bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Musical Identity Measure: Exploring musical identity as a variable across multiple types of musicians
Authors: Burland Karen , Bennett Dawn , López-Íñiguez Guadalupe
Published: December 2022

This article introduces the validation of a Musical Identity Measure (MIM), developed to support individuals’ self-conceptions in relation to their musical activities (e.g., performance, composition, music technology). Initial model validation was carried out using a principal axis factor analysis with a diverse and international sample of 336 musicians. The factor analysis revealed a four-factor measure: Musical Calling, Musical Self-Efficacy, Emotional Attachment, and Growth Mindset. Confirmatory factor analysis with the 25-item measure suggested that the model fit would be improved with the removal of three items, resulting in the same four-factor model with 22 items. Further validation with a different dataset confirmed MIM as a strong fit as a bifactor model. Measurement invariance tests confirmed that the bifactor structure was the same for male and female participants; individual measurement invariance in relation to age could not be fully examined due to variance in group sizes. Subsequent analysis of variance (ANOVA) calculations suggested gender differences in musical self-efficacy and highlighted possible changes in MIM factors across the lifespan. MIM has the potential to provide individuals with insights into their motivations to engage with musical activities, to help identify areas requiring additional support or guidance, and to support future-oriented decision making. The measure may also support educators and researchers wishing to understand and support the processes of musical development and skill acquisition.
Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study of Revision Palatoplasty Versus Pharyngoplasty for Treatment of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Following Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Sitzman Thomas J. , Baylis Adriane L. , Perry Jamie L. , Weidler Erica M. , Temkit M’hamed , Ishman Stacey L. , Tse Raymond W. ,   on behalf of the VPI-OPS Study Consortium
Published: December 2022

Objective

To present the design and methodology for an actively enrolling comparative effectiveness study of revision palatoplasty versus pharyngoplasty for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI)

Design

Prospective observational multicenter study

Setting

Twelve hospitals across the United States and Canada

Participants

Individuals who are 3–23 years of age with a history of repaired cleft palate and a diagnosis of VPI, with a total enrollment target of 528 participants

Interventions

Revision palatoplasty and pharyngoplasty (either pharyngeal flap or sphincter pharyngoplasty), as selected for each participant by their treatment team

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The primary outcome is resolution of hypernasality, defined as the absence of consistent hypernasality as determined by blinded perceptual assessment of a standard speech sample recorded twelve months after surgery. The secondary outcome is incidence of new onset obstructive sleep apnea. Statistical analyses will use propensity score matching to control for demographics, medical history, preoperative severity of hypernasality, and preoperative imaging findings.

Results

Study recruitment began February 2021. As of September 2022, 148 participants are enrolled, and 78 have undergone VPI surgery. Enrollment is projected to continue into 2025. Collection of postoperative evaluations should be completed by the end of 2026, with dissemination of results soon thereafter.

Conclusions

Patients with VPI following cleft palate repair are being actively enrolled at sites across the US and Canada into a prospective observational study evaluating surgical outcomes. This study will be the largest and most comprehensive study of VPI surgery outcomes to date.
Defining the Treatment Gap in Nasoalveolar Molding: Factors Affecting the Utilization of NAM in an Urban Cleft Center
Authors: Park Jenn J. , Alfonso Allyson R. , Kalra Aneesh , Staffenberg David A. , Flores Roberto L. , Shetye Pradip R.
Published: December 2022

Background

Many cleft centers incorporate NasoAlveolar Molding (NAM) into their presurgical treatment protocols. However, there are limited data on eligible patients who do not receive or complete NAM. This study characterizes the demographics associated with non-utilization or completion of NAM.

Methods

A single-institution retrospective review was performed of all patients with cleft lip and alveolus undergoing primary unilateral and bilateral cleft lip repair from 2012-2020. Patients were grouped based on utilization or non-utilization of NAM. Demographic and treatment data were collected, including documented reasons for not pursuing or completing NAM.

Results

Of 230 eligible patients, 61 patients (27%) did not undergo or complete NAM (no-NAM). In this group, 37 (60.7%) received no presurgical intervention, 12 (19.7%) received presurgical nostril retainers, 3 (4.9%) received lip taping, 1 (1.6%) received a combination of taping/nostril retainers, and 8 (13.1%) discontinued NAM. The most common reasons for not receiving NAM were sufficiently aligned cleft alveolus (21.3%), medical complexity (16.4%), late presentation (16.4%), and alveolar notching (18%). Compared to the NAM group, the no-NAM group had significantly lower rates of prenatal cleft diagnosis/consult, and significantly higher proportion of non-married and non-English speaking caregivers. Multivariable analysis controlling for insurance type, primary language, prenatal consult, marital status, and age at first appointment found that age at first appointment is the only statistically significant predictor of NAM utilization ( P < .001).

Conclusions

Common reasons for non-utilization of NAM include well-aligned cleft alveolus, medical complexity, and late presentation. Early presentation is an important modifiable factor affecting rates of NAM utilization.
Propelling International Marketing Research with Geospatial Data
Authors: Wichmann Julian R.K. , Scholdra Thomas P. , Reinartz Werner J.
Published: December 2022

Geospatial data have a long history in marketing research that goes back to Huff’s seminal gravity model from the 1960s. Their applications in research and practice range from location-based mobile targeting of individual consumers to store competition analysis and city marketing. In the past decades, geospatial data have become more readily available and have grown considerably in both breadth (i.e., countries and regions covered) and depth (i.e., granularity and diversity of information covered). Nonetheless, international marketing research has not yet fully embraced the opportunities that geospatial data bring to the field. To address this shortcoming, this article shows how geospatial data may propel international marketing research in various domains and develops future research questions for the field. In addition, it introduces OpenStreetMap as a rich geospatial data source to the discipline. The authors illustrate the use of geospatial data in general and OpenStreetMap in particular through a concrete application in which they analyze city center composition in nine countries across three continents. In doing so, they reproducibly describe the extraction of geospatial data, constructions of metrics and operationalizations, and visualizations.
Firm International Experience in Global Markets: A Systematic Literature Review and Reconceptualization
Authors: Safargholi Alireza
Published: December 2022

Despite the prominence given to firm-level international experience (IE), there is a dearth of comprehensive and unified conceptualizations of this concept in the literature. This problem necessitates a targeted study to investigate IE, compile its common conceptualization methods, and integrate the existing literature with a new comprehensive approach. The author aims to achieve this by employing Dewey's philosophy to define IE, reviewing 306 high-quality articles to extract extant approaches to the concept, and integrating these results to provide a new conceptualization. This article supports situations as generators of experience and demonstrates that previous approaches primarily focus on only some aspects of IE, overlooking the phenomenon as a whole. The new IE conceptualization is a seven-dimensional construct that includes length, breadth, depth, intensity, diversity, complexity, and echo. Additionally, the author discusses that IE can be analyzed at six levels depending on its origin (entry mode specific, international marketing specific, or both) and geographical scope (regional vs. global). The results provide a robust foundation for scholars and managers aiming to investigate and explore the realm of experiential knowledge and learning.
Fault diagnosis method of wheel diameter difference based on stacked autoencoder and multiple kernel learning
Authors: Sui Shunqi , Wang Kaiyun , Ling Liang , Chen Shiqian , Xie Bo
Published: December 2022

Tread wear rates of the right and left wheels of a wheelset are not the same because of the complexity of the track condition, which causes the wheel diameter difference (WDD). The WDD can influence vehicle dynamic performances and shorten the service life of the wheelset. To diagnose and recognize the condition of the WDD in time, a data-driven method based on multi-sensor information fusion is proposed. Different statistical features are extracted from the time and frequency domains of the axle-box acceleration signals. The features can be fused by integrating stacked autoencoder and multiple kernel learning. The comparative experimental analysis shows that compared with other commonly used intelligent methods, the proposed method can achieve higher diagnostic accuracy and give better performance with small training sample sizes. The statistical features sensitive to the WDD are also analyzed for industrial application.
Wave-based attitude control of in-orbit spacecraft with large-amplitude slosh
Authors: Liu Feng , Yue Baozeng , Ma Bole , Feng Cong
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to reach high-quality attitude control and large-amplitude slosh suppression when a typical liquid-filled spacecraft executes three-axial large-angle maneuvers, by applying a wave-based attitude controller (WBAC). First, the sloshing dynamics is modeled by using a spherical pendulum, whose motion is expressed by splitting its coordinates. Thus, the large-amplitude lateral sloshing and the rotary sloshing as well as the over-all rigid motion of a liquid with respect to the tank in spacecraft can be approximately described. Second, the dynamics equations of system in terms of hybrid coordinate for the liquid-filled spacecraft are derived via the Lagrangian formulation. Third, an improved WBAC for three-axial large-angle maneuvers of in-orbit liquid-filled spacecraft is designed by adding a derivative control law and a gravity-gradient-torque compensation law to a wave-based control law. Simulations of three-axial large-angle maneuver demonstrate good performance of the WBAC in shortening completion time of attitude maneuvering, suppressing the jitter in the angular velocity of spacecraft, and accelerating the large-amplitude slosh suppression, simultaneously. The results indicate the potential applications of the proposed WBAC in the large-angle attitude maneuvering of liquid-filled spacecraft when there exists large-amplitude liquid slosh.
Optical coherence tomography angiography quantitative analysis of retinal and choroidal microvasculature in patients with dyslipidemia
Authors: Remolí Sargues Lidia , Monferrer Adsuara Clara , Castro Navarro Verónica , Navarro Palop Catalina , Montero Hernández Javier , Cervera Taulet Enrique
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The purpose of this investigation was to report swept source-optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) quantitative information of retinal and choroidal microvascularization in patients with dyslipidemia (DL).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study. The study enrolled 37 eyes of 20 patients with DL and 40 eyes of 23 healthy subjects. OCTA quantitative parameters (vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), middle capillary plexus (MCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC)) in 6 mm × 6 mm and 4,5 mm × 4,5 mm cubes were recorded.

Results

No differences in VD in SCP, MCP and DCP were demonstrated between DL group and control group ( p > 0,05). Conversely, VD in the central region at CC was diminished in patients with DL in both cubes ( p < 0,05). Moreover, total VD in CC was decreased in the DL group in 6 mm × 6 mm cube ( p < 0,05). Regarding FAZ area, we demonstrated and enlargement of FAZ in each retinal capillary plexus, but it did not reach statistical significance ( p > 0,05).

Conclusion

We objectified a diminution of VD in the CC, suggesting that DL mainly affects the choroidal microvasculature. Nonetheless, further studies with a larger population are needed.
Characterization and Expression Analysis of B12D-Like Gene From Pearl Millet
Authors: Almutairi Zainab M
Published: December 2022

B12D-Like is a member of the B12D domain-containing protein family, which includes several transmembrane proteins in plants. In this study, the cDNA of PgB12D-Like from Pennisetum glaucum subsp. monodii (Maire) Brunken was sequenced and characterized. The 446-bp cDNA for PgB12D-Like encodes for a deduced protein of 95 amino acids. The PgB12D-Like protein contains a B12D domain and a transmembrane helix embedded in the mitochondrial membrane. Cis-regulatory elements analysis reveals binding sites for various transcription factors involved in responses to stress, light, and plant hormones in the putative promoter sequence for PgB12D-Like. Several proteins involved in floral organ development were also found to have binding sites in the PgB12D-Like promoter, such as agamous-like proteins and squamosa promoter binding proteins. Real-time PCR reveals high expression of PgB12D-Like in flowers during heading, whereas its expression in a 4-day-old seedling shoot was the lowest. Moreover, cold, drought, and heat stress were found to upregulate PgB12D-Like, whereas gibberellic acid downregulated its expression in seedlings. The present study helps to uncover the function of the B12D-Like in response to plant hormones and abiotic stress during P. glaucum development.
Molecular Modeling Targeting the ACE2 Receptor with Cannabis sativa’s Active Ingredients for Antiviral Drug Discovery against SARS-CoV-2 Infections
Authors: El Ouafi Zainab , Rhalem Wajih , Habib Nihal , Idrissi Azami Abdellah , Sehli Sofia , Al Idrissi Najib , Bakkali Fadil , Abderrazak Rfaki , Merzouki Mohamed , Allali Imane , Amzazi Saaïd , Nejjari Chakib , Ghazal Hassan
Published: December 2022

The emergence of a novel coronavirus that later on rendered a global pandemic, caused desperation within the communities and drove increased interest in exploring medicinal plant–based therapeutics to treat and prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus infections. Many medicinal plants have been reported to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects that hinder, cure, or ease the symptoms of COVID-19 infection. This exploratory study seeks to dock the active components of Cannabis sativa, a natural plant with several pharmacological and biological properties, with the angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptor. A total of 3 C. sativa active components have been found to bind to the ACE2 protein active site and could inhibit spike binding, although they do not compete directly with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. 6-Prenylapigenin, cannabivarin (CBN-C3), and Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A (Δ8-THCA) have a greater affinity (−8.3, −8.3, and −8.0 kcal/mol, respectively) and satisfactory interaction with ACE2 than its inhibitor MLN-4760 (−7.1 kcal/mol). These potential drugs with higher affinity for the ACE2 receptor and adequate absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) values are candidates for treating or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections. In vitro and in vivo investigations are needed to evaluate further the efficacy and toxicity of these hit compounds.
Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Trial of a Virtual Occupational Therapy Fall Prevention Intervention for People With HIV and Alcohol Use
Authors: Shin Danny , Gill Simone V , Kim Theresa W , Magane Kara M , Mason Tiana , Heeren Timothy , Winter Michael , Helfrich Christine , Saitz Richard
Published: December 2022

Background:

People living with HIV (PLWH) are at risk for falls due to polypharmacy, unhealthy substance (risky alcohol and/or illicit drug) use, low physical activity, and frailty combined with typical age-related physical changes. Fall prevention is needed to reduce the morbidity related to falls and fractures, however, there is a paucity of data on the design of a fall prevention intervention and whether it can be delivered virtually. We describe the protocol of a pilot randomized trial of a virtual occupational therapy fall prevention intervention for people with HIV at high risk for falls and recent alcohol and/or drug use.

Method:

PLWH will be recruited from the Boston ARCH 4F Cohort study, an observational study of PLWH to examine the impact of alcohol on falls. Trial participants will be randomized to either an occupational therapy-led fall prevention intervention or provided with written education about fall prevention and alcohol use (control). The 10-week fall prevention intervention was based upon results from qualitative interviews with PLWH about falls and will consist of weekly virtual group sessions, home exercises and phone-check-ins, delivered by occupational therapists. The primary outcome measures will be number of groups attended and a participant-completed satisfaction survey. Change in number of falls, alcohol and other drug use, and physical functioning will be examined.

Discussion:

A virtual occupational therapy fall prevention intervention addresses the emerging concern of fall risk in PLWH and alcohol use. This pilot study will provide preliminary estimates of fall-related outcomes as well as feasibility of study procedures for a larger trial.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:

NCT04804579. Boston University Protocol Record H-41041
Evaluation of Blood Biochemistry and Cardiopulmonary status of Hospitalized Covid-19 Patients in 3 Months Post Discharged Follow up Survey
Authors: Nateghi Saeed , Hesari Elahe , Mansouri Fariba , Akrami Majid , Pourian Mandana , Khosravani Arezoo , Taghizadeh Fatemeh , Akbarpour Samaneh , Faraji Neda
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

The new coronavirus causes systemic inflammation and damage to various organs. So, this study aimed to follow up patients with COVID −19 after recovery for three months by performing cardiac, pulmonary and laboratory tests.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of COVID-19 patients who were discharged from Baharloo Hospital. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by PCR or long CT scan. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years and patients with more than 50% of pulmonary involvement in lung CT scan. The patients were called to Baharloo hospital three months after recovery and were examined for cardiac, pulmonary and blood tests.

RESULT

Our study included 178 participants with mean age of 55.70, and 50.6% of them were male. Among pulmonary factors in the hospital, 71.9%, 15.7%,1.7%,19.1% and 53.4% had positive GGO, consolidation, reverse halo sign, traction bronchiectasis and vascular enlargement, respectively. After three months follow up, percentage of patients who had reticulation, honeycombing, fibrotic brand and bullae were 12%, 1.1%,8.4% and 0%, respectively. The Mean values of FVC and FEV1 were reported 4.21 and 3.01, respectively. Among Cardiac factors, positive PVC, PAC and mean Pap were decreased after three months. Only Growth in myalgia and Decreased sense of taste were statistically significant. Also, D dimer, UA protein, PMN, Ferritin CRP, PMN, LDH and HB amounts had decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that in addition to pulmonary changes, rapid damage to other organs and the occurrence of cardiac symptoms and changes in laboratory result were also reported in patients recovered from COVID-19.
Relationships of Walking and non-Walking Physical Activities in Daily Life with Cognitive Function and Physical Characteristics in Male Patients with Mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Egoshi Shojiro , Horie Jun , Nakagawa Akinori , Matsunaga Yuriko , Hayashi Shinichiro
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is accompanied by dyspnea on exertion due to airflow limitation caused by bronchial stenosis, with afflicted patients being less physically active. Therefore, physical activity is important for disease management.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the relationships of walking and non-walking physical activities with cognitive function or physical characteristics of patients with mild COPD in a community without respiratory rehabilitation.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

DATA SOURCES AND METHODS

We included 40 male patients (mean age, 75.7 ± 6.7 years) with stable mild COPD. A three-axis accelerometer was used to evaluate walking and non-walking physical activities in daily life. Cognition, respiratory function, skeletal muscle mass, limb muscle strength, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life were assessed.

RESULTS

Regarding daily exercise amount (metabolic equivalents × hours; Ex), 87.5% of the participants had walking activities of 0–2 Ex, while 67.5% had non-walking activities of 1–3 Ex. Walking activity was significantly correlated with cognitive function ( P < .05), walking distance ( P < .01), and health-related quality of life ( P < .05), but not with muscle mass. However, non-walking activity was significantly correlated with the body mass index ( P < .05), muscle mass ( P < .05), and walking distance ( P < .01), but not with cognitive function. Moreover, the relationship between non-walking activity and health-related quality of life was weaker than the corresponding relationship with walking activity.

CONCLUSION

In patients with mild COPD, walking and non-walking physical activities showed different relationships with cognitive function and physical characteristics. The findings suggest that self-management of such patients requires maintenance of both walking and non-walking activities in a balanced manner.
The relevance of fatigue to relapse rate in multiple sclerosis: Applying patient preference data to the OPTIMUM trial
Authors: Fox Robert J , Tervonen Tommi , Phillips-Beyer Andrea , Sidorenko Tatiana , Boyanova Neli , Brooks Anne , Hennessy Brian , Jamieson Carol , Levitan Bennett
Published: December 2022

Background:

In the OPTIMUM trial in patients with relapsing MS, treatment differences in annualized relapse rate (ARR, 0.088) and change in fatigue at week 108 (3.57 points, measured using the Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire–Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis, symptom domain (FSIQ-RMS-S)) favored ponesimod over teriflunomide. However, the importance of the fatigue outcome to patients was unclear.

Objective:

To assess the importance of the OPTIMUM FSIQ-RMS-S results using data from an MS discrete choice experiment (DCE).

Methods:

The DCE included components to correlate levels of physical and cognitive fatigue with FSIQ-RMS-S scores. Changes in relapses/year and time to MS progression equivalent to the treatment difference in fatigue in OPTIMUM were determined for similar fatigue levels as mean baseline fatigue in OPTIMUM.

Results:

DCE participants would accept 0.06 more relapses/year or a 0.15–0.17 year decrease in time to MS progression for a 3.57-point difference in physical fatigue on the FSIQ-RMS-S. To improve cognitive fatigue by 3.57-points on the FSIQ-RMS-S, DCE participants would accept 0.09–0.10 more relapses/year or a 0.24–0.28 year decrease in time to MS progression.

Conclusion:

MS patients would accept 0.06 more relapses/year to change their fatigue by a similar magnitude as the between-treatment difference observed in the OPTIMUM trial.
Folk theories of false information: A mixed-methods study in the context of Covid-19 in Turkey
Authors: Koçer Suncem , Öz Bahadır , Okçuoğlu Gülten , Tapramaz Fezal
Published: December 2022

This study explores how media users define false information in the daily flow of their lives against a backdrop of sociopolitical contexts. We focus on the vernacular definitions of false information through the concept of folk theories, which are the intuitive explanatory tools users develop to make sense of and act in the world around them. Based on mixed-method research conducted in Turkey during the Covid-19 pandemic, we identify three prevailing folk theories of false information. First, users consider text-based characteristics, such as the presence of evidence as a flag of accuracy/inaccuracy. Second, users assume that people in their social networks distinguish between the accurate and the inaccurate, and thus the information coming from these circles is accurate. Finally, users imagine that people whose worldviews conflict with theirs spread inaccurate information. Despite users’ overarching references to textual traits of news, it appears that the latter two folk theories drive users’ information processing practices in daily life.
A comprehensive experimental and numerical study of foldover onset and growth during the barrelling compression test
Authors: Khoddam Shahin , Mansourinejad Mostafa , Mirzakhani Bahman , Hodgson Peter D , Taylor Adam S
Published: December 2022

Foldover is a common, yet complex, transient boundary condition in several ‘metal forming processes’ including the barrelling compression test (BCT). The onset of foldover during BCT is comparable to that of necking in the tensile test. However, its role in flow curve identification has been ignored in the current literature. Methods to detect and measure its onset and growth during the processes are also not available. We propose three methods to identify the onset of foldover and measure its progress with deformation. These are conducted together with case studies of BCT to have a fundamental understanding of the onset and growth of foldover in the test and more general cases. Experimental and numerical methods are developed to accomplish this based on (1) direct measurement using tracing points, (2) energy-based and (3) geometry-based indirect measurements. These outline the required supplementary data and allow proper detection of the onset. In the first method, the migration of tracing points from the free surface to the platen-sample interface, simulated numerically, is monitored and measured visually. The second method employs the load-stroke data to calculate the total power input to the deforming system. In the third method, a criterion has been derived to detect the onset of foldover by monitoring the geometry of the sample profile during the test and comparing it to a reference quadratic profile. The observations and outputs of each method are compared and discussed.
Acute sleep deprivation aggravates nitroglycerin-evoked hyperalgesia in mice
Authors: Yu Zhe , Li Bozhi , Tang Wenjing , Dong Zhao , Liu Ruozhuo , Yu Shengyuan
Published: December 2022

Sleep deprivation can trigger migraine, and migraineurs often choose to sleep to relieve headaches during acute migraine. This study aimed to explore the effect of acute sleep deprivation on hyperalgesia induced by nitroglycerin in mice. In part one, after either 6-h sleep deprivation or 6-h normal sleep, mice were intraperitoneally injected with nitroglycerin or saline. The mechanical pain threshold and withdrawal latency of the hindpaw were measured every 30 min for 6 h. Next, the same sleep deprivation and injection procedure was performed with new mice, and mice were sacrificed 4.5 h after injection. The trigeminal nucleus caudalis and upper cervical spinal segments were taken for immunofluorescence Fos staining. In part two, after injection of saline or nitroglycerin, the mice were either deprived of sleep for 6 h or allowed to sleep without interference. The mechanical and thermal pain threshold were measured after 6 h. In part three, we compared the sleep time of mice after intraperitoneal injection of saline or nitroglycerin without interference. Sleep deprivation for 6 h did not cause any changes in the baseline pain thresholds in mice. However, pretreatment with 6-h sleep deprivation significantly prolonged the duration of hyperalgesia induced by nitroglycerin. Additionally, the expression of Fos at 4.5 h was significantly higher in the 6-h sleep deprivation and nitroglycerin group than in the other three groups. When intraperitoneal injection was given first, the mechanical pain threshold of the hind paw was significantly lower in the group that received nitroglycerin with 6-h sleep deprivation than in the other groups. Compared to the saline injection, one-time nitroglycerin injection would result in a significant increase in sleep latency and decrease in sleep duration for the normal mice. Acute sleep deprivation significantly aggravated the hyperalgesia induced by nitroglycerin in mice, which highlights the importance of sleep disorders for migraine.
Folic acid attenuates chronic visceral pain by reducing clostridiales abundance and hydrogen sulfide production
Authors: Weng Rui-Xia , Wei Ying-Xue , Li Yong-Chang , Xu Xue , Zhuang Jian-Bo , Xu Guang-Yin , Li Rui
Published: December 2022

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) related chronic visceral pain affects 20% of people worldwide. The treatment options are very limited. Although the scholarly reviews have appraised the potential effects of the intestinal microbiota on intestinal motility and sensation, the exact mechanism of intestinal microbiota in IBS-like chronic visceral pain remains largely unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Folic Acid (FA) attenuated visceral pain and its possible mechanisms. Chronic visceral hyperalgesia was induced in rats by neonatal colonic inflammation (NCI). 16S rDNA analysis of fecal samples from human subjects and rats was performed. Patch clamp recording was used to determine synaptic transmission of colonic-related spinal dorsal horn. Alpha diversity of intestinal flora was increased in patients with IBS, as well as the obviously increased abundance of Clostridiales order (a main bacteria producing hydrogen sulfide). The hydrogen sulfide content was positive correlation with visceral pain score in patients with IBS. Consistently, NCI increased Clostridiales frequency and hydrogen sulfide content in feces of adult rats. Notably, the concentration of FA was markedly decreased in peripheral blood of IBS patients compared with non-IBS human subjects. FA supplement alleviated chronic visceral pain and normalized the Clostridiales frequency in NCI rats. In addition, FA supplement significantly reduced the frequency of sEPSCs of neurons in the spinal dorsal horn of NCI rats. Folic Acid treatment attenuated chronic visceral pain of NCI rats through reducing hydrogen sulfide production from Clostridiales in intestine.
Longitudinal association of physical activity during pregnancy with maternal and infant outcomes: Findings from the Australian longitudinal study of women’s health
Authors: Beetham Kassia S , Spathis Jemima G , Hoffmann Samantha , Brown Wendy J , Clifton Vicki , Mielke Gregore I
Published: December 2022

Background:

Physical activity has known benefits during pregnancy; however, the optimum volume of physical activity through the different stages of pregnancy is not well known.

Objectives:

The aims of this study were to investigate the associations of physical activity volume in pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy with maternal and infant outcomes.

Design:

The study involved 1657 pregnant women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, who completed surveys from 2006 to 2012 (aged 28–39 years).

Methods:

Women reported being in either the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy. Women were grouped into four groups according to their self-reported physical activity during pregnancy: (1) Nil (0–<33.3 MET.min/week), (2) Low (33.3–<500 MET.min/week), (3) Moderate (500–<1000 MET.min/week) and (4) High (⩾1000 MET.min/week). Women who reported their physical activity during pregnancy completed a survey within three years after the birth, relating to outcomes associated with pregnancy and childbirth (gestational diabetes, hypertension, and antenatal depression and anxiety) and infant outcomes (birthweight and prematurity).

Results:

There was no association of physical activity in any trimester with infant birthweight, prematurity, gestational diabetes, hypertension or antenatal depression. Antenatal anxiety was less prevalent in women who reported low (1.7%) or moderate (1.1%) physical activity than in those who reported no activity (4.7%; p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Different amounts of physical activity during pregnancy were not associated with the measured adverse health outcomes. However, low and moderate amounts of physical activity were associated with reduced incidence of antenatal anxiety.
Considering social justice: Lived experiences of education students during the first course year
Authors: Jones Sian E , Eady Sandra , Craig Linda
Published: December 2022

Increasing research focus is placed on how to embed social justice within Education degrees. This paper reports findings from the first two phases of a cohort study completed just before and at the start of the pandemic, which track Scottish Education students’ reflections on social justice at one university. We used three focus groups ( n = 14) and surveys to analyse students’ ( n = 45) definitions of social justice. Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System’s Theory and Saldana’s Analytical Coding framework we found that themes around prejudice, culture, policy and emerging professional identity captured participants’ reflections as both beginning teachers and students of educational studies. Key to our findings was that fewer reflections of social justice were cited to global than to local contexts. This paper highlights ways in which university educators may conceive of social justice such that it is considered by students in both their immediate and in global contexts.
Time for Using Machine Learning for Dose Guidance in Titration of People With Type 2 Diabetes? A Systematic Review of Basal Insulin Dose Guidance
Authors: Thomsen Camilla Heisel Nyholm , Hangaard Stine , Kronborg Thomas , Vestergaard Peter , Hejlesen Ole , Jensen Morten Hasselstrøm
Published: December 2022

Background:

Real-world studies of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have shown insufficient dose adjustment during basal insulin titration in clinical practice leading to suboptimal treatment. Thus, 60% of people with T2D treated with insulin do not reach glycemic targets. This emphasizes a need for methods supporting efficient and individualized basal insulin titration of people with T2D. However, no systematic review of basal insulin dose guidance for people with T2D has been found.

Objective:

To provide an overview of basal insulin dose guidance methods that support titration of people with T2D and categorize these methods by characteristics, effect, and user experience.

Methods:

The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies about basal insulin dose guidance, including adults with T2D on basal insulin analogs published before September 7, 2022, were included. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists were applied to assess risk of bias.

Results:

In total, 35 studies were included, and three categories of dose guidance were identified: paper-based titration algorithms, telehealth solutions, and mathematical models. Heterogeneous reporting of glycemic outcomes challenged comparison of effect between the three categories. Few studies assessed user experience.

Conclusions:

Studies mainly used titration algorithms to titrate basal insulin as telehealth or in paper format, except for studies using mathematical models. A numerically larger proportion of participants seemed to reach target using telehealth solutions compared to paper-based titration algorithms. Exploring capabilities of machine learning may provide insights that could pioneer future research while focusing on holistic development.
Effectiveness of glycopyrronium bromide in the treatment of small airway dysfunction: A retrospective study
Authors: Petrone Albino , Pelaia Corrado , Quartieri Michela , Petrone Ludovico , Rago Giuseppe Francesco , Columbro Clementina , Pelaia Girolamo
Published: December 2022

Objective:

Glycopyrronium bromide has a quaternary ammonium structure and a low oral bioavailability, which reduces its systemic effects; it acts through a bronchodilating blockade of muscarinic receptors. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze a possible relationship between the changes in the small airways and the efficacy of a bronchodilation with glycopyrronium bromide; exercise tolerance was also assessed, by performing the six-minute walking test.

Methods:

Forty-one patients were identified (23 females/18 males; mean age 66.82 ± 9.75 years), with a normal forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity ratio of 77.45% ± 4.86%, a reduced forced mid-expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25–75) of 42.9% ± 10.5%, with an increased residual volume/total lung capacity ratio of 132.68% ± 6.41%, FEV1 1.85 ± 0.54 L, forced vital capacity 2.39 ± 0.71 L, airway resistance (sR tot) 168.18% ± 42.5%, total lung capacity 98.28% ± 8.9%, six-minute walking test distance 318.3 ± 36.6 m, modified British Medical Research Council dyspnea scale 1.48 ± 0.77. All patients were initiated with glycopyrronium bromide 50 μg/die and reassessed after 4 months.

Results:

After the treatment with glycopyrronium bromide, a significant improvement was noted regarding forced vital capacity ( p = 0.04), FEF25–75 ( p < 0.001), sR tot ( p < 0.001), residual volume/total lung capacity ratio ( p < 0.001) with reduction of dynamic hyperinflation, the significant increase of the distance covered during the six-minute walking test ( p < 0.001), and modified British Medical Research Council ( p < 0.001) showed enhanced exercise tolerance. FEV1 improved, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Small airway dysfunction is associated with bronchodilator responsiveness. Glycopyrronium bromide has proven to be capable of inducing favorable effects on lung hyperinflation and its functional and clinical consequences, with a decrease in dyspnea and an increase in exercise capacity. The use of anticholinergic drugs is useful in the management of small airway disease.
Supporting patients with heart failure with digital therapeutics—A pilot study in Germany
Authors: Reif S. , Schubert S. , Stiefel J. , Husri F. , Fischlein T. , Pauschinger M. , Klucken J.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Continuous monitoring and targeted behavioral interventions have been shown to improve health status and quality of life for heart failure patients. Digital therapeutics offer the possibility to make more frequent monitoring and targeted behavioral interventions available for more people.

Methods

We conduct a pilot study with 71 patients who were given a smartphone app and wearables for a 3-month period. Clinical indicators as well as patient-reported outcomes were collected at entry and exit examinations.

Results

The New York Heart Association class remained stable or improved. Most quantitative outcome measures improved (6-minute walk test distance + 21 m, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary score + 6.0 points, European Heard Failure Self-care Behavior Scale summary score + 6.6 points, correct answers in the Atlanta Heart Failure Knowledge Test + 2.1), although the changes were mainly not significantly different from zero. There was no change in EQ-5D weight and 9-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire summary score.

Conclusions

This before–after comparison shows that an app-based intervention can work as a digital therapeutic for heart failure patients.
Challenging Journalistic Authority in the Networked Affective Dynamics of #Chemnitz
Authors: Makhashvili Ana , Medeiros Débora , Lünenborg Margreth
Published: December 2022

Journalism as an institution is increasingly under pressure in hybrid media systems. Various far-right actors use social media platforms as a key staging ground for contesting legacy media. Drawing on affect theory and discursive institutionalism, this article empirically examines how journalistic authority was challenged on Twitter during far-right riots in the German city of Chemnitz in 2018. Through these public and networked contestations, we see the emergence of “affective publics” that form around shared and competing emotions. Through social network analysis, we examine the networked polarization around #Chemnitz. By applying in-depth textual analysis, we then untangle how far-right actors attack legacy media by strategically mobilizing and performing outrage. Based on our findings, we propose to understand journalism as an affective institution, whose authority is perpetually contested as affective publics gain agency. Such an understanding involves a profound questioning of the notion of objectivity that has been constitutive of journalism in the 20th century.
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Who Exceeded Their Life-Expectancy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dao Trong Mai Lan , Dimitriou Dimitris , Guenkel Sebastian , Helmy Naeder , Riede Ulf
Published: December 2022

Background

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has become an established treatment for cuff arthropathy, severe osteoarthritis and in certain fracture cases. Due to the increasingly aging population, patients who have already exceeded their life-expectancy pose a significant challenge to the shoulder surgeon.

Methods

Patients older than 83 years who received a RTSA were included. Elective cases were compared to fracture cases. Patient demographics, hospital stay length, complication rate, functional outcome, patient reported outcome scores and mortality were assessed retrospectively.

Results

We included 110 cases, 48 in the elective group and 62 in the fracture group. The average age at time of surgery was 86.6 ± 3.5 years. Mean follow-up was 30 months. Elective cases had a significant shorter hospital stay length (P = .014). Functional outcome scores showed better results for the elective group with ASES 79 ± 12 vs 69 ± 19 (P = .07), QuickDASH 29 ± 16 vs 37 ± 21 (P = .22), subjective shoulder value 86 ± 14 vs 75 ± 19 (P = .04*) and VAS .7 ± 1.5 vs 2.1 ± 2.5 (P = .02*). There was no significant difference in ROM and mean quality-adjusted-life-years (QALY) with 3.2 ± 1.8 vs 3.5 ± 2.5 years (P = .69). The complication rate requiring surgical intervention was 2.4% in the elective and 6.5% in the fracture group. The 1-year mortality was 3 (6%) respectively 9 (15%).

Conclusion

RTSA in elderly patients can be successful with good functional outcomes. Age should not be a contraindication. Instead, the patient’s activity level and quality of life should be taken into account. Elective RTSA show better functional outcome scores and lower complication rates compared to RTSA in proximal humeral fractures.
Systematic Sexism: Women’s Sports News in a Circle of Gatekeepers and Users on Twitter
Authors: Ayhan Bünyamin , Demir Yavuz
Published: December 2022

The main purpose of this research is to determine how conventional and digital sports content producers in Turkey present women’s sports news on Twitter, as well as “how much, where, how, why, and when” these stories are shared, as well as “who” the Twitter users are and “what” are they saying in their comments. Between June 25 and July 31, 2022, a sample of Twitter accounts and tweets were reviewed. It was found that 3.41% ( n = 612) of the 17,932 sports news items examined were reserved for women’s sports news. It was discovered that the gatekeepers in the news employed language that highlight failure, sexism, and personal life as well as instructive and successful expressions in women’s sports news. Additionally, 85.54% ( n = 888) of the comments included comments about women’s bodies, sexist stereotypes, and compared negative expressions. The majority of the comments ( n = 1038) on female sports news studied on Twitter were posted by male users ( n = 962). The language users use in their comments on sports news on Twitter, presented by traditional and digital sports content producers, support the patriarchal and dominant structure in the world of sports and sports media.
Arthroscopic Repair of Chronic Plantar Plate Tears of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: A New Surgical Technique With Patient Outcomes
Authors: Husebye Elisabeth Ellingsen , Stødle Are Haukåen
Published: December 2022

Background:

Most plantar plate tears of the first metatarsophalangeal joint can be treated successfully by nonoperative means. Primary repair may be indicated to restore continuity of the plantar structures and joint stability. Inadequate or failed nonoperative treatment may cause persistent pain and disability and thereby represent a career-threatening injury to an athlete. The chronic plantar plate tears are difficult both to diagnose and to treat. When surgical treatment is indicated, traditionally a wide plantar or 2 parallel incisions are used. An arthroscopic approach allows for verification and visualization of the injury and, at the same time, repair of the injury.

Purpose:

To describe findings of plantar plate tears, present a new arthroscopic procedure for plantar plate tear repair, and present the outcomes after surgery.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study on the first 10 patients treated with the arthroscopic technique. The patients underwent surgery between June 2017 and January 2021. Patient data, clinical symptoms and findings, and operative details were obtained from the patient records. Patients were contacted via email to complete patient-reported outcome measures (Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire [MOxFQ] and Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] for pain).

Results:

Four female and 6 male patients with a median age of 24 years (range, 12-44 years) were operated on at a median of 20 months (range, 2-38 months) after injury. Of the 10 patients, 8 had a hyperextension injury of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and 7 had a subtle valgus malalignment of the hallux; 8 patients were injured during sport activity. All patients reported plantar pain at pushoff. All but 1 patient returned to the same level of preinjury activity within 6 months. At a median of 29 months (range, 7-49 months) after surgery, the median MOxFQ score was 6 (range, 0-41) and the median NRS pain score was 0.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic plantar plate repair of chronic plantar plate tears resulted in a high rate of return to activity/sport and excellent outcome scores.