual data were collected through audio-recording of court proceedings, review of legal transcripts and interviews. The findings indicated that legal transcription is conducted by employees who had qualification in computer science, but no training in legal transcription and the role that transcripts have in the judicial process. The High Courts of the region employ unilingual and inter-lingual modes of transcription, depending on whether limited court language-proficient witnesses who testify in their native tongue are provided with a court interpreter or not. Major language use problems that are observed in the legal transcripts were found to be attributable to lack of training, and lack of awareness on the part of judges, the judicial system and legal transcribers.
Tempering the not-yet: Towards a social theory for the Anthropocene
Authors: Adam Barbara
Published: January 2024

The social sciences have established a plethora of ways to approach the future. Sidestepping any direct engagement with the not-yet has emerged as the dominant way to deal with its assumed non-factual nature. Social theory has laid the foundations for this bracketing with the three overarching key foci on function, meaning and structure. This article considers some of the consequences of treating the not-yet as immaterial for knowledge practices and shows the tradition to be no longer appropriate for the contemporary world. It frames arising issues through the significantly expanded perspective of the Anthropocene to revisit past approaches, explore contemporary challenges and trouble habits of mind in order to open up ways to take futurity and futuring seriously.
Authentic Roman type: historical legacies in contemporary Rome’s city brand
Authors: Presutti Stefano
Published: January 2024

Typography has always played a key role in the creation of visual identity for socio-political or commercial purposes. Today there is a growing awareness that typographic features convey social meanings in brand logos of a specific territory and community. This study examines how the idea of authenticity related to the history of the city of Rome can be visually transmitted by the presence of traditional types in its city brand. Adopting an historical, metapragmatic and empirical approach, the findings of an interview with the typographic designer of the city brand suggest that traditional typefaces can emblematize and iconize an idea of solemnity and prestige linked to the city that played a fundamental role in the typographic evolution of the Latin alphabet.
A convolutional neural network approach to classifying urban spaces using generative tools for data augmentation
Authors: Medel-Vera Carlos , Vidal-Estévez Pelayo , Mädler Thomas
Published: January 2024

This article discusses an application for classifying urban spaces using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). A seed dataset was initially generated composed of 630 photographs of urban spaces from the Adobe Stock repository. This dataset was topped up with images produced by two generative artificial intelligence (AI) engines, namely, Deep Dream Generator and Midjourney, making two additional augmented datasets, each composed of 2200 images. The training process was carried out using four well-known CNNs, namely, GoogLeNet, ResNet-18, ShuffleNet, and MobileNet-v2. The results show an increase of roughly 30% in the predicting capabilities in both augmented datasets when compared to the seed dataset. Furthermore, performance metrics are generally higher when using ResNet-18 which may suggest that this CNN architecture is more applicable to urban classification projects. Finally, although both generative AI engines have similar performance, Midjourney seems to slightly outperform Deep Dream Generator as a data augmentation engine for urban spaces.
Should I Stay or Should I Go Pro? Early NFL Draft Entry by NCAA FBS Underclassmen
Authors: Humphreys Brad R. , Chikish Yulia , von Allmen Peter
Published: January 2024

Some college players face the tradeoff between continuing their education and entering the draft and forfeiting college eligibility. Little empirical research focuses on this “stay or go pro” decision. We analyze early draft entry decisions made by college football underclassmen with remaining eligibility over the 2007/08-2018/19 seasons. Regression results support both the human capital explanation for early draft entry in that players acquiring more human capital in the previous season by playing in more games increases the likelihood of early entry and the option value perspective in that playing on a more successful team increases the likelihood of early entry.
Hyperventilation Induced Seizures in Focal Epilepsy: Two Cases and a Review of Literature
Authors: Milan Anna , Alzahrany Majed , Gupta Ajay
Published: January 2024

We report two cases of temporo-perisylvian epilepsy with habitual seizures consistently inducible by hyperventilation (HV). One case was non-lesional, while the other was a lesional temporo-perisylvian epilepsy. Both underwent surgical resection and were seizure-free or nearly seizure-free thereafter. We discuss the pathophysiological changes evoked by HV in healthy brains, and those with generalized and focal epilepsy. We provide a comprehensive and critical review of the literature on the role of HV in focal epilepsy. We suggest HV should be considered an activation method for patients with focal epilepsy during epilepsy monitoring unit admissions and may help in the localization of the epileptogenic network/zone.
Video Games Interventions to Reduce Radicalization and Violent Extremism in Young People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lopez Naranjo Fatima , Maldonado Miguel A. , Cuadrado Esther , Moyano Manuel
Published: January 2024

The development and consumption of video games have experienced a significant boom in recent decades. Recently, attention has been paid to the impact they can have on young people and how extremist and radical groups are using them to recruit and reinforce hateful ideas and behaviors. It would be innovative to use this powerful tool to prevent and educate on values and rights, thereby reducing prejudices toward the outgroup. Therefore, the present systematic review aims to gather and systematize existing knowledge on video game-based interventions to reduce and prevent extremism and violent radicalization in young people, following the PRISMA method, analyzing a total of six articles. The results indicate that such interventions can reduce prejudiced behaviors toward outgroup individuals and increase resilience, empathy, and prosocial interactions. However, further exploration in this field is necessary to better understand the mechanisms involved and improve video game designs for preventive purposes.
Validation of Temperature Sensors to Monitor Thermoplastic Splint Wear in Hand Surgery Patients
Authors: Weir Tristan B. , DeTullio Lauren , Patel Saral J. , Lorenzana Daniel J. , Arango Sebastian D. , Livesey Michael G. , Gilotra Mohit N. , Osterman A. Lee , Miller Andrew J.
Published: January 2024

Background:

The aim of this study was to validate the use of temperature sensors to accurately measure thermoplastic volar forearm splint wear in a healthy cohort of volunteers using 5- and 15-minute temperature measurement intervals.

Methods:

A prospective diagnostic study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of temperature sensors in monitoring splint wear in 8 healthy volunteers between December 2022 and June 2023. Temperature sensors were molded into thermoplastic volar forearm splints. Volunteers who were familiar with the study aims were asked to keep an exact log of the time spent wearing the splint (“actual wear time”). Sensors recorded temperatures every 5 or 15 minutes, and separate algorithms were developed to determine the sensor-detected wear time compared with the actual wear time as the gold standard. The algorithms were then externally validated with the total population.

Results:

The 5-minute and 15-minute algorithms demonstrated excellent sensitivity (99.1% vs 96.6%), specificity (99.9% vs 99.9%), positive (99.4% vs 99.5%) and negative (99.9% vs 99.3%) predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy (99.8% vs 99.3%), respectively. The 5-minute algorithm recorded 99.5% of the total splint hours, whereas the 15-minute algorithm recorded 96.1%. There was no significant difference between the actual time per wear session (5.4 ± 2.7 hours) and the time estimated by the 5-minute algorithm (5.4 ± 2.6 hours; P = .40), but there was a significant difference for the 15-minute algorithm (5.2 ± 2.6 hours; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Temperature sensors can be used to accurately monitor thermoplastic volar forearm splint wear.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic II.
Woven EndoBridge versus stent-assisted coil embolization for the treatment of ruptured wide-necked aneurysms: A multicentric experience
Authors: Rodriguez-Calienes Aaron , Vivanco-Suarez Juan , Lu Yujing , Galecio-Castillo Milagros , Gross Bradley , Farooqui Mudassir , Algin Oktay , Feigen Chaim , Altschul David J , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: January 2024

Background

The potentially higher risk of hemorrhagic complications is of concern in stent-assisted coiling (SAC) of ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms (IAs). The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is considered an appealing alternative since antiplatelet therapy is not required. Herein, we aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of WEB vs. SAC for the treatment of ruptured wide-necked IAs.

Methods

This was an international cross-sectional study of consecutive patients treated for ruptured wide-neck IAs with WEB or SAC at four high-volume neurovascular centers between 2019 and 2022. Primary and secondary efficacy outcomes were radiographic aneurysm occlusion at follow-up and functional status at last follow-up. Safety outcomes included periprocedural hemorrhagic/ischemia-related complications.

Results

One hundred five patients treated with WEB and 112 patients treated with SAC were included. The median procedure duration of endovascular treatment was shorter for WEB than for SAC (69 vs. 76 min; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in complete aneurysm occlusion rates (SAC: 64.5% vs. WEB: 60.9%; adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.70; 95%CI 0.34–1.43; p = 0.328). SAC had a significantly higher risk of complications (23.2% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.009), ischemic events (17% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.024), and EVD hemorrhage (16% vs. 0%, p = 0.008). The probability of procedure-related complications across procedure time was significantly lower with WEB compared with SAC (aOR = 0.40; 95%CI 0.20–1.13; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

WEB and SAC demonstrated similar obliteration rates at follow-up when used for embolization of ruptured wide-necked IAs. However, SAC showed higher rates of procedure-related complications primarily driven by ischemic events and higher rates of EVD hemorrhage. The overall treatment duration was shorter for WEB than for SAC.
Design of Pediatric Outpatient Procedure Environments: A Pilot Study to Understand the Perceptions of Patients and Their Parents
Authors: Goel Swati , Mihandoust Sahar , Joseph Anjali , Markowitz Jonathan , Gonzales Alec , Browning Matthew
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To understand parent and child perception of spaces experienced during outpatient procedures and to measure their anxiety in these spaces.

Background:

Same-day procedures are becoming prevalent among children in the United States. While studies conducted in different types of healthcare settings show that the physical environment influences healthcare experiences of patients, there is a lack of research on patient and family perceptions of the physical environment of the outpatient centers where such procedures are conducted.

Methods:

This study used ecological momentary assessment to collect patient experience and anxiety data at different points during the patient’s journey through an ambulatory surgical center where pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) procedures were performed. Objective and subjective measures of anxiety were collected. A Qualtrics survey asked participants’ perceptions about four spaces—waiting, preprocedure, procedure, and recovery.

Results:

Child participants reported liking murals, double chairs, patient beds, wall color, and access to a television. They disliked medical equipment and lack of child-friendly furniture. Most parents liked the murals, access to a television, and nature photos, while disliking the lack of privacy, lack of toys in waiting areas, and lack of child-friendly furniture. On average, both children and parents experienced the highest anxiety levels before and during the procedure and the lowest during recovery. Between the four spaces, no significant differences were observed in the heart rate variability and skin conductance responses for both groups.

Conclusions:

Despite the outpatient nature of the procedures, participants experienced anxiety before the GI procedure. Comfortable design features that provide distractions are preferred by children and their parents.
On the penetration of rigid spheres in metallic targets
Authors: Rosenberg Zvi , Vayig Yaniv
Published: January 2024

We present an empirical relation for the penetration depths of rigid spheres impacting metallic targets at ordnance velocities. This relation was derived through 2D numerical simulations for various sphere/target pairs, that followed their penetration depths in terms of the impact velocity, the sphere/target density ratio, and the dynamic strength of the target. The numerically derived empirical relation is shown to account for test data from several publications.
Illusory motion and vection induced by a printed static image under flickering ambient light at rates up to 100 Hz
Authors: Kozaki Tomoaki , Seno Takeharu , Kitaoka Akiyoshi
Published: January 2024

Visual motion signals can produce self-motion perception known as vection in observers. Vection can be generated by illusory motions in the form of global expantion in still images as well as by visual motion signals. The perception of vection can be enhanced by flickering images at a rate of 5 Hz. This study examined the illusory motion and vection induced by a printed static image under flickering ambient light at rates up to 100 Hz. The perception of illusory motion and vection were enhanced by flickering ambient lights at 50, 75, and 100 Hz. The enhancement effect was higher for the flicker rates expected to be detectable by humans. The findings of this study suggest that alternating bright and dark signals to the cone receptors and primary visual cortex trigger perceptions of illusory motions.
Brothers with Becker muscular dystrophy show discordance in skeletal muscle computed tomography findings: A case report
Authors: Nambu Yoshinori , Shirakawa Taku , Osawa Kayo , Nishio Hisahide , Nozu Kandai , Matsuo Masafumi , Awano Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

Becker muscular dystrophy is caused by DMD mutations and is characterized by progressive muscle atrophy. The wide variations observed in muscle atrophy progression in Becker muscular dystrophy are considered multifactorial, including differences in mutations and environmental factors. In this case, two brothers, aged 2 and 3 years, had the identical DMD mutation, confirming their Becker muscular dystrophy diagnosis. They began using handrails when ascending and descending stairs at the age of 16 due to progressive muscular weakness. Over an 18-year follow-up, the older brother consistently had high serum creatine kinase levels, significantly over median levels. Muscle computed tomography finings revealed that the older brother’s gluteus maximus and vastus femoris cross-sectional areas were only half and one-third of the younger brother’s, respectively. The mean computed tomography values of gluteus maximus and vastus femoris were significantly lower in the older brother. Our report suggests that muscle atrophy in Becker muscular dystrophy cannot be solely explained by dystrophin mutation or environmental factors.
Online public health promotion at the local level: An evaluation of four local authority-led marketing campaigns
Authors: Hanson Kristin , Degas Anna-Marie , Green Daniel , Al-Hosri Antoine , Vandrevala Tushna
Published: January 2024

Objective

Local authority-led online campaigns offer the possibility of targeted health promotion to connect local services and residents. This study assesses the evidence for medium (e.g., click-trhoughs) and high (off-line behaviour change) levels of public engagement with four local authority-led campaigns across a variety of public health promotions (sexual health, weight loss, and vaccination), online marketing approaches (social media marketing, search engine marketing, and programmatic marketing) and target demographics (language, gender, age, income, ethnicity) undertaken by a London borough local authority.

Methods

Employing quasi-experimental and observational study designs, engagement with local health services during the course of the campaigns was evaluated. The first three campaigns were evaluated based on an interrupted time series model of intervention assessment comparing outcome variables of interest during the campaign to periods before and after the campaign period. The results of the fourth campaign, an observational case-study, are discussed using descriptive statistics only.

Results

The analyses of the high engagement data for two of the three campaigns statistically assessed clearly supported the effectiveness of the campaigns. While the effect of high engagement could not be determined in the other two campaigns, they provide data that may be useful in online campaign design.

Conclusions

The evidence assessed in this study across a variety of platforms, health promotion initiatives, and population targets suggests that local authority-led online marketing campaigns for health promotion may be useful for increasing participation in public health programmes.
Evaluating a smartphone-based symptom self-monitoring app for psychosis in China (YouXin): A non-randomised validity and feasibility study with a mixed-methods design
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Lewis Shôn , Carter Lesley-Anne , Chen Xu , Zhou Jiaojiao , Wang Xingyu , Bucci Sandra
Published: January 2024

Background

Psychosis causes a significant burden globally, including in China, where limited mental health resources hinder access to care. Smartphone-based remote monitoring offers a promising solution. This study aimed to assess the validity, feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a symptom self-monitoring smartphone app, YouXin, for people with psychosis in China.

Methods

A pre-registered non-randomised validity and feasibility study with a mixed-methods design. Participants with psychosis were recruited from a major tertiary psychiatric hospital in Beijing, China. Participants utilised the YouXin app to self-monitor psychosis and mood symptoms for four weeks. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention and outcome measures completeness. Active symptom monitoring (ASM) validity was tested against corresponding clinical assessments (PANSS and CDS) using Spearman correlation. Ten participants completed qualitative interviews at study end to explore acceptability of the app and trial procedures.

Results

Feasibility parameters were met. The target recruitment sample of 40 participants was met, with 82.5% completing outcome measures, 60% achieving acceptable ASM engagement (completing >33% of all prompts), and 33% recording sufficient passive monitoring data to extract mobility indicators. Five ASM domains (hallucinations, suspiciousness, guilt feelings, delusions, grandiosity) achieved moderate correlation with clinical assessment. Both quantitative and qualitative evaluation showed high acceptability of YouXin. Clinical measurements indicated no symptom and functional deterioration. No adverse events were reported, suggesting YouXin is safe to use in this clinical population.

Conclusions

The trial feasibility, acceptability and safety parameters were met and a powered efficacy study is indicated. However, refinements are needed to improve ASM validity and increase passive monitoring data completeness.
The Impact of Race and Skin Color on Police Contact and Arrest: Results From a Nationally Representative Longitudinal Study
Authors: TenEyck Michael F. , El Sayed Sarah A. , Driscoll Clay M. , Knox Krysta N.
Published: January 2024

Racial inequality in arrest is a social problem that has challenged the United States for as long as police records have been kept. Prior work documents the extent of the disparity and observational studies have attempted to sort out the mechanisms that explain why the disparity exists. Building on the “constructivist” perspective of race, the current study draws on data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to assess the degree to which race and skin color explain the observed racial disparity in criminal justice contact and arrest. Results revealed that controlling for criminal behavior and a host of covariates, neither race nor skin color increased the likelihood of police contact. Race, however, was predictive of an increase in the odds of arrest—with Black respondents being 92% more likely to experience arrest than White respondents—and this relationship remained controlling for the effects of skin color, police contact, and prior criminal behavior. These findings suggest that the “race effect” may be due to unobserved biases not related to skin color.
Correlation Between Pre-Operative Diffusion Tensor Imaging Indices and Post-Operative Outcome in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Roohollahi Faramarz , Mahmoudi Mohamad Mahdi , Mohammadi Aynaz , Mohamadi Mobin , Kankam Samuel Berchi , Ghamari Khameneh Afshar , Baghdasaryan Davit , Farahbakhsh Farzin , Martin Allan R. , Harrop James , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa
Published: January 2024

Study Design

Systematic review.

Objectives

The correlation between pre-operative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics and post-operative clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) has been widely investigated with different studies reporting varied findings. We conducted a systematic review to determine the association between DTI metric and clinical outcomes after surgery.

Methods

We identified relevant articles that investigated the relationship between pre-operative DTI indices and post-operative outcome in DCM patients by searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE from inception until October 2023. In addition, quantitative synthesis and meta-analyses were performed.

Results

FA was significantly correlated with postoperative JOA or mJOA across all age and follow up subgroups, changes observed in JOA or mJOA from preoperative to postoperative stages (Δ JOA or Δ mJOA) in subgroups aged 65 and above and in those with a follow-up period of 6 months or more, as well as recovery rate in all studies pooled together and also in the under-65 age bracket. Additionally, a significant correlation was demonstrated between recovery rate and ADC across all age groups. No other significant correlations were discovered between DTI parameters (MD, AD, and ADC) and post-operative outcomes.

Conclusion

DTI is a quantitative noninvasive evaluation tool that correlates with severity of DCM. However, the current evidence is still elusive regarding whether DTI metric is a validated tool for predicting the degree of post-operative recovery, which could potentially be useful in patient selection for surgery.