bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individualized driver amplitude in liver MR elastography: a linear regression study
Authors: Zhai Ya-nan , Liu Nian-jun , Wen Xiao-xiao , Zhuang Xin , Li Jian-lin , Wei Xiao-cheng , Guo Shun-lin
Published: February 2024

Background

Current liver magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) scans often require adjustments to driver amplitude to produce acceptable images. This could lead to time wastage and the potential loss of an opportunity to capture a high-quality image.

Purpose

To construct a linear regression model of individualized driver amplitude to improve liver MRE image quality.

Material and Methods

Data from 95 liver MRE scans of 61 participants, including abdominal missing volume ratio (AMVR), breath-holding status, the distance from the passive driver on the skin surface to the liver edge (Dd−l), body mass index (BMI), and lateral deflection of the passive driver with respect to the human sagittal plane (Angle α), were continuously collected. The Spearman correlation analysis and lasso regression were conducted to screen the independent variables. Multiple linear regression equations were developed to determine the optimal amplitude prediction model.

Results

The optimal formula for linear regression models: driver amplitude (%) = −16.80 + 78.59 × AMVR − 11.12 × breath-holding (end of expiration = 1, end of inspiration = 0) + 3.16 × Dd−l + 1.94 × BMI + 0.34 × angle α, with the model passing the F test ( F = 22.455, P <0.001) and R2 value of 0.558.

Conclusion

The individualized amplitude prediction model based on AMVR, breath-holding status, Dd−l, BMI, and angle α is a valuable tool in liver MRE examination.
Modified Essix Retainer for Deep Bite Correction
Authors: Chandiwala Akanksha , Keluskar Kanhoba , Jatti Roopa
Published: February 2024

Aesthetics is one of the main concerns amongst most patients when approaching orthodontists for treatment, usually surpassing their functional requirements. Here we present a 24-year-old female patient who had undergone orthodontic treatment previously. However, she still had a deep bite present and desired an Aesthetic appliance to treat the same. This Modified Essix Retainer was developed with these considerations in mind.
Decolonising the Civilian in Third World National Liberation Wars
Authors: Perugini Nicola
Published: February 2024

Within international humanitarian law (IHL) the legal figure of the civilian is conceived as a passive victim of war in need of protection, while civilians who become actively involved in hostilities lose their protections. The distinction between civilians and combatants is accordingly a fundamental principle informing IHL and is considered a standard of civilisation and humane warfare. This paper interrogates what happens when this standard is applied to anticolonial wars, where entire civilian populations participated in self-emancipatory violence and actively blurred this distinction in order to advance their own liberation. Advancing a theory aimed at decolonising the legal figure of the civilian, I analyse the specific nature of anticolonial violence and the call of anticolonial thinkers to deliberately undermine the distinction between civilians and combatants. Building on the ethos of civilian participation articulated by different anticolonial thinkers and adopting a ‘revisionist’ approach, I argue that the passive conception of the civilian at the heart of the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols faces the risk of outlawing anticolonial violence and its political ethos of liberation.

Décoloniser la figure du civil dans les guerres de libération nationale du tiers monde
Return to Sport After Fasciotomy for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gawel Richard J. , Wang YuChia , Kemler Bryson R. , Coladonato Carlo , Tjoumakaris Fotios P. , Freedman Kevin B.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) can represent considerable functional impairment in certain active populations, particularly motorcycle racers. Patients with forearm CECS frequently require fasciotomy to relieve symptoms and return to sport (RTS).

Purpose:

To evaluate the rate at which athletes RTS after fasciotomy for forearm CECS and to compare RTS outcomes between fasciotomy techniques.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Adhering to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed from database inception to December 2022 to identify all published reports of forearm CECS managed with fasciotomy. Included studies were analyzed for demographic information, surgical approaches, rehabilitation parameters, RTS rates, time from surgery at which athletes resumed sport, complications, and recurrence.

Results:

A total of 38 studies (15 level 4 case series, 23 case reports) accounting for 500 patients (831 forearms) who underwent open fasciotomy (112 patients), minimally invasive fasciotomy (166 patients), and endoscopically assisted fasciotomy (222 patients) satisfied inclusion criteria. Most patients (88.0%) were motorcycle racers. The overall RTS rate at any level (RTS-A) was 94.2% (97.3%, 92.2%, and 98.5% for the open fasciotomy, minimally invasive fasciotomy, and endoscopically assisted fasciotomy groups, respectively; P = .010), and the overall RTS at preinjury level or higher was 86.8% (95.9%, 85.6%, and 95.2% for the open fasciotomy, minimally invasive fasciotomy, and endoscopically assisted fasciotomy groups, respectively; P = .132). There was a significant difference in RTS-A between the minimally invasive fasciotomy and endoscopically assisted fasciotomy groups ( P = .004). The overall RTS time was 5.1 ± 2.3 weeks, patient satisfaction was 85.1%, and the recurrence rate was 2.4%, and there were no significant differences between fasciotomy approach groups ( P = .456, P = .886, and P = .487, respectively).

Conclusion:

Patients who underwent fasciotomy for forearm CECS had high rates of RTS, quick RTS time, high levels of satisfaction, and low rates of recurrence. Outcomes were largely similar between the 3 fasciotomy approaches.
The Effect of Varying Sizes of Ramp Lesions in the ACL-Deficient and Reconstructed Knee: A Biomechanical Robotic Investigation
Authors: Deichsel Adrian , Miets Henrike , Peez Christian , Raschke Michael J. , Klimek Matthias , Glasbrenner Johannes , Herbst Elmar , Kittl Christoph
Published: February 2024

Background:

Conflicting evidence has been reported regarding the biomechanical relevance of ramp lesions (RLs) on knee kinematics. Furthermore, the influence of the defect size of the RLs on anterior tibial translation (ATT) and external rotation (ER) is currently unknown.

Purpose:

To evaluate the influence of RL defect size on knee kinematics in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency and after simulated ACL reconstruction (sACLR).

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eight cadaveric knee specimens were tested in a 6 degrees of freedom robotic test setup. Force-controlled clinical laxity tests were performed with 200 N of axial compression in 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion: 5 N·m internal rotation (IR)/ER torque, 134 N ATT force, and an anteromedial drawer test consisting of 134 N ATT force under 5 N·m ER torque. After determining the native knee kinematics, the ACL was cut at the tibial insertion, followed by a transosseous refixation to simulate a surgical repair or reconstruction (simulated ACL reconstruction; sACLR). An RL was sequentially created with a length of 1, 2, and 3 cm. Each state of the RL was evaluated in the ACL-deficient state and after sACLR.

Results:

In the ACL-deficient state, only an RL of 3 cm length resulted in a significant increase of ATT in 30° of flexion (mean difference 0.73 mm; 95% CI, 0.36-1.1 mm). After sACLR, an RL had no significant effect. When looking at ER, an RL significantly increased ER in full extension in the ACL-deficient state in 2 cm (mean difference 0.9°; 95% CI, 0.08°-1.74°) and 3 cm length (mean difference 1.9°; 95% CI, 0.57-3.25). Furthermore, a 3-cm RL significantly increased IR in 0° of flexion in the ACL-deficient state (mean difference 1.9°; 95% CI, 0.2°-3.6°). No effect of ramp lesions on rotation was found after sACLR.

Conclusion:

RLs result in a small increase in ATT, ER, and IR in ACL-deficient knees at early flexion angles, but not after sACLR.

Clinical Relevance:

Small RLs did not change time-zero knee kinematics and may, therefore, be left untreated, especially when the ACL is reconstructed.
Robot-assisted ureteric reconstructive surgeries for benign diseases: Initial single-center experience with point of technique
Authors: Shrivastava Nikita , Bhargava Priyank , Jain Pritesh , Choudhary Gautam Ram , Jena Rahul , Singh Mahendra , Navriya Shivcharan , Madduri Vijay Kumar Sarma , Bhirud Deepak Prakash , Sandhu Arjun Singh
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

We present our initial experience with robot-assisted reconstructive surgeries with the Da Vinci Xi robotic system for benign ureteric pathologies.

Materials and methods:

This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent robot-assisted reconstructive procedures for benign diseases of the ureter at our department from April 2018 to November 2022. Demographic and perioperative details were recorded. Patients were followed up and surgical success was evaluated on the basis of symptomatic, functional, and radiological improvement.

Results:

A total of 34 patients underwent robot-assisted reconstructions for benign ureteric pathologies by various techniques. Mean age, body mass index (BMI), hospital stay and follow-up duration were 36 years, 24.1 kg/m2, 5.29 days, and 7.08 months respectively. Procedures included pyeloplasty in eight, primary ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) in seven, Psoas hitch UNC in five, Boari flap UNC in six, Ureteroureterostomy in four, ureterocalicostomy in two and ileal ureteral transposition in two patients. Mean docking time, total operative time, and estimated blood loss were 31.5 min, 178 min, and 64.3 ml, respectively. All patients had radiologic or functional improvement on follow-up after 6 months.

Conclusion:

Robot-assisted reconstructive surgery for benign ureteric and bladder pathologies imparted excellent short-term outcomes without major complications with all the advantages of a minimally invasive approach.
Single dartos flap versus double dartos flap in hypospadias repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis and fragility index
Authors: Borkar Nitinkumar , Tiwari Charu , Nair Abhijit , Sinha CK , Ratan Simmi K , Naredi Bikash Kumar
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Hypospadias is a common congenital urogenital anomaly. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, still it presents challenges in management. An important aspect of hypospadias repair is the use of protective layers to cover neourethra. This review focuses on comparing the Single Dartos Flap (SDF) and Double Dartos Flap (DDF) techniques, used to cover the neourethra. These techniques differ in terms of the number of dartos layers used to cover the neourethra.

Methods:

This systematic review, follows PRISMA guidelines, included six RCTs from PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Patients with hypospadias repair with use of SDF or DDF were analyzed for outcome, Urethrocutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis, glans dehiscence, penile torsion and cosmetic outcomes. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager, with TSA and FI ensuring result robustness.

Results:

Six studies met inclusion criteria, and risk of bias assessment indicated low risk across all domains. Meta-analysis results favored DDF over SDF for reducing urethrocutaneous fistula (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.20–0.68) but showed no significant difference in meatal stenosis and glans dehiscence. DDF also associated with lower risk of penile torsion (RR 0.05, 95% CI 0.01–0.35).

Conclusion:

The systematic review, based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), provides evidence supporting the use of DDF over SDF in hypospadias repair, particularly in distal hypospadias using the TIP procedure. The article emphasizes the potential advantages of DDF in reducing UCF but further robust evidence is needed to confirm these results based on the findings of TSA and FI.
Response to “Outcomes of infants undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty: A single-center experience”
Authors: Panach-Navarrete Jorge , Valls-González Lorena , Martínez Jabaloyas José María
Published: February 2024

Although studies such as that of Erol et al. can raise doubts to a pediatric urologist about whether or not to carry out a laparoscopic approach in a pyeloplasty in infants, especially due to the percentage of complications, meta-analyses such as the one mentioned reinforce the safety and good results of the laparoscopic approach in these patients. The laparoscopic approach provides potential benefits over open surgery, such as better visualization of polar vessels, less aggressive dissection of periureteral tissues, or smaller scars. Although many open pyeloplasty incisions can be made small, they will never be smaller than those with 3 or 5 mm ports. Thus, any urologist or pediatric surgeon with experience in laparoscopic surgery has sufficient data at their disposal to be confident in the reproducibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for pyeloplasties in infants. It is appreciated that works such as that of Erol et al. help minimally invasive techniques expand within pediatric urology.
Latin American Neostructuralism and Its Differentiation from Latin American Structuralism
Authors: Ormaechea Emilia
Published: February 2024

Latin American neostructuralism emerged within the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean by 1990. As such, it was aimed at reviewing original Latin American structuralism and updating those contributions to the new phase of global capitalism. Notwithstanding this institutional point of view, this article argues that neostructuralism did not represent an update to Latin American structuralism but rather a differentiation from its critical and original contributions, which relies mainly on the displacement of the center-periphery concept. In the framework of the neoliberal offensive, this change toward capitalism was the result of the greater influence of theories and approaches generated in the center to problematize Latin America’s development, as well as of the requirement to depoliticize the discussion of development.

JEL Classification: B2, B5, O1
The Child and the Imagination: Understanding and Responding to the World
Authors: Barfield Robin
Published: February 2024

This article discusses the use of the imagination in contemporary children's ministry models, drawing out conflicting approaches. Theological explanations of the imagination are then considered before proposing that the imagination has an input–output function. The input of the imagination works as a form of worldview glue giving it an eschatological, epistemological, and teleological function. The output of the imagination is a response to the input and therefore must be carefully managed.
Participants’ Experiences With a Community Based Participatory Research Produce Prescription Program: Findings From a Qualitative Study
Authors: Suh Courtney Kimi , Huliganga Abigail , Collymore Jeriann , Desai Naomi , Mora Mary , Hatchett Lena
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore a food-insecure, low income, predominantly African American community’s experiences with a produce prescription program (PPP).

Design

Researchers conducted 3 focus groups and 4 individual interviews with Maywood Veggie Rx (VRxM) participants asking questions about the logistics of the program while also exploring ideas around health, food, and community.

Setting

This produce prescription program took place in Maywood, Illinois which is an urban underserved community with 23.5 K people, most of whom are Black/African American (61%) and Hispanic (32%).

Participants

The 24 participants interviewed through focus groups and individual interviews were enrolled in the 2021-2022 VRxM program. Participants were mainly female, with only three participants being males. Ages ranged between 34 and 74 years of age with a mean age of 56.3.

Method

Qualitative data from transcripts were then coded via a grounded theory approach to identify common themes.

Results

A research team of seven including the two Co-PIs, three medical students and two dietetic interns identified 278 codes which were then condensed into 117 codes and then placed into 9 categories. Researchers identified three recurrent themes among the experiences of VRxM participants: (1) trust building, (2) culturally relevant and adaptive nutrition education, and (3) bidirectional feedback. These three themes mirror many of the principles of Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR).

Conclusion

The study findings identify common themes among the experiences of VRxM which are in line with the collaborative approach of CBPR principles. Produce Prescription Programs should utilize CBPR principles in the creation and implementation of programming to improve the participant experience. Future research should include additional focus groups on new iterations of VRxM and should also include those people who chose not to participate in VRxM to explore barriers to participation.
Factors Associated With Racially and Ethnically Diverse Sample of Adolescents, Young Adults, and Parents’ Intention to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Rosen Brittany L. , Meisman Andrea , Sun Quin , Real Francis J. , Steller Alyssa , Chandler Emmanuel , Crosby Lori , Frenck Robert , Klein Melissa , Kahn Jessica A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Identify variables, including moderating variables, associated with adolescents, young adults, and parents’ intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in January 2021.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

United States Midwestern academic medical center.

Sample

Adolescents (n = 242); young adults (n = 333); parents (n = 563).

Measures

Associations between predictors—participant characteristics, general vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 and vaccine knowledge, perceptions, and normative beliefs—and intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (outcome) were assessed. To determine variables impacting the strength of the relationship between predictors and outcome, moderators included 2020/2021 influenza vaccine receipt, having experienced discrimination, and primary sources of information for COVID-19.

Analysis

Multivariable logistic regression examined associations, including moderating effects, for adolescents, young adults, parents, and parents for child.

Results

With 20,231 email addresses receiving the survey, 1138 participants were included in the analysis. Intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine was reported by 60.7% adolescents (n = 147), 65.2% young adults (n = 217), and 38.5% parents (n = 217) and 38.2% parents (n = 215) intended to vaccinate their child. Intention was associated with lower general vaccine hesitancy for adolescents (AOR = 1.50), young adults (AOR = 1.39), parents (AOR = 1.18), and parents’ intention for their child (AOR = 1.17). Parents citing reputable medical experts as primary source of COVID-19 information positively moderated vaccine perceptions and intention for self (AOR = 8.25) and child (AOR = 6.37).

Conclusion

Clinician training to address vaccine hesitancy may be effective at promoting positive COVID-19 vaccine perceptions.
Give Twice to Get the Same: Gender Impact on Leaders’ Orientations and Career Paths
Authors: Santos Reinaldo Sousa , Pereira Vanessa , Nogueira Conceição , Rodrigues Liliana , Magalhães Sara Isabel , Patrão Ana Luísa
Published: February 2024

Emerging careers are less linear, safe, and stable and more attentive to the non-professional dimensions of life. People face resistance and obstacles on their careers, namely, regarding gender inequality. The study took an inductive approach with qualitative data collected from ten in-depth semi-structured interviews with leaders in Portuguese organizations, with the aim of understanding the impact of gender on leaders’ career paths and orientations. The thematic analysis identified seven career orientations (school education, challenge, stability, hierarchical progression, own business, people and community, and family), and six gender conditioning (functional segregation, male leadership, sexual and moral assessment of women, resistance to male interest by the family, access and representation mechanisms, and work–family articulation). Our results show a reality not free of gender inequalities, which forces women to give twice to be recognized as having equal value to men. Organizations must ensure equal opportunities and removing any forms of gender-based discrimination.
Communicative Activity: Social Theoretical Foundations for Critical Materialist Media and Communication Sociology in the Digital Age
Authors: Sevignani Sebastian
Published: February 2024

This paper contributes to the social theoretical foundations of a sociology of media and communication by making use of the cultural–historical school in psychology. Such perspective gains relevance in digital capitalism and the blurring of production and Internet usage. The paper first revisits Habermas’s influential notion of communicative action and agency. Second, it uses activity theory as an alternative, more promising way of theorising because it links communication closer to work. A model of communicative action is introduced and a conceptual link between media and human tool use is established. Third, the paper elaborates on the notion of activity in the digital world and posits that digitalisation can be understood as a ‘machinisation’ of mental and communicative-coordinative work. The developed perspective, the paper concludes, allows critical media and communication sociology to operate with meaningful concepts of communicative expropriation, exploitation and alienation.
Adaptive tracking control-based Nussbaum gain for a class of multi-input and multi-output nonlinear systems with time-varying state constraints
Authors: Feng Xingkai , Wang Congqing
Published: February 2024

This article studies an adaptive backstepping barrier Lyapunov function-based control scheme for a class of multi-input and multi-output nonlinear systems in the presence of time-varying asymmetric full-state constraints and external disturbances. Simultaneously, a prominent feature of these systems is the unknown time-varying control direction. To stabilize such systems, Nussbaum gain technique is constructively framed to overcome the unknown control direction problem. To prevent that the constraints are overstepped, the time-varying asymmetric barrier Lyapunov functions are employed in each step of the backstepping design. The design involves an adaptive-based online approximator to cope with unknown dynamics of the system. A simulation example on aircraft skin inspection robot with three-dimensional trajectory is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
A pressure control method for increasing the energy efficiency of the hydraulic system powering agricultural implements
Authors: Tian Xin , Guo Xiaofan , Stump Patrick , Vacca Andrea , Fiorati Stefano , Pintore Francesco
Published: February 2024

Agricultural tractors and their implements are at the basis of modern farming. Besides propulsion, in such system, most of the mechanical actuations are performed with a fluid power system that is highly power-dense and versatile, but has a low energy efficiency. This article first describes the challenges of the state-of-the-art hydraulic system that cause poor efficiency. Afterward, it proposes and demonstrates a solution that can significantly increase such efficiency without affecting the cost and functionality of the overall hydraulic control system. The proposed solution is based on a peculiar control approach to the hydraulic supply units that power the implement functions through the hydraulic remote connections. The approach is based on an impressed-pressure control methodology, as opposed to the traditional impressed flow method used in off-road machinery. The result is that the typical energy-inefficient pressure saturation conditions that often occur in common vehicles are mitigated and brought to a more efficient state. To support the development of the technology, the research takes into consideration the circuit of a 400-hp tractor and a 16-row planter. A simulation model of the hydraulic system of the two vehicles was implemented and validated against experiments. The model was then utilized to estimate the reduction in the energy consumption achieved by the proposed solution. Lab tests and field experiments of the proposed solutions applied to the reference tractor and planter system confirmed an overall 18% energy efficiency improvement.
‘Taliban’s Rise’ and the South Asian Anxiety: India’s Strategic Recalibration
Authors: Bhattacharya Ipshita
Published: February 2024

The Asian security crisis vis-a-vis Afghanistan and the unravelling regional dynamics are undoubtedly security concerns for the South Asian (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka) region. This is leading to a future, predicting intensifying geopolitical strife and emerging uncertainties causing crucial dynamics for South Asia. Re-emergence of the Taliban with the rebooting of its fanatic and orthodox ideologies may severely impact the South Asian region. Taliban’s handholding with Al-Qaeda and other fundamental terrorist organisations in the region will breathe more life to the radical groups and the separatists inspiring them to be more dominant in the region.

The porous and the disputed borders with the ethnic connections within the region will make it easy to establish a robust mechanism, for the growth of the Taliban’s fundamentalist ideologies across South Asian countries. Another significant and the most crucial dynamic is Afghanistan and Pakistan’s coupling that has been the most dreaded confluence over the decades. This relation has been highly convoluted and has been the facilitator of various terrorist organisations in the past. In the recent perspective, this fusion will be giving more drastic leverages to the militant organisations posing a severe threat before South Asian countries. The bond between the Taliban factions and the active terrorist outfits in Kashmir in India will vigorously facilitate resources in the form of more recruits and weapons providing more power to these groups. The proposed study will be divided into two parts the first part will explore India’s posture in ensuring peace and stability in the region and the second part will deal with a probe into New Delhi’s recalibration of strategies vis-a-vis Afghanistan in the present context.
Accelerating Financial Inclusion of the Urban Poor: Role of Innovative e-Payment Systems and JAM Trinity in Alleviating Poverty in India
Authors: Singh Jaskirat , Singh Manjit
Published: February 2024

Financial exclusion of low-income groups in urban areas remains a key policy challenge in India. This study examines the potential of e-payment systems and the Jan Dhan Aadhaar Mobile (JAM) trinity in enhancing access of the urban poor to social welfare schemes, thereby alleviating poverty. A survey of 585 economically weaker section households across 12 cities in Punjab state was conducted. The results indicate greater awareness of mobile and UPI payments compared to cards, but adoption gaps exist across demographic segments. Younger educated male earners perceive individual benefits like convenience and government benefits like transparency in e-payments. Integrating innovative e-payments in welfare programs increases the reliability of transactions, leading to positive multiplier effects on income, assets and skills and reducing vulnerabilities for the urban poor. The findings highlight the need for targeted initiatives by policymakers and Fintech firms to digitize payments and customized implementation measures to promote adoption among low-income citizen groups. This includes digital literacy programs, trust-building, co-creating tailored products and integrating e-payment mechanisms into social schemes. Thus, leveraging Fintech innovations through strategic policies and cross-sector partnerships can significantly advance financial inclusion to create a more equitable digital economy where the urban poor are not left behind.
Understanding the Experiences of Medical Interpreters in Palliative Care: An Exploration of Measurement Tools
Authors: Slusarz Claire
Published: February 2024

Medical interpreters aid in providing culturally sensitive palliative care to patients with limited-English proficiency. However, navigating their complex, and sometimes contradictory, roles and the sensitive nature of the content in palliative care encounters can negatively impact medical interpreters. Compassion fatigue (CF) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) are concepts that have been explored in many healthcare professionals but have not been fully explored in medical interpreters in palliative care. This review examines the psychometric properties of three measures of CF and STS that have been utilized in various populations of healthcare providers. There are no measures of CF or STS that have been shown to be valid and reliable in medical interpreters participating palliative care encounters. Further research is needed to investigate the validity of the reviewed measures in medical interpreters, and it may be beneficial to modify existing tools to measure CF and STS more accurately in this population.
An Examination of Stakeholder-Driven Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tools in Medical Care Delivery
Authors: Cammy Rebecca
Published: February 2024

The growing recognition that social risk factors influence individual and population health has generated stakeholder support in the promotion of health equity, bridging partnerships across health care, public health, and social service sectors. The integration of social care into health care delivery requires routine screening to identify and address health-related social needs (HRSN). Screening tools must be short, accessible, and inclusive and accurately reflect potential risks to prioritize tailored interventions. However, HRSNs are also sensitive and can prompt additional ethical concerns when integrated with clinical practice in medical care. This paper examines the psychometric properties of three stakeholder-driven HRSN screening tools to identify adverse, unmet risks among oncology patients. Further research is needed to ensure social needs initiatives protect sensitive social data in electronic health records and that patients with complex medical and social needs receive comprehensive resources through targeted service connections.
Meaning Reconstruction After Suicide Loss
Authors: Bradley Kailey , Akmese Ibrahim , Chamberlain Kristin
Published: February 2024

Suicide loss is an example of traumatic loss, as suicide loss survivors face unique challenges in processing the loss. Consequently, in this conceptual paper, meaning reconstruction will be defined as a theoretical paradigm beneficial for clients navigating suicide loss. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a general overview of meaning reconstruction theory and to offer concrete suggestions on implementation of the meaning reconstruction theory as it relates to suicide loss. Further, the authors will utilize a hypothetical case study to illuminate the integration of meaning reconstruction for suicide loss survivors.
Mirikizumab: A New Therapeutic Option for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Choi David , Sheridan Hilary , Bhat Shubha
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To review the pharmacologic and clinical profile of mirikizumab in the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

Data sources:

A PubMed search was performed from inception to December 2023 using keywords mirikizumab, interleukin-23 inhibitor, and UC. Information was also obtained from package inserts as well as published abstracts.

Study selection and data extraction:

Phase 3 studies plus relevant literature on mirikizumab pharmacologic and clinical profile were reviewed.

Data synthesis:

Mirikizumab approval was based on LUCENT-1 and LUCENT-2. In the phase 3 studies involving patients with moderate to severe UC, mirikizumab, when compared to placebo, resulted in clinical remission in a significantly higher proportion of patients in both the induction and maintenance phase. In addition, mirikizumab met the secondary endpoints of alternate definition of clinical remission, endoscopic remission, glucocorticoid-free clinical remission, histologic-endoscopic mucosal remission, and improvement in bowel urgency status, bowel-urgency remission, and maintenance of clinical remission. Common adverse events noted include infection (15.1%), injection-site reaction (8.7%), nasopharyngitis (7.2%), and headache (3.3%).

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice in comparison to existing agents:

Mirikizumab is the first selective interleukin 23 (IL-23) inhibitor approved for UC. Additional studies are required to determine how to position mirikizumab in both biologic-naïve and biologic-experienced patients with moderate to severe UC.

Conclusion:

Mirikizumab provides a novel mechanism of action for the treatment of moderate to severe UC and is another welcomed treatment advance in the treatment arsenal, providing a more selective mechanism of action while maintaining a comparable safety profile.
Pilot Training Program on Hands-Only CPR and Choking First Aid for Frontline Police Responders in Rural Nepal
Authors: Thapa Ghan B. , Sapkota Roshan , Thapa Anjana , Sharma Rajesh , Lubetkin Derek , Lubetkin Camille , Nesemann Samuel , Kharel Ramu
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Basic life support (BLS) is an emergency skill that includes performing appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and is rising in Nepal. After an OHCA event, a bystander starting CPR quickly has been shown to increase the survival rate. While the Nepali police are generally the first responders to emergencies in rural parts, they are not trained in BLS. This program assesses a pilot training of hands-only CPR and choking first aid to the Nepal Police and Nepal Army participants in rural Nepal.

Methods

A community-based nonprofit organization, HAPSA-Nepal, coordinated with local government to pilot this program. The program included pre- and post-tests, lectures, videos, and small group hands-on exercises; facilitators included faculty emergency physicians, residents, and medical officers. Structured pre- andp post-test questionnaires, confidence surveys, and skills checklists were conducted. Descriptive analysis examined the respondent's characteristics, and paired t-test was used to compare pretest and post-test scores.

Results

A total of 126 participants received the training in this pilot phase. Prior to this training, 98.4% of the participants had not received any CPR training, and 100% of the participants had not received training on first aid for choking. The average pretest score was 4.4 with 95% CI ± 1.75, and the average post-test score was 8.06 with 95% CI ± 1.73 (out of a total of 11). All participants passed the skills assessment.

Conclusions

Locally adapted BLS training programs that included hands-only CPR and choking first aid showed a significant knowledge gain and skills competence among the frontline participants.
Percutaneous retrieval of embolized umbilical arterial catheter in extreme premature infant
Authors: Uwaifo Omotola Olubusola , Crittendon Ivory , Lucas Victor Sam
Published: February 2024

Background:

Umbilical arterial catheterization is a common procedure performed on critically ill neonates, especially those with extreme prematurity. Various complications have been described following umbilical artery catheter (UAC) placement including thrombosis, embolism, vasospasm, vascular perforation, hemorrhage, and infection. However, treatment of these complications is challenging due to the small size of this very fragile subset of patients.

Methods:

A 3-day old extremely preterm infant was referred to our institution for percutaneous removal of a fragmented and embolized umbilical arterial catheter.

Results:

Catheter retrieval was successful via a carotid approach utilizing techniques from percutaneous closure of PDA in preterm infants and trans-carotid access for PDA stent and aortic interventions.

Conclusion:

This case report describes the successful percutaneous retrieval of an embolized UAC fragment in an extremely preterm infant, the smallest documented in literature to date.
Co-Morbid Hypothyroidism and Liver Dysfunction: A Review
Authors: Yorke Ernest
Published: February 2024

The liver and thyroid hormones interact at multiple levels to maintain homoeostasis. The liver requires large adequate amounts of thyroid hormones to execute its metabolic functions optimally, and deficiency of thyroid hormones may lead to liver dysfunction. Hypothyroidism has been associated with abnormal lipid metabolism, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hypothyroidism-induced myopathy, hypothyroidism-associated gallstones and occasionally, interferon-induced thyroid dysfunction. NAFLD remain an important association with hypothyroidism and further studies are needed that specifically compare the natural course of NAFLD secondary to hypothyroidism and primary NAFLD. Hepatic dysfunction associated with hypothyroidism is usually reverted by normalizing thyroid status. Large scale studies geared towards finding new and effective therapies, especially for NAFLD are needed. The clinician must be aware that there exists overlapping symptomatology between liver dysfunction and severe hypothyroidism which may make delay the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism; this requires a high index of suspicion.
Screenness in Google Maps navigation: An agential realist analysis
Authors: Maithani Charu
Published: February 2024

This article articulates screenness to comprehend the agency of screens in the postmedia condition. Being a common element in different kinds of media, screens contribute towards medial collaboration and relationality in postmedia where they do much more than display. Screenness, understood in Karen Barad’s agential realist framework, is performative and contingent upon the relations of the postmedia assemblage, considered here as an arrangement of technical, medial and human components brought together by the transferability and exchange across different media. The unstable, ever-changing relations in postmedia assemblages help in understanding the various operations of screens in image-making, display and dissemination practices. If screens can be understood in and through practices in which they emerge then their agency too is not static but changes as per the relations screens are in. To demonstrate the performative agency of screens – screenness – I will discuss intra-actions that can be gleaned via the activity of navigation using Google Maps application on a smartphone.
Evidence-b(i)ased practice: Selective and inadequate reporting in early childhood autism intervention research
Authors: Sandbank Micheal , Bottema-Beutel Kristen , Syu Ya-Cing , Caldwell Nicolette , Feldman Jacob I , Woynaroski Tiffany
Published: February 2024

We conducted a multi-pronged investigation of different types of reporting bias in autism early childhood intervention research. First, we investigated the prevalence of reporting failures of completed trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov, and found that only 7% of registered trials were updated with results on the registration platform and only 64% had associated published reports. Next, we investigated the extent to which inadequate reporting prevents inclusion in meta-analytic summary estimates by identifying reports of studies that were eligible for inclusion in a prior meta-analysis, and found that 25% were excluded due to inadequate reporting. Finally, we investigated selective reporting practices by analyzing the protocols of the studies included in the meta-analysis which had been registered on any trial registry and coding their timing, completeness, and consistency. We found that 23% of studies were pre-registered, 71% were late-registered, and 5% were registered at an unclear date. Only 8% of registrations specified all of the necessary components. Evidence of selective reporting was common; 36% failed to report a registered outcome, 61% reported unregistered outcomes, 23% switched primary and secondary outcomes, and 43% had assessment timepoints that differed from registration specification. Given the inadequacy of registration and reporting practices, we offer practical recommendations to facilitate improvement for the field of autism research.

Lay Abstract

When researchers fail to report their findings or only report some of their findings, it can make it difficult for clinicians to provide effective intervention recommendations. However, no one has examined whether this is a problem in studies of early childhood autism interventions. We studied how researchers that study early childhood autism interventions report their findings. We found that most researchers did not register their studies when they were supposed to (before the start of the study), and that many researchers did not provide all of the needed information in the registration. We also found that researchers frequently did not publish their findings when their studies were complete. When we looked at published reports, we found that many of the studies did not report enough information, and that many studies were reported differently from their registrations, suggesting that researchers were selectively reporting positive outcomes and ignoring or misrepresenting less positive outcomes. Because we found so much evidence that researchers are failing to report their findings quickly and correctly, we suggested some practical changes to make it better.
Domains of uncertainty, identification processes, and exit intentions
Authors: Wagoner Joseph A. , Chur Marcus
Published: February 2024

The process of leaving groups is ubiquitous. However, the motivations underlying people’s decision to exit their groups have been underexamined. Integrating uncertainty-identity theory with literature on disidentification, we conducted three studies ( NTotal = 891) to investigate how different domains of uncertainty affect group identification and disidentification, and how these identification processes predict people’s exit intentions. In Studies 1a (religious congregations) and 1b (organizations), we measured different domains of uncertainty (self, social identity) before measuring group identification, disidentification, and exit intentions. Study 2 manipulated domains of uncertainty (self, social identity) and levels of uncertainty (high, low) before measuring the same outcome variables. Results showed stronger social identity uncertainty elicited stronger disidentification and weaker group identification. Results also showed that disidentification mediated the relationship between social identity uncertainty and exit intentions. Self-uncertainty did not relate to people’s exit intentions. The results contribute to the psychological literature on group exit intentions.
Mathematical modelling analysis of deep groove ball bearing with misalignment
Authors: Yuan Xing , Liu Hui , Zhang Huijie
Published: February 2024

Deep groove ball bearing is prone to misalignment due to installation and long-term use, which requires research on the frequency characteristics and evolution mechanism excited by misalignment. This article first outlines a mathematical model of a rotor supported at both ends, which is used to describe the multi-body vibration mechanism of bearing-rotor system. The previous investigation on the misalignment dynamics of rolling bearings mainly focuses on the frequency harmonic characteristics of displacement signals. This article explores the acceleration frequency characteristics of misalignment bearings, involving their low-frequency and high-frequency vibrations, and explains the formation mechanism from the perspective of the balls passing through the stiffness change region. This modelling method can clearly describe the periodic impact and frequency modulation characteristics excited by misalignment, with characteristic frequencies including cage frequency [Formula: see text] and its harmonics, inner race relative to cage frequency [Formula: see text] and its harmonics and fault frequency [Formula: see text] and its sideband, thus providing more reasonable reference for design and diagnosis. Furthermore, a mean geometry indicator is developed from square envelope domain to evaluate the vibration frequency characteristics. With the advantages of mean geometry in characterizing nonlinear systems, the stability reliability is investigated to reveal the vibration mechanism and dynamic evolution law of the misalignment. Numerical calculations and experiments have shown that the multi-body vibration model and misalignment mathematical expression proposed in this article can illustrate the multi-frequency characteristics excited by misalignment, and the stability reliability can objectively describe the evolution mechanism of such dynamic system.
The interplay of affirmative action and entrepreneurial culture: Understanding institutional privilege and exclusion in Malaysia
Authors: Ramli Kautsar , Williams Nick
Published: February 2024

The aim of this article is to examine how enterprise policies aimed at supporting ethnic groups influence entrepreneurial activity. Drawing on qualitative interviews with entrepreneurs and policymakers in the emerging economy of Malaysia, we show that policy intended to close interethnic gaps in entrepreneurial activity instead serves to increase differences. Parallel institutional environments are formed through socially negotiated accomplishments and are influenced by institutional antecedents including affirmative action policy. These conditions created advantages (institutional privilege) for the targeted population but disadvantages (institutional exclusion) for those who are not targeted in the preferential policies. Tensions between privilege and exclusion impact on entrepreneurial activity, increasing inequalities of different parties. The article provides a number of theoretical contributions and practical implications for policy.
Window on the nostalgia box: television and the ambient aesthetics of karaoke in 1980s Japan
Authors: Ward Chelsea Morgen
Published: February 2024

This article traces the social, technological and legal factors that, from the 1960s onward, transformed karaoke into a televisual medium. The author shows how the incorporation of the television screen into karaoke performance reveals a cross-section of postwar Japanese anxieties surrounding gendered leisure practices, licensing and storage of emerging media formats, and the regulation of the body within urban space. She further argues that the resultant ambient aesthetics of karaoke background videos encode a particular historical moment in the 1980s, in which karaoke emerged as a leisure activity involving the visually orchestrated somatic reconstitution of ambient space under pressure within Japan’s increasingly mediatized urban environment. The article ultimately suggests that resituating karaoke within television and media studies allows for a more resonant understanding of it as an embodied practice in which a visually driven nostalgia for ambient media alters, if not outright displaces, the affective connection to the audio it accompanies. The televisually mediated space of karaoke performance, then, reframes the nostalgia typically associated with both television and popular audio as, instead, nostalgia for the way ambient media allows for renegotiations of the relationship between the body and its surroundings under the attendant pressures of late capitalism.