bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurse ethicists: Innovative resource or ideological aspiration?
Authors: Johnstone Megan-Jane
Published: November 2023

In recent years, there have been growing calls for nurses to have a formal advanced practice role as nurse ethicists in hospital contexts. Initially proposed in the cultural context of the USA where nurse ethicists have long been recognised, the idea is being advocated in other judications outside of the USA such as the UK, Australia and elsewhere. Such calls are not without controversy, however. Underpinning this controversy are ongoing debates about the theoretical, methodological and political dimensions of clinical ethics support services generally, and more recently where nurses might ‘fit’ within such a service. In considering whether nurse ethicists ought to have a place in clinical ethics support services, a number of questions arise such as: Is such a role warranted? If so, what credentials should nurses assuming the title of ‘nurse ethicist’ be required to have? What standards of practice ought nurse ethicists be required to uphold? What is the ultimate role and function of nurse ethicists in hospital contexts? And in what contexts might a nurse ethicist be most useful? In this essay, brief attention will be given to addressing these questions. It will be concluded that, as a minimum, nurses wishing to assume an advanced nursing practice role as a nurse ethicist must have substantive grounding in the foundational knowledge of the disciplines of both moral philosophy and nursing ethics. They must also not lose sight of the ultimate goal of nursing ethics, notably, to promote and advance ethical nursing practice and the provision of ‘good’ nursing care.
Common Property Resources and Normalization of Encroachment: An Ethnographic Account
Authors: Singh Shilp Shikha
Published: November 2023

The article enquires into the construction of encroachment (of village pond) as an acceptable regular practice in the day-to-day discourse of village life, violating the norms of collective usages of common water bodies. Violation in this case is the outcome of a peculiar social understanding that emerged over a period of time (a) by ineffective functioning of state apparatus and the subsequent proliferation of corrupt network and (b) by the arrival of new technologies of development which replaced the collective action for local resource management and reversed social trust to support violation. While on the one hand this process led to obliteration of distinction between the agent and the victim of violation as a free rider condition exist vis-à-vis encroachment; on the other hand there is an increased sense of vulnerability to the effects of violation. The perception of encroachment in the village community as natural and unavoidable reality gives social legitimation to this violation which affects all.
Cyber-physical decentralized planning for communizing
Authors: Nardelli Pedro HJ , Gória Silva Pedro E , Siljak Harun , Narayanan Arun
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a decentralized planning constructed as a cyber-physical system to jointly manage supply and demand, including aspects related to production and circulation, without the mediation of money. Our aim is to provide a concrete technical solution for a future society based on communizing and commons-based resource allocation as an attempt to move in-against-and-beyond the value-form, which is the social “force-field” that characterizes the capitalist mode of production. This contribution is divided into three articulated parts: (i) a review of the elementary forms that jointly determine the capitalist social organization, (ii) a defense of the proposition that the money-form must be destroyed to enable a new mode of production based on communizing, and (iii) a proposal of a cyber-physical implementation of a jointly decentralized production planning and resource allocation over large infrastructures that enable a multilevel polycentric governance as a variation of the Interactive Economic Planning and Optimized Selections (I-EPOS) algorithm when coordination is needed.
Experiences and Service Utilization of American Indian/Alaskan Native Kinship Caregivers in Kinship Navigator Programs Across Washington State
Authors: Day Angelique , Barton Ellen , Cross Suzanne , Miller Cheryl , Gonzales Joylina
Published: November 2023

Kinship caregiving, especially the phenomenon of grandparents providing sole care for their grandchildren, occurs at a higher rate in American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) communities than in any other demographic group. In 2017, the State of Washington allocated resources to seven tribes to build and implement culturally relevant kinship navigation programs. Survey results ( N = 70) of AI/AN kinship caregivers in the state indicate that caregiver needs, service access, and utilization look different in tribal communities as compared with research conducted in nontribal communities. Specifically, AI/AN caregivers are more likely to report challenges with obtaining housing, transportation, and working with their kinship children’s school than nontribal caregivers. Focus groups with tribal kinship navigators ( N = 9) from five of these seven programs describe the greatest challenges they’ve experienced with program implementation including program eligibility, what kinship caregivers most often ask for assistance with, what system-level disparities that exist between tribal and nontribal kinship navigator programs and provide suggestions for program improvement.
Exploratory Search and International Performance: When Do Local Alliances Matter?
Authors: Abdi Majid , Aulakh Preet S. , Ma Zicheng
Published: November 2023

Firms are often encouraged to collaborate to draw on local partners’ expertise and insider status during internationalization. Appropriateness of alliances during international expansion depends on the type of exploratory search a firm pursues. During internationalization, firms engage with novelty in two distinct, yet often conflated, domains: institutional and product. Firms’ novelty-seeking in these two domains engages homegrown knowledge structures in contrasting capacities, which alters the conduciveness of local partnerships as a mechanism of internationalization. While reliance on local partnerships enhances the performance outcomes of institutional exploration, performance-enhancing product exploration requires internalized governance arrangements. Based on the export operations of firms from three emerging economies, the empirical results support the theorized relationships.
Silencing performance of the wave-bearing cavity with porous media
Authors: Bilal Hazrat , Uzair Khan Muhammad , Afzal Muhammad
Published: November 2023

The current study investigates the effects of strong potential porous materials to absorb the transmitted energy in a dissipative device containing a wave-bearing cavity. The expansion chamber consists of horizontal as well as vertical elastic boundaries that is filled with a compressible fluid and porous media. The porous media is dealt as an equivalent fluid with complex propagation speed and density, has effects on the eigenfunctions of cavity regions. The vibrational response of the vertical elastic components having different sets of edge conditions are incorporated by mode-matching tailored-Galerkin (MMTG) approach. This approach provides displacement of vertical elastic membrane which deals with various edge conditions. The MMTG approach has point-wise convergence that is conform through generalized orthogonal relations. The MMTG solutions are used to reconstruct matching conditions and to satisfy law of conservation of energy. It confirms the validity of retained solutions and accuracy of performed algebra. It is observed from the curves of TL and [Formula: see text] that by varying edge conditions the absorbed power and TL are enhanced.
Factors Influencing the Medication Adherence in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Its Impact on Healthcare Utilization
Authors: Jeun Ki Jin , Nduaguba Sabina , Al-Mamun Mohammad A.
Published: November 2023

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing medication adherence among adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and impact of central nervous system stimulants (CNS) adherence on healthcare utilization (HCU). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2013 to 2019, with participants (≥18 years of age) with ADHD and had at least one CNS prescription. Multivariate logistic and linear regression were utilized to evaluate the medication adherence and its impact on HCU, respectively.

Result:

Total 798 (10,718,005 weighted) ADHD patients, were mostly White (81%), aged between 18 and 25 (35%), and non-adherent to CNS (65%). The use of extended-release medications (OR = 1.51 [1.03, 2.23]) and new users (OR = 3.46 [2.12, 5.63], p ≤ .05) were positively associated with medication adherence. The adherent group utilized more outpatient visits (0.04 vs. 0.46) and prescription refills (18.38 vs. 31.25) compared to non-adherent.

Conclusion:

Our findings can be applied to improve the medication adherence, patient education, and optimize intervention for adults with ADHD.
Coping in Post-Mastectomy Breast Cancer Survivors and Need for Intervention: Systematic Review
Authors: Mishra Anju , Nair Jayajith , Sharan Anjali Midha
Published: November 2023

Background:

Breast cancer is the most prominent cancer type to affect women. Surgical treatment of invasive breast cancers involves mastectomy. Due to mastectomy, women are subjected to social, emotional, and cultural problems which need to be addressed.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to understand how women cope with body image–related issues, trauma, anxiety, and depression post-mastectomy.

Design:

A systematic literature review was conducted for understanding the coping in post-mastectomy patients. The methods for identifying the studies were based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Databases:

Medline/PubMed, PsycInfo, and Cochrane databases were used for searching relevant articles. A final of 19 studies were analyzed for the work.

Methods:

Search strings such as “coping strategies and post mastectomy,” “body image coping and post mastectomy” and “anxiety coping and post mastectomy” were used for identification of references from databases. Eligibility criteria were used for finalizing the references.

Results:

Analysis of the 19 studies has clearly shown that women who undergo mastectomy suffer from anxiety, stress, and trauma. This study has observed that women have problems with their body image post-mastectomy along with bouts of depression. Self-coping has been observed in relatively few studies. Psychological interventions before surgery have been observed to be a better coping strategy. In most of the studies, women opted for breast reconstruction to overcome the trauma associated with mastectomy.

Conclusion:

Mastectomy has a severe impact on women’s appearance and psychology. Breast reconstruction and acceptance have played an important role in coping among these women. However, breast reconstruction is not accepted by many women due to a multitude of factors. Thus, it is essential to have proper intervention programs in place to ensure women can cope with this situation and can lead healthy lives.

Registration:

Systematic literature review (SLR) is submitted to PROSPERO. The application confirmation number is 449135. Registration awaited from the database.
The porous boundaries of public and private messages: Solidarity networks of Latin American food delivery workers in NYC
Authors: Reyes Ambar
Published: November 2023

In this article, I argue that indigenous Latin American food delivery workers organize to defy information and knowledge asymmetries by utilizing technology built to mediate online social interactions. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, this paper investigates transnational modes of community-building and network formation and examines how these networks are instrumental for delivery workers in New York City to exercise agency, forge their narrative, and resist platform control by resisting, pushing, and extending a variety of digital and communication technologies. I analyze how public and private means of communication facilitate and constrain social forms of organization by mapping how delivery workers communicate and engage collectively both in the physical and the digital worlds. My research reveals two platforms that workers use to share information: one that operates inwards (WhatsApp) and another that operates outwards (Facebook). These channels represent opposite sides of the spectrum between public and private and synergize to form a transnational distributed knowledge network to shape and interpret the collective identity of Latin American delivery workers. Overall, this article sheds light on how the flow of information through different spaces and times enables delivery workers to construct a place for subversion and negotiation with roles assigned to them by broader socio-political forces.
Pathway to authenticity? The influence of politicians’ gender and multimodal self-presentation in social media on perceived authenticity
Authors: Luebke Simon M , Steffan Dennis
Published: November 2023

The authenticity of political candidates has become a decisive factor in their evaluation by the public. In response, political candidates employ self-presentation techniques to appear genuine to constituents, and social media provides politicians with new tools to perform authenticity. Yet, we still know little about how politicians construct authentic images and how their gender and modes of self-presentation influence perceived authenticity. In this study, we examine how politicians’ gender (male vs female) and modes of self-presentation (text-only, image-only, and text–image combined) affect perceived political authenticity. Results from a 2 × 3 online survey experiment in Germany ( N = 1,485) show that gender alone does not explain differences in perceived political authenticity when self-presentation is held consistently. Furthermore, we do not find significant effects for different self-presentation modes in social media. Additional analyses reveal that physical attractiveness is the primary factor for higher authenticity ratings in our sample.
Parent–Child Communication About Potentially Traumatic Events: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sloover Mèlanie , Stoltz Sabine E. M.J. , van Ee Elisa
Published: November 2023

Social support plays an important role in children’s well-being after experiencing a potentially traumatic event (PTE). One such source of support is the parent–child relationship, specifically by discussing the event. However, current literature provides no consensus on whether parents and children communicate about PTEs, in what way they might communicate and how this affects the child. Hence the goal of the current study is threefold, to explore: (a) whether parents and children communicate about PTEs, (b) what this communication looks like, and (c) how this affects children’s well-being. These questions are answered by means of a systematic literature review. Articles were eligible for inclusion if it was an empirical study on communication between parents and children about a PTE that the child (under 18 years) had experienced. Initial searches in electronic databases provided 31,233 articles, of which 26 were deemed eligible for inclusion. Results show that most parents and children have discussed PTEs, but that this may depend on cultural background. What the parent–child communication looks like depends on various factors such as, age of the child, tone, and child’s initiation of discussion. Parental post-traumatic stress symptoms seem to negatively impact communication. The results of the impact of communication are less clear-cut, but it seems to have a predominantly positive effect on the child’s well-being, depending on parental sensitivity. Clinicians should be watchful for parental symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and can focus on promoting parental sensitivity and responsiveness when discussing PTEs with their child or on creating a joint narrative within families.
Hydrophobic modification of mesh spunlace nonwoven for medical dressing contact layer
Authors: Gu Jiahua , Wang Huiting , Dai Xinxin , Zhu Yuqi , Lin Dongqi , Liu Siyi , Han Xu , Lu Bin , Hu Yinsong , Zhang Yinjiang
Published: November 2023

The contact layer of traditional medical dressing is easy to adhere to the new wound granulation tissue, which brings the deficiency of secondary wound injury. This work assumed that low-cost and soft mesh spunlace nonwoven was used as medical dressing contact layer. After micro-nano SiO2 modification, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/n-heptane were uniformly sprayed on the surface of materials. PDMS modification was studied by using the three-factor three-level orthogonal experiment. The results showed that when the PDMS concentration was 1%, the heat treatment temperature and time were 120°C and 12 h respectively, material possessed the optimal hydrophobicity and its water contact angle (CA) was 151.0 ± 1.1°. Meanwhile, the hydrophobicity, microstructure, thermogravimetry, composition, tensile mechanics, adhesion resistance and durability of materials with/without treatment were compared. It was proved that PDMS was indeed grafted onto the material and could effectively improve the hydrophobicity in coordination with micro-nano SiO2 without affecting the mesh structure of material. The machine direction (MD) and cross-machine direction (CD) strength of material decreased but the elongation increased slightly. The MD and CD peeling energy was 129.7 ± 33.9 J/m2 and 98.1 ± 38.3 J/m2, respectively. Moreover, the water CA of material modified by micro-nano SiO2/PDMS was still 139.4 ± 1.4° after 10 friction stroke tests, indicating that the modified material possessed the great durability. Overall, this study can provide the research basis for the development of anti-adhesion medical dressing contact layer.
Acute Thrombosis of an Aneurysm of the Small Saphenous Vein: A Case Report
Authors: Hamdan Rémy , Precup Calin Gheorge , Falchero Catherine , Baldassini Anne-Laure , Castillo Christine
Published: November 2023

Background

A venous aneurysm (VA) is a focal dilatation of a nonvariceal vein (diameter increased by at least 1.5 times compared to the adjacent upstream or downstream venous segment), which carries a risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) when located in the deep veins of the lower limbs but also when it affects the veins above the muscle fascia.

Case

We report the case of a 40-year-old woman who presented with a painful and disabling mass-like lesion of the upper third of the right calf. A Doppler ultrasound (DUS) examination revealed a small saphenous vein (SSV) dilated at the saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) and thrombosed along its entire length. Anticoagulant treatment was initiated but although the thrombosis regressed on DUS, the functional impotence and the persistence of pain prompted a stripping of the SSV. Histology allowed the diagnosis of SSV’s primary aneurysm.

Discussion

Dilated segments of the saphenous vein are not always varicose veins (VVs). True VAs can develop on veins located above the muscular fascia and, like deep VAs, may trigger VTE. Small saphenous vein aneurysms have seldom been reported, and only a few clinical observations have described the thrombosis of a SSV aneurysm. Any mass in the popliteal fossa or upper part of the calf should be examined by DUS to look for an SSV aneurysm. Excision of the saphenous vein with junctional ligation is advised if thrombosis is present at the time of diagnosis.
Applications of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Upper Limb Motor Performance After Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Safdar Afifa , Smith Marie-Claire , Byblow Winston D. , Stinear Cathy M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a promising technique for improving upper limb motor performance post-stroke. Its application has been guided by the interhemispheric competition model and typically involves suppression of contralesional motor cortex. However, the bimodal balance recovery model prompts a more tailored application of NIBS based on ipsilesional corticomotor function.

Objective

To review and assess the application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocols that aimed to improve upper limb motor performance after stroke.

Methods

A PubMed search was conducted for studies published between 1st January 2005 and 1st November 2022 using rTMS to improve upper limb motor performance of human adults after stroke. Studies were grouped according to whether facilitatory or suppressive rTMS was applied to the contralesional hemisphere.

Results

Of the 492 studies identified, 70 were included in this review. Only 2 studies did not conform to the interhemispheric competition model, and facilitated the contralesional hemisphere. Only 21 out of 70 (30%) studies reported motor evoked potential (MEP) status as a biomarker of ipsilesional corticomotor function. Around half of the studies (37/70, 53%) checked whether rTMS had the expected effect by measuring corticomotor excitability (CME) after application.

Conclusion

The interhemispheric competition model dominates the application of rTMS post-stroke. The majority of recent and current studies do not consider bimodal balance recovery model for the application of rTMS. Evaluating CME after the application rTMS could confirm that the intervention had the intended neurophysiological effect. Future studies could select patients and apply rTMS protocols based on ipsilesional MEP status.
No-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu: A Markovian analysis of elite-level combat dynamics
Authors: Lamas Leonardo , Heiner Matthew , Ferreira Mario , Moura Arthur , Rangel Wellington , Fellingham Gilbert , Lage Victor
Published: November 2023

No-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling-based combat sport performed without the jiu-jitsu uniform. It’s fast-growing popularity has been influenced by the contributions to competitors’ performance in mixed martial arts tournaments. This study aimed to analyze the frequency of actions, the transitions between them, and their reward–risk balance—the probability of submitting minus the probability of being submitted—among top-level competitors. Data encompassed all 93 matches (90 competitors) of the World Submission Fighting Championship-2019. Reliability was assessed by two experts (sports scientists, more than 10 years as no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors). Data analyses used Bayesian methods for inference. Posterior distributions of the mean frequencies of actions indicate that the main actions (e.g. takedown, sweep, and back-take) tended to occur less than once per competitor in each match, except by the submission attempt (point estimate of 1.03 per match). The highest estimates for the transition probabilities between match actions were within-competitor—a guard pass action to another guard pass action (0.30); between-competitors—a takedown attempt to a submission attempt (0.15). Most of the actions presented positive reward-risk balance, particularly for the back-take, which showed the highest probability of direct transition to submission (0.45). The dynamic analysis of no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu matches evidenced some preferential actions’ transitions associated with winning. Findings should enhance the accuracy of performance prediction and provide evidence-based recommendations for coaches.
Inquiry-based project learning as an approach to foster wellbeing, sustained focus, and bi-cultural practice in early childhood education
Authors: Probine Sarah , Perry Jo , Alderson Joanne Marie , Heta-Lensen Yo , Burke Rachael , McAlevey Fiona Louise
Published: November 2023

Rapid technology advancements and global responses to sustainability have had a transformational impact on education in the 21st century. As early childhood teachers in Aotearoa/New Zealand respond these challenges, many have recognised the potential inquiry-based project learning (IBPL) has to transform learning for children through empowering them to discover answers through collaboration, representation, reflection and dialogue. This paper explores a current research project in Aotearoa/New Zealand examining how early childhood teachers have interpreted global and local discourses on IBPL and how this impacts children’s learning. The research utilised narrative inquiry to examine the experiences of six early childhood communities using this approach. The study found that IBPL contributes to environments of wellbeing and sustained focus for both children and teachers when relationships and time are prioritised and inquiries are focused on place, and that this approach can create pathways for early childhood teachers to enact rich bi-cultural practice.
Ketone-Based Alert System for Insulin Pump Failures
Authors: Aiello Eleonora M. , Laffel Lori M. , Patti Mary-Elizabeth , Doyle Francis J.
Published: November 2023

Background:

An increasing number of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) manage glycemia with insulin pumps containing short-acting insulin. If insulin delivery is interrupted for even a few hours due to pump or infusion site malfunction, the resulting insulin deficiency can rapidly initiate ketogenesis and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Methods:

To detect an event of accidental cessation of insulin delivery, we propose the design of ketone-based alert system (K-AS). This system relies on an extended Kalman filter based on plasma 3-beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) measurements to estimate the disturbance acting on the insulin infusion/injection input. The alert system is based on a novel physiological model capable of simulating the ketone body turnover in response to a change in plasma insulin levels. Simulated plasma BOHB levels were compared with plasma BOHB levels available in the literature. We evaluated the performance of the K-AS on 10 in silico subjects using the S2014 UVA/Padova simulator for two different scenarios.

Results:

The K-AS achieves an average detection time of 84 and 55.5 minutes in fasting and postprandial conditions, respectively, which compares favorably and improves against a detection time of 193 and 120 minutes, respectively, based on the current guidelines.

Conclusions:

The K-AS leverages the rapid rate of increase of plasma BOHB to achieve short detection time in order to prevent BOHB levels from rising to dangerous levels, without any false-positive alarms. Moreover, the proposed novel insulin-BOHB model will allow us to understand the efficacy of treatment without compromising patient safety.
Threat Appraisal, Emotional Contagion, and Fear of COVID-19: Revision of the Extended Parallel Process Model
Authors: Prince Melvin , Kim Young
Published: November 2023

Fear of COVID-19 has been understandably widespread, given continual exposure to dire information from pandemic media coverage and interpersonal communications. The present study addresses a limitation of the extended parallel process model in predicting fear of COVID-19 by inclusion of the concept of emotional contagion. The main gap in the literature is filled by the study’s distinctive contribution that broadens and upgrades the extended parallel process model. The model is extended by its integration with the theory of emotional processing. The study is based on a national panel of adults ( N = 206). The methods include path modeling by SmartPLS. In addition, multigroup analyses examine overall model differences between gender classifications. Findings and conclusions can be used to minimize excessive fear, and at the same time to promote confidence in following official public guidance and protective regulations to cope with the pandemic.
Profound First-Degree Atrioventricular Block in a High-Level Basketball Athlete
Authors: Stumph Justin D. , Cornwell William K. , Rosenberg Michael A. , Khodaee Morteza
Published: November 2023

First-degree atrioventricular (AV) block (PR interval >200 ms) is commonly observed among screening electrocardiogram (ECG) in athletes. Profound first-degree AV block (PR interval >400 ms) and Mobitz type I (Wenckebach) second-degree AV block are generally uncommon and often require further workup on a case-by-case basis, particularly when there is concern for a structural cardiac abnormality. In this case, we present an example of an asymptomatic profound first-degree AV block with Mobitz type I (Wenckebach) second-degree AV block. Transthoracic echocardiogram and stress echocardiogram were unremarkable and the patient was cleared to participate in sports without any restriction. Physicians managing athletes should be aware of ECG features that require additional evaluation and cardiology consultation.
Cutaneous drug reaction secondary to antitubercular regimen: A case report from Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Himal Bikram , Yadav Jeshika , Sapkota Sangrila , Adhikari Adarsha , Bhattarai Madhur , Singh Ishani , Shrestha Sujan , KC Jwala , Karki Prakash , Basnet Bibhusan
Published: November 2023

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are known side effects of first-line antitubercular therapy, which ranges from mild pruritus to life-threatening toxic epidermal necrolysis. Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions can lead to antitubercular therapy discontinuation and further complicates tuberculosis treatment. Here we present the case of a 49-year-old obese male who developed a generalized maculopapular rash within 24 hours of initiation of therapy followed by bullae over palms in 3 days. Antitubercular therapy was immediately discontinued, and he was managed with antihistamines, intravenous fluid, and electrolyte supplementation. He was discharged on antihistamines, a short course of systemic steroids, moxifloxacin, and bedaquiline (second-line antitubercular therapy (ATT)). Proper guidelines about rechallenge therapy will enormously aid in managing cutaneous adverse drug reactions, and efficient treatment of tuberculosis in these patients, and ceasing its progression to multisystemic complications. This article aims to discuss the presentation and management of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in the setting of Nepal.
Cavernous Malformations and Hemangioblastomas of the Spinal Cord Show Distinct Differences in Clinical Course – A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis of 112 Patients
Authors: Pantel Tobias , Mende Klaus Christian , Mohme Theresa , Mohme Malte , Viezens Lennart , Matschke Jakob , Westphal Manfred , Eicker Sven Oliver
Published: November 2023

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

Cavernous malformations (CMs) and hemangioblastomas (HBs) of the spinal cord exhibit distinct differences in histopathology but similarities in the neurological course. The aim of our study was to analyze the clinical differences between the vascular pathologies and a benign tumor of the spinal cord in a perioperative situation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone surgery for lesions in the spinal cord between 1984 and 2015. Patients were screened for CMs and HBs as the primary inclusion criteria. General patient information, surgical data, and disease-specific data were collected from the records. Cooper–Epstein scores for clinical symptoms were evaluated preoperatively, at discharge, and at the 6-month follow-up.

Results

A total of 112 patients were included, of which 46 had been diagnosed with CMs and 66 with HBs. Patients with CMs often demonstrated more preoperative neurological deterioration compared to those with HBs ( P < .05); accordingly, in took longer to diagnose HBs. Complete resection was possible for 96.8% of all patients with CMs and 90% of those with HBs. At the 6-month follow-up, patients with HBs more often presented with persisting neurologic impairment of the upper extremities compared to the CM patients ( P < .001).

Conclusion

CMs and HBs of the spinal cord have similarities but also exhibit significant differences in neurological presentation and perioperative course. Surgical therapy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic lesions, and complete surgical resection is possible in the majority of cases for both entities. Neurologic outcomes are usually favorable, although patients with HBs retain neurologic deficits more often.
Study of the Traditional Rock Art of the Zo Tribes in Northeast India
Authors: Suanlian T. David
Published: November 2023

Stone engraving or carving also known as petroglyph is an image created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, picking, carving or abrading, as a form of rock art. In the engraving, animals, men, ornaments, instruments, weapons and so on have been depicted which is the material culture of the Zo tribes. This article attempts to give a brief account of the living rock art tradition of the Zo people in the transborder area of Indo-Myanmar. The culture extended to Chin Hills and Mizoram who are the same group of southern Manipur. The periodisation of the studied rock art is beyond the understanding of a mere scholar without the help of experts. This article deals only with the petroglyph or rock art irrespective of megalith, monolith, dolmens or menhir. Efforts have been made to explore how these diverse tendencies can be beneficial within the study of rock art and history.
Reliability of the Tibial Spine Versus ACL Stump in Assisting Tibial Tunnel Positioning During ACL Reconstruction: Analysis Based on 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Modeling
Authors: Liu Weijie , Wu Yumei , Wang Xiaopeng , Kuang Shida , Su Chao , Xiong Yiling , Tang Hang , Xiao Yifan , Meng Jiahao , Gao Shuguang
Published: November 2023

Background:

Several techniques have been used by surgeons for anatomic tibial tunnel placement in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, including the ACL stump positioning (ASP) technique and the tibial spine positioning (TSP) technique.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether bony landmarks (medial and lateral tibial spine [MLTS]) can be a reliable reference for improving the accuracy of tibial tunnel placement in anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction compared with the ACL stump. It was hypothesized that the MLTS would not be a reliable bony landmark for tibial tunnel placement.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The 3-dimensional computed tomography images of 111 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between 2020 and 2021 were included in this study. For tibial tunnel placement, the ASP technique was used in 49 patients, and the TSP technique was used in 62 patients. The 3-dimensional computed tomography images were reconstructed to enable measurements of the locations of the MLTS and tunnel center based on a grid method. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the MLTS location and tibial tunnel position as well as the accuracy (mean distance of each actual location from the anatomic center) and precision (standard deviation of the accuracy, indicating the reproducibility of the tunnel position) of the tunnel position between the ASP and TSP groups.

Results:

Significant differences were observed between the ASP and TSP groups in terms of the tibial tunnel position on the mediolateral axis (46.7% ± 2.0% vs 45.9% ± 2.2%, respectively; P = .034), while no significant differences were found in terms of the accuracy (4.1% vs 4.6%, respectively; P = .259) or precision (2.1% vs 2.1%, respectively; P = .259) of tibial tunnel positioning between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

In anatomic single-bundle ACL reconstruction, the use of the MLTS for tibial tunnel placement achieved comparable accuracy and precision compared with the use of ACL remnants, supporting its role as a reliable bony landmark in tibial tunnel positioning.
Casteism and Education: Institutional Experiences of Muslim Marginalised Students in the Higher Education Academia
Authors: Ahanger Waheed Ahmad , Sofal Firdous Ahmad
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the article is to examine how caste ideology is prevalent in the Indian higher education academia, particularly among Muslim marginalised students. The study also attempts to explore how the caste discrimination leads to microaggression within the classrooms. The study is based on the experiences of the OBC (other backward class) students in one higher education institution in the Muslim-dominated state of India. For the present study, twelve female Muslim students belonging to OBCs were selected using the snow-ball sampling. To keep the identity of the participants and institution anonymous, pseudonyms have been used to introduce them. The findings of the study confirm that there are significant evidences of bullying, teasing, discrimination which leads to micro-aggression among Muslim OBC students at higher education level. The study also revealed that Muslim OBC students in India like Hajam, Turkham, Lohar, Tali, Kumar, etc., experience caste-based discrimination within and outside the classroom.
Global Learning for Health Equity: A Survey of Five Global Learning Sites in the United States
Authors: Shin Sonya S. , Shah Ami , North-Kabore Janette , Rowthorn Virginia , Fiori Kevin P. , Dudding Ruth , Plum Rev Alexander , Parke Dana M. , George Carmen , Thomas Stephen , Pinkett Randal , Porter Keshia M. Pollack , Sirois Adam , Cordeiro Vera , Ogbolu Yolanda
Published: November 2023

Global learning is the practice of adopting and adapting global ideas to local challenges. To advance the field of global learning, we performed a case study of five communities that had implemented global health models to advance health equity in a U.S. setting. Surveys were developed using a Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework, and each site completed surveys to characterize their global learning experience with respect to community context, the learning and implementation process, implementation science considerations, and health equity. The immense diversity of sites and their experiences underscored the heterogenous nature of global learning. Nonetheless, all cases highlighted core themes of addressing social determinants of health through strong community engagement. Cross-sector participation and implementation science evaluation were strategies applied by many but not all sites. We advocate for continued global learning that advances health equity and fosters equitable partnerships with mutual benefits to origination and destination sites.
Subsurface imaging dataset acquired at the Garner Valley Downhole Array site using a dense network of three-component nodal stations
Authors: Vantassel Joseph P , Crocker Jodie A , Cox Brady R , Tran Khiem
Published: November 2023

There is a growing need to characterize the engineering material properties of the shallow subsurface in three dimensions for advanced engineering analyses. However, imaging the near-surface in three dimensions at spatial resolutions required for such purposes remains in its infancy and requires further study before it can be adopted into practice. To enable and accelerate research in this area, we present a large subsurface imaging data set acquired using a dense network of three-component (3C) nodal stations acquired in 2019 at the Garner Valley Downhole Array (GVDA) site. Acquisition of this data set involved the deployment of 196 stations positioned on a 14 × 14 grid with a 5 m spacing. The array was used to acquire active-source data generated by a vibroseis truck and an instrumented sledgehammer, and passive-wavefield data containing ambient noise. The active-source acquisition included 66 vibroseis and 209 instrumented sledgehammer source locations. Multiple source impacts were recorded at each source location to enable stacking of the recorded signals. The active-source recordings are provided in terms of both raw, uncorrected units of counts and corrected engineering units of meters per second. For each source impact, the force output from the vibroseis or instrumented sledgehammer was recorded and is provided in both raw counts and engineering units of kilonewtons. The passive-wavefield data include 28 h of ambient noise recorded over two nighttime deployments. The data set is shown to be useful for active-source and passive-wavefield three-dimensional imaging and other subsurface characterization techniques, which include horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios (HVSRs), multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), and microtremor array measurements (MAM).
Brentuximab vedotin with dacarbazine or nivolumab as frontline cHL therapy for older patients ineligible for chemotherapy
Authors: Friedberg Jonathan W. , Bordoni Rodolfo , Patel-Donnelly Dipti , Larson Timothy , Goldschmidt Jerome , Boccia Ralph , Cline Vivian J. M. , Mamidipalli Adrija , Liu Jingmin , Akyol Alev , Yasenchak Christopher A.
Published: November 2023

Older patients with advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) have inferior outcomes compared with younger patients, potentially due to comorbidities and frailty. This noncomparative phase 2 study enrolled patients aged ≥60 years with cHL unfit for conventional chemotherapy to receive frontline brentuximab vedotin (BV; 1.8 mg/kg) with dacarbazine (DTIC; 375 mg/m2) (part B) or nivolumab (part D; 3 mg/kg). In parts B and D, 50% and 38% of patients, respectively, had ≥3 general comorbidities or ≥1 significant comorbidity. Of the 22 patients treated with BV-DTIC, 95% achieved objective response, and 64% achieved complete response (CR). With a median follow-up of 63.6 months, median duration of response (mDOR) was 46.0 months. Median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 47.2 months; median overall survival (mOS) was not reached. Of 21 patients treated with BV-nivolumab, 86% achieved objective response, and 67% achieved CR. With 51.6 months of median follow-up, mDOR, mPFS, and mOS were not reached. Ten patients (45%) with BV-DTIC and 16 patients (76%) with BV-nivolumab experienced grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events; sensory peripheral neuropathy (PN; 27%) and neutropenia (9%) were most common with BV-DTIC, and increased lipase (24%), motor PN (19%), and sensory PN (19%) were most common with BV-nivolumab. Despite high median age, inclusion of patients aged ≤88 years, and frailty, these results demonstrate safety and promising durable efficacy of BV-DTIC and BV-nivolumab combinations as frontline treatment, suggesting potential alternatives for older patients with cHL unfit for initial conventional chemotherapy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01716806.
Developing structural sandwich panels for energy-efficient wall applications using laminated oil palm wood and rubberwood-based plywood/oriented strand board
Authors: Jantawee Sataporn , Lim Hyungsuk , Li Minghao , Oh Jung-Kwon , Pasztory Zoltan , Cho Heejin , Srivaro Suthon
Published: November 2023

In this work, a new type of structural sandwich panels made with laminated oil palm wood core and rubberwood-based oriented strand board (OSB)/plywood faces were introduced for energy-efficient wall applications in Thailand. Effect of the manufacturing process and material parameters including adhesive content (250 g/m2 and 500 g/m2), core configuration (cross or parallel laminated oil palm lumber) and density (low and medium) and face material type (rubberwood-based OSB/plywood) on panel’s properties were explored. The panels were produced using two-component polyurethane adhesive and a constant clamping pressure of 0.6 MPa. Adhesive content of 250 g/m2 was found to be sufficient for gluing all layers, with wood failure percentage of more than 80% as required by the standard. In-plane dimensional stability of the panels was mainly affected by the core configuration; it was better for cross laminated oil palm wood core sandwich panel. Higher core density resulted in increased density, thermal conductivity and compressive strength in the major direction but lower thermal resistance of the panel. The plywood face sandwich panels provided slightly higher compressive strength than OSB face sandwich panel, and their failure mechanisms were also different. The heat loss of these panels was about one-third of concrete and brick walls, hence, they can provide better insulation for indoor space. Based on the measured thermal conductivity, it was expected that these panels would pass the energy criteria according to Building Energy Code of Thailand. Thus, from the energy saving and sustainability perspectives, these panels can potentially be used as energy efficient wall panels for buildings, not only for Thailand but also for other tropical countries, where the oil palm wood and rubberwood resource is available.
In silico prospecting of the mtDNA of Macrobrachium amazonicum from transcriptome data
Authors: Marques-Neto Jerônimo Costa , de Lima Gabriel Monteiro , Maciel Carlos Murilo Tenório , Maciel Bruna Ramalho , Abrunhosa Fernando Araujo , Sampaio Iracilda , Maciel Cristiana Ramalho
Published: November 2023

Background

Macrobrachium amazonicum is a freshwater prawn widely distributed in South America that is undergoing speciation, so the denomination “M. amazonicum complex” is used for it. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene has been used to elucidate this speciation, but heteroplasmies and pseudogenes have been recorded, making separation difficult. Obtaining genes from cDNA (RNA) rather than genomic DNA is an effective tool to mitigate those two types of occurrences. The aim of this study was to assemble in silico the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the Amazonian coastal population of M. amazonicum inhabiting the state of Pará.

Results

Sequences were obtained from the prawn’s transcriptome using the de novo approach. Six libraries of cDNA from the androgen gland, hepatopancreas, and muscle tissue were used. The mtDNA of M. amazonicum was 14,960 bp in length. It contained 13 protein-coding genes, 21 complete transfer RNAs, and the 12S and 16S subunits of ribosomal RNA. All regions were found on the light strand except tRNAGln, which was on the heavy strand. The control region (D-loop) was not recovered, making for a gap of 793 bp. The cladogram showed the formation of the well-defined Macrobrachium clade, with high support value in the established branches (91–100). The three-dimensional spatial conformation of the mtDNA-encoded proteins showed that most of them were mainly composed of major α-helices that typically shows in those proteins inserted in the membrane (mitochondrial).

Conclusions

It was possible to assemble a large part of the mitochondrial genome of M. amazonicum in silico using data from other genomes deposited in GenBank and to validate it through the similarities between its COI and 16S genes and those from animals of the same region deposited in GenBank. Depositing the M. amazonicum mtDNA sequences in GenBank may help solve the taxonomic problems recorded for the species, in addition to providing complete sequences of candidate coding genes for use as biomarkers in ecological studies.